VOL. 20 NO. 7 PUBLISHED FOR THE MEMBERS OF NORTH ITASCA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE JULY 2017

page 4 page 5pages 8

• inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • North Itasca Electric Co-op

HOURS7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Annual meeting photos Rodeo DazeLoad Management

The North Itasca Electric Coop-erative 2017 annual meeting was held at Northome School on Saturday, June 10.

Members were able to enjoy a breakfast catered by Teener Swang and served by the line crew and Future Farmers of America students from Deer River High School. There were activities for the whole family, includ-ing rides in a bucket truck, blood pres-sure checks by Pat Hill of the Squaw Lake First Responders, and interac-tive displays on electrical safety and lighting options.

Those who tried out the GRE en-ergy bike were able to actually feel the difference in energy use between incandescent, LED and CFL bulbs. Attached to a generator, pedaling the bike would light up one to four of

each kind of bulb. A slow pedal would light up four LED bulbs, but a fast pedal might only light one of the in-candescent.

Before the meeting, members were entertained by the Grand Rapids Area Male Chorus.

The meeting was brought to order by Larry Salmela, board president who introduced guests, and the Ear-lybird and boy and girl bike drawing winners. After a final call for ballots, the polls closed for voting for direc-tors for Districts 4,5 and 6, and the canvassing board adjourned to count the ballots. Annual to p.7>

by Sally SedgwickFind a tree that can grow in a variety

of soils – even in an acidic soil with a pH 5 or a coal reclamation site. Find it in cities or woodlands, and from Florida to North Dakota.

You’ve found the American elm. But in 1930, the American elm met its

match. The Dutch Elm Disease (DED) fungus arrived in this country, and by 1976 less than half of the American elm that lined urban streets remained.

The Chippewa National Forest (CNF) did not escape the disease. Few American elm remain today on the Forest, and when they disappeared, their place was taken by the ash tree. Now the ash is threatened by the emerald ash borer, and the clock is ticking as the bug

draws closer. It’s doubly important to bring

back the elm now, explained Chad Kirscbaum, ranger from the Deer River Ranger District. “As forest managers,” he said, “we’re always looking to the future.” More diversity means the Forest is more resilient to climate change and disease.

There’s more. If the ash died off without a comparable replacement, it could affect the entire forest ecology. The elm, like the ash, helps to stabilize water table levels by drawing out groundwater – a change in water table levels could change the forest species

Bringing back the American Elm

2017 Annual Meeting

Elm to p. 5>

(l to r) Elm research plot on Co. Rd. 29; Travis K. Jones checks a tree tag.

by Sally SedgwickIt’s a small village tucked away

in the woods 8 miles south of Bigfork on Scenic Highway 7.

There’s a Hen House, a Bird House, a Garden House and two displays tucked under cupolas rescued from the old Aurora School. There is “rusty art” - vintage farm equipment that support displays of garden items and many varieties of hosta for sale.

Called the Hen House, the unusual venue for an antique/gift shop is the inspiration of Kim Breiwick and her husband Tom. The Hen House was originally a bunkhouse built by Tom Hen House to p.10>

Hen House and Piccadilly:antiques, garden & gifts

Kim Breiwick holds a Fire King bowl with a Pennsylvania hex pattern at the Piccadilly

for his children. The Garden House was once a stable.

Repurposed and filled with collectibles and gifts around a central

Festival, rodeo, Expo in JulyThere are lots of area events in July!

All events will be held rain or shine.Bigfork Valley Health ExpoSaturday, July 15, 1-4 p.m.

The Health Expo includes activities, displays, workshops and healthy living resources for all ages plus the famous root beer floats. Northern Orthotics and

Prosthetics will be awarding a kayak to a lucky winner! There will be a Pickle-ball demonstration all afternoon with a chance to try it out. Come see the North Memorial Air Ambulance (weather and emergencies permitting) and oper-ate and/or recharge a fire extinguisher.

Events to p. 14>

page 2 July 2017

WATTS NEWS is published monthly by:North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.301 Main AvenueP.O. Box 227Bigfork, MN 56628

Subscriptions for Members are included as part of the annual membership dues. $8.00 per year or partial year for non-members, billed and payable in January for the following year.

Second class postage paid at Bigfork, MN 56680. USPS 016-849 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to WATTS NEWS, North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 227, Bigfork, MN 56628-0227

Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-FridayTelephone: (218) 743-3131

After hours (to report power outages): (218) 743-3131 or (800) 762-4048

Web site: www.NorthItascaElectric.com

Chief Executive Officer: Chris Corradi WATTS NEWS Editor: Sally SedgwickSend all calendar items, recipes, adver-tisements and other correspondence for WATTS NEWS to the Editor at: P.O. Box 243, Bigfork, MN 56628

WATTS NEWSNorth Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Board of DirectorsChairman: Larry Salmela, District 3Vice-Chairman: Terry Schmitz, District 8Secretary: Lloyd Kongsjord, District 5Treasurer: Roy Bain, District 9 Rep. to GRE Board: Bruce Leino, District 7

James White, District 1 James Cox, District 4 Wes Waller, District 2 Walter Breeze, District 6

Board Meeting HighlightsThese are the highlights from the board of directors’ May 25,

2017 meeting. All board members, general counsel and management staff were in attendance.

In addition to routine motions, agenda, minutes, the board voted to approve a special meeting on June 9, 2017. Excerpt from that meeting is below.

Staff reports included the financials, Capital Credits, Audit, Financial Operations Report, sales tax update, software conversion update and Mother’s Day sale.

Also, load management report, Bigfork Valley Community Foundation fundraiser and member service discussions. Line department reports, updates on new services, Squaw Lake clearing, safety and outage report and upcoming projects.

The CEO search was discussed, as well as the April operating report and the statement of operations and legal counsel gave his update.

Reports from meetings; GRE board report and MREA board report.

Detailed minutes are available at the cooperative for member review.

Regular board meetings are generally held the fourth Thursday of every month. If you wish to speak with the board, or have an item that you would like to have placed on the agenda, please contact Interim CEO Dan Hoskins at least two weeks in advance to be included on the agenda.Special board meeting - June 9, 2017

June 9, 2017 special board of directors meeting included all directors present along with NIEC general counsel, Interim CEO and Staff members.

Board approved Resolutions for CFC, RUS and Co-Bank. Also approved travel for employee to NRECA conference. Approved the Integrity fund participation through CFC and progress on the audit and the RUS form 7.

Visitors were from the Pemberton Law firm of Fergus Falls, Minn.

Vision - To be a progressive, safe and reliable cooperative trusted by our members.

Mission - Delivering value to our members and communities by providing safe, reliable and progressive energy and other services.

Values - North Itasca Electric Cooperative values honesty, integrity and high ethical standards. We are accountable to our members and committed to our communities.

CEO Report Howdy,

I hope all of you had a pretty good spring and are looking forward to summer which, I might add, began the 21st of June. Now with that said, summer as you all know is not only a time for picnics, camping, boating, fishing, golfing, cook-outs and whatever else you would like to do, but it’s also the time Mother Nature raises her head a bit as well. Actually, she sometimes really raises a fuss and creates all kinds of havoc for our electrical system, causing additional work and danger for our line crews.

Last year alone, we had numerous outages created by Mother Nature and when that happens, all sorts of stuff cause you and your Cooperative lots of money!! She may throw a bunch of lightning bolts around and eventually, one or more of them will strike some part of our system and that type of electricity is way more powerful than what we send up and down our lines. So, when her little electric spark hits one of our poles, it will create a blink in the lights, or even worse, knock the power out and damage our equipment or lines.

Or she will hold her breath until she turns dark blue and then she exhales! You obviously know what happens when she exhales after holding her breath. And with as many trees on our system as we have, she is just trying to see how many she can blow down, kinda like she is practicing blowing out candles on a birthday cake. But anyway, those straight-line winds find all the weak trees and limbs along our power lines and when they fall, very seldom do they fall away from our lines.Nope, usually they are smack dab right on target and out goes the power and damages our equipment and/or lines.

Then the worst-case scenario and this is when she is really PO’ed at Old Man Winter! She gets really hot and humid, and she is so mad she is steaming and about to explode. Her color is dark gray, dark blue, purple, sometimes it even looks black out, and she has such a buildup of emotions that she just goes in circles and the madder she gets, the faster she spins until eventually she creates a funnel of activity, and when that hits our system, there isn’t much left in her path of furry. Then, out goes the power and this also damages our equipment and/or lines.

So, when Mother hits our system and creates problems for us, that’s when our crews go to work. The outage cause is unknown to our linemen.All they know is that one or many of our member-owners are without electricity and their job is to restore the power. Safety is always the first thing on their minds and continuously on their minds as they travel to the area of the outage and work the outage. It could be a broken pole, tree on the line, broken insulator...well, it could be about anything. But their thoughts and visions are to repair and restore and do it Safe!!

