FORAGE FOR FUN AT THE
MUSCODA MOREL MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
COOPERATIVE FAMILY FUND
TIPS TO BEAT THE ENERGY PEAK
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Arcadia/Mondovi Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001
Ashland/Iron River Brown Plmbg & HVAC (715) 682-0444
Beaver Dam/Green Lake Air Care, Inc. (920) 356-8860
Black River Falls/ Stevens Point Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676
Cashton/Sparta Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500
Chaseburg/Viroqua Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500
with geothermal.
A WaterFurnace geothermal split system works with your existing furnace to enhance your comfort and savings. It’s smart enough to heat your home using the most economical fuel for any situation – whether that’s fossil fuel or the clean, renewable energy in your yard. Even better, it also provides savings up to 70% on cooling in the summer and hot water all year round. And because WaterFurnace geothermal systems don’t use combustion or burn any on-site fossil fuels, they help ensure your children will enjoy scenes like the one above. For more information, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer.
Clintonville/Oshkosh Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051
YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS
Cornell/New Auburn Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001
Dodgeville/Baraboo Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689
Eau Claire/Osseo Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001
Escanaba/Iron Mountain GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111
Green Bay/Oneida Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051
Hudson/Stillwater Geothermal Concept (612) 481-4020
Hurley/Park Falls QS Plmbing & Mechanical (715) 685-4330
Madison/Black Earth Modern Htg & Clg (608) 767-2689
Marinette/Peshtigo
GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111
Marengo/Ashland QS Plmbing & Mechanical (715) 685-4330
Menomonie/Bloomer
Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001
Neillsville/Medford Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676
New Lisbon/Shamrock Deans Refrig. & Heating (608) 372-6928
Oconto/Rhinelander Van’s Refridgeration (920) 833-2051
Osceola/New Richmond Sustainable Htg & Clg (651) 462-1300
Princeton/Waupun All Phase Geothermal (920) 763-2301
Redwing/Wabasha
Earth Energy Htg & Clg (507) 421-3156
Richland Center/Viroqua Strang’s Htg Electric Plmb (608) 647-2855
Sturgeon Bay/Denmark Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051
Tomah/Oakdale Dean’s Refrig. & Heating (608) 372-6928
Wausau/Rhinelander Van’s Refrigeration (920) 833-2051
Westby/La Crosse Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 654-5522
Winona/Pepin Earth Energy Htg & Clg (507) 421-3156
Wisconsin Rapids/ Marshfield Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676
2025 Vol. 85 No. 11
The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-pro t, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $13 per year or $35 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year.
Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Rob Richard, president & CEO.
USPS number: 688-480.
Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200
Periodicals postage paid at Sun Prairie, Wis.
Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Phone (608) 467-4650.
Website: www.wecnmagazine.com.
Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18.
Rob Richard WECA president & CEO
Dana Kelroy editor
Beth Alesch associate editor
Julie Lund contributing writer
Ann Bailey graphic designer
Geri Miller advertising consultant Jennifer Taylor editorial assistant
For advertising opportunities please email geri@weca.coop. The appearance of advertising or events does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. We reserve the right to refuse advertisers.
Fund
Reduce energy usage during periods of
May brings morel mushrooms to Muscoda.
Kids & Critters
Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.
SYMBOL SEARCH
HIDDEN OBJECT GAME
Winning our April search was William Ahnen, a member of Oconto Electric Cooperative. He said the banana was, “Located on page 8, bottom left next to the number 8 and Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News. The article on linemen hits home as I’ve been an electrician 52 years.”
Now, we challenge you to nd this shovel to remind you to call 811 before you dig this spring. Remember that the symbol can be anywhere and any size. One randomly selected winner will receive a Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News kitchen kit. One entry per household, please, and provide your permanent home or mailing address with your entry. Entries are due May 12.
Enter via the “Symbol Search” link on the homepage of wecnmagazine.com.
You can also enter by mail (don’t forget to include the name of your cooperative):
SYMBOL SEARCH WECA
6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200
Every spring, the pages of this magazine are peppered with reminders to think before you dig. After a long Wisconsin winter, we’re all itching to get out and get our hands dirty in the yard.
Well, this year is no di erent. As you plan to move that shrub, add a ower bed, or plant a new tree, plan ahead and call Digger’s Hotline at least three working days before you begin your project.
Ignoring this crucial step could leave you and your neighbors in the dark, cause thousands of dollars in damages, or cause severe electrical shock or even death.
The 811 number will route you to your local utility locating service. Tell the operator where and when you plan to dig and what work you will do. Next, you can expect personnel to mark your underground utilities with spray paint and ags.
Di erent colors of paint and ags are used, and each color is universal to what utility is buried.
Red—Electric
Orange—Communications, Telephone/CATV
Blue—Potable Water
Green—Sewer/Drainage
Yellow—Natural Gas
Purple—Reclaimed Water
Even if you have previously called 811 to mark your yard, it is best to call before every digging project. Underground utilities can be added at any time, and it is crucial to know their location before that rst shovelful of dirt ies.
Dana Kelroy Editor
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Marklein Receives Award
Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) is the recipient of the 2025 Stephen J. Freese Champion of Electric Cooperatives Award. Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) President and CEO Rob Richard presented Marklein with the award at WECA’s Education and Lobby Days event in Madison on Tuesday, April 1.
Marklein was selected for the award for his commitment to Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives. He has sponsored and supported legislation that strengthens electric cooperatives’ ability to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy. He regularly meets with leadership at co-ops in his district, to stay informed on co-op issues.
WECA Hosts 2025 Education and Lobby Days
WECA hosted its 2025 Education and Lobby Days event on April 1–2, 2025, in Madison. Co-op managers, board directors, and other leaders from across the state were in attendance. The event included legislative updates and speakers including former Governor Scott Walker and a political analysis of the historic Supreme Court race by Chuck Chvala and Bill McCoshen.
The event culminated with co-op leaders meeting with elected officials and their staff to talk about legislative issues impacting electric co-ops, including Right of First Refusal legislation, advancing nuclear energy, and eradicating wild parsnip.
NEWS BRIEFS
Spring Storm Hits Great Lakes Region with Ice, Snow
Washington Island Electric Cooperative was pummeled by a spring storm on March 30 that brought ice and heavy snow to the Great Lakes region including parts of Wisconsin, northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, and Indiana, knocking out power to more than 400,000 people. Washington Island requested Restoration of Power in an Emergency (ROPE) assistance, and Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative responded by sending two crews to help.
In the Upper Peninsula, Alger Delta Electric Cooperative was assisted by Adams-Columbia, Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative, and Eau Claire Energy Cooperative.
The storm did historic damage in Michigan where some people were still without power two weeks after the storm.
PAC Fundraiser Brings in More Than $12,000
The annual fundraising efforts for the Wisconsin Electric Cooperatives PAC (political action committee) held in connection with WECA’s Education and Lobby Days brought solid results. The live auction and other fundraisers brought in a total of $12,719.84, the fourth-highest total ever.
Still, the number of people who contribute annually to the political action committee on behalf of Wisconsin electric cooperatives has declined from 542 donors in 2016 to 247 in 2024. PAC funds are used to support the campaigns of political candidates on both sides of the aisle who support electric cooperatives.
USDA Lifts Freeze on Funds
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has lifted its freeze on clean energy programs that benefit Wisconsin electric cooperatives, with conditions. The agency announced that funds related to Rural Energy for America (REAP), Empowering Rural America (New ERA) and the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE)
programs granted under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are available, but awardees must modify proposals to remove climate and DEI considerations and bring the projects in line with the Trump Administration’s policy for increasing U.S. energy production.
