Rural Electric Nebraskan

May 2012

WHAT WE DO: POWER GENERATION RESOURCES

STEP-UP SUBSTATIONS

HIGH-VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINES

TRANSMISSION SUBSTATIONS RURAL ELECTRIC CO-OPS LOCAL DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATIONS

DISTRIBUTION POWER LINES

COMMUNITIES OF HOMES, FARMS, SMALL BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRIES

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association • P.O. Box 33695 • Denver, CO 80233 • Wholesale power supplier to 44 electric cooperatives in Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska and Wyoming.

WHAT IT MEANS:

AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY

Together, we deliver the electricity that’s essential to life here in the West. www.tristate.coop

Volume 66, Number 5, May 2012

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Staff Editor Wayne Price Editorial Assistant Kathy Barkmeier

Contents Features

Weathering the Storm

6

Published by the

Visit us at www.nrea.org General Manager Jay Holmquist President Gary Dill, Roosevelt Public Power District Vice President/Secretary Randy Papenhausen, Cedar-Knox Public Power District

When Mother Nature wreaks havoc on power lines, a wake of hazards often follow. That makes safety — always a top priority for Nebraska’s public power districts and electric co-ops — a key concern after a storm blows through.

Remembering Purple Cane Freelance writer LaRayne Topp takes a look into the colorful history of Purple Cane, a community that sprang up in Dodge county but has since disappeared. Reminders of the community remain in its church and cemetery and in root beer.

Treasurer Ron Jensen Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.

Advertising in the Rural Electric Nebraskan does not imply endorsement for products by the Nebraska Rural Electric Association.

Correspondence should be sent to Wayne Price, Editor, Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by Jacob North Companies, Box 82046, Lincoln, NE 68501. Form 3579 should be sent to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb. POSTMASTER: send address changes to the Rural Electric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 and ISSN 0193-4937.

Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20 for three years, plus local and state tax.

May 2012

12

Departments EDITOR’S PAGE

4

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy

16

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by James Dulley

18

RECIPES

20

ADULT PEN PALS

21

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

22

On the cover Flood damage along the Missouri River forced Burt County Public Power District to unhook about 250 meters last year. See related story on Page 6.

3

EDITOR’S PAGE

May is National Electrical Safety Month pring is known for bringing severe weather to the Great Plains of Nebraska.

And with May being National Electrical Safety Month, it is a good time to focus on how to keep safe after a storm rolls through. No matter the type of weather or damage to electrical equipment and infrastructure, resulting safety hazards are generally the same.

To stay safe after a major storm or natural disaster strikes, you should develop a family action plan. Designate a place for everyone to meet after an event. Map out ways to evacuate your home. Create a laminated card with emergency contact names and numbers for each family member. Consider listing a relative or friend who lives far from your community as the point of contact — if your family gets separated, that person can let others know who is safe.

And don’t forget pets in your family action plan — many rescue shelters will not accept pets after a catastrophe of some sort, so it’s important to decide beforehand where Fido or Tabby can take up residence for a while.

Stay away from downed power lines and be alert to the possibility that tree limbs or debris may hide an electrical hazard. Treat all downed or hanging power lines as if they are energized. Warn others to stay away and contact the electric utility.

Shuffle – never run – from a fallen power line. A live wire touching the ground causes electricity to fan out in a pool and the action of running will cause your legs to bridge current from higher to lower voltage and you may receive a shock.

A downed power line causes other things around it to become potentially hazardous. A fence or guardrail touching a downed line can be energized for several thousand yards, and this poses a threat to anyone coming into contact with these structures.

Stay away from puddles of water in contact with downed lines. Encountering these objects can be as hazardous as coming into contact with the downed power line itself.

If using electric yard tools in clean-up efforts, do not operate them if it’s raining or the ground is wet, or while you are wet or standing in water. Keep all electric tools and equipment at least ten feet away from wet

S

by Wayne Price

Check us out online

4

surfaces.

It’s not hard to understand why safety remains a top priority for Nebraska’s public power districts and electric cooperatives — working around electricity is a life-or-death situation every day for many of our employees. As a result, we work hard to instill a culture of safety that our folks can take home with them and live 24/7.

May is also the perfect time to make sure your home not only looks great, but is safe from any hazardous electrical problems.

The dangers are more real than you may think. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) latest figures, there was an average of 60 electrocution fatalities associated with consumer products per year over the three-year period from 2005 through 2007, with an estimated 50 consumer product-related electrocutions in 2007.

To keep yourself and your family safe from these dangers, you should have a professional electrical safety inspection of your home and grounds every ten years. It is also wise to undertake an annual electrical safety inspection yourself. Here are some things to keep in mind: Water and electricity are a potentially deadly combination. Avoid using power tools outdoors in wet grass or other wet or damp areas.

Keep appliances like hair dryers and radios away from the sink, tub, or pool, and make sure all outlets near a water source are equipped with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). That includes outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, unfinished basements, and garages, and near swimming pools and hot tubs. Make sure your outdoor receptacles are GFCI protected and that they are housed in weatherproof covers.

Don’t overload an outlet. Simply put, each household outlet is rated for a safe amount of current, typically 15-20 amps. Plugging too many household appliances into the same outlet can start a fire or create a shock hazard.

Be extremely careful when using a ladder near overhead power lines; even a wooden ladder contacting a power line can have potentially deadly results.

Have a safe Spring!

Rural Electric Nebraskan

English: Recommit to the Cooperative Movement RECA CEO Glenn English issued a direct challenge to rural electric leaders, calling on them to invigorate grassroots political activity among their 42 million members and seize opportunities to keep electricity prices at affordable levels.

In forceful terms, English told managers, directors and staffers at the 2012 NRECA Annual Meeting that they must recommit themselves to build the political muscle that utilities were known for in the early days of the rural electric program.

That’s the best way for public power districts and electric co-ops to achieve their core mission of improving the quality of life for their members, he said.

“There is nothing that you can do as a manager or a director that will have more impact on your members’ electric bills than getting involved in

N

this fight and building your political strength. Anything else is minor in comparison,” he said. “We must today rebuild our political strength so that it is comparable to what we had 50 years ago.”

The 70th annual meeting attracted about 8,000 participants to the San Diego Convention Center for the coop business meeting, as well as a variety of forums, exhibits, training and related activities.

In his address to the first general session on March 5, English said the current congressional stalemate provides rural electric utilities a chance to prepare for a time when Congress will start to move ahead with the public’s business.

That could come as early as next year, after voters send a message to Washington by registering their discontent in the upcoming elections with the status quo, he said.

In turn, that could provide an opening to rewrite legislation such as the Clean Air Act, he said. Years of court cases and regulations piled on to the 40-year-old law have created an untenable situation for utilities, and they need to hit the ground running if they get a chance to revise the act.

“What we need today is for Congress and the president to celebrate what we have accomplished and to set out new goals for the future. Then we must work to rewrite the law, so we can accomplish those objectives without being hindered by old rules, regulations and court decisions.”

English said that should be done with an emphasis on using new technology, so goals can be reached at the lowest cost and with the least disruption to the system.

Source: Steven Johnson, Electric Coop Today

Easy-to-use, well-balanced trimmer Lightweight, reliable and fast-starting

SAVE $

30

with purchase of select STIHL products

GET GEARED UP with protective apparel and accessories.

Includes hearing protectors and protective glasses $

39 99 CDC-SRP! Offer good through 6/30/12 with purchase of select units.* See dealer for details.