So this summer when you are enjoying your activity, whatever that may be, and you see Mother coming to ruin your party, remember a few tips if she leaves you in the dark. Have your emergency lights (flashlights, candles, etc.) ready and call the North Itasca Electric Cooperative phone number, (218) 743-3131 or (800) 762-4048.You will either get our office staff during working hours or our afterhours answering service for emergencies, and then give them as much detail as they ask of you. And then rest assured; the Linemen are on their way!!

God Bless you, our Linemen and our Troops,Dan

NorthItascaElectric.compay a bill - download a form

see your statementfind out about programs

Dan Hoskins, Interim CEO

July 2017 page 3

Electrical Inspections Except for minor repair work, all electrical work

you do at your home, cabin, or property is required to be inspected by a State Electrical Inspector.

A rough-in inspection must be made before any wiring is covered. A final inspection is also required. Please visit www.electricity.state.mn.us for more information. The inspectors can be reached weekday mornings between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.▪ Itasca County - Steve Bartlett (218) 591-1616▪ Koochiching County - Curt Collier (218) 966-

5070▪ Beltrami, Clearwater counties - Davis Smid (507)

227-2772

~July Calendar~JUNE29-Jul 29 Edge Center Gallery, Bigfork hosts the 13th Annual Juried Exhibition. Awards Reception June

30, 5-7 p.m. Vote for People’s Choice Jun 29-30. Edge Gallery is open Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.JULY4 Independence Day. North Itasca Electric headquarter offices CLOSED.6 Storytelling at Marcell Town Hall building, 6:30 p.m. Subject: “How has modern electronics

affected our lives?”Coffee and treats served, everyone welcome.7-9 Deer River Lions host the 69th Annual Wild Rice Festival. July 7: Pow Wow, live music by The

Great Outdoors; July 8: Wild Rice Run, medallion hunt, bike rodeo, fireworks, live music with the Dweebs; July 9: parade 1 p.m., kiddie tractor pull, Lee Roy Parnell. Seewildricefestival.com

8 Riley’s 11th annual Pig-Eye Memorial Scramble, 9 a.m. Blueberry Hills Golf Course. Teams up to 5 person, $30/person. Call Jon, (218) 832-3656.

8 Evergreen Friendship Club meets at Sand Lake Community Center, 5 p.m. 10 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat Sievertson at 659-

2157 or Marlys Maki at 659-2901.10 Deer River ISD 317 School Board, DRHS Media Center, 6 p.m. Public forum 5:45.10 Blackduck ISD 32 School Board meets, Media Center, 7 p.m.10 ISD 318 School Board, Bigfork School by telepresence, 7 p.m. Public forum, 6:30 p.m.10 VFW meets in Bigfork second Monday at 7 p.m. 11 Stop and Stitch at Marcell Family Center, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring $1, sack lunch and a project to

work on. Come and go. Contact Rhonda 259-9220 or Judy 832-3237.11 Mizpah City Council meets in Mizpah Community Center, 7 p.m.12 ISD 363 South Koochiching-Rainy River School Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Northome ITV studio by

telepresence.12 Bigfork Lions Club meets second Wednesday, 6 p.m. at Golf on the Edge.14-16 Edge Theater presents “Shrek, Jr.” by Stages Theatre of Hopkins, 7 p.,. Fri., Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun.

Tickets $12 adults, $5 children. 15 2017 Health Expo at Bigfork Valley, 1-4 p.m. Resources, workshops, helicopter visit (weather and

emergencies permitting), famous root beer floats. Northern Orthotics will award a kayak to a lucky winner!

17 North Country Gardeners garden tour and potluck at the Hillstroms on Turtle Lake. More info, call Jane at 743-3658

15-16 Northwoods Saddle Club hosts a WSCA Horse Show at the Itasca County Fairgrounds. More information at northwoodssaddleclubinc.com

19 30th Annual Salad Luncheon at Jesse Lake Lutheran Church, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free will offering. Raffle, new cookbook, half of proceeds to church bell tower.

19 Annual meeting of Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations (ICOLA) at Marcell Town Hall, 5:30 potluck, 6 p.m. meeting. Open to everyone interested in lakes and aquatic invasive species.

20-21 2017 Member Tour to Elk River/Maple Grove Member Tour24 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat Sievertson at 659-

2157 or Marlys Maki at 659-2901.24 Memorial Blood Centers Bloodmobile comes to Bigfork Valley, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Schedule online at

mbc.org or call Amy at 743-6448.25 Northwoods Quilters, Marcell Town Hall, 9 a.m. Lots of show and tell, potluck at 11:30 a.m. Bring

a coffee cup and dish to share or bag lunch. Lesson: Woolen pins by Annie and Ruth Ann, Star of the Month by Diane. Everyone welcome.

26 Deadline for registering for the Marcell Family Center Valley Fair trip on Aug. 3. Ages 7 and up..28-30 62nd North Star Stampede at the rodeo grounds north of Effie. 5 pm. Fri.; 2 p.m. Sat., Sun.

Rodeo clown this year Hollywood Harris from Micanopy, Fla. 28 Deadline for registering for Marcell Family Center Twins vs. Cleveland Indians game on Aug. 1729 Rodeo Daze in Effie. Vendors, games. food all day; parade 7 p.m. 29 Woodcarver’s Festival and Arts & Crafts Show in Blackduck, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wayside Park30 Lions Drive-In/Fly-In breakfast at Bigfork Municipal Airport, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

èAll You Can Eat Fish Fry Every Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. ~ $7.95

èBar Bingo Every Thursday at 7 p.m.èBurger Nite–1/4 Lb. Burgers and Chips

as low as $3 ~ Monday 5-7 p.m.

Second Saturday of Each Month

Steak Fry8 Oz. Sirloin ~ 5-8 p.m.

Baked Potato, Coleslaw and Texas Toast$1095

Squaw LakeBest Breakfasts and Burgers Anywhere

èBREAKFAST HOURS:Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-11 a.m.

Sundays 7 a.m.-12 noon.

èGRILL HOURS:Monday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Happy Hours 4-6 p.m. Monday - Friday

Follow Fish Tales in Squaw Lake onFacebook or call 218-659-4488 for

Specials and/or Events.

218-743-3626

Located one mile east of Hwy. 38 on Co. Rd. 261

Hours:Mon - Thurs: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (or later)

Fri-Sat: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (or later)

Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. weekdays

> Open for lunch > Take-Out > Full bar

Like us on Facebook!www.golfontheedge.com

Foot golf (soccer golf) is available.

Don’t forget to book your golfing parties at

Golf On The Edge!

GRE files 2017 Integrated Resource Plan

On April 28, Great River Energy submitted its plan to reliably and cost-effectively meet its member cooperatives’ energy needs for the next 15 years to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Resource decisions are ultimately approved by Great River Energy’s board of directors and member systems, but having the PUC’s acceptance of the IRP reflects positively on future resource plans.

“The IRP reflects our transitioning resource portfolio toward a more flexible energy future given market changes in the upper Midwest,” said Laureen Ross McCalib, director of resource planning. “Our preferred plan continues a path of carbon-reduction and includes the addition of carbon-free generation. It also details a strategy for environmentally-beneficial electrification by encouraging the smart use of electricity in new ways.”

The IRP provides a full view of Great River Energy’s vision, initiatives and future resource plans to best serve the needs of its members. It aligns with the cooperative’s mission to provide members with affordable, reliable energy and environmental stewardship while positioning itself to best serve members now and in the future.

A decision by the PUC is expected in the spring of 2018.

TAKE IT AWAY LLCProperty Clean-Out Service

(218) 556-0075takeitawayllc.com

Say goodbye to clutter today! We do attics, houses, basements, sheds, barns, estates,

...and much more.

We’ll take the clutter and stress away leaving you with a broom clean space.

page 4 July 2017

www.robpowellexcavating.com

• Tree Planting / Removal Precision Danger Tree Removal

• Stump Grinding

Landscaping •Excavating •

Land Clearing •Boulder Walls •

Site Prep •Food Plots •

tilling & planting

Road Building •Driveways •

Culverts •Wood Chips •

• Paving Stone• Gravel• Class 5• Sand• Top Soil• Black Dirt• Septic Install

GUNSTOCK CHECKERINGAll types of gunstock checkering

We can create virtually any design or use your ownWe can recreate your worn-out checkering like newWe refinish stocks with the hand rubbed English oil methodCustom stocks built here. Boyds and Richards microfit blanks.