According to the USDA, “This process gives rural electric providers and small businesses the opportunity to refocus their projects on expanding American energy production while eliminating Biden-era [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility] and climate mandates embedded in previous proposals.”
Many of the state’s electric cooperatives have been granted funds under the REAP, PACE, and New ERA programs for various projects including wind and solar expansion.
Co-ops Urge DOE to Maintain Funding for Key Grid Projects
Five Wisconsin electric cooperatives are among 75 others across the nation that appealed to the Trump Administration’s Department of Energy (DOE) to commit to funding projects under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, also known as the bipartisan infrastructure law.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson delivered letters from co-ops including Central Wisconsin Electric, Dunn Energy, East Central Energy, Eau Claire Energy, and Jump River Electric Cooperatives that explains how specific projects, which range from transmission to wildfire mitigation, will help the co-ops in their mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy.
Without the DOE funding, Matheson said, “Many of these projects would not be affordable for our members and would hamper critical grid investments to improve service for the rural Americans they serve.”
In the letters, many co-op leaders say they are aligned with the Trump Administration’s priority of unleashing American energy and wish to help realize the goal of American energy dominance by keeping these critical infrastructure projects on track.
“
APRIL’S ELECTION HANGOVER DIDN’T HINDER COOPERATIVE ADVOCACY
Have you recovered yet from Wisconsin’s April 1 Spring election? If so, you should feel good about the fact that you survived an unprecedented event. It was the most expensive state supreme court race in U.S. history, coming in north of $100 million. If you’re thinking, ‘Wait, I thought the last one was the most expensive ever?’ you would be correct. We simply continue to outdo ourselves, but the jury is certainly still out on whether we’re better off for it. In any event, enjoy the reprieve from the campaign ads. Unfortunately, 2026 isn’t that far away.
Despite the commentary above, your cooperative leaders remain very active in advocating for the issues that matter most to your local electric cooperative. April was a busy month with leaders visiting legislators in Madison and Washington, D.C.
In early April, the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association hosted our annual Education and Lobby Days in Madison. Attendees used this day-and-a-half event to learn more about the issues that can affect our cooperatives and their ability to deliver safe, affordable, and reliable electricity. We tackled topics like Right of First Refusal, nuclear energy, reliability and buildout of the grid, tariffs, community solar, and short-term economic forecasts. For the work he has accomplished on behalf of our state’s electric cooperatives, State Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) was awarded the 2025 Stephen J. Freese Champion of Electric Cooperatives award. The senator shared some legislative wisdom with the attendees, including tips on the most effective way to communicate with his fellow legislative colleagues. The message delivered by your cooperative leaders was communicated very effectively and professionally.
A few weeks later, your cooperative leaders will take their advocacy to the U.S. Capitol. The
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, our national association, will host nearly 2,000 cooperative members at the annual legislative conference and will arm the attendees with information on several topics to take to the Wisconsin congressional delegation. The Trump Administration has given your electric cooperatives plenty to digest as he’s used executive orders to unleash America’s energy potential. At the same time, we’re trying to protect the programs and resources that were afforded us during the Biden years.
We jumped at the opportunity to discuss the need for permitting reform, a rollback of misaligned clean power rules, and protecting access to elective pay energy tax credits that were never afforded to not-forprofits until recently. We will also advocate for the protection of New ERA grant and loan funding that allows our cooperatives to pursue innovative projects that include expanding clean energy growth and grid resiliency measures.
It goes without saying that it’s not easy to engage in today’s political environment. You should feel very fortunate to be aligned with Wisconsin electric cooperative leaders who are very good at what they do—communicating with state and federal legislators to advocate for policies that maintain safe, affordable, and reliable energy to your homes and businesses. Their voices were strong and effective. For that I am thankful! I think you should be, too.
Rob Richard WECA President and CEO
Leaders from Jackson Electric, Vernon Electric, and Riverland Energy Cooperatives advocated electric cooperative issues to State Senator Brad Pfa (D-Onalaska) during the recent Education and Lobby Days event.
WATCH THAT WATER!
Did you know that water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home, accounting for about 18 percent of your energy bill? Here are ve simple things you can to conserve hot water and cut your energy costs. 1 2 3 4 5
Repair leaky xtures. Fix any leaks in faucets, showerheads, and pipes. A leak of one drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water and can cost up to $35 per year.
Install a low- ow showerhead. Here’s a quick test to help you determine if you could use one: Place a gallon bucket under the showerhead and turn the water on at the pressure you’d normally use for a shower. If it takes less than 20 seconds to ll the bucket, you could bene t from a low- ow showerhead.
Replace the aerator on your faucet. These are the screw-on tips of your faucet that determine the water ow rate. They’re inexpensive to replace; bring your old aerator to your local hardware store with you to ensure a proper t.
Use your dishwasher, but use it wisely. A common assumption is that washing dishes by hand saves hot water. However, washing dishes by hand several times a day can use signi cantly more water than operating an energy-e cient dishwasher. Just be sure to wait for full loads.
Wash your clothes with cold water whenever possible. Unless your clothes are heavily soiled, you don’t need to use the hot setting to get them clean. Switching your washer’s temperature setting to warm can cut energy use in half. Switch it to cold and you’ll save even more.
COOPERATIVE FAMILY FUND
It was a Sunday morning in November of 2022 when Luke Hackman and his wife Brandi of Decorah, Iowa, took their two young children to Prairie du Chien for a visit with Santa. On the way home, while crossing the Mississippi River bridge between Wisconsin and Marquette, Iowa, an oncoming car crossed the center line and hit them head-on. Luke, who at the time had been a broadband technician specialist with Iowa’s Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative for eight years, died at the scene. Brandi and 5-year-old Hadley were injured. Their 3-year-old son Lincoln was unharmed, at least physically.
Earlier that year, board president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and former Oconto Electric Cooperative General Manager and CEO Tony Anderson was getting ready to wrap up his co-op career as CEO of Michigan’s Cherryland Electric Cooperative when he learned of a Michigan
lineworker who lost his life and left six children behind. Anderson, who had already achieved a goal of running marathons in each of the 50 states to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, launched a new cause—the Cooperative Family Fund would help children of electric cooperative employees who lost their lives.
“It is absolutely, positively, not (just) a lineman’s fund,” Anderson told the crowd of co-op leaders at the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association’s (WECA) Annual Meeting in the Wisconsin Dells last November. “That’s why we called it the family fund. We cover engineers, member services, CEOs, and lineworkers, too. We cover every electric cooperative employee, and that means 70,000-plus employees between 900 co-ops.”
The Cooperative Family Fund invests $10,000 for each child who loses a parent actively employed by an electric co-op. It also provides them a memory
The Hackman family was the rst recipient of funds from the Cooperative Family Fund after Luke, an employee of Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative, died in a car crash.
book with photos of their parent and stories from co-workers. When the children turn 18, they can use the money for college or other expenses as they start their adult lives.
“The money will never replace a parent, but it will let survivors know that we care,” Anderson said.
It’s a cause that former WECA President and CEO Steve Freese embraced as soon as he heard about it. “Steve always believed that being a part of the co-op world is being a part of a family,” said Rob Richard, who was named WECA President and CEO after Freese lost his battle with cancer in August of 2024. Managers of Wisconsin’s electric co-ops created the “Steve Freese Memorial Fund” and collectively donated more than $9,000 to the Cooperative Family Fund.