SCAN HERE

to see more promotions

* Combo Pack offer good with purchase of FS 55 R, FS 70 RC-E, FS 90 R, KM 55 R or KM 90 R unit.

All prices and promotions are CDC-SRP. Available at participating dealers while supplies last. © 2012 STIHL CDC12-2REN22-101238-2

May 2012

5

Weathering the Storm

by Magen Howard

Natural disasters leave a host of safety issues in their wake

F

loods. Wind. Rain. Ice. When Mother Nature wreaks havoc on power lines, a wake of hazards often follow. That makes safety — always a top priority for Nebraska’s public power districts and electric co-ops — a key concern after a storm blows through.

“Creating a culture of safety is incredibly important to public power districts and electric co-ops because some of our employees face life-ordeath situations daily,” relates Bob Cooper, NREA job training and safety coordinator. “We also want to ensure the safety of those we serve, our consumers.”

Every region of the country must

6

deal with its own types of weather problems, but here’s a look at the most common storms that create safety issues for public power districts and electric co-ops and consumers alike.

Floods Last year, floods ravaged land along the Missouri River. Water turns an already tricky situation into a deadly one if you attempt to work with electrical equipment that’s wet or submerged.

Burt County Public Power District, headquartered in Tekamah, lost precious infrastructure to creeping waters.

Lineworkers had to improvise creative solutions to restore power that homeowners and businesses needed to pump out water and make repairs. General Manager Dick Ray said about 250 electric services were disconnected as a result of the flooding.

“The repairs are ongoing so its not your typical restoration from a storm,” he said. “Some of the damage will not be restored. We have never experienced this before.”

If high winds accompanied the rains that produced the flood, downed power lines are a real possibility. Flood victims should stay out of the water near power lines.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Tornadoes and High Winds A month or so before rainfall swelled the banks of the Missouri River, a historic series of tornadoes ripped through Alabama, leaving a wide swath of destruction in their wake — snapping poles like twigs and reducing transmission towers to heaps of twisted metal.

Whether it’s an actual tornado or high winds, massive power outages result. After the April 27, 2011, tornadoes struck Alabama, for example, rural electric utilities in the northern part of the state were completely dark.

In Nebraska, damage from tornadoes in 2011 to the electrical grid was minimal. Elkhorn Rural PPD in Battle Creek, Neb. sustained damage to nine transmission poles and 10 distribution poles during severe weather in June.

Downed power lines pose the greatest electrical risk after a tornado or bout with high winds because you can’t tell whether they are still energized. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) reports that if you get close to a downed power line, you should shuffle away from it in small steps, with your feet together and touching the ground at all times.

“You cannot tell whether a power line is hot just by looking at it,” Cooper cautions. “Always assume that downed power lines are live and keep at least 10 feet away from them and anything touching them.”

Another danger spawned after a prolonged power outage is increased use of portable generators, which can be deadly if misused. The easiest way to get hurt using a generator involves operating it too close to or even inside your home, which allows carbon monoxide fumes to filter throughout living areas. Most generators can emit deadly levels of carbon monoxide in a matter of minutes.

In addition, if you have plugged your portable generator into a wall socket, it can threaten electric lineworkers by producing “backfeed” that unexpectedly re-energizes power lines.

May 2012

“Backfeed is a deadly serious issue for electric lineworkers,” Cooper stresses. “Portable generators should never be plugged into a home’s wall outlet, and permanent generators must have a transfer switch installed to prevent backfeeding.”

Call your local electric utility if you plan to install an emergency generator.

Snow and Ice Freezing rain and sleet, a common winter occurrence in most parts of the country, generally don’t cause many power outages if the frozen precipitation falls in small doses.

But every so often a catastrophic blizzard or ice storm strikes that’s talked about for decades.

Winter weather is often the culprit of major power outages in Nebraska. Ice and snow can account for downed power lines and outages.

Ice, until it melts, continues to destroy electric infrastructure after the actual weather has dissipated. If the initial blanket doesn’t snap power lines or cause tree branches to crack and fall onto wires, the weight of the ice will eventually pull down poles, knocking out power to more consumers.

Heavy, wet snow results in many of the same problems: slowing travel by line crews, snapping tree branches, and dragging down power lines. Heavy snow and ice accompanied by high winds simply compound the troubles — wet conditions plus damaged equipment.

“Ice or heavy snow can cause power outages that last for days on end, and it also keeps people homebound,” Cooper reminds. “In turn, portable generators will see more use, which increases the need for Please turn to page 8

7

Weathering the Storm From page 7 caution. Learn about portable generator safety and follow the rules to the letter.”

Working Hard Public power district and electric coop employees work hard to restore power after severe weather events.

Lineworkers face the same hardships as the members they’re working for. But line crews will continue to work until everyone’s lights come back on.

Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Alabama Rural Electric Association, Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives

The Missouri River, swollen by heavy rains and melting snow, flooded areas from Montana through Missouri last year.

Farms and towns along the river were heavily damaged as federal officials opened flood gates to allow record or nearrecord water releases to ease pressure on reservoirs. Photographs provided by Burt County PPD.

8

Rural Electric Nebraskan

KILL LAKE WEE WEEDS

Use caution when using back-up power generators any rely on backup electric generators for emergency power when the electricity goes out. If you have one, or are considering purchasing a backup generator, Safe Electricity wants you to know and take proper safety steps before operating an electric generator in your home or business.

“If installed and operated correctly, use of standby or portable electric generators poses little danger,” says Molly Hall, Executive Director of Safe Electricity, “But improper installation or use could be dangerous to you and threaten the lives of your family, friends, neighbors and electric utility crews trying to restore service.”

Of the 10 million portable electric generators sold, only an estimated 10 percent are hooked up correctly. Safe Electricity has launched a public awareness campaign aimed at helping consumers to understand the proper safety steps that must be taken.

Properly connecting the generator into the system is the next critical step for safe and effective use. A licensed professional should install a permanent, standby electric generator and can help with proper equipment for safely using a portable generator.

Become familiar with the operating instructions, so you’ll know about the need for a transfer safety switch. The transfer safety switch prevents electricity from traveling back through the power lines, or what’s known as “back feed.”

“Before you operate any standby or backup generator, make sure it has a transfer safety switch or that your power is cut off at the breaker box to prevent back feed,” warns Hall. “Back feed creates danger for anyone near lines, particularly crews working to restore power.”

A qualified electrician should be consulted to ensure proper installation and that electrical grounding requirements, circuit overload protections and local codes are met.

Some homeowners choose smaller,

M

portable generators to power essential electrical equipment during outages. Safe Electricity offers these tips for the safe operation and use of portable generators: • Read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions • Make sure the generator is properly grounded • Never plug a portable electric generator into a wall outlet or connect directly to a home’s wiring. This can energize utility power lines and injure you or others working nearby.

Electrical back feed also can damage the generator and home electrical equipment.

• Don’t overload the generator and plug in more appliances than the generator is rated to handle.

• Turn off generator and allow to cool before refueling • Before shutting down a generator, turn off and unplug all appliances and equipment being powered by the generator.

Source: Safe Electricity

Proven A AQUACIDE QUACIDE PELLETS PELL

Marble size pellets. Works Works at any depth.

"Spread it and forget it!"

Before

After

10 lb. ba g bag treats up to tre 4,000 sq.ft. $81.00.

50 lb. ba g bag tre treats up to 20 20,000 sq.ft. $3 $319.00.

F REE SHIPPING! Cer Certified tified and approved for for use by by state agencies. agencies. approved permit ma y be required.