RC Keith GUNSTOCK CHECKERING 218-897-5152

Load Management ProgramsStorage Water Heating: 4.7¢ / kWhThis program requires a minimum of a 100 gallon capacity water heater(s) with an efficiency rating of 90 percent. Water is heated for 8 hours per day during night time hours of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. +/- 1 hour. Weekends and holidays, power is provided from 11 p.m. until 3 p.m. +/ - 1 hour the follow-ing day.

Interruptible Water Heating: 7¢/kWh (Program closed to new installations) These water heaters are interrupted when energy prices are high and controlled up to 8 hours. A 50 gallon (minimum) tank is required to be on the program. Predefined control generally occurs Monday – Friday.

Space Heating: 4.7¢/kWhProgram requires PEX tubing, electric mats or cables to be a minimum of 12” below the top of concrete slab to be heated for 8 hours at night from approximately 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. +/- 1 hour.

Storage Space Heating with Individual Steffes Room Units: 4.7¢/kWh

Bricks are heated for 8 hours at night from ap-proximately (11 p.m. to 7 a.m. +/- 1 hour).

Storage Space Heating with Steffes Whole House Brick Furnace: 4.7¢/kWhBricks are heated 8 hours at night from approximately (11 p.m. to 7 a.m. +/- 1 hour).

Dual Fuel Space Heating: 5.65¢ /kWh The electric por-tion of the heating system serves as the primary heat source with pro-pane or fuel oil as a back-up sys-tem. Back-up heat sources must be capable of providing 100% of the home’s heating requirements.

Controlled Air Source Heat Pumps (heating): 5.65 ¢ /kWh Propane or fuel oil backup is required and must be ca-pable of provid-ing 100% of the home’s heating re-quirements. (Duct-less systems do not qualify)Controlled Air Source Heat Pumps (Cooling): 5.65 ¢ / kWhProgram cycles system on 15 min. off 15 min. Maxi-mum control periods of 6 hours per occurrence. (Members on Northome substation will not be con-trolled.) (Ductless systems do not qualify.)

Ground Source Heat Pumps (Heating): Eligible for General Service or Dual Fuel rates. With a quali-fying backup system of propane or fuel oil, the dual fuel rate of 5.65¢/kWh applies.

(Cooling): Controlled every 15 minutes during the control periods; 15 min. ON, 15 min. OFF with a maximum control period of 6 hours per occurrence. Load control applies only if heating is also con-trolled. (Members on Northome substation will not be controlled.)

Cycled Air Conditioning: Member receives a $7.00 credit on their electric bill during the months of June, July and August. Central air conditioners require a load management receiv-er mounted for controlling. A/C will be cycled ON 15 min. OFF 15 min. for a maximum of 6 hours. Minnkota Electric does not control A/C. This pro-gram is not available to members on the Northome substation.

Horizontal loop

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License #060672-PM33204 Shadywood Road • Grand Rapids, MN 55744

fax: (218) 327-9283 • northernairph@yahoo.com

July 2017 page 5

Construction Services Inc. “Serving the excavation needs of Itasca County

and beyond since 1968”

Ray V. Kongsjord & Sonswww.rkconstructionservices.com

email: rkconstructioninc@gmail.com

39335 State Highway 286Marcell, MN 56657

Office: (218) 832-2842Cell: (218) 244-6201

Bonded and licensed - MPCA Lic. 1204

• Demolition roll off service• Site preparation • Landscaping • Basements • Septics • Shoreland• Gravel • Road construction

Saarenpaa Firewood Processing

218-343-7219 | 218-343-7739 | 218-246-9208

Cutting & pricing for wood by the cord up to 12 feet in length. Cut to length & split & piled.

Stacking and clean up extra.

$35/cord + travel $0.45/mile from Little Bowstring, Deer River

All prices subject to change please verify.

>from p.1away from higher wood value trees.

A research project began, directed by Jim Slavicek, research biologist from the Northern Research Station in Delaware, Ohio. Its goal was to develop trees that were both DED tolerant and would thrive in a northern climate.

Initially four large survivor elms were found on the Chippewa. Flowering branches from these were shipped to the USDA research facility in Delaware, Ohio where they were crossed with DED tolerant elms.

Trees for the breeding program also came from Wisconsin and Ohio, as well as survivor trees (of unknown origin) from pesticide toxicity testing. Trees with known susceptibility were also included as controls.

Then five years ago the young trees were brought to the Chippewa to be planted on one of three sites: near Walker, near Blackduck and between Spring Lake and Wirt on Highway 29.

The last site was the most rigorous, said Slavicek. It was colder, windier and at a higher elevation.

Over 460 seedlings were planted on the Spring Lake site alone. Each tree was identified with a tag referenced to its genetic makeup.

Then they were grown for five years. Not only did the trees need to be DED tolerant, but for the Chippewa, they needed to be cold hardy. Few varieties of resistant elms on the market today are hardy beyond Zone 4, and the CNF is solidly in Zone 3.

The plots experienced an estimated 15 percent die off after five winters. Interestingly, one hybrid was found to be hardy only on the Blackduck and Walker sites, but not hardy on the Spring Lake site.

During the week of June 12, 2017 the remaining trees – now identified as cold hardy - were inoculated with the DED fungal spores. Staff drilled half inch deep holes into the lower trunk and injected 50 microliters - 1.2 million spores – into each tree.

Will the spores spread from the research plot into the forest? Unlikely, researchers say. The fungus is carried from tree to tree by the elm bark beetle, a bug that is no longer found on the CNF.

Researchers will come back in 8 weeks. If the tree is DED tolerant, less than 25 percent of the canopy (leaf cover) will be affected. The DED fungus blocks water vessels, causing leaves to yellow, curl and droop, and then die off and fall. The mechanism that makes trees tolerant is unknown, but is thought to involve trapping the fungus and preventing its spread inside the tree.

If there are successful varieties, how long before the trees are planted on the Chippewa? It could be as early as next year, team members suggest as elm trees can produce seed at that age. Seed would be planted in nurseries or even distributed as seed on the forest floor.

Will one or more of these trees succeed in repopulating elm on the Chippewa? “I’m an optimist,” said Slavicek. “What’s great is that we’re at the stage of doing final testing.”

And, looking to the future; “It’s great to provide a resource for the Chippewa National Forest to enable the Forest to restore the American elm.”

Elm research

by JoAnn KrickhahnThe City of Effie Rodeo Daze Celebration

Committee would like to welcome all Veterans, vendors and parade participants to our annual city event!

Come spend the day with your family and friends and enjoy the events of the day! There are always plenty of games for the children, food to eat and good times to be had! Each year we get bigger and better so if you haven’t checked us out in a while, come see what all the fun is about.

We would love to add vendors of all types (food, crafts, balloons, etc.) to our city event. We have ample space and resources for setting up vendors on the city’s main street and the city community grounds. Vendors may set up on Friday through Sunday or only on Saturday. We want to make sure we can accommodate all schedules.

We are looking for parade participants and floats! Remember all Veterans are welcome to ride on the Veterans’ float and we are honored to have you!

Just to entice more participation of floats in the parade – we have increased the prize award amounts for first, second and third places!

The parade will be held on July 29th at 7:00 p.m., with line up at 6:30 p.m.

Questions may be directed to JoAnn Krickhahn at (218) 244-2137 or Lil Longtine at (218) 743-3836.

Rodeo Daze in Effie

(above) Project scientists on the Spring Lake site (l to r) Jim Slavicek, research biologist and

project leader, Northern Re-search Station, Delaware, Ohio;

Travis K. Jones, reforestation forester, Chippewa National

Forest Deer River District; Ranger Chad Kirschbaum, CNF Deer River District ;

Charles Flower, research ecolo-gist, NRS, Delaware, Ohio.

(r top) Charles Flower drills a hole in a young elm, (r bottom)

Travis Jones injects the inocu-late for Dutch Elm Disease.

M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed holidays

While visiting Bigfork Valley, visit the Gift Nest! We deliver phone orders on campus

Send a thoughtful gift to a patient, employee, resident or tenant!

218-743-4438 ◆ gift@BigforkValley.org

page 6 July 2017

This month at the Edge Center Gallery, eighteen artists will test public reactions to their work at the 13th Annual Art on the Edge Juried Exhibition.

Sarah Brokke, this year’s juror for Art on the Edge, chose four artists whose work is new to this juried exhibit. They are painters James Bzura and Tyler Evin, fiber artist Patricia Lovegreen, and sculptor Sherry Hoffman. The remaining artists chosen by Brokke have previously exhibited in the Edge Gallery’s Juried Show. Among these are painters Sandra Thompson, Nikki Besser, Jan Stenson and Ralph Hanggi, Jr; photographers Donna Rae Anderson, Audrey Johnson, Jill Johnson, Tim Lamey and David Swanson; mixed media artist Sandra Boreen; printmaker David Nyssen; quilter Pamela Burns; basket weaver Cathryn Peters; and blown glass artist Jon Offutt. Altogether, 24 works of art by 18 artists make up this year’s 13th Annual Juried Exhibit.