“Steve was always very passionate about helping people in need, and he
often talked about the Cooperative Family Fund,” said Craig Buros, General Manager and CEO of Vernon Electric. “In looking for a way to honor Steve, it seemed as though this organization would be a great fit. It was met with great enthusiasm from all of the managers and their cooperatives.”
To date, Wisconsin electric cooperatives have given $36,500 to support the cause.
“The Cooperative Family Fund is so important for helping families deal with the loss of their cooperativeemployed parent. It extends the cooperative culture that prioritizes a family-based model and supports employees’ families in their time of need, said St. Croix Electric Cooperative President and CEO Rob Dooley.
“There have been several times where I have heard about an accident
and I didn’t know what I could do to share my support, but the Cooperative Family Fund has been that answer, to ensure the families are being taken care of, especially when they’ve suffered a loss,” added Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services’ President and CEO Nate Boettcher.
Last year, Oconto Electric Cooperative donated a total of $11,000 to the fund. “Oconto Electric Cooperative proudly supports the Cooperative Family Fund and its meaningful mission: to strengthen the bonds of cooperative families by providing support to cooperative employees and their children as they cope with grief and the loss of a loved one. This important work reflects the deep value our cooperative network places on caring for its people during their most difficult moments,” said Oconto Electric President and CEO Ryan Miller, who also noted the
co-op’s personal connection, as the fund’s founder, Anderson, is also a former CEO of Oconto Electric.
Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, as well as individual board members and staff, also donate to the fund. “Losing a parent is a traumatic experience for a child. Financial support can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty, allowing them to focus on healing and adjusting to their new circumstances,” said Eau Claire General Manager and CEO Monica Obrycki.
The Cooperative Family Fund is run by a seven-member volunteer board. More than 98% of the money raised directly benefits children who have lost a parent, which happens far too often. As of April 2025, the fund has benefitted 87 children from newborn to age 17, from 42 electric co-ops across the country.
Hadley and Lincoln Hackman, who lost their dad on that November day in 2022 while
heading home from Wisconsin, became the first two recipients of the fund. Hadley is now 7. Lincoln just turned 6.
“I was just so appreciative when I was informed that we would be getting this financial support. It is such an amazing fund that will be such an amazing benefit to my children,” Brandi Hackman said.
the
Family Fund.
“As a retired manager, I don’t get board member calls; I don’t get employee calls. I get the calls when somebody passes away, and it hurts,” Anderson said. “But because of all the generous donations from across the country, we can tell people, ‘We are there for you. We got you. We will help you.’ It’s a good thing; no other industry does this. Co-ops do this. And I’m proud of that.”
—Julie Lund
To donate to the Cooperative Family Fund, go to cooperativefamilyfund.com.
1. Funds were donated in memory of former WECA President and CEO Steve Freese, who lost his battle with cancer in 2024. 2&4. The Hackman family will be forever embraced by cooperatives nationwide. 3. Wisconsin electric co-op leaders present donations to the fund.
Tony Anderson addresses members at
Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association annual meeting in November about the Cooperative
Instead of running the dishwasher right after you load it, use the delay start setting so it runs overnight. Still haven’t made the switch to LED lighting? You could be using at least 75% less electricity with LED bulbs. As energy demand continues to rise, nd ways to use less energy during peak times to ease the strain on the electric grid.
TIPS TO BEAT THE ENERGY PEAK
Q: What does “beat the peak” mean, and why should I care about it?
A: When your electric cooperative talks about “beat the peak,” it is a call to action for energy consumers to reduce electricity use during periods of highest demand. Using less energy during peak times can ease the strain on the electric grid, benefit your cooperative, and sometimes lower your electric bill.
Electricity generation and energy supply must match consumption in real time to ensure safe, reliable power. Every moment of every day,
an entire workforce monitors energy use, adjusting power plant production up or down as needed to keep the grid balanced.
As energy demand grows, all of us can do our part to use less. To put this in perspective, peak electricity demand is expected to increase by 38 gigawatts over the next four years, according to the Energy Information Administration. That’s like adding another California to our nation’s power grid.
Peak time varies for each electric utility but typically occurs in the morning when people get ready for the day and in the evening when they
return home from work and school. During these times, we turn on lights, cook, adjust the thermostat, run the dishwasher, and do laundry—to name just a few energy-consuming activities.
Typically, the price of power increases when demand is higher. Reducing your electric use during peak times can help lower market prices for everyone and lessen stress on the electric grid.
Electric cooperatives set electric rates to cover costs. Some utilities have time-of-use rates that reflect higher costs during peak demand periods. Whether you have time-
of-use rates or not, these tips can help keep costs down for your utility and establish off-peak energy habits.
As a general rule, I try to spread out my use of equipment and appliances. For example, I avoid washing dishes and clothes and cooking all at the same time. Running a lot of hot water will cause your water heater to use more energy, too.
Increasing the energy efficiency of your home can lower its impact on the grid. Weatherize windows and doors and add insulation to improve the comfort of your home. You can also consider upgrading to energy efficient appliances or using energy-saving features on your existing appliances.
If you haven’t already, switch your incandescent lighting to LEDs, which use at least 75% less electricity and last up to 25 times longer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. There are many affordable options on the market.
Schedule your dishwasher run time. My dishwasher, which is several years old, has a “delay start” button. This is also handy if your dishwasher
is loud. Setting it to start after you go to bed shifts that energy consumption to off-peak hours, and you don’t have to hear it.
Running your washing machine and dryer during off-peak hours can help, too. If you’re in the market for a new washer or dryer, look for a model with a high Integrated Modified Energy Factor and a low Integrated Water Factor to save water and energy.
Also, consider switching your charging habits for all devices to off-peak hours. If you have an electric vehicle, use the scheduled charge settings. You’ll plug in your vehicle when you get home, and it will start charging automatically during the off-peak hours you choose.
Small changes at home can make a big difference to the energy grid. Incorporate these energy-wise habits into your daily routine.
Miranda Boutelle writes on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 electric co-ops.
LEAF AND LAWN VACUUM
THE LEADER IN LEAF VACS
TPRIORITIZING ELECTRICAL SAFETY— AT HOME, ON THE ROAD, AND IN OUR COMMUNITY
By Monica Obrycki, President and CEO
he start of May brings with it a season of change. We have flowers blooming, birds singing, and temperatures are on the rise! One area we remain unchanged at Eau Claire Energy Cooperative is how we view safety. We understand electricity powers our lives. We also understand electricity must always be used with caution.
May is recognized as National Electrical Safety Month and provides an excellent opportunity to focus on not only promoting safe practices when working with or near electricity, but it also provides an opportunity to remind ourselves prevention is the best practice for avoiding electrical hazards.
Each year, preventable electrical fires destroy homes and businesses due to overloaded circuits and damaged cords. Inspect appliances and electronics regularly. If an appliance feels hotter than usual or if its cord is bent, frayed, or exposed, stop using it until it’s repaired or replaced. Additionally, avoid running extension cords under rugs. This can create excessive heat, potentially igniting a fire. You should also keep electrical devices away from water and never overload outlets or power strips.
Should you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle has made contact with a downed power line or a green transformer box, STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE and call 911 immediately. The ground around your vehicle may be energized, making it unsafe to exit. If the vehicle is on fire and you need to make an emergency exit, jump clear from the vehicle and land with both feet together. Shuffle away without lifting your feet or touching the vehicle.