State permit may Federal E. P P.. A. Registered with the Federal

800-328-9350

KillLakeWeeds.com/58C KillLakeW eeds.com/58C Order online toda today, y, or request free information. information.

AQUACIDE CIDE CO. CO. A Q QU UAC

Boxx 10748, DEPT 58C PO Bo White Bear Lak Lake, e, MN 55110-0748

8 spring cleaning ideas for less clutter & more cash pring is here along with the powerful desire to de-clutter your life. Spring cleaning doesn't just help you get organized, it can save or make you money, too.

S

Coupons If you spent the early months of 2012 clipping coupons in resolve to save more money, you likely have overwhelming stacks of vouchers spread through kitchen drawers that go unredeemed. Clean up that coupon clutter with the mobile app from CouponSherpa.com, where you can easily browse for paperless coupons on-the-go and even download digital grocery deals directly to your store loyalty card so you never miss a discount.

Wardrobe Spring is a great time to reorganize your wardrobe as winter clothes can be swapped with warm weather essentials. It's also a good time to unload the unworn stuff. Since we tend to wear only 20 percent of our wardrobe 80 percent of time, you likely have clothes that can go. Try putting away items at one end of the closet after each time their worn so that at the end of the month you will have a visual reference of what you can part with.

Though donating is great, consider selling the designer stuff at a local consignment shop for extra cash or check out online consignors like CovetShop.com.

Wallet Unwanted gift cards add unnecessary bulge to your wallet. Instead of spending them just to spend, consider selling those gift cards for cash via GiftCardGranny.com, a website that allows you to choose the highest offer from a variety of reputable resellers.

Bookshelf Swap, sell or donate used books and consider investing in an e-reader to reduce book clutter altogether. For

10

Garage sale inventory is most likely living right under your nose. Finding it should be your first step. Spend a couple weeks before your sale scouring closets and cupboards, bookcases and basement for garage sale finds. online trading, try sites like BookMooch.com or Swap.com so you never have to pay for a new read again.

Linen Closet Donate or toss extra linens that haven't seen the light of day -- let alone adorned your bed -- since you first stowed them. Same goes for towels and rags.

Pantry Take an innovative approach to cleaning out your pantry by actually using the items with Gojee.com, an interactive website that instantly creates recipes based on items you have in your kitchen.

Home Goods If you have closets or a garage full of unwanted home decor, accessories and furniture, it's time to host a yard sale. Prepare ahead and post advertisements in both the local newspaper and online at

Craigslist for the best turn out.

Otherwise, consider donating to organizations like Goodwill which will get you a tax deduction -- just make sure to hold onto your receipts.

Filing Cabinet Sift through your filing cabinet and recycle or shred unnecessary documents. Create a digital archive of important documents to serve as a backup for hard copies. Smartphone scanning apps like TurboScan and CamScannner turn paper documents into digital files instantly.

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. As a nationally recognized media source, Andrea has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Keep pets safe our family pet can turn just about anything into a play or chew toy. Let’s make sure your animal friends don’t add household electrical devices to their toy chest.

A frisky dog or curious cat can cause an electrical hazard or fire in ways you may not have thought about. Birds, such as parrots, can use their beaks to rip electrical wires and components and create a danger to themselves and others.

Keep electrical cords away from puppies and kittens so they don’t chew on them and receive a severe shock. If you have difficulty getting your pet to stop chewing on the cord, you can wrap the cord in a thick plastic sleeve.

Make sure nightlights and appliances are completely plugged into wall outlets. Partially exposed prongs are a hazard for curious children, puppies and kittens.

Source: Safe Electricity

Y

May 2012

11

Purple Cane reminders abound in church, cemetery, & root beer

Grave markers for the Johnson children line up in a row in front of the family headstone.

by LaRayne Topp

n the fall of 1858, a man walked along a winding creek near what is now North Bend, Nebraska. Attracted to Nebraska Territory from Philadelphia, and especially to a southernmost corner where Nebraska would one day be carved from raw wilderness, the area beckoned to brave homesteaders looking to begin a new life.

The man had traveled by foot from Omaha, scouting out trees along the Elkhorn River, searching for just the right size ones to fell to build a home. Following the Maple Creek as it branched off from the river, when he arrived at a grove of hackberry trees, he saw in their tall, straight trunks the perfect wood to build a home. He burrowed into the side of the creek bank, where he spent the winter of 1858-59.

In the spring, wild raspberries sprouted along the banks of nearby Rawhide Creek. Their berries, sprouting from purple canes, fed wild birds, raccoons and deer, and also Edward Johnson.

Johnson’s brother, Michael, joined him in the spring and together they constructed a log house, becoming the first white settlers of the Purple Cane community. (The Bend by George McVicker) Small pockets of civilization soon named their various small settlements after familiar landmarks

I

12

known first to fur traders, early day missionaries and native Americans.

The Platte River bottom and Pleasant Valley settlements sprang up just up or down the road from the North Bend and Morse Bluff communities.

Eventually homesteads claimed land on both sides of road ditches sprouting purple cane. As Purple Cane settlers became more established they desired schools for their children and places to worship.

William Perrin, farmer and lay preacher, was one of the first traveling ministers to serve the Purple Cane congregation, one of “instigators� of Purple Cane Methodist

South of Purple Cane Cemetery, this monument marks the location of the Purple Cane Post Office, established in 1872. Engraving on the stone states that Major S.H. Long passed the spot on June 8, 1820, enroute to the Rocky Mountains.

Church, according to his greatgrandson Bill Perrin of Rogers.

In 1885, ground was broken for the foundation of the first church.

Some records say the church was founded by both Methodists and Presbyterian. They were to share the common building, but conflict arose when both faiths chose the same time to worship and the Presbyterians withdrew their support.

For the next eleven years, Methodists faithfully met at the little church, but on February of 1897 the caretaker went home after building fires and lighting the coal oil lamps before an evening of entertainment. Before he returned, one of the chandeliers had fallen to the floor, quickly engulfing the oil-spattered interior in fiery flames.

Neighbors were able to save a few of the furnishings and these were included in the new church, built over the charred ruins.

In the early 1900s, the church became a meeting place beyond Sunday mornings, with extensive renovation in 1926 and again in 1929. Young men batted a volleyball back and forth in the new gymnasium, and women gathered at the church as well, meeting to hear lessons offered through the county extension program. Because some of the women were eager to hear les-

Rural Electric Nebraskan

sons from Dodge County and others from Colfax County, the club eventually divided into West Purple Cane and East Purple Cane Extension clubs.

Due to declining enrollment, the last service was conducted at Purple Cane Church in 1964. For a few years, a number of neighborhood women kept the church clean and in good repair; however, after a Homecoming Memorial Service in 1970, the church was closed for good. The building and its contents were auctioned off later that year.

Just across the road, the first burial had been made in the Purple Cane Cemetery before the land was even surveyed. According to information from Purple Cane Cemetery Association records, early burials of the deceased were made near their family’s homes. But when Jennis McCarty died in 1874, John Ikenberry offered a small plot of land to Mr. McCarty to bury his wife, land which is now part of the Purple Cane Cemetery.

Eventually, the location came to be used as public burial grounds, and meetings were planned to begin a cemetery association. Fits of action followed by years of inactivity, organization and reorganization, resulted in today’s Purple Cane Cemetery Association, a board who maintains the grounds and record burials and expenses.

Bill Perrin is one of the board members. In his 70s, Perrin has

Aerial view of Purple Cane Church, parsonage and cemetery. The cemetery remains today, located west of Highway 79, north of North Bend.