Art on the Edge is on display at the Edge Center Gallery from June 29 to July 29. The opening reception is on Friday, June 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. The awards ceremony starts that evening at 6:15 with juror Sarah Brokke presenting the awards. Kocian’s Family Market is sponsoring the Best of Show Award, and Arvig Communications and First State Bank of Bigfork are funding the two Awards of Excellence.

Bigfork Valley Hospital

sponsors the People’s Choice Award. Often the most fun part of the opening, the People’s Choice Award allows each audience member to second-guess the juror and vote for his or her favorite work of art. Viewers may vote all day June 29 and up until 6 p.m. at the opening reception on June 30

Juror Sarah Brokke is an Assistant Professor of Art at the College of St. Scholastica. She received her BFA from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and her MFA through a joint program between Studio Art Centers International in Florence, Italy and Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally and recently published a book of her paintings called Portrait of an Artist.

The Edge Center Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free.Wine in the Wilderness

Wine in the Wilderness, the annual benefit for the Edge Gallery, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Marcell Family Center. At 6 p.m., guests will be

seated and served five courses of wine with complementary small plates. There will be a live and silent auction and music by the Northern Lights Trio. This is a fun and delicious evening. To buy tickets, contact Karen Ferlaak at (218) 245-2434 or kferlaak@gmail.com. Tickets are $50 each.

by Paul KraskaGreen Monster at Edge

July is time for our annual play done by the Stages Theatre Company (STC) from Hopkins. This year it is “Shrek The Musical,” a fairy tale about an unlike hero in the form of a ogre who solves the problems in his world with an adventure that will give you a very enjoyable experience no matter what your age. After all, it includes a wise-cracking donkey, a fairy princess, a mean villain, a cookie with an attitude and a bunch more fairy-tale misfits that somehow save the day with mayhem, great music and lots of fun. The play is based on a Tony Award winning musical which, in turn, is based on an Oscar winning DreamWorks Animation film.

Stages has been doing young peoples’ productions for 32 years and this season promises to be one of its best.

Mark your calendar to come and see some quality programming when you see Shrek the green ogre find out that his “Swamp” is “…swamped with all sorts of fairytale creatures by the screaming Lord Farquaad, Shrek sets out with a very loud Donkey by his side to ‘persuade’ Farquaad to give Shrek back his swamp.” Instead love gets in the way and all ends up…well, come and see for yourself.

Sandy Boren-Barrett is the artistic director of Stages and the director of this play. She says, “this spring I was in Bigfork School doing a musical threatre residency with the students in grades 3-6 and the all-student finale number for the residency was ‘This is our Story’ the finale number from Shrek, The Musical. To have the voices of 75 Bigfork students singing a song that they will later hear the actors in Stages Theatre Company summer production touring of Shrek sing, was so inspiring. I told the students that when they come to see the show in July, I hope to hear them singing along with the cast!”

“Shrek The Musical is at The Edge on Friday though

Sunday, July 14 to 17. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Prices are $12 adults, $5 children.August brings Piano Bar and John Perkins

It seems like one thing you can count on with every Piano Bar performance at The Edge: it will be a little different than the previous year. That’s because Ron Olsen’s years as a professional supper club performer taught him that to keep audiences coming you had to keep the performances fresh. Well this year things will be different again.

The first part of the show will still start out with the smooth and easy to listen-to old favorites.

First will be the smooth sound of the Northern Lights trio with rural Bigfork’s Ron on keyboard, Effie’s Jerry Hagen on bass and Marcell’s Terry Price drums. This familiar trio is actually a foursome because Marcell’s Harold Boege adds his talents on bass and harmonica.

That’s the first part of the show as you have seen in the past, but again the second half brings out another side of the group’s talents. For the last couple of years, we have been entertained by the “Gerryatrics” with 50s and 60s style music. It may be the same group, but there will be a different sound...and you might want to bring along your cowboy hat for the “new” music.

There is also one more surprise the program will bring this year when they will bring in a young singer named Cassy Bender from the Northhome area who will add a lot of good sounds and fun to the show.

This is a benefit performance for The Edge Center and is on Saturday August 12 at 7 p.m. Prices are $10 adults, $5 children.

Another August favorite will be at the Edge near the

end of August. It is the music of John Perkins. John calls his music “Americana/folk” and every song he plays and sing is his original work. It is truly amazing how much music this artist has written, and how many instruments he uses to play them. He has music about Minnesota history, its people and the recreation we enjoy. This is his tenth benefit concert at the Edge Centre and is his efforts are very appreciated.

John lives in northern Minnesota’s Chippewa National Forest in the summer and south of Asheville, North Carolina in the winter. You may hear some of the influences of both areas of the country in his music. It seems like everything he sees, hears and experiences brings a song out of him. We will see what this year will bring.

The John Perkins benefit concert for the Edge will be on Saturday, August 26 at 7 p.m. Prices are $10 adults, $5 children.

Shrek book and lyrics by David Lidsay-Abaire. Music by Jeanie Tesori. Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre Internationl (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

Arts on the EdgeEdge Events

See www.the-edge-center.org for added upcoming events and more information.

See edgecenterarts.blogspot.com for• July 14, 15 & 16 - Shrek, Jr. The

Musical from Stages in Hopkins• August 12 – Piano Bar• August 19 – Edge Gallery Wine

Tasting• August 26 – John Perkins

Concert ...Note corrected date!• September 1 - Monroe Crossing• September 30 - Annie Humphries• October 22 - Pat Surface and

friends• November 10 - Murder of Crows• December 9 – Home for the

Holidays - Jacob Rahier brings band and singers

Edge Galleryby Yas Scrivner

Edge Gallery CalendarJune 29-July 29

13th Annual Art on the EdgeAwards Reception: June 30, 5-7 p.m.

Aug. 3-Sept.2: WATER: Christian Dalbec, North Shore PhotographerReception: Fri., Aug. 4, 5-7 p.m.

August 19: Wine in the Wilderness

Wine tasting benefit 6 - 10 p.m. Marcell Family Center

China Express, encaustic by Sandra Thompson

July 2017 page 7

>from p.1Lloyd Kongsjord, board secretary

presented the meeting notices and 2016 minutes.

In his remarks to the membership, Salmela explained that capital credit checks had been delayed due partly to the time required to install all the modules of the new accounting software. He also touched on the recent resignation of past CEO Chris Corradi and the ongoing audit. Irregularities had been reported, so the audit was taking longer than usual. However, auditor Mat Laughlin of accounting firm Brady Martz gave an interim report that no fraud or theft had been identified.

Interim CEO Dan Hoskins introduced himself to the membership, covering his experience with electric cooperatives and assuring the membership that the board is “always watching out for your best interest.” Hoskins is the retired CEO of North Star Electric Cooperative based in Baudette, Minn., a position he held for 13 years.Remarks by Guest Speaker Mark Fagan

Guest speaker Mark Fagan, vice president and chief business development officer for Great River Energy introduced his remarks with a safety message. Having experienced a minor injury during lawn care he urged members not to be complacent. Focus on the task at hand, use the right equipment and be aware of what is around you, he said.

GRE is the fourth largest generation and transmission cooperative in the nation, owned by 28 member distribution cooperatives like North Itasca Electric. It operates 11 power plants and over 4,700 miles of transmission lines.

Last year GRE returned $7.5 million to its member cooperatives in the form of a power cost adjustment.

Within its system, most of its capacity is in the form of coal and gas, although it has delivered base energy mostly with coal fueled sources and renewables, with about 18 percent purchased from the market. Plants fueled by natural gas are used as peaking plants to adjust to rapidly changing demand.

Looking to an uncertain future, the GRE board and leadership set a strategic plan that included four initiatives: keeping costs competitive, developing a balanced power supply and transmission portfolio, developing solutions for addressing

change in the industry and growing the business.

In 2016 something unusual happened. Gas-fired electricity production overtook coal, and coal use for power generation was at the lowest since 1984. However, this is probably due to the low price of natural gas during 2016.

As coal use has decreased, the opposite has happened for renewables. The cost to own and operate wind and solar has declined substantially from 2009 to 2016. In fact, right now there is 15,000 MW of wind installed in the Dakotas, Minnesota and northern Iowa: equal to 15 Coal Creeks. This could be called “Greening of the Grid.”

What does the future hold? It is expected to look very different, said Fagan. There will be much more generation at the site of use and more two way information and energy flow. It could be called the “consumerization of electricity.”

This challenge will mean that there needs to be close cooperation within GRE and its membership to plan and make appropriate investments. And, as the use of smart and interactive devices grows, it also means that cybersecurity becomes more important.