If you witness an accident or come across a downed powerline, do not approach it. Call 911 to report your location and keep a safe distance. A downed powerline should always be assumed to be energized and treated as such.
While these points don’t come close to covering all electrical safety areas, education remains a vital focal point for ECEC. We offer free electrical safety demonstrations for schools, community groups, businesses, and first responder groups. These demonstrations are catered to the audience to teach how electricity works and how you can stay safe. If you or your group would like to schedule a demonstration, contact our office!
Outside the home, it is important to remember the danger posed by overhead and underground utilities. Never trim trees near powerlines or place ladders and tools within 10 feet of overhead wires. If you need to dig for any reason, be sure to call 811 to have the property marked for underground utilities.
We have a saying at ECEC: “Everyone Contributes, Everyone Cares.” Every member of our team prioritizes safety every day. This Electrical Safety Month, take time to review safety practices with your family, coworkers, or employees. When everyone contributes to electrical safety, we all benefit from a safer community.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
July 15-17, 2025 | UW-Stout campus
CALLING ALL HIGH-SCHOOLERS:
Youth Leadership Conference is an annual event hosted by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) and Wisconsin electric cooperatives. The event engages high school students in activities that emphasize team building, grows cooperative business knowledge, practices life skills, and builds leadership qualities. YLC is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about cooperatives while building strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Past attendees have found it motivating, educational, and, of course, fun! To attend, the applicant’s parent(s)/legal guardian must be an active member of the Cooperative. The applicant must be a student at one of the following high schools in the Cooperative’s service territory:
Altoona High School
Augusta High School
Cadott High School
Chippewa Falls Area High School
Chippewa Falls McDonell High School
Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran High School
Eau Claire Memorial High School
Eau Claire North High School
Eau Claire Regis High School
Eleva–Strum High School
Elk Mound High School
Fall Creek High School
Mondovi High School
Osseo–Fairchild High School
Stanley–Boyd High School
Home School/Charter School
There’s no cost for you to attend! For more information and registration materials, please contact our o ce at 715-832-1603 or visit www.ecec.com. All registrations must be submitted by June 20, 2025.
88th ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN MARCH
EauClaire Energy Cooperative held its 88th Annual Meeting, drawing over 250 members to The Florian Gardens. The event was filled with insights and updates, highlighting ECEC’s cooperative partnerships and their benefits to members.
The meeting began with a welcome from Board President Andrew Bourget and Eau Claire Energy President and CEO Monica Obrycki. The cooperative also celebrated the sixteen Eau Claire Energy Cooperative Federated Youth Foundation scholarship winners, each receiving $1,000 to support their education—an investment in the community’s future leaders. Particularly noteworthy was the recognition of Frank Neibauer, the 11th annual Concern for Community Award recipient, acknowledging his dedication to community service. Retiring director, Curt Williams, was also recognized and thanked for his service and dedication to ECEC’s Board.
The keynote speaker, Doug Booher, Vice President of Sales and Manufacturer Relations at Rural Electric Supply
Cooperative (RESCO), addressed the importance of cooperative partnerships in today’s energy landscape. Booher highlighted RESCO’s role in supporting electric cooperatives, navigating supply chain challenges, and ensuring access to critical materials. He also discussed RESCO’s new warehouse in Stanley, Wisconsin, explaining how its proximity will enhance efficiency and reliability for ECEC members.
In the board elections, candidate John Zmuda and incumbents Andrew Bourget and Clarence “Butch” Boettcher secured their terms by acclimation. The meeting also featured an engaging Q&A session where members had the opportunity to inquire about various topics.
Each year, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative provides a few lucky members in attendance at the cooperative’s annual meeting a chance to win $100. This year, ten lucky members were selected by drawing to win. Congratulations to JT Berg, Alvin Peterson, Stephanie Duncan, Gregory Sieg, William Jaeke, Bobbi Barone, Sandy Mueller, Jerry Geske, Chuck Lund, Diane Oberbeck.
Following the annual meeting, the
board convened for its organizational meeting, electing officers to steer ECEC’s strategic direction. Andrew Bourget continued in the role of Chair, supported by Thomas Schwartz as Vice Chair and Frank Neibauer as Secretary, reflecting a collective commitment to effective governance.
Mark your calendars for the 89th Annual Meeting, scheduled for March 17, 2026, at The Florian Gardens in Eau Claire.
John Zmuda
Clarence “Butch” Boetcher
Andrew Bourget, Chair Thomas Schwartz, Vice Chair
Frank Neibauer, SecretaryTreasurer
Andrew Bourget
SPRING INTO SAVINGS WITH HEAT PUMP TECHNOLOGY
May is known for the seasonal transition—the sun is shining, the days are getting longer, and before you know it, summer heat will be rolling in before you know it. Now is the perfect time to think about your home’s heating and cooling system. One of the best ways to keep your home comfortable year-round while saving on energy costs is with a heat pump.
Heat pump technology has advanced significantly in the past 10 to 20 years, making these systems an efficient and versatile option for both heating and cooling. Instead of generating heat like a traditional furnace, heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another. In winter, they pull warmth from the outside air or ground and bring it into your home. When summer arrives, they do the opposite, removing heat from inside and pushing it outdoors. Some newer models are even capable of operating efficiently in subzero temperatures, making them a great option for Wisconsin homeowners.
High E ciency and Lower Energy Bills
One of the biggest benefits of heat pumps is their high energy efficiency. Unlike conventional heating systems that burn fuel or rely on electric resistance, heat pumps use electricity to move heat instead of creating it. So, they produce more energy than they consume. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can deliver up to three times more energy than they consume, helping homeowners save money on their utility bills.
While the initial cost of a heat pump system may be higher than a traditional furnace or air conditioner, the long-term savings can be substantial. Lower monthly energy bills and increased efficiency help homeowners recoup the investment over time, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
What to Consider Before Installation
Heat pumps offer plenty of benefits, but there are a few factors to think about before making the switch:
• Climate – Heat pumps are highly efficient, but in extreme cold, some homes may need a backup heat source.
• Insulation – Proper insulation and air sealing are key to getting the most out of a heat pump. A well-insulated home will retain heat in winter and keep cool air inside during summer.
• Sizing – Bigger isn’t always better. A heat pump that’s too large or too small can lead to inefficiencies, uneven
heating/cooling, and higher energy use.
• Professional Installation – Heat pumps should be installed by a certified technician who can assess your home’s layout, insulation, and heating/cooling needs to recommend the best system.
Finding the Right Heat Pump for Your Home
There are several types of heat pumps to choose from, depending on your home’s setup and needs:
• Ducted Heat Pumps – If your home already has a forced-air furnace and ductwork, a centralized air-source heat pump can be an easy upgrade. These systems connect to existing ducts and are controlled with a single thermostat, making them a great option if your home’s ductwork distributes air evenly.
• Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps – If your home doesn’t have ductwork or your ducts are leaky or inefficient, a ductless mini-split heat pump may be the best choice. These systems use individual air handlers mounted on walls, with each unit controlled separately. This allows for zoned heating and cooling, which can improve efficiency and comfort.
• Geothermal (Ground-Source) Heat Pumps – A few feet underground, the temperature stays at a steady 50 degrees year-round, making geothermal heat pumps one of the most energy-efficient heating and cooling options available. These systems use buried pipes to transfer heat to and from your home, reducing reliance on outdoor air temperatures. While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term energy savings can be substantial.