Photo courtesy of Betty Marxsen.

May 2012

Betty Marxsen shows a bottle of Purple Cane Road Root Beer, the recipe originally concocted by a former Purple Cane resident George McVicker, now of West Des Moines, Iowa. Photographs by LaRayne Topp served on the board a long time.

“You don’t get off until you die,” he says.

Purple Cane Cemetery has an unusual layout, Perrin says. When the cemetery was plotted, lots were set in 27-foot squares with a 6-foot aisle around each and 12 graves in each lot. Those interested in a lot can purchase a lot, a half or a quarter of a lot; however, there are no full lots left to buy.

In old family lots, there’s room for graves sites, but no family left to sell it, Perrin says. “Once the cemetery is full of those generations of people, that will be it.”

Fellow board member, Jeff Mitties of rural North Bend, inherited his position on the board from his father. He says people who are buried in the cemetery have family ties to the Purple Cane area.

Sometimes the connection is puzzling because they moved out of the area years ago, their bodies or ashes brought back to be buried by grandparents.

“They’ve lived so many places, nowhere seems like home, so if they have ties here they’re buried at

Purple Cane,” Mitties says.

Betty Marxsen of North Bend keeps the burial records for the cemetery.. Her husband was buried at Purple Cane Cemetery in 1999, and Betty says, “Yup, I’ll be buried there too.”

Betty Marxsen had an agenda when she agreed to serve on the board. Nine children of a Johnson family were buried at the cemetery in the late 1800s. They were buried in a tight row at the cemetery, a number of them dying the same year they were born. Three of the stones had fallen over, the bases sinking into the ground. Marxsen wanted to be sure their gravestones were reset.

Resetting tipped stones, and other cemetery maintenance is the responsibility of the cemetery board, along with making sure the grounds are spruced up for Memorial Day, and hiring someone to mow and trim the grounds throughout the summer.

Perrin remembers well the days when neighbors spent a half a day each spring, cutting the knee-high grass, raking it and hauling it away.

At the end of the work, workers were treated to ice cream.

“That was your pay,” Perrin says.

Maybe it was the thought of ice cream and the perfect drink to pour over it that encouraged the development of Purple Cane Road Root Beer. The drink is brewed in Amana, Iowa, and transported by keg to LaVista, Nebraska, where it’s bottled and sold. The company’s current owners purchased the rights to the recipe from George McVicker of Des Moines, Iowa, a former Purple Cane resident.

McVicker, who grew up along Purple Cane Road, perfected the use of sassafras root as the brew’s primary ingredient. He also came up with the beverage’s name, a reminder of cool drinks and warm friendships, shared each year at the Purple Cane Methodist Church’s annual picnic. In its dark blue bottles, etched with an outline of the church, the rich flavor of Purple Cane lives on.

13

Guarding the

Honey Bee

hey’ve been around for millions of years and have been supplying honey for the human race since the Stone Age, but there is great concern that their benefits to the world will be diminished, if not lost. However, with a little help from homeowners and other concerned citizens there is hope for their future — and ours.

“They” are honey bees, those amazing and almost mythic creatures that possess a highly developed social structure and have helped sustain humankind and human society.

T

Once thought to be native to South Asia and the South East Asia subregion, more recent studies indicate honey bees may also be native to Africa and probably to all continents except North America. Cave paintings and drawings also indicate that early on, humans recognized the value of honey.

As humans learned to domesticate honey bees the art of beekeeping grew, and today honey bees provide us not just with honey, but also with beeswax, propolis (a bee glue used in cosmetics and health supplements) and pollination services.

Top: The deadly parasitic Varroa mite on the back of this honey bee is one of many pests the U.S. Department of Agriculture is trying to combat without harming the bee. Photograph by Scott Bauer/USDA Above: In general, honey bee health has been declining since the 1980s, with the introduction of new pathogens and pests. Photograph by Rob Flynn/USDA

14

Though several species of honey bees exist, only two have been domesticated (the Egyptians were among the first to do so), and only one species (Apis mellifera) is used extensively for domestic honey production and pollination.

An average well-managed domestic hive will contain some 50,000 bees (sometimes as high as 80,000) during the peak of the mid-summer season. Bees from that one hive can gather up to 80 pounds of pollen in a year, and produce well in excess of 100 pounds of honey annually.

Honey bee species generally visit flowers to collect pollen, their source of protein, and in the process they are responsible for an estimated 80 percent of all insect pollination. This service is valued in the billions of dollars, and without it many commercial and home-grown food crops would be greatly reduced.

In 2007 honey bees made the news because a disturbing number (30 to 70 percent) of North American European honey bee hives collapsed. This sudden and unprecedented decline was named colony collapse disorder (CCD). So far researchers have not found a specific cause of CCD, though many scientists suspect it is a syndrome caused by a combination of factors rather than a single pathogen or poison.

Included among those factors may be loss of habitat, changes in agricultural practices, new viruses and pathogens, extreme weather during the past decade which resulted in

Rural Electric Nebraskan

impaired protein (pollen) their yards and gardens production, and the possible and use less herbicides and synergistic effects of any pesticides that can affect combination of these facpollinators,” he continued. tors.

“It is not a good thing to A decline in beekeeping, treat our lawns to remove another contributing factor clovers and even dandelions to the decline in honey bee that provide nectar to bees. population, has been taking While it makes for a less place since the 1950s, perfect looking lawn, it is according to Tim Tucker, a more natural and beneficial member of the American to the bees.”

Beekeeping Federation’s According to Tucker, white Membership and Marketing clovers and native wild Committee and editor of flowers, trees and shrubs ABF’s E-Buzz newsletter. that provide lots of pollen “For many years the cause and nectar are wonderful of decline was economic in additions to yards and landnature and was tied to the scapes. Shrubs such as availability of other sweetspirea, currents, blackbereners on the market,” he ries, blueberries and even said. Access to inexpensive honeysuckle are great sugar and high fructose choices. Beneficial trees corn sugar (HFCS) changed include all fruit producing consumers’ habits, causing trees and ornamental trees many to stop using honey as such as Bradford pears and a home sweetener, he black locusts. explained.

Homeowners certainly “With relatively cheap can take up beekeeping sweetener prices, we no themselves.

Beekeeping Entomologist David Gilley is part of the team investigatlonger consume much honey courses are available in ing the usurpation of European honey bee colonies by on a per-person basis — less every state, often through swarms of Africanized honey bees. Because queenless than two pounds per year,” local beekeeping associacolonies are particularly susceptible to usurpation, the he said. “On the other hand, tions and Cooperative team maintains a group of queenless colonies to lure we consume more than 100 Extension programs. And if usurpation swarms into their apiary to be studied. Gilley pounds of refined sugars beekeeping is not feasible, is shown here requeening one of these "bait colonies." and HFCS per person and homeowners can still help Photograph by Scott Bauer/USDA some estimates are much by providing locations for years or so, many of the larger beehigher than that. beekeepers to place bees, especially keepers that are still in existence “This caused honey prices for on the outskirts of towns and suburwould likely have gone out of busimany years to stay so low as to ban environments but also in the ness as well,” Tucker added. make it difficult to make a living countryside, said Tucker.