Fagan presented a $1,000 check from Great River Energy to the Operation Round-Up program. The check was accepted by Vicki Smith, president of the Community Trust Board.Director election

Attorney Andy Shaw reported that the following directors had been elected:

District 4: James Cox, incumbent (unopposed)District 5: Lloyd Kongsjord, incum-bent (unopposed)District 6: Walt Breeze, incumbent (49); Jeff Stradtmann (21)

With no new or old business brought forward, the meeting was adjourned with the drawing for the Grand Prize and door prizes following.

Annual meeting summary

Slides courtesy of Mark Fagan, GRE

800-252-1166 or 811Call before you dig

page 8 July 2017

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Annual meeting photos

(clockwise from top left) President Larry Salmela conducted the meeting, line crewmembers help serve breakfast, bucket rides, energy bike, blood pressures, guest speaker Mark Fagan presents $1,000 check to Vicki Smith for RoundUp, winners of the kids’ bikes Chase Wiltse and Brooklyn Waller with LED Lucy, breakfast and visiting before the meeting, Interim CEO Dan Hoskins, Grand Prize winner Gary Leason, Earlybird winner Karen Ungerecht with Energy Management Specialist Jerry Loney.

July 2017 page 9

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Bigfork Wilderness Days

Photos by Louise H. McGregor, Western Itasca Review

(clockwise from top left) Grand Marshals Rod Haley, Brad Lovdahl and Jim Scheff; unveil-ing of the new photoboard in Bigfork by Tanya MacRostie (l) and Mayor Amy Pifher; min-now races supervised by Dan Buckingham and watched by Carla Sorter and grandchildren Jasmine and Ariel Weitzwl, Alexis Ramsey and Brock Weitzel; draft horses Bud and Duke pull a trolley for those attending, Steve Heinrich (l) and Dakota Heinrich (seated); >

> Bigfork VFW Post 1764 hosted a hamburger stand benefitting high school schoarships (l to r) Farrell Gune-lius, Mike Sitz, Jim Voita, Dave Baldwin, Tom Moors and Jim Manske.

Join the fun at Bigfork Valley!Explore all that the region has to offer from vendors

and health related information on display.Air Ambulance

Bigfork Ambulance Service AssociationBlackduck Fire & Safety

CHIP (Complete Health Improvement Program)Elder Circle | Grand Rapids MS Group

Itasca County Sheriff - Dare/Water SafetyAnd many others

And Pickleball demonstration - try it out!

Saturday, July 15, 1-4 p.m.Health Expo 2017

page 10 July 2017

items as well as those from Minnesota producers: food from jellies to sauces, signs, sewn items and her own line of soaps and caramels.

And there are many collectibles. Peacock panels, Fire King cookware (including rarities), accessories, furniture, toys, art-work, china, glass-ware, records, vas-es: each one has a story.

Kim searches flea markets, estate sales and garage sales for finds. Some are brought to her. And she tries to buy so prices can stay moderate and then arrange them so they are pleasing to the eye, even if

they are items that aren’t usually seen together. She will often arrange items in a single color theme.

The couple can also help appraise family treasures because of their experience. Although Tom doesn’t generally sell marbles, for instance, he will trade and value them.

What do they feel is the best part of their business? It’s the friends they’ve made and the conversations they have as visitors return year after year.

To contact Kim, visit her Facebook page at Five Star Hen House, call her at (218) 910-0603 or email kimshenhouse@arvig.net.

218-832-3626Hours:Mon-Sat: 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Sun: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Spring Lake StoreAn Old Fashioned General Store

On Hwy 4, 1 mile west of Hwy 29

Groceries, hardware, movies, gas, gifts, post office, licenses, more.

Sandwiches, soups & baked goods. Cheese & meat samples on weekends.

Chiropractic clinic8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

No referrals necessaryMike Olson, D.C.

Where skill meets compassion.

For appointments call (218) 743-4340

218-743-6315202 Main Ave. Bigfork, MN

Open Mon. through Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

-Beautiful flowers for all occasions

(delivery in Bigfork & surrounding areas)

-Unique gifts-Local handcrafted items-Craft supplies-Tanning bed (full line of tanning products)

>from p.1area, it has become a destination for area visitors and residents each summer during the seven weekends it is open from the first of June to mid July.

And each year it changes and grows a bit more.

Owning the property originally as a cabin, the couple decided to move up full time from Buffalo, Minn. to enjoy a simpler lifestyle. But the house needed to have room for collections. Both are collectors; Kim is especially interested in tin wind-

up toys, and Tom has an extensive marble collection.

By 2015 they needed more room, so they opened a second location, the Piccadilly, choosing the name from an illustration of a lovely vintage tin that held Piccadilly tobacco. The second store is just south of Bigfork on Highway 38, open from April into December. Both locations are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

While the Hen House has a country feel, the Piccadilly is eclectic in its items – Kim carries antiques and new

(Photos from top) Entry to the Hen House area, display at the Hen House, Kim and Tom Breiwick, Pink Swirl Fire King pattern.

July 2017 page 11

● Yearly average time a member is out of power is 50.563 minutes

● Yearly average number a member experiences a sustained interruption: 0.224

● Yearly average time required to restore service is 225.587 minutes

Outage chart shows what the Line Department responded to during the month, including cause, length of outage, location and number of members affected.

Outage Report for March 2017 DATE OFF AREA AFFECTED SUB CAUSE # MEMBERS TIME OFF Statistics:

VFW Post 1720 Commander Dale Matteson presents ElderCircle Executive Director Renee Bymark with a $1,000 donation for ElderCircle’s Assisted Transportation Service, which provides transportation to/from medical appointments anywhere in Minnesota for Itasca County residents 60 years and older. While about 10 percent of the Itasca County population are Veterans, about 30 percent of transportation clients are Veterans. In 2016, ElderCircle coordinated volunteer transportation for 28 Veterans to 137 appointments throughout Minnesota. This donation helps offset the cost of mileage reimbursement to volunteer drivers, who are often Veterans themselves. For more information about ElderCircle services and/or volunteering, please contact ElderCircle at 218-999-9233 or ecircle@eldercircle.org.

ElderCircle offers senior transportation to medical appointments

page 12 July 2017

area bookmobile stops

Bookmobile or Mail-a-Book information: call Arrowhead Library System at (218) 741-3840

Tuesdays: July 18; August 8, 29 11:15-11:45 Spring Lake Store

1:15 - 2:00 Bowstring Store2:15 - 3:00 Talmoon: Hayslip’s Corner4:00 - 4:30 Effie: Effie Cafe4:45 - 5:45 Bigfork: Main Street6:45 - 7:15 Balsam: Comm. Center

Thursdays: July 20; August 10, 31 1:15 - 2:00 Togo: School vicinityFridays: July 14; August 4, 25 12:30 -1:00 Gemmel; Comm.Church

1:15 -1:45 Mizpah; Post Office2:15 - 3:00 Northome; Post Office3:45 - 4:45 Alvwood; Hoot-n-Holler5:00 - 6:30 Squaw Lake; Community Ctr

Bone Builders, an ElderCircle program, offers free fitness and strength building classes to adults of all ages, but is formatted for older adults. Call Leah Fox at (218) 999-9233, Ext. 280, bonebuilders@eldercircle.org.Scenic Highway 7,

Lawron Presbyterian

Church (Mon. 1-2:30 p.m.;Wed. 9-10:30 a.m.)

Bowstring Hall (Tues., Thurs. 10-11:30 a.m.)

Bigfork Area, Old Scenic Community Church (Mon., Weds. 9-10:30 a.m.)

Deer River, Bethany Lutheran Church (Mon., Thurs. 10-11:30 a.m.)

Kinghurst Town Hall, (Tues,Thurs, 3-4:30 p.m.)

Northome, Kootasca Senior Center (Tues, Thurs 9:30-11 a.m.)

Area BoneBuilders

Blackduck Community

Library: 835-6600

Northome Library 897-5952

Sun, Mon.: ClosedTues: 1-6 p.m..Wed:9 a.m.-1 p.m.Thurs:1-7 p.m.Fri: 1-6 p.m.Sat.: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Mon: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tues: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Thurs.: 12-3 p.m., Fri.: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Have you visited your Cooperative online? www.NorthItascaElectric.com

Find contractors ● Pay your bill

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Bigfork Valley Fitness CenterOpen 24 hours ♦ 7 days a week

Call 743-4133 for membership informationRental lockers ♦ Showers

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218-743-3545 or www.phafinancial.solutions401 Main Ave., Bigfork 56628 next to the post office

(l to r) Brian Huju, Nor-Son; Eddy on the Edge mascot; Diane Bakke, SRHS board; Leo Kern, Director of Plant Operations; Judy Bergh, Minnesota Department of Health; Amy Pifher, Mayor of Bigfork; Aaron Saude, CEO Bigfork Valley; Gail Blackmer, SRHS board; Mike Holmes, CEO SRHS; Rep. Julie Sandstede; Diane Gallagher, SRHS board; Marie Lovdahl, Bigfork Valley board; Karen Springer, Bigfork Valley board; Dr. Eric Scrivner, SRHS; Dr. George Rounds, Bigfork Valley board chair; Dr. Jeffery Scrivner, SRHS medical director; Matt Huju, Bigfork Valley board; Richard Bell, Nor-Son;; Keith Harvey, CFO SRHS; JoAnn Krickhahn, Bigfork Valley board.