Maximize Your Savings with Incentives
Upgrading your home’s heating and cooling system doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative offers valuable incentives for heat pump installations, which can be combined with Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program and the Federal Government’s 30% tax credit.
As May brings warmer weather, it’s a great time to consider how you’ll keep your home comfortable all year long. If you’re interested in learning more about heat pump options and available incentives, reach out to us—we’re happy to help you find the best solution for your home!
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Congratulations
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Each year, Eau Claire Energy awards scholarships to member-students who live in our service territory. This year ECEC, awarded sixteen $1,000 scholarships. To apply for a scholarship from Eau Claire Energy Cooperative in the future, watch this magazine, our website, and our social media posts for further information. Typically, the cooperative opens scholarship opportunities in the fall of each year.
No applications were received from Home School Association or Chippewa Falls Area High School.
Preston Schafer Augusta High School
Ewan Weir Cadott High School
Mary Fedie Altoona High School
Alexander Fischer McDonell Central Catholic High School
Natalie Gurgel Immanuel Lutheran High School
Kylee Faupl Eau Claire Memorial High School
Lindey Haller Eau Claire North High School
Not pictured: Wyatt Nitchey–CVTC Electric Power Distribution Program
Carly Borst Regis High School
MacKenzy King Eleva-Strum High School
Tessa Smrecek Elk Mound High School
Anissa Duncan Fall Creek High School
Amber Lund Mondovi High School
Mackenzie Scheller Osseo-Fairchild High School
Sydney Gundlach Stanley–Boyd High School
Megan Awe University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
2024 CAPITAL CREDIT ALLOCATION NOTICES ON MAY BILLS
Each year, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative allocates capital credits to its member-owners based on usage the prior year. The 2024 allocation notice will be printed on the May 2025 bill. The notice details each member-owner’s total capital credit balance including 2024’s retirement applied to the October 2024 bill and 2024’s allocation.
The 2024 allocation notice will be printed in the top left corner of page 1 of your billing statement. If you receive paperless statements, you can view your bill by logging into your SmartHub account either in the app or on our website.
www.ecec.com Lobby Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Friday
Non-emergencies: 715-832-1603
Emergencies & outages: Toll FREE 800-927-5090 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Diggers Hotline: 811 or 1-800-242-8511 Call 3 working days before you dig.
order of 5 coins
GENERATIONAL WEALTH is of paramount significance as it represents a beacon of financial stability. It serves as a tangible testament to the hard work, diligence, and financial acumen of previous generations, offering a solid foundation upon which future generations can build their dreams and aspirations.
American Gold Reserve is releasing Government issued $5 Gold American Eagles completely free of dealer mark-up for only $339 each. These beautiful $5 Gold American Eagles are a perfect way to enter the gold market. They are set for immediate public release and will sell out fast
Free of dealer markup.
Protection against inflation and deflation.
Mediterranean Beef and Veggie Wraps
BRING ON the Beef
In about 10 minutes, you’ve got an easy, portable, Mediterranean beef wrap made with common ingredients and fresh vegetables.
WRAPS
4 medium whole wheat our tortillas (8- to 10-inches in diameter)
12 oz hummus, any variety or Garlicky White Bean Spread (recipe below)
Spread each tortilla evenly with hummus or Garlicky White Bean
Spread, as desired, leaving 1/4-inch border around edge.
GARLICKY WHITE BEAN SPREAD
1 (15-1/2 oz) can great northern or cannellini beans, rinsed & drained
2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp white wine vinegar
1 small clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp salt
Combine all bean spread ingredients in a blender or food processor; blend until smooth.
TOPPINGS
Fresh salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, mixed salad greens, or thinly sliced Romaine)
12 grape tomatoes, cut in halves
1 small carrot, shredded
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
12 oz cooked beef (such as steak, roast, pot roast, or deli roast beef), thinly sliced
Top each tortilla with equal amounts of salad greens and vegetables, as desired. Top evenly with beef slices and roll up tightly. Makes 4 servings.
Smoked Beef Brisket and Corn Chowder
Topped with smoked beef brisket, this corn chowder is hearty and avorful.
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 leek, halved, thinly sliced
1-1/2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes
5 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
2 cups frozen sweet corn kernels
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 lb smoked beef brisket, shredded Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: Crumbled cotija cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, hot pepper sauce, diced avocado
Heat olive oil in a 6-quart stock pot on medium-low heat until hot; add leek. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Add potatoes and beef broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from heat. Add 2 cups potato mixture to blender container; pulse on and off until smooth. Roughly mash remaining potato mixture in stock pot for chunky consistency; combine with blended mixture in same pot. Add corn, whipping cream, paprika, and prepared beef brisket. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Cook 5–10 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with cheese, cilantro, lime, hot sauce, and avocado, as desired.
1/2 tsp salt
Smoked Strip Steaks with Blue Cheese-Wine Sauce
Looking for a great steak recipe? Look no further. Beef strip steak is smoked and served with a blue cheese-wine sauce. Add salad greens for a complete meal.
STEAKS
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 boneless beef strip steaks, 1-inch thick (approx. 1 lb)
4 cups mixed salad greens
Add wood chunks, chips, or pellets to smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Preheat smoker to 225 degrees. Combine paprika, pepper, and salt in small bowl. Coat steaks with spice mixture. Place steaks in smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions; set timer for 15 minutes depending on desired smoke flavor. When steaks are done smoking, carefully remove from the smoker. Preheat a 12-inch nonstick skillet on medium heat until hot. Add steaks and cook 12–15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches medium rare (145 degrees) to medium (160 degrees) doneness, turning occasionally. Remove steaks from skillet and keep warm.
BLUE CHEESE-WINE SAUCE
2 oz crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup white wine
1 tsp minced garlic
In the same skillet with the steaks, heat the blue cheese, wine, and garlic 2–3 minutes or until cheese melts; stir often. Thinly slice steaks. Place steak on salad greens and drizzle with blue cheese-wine sauce, as desired. Makes 4 servings.
1 Tbsp olive oil
Beef Jerky and Spinach Pasta
Try this pantry-perfect pasta recipe highlighted by the smoky avor you can only get from beef jerky.
1/2 cup julienned hickory smoked beef jerky
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups cooked whole wheat spaghetti
1/2 cup white wine
2 cups fresh baby spinach
2 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Heat oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add jerky, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook 3–5 minutes until jerky is tender. Add cooked pasta to skillet; cook 1–2 minutes until heated through. Add wine and cook 3 minutes until liquid is almost evaporated. Remove skillet from heat; add spinach. Toss mixture until spinach is slightly wilted. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley, as desired. Makes 2 servings.
READER RECIPES
RHUBARB SLUSH
GARY AND GRACE CLARK, RICHLAND CENTER
A cool and refreshing drink on a hot summer day!
REQUESTS FROM OUR READERS
An online reader is looking for new salad recipes.
SEND TO: WECN, Reader Recipes, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102 Middleton, WI 53562-2200 or jennifer@weca.coop
8 cups diced rhubarb
2 quarts water
3 cups sugar
1 (3 oz) pkg strawberry avored gelatin (such as Jell-O)
1/2 cup lemon juice
Lemon-lime soda
In a pot, mix sugar into the water and cook the rhubarb in this mixture until it’s tender; strain while it’s still hot. Add the gelatin and lemon juice to the strained liquid; stir well to combine. Freeze in a one-gallon bucket. To serve, mix a ratio of half slush to half lemon-lime soda (such as 7-Up).