Though current research indicates and many commercial beekeepers So what’s the course of action that the use of chemicals in home gave up their operations,” he added. should a swarm of honey bees show gardens and landscapes has not conCompounding that problem are up on its own? Because they can tributed to CCD, Tucker said homethe health issues of honey bees. “In pose a threat to people and animals, owners can still help protect these the last 20 years we have had two and because the swarm may be the amazing and economically impornew parasitic mites that have come more aggressive strain of tant creatures. into the country, and the varroa Africanized honey bees, Tucker sug“The main thing homeowners can mite vectors as many as 17 to 20 difgests calling a local beekeeper to do is provide plantings of beneficial ferent viruses that affect honey bee have them removed. flowers that bloom during the full health,” he continued. This has To learn more about honey bees season to provide nectar for honey increased the cost of keeping bees and beekeeping, visit the ABF site bees and all native pollinators,” he alive, resulting in some beekeepers at www.abfnet.org or contact a counsaid. giving up this important work for ty or regional Cooperative “The second thing that can be jobs in other fields.

Extension offices for sources of local done is to educate the public to “Without a corresponding rise in information and help. accept a lower level of perfection in pollinating fees over the past 15

May 2012

15

SAFETY BRIEFS

Even experienced professionals can have an accident ccidents can happen to anyone, even the most experienced professionals. Tom Dickey knows that all too well. It’s why he and Safe Electricity urge everyone to plan ahead before digging.

One day at the end of a major project, Tom’s client asked to have an additional section for conduit dug — after his safety gear had already gone back to the shop. Instead of saying he’d have to come back and do it the next day, he made a decision in favor of time and efficiency instead of safety and agreed to dig the 40-foot section.

This decision almost cost him his life. As an experienced professional he knew all of the correct procedures, but while kneeling on the ground, he made a small slip as he used a shovel to adjust the conduit’s path. As a result, he came into contact with 7200 volts from underground power lines. He survived, but he spent months in the hospital, endured multiple surgeries, and still lives with pain every day.

Tom and his family are working with Safe Electricity’s “Teach Learn Care TLC” campaign to share his

A

16

Working with Safe Electricity’s “Teach Learn Care TLC” campaign, Tom Dickey shares his story to help prevent accidents. Photograph provided

by Safe Electricity. message, “Please, safety first,” to help prevent others from having accidents with underground utilities. Tom’s story can be seen at SafeElectricity.org.

Tom stresses that even a homeowner who puts a shovel in the

ground risks his well-being and damage to underground utilities if he has not gotten utility lines marked. The first step in safe digging is to call 8-1-1, the national “Call Before You Dig” number, to have underground utility lines marked. The service is free and could prevent a tragedy.

“People have got to understand that when you deal with electricity and you do silly things, it changes your life. It changes the people’s lives around you,” says Tom. “I’m lucky to be alive. Please, safety first.”

“We commend Tom and his family for their willingness to share the lessons learned from their difficult experience in hopes of helping prevent tragic accidents with underground utilities,” says Molly Hall, executive director of the Safe Electricity program. “We encourage everyone to visit SafeElectricity.org to see the video of Tom’s story and learn all of the vital information both contractors and homeowners must know before starting any project that involves digging.”

For more information, visit SafeElectricity.org.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

First-ever Nebraska Lineworkers Rodeo to be held at 2012 State Fair he first-ever Nebraska Lineworkers Rodeo will be held Aug. 24 and 25, 2012, during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, Neb. For electric lineworkers statewide, it’s an opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge through events that simulate real-life situations and test their speed and accuracy.

For spectators, it’s an opportunity to see our lineworkers perform tasks they do on a daily basis so that we have power at the flip of a switch.

You’ll also see tasks they do only in emergency, rescue situations.

The opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Motor Sports Track with the competition set to start at 9:30 a.m.

STANDING UP

to the Competition

Other Features: 3RLQW *R -R\VWLFN RU 'XDO /HYHU 6WHHULQJ :HOGHG 6WHHO +HDY\ 'XW\ 'HFN $UWLFXODWLQJ )URQW 'HFN and many more!

T

What is the Lineworkers Rodeo?

A competitive event in which lineworkers from Nebraska’s municipal, public power and rural electric utilities demonstrate their skills, knowledge and teamwork while performing real-world line work procedures. Working safely as an individual and as a team is essential in a profession where serious injury or even death is a real possibility. Even though the competition simulates real-world procedures, all events are performed in a de-energized environment.

What’s involved in the competition?

• To encourage individual and team safety while displaying various job skills and procedures.

• To enhance the communication and safety of a working line team.

• To emphasize the need for learning correct and safe methods of performing certain procedures.

• To provide opportunities for all industry-related organizations to attend, participate and learn.

• To showcase the latest products and services used for electric line work.

Our Patented Stand-Up Deck makes under-deck maintenance EASY!

Visit Your Local Dealer At: Bancroft Mel’s Small Engine 402-648-3475

Lincoln Grass Kickers 402-601-5841

Benkelmen Owen’s Implement & Supply 308-423-2677

Minden Stadler Implement 308-382-1660

Omaha Little Engines 402-493-8717

Brunswick Kumm Gas Co., Inc 402-842-2655

North Bend Midwest Outdoor Power 402-652-3910

Red Cloud C & D Service Center Inc 402-746-3601

Tilden D & M Machinery 402-368-2112

Hebron Linton Small Engine 402-768-6597

Ogallala Rankin Sales 308-284-0840

Scribner White’s Service 402-664-2716

Walthill Walthill Service LLC 402-846-5450

Tecumseh Topp’s Small Engine 402-335-2379

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Clean A/C unit mean higher efficiency

by James Dulley

I want my old air conditioner to Q :run as efficiently as possible. If my cooling costs are still too high, I will think about replacing it. Other than a professional service call, what can I do to tune it up myself? : It is wise to make sure your

A existing central air conditioner is

running as efficiently as possible to reduce your electric bills. Because actual cooling costs depend upon weather conditions, they can vary significantly from year to year, making accurate comparisons difficult.

The easiest way to determine the savings from installing a new central air conditioner is to compare the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of your existing model to that of a new model. You can be pretty sure your existing unit is not operating more efficiently than when it was brand new, so the savings from this comparison will be on the conservative side.

There are additional savings from installing a more efficient model.

Electric utility companies have to provide enough electricity generation capacity to meet peak demand even though it is actually not needed often.

If peak electricity demand can be decreased by homes running newer higher-efficiency air conditioners, then fewer power plants will have to be built. The enormous cost of building a power plant is a factor in electric rates.

There are some things you can do yourself to keep your central air conditioner running as efficiently as possible. This does not preclude having regular professional service calls, though. Technicians have special equipment and pressure gauges to check the internal components of the system, which is impossible for a

18

homeowner to do on his or her own.

Regular service calls can also extend the life of a central air conditioner.

It helps to have an understanding of how an air conditioner works. It operates on a delicate balance of air flow rates over the indoor and outdoor coils and proper pressures of the refrigerant. The compressor compresses the refrigerant to make it

Clean leaves and other debris from the top of the central air conditioner or heat pump, even though many will blow away by themselves when the unit starts. Photograph by James Dulley very hot. This hot liquid is hotter than the outdoor air, so it loses heat to the outdoor air through the condenser coils.

The cooler refrigerant then goes through an evaporator, which makes it very cold. This is similar to how your skin cools off when perspiration evaporates. This cold refrigerant flows through the indoor coil. The blower moves indoor air over these cold coils, which cools your house air.

At the same time, water condenses on the cold coils so the indoor air is both cooled and dehumidified.

As you can see, getting adequate air flow through the outdoor condenser coils is important for efficiency so the refrigerant will be colder when it gets

indoors. It can really help efficiency to make sure weeds and shrubs have not grown too close to the outdoor unit and impede air flow. Also, don’t rest rakes or other items against it which may block air flow.