Northern Itasca Hospital District is adding new clinic spaces to accommodate the expansion of Scenic Rivers Health Services family medical clinic at its Bigfork location.

The $1.2 million addition will extend off the west end of the present clinic building and is scheduled to be complete this fall. Nor-Son, Inc. is

the architect and general contractor for the project.

The approximately 3,200 square foot addition will include six additional exam rooms, one procedure room, four new provider offices and a second nurses’ station. Additional spaces will include a med room, interior offices, restroom and conference/lunch area.

During construction, the

existing clinic admissions area will also receive a makeover. The new admissions area will include the former dental registration space and allow more privacy for patients. Patients will also be able to enter the clinic rooms from one side and exit from a separate door where they can make followup appointments.

by Kathleen MunsonConcerned residents and vaca-

tioners on Turtle Lake will celebrate their fifth year of putting food at the end of their docks to help replenish the Bigfork Food Shelf. July 4 at 11 a.m., rain or shine, lake residents and vacationers are being asked to put food and/or checks (wrapped in plastic bags) at the ends of their docks. Neighbors will come by via boat and pick up donations.

Turtle Lake Dock Food Pick up is really a fun way to support this community need. It has be-come clear that it is a family affair. Handmade signs of support, deco-rated docks and letters supporting stressed families have been includ-ed in bags. Donations have come from Hawaii to Florida and many states in between.

Checks can be made out to Northern Itasca Food Shelf. This is a 501(c)3 organization that is a to-

tally volunteer group in its 32 years of continually serving the Bigfork, Marcell, Talmoon and Togo areas. An average of 40-50 families is aid-ed monthly by this ambitious, car-ing group of volunteers.

If you would like to participate, but are not at the lake on July 4, food and/or checks may be taken to Lakeside Lumber or the Pine Cone Café in Marcell or Arcadia Resort Office on Turtle Lake and will be picked up July 10.

In 2016 Turtle Lake Dock Food Pick Up donated 1261.50 pounds of food and/or checks. Our goal for 2017 is 1500 pounds of food and/or checks. Your support would really be appreciated.

Following the Dock Food Pick-Up, Turtle Lake will hold its Turtle Lake Annual Boat Parade starting at 1 p.m. in Dahlberg Bay and ending in Arcadia. Join the fun on Turtle Lake.

Turtle Lake celebrates fifth year of uniquely restocking Bigfork Food Shelf

Bigfork Valley to expand clinic space

July 2017 page 13

MFC hours: Fitness Center, multi-purpose room, public computer room and high speed Internet wireless hotspot.

Mon: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4 p.m.-7 p.m.Tues, Thurs: 6:30-8:30 a.m. (8:30

library), 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.Weds: 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. 11 - 2 p.m..Fri: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Community News Email editor at sedgwick@paulbunyan.net, put Community News in the subject line

Marcell Family Center218-832-3444

49023 State Highway 38 Marcell, MN 56657

MFC Open GymMonday-Saturday. Call for hours. Parents must accompany children under the age of 16. Register at 218-832-3444

Soma YogaBeginner yoga practice that will strengthen your body, deepen your breath and soothe your mind. Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.Fee: $10 per individual class/session. Register at (218) 832-3444

Marcell Kidz Daycare For information call Shauntel at (218) 259-6641.

MFC Fitness walkingTues, Thurs 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reg-ister at getlearning.org.

Fitness Center membershipEliptical Crosstrainer, Treadmills, Bike, Strength Training Machines, Free Weights, more! Fee: Member-ship (student, adult, family or day pass)

Computer Room/ Book ExchangeBook Exchange. Computer Room:Computers and printers available for public use. High-Speed Internet. Requires registration and fees.

List of participating businesses, Co-op Connections CardNorth Itasca Electric Cooperative 301 Main Ave., Bigfork (218) 743-3131 Buy 1 appliance at regular price, receive 15% off second appliance of equal or lesser value. Receive an additional 10% off on each appliance if you pick up.

Anchor Inn Resort 55960 Co Rd. 4, Spring Lake (218) 659-2718 10% off gifts, garments, bait and tackle; 15% off basic cabin rental.

Cozy Air Heating and 46461 Alder Rd., Marcell (218) 832-3246Plumbing Services $50 off purchase off an Energy Star appliance with $1,000 purchase.

Dun-Rite Cabinets & 50917 E Dixon Lk Rd, Squaw Lake (218) 659-4797 Construction, LLC Free octagon cedar bird feeder with the purchase of a full set kitchen cabinets.

Effie Café 100 NW State Hwy 1, Effie (218) 743-3607 25% off purchase of second entree of equal or lesser value. Limit 1 meal per card per visit.

Effie Country Service P.O. Box 14, Effie (218) 743-3616 12” sub sandwiches, $5; $5 off oil changes

Five Star Mechanical 375 SE Hwy 1 (218) 743-61455% off one service call.

Frontier Sports & Grocery 48919 St Hwy 38, Marcell (218) 832-3901 10% off 14” pizza.

G & G Restoration, Remodeling 49653 S Jesse Lk Rd, Talmoon (218) 832-6396and Roofing 5% off on all projects.

Timber Rose Floral and Gifts 202 Main Ave., Bigfork (218) 743-6315 10% off any one item in a day's purchases

Kocian’s Family Market P.O. Box 225, Bigfork (218) 743-31135% off on Tuesdays excluding lottery, tobacco and alcohol products.

Laurel’s All Needlecrafts Supply 40095 Hwy 2 E, Deer River (218) 246-8330 10% off needlecraft supplies with $25 purchase

Little Turtle Lake Store 49926 State Hwy 6, Talmoon (218) 832-3804 Save 3 cents per gallon of gas for cash sales only. (No department store or credit cards.)

My Lake Home B&B 50917 E Dixon Lake Rd, Squaw Lake (218) 659-4797 10% off of lodging of 3 nights or more.

Plum Tree and Co. 39362 State Hwy 38, Marcell (218) 838-2332 10% off total purchase

Polar Insulation 51041 State Hwy 46, Squaw Lake (218) 659-4351 3% insulation upgrade.

Riley’s Fine Food & Drink 46551 Riley Rd, Deer River (218) 832-3656$1 off large pizza.

Sleepy Hollow Resort 64264 State Hwy 46, Northome (218) 897-5234 10% off lodging.

Bowstring

Deer River

General Interest

Keep us up-to-date Please keep your contact information current with our office. Please notify North Itasca Electric of any changes in property ownership, mailing addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

Bowstring Chapel will host a Pie and Ice Cream Social on Friday, June 30 from 4:30-7 p.m. BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, bake sale, and craft sale as well. Money raised goes to local charitable needs.

Jessie Lake

Deer River Lions host the 69th annual Wild Rice Festival on July 7-9. Friday’s events include a pow wow (6:30 p.m.) The Great Oudoors live music (8 p.m.); Saturday enjoy the Wild Rice Run (7 a.m.), Police Department Bike Rodeo (9 a.m.), Dweebs live music 9 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. On Sunday the Kiddy Tractor Pull is at 3 p.m. and Lee Roy Parnell entertains at 4:30 p.m. Much more! Visit www.wildricefestival.com for a complete schedule.

Did you know that you can rent a canoe or kayak for use on Ranier Lake at the Discovery Center just north of Marcell? The Discovery Center also hosts a Nature Walk every Thursday at 1 p.m. and a naturalist talk most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. A weekly Nature Walk at the Laurentian Divide, south of Marcell on Highway 38 is on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

NorthomeNorthome School’s Summer Math Academy is seeking monetary donations to help cover the cost associated with building a boat. The math application and hands on learning needed for this project makes it educational and fun for stu-dents! The boat will be raffled off at the Koochiching County Fair in August. To make a donation, contact Monica Fontana at (218) 360-2931 or email her at mfontana@northome.k12.mn.us

The 30th Annual Salad Luncheon at the Jesse Lake Lutheran Church will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19. Take outs are available. There will also be a raffle and the new cookbooks will be on sale. A free will offering is requested, half of the proceeds will go to the church bell tower. The church is 2 miles west of Talmoon on Co. Rd.4, and is handicap accessible and air condi-tioned. “No one,” they say, “has ever left hungry!”.