COLD BEET LAYER SALAD
PATRICIA LEWIS, MEDFORD
This was one of my favorite recipes that my mother made often.
1 cup chopped lettuce
1 cup sliced or diced cooked beets, cooled or cold
2 hard-boiled eggs, diced 1/4 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise Paprika to taste
On a plate or bowl, layer lettuce, beets, then diced eggs, and spread mayonnaise on top. Sprinkle with paprika to taste. Serves 1.
BEET SOUP
AGNES ZWIJACZ, GILLETT
Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to jennifer@weca.coop or submit directly at http://wecnmagazine.com/submit-a-recipe/.
PLEASE NOTE: Recipes submitted must include quantities for all ingredients. If no measurements are used, your recipe will not be printed. Due to food safety issues, we cannot accept canning recipes.
LAZY ENCHILADAS
RECIPE COURTESY OF MAGGIE KRAWCZYK, MUSKEGO
1 lb ground beef
2 (10 oz) cans mild enchilada sauce
1 (15.5 oz) can refried beans, any variety 12 at tostada shells
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Few sprigs cilantro, chopped
1 head of lettuce or cabbage, shredded
Spray a 9-x13-inch glass casserole dish with cooking spray. Brown ground beef in a skillet, breaking the meat into small pieces. Add half a can of enchilada sauce to the meat and simmer for approx. 3–4 minutes; remove from heat. Pour the remaining half of the rst can of enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the greased dish. Spread the refried beans evenly onto 9 tostadas and place 3 of them in the dish; arrange them to t so they are not touching each other. Spoon 1/3 of the ground beef mixture evenly over the 3 tostadas. Spoon 1/4 of the second can of enchilada sauce evenly over each layer of meat. (Layering should be tostada–beans–meat–sauce–tostada). Repeat this process 2 more times, stacking them on the previous stacks. Top each stack with the remaining 3 plain tostadas. Spoon remaining sauce from second can on top and cover with foil. Bake approx. 30–35 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from the oven, remove foil, and sprinkle cheese on top. Return to the oven and turn o the heat; allow cheese to melt from residual heat. Remove from oven and top with cilantro. Serve on a bed of shredded cabbage or lettuce and have your favorite sides available, such as avocado, sour cream, etc.
1 (16 oz) can diced beets 1-1/2 cans of water (24 oz) 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp our 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp vinegar
Noodles or boiled potatoes
Put beets, liquid from can, and water into a saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Add sugar and vinegar and bring to a boil. In a bowl, add our and sour cream. Pour some hot liquid from the beet mixture into the bowl, a little at a time so it doesn’t curdle; mix together with the our and sour cream. Pour this mixture into the saucepan, mix together, and return it to a boil. Serve with noodles or boiled potatoes. Note: You may add more sugar and / or vinegar to taste.
OLD-FASHIONED RHUBARB CAKE PUDDING
RECIPE COURTESY OF GARY AND GRACE CLARK, RICHLAND CENTER
RHUBARB LAYER
2–3 cups diced rhubarb (or more, to cover bottom of pan) 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar
Layer diced rhubarb in the bottom of a buttered 9-x13-inch cake pan and sprinkle liberally with sugar.
CAKE LAYER
1 cup our
2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt
2/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
Mix together our, baking powder, salt, sugar, and milk, and pour over the rhubarb. Bake at 350 degrees until the rhubarb is tender and the top is slightly browned, approx. 45 minutes. Check it at 30 minutes.
— Gene H.
Tactical Meets Practical
Switzerland is synonymous with expensive, big-name luxury watches like Rolex®, Piaget® and Patek Philippe® that sell for thousands, but the Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch delivers Swiss precision for a fraction of the cost. Inspired by military timepieces like the American A-11, it combines rugged performance, simplicity, and legendary craftsmanship — built for action, not display cases.
Precision Takes Time
Swiss excellence demands patience. Each Stauer Swiss Tactical takes nearly nine months to complete, and this is a limited edition of 4,900. Crafted by master watchmakers, some of whom have worked with the other prestigious brands, this is your chance to own a rare, precision-engineered tactical watch without the inflated luxury price tag.
Why Pay for a Name?
Big brands charge more for status. Stauer delivers the same quality and precision with high-contrast markers for instant readability, a shock-resistant case to withstand hard knocks and Swiss-made movement for impeccable timing.
Limited Offer – Act Now
Don’t miss this rare combination of Swiss craftsmanship and unbeatable value. Only 4,900 available — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Why pay more when you can own precision, heritage, and adventure for less? Order now — time is running out.
Watch Speci cations:
• Made in Switzerland with precision Swiss Ronda 515 movement. Stainless steel caseback. Brown leather band
• 44 mm diameter case. Date window at 3 o’clock
• Water-resistant to 3 ATM. Fits wrists up to 8 ¼”
Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch
$399 $59* + S & P Save $340
*Special price only for customers using the
FORAGE FOR FUN AT THE MUSCODA MOREL MUSHROOM FESTIVAL
May brings morel mushrooms to Muscoda— well, not just Muscoda, but the small town of 1,295 people is the “Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin,” and that makes the forest fungus a big part of the town’s personality.
Held the weekend following Mother’s Day—this year, the evening of Friday, May 16, and all day Saturday, May 17—mushroom fans have been celebrating morels (and the festival) for 44 years.
Village Administrator Cinda Johnson said the festival highlight is, without a doubt, the morels. The village partners with Morel Masters out of Potosi to supply mushrooms for the festival, which are for sale on Saturday only.
“Last year, we partnered with the Morel Masters guys, and we got these just beautiful mushrooms,” said Johnson. “As long as Mother Nature is good to us, again, they will be supplying the fresh mushrooms for people to buy this year.”
There will also be a fried mushroom stand selling butter-fried morels.
Friday On Friday, starting around 5 p.m., all modes of transportation are welcome for the 4th annual car cruise-in, which is located by the Riverdale Bus Garage. There is no actual car competition, just folks with fun vehicles to check out. There will be a DJ playing music and food stands.
Another Friday-night dinner option is the American Legion’s burger stand uptown from the cruise-in.
Also kicking o at 5 p.m. is the Antique & Farm Tractor Pull.
Photo courtesy of Cris Ritchie Photo/Getty
Morel mushrooms grace the village sign. Antique cars take part in the grand parade. Native American Hoop Dancers out of Platteville perform immediately following the parade. Morel merchandise is available for sale at the festival and includes shirts, magnets, earrings, and more. Occasionally when hunting morels, foragers stumble upon a treasure trove like these found by Vernon Electric Cooperative’s Trevor Clark. T-shirts are part of the merchandise for sale at the festival. Mushrooms aplenty leave “Mushroom Headquarters,” which is also Muscoda Village Hall, located at 206 N. Wisconsin Avenue.
“There’s no modified/soupedup tractors. It’s just if they’re out plowing with that tractor in the afternoon, you bring it in that night,” said Johnson. This is the second year the festival has included the pull. Attendees can also catch a summer league baseball game or swing by the bounce house on Friday night.
Saturday It’s no surprise that food takes center stage at a mushroom festival. Saturday kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at St. John’s Parish Hall.
There is a chili cook-off with the Lions Club selling chili hotdogs on Walnut Street, and attendees will find a Girl Scouts food stand at the bounce house at Pickering Park.
A big draw is the arts and crafts fair, which opens at 9 a.m. at Railroad Park. Johnson reports that the park is fully sold out with vendors for the fair, and includes a LEO Club food stand.