Switch off the circuit breaker to the unit and remove the outdoor cabinet.

Clean out any debris that has accumulated inside it, which may block the coils. You don’t have to make it spotless, though. If fins have been bent over in spots, try to straighten them out enough so more air gets through.

It is important that all the screws holding the cabinet sections together are tight when you reinstall the cabinet. Even if it is clean and you do not remove the cabinet, check all the screws. If they are loose, leaks will draw air in gaps instead of through the coils as designed.

Just as the proper amount of air flow is important through the outdoor coils, it is also important through the indoor coils. With the circuit breaker still switched off, remove the side cover on the indoor unit to expose the evaporator coils and the blower.

When you reinstall the cover, make sure to tighten the screws.

Quite a bit of dirt can accumulate on the indoor coils, blocking air flow and insulating them from the air.

Wipe the coils and then use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean them and the blower as well as possible.

Even though everyone has heard to change the blower filter regularly, most people don’t do it. At the beginning of the cooling season, change the filter whether you think it is dirty or not. A dirty filter increases air flow resistance, which reduces efficiency.

Check the joints in the ducts for any air leaks. Seal them with aluminum tape or black Gorilla duct tape.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Rural Electric Nebraskan, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

Farm Tours

Follow these tips to install insulation safely hen tackling home insulation installation on your own, safety should be top of mind. Follow these tips from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association on safe insulation installation practices.

Wear appropriate clothing. To reduce the chances of skin irritation, wear a head cover, gloves, and loosefitting, long-sleeved, long-legged clothing.

Wear proper personal protective equipment. Safety glasses and respiratory protection may be necessary, depending on your work environment.

The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Association offers guidelines in its Respiratory Protection Standard that may be helpful.

If insulation fibers collect on your skin, don’t rub and scratch or remove with compressed air. Instead, lay tape, adhesive-side down, and then remove it gently, so the fibers are pulled from the skin. If fibers get in your eyes, never rub — flush with water or eyewash solution. Contact a doctor if you have continued irritation.

Keep dust to a minimum. Leave the materials in packaging for as long as possible. Use tools that create the least amount of dust; power tools should have dust-collection devices.

Put scrap materials in the trash and don’t let equipment wander too far from the work site.

Maintain adequate ventilation.

Determine whether your work site needs a dust-collection system. Also, exhausted air containing fibers should be filtered before being recirculated into inside workspaces.

Finally, ventilation systems used to capture fibers should be regularly checked.

Source: North American Insulation Manufacturers Association

W

1SF "TTFNCMFE *OTUBMMT JO .JOVUFT

$BT$BEF

&M * FHBO N D

'MPBUJOH 10/% '06/5"*/ 8BUFS QSPWF F 2 V E BJMJ "FSBUPS UZ .431 :PV 1BZ $PNQMFUF XJUI MJHIU UJNFS GU QPXFS DPSE ZS XBSSBOUZ

$BMM EBZT XFFL

'"45 614 TIJQQJOH SJHIU UP ZPVS EPPS XXX mTIQPOEBFSBUPS DPN

4 Islands - 15 Days Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii ‌ Call today and make your reservations!

$

from

2098*

PP

Includes inter-island airfare and taxes

Departs January 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2013.

Includes inter-island airfare. Escort on each island. Staying in Oahu, Hawaii (Kona & Hilo), Maui and Kauai. Sightseeing includes Honolulu City tour with Pearl Harbor, Volcanoes National Park, Kona Coffee Plantation tour, orchid nursery, Macadamian nut factory tour, Wailua Riverboat Cruise, Fern Grotto, Steel Grass Farm tour, Maui Gold Pineapple plantation tour and much more! *Price includes taxes and services. Call for low-cost airfare.

3 Ways to Get Your FREE 116 Page Catalog! ,OG /N WWW WARDCRAFT COM % MAIL HOMES WARDCRAFT COM #ALL 7!2$#2!&4 !FTER lLLING OUT INFO ON LINE YOU CAN VIEW OUR ON LINE CATALOG

SAVE THOUSANDS Ask your authorized local Wardcraft builder for details on our Spring promotion.

He got a new tractor, it’s time for YOU to enjoy all the perks of a new energy efficient home, new kitchen, modern bathroom, energy efficient appliances with all the standards he’ll love like 2x6 construction, blown insulation with R-23 walls and much more. Happy wife, happy life! Our catalog includes 42 pages of options, 70 cabinets, 68 doors, 73 floorplans, photo gallery and our ultra efficient option!

Atlanta 1,568 sq ft

Stoneham 2,132 sq ft

Pinebrook 1,568 sq ft

Cottonwood 2,766 sq ft

% TH -INDEN .% s -APLE #LAY #ENTER +3 s (WY &T -ORGAN #/ )NVENTORY (OMES 2EADY IN .% )N +ANSAS 1,334 sq ft Applewood 3BR, 2B 1,568 sq ft Brentwood 3BR, 2B 1,860 sq ft Hanover II 3 BR, 2B 1,512 sq ft Ellinwood 3BR, 2B

1,344 sq ft Applewood 3BR, 2B 1,624 sq ft Pinebrook II II 3BR, 2B

DOWN HOME

RECIPES

Dill Chicken 8-10 chicken pieces, skinned 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup, undiluted 1 envelope dry onion soup mix 1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh dill, or 1 teaspoon dill weed 1 can sliced mushrooms, drained Paprika, optional

Place chicken in a single layer in 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle with pepper.

Combine all ingredients, except paprika. Pour and spread over chicken.

Sprinkle with paprika. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until tender. Serve with noodles or whole small potatoes that are baked with the chicken.

Marlene Fujan, Prague, Nebraska

Lemon Bars

Tex-Mex Cheese Fondue with Turkey 1/2 Pound Swiss cheese, grated 1/2 Pound Monterey Jack cheese, grated 2 Tablespoons flour 1 Clove garlic, peeled and cut in half 1-1/4 Cups light Mexican beer 1/4 Cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 Medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped 1/2 Pound Turkey Ham, cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1/2 Pound Turkey Kielbasa or Smoked Turkey Sausage, cut into 1/2inch slices As needed assorted vegetables, cut in cubes In medium-size bowl, combine Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses and flour.

In bottom and sides of fondue pot or 2-quart saucepan, rub garlic; discard remaining garlic. Add beer, cilantro and jalapeno pepper. Over mediumhigh heat, cook mixture until it begins to bubble. Reduce heat to medium and gradually add cheese mixture, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.

Makes approximately 3 cups.

Place fondue pot over sterno and serve with turkey ham, turkey kielbasa and assorted vegetables as dippers.

Recipe provided by the National Turkey Federation 20

1 box Angel Food cake 1 can lemon pie filling Empty pie filling in a bowl. Fold in dry cake mix. Pour in a 9 x 13 pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar.

Evera Kreitman, Bassett, Nebraska

No Bake Corn Chex Bars 3 cups corn chex cereal 2 1/2 cups thin pretzels, break up into small pieces 1 1/2 cups plain M&Ms 1 cup peanuts Combine all above ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.

1/2 cup margarine 5 cups miniature marshmallows 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter Melt oleo and peanut butter together over low heat. Add marshmallows.

Stir until melted and smooth. Pour over cereal mixture. Mix. Press lightly into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Cool. Cut into bars.

Trudy Rief, West Point, Nebraska

The Rural Electric Nebraskan will pay $25 to any reader who submits a recipe which is selected for publication in the magazine.