{ Register by July 26 for the Valley Fair trip on Thursday, August 3

{ Register by July 28 for theTwins vs. Cleveland Indians baseball game on Thursday, August 17

page 14 July 2017

Fire and Ice Tomatoes3/4 cup white vinegar1 1/2 teaspoon celery salt1 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed1/2 teaspoon salt1 Tablespoon sugar1/2 teaspoon black pepper1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper1/4 cup water

Combine above ingredients, bring to a boil and boil hard one minute.

Pour over: 6 large tomatoes, cut in eighths 1 green pepper, cut in strips or cubed 1 medium onion, cut in rings

Chill. Before serving add 1 sliced cucumber, pared. Mix gently.

Mom’s MeatloafThanks to Nancy Fowler for this July recipe!

2 lbs ground beef2 packages onion soup mix2 eggs1-2 cups rolled Saltineshoney, ketchup and milk as needed

In a large bowl, mix meat, soup packet, eggs and crackers. (Mom used her hands to mix.) Add milk, as needed to moisten. Press meat mixture into a well-greased loaf pan. Spread a thin layer of honey on top, then do the same with ketchup. Bake uncovered at 350° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. When fully cooked, drain grease and serve.

Goes well with steamed vegetables and baked potatoes.

Please share your recipe with us! If your recipe is chosen, you will receive a $10 credit on your electric bill from North Itasca Electric Cooperative. Send your recipe to the editor, WATTS NEWS, P.O. Box 243, Bigfork, MN 56628.

• recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes •

SERVICES CLASSIFIEDSPlum Tree & Co. Antiques, Gifts &

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Up North Storage8’x10’ and 10’x24’ units, and outside storage available. Located east of Effie.

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Penny’s Keepsake Quilting

Turn your quilt top into a keepsake. Offering quality

machine quilting at reasonable prices

(218) 832-368410% discount with ad.

Two’s Company218-244-1916

rschenhiet@gmail.comInterior/exterior

painting and staining, window washing

fully insured, references

Life’s CompanionHighland Care:

Home care providers for elderly, adults, special needs children. “Our goal is to maintain dignity and independence in a safe home environment.” Call collect weekdays; 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

(218) 326-1179 or stop by at 111 NW 11th St.,

Grand Rapids, MN 55744. We are an EOE employer.

Gus’s Auto and Recycling of Bigfork

Wanted: Junk. Cars, trucks and other

property clean up.

Used auto parts, steel, tires and bridge beams.A buyer of metalsSnowplowing

Over 20 years experience(218) 929-7117

Hm: (218) 743-3598Gus David

Monuments and Markers

Available in granite and bronze.

Also do final dating, cleaning, foundation

work. FREE estimates.

Serving your area. Jerry Pula, sales rep. Call (218) 743-3711

Lepinski Paintinginterior/exterior

Call for free estimate15 yrs experience

218-743-6878 or 218-248-0717

Bud’s Snowplowing and Lawn Mowing

ServiceFully insured and free

estimates218-659-4312218-244-1210

>from p.1 Visit Facebook.com/bigforkvalley for more infor-mation.Woodcarvers Festival and Blackduck Arts & Crafts ShowSaturday, July 29The Blackduck Woodcarvers Festival will be held at Wayside Park on Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There are woodworkers and craftsmen ex-hibiting from around the country at the festival. Across the street, the annual Arts & Crafts Fair will feature handcrafted area productsMore infor-mation at Blackduckmn.com or Facebook.com/blackduck365 .North Star Stampede: Friday-Sunday, July 28-30It’s the 62nd year of the North Star Stampede. Just north of Effie on Highway 5, the stampede features all the traditional events like bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding and more. This year Hollywood Harris from Micanopy, Florida will be the rodeo clown. Starting at 5 p,m, on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the Stampede is held rain or shine. Camping is available on rodeo grounds for visitors. Visit North Star Stampede, Effie MN on Facebook for more information.Effie Rodeo DazeFriday-Saturday, July 28-29Effie Rodeo Daze features flea market stands, a pie social, food vendors, games and a parade at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 29. Visit Effie Rodeo Daze on Facebook for more information.

Area events

Visit your cooperative onlinewww.NorthItascaElectric.com

July 2017 page 15

-FOR SALE-For sale: Two year olf brown garage door, insulated, like new. 7’ x16’ with hardware. Paid $900, asking $450. Call (218) 590-7602 8/17

For sale: Several old MN license plates: 1932-1933-1936-1938-1950-1955-1956-1960/61 (2) $50 takes all of them. Call (218) 659-2797 8/17

For sale: 30 kW mobile diesel generators for sale, lease or rent. 2 available. Currently configured for single phase but can be reconfigured for 3 phase. These are repurposed military units on military 5 ton trailers. Updated controls. Ready for 24/7 service. Perfect for a resort, business or bunker. MEP-005a. Priced right starting at $5,000 for purchase. Load bank for testing and demonstration on site. Call Jim (763) 355-8394 8/17

For sale: Heatilator zero clearance wood burning fireplace insert complete with chimney and all attachments. A ducted unit that can heat more than one space. $300 for all. Perfect for seasonal cabin or hunting/fishing camp. Call Jim (763) 355-8394 8/17

For sale: Grey anodized aluminum building venti-lation panels - horizontal louvers, approx. 4 ft x 6 ft. x 4 inches deep. Like new. $500 each, 6 avail-able. Call (218) 659-2779

8/17For sale: Woods brand 5 ft finishing mower w/extra blade. $660. Call (218) 910-6610 7/17For sale: White vinyl siding, enough for small shed, $30. Firewood; birch, some maple and ash, poplar. Cut, split and well seasoned. Call (218) 910-6610 7/17

-FOR SALE-For sale: Garrett Scor-pion gold detector w/10 in. search coil. Never used. Complete panning kit, in-str, DVD. $300 . Call San-dy (218) 897-5687 8/17

For sale: 10’ x 36’ construction trailer. Great for hunting shack - heater, AC. In Dora Lake area. Asking $3,000. Call (612) 867-9958 or (763) 755-8459 7/17

For sale: 55 gallon plastic barrels, $20 ea. Call (218) 897-5918 7/17

For sale: Stanley #60 wagon spoke shave, $50. Stanley or Irwin boring brace #105 w/7 asstd wood boring bits, $50, Chatillon’s Balance #2 hanging scale – 0/50#s w/copper front, Pat. Jan. 26, 1892. Appx 6” long w/hooks, $40. Call (218) 897-5918 7/17

For sale: Reddy heater 55-55000 Btu oil fired portable gun type heater, $50. Drop leaf table, painted maple, 36”x50”, $25. New dryer vent & flex. duct pipe, $20. Wrought iron chandelier, very heavy, $15. Laser Multi-Measure Combo Pro #10300, exc. cond., $200. Call (218) 897-5918 7/17

For sale: Hydraulic lift. Can be installed in a van or pickup box to lift heavy objects...asking $500, but is negotiable. Call (218) 659-2710 6/17

-FIREARMS- For sale: 300 Weatherby Mark V Magnum, made in Germany. Hard case/ammo/Weatherby scope, $1,800. Bushnell bore sighter #L65208 expand-able arbors .22-.270/7m -.35/.35-.45 caliber, $95. 140 rounds .308 military ammo, need polishing, $30. RCBS shell loading press with Lee scales/pow-der measure/1-300 WB Mag.die/1-30-30 die/1-243 die, all $600. Call (218) 897-5918 7/17

-VEHICLES-TIRES, ACCESSORIES

For sale: Ford pickup 1978 F250 Custom 4WD. Will run, needs work. Fix up or parts $350. Call Sandy (218) 897-5687 8/17

For sale: 1972 Cadillac Coupe Deville, 114 k miles. Excellent cond. $5,995. Call (218) 751-9659 7/17

For sale: $2,000 obo. 1995 4D RLS Oldsmobile. 1 owner car. Very well maintained. Oil changed every 3,000 miles or less. 125,000 miles. Call (218) 897-5764 after 6 p.m. 7/17

-FISHING-BOATS-DOCKS-WATER SPORTSFor sale: Lift for smaller boat, located on Turtle Lake near Marcell, $200. Call: (651) 503-0662 7/17

For sale: 18 ft alum. boat, Yacht Club trailer, no motor. Pedestal and bench seats, sunshade canvas top. $750. Call (218) 553-0723 8/17For sale: Boat lift, ShoreMaster 4,000 lb. Lift (Model 40108), $2,000. Buy both lift and canopy frame for $2,000 or buy individually. Boat lift only $1,800, Canopy frame only $500. Call Joel (952) 240-1786 8/17For sale: 2000 Weers Special Series 20’ pontoon with cover, Bimini top, depth finder, stereo Sirius/XM radio/CD and Sea-Legs. 1999 40 hp Yamaha 2-stroke elect. start. 2003 Roll-In bunk trailer. $9,500. Call (651) 295-4484 8/17