The Bartels Chainsaw Carving exhibit is about a half a block from the craft fair, “so you don’t have all that chainsaw noise in your ears,” said Johnson. “They’ve been with us
now for several years. He comes and does the show for us, and he carves right here on the street; you watch him do it. That always gets a lot of traffic.”
The main food area, though, is “Mushroom Headquarters,” where attendees can find fresh and fried mushrooms, the American Legion food and beverage stand, hotdogs, mushroom brats, and a tasting area with Meister Cheese Company, Three Roosters Coffee, Wild Hills Winery, and Spurgeon Winery. Mushroom Headquarters is actually the city hall parking lot and will also include live music.
The event is family-friendly complete with a kids’ pedal tractor pull and a fire safety house.
New this year is a life-size balloon animation from Half Twisted Half Knot on Wisconsin Avenue. “It is
amazing some of the stuff he makes,” said Johnson. There will also be a corn hole tournament and local beer sampling complete with a souvenir mushroom glass. At 3 p.m., the parade kicks off, followed by Native American Hoop Dancers performing at Mushroom Headquarters.
In case you haven’t had enough to eat, the Muscoda Volunteer Fire Department begins serving their steak feed at 4 p.m.
The festival is capped off with a fireworks show on the Wisconsin River at dusk.
“The festival stretches all through the town; it goes from the Railroad Park all the way down to the river with ball tournaments,” said Johnson, so prepare for lots of walking, but there is also a shuttle service.
“If you don’t want to walk or have kids in strollers, hop on the bus.”
When asked what the biggest draw to the festival was, Johnson said, “probably the people who stand in line for hours, even if it’s raining, to get a pound of mushrooms.” She said some years, people have started lining up at 5:30 a.m.
“Even on years where it’s been dreary and raining because we’re one of the first festivals of the season, after being cooped up all winter, I don’t care if it is drizzling, people come here,” said Johnson.
Johnson thanks the community, specifically the sponsors, for their support. Without them, this wouldn’t have happened, she said.
When asked why morels seem to thrive in the Muscoda area, enough to warrant a festival, Johnson was unsure.
“I’ve been told by the old guys, the guys who have been here forever, that it has to do with this being the Driftless Area, but I really don’t know,” said Johnson.
When foraging for morels, seasoned searchers know to look for dead elm or apple trees and that morels often grow beneath them. Others say that morels pop up when lilacs and dandelions bloom.
Mysterious and delicious, the lowly morel is cause for celebration in Muscoda.
—Dana Kelroy, photos courtesy of the Muscoda Morel Mushroom Festival unless otherwise noted.
More information about the Muscoda Morel Mushroom Festival is available at www.muscoda.com, on Facebook, by calling village hall at 608-739-3182, or emailing Muscodafestival@muscoda.com.
CLASSIFIEDS
Miscellaneous Plants & Shrubs
WANTED: PAYING CASH FOR WWII FLAGS, DAGGERS, SWORDS, GUNS, ETC. Also buying guns and collections. 715-340-1974.
WANTED: DEER TAGS, BACK TAGS. Trapping, bear, hunting licenses. Otter, sher, bobcat tags, party permits, old traps. 715255-9284 David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446.
GEOTHERMAL We service & install all models and brands. Contact us today. Niesen@ charter.net
CHAINSAWS WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE. Buying 1 or 100 McCulloch, Pioneer, Jonsereds, Echo, STIHL, Homelite, Remington, Mall. Buying all brands and sizes. Non-running, running, siezed, parts. Let me know what you have - will travel. Call Chainsaw Mike at 715-828-9414.
AKC REGISTERED English Springer Spaniel Puppies. Please call or text for more information. 715-577-8155. Holcombe, Wisconsin.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY BEE EXPO. April 12, 2025. Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Honeybees, pollinators seminars, cooking with honey, youth programs, education, and awareness expo. See us on FB on Chippewa Valley Bee Expo.
THROW YOUR HOME MOVIES IN THE TRASH! Or pro transfer 8mm, VHS, slides, audio, and all formats to DVD or ash drive. Gene DVD Productions 715-827-2302.
WANTED: COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR VINTAGE SPORTS CARDS 1986 or older. 608-343-3503.
MAILBOX DOOR NOT STAYING CLOSED? Strong add-on magnet. No tools required. Rural style mailboxes. www.MAILNUT.com. 715-967-2448.
WANTED: BEAR TRAPS, large odd traps, and lever-action ri es. Traps for sale: beaver, coyote, and Newhouse traps. 715-563-6658.
FOR SALE: CUSTOM WOOD LATHE, turns up to 26” diameter and 15.5’ long. Green Bay area. Call or text 608-449-9452.
SHEDS DELIVERED - LOYAL, WI: Custom Design & Price Online! Sheds, barns, garages, cabins, & chicken coops. 2-4 week lead times. Free delivery & setup using our shed mule. Prebuilt inventory listings. ShedsDelivered.com.
WANTED: CHEVY/GMC PICKUP TRUCK. 2500 HD Double Cab (not crew cab). 8-foot box, under 125,000 miles. Home 715-8351305 / Cell 715-577-7249.
TWO GRAVITY-FLOW FUEL TANKS WITH STANDS. 300 gallons each. $800 for the pair. Call 608-427-3433 or text 608-462-3883.
7X8 NEWMAN TRAILER. Aluminum open grid. Two-place ATV side-by-side. Light signals, side loading. Great condition. $1,400. Text 608-462-3883.
2022 GEOPRO 16’ CAMPER. Outback pkg, push-out kitchen and outdoor kitchen. Front double bed, back bunks. Full bathroom. Solar/battery/propane. Heavy hitch, accessories included. Pristine. $23,000. Russ Wilson 608-792-2760, E2540 S Creek Rd, DeSoto, WI 54624.
WANTED: 42” WORKING MOWER DECK for a gear-driven John Deere Sabre garden tractor. 414-378-5723.
WANTED: SKID STEER. Low hours, medium to smaller machine. Available to travel to look at machine. Please call - home 715835-1305 / cell 715-577-7249. Mark.
VIKING T-SHIRTS, CAPS, VISOR. Boxes of romance novels, collectors’ edition magazines, collector dolls, calendars, and Avon collectibles. Beer bottle opener, size 9 women’s shoes, and old song books. Call 715-746-2530.
WANTED – MORGAN AND PEACE SILVER DOLLARS. Help me complete my personal collection. I am not a dealer. Call Bob 651-208-4545.
INVENTORY REDUCTION SALE. Apr-May 20-50% o at Mix it Up Marketplace. New & secondhand Items. Main Street in Butternut. Thu., Fri., Sat.,10-4. 715-769-3711.
DISCOVER THE OCOOCH MOUNTAINS IN SW WI and the Ocooch Mountain Rocks— on Amazon.com.
HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Hybrid Poplar, Hickory, Milkweed, Aspen, Dogwoods, Elderberry, Cranberry, Balsam, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, fall food plot and grafted apple trees too, large bareroot shade trees including Autumn Blaze. Check us out on the web at www.paintcreeknursery.com, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube also. Paint Creek Nursery, Cadott, WI. 715-723-2072.