Be sure to include a mailing address for payment purposes and a phone number in case we need to contact you.

Recipes will not be returned and not all recipes will be used. Recipes should be submitted in typewritten or printed form.

Send recipes to the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, Rural Electric Nebraskan Recipes, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Rural Electric Nebraskan

MAY-1: WidWF, Northeast Nebraska, looking for a NS guy 6874 who is active, lies to dance, travel, camp, laugh & have fun. Tell me about yourself. Please send picture & I will also.

MAY -2: SWM, 80, from western Nebraska looking for a nice companion to share country home by the hills. Love the outdoors, travel, going to auctions. I am honest and caring. Looking for someone with similar interest. Photo and phone number appreciated.

To appear in print The Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service is exclusively for member-readers ages 18 and over.

To be considered for use, submissions must: (1) Identify rural electric system providing magazine; (2) Include $6 to cover mail forwarding costs; (3) Be 25 words or fewer; (4) Include full name and mailing address (will not be used in magazine); and (5) Be first person, submitted directly by person to receive responses. Acceptance, editing and issue scheduling is at editor’s discretion.

Address all submissions to Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501. All responses received by the Adult Pen Pal Service are routed directly, postage paid, to the response number assigned to each submission.

would like a friendly relationship.

MAY -6: SWM, NS, 32, from east central Nebraska, hardworking, fun loving country guy that loves anything outdoors. Looking for that special gal 28-35, loves kids, animals and the outdoors as much as I do.

Please send photo & phone number.

MAY -3: DWM, 70, NS from south central Nebraska. Physically fit and athletic. Fun, outdoor type with a wide variety of interests. Honest and sincere looking for companionship. You won’t be disappointed!

MAY -4: SWF, NS, 5’9”, 27, hard working gal who enjoys country life, fishing, demos, fairs, cooking, movies, gardening, family and friends, and cuddling. Looking for someone 27-35 with the same interests. Please send info and phone number, photo optional.

MAY -5: WidWF, 75 looking for a WM, 75-80 who is lonesome and

To write To respond to one of the adult pen pal requests, write letter, place in envelope, seal and affix first class postage. Address to full, correct response #, c/o Rural Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Your letter will be forwarded unopened. Do not send money or additional postage; forwarding is prepaid. Enclose your full mailing address for return correspondence.

Once again . . . it is very important that all responses carry the full response number—both month and number—to be properly forwarded.

For a FREE color brochure send the ad coupon or call toll free 800-658-7076 or fax 507-462-3211. www.nordaashomes.com P.O. Box 116, Minnesota Lake, MN 56068-0116

Abbreviation Code C — Christian; C/W — Country-western; D — Divorced; F — Female; M — Male; NS — Non-Smoker; ND — Non-Drinker; R&R — Rock and roll; S — Single; W — White; Wid — Widowed

May 2012

REC

21

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

TOPLINE STEEL BUILDINGS

Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings.

SAVE THOUSANDS o n Fac tor y Direc t Pric ing! !!

Ask about our Outstanding Warranties.

1-800-369-3882 ll Ca ree F l Tol

Siz Othe es A r vail abl e

Farm • Industrial • Commercial 25 Year Warranty on Roof & Walls; Prices F.O.B. Mfg. Plants; Seal Stamped Blue Prints; Easy Bolt Together Design.

MID-AMERICA

30’ x 50’ x 10’........$8,995 40’ x 60’ x 12’........$12,875 60’ x 100’ x 12’......$24,395 80’ x 100’ x 14’......$34,495 100’ x 150’ x 14’....$61,495

Pole Barn Co. 30 x 50 x 10 Galvalume

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

Price includes material, delivery, construction, factory trusses, screws Open M - F 8 to 5

www.toplinebuildings.com

PRICES INCLUDE COLOR SIDES & GALVALUME ROOF

Arena Special (roof & frame) 100’ x 100’ x 14’...$38,625 (Local codes may affect prices)

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

F a x : 9 4 0 - 4 8 4 - 6 7 4 6 e m a i l : info@rhinobldg.com Website: http://www.RHINOBLDG.COM

1-866-456-0959

Toll Free

Nebraska ___

Rural Radio Foundation

KRVN KNEB KTIC _________

1-888-320-7466

Another way... to serve Nebraska agriculture!

The Nebraska Rural Radio Foundation wants your support as we continue our work sharing the story of agriculture by offering scholarships and grants!

Giving Opportunities include: Endowments Life Insurance Gifts Bequests

For more information call KRVN at 308-324-2391

www.nrrfoundation.com 22

Rural Electric Nebraskan

The invention of the year NEW is great news for your ears

Now wit h more power a nd clarit y!

Perfect Choice HD™ is easy to use, hard to see and costs far less than hearing aids… it’s like reading glasses for your ears™!

New Personal Sound Amplification Product is an affordable alternative

“Reading glasses for your ears”

thanks to the efforts of the doctor who leads a renowned hearing institute, there is Perfect Choice HD. It’s designed to accurately amplify sounds and deliver them to your ear. Because we’ve developed an efficient production process, we can make a great product at an affordable price. The unit has been designed to have an easily accessible battery, but it is small and lightweight enough to hide behind your ear… only you’ll know you have it on. It’s comfortable and won’t make you feel like you have

Perfect Choice HD is NOT a hearing aid. Hearing aids can only be sold by an audiologist. In Perfect Choice HD vs Traditional Hearing Aids Perfect Choice HD Traditional Hearing Aids order to get a Lightweight and hearing aid, you Inconspicuous Some YES had to go to the Easy Toggle Few YES doctor’s office for a Switch Adjustment Intelligent Setting Few YES battery of tests and Memory Tests and Fittings numerous fitting Yes NO Required a p p o i n t m e n t s . Affordable as much as $5000 YES Once they had you Friendly Return rarely YES tested and fitted, Policy you would have to pay as much something stuck in your ear. It as $5000 for the product. Now, provides high quality audio so sounds and conversations will be Are you or easier to hear and understand.

a loved one frustrated in these situations?

• Restaurants • Dinner parties • Outdoor conversations • Lectures • Sermons • Meetings …and other times where you need to turn up the volume

Try it for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Some people need hearing aids but many just need the extra boost in volume that a PSAP gives them. We want you to be happy with Perfect Choice HD, so we are offering to let you try it for yourself. If you are not totally

Affordable, Simple to use, Virtually impossible to see satisfied with this product, simply return it within 60 days for a refund of the full product purchase price.

Don’t wait… don’t miss out on another conversation… call now!

Call now for the lowest price ever.

Please mention promotional code

44116.

1-888-741-0235 Perfect Choice HD is not a hearing aid.

If you believe you need a hearing aid, please consult a physician.

80326

Over the years, technology has made the way we live easier, safer and more convenient. In many cases, it’s even made many products more affordable… (remember how much the first VCRs used to cost?). Unfortunately, the cost of hearing aids never seemed to come down. Now, a new alternative has been invented… it’s called Perfect Choice HD™.

BUY ONE...GET ONE FREE!

*

Box of checks

Box of checks

FREE standard shipping • FREE choice of lettering • FREE check register

OVER 250 EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS AVAILABLE! Call 1-800-323-8104 Save up to

50% off bank check prices!