-FISHING-BOATS-DOCKS-WATER SPORTSFor sale: Eklof sectional deck. 4’ x 40’ with 4’ x 10’ L section. Bench and all install tools, $1,500. New cost $6,000. On Sand Lake. Call (651) 433-5266 8/17

For sale: For sale 1981 Kennedy pontoon, Bimini top, 1981 25 hp Johnson, $850 obo Marcell area. Call (952) 892-6987 8/17

For sale: 6 hp Evinrude motor, newer fuel tank, new fuel hose and shifting/speed cabling. One owner, bought new in 1979. Runs good. $300. Can be seen on Little Jessie Lake near Bowstring Store, call (218) 832-3647 8/17

For sale: 1998 Lund Rebel fishing boat with 4 stroke 40 hp Honda tiller handle, 3 pedestal seats, cover, bow mount Minkota trolling motor with foot controls, wave wackers, hummingbird locater, yacht club trailer, live well, batteries, all in great condition. Asking $5,000. Call (218) 832-3541 7/17

For sale: 8 hp outboard motor. 1996 Evinrude 2 stroke short shaft. Exc. cond. $850. Call (218) 743-6458 7/17For sale: Lift for smaller boat, located on Turtle Lake near Marcell, $200. Call: (651) 503-0662 7/17For sale: 17 ft Northwood pontoon Incorrect phone, please contact editor.

-FISHING-BOATS-For sale: Lund 12 foot fishing boat with 6 hp Ya-maha motor, $400. Mo-tor runs like new. Call (218) 743-6430, ask for Art 7/17

-FARM-For sale: Diesel fuel tank and stand, 130 gal-lon. $150. Call (218) 910-6610 7/17

-FARM-For sale: 10 ft. double dish grain drill, Case, all steel, 4 ft high wheels. Broken feed gear. $150. Call (218) 897-5918 7/17

For sale: Paulson loader for Farmall H, spring trip bucket. Like new. $400 obo. Call (218) 244-1161

7/17For sale: Ford Major diesel tractor, like new tires, loader with bucket. Call (218) 910-6610 7/17

CLASSIFIEDS AD DEADLINE for AUGUST issue, Weds., July 19

Open PositionChief Executive Officer

North Itasca Electric CooperativeNorth Itasca Electric Cooperative is hiring a Chief Executive Officer. Located in Bigfork, Minn. in the northeast portion of Itasca County, it is often referred to as the “Edge of the Wilderness.” If you love nature, the activities are endless in northern Minnesota. Come and join our team!We are seeking a Chief Executive Officer that will be responsible to manage and oversee all aspects of the cooperative operations to meet organizational goals.To qualify, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, engineering or a related area, or relevant training and experience. A minimum of five years in an executive level position within an electric distribution cooperative or related field is required. The successful candidate must multi-task, be a creative team member and leader, technical, financial, strategic and, most importantly, member and employee focused. The successful candidate will reside or will be required to relocate within the cooperative service territory.For more information regarding the position and North Itasca Electric Cooperative, please visit www.NorthItascaElectric.com. To apply, please mail, fax, or e-mail your resume with salary requirements by June 29, 2017 to: Cindy Schue, Great River Energy, 12300 Elm Creek Boulevard, Maple Grove, MN 55369-4718 or cschue@grenergy.com. No agencies please.

Place a Classified Ad Today!If you are an individual member of the cooperative, classified ads are free as a service from your cooperative. If you are advertising for a business or are a non-member, please remit $5 per ad per month.

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Run my ad for one month only. Your ad will run for two months unless you check this box. (Business classifieds are $5 per insertion.)

Send to: Editor, WATTS NEWS, P.O. Box 243 Bigfork, MN 56628or call: (218) 659-2779or email: sedgwick@paulbunyan.net

Put WATTS AD in subject line.If no response, please resend.

Please note: We are as careful as possible, but are not responsible for errors.

page 16 July 2017

Elk River Member TourJuly 20-21, 2017

Clip and send to: North Itasca Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 227, Bigfork, MN 56628

Cost: $50. Make checks payable to NIECI.Name(s):

Address:

Phone:

Emergency contact:

Last chance to sign up!Elk River/Maple Grove Tour Member Tour

Instead of the traditional Coal Creek Station Tour North Itasca Electric will offer a new tour this year, demonstrating renewable energy sources and conservation methods which reduce our need for fossil fuels when generating electricity.

North Itasca Electric’s member-owners will view and learn about electric generation using renewable energy resources such as wind, solar, RDF (refuse derived fuel), biomass and methane to create electricity for the grid.

We will be departing North Itasca Electric Cooperative’s office building on July 20 at 6 a.m. heading to Elk River, Minn.,where we will tour Great River Energy’s (GRE) Elk River Resource Recovery Project. (Note: GRE is our generation and transmission provider.)

We will see how everyday garbage (RDF) is burned to create steam which rotates the turbines to generate electricity. Enough electricity is generated by this plant to power 25,000 homes each year. Accepting household waste from Anoka, Hennepin and Sherburne counties also helps minimize the amount of waste that would normally go into a landfill.

Then, we are off to the GRE headquarters building in Maple Grove, Minn. We will learn about the building’s construction and how it received an LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design) certification. The tour includes discussion and viewing of the mechanical systems such as the geothermal heat pump system to heat and cool the building, on-site wind generation, solar arrays mounted on the roof as well as on the ground in front of the building, and much more within the building.

After the GRE headquarters tour, we will be heading for the Holiday Inn in Otsego, Minn., but members can use the time before dinner to see visit Cabela’s.

On Friday, we travel to Elk River Municipal Utilities’ (ERMU) Methane Gas Project north of Elk River. This project converts waste materials to methane gas which in turn creates fuel to produce e l e c t r i c i t y. The plant can supply 2,500 homes.

Then it is back to B i g f o r k , Stopping for lunch along the way.

Edge of the Wilderness Realty

www.EOWRealty.com

Office- (218)832-4000 Toll Free- (800)767-4872

“Get the Edge” 48921 State Highway 38 Marcell, MN 56657

Located Next to Frontier Sports

Greg Anselmo Broker/Owner

Terry Schmitz Broker/Owner

Top Producing Real Estate Team

in Northern Itasca County

(218)244-1165 Terry@EOWRealty.com

(218)244-4648 Greg@EOWRealty.com

Check out our webcam on North Star Lake

WILLIAMS SEPTIC & ELECTRIC, INC.

Licensed & Bonded

● Septic Installation Inspection Design● Hauling & Excavating● Residential & Commercial Wiring

P.O. Box 633 / 52034 Silk Rd. Squaw Lake, MN 56681

Contact:Brian Williams at(218) 659-4216

by Jerry LoneyGenerators come in various shapes

and sizes, they can be freestanding in the yard, wheeled out of the garage, or even connected to a farm tractor’s PTO system. But they all have the same function: producing electricity. A responsibility which comes with their use is safety - safety not only for the home owner, but for the linemen working on the lines as well. Installing a transfer switch is a must when connecting to your home’s electrical system. If not connected properly, the 240 volt current produced by your generator can back-feed through the transformer, kicking the voltage up to 7600 volts which is more than enough to kill a lineman making repairs.

Transfer switches are designed to prevent the possibility of back-feeding during outage restoration. The switch disconnects power lines from the utility and connects the home’s electrical panel to the temporary generator. rerouting current away from the main power supply (distribution line) and places it into the same electrical panel used for supplying the household

needs in accordance with the size of the generator connected. These switches are mostly manually operated, but automatic generators start themselves when the power goes out, automatically switching from utility power lines to the generator’s supply line. When utility power is restored, this transfer switch automatically reroutes the source of electricity back to the utility lines, turning off the generator.

Generators must always be run out-doors. Nev-er run your genera to r in a closed space. Be-

cause they are combustion engines, car-bon monoxide could build up causing danger to your health.

Generlink is a new transfer switch on the market. This product sits between the meter socket and the main meter taking up very little space. It comes with a 20’ cord which plugs into the bottom of the device and a generator. It is that easy! The Generlink is a 200 amp disconnect that is capable of 30-amp or 40-amp service capacity and is installed by North Itasca Electric’s linemen.

What amperage device should I install?• 30-amp devices can handle 7200 watts• 40-amp devices can handle 9600 watts

Generator sizing and safety

Plum Tree & Co. Antiques, Gifts & Home Décor

“Best Lil’ Shop in Northern MN”

Thurs – Sat ~ 10 a.m.-4 p.m.(218) 838-2332

Hwy 38 & 286 (Downtown Marcell)vLike us on Facebook!

v v

GRE headquarters, Maple Grove