MAY THE FOREST BE WITH YOU! All species will be bareroot. We have Evergreens, Deciduous, Flowering shrubs, Crabapples, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Cherries, Plums, Currents, Gooseberries, Honeyberries, Blueberries, Grapes, Raspberries, Strawberries, Asparagus, Lilacs, Shade Trees, Products for planting and plant protection. Woodstock Nursery Garden & Landscape, W6291 State Hwy 95, Neillsville, WI 54456. 888-803-8733. Website: www. wallace-woodstock.com. Email: tanya@ wallace-woodstock.com
MCKAY NURSERY COMPANY - WISCONSIN GROWN SINCE 1897. Provider of quality shade & ornamental trees, fruit & owering trees, evergreens, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and vines. Design services & delivery available. Contact Eric at ezlandscapewi@gmail.com or call 608387-4287. “Your McKay Independent Sales & Service Provider.”
Classi ed ads reach more than 152,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classi ed ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classi eds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN—Classi eds, Attn. Jennifer, 6405 Century Ave., Ste. 102, Middleton, WI 53562. Ph: 608-467-4638. Email jennifer@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads. Advertise with us!
WISCONSIN EVENTS May 2025
1–3 Book Sale—Onalaska. Library, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Thousands of books, DVDs, magazines, and CDs. Most priced at $1 or less. Thurs., 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.–noon. Saturday bag sale. 608781-9568.
1–4; 8–11; 15–18; 22–25; 29–June 1 Photography Exhibit—Alma. Wings Over Alma Nature & Art Center, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Twelve area amateur photographers. 608-685-3303.
3 Wilderness Expo—Rib Lake Area. 6 a.m.–4 p.m. Outdoor adventure and hands-on clinics at three locations, with vendors, exciting giveaways, and fun kids’ activities. For more info, call 715-427-5404.
3 Fishers/Community Breakfast—Montfort. Castle Rock Lutheran Parish Hall, 7–10:30 a.m. Celebrate the opening day of inland waters fishing! Free will donation.
3 Birding by Mini Train—Durand. Tiffany Bottoms, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Train, bird guides, hot brat lunch, and speakers. Birding by mini-train: 7:30 a.m.–noon, $50 per rider. Afternoon ride is for train enthusiasts from 1–5 pm. Cost is $25 per rider. To register, call 608-685-3303.
3 Opening Day at Beckman Mill—Beloit. Beckman Mill Rock County Park, 12–4 p.m. Mill tour with grinding demo, museum tour, gift shop, and polka music by Mike Schneider. Chili, corn muffins, desserts, and beverages for sale. Free admission, donations accepted. 608-751-1551.
3 Derby Day Event— Ashland. The Neighborly bar, 3–8 p.m. Drawings, basket raffle, 50/50 raffle, derby hat contest, games, and more. 715-208-0146.
3 ‘A Night in the Desert’ Belly Dance Show—Fall Creek. High School Auditorium, 7–10 p.m. Amazing music, costumes, and dancers. Family-friendly, free admission.
4 Charcoal Chicken Dinner—Greenwood. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Half-chicken meals at $12 each. Drive-thru only in lower-level parking lot.
5 Food Truck Event—Oconto Falls. St. Anthony Parish parking lot, 4–7:30 p.m. Greek gyros, Kona shaved ice, fried cheese curds, corndogs, funnel cakes, cookie dough, burgers, BBQ, and Caribbean foods. Live music and kids’ play area.
7 Age Well Without Falls—Lena. Village Hall, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Class meets May 7, 14, and 21. A small group of 8–12 older people become empowered to take steps towards preventing falls both at home and in the community. Suggested donation of $20 includes all 3 sessions, supplies, and snacks. Call 920-373-1441 to pre-register.
9, 10 City-wide Sales—Galesville. All day. Maps available 3 days before the event at local gas stations. 608-582-2868.
9, 10 Village-wide Rummage Sales—Melrose area. All day. Maps at local businesses.
10 Amazing Plant Sale and Food Truck—Richland Center. Krouskop Park, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Many plants (including locally grown), bushes, and trees at reasonable prices, locally made garden art pieces, garden tools, and the Animal House food truck. 608-647-6453.
10 Grant County Master Gardener Plant Sale— Lancaster. Schreiner Memorial Library, 9–11 a.m. Locally grown perennials, shrubs, fruits, annuals, vegetables, and a children’s potting area.
10 Parkinson’s Walk and Awareness Event—La Crosse. Myrick Park, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Registration online or DOE. The walk is free, but donations encouraged. T-shirts are $15. Resource booths, live music, food truck, kids’ activities, and exercise demos. 608-797-6295.
10 Father Knows Best, But Mom Knows Better— Ellsworth. St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2–4 p.m. Storyteller Pati Kachel will present an amusing stroll down memory lane to recall the wise words of our mothers. All ages welcome. Free admission but non-perishable food pantry items requested. Desserts and beverages afterward. 715-273-3118.
16 Syttende Mai—Eau Claire. Holiday Inn South, 5–8 p.m. Have dinner with distinguished guest speaker Tom Loftus, who served as US Ambassador to Norway from 1993–1997! Tickets at Festival Foods until May 9. 715-598-1776.
16, 17 Grace Bible Church and Area Yard Sales— Bowler area. Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Clothes, toys, household items, and food for sale at the church. Area yard sale maps available at JPP’s and Kropf’s. 715-881-0148.
18 Book Release Party—Westby. Branches Winery, 1–4 p.m. Love mystery books? Stop in, have a glass of wine, and buy ‘Driftless Identity’, the newest book in this award-winning Wisconsin series.
21 Spring Salad Bu et—Milton. United Methodist Church, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. For more info, call 608-868-2860.
23 Donut Fry—Jim Falls. United Methodist Church, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Advance orders appreciated. 715-382-4397.
24 Spring Pancake Breakfast—Menomonie. Downsville Community Museum, 8–11 a.m. Free will donation. 715-619-1440.
24 Flea & Craft Market—Coloma. Community Park, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. For more info or to sign up as a seller, call 715-340-1232.
25 Meatball and Leftse Dinner and Memorial Day Celebration—Strum. Bruce Valley Church, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. 715-695-2903.
26 The Highground Honor Ride—Neillsville. Highground Veterans Memorial Park, 7:15 a.m.–5 p.m. Several route starting points around Wisconsin. Converge at the American Legion then ride together to park. Register at 715-743-4224.
26 Memorial Day Dinner—Gilman. Jump River Community Center, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
27 Taco Supper—Mt. Hope. Mt. Hope and Wauzeka Methodist Church, 5–7:30 p.m. All-you-can-eat. Donations appreciated. 608-391-0153.
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2. Charlize gives Freedom a kiss. Photo submitted by Cassandra Haderly, a member of Bay eld Electric.
3. Mini donkeys Okey and Dokey compete for Julian’s attention. Photo submitted by Doreen Hlavaty, a member of Scenic Rivers Energy.
Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 6405 Century Avenue, Suite 102, Middleton, WI 53562-2200. Please include the name of your electric co-op. Photos will be returned. If in good-resolution, electronic format, photos may also be uploaded via wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. By submitting, sender implies that he/she has rights to and owns the image, and grants WECN permission to use the image. By submitting, the parent or legal guardian also authorizes us the right to publish the image. Upload photos directly to wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab.
CAN YOU SPOT THE ELECTRICAL HAZARD?
Electricity is essential for everyday life, but when combined with seemingly harmless items or elements, it can create a hazardous situation. View the grouped items below, then circle the two items that (when combined) create a potential electrical hazard.
Check your work in the answer key below.
1. Paige’s fair pig, Wy el, takes a break from his walk for a quick photo. Photo submitted by Dustin McGinnis, a member of Rock Energy.
Cut