Stationery Available

Stationery Available

Grandkids Rule! w/verse “I’d rather be with my grandkids.” - 00437 Leather Cover and Labels - 00437

Cowboy Round Up - 00380 Leather Cover and Labels - 00380

Farmall - 00328 Leather Cover and Labels - 00328

Stationery Available

Stationery Available

Shining Stars - 00201 Leather Cover and Labels - 00201

John Deere Vintage 00005 Leather Cover - 00397 Labels - 00005

Stationery Available

Spirit of the Wilderness - 00024 Leather Cover and Labels - 00024

Live, Laugh, Love, Learn w/verse “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” - 00332 Leather Cover and Labels - 00332

Jesus, Light of the World - 00018 Leather Cover and Labels - 00018

Stationery Available

Stationery Available

Stationery Available

Angel Kisses - 00019 Leather Cover and Labels - 00019

Mickey Loves Minnie - 00422 Leather Cover and Labels - 00422

Cowboy Boots - 00434 Leather Cover and Labels - 00434

Stationery Available

God Bless America 00006 Leather Cover and Labels - 00006

America’s National Parks - 00055 Leather Cover - 00151 Labels - 00055

Challis & Roos Awesome Owls - 00337 Leather Cover and Labels - 00337

Tinkerbell & Friends - 00482 Leather Cover and Labels - 00482

New Day w/verse Lightning Strikes 00178 Leather Cover and Labels - 00178 “Each day brings hope!” - 00447 Leather Cover and Labels - 00447

John Wayne: An American Legend - 00204 Leather Cover and Labels - 00204

Stationery Available

Stationery Available

Pooh and Friends 00481 Leather Cover and Labels - 00481 ©Disney

Butterfly Bliss - 00445 Leather Cover and Labels - 00445 Stationery Available

Stationery Available

Challis & Roos Blooming Gardens - 00461 Leather Cover and Labels - 00461 Stationery Available

Additional Breeds Available.

Call or see our website for your favorite dog breed!

Stationery Available

Sunflowers - 00334 Leather Cover and Labels - 00334

Footprints in the Sand 00008 Leather Cover and Labels - 00008

Thomas Kinkade’s Faith for All Seasons w/verse “Believe all things are possible with God” - 00105 Leather Cover and Labels - 00105

Your Information

Froggy Fun - 00164 Leather Cover and Labels - 00164

Tropical Paradise 00052 Leather Cover and Labels - 00052

Stationery Available

LIMITED-TIME OFFER FOR NEW CUSTOMERS 9 3 0 5 N . M i l w a u k e e Av e . N i l e s , I L 6 0 7 1 4

J Day J Evening

Nostalgic Fighter Planes - 00505 Leather Cover and Labels - 00505

Stationery Available

Hawaiian Sunsets 00181 Leather Cover and Labels - 00181 Faithful Friends - Shih Tzu w/verse “You look at me with eyes of love” - 00286 One image.

Leather Cover and Labels - 00286

Stationery Available

Check Options Check the items you wish to order and enter the price in the spaces provided.

Only ONE check design per order.

DUPLICATE TOP TEAR CHECKS

SINGLE TOP TEAR CHECKS

1 Box $6.99 2 Boxes $13.98 4 Boxes $27.96

1 Box $8.49 2 Boxes $16.98 4 Boxes $33.96

$6.99 $13.98 2nd & 4th box FREE

Check Design

On the Wings of Hope 00384 One image. Leather Cover and Labels - 00384 A portion of the proceeds will be donated to fight breast cancer.

$8.49 $16.98 2nd & 4th box FREE

Start Checks at #

Olde CORDIAL GRAND Script English

Call Toll-Free

FREE $

(If name and address other than checks, please enclose separate paper)

Singles (100) add $5.99 Triplicates (40) add $4.99

$

3.

1. Payment Check or money order (no cash please) 2. Voided Check with changes noted OR Reorder Form 3. Deposit Slip from same account Mail to address at top of coupon Required

Make Your Checks Even More Secure with EZShield®!

$

EZShield Check Fraud Protection Program® (Patent Pending): Help guard your checks from fraudulent uses of up to $25,000 for only $2.45 per box. See order form. To learn more, visit www.bradford.ezshield.com.

EZSHIELD CHECK FRAUD PROTECTION $ $2.45 x # of Boxes = PROGRAM® Includes FREE IN-PLANT RUSH

(045)

(4-9 bus. days) Check boxes shipped together.

J IN-PLANT RUSH (checks only)

PLEASE MATCH # OF BOXES IN STEP 2**

Saves 1-3 Days (070) $4.95

Checks Only

Offer Code: 20794XFH

NO CHARGE

SUBTOTAL $ $

Add sales tax for shipment to Illinois (9.25%)

TOTAL:

$

Winter Calm - 00017 Leather Cover and Labels - 00017

www.bradfordexchange.com/stationery g y

Feel Secure with

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit MLB.com Bradford/MLBP2011 JOHN WAYNE & DUKE are the exclusive trademark property of Wayne Enterprises. The John Wayne name, likeness, signature and all other related indicia are the intellectual property of Wayne Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. www.johnwayne.com ©Sandra Kuck ©2008 CNH America LLC ©John Deere Licensed Product. ©Thomas Kinkade, The Thomas Kinkade Co., Morgan Hill, CA. ©Challis & Roos ©Disney ©Susan Winget Each check features 4 different images. *Offer valid on Top Tear checks only. Prices and offers subject to change. ©2012 Bradford Exchange Checks 18-00035-001-BI125

Blue Safety - 00027 One image.

Leather Cover and Labels - 00155

NEW! Personalized Stationery!!

• Trackable to you • Guaranteed delivery • All check boxes ship together...SECURELY Includes FREE IN-PLANT RUSH • It’s FASTER

$ $

J Untrackable delivery: Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. All items shipped separately. Delivery to Alaska and Hawaii may take longer.

Stationery Available

MAIL — Send completed Order Form Also include:

$

1 Box $6.95 2 Box $7.95 4 Box $10.95

Scroll - 00044 One image. Burgundy Leather Cover 00030-004 Labels - 00032-008

Over 250 Designs Online

Shipping & Handling REQUIRED SERVICE/HANDLING $2.95 x # of Boxes/Items=

Mention offer code to receive this special offer.

St. Louis Cardinals Major League Baseball - 00149 Leather Cover and Labels - 00149 See our website for more teams!

2-box minimum and processing fee apply. Se habla Español.

Call for Signature Required Delivery option.

www.BradfordExchangeChecks.com

Non-Zip Black (00030-002) Non-Zip Burgundy (00030-004) add $14.99

Matching Labels Code No. ______________add $9.95

Phone Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00 am to 8:00 pm (CST) Sat/Sun 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (CST)

Stationery Available

Stripes - 00414 Leather Cover and Labels - 00414

2. INTERNET — SAFE SECURE SITE

Matching Cover Code No. __________add $19.99 Zippered Black (00031-002) Zippered Cognac (00031-003) Zippered Pink (00031-005)

Lena Liu’s Morning Serenade - 00029 Leather Cover and Labels - 00029

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER 1. PHONE 1-800-323-8104

$

Enter Check price from chart above Distinctive Lettering $2.50 each

Lena Liu’s Floral Borders - 00088 w/optional verse “Lord bless and keep you.” - 00117 Leather Cover and Labels - 00088

Side Tear, Top Stub & Desk Sets Now Available.

Order by phone or web today! *

*If no check start number is specified, 1001 will be used.

EXTRA Deposit Tickets (154)

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a national no-kill animal shelter.

Please respond promptly!

Moments of Majesty 00001 Leather Cover and Labels - 00001

NAME ( ) PHONE E-MAIL ADDRESS

Rescued Is My Breed of Choice - 00379 Leather Cover and Labels - 00379

More products M d t andd designs available online!