VOL. 21 NO. 7 PUBLISHED FOR THE MEMBERS OF NORTH ITASCA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE JULY 2018

pages 8-9 page 5page 4

Annual meeting photos2017 Financials Father’s Day Open House

CEO to p.2>

• inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside •

Bikes to p.2>

Summer hours Mon.- Fri.

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

by Jerry LoneyThe world’s view on energy has

been changing the last few years. No longer are alternative energy sources an interest to many but they have now become the norm. With the increase in wind and solar, the cost of these renewable energy sources has dropped dramatically.

Not too long ago, government mandates to use more renewables increased the cost of energy when power plants needed to stay on line because the wind doesn’t always blow and the sun doesn’t always shine. Because electricity cannot be stored, power plants needed to be ready to provide for the demand when renewable sources could not meet the demand.

Today, things have changed. With the increased numbers of wind turbines and solar arrays throughout the coun-try, the amount of energy needed from

fossil fuel e n e r g y sources has d e c l i n e d . These fos-sil fuel power plants will not totally disappear in the near future, but ener-gy demands from them are not as they once were. This reduced dependency on fossil fuel plants has led to ramp-ing down of some, and even shutting down of others.

Wind and solar are not the only reasons for the reduction in energy needed from fossil fuel, just about everything we purchase today requires an Energy STAR label. The electrical appliances we purchase today are more energy efficient. CFL light bulbs (now LEDs), have reduced energy consumption 70-80 percent.. With thenumber of light bulbs in the world one can only imagine the demand savings.

by Larry SalmelaMy neighbors over on Pickerel Lake,

Sheila and Galen Vorland, surprised me on a beautiful, sunny afternoon in mid-June. With no more noise than the sound of tires on gravel, whoosh, they have arrived at our front door. They’re on electric bicycles!

“Let’s talk about these machines,” I say. “How do they work?”

I can see pedals, a chain and a sprocket cluster on the back wheel. Looks like some pedal effort is required. But Sheila whirls around in a circle in the yard without pedaling. She points to the battery below the seat. It’s about 16 inches long and between 3

and 3 ½ inches in width and thickness. The electric motor is wrapped around the rear axle. It looks similar in size to a one pound coffee can. Galen explains that the rider can use as much or as little personal effort, muscle power through the pedals, and as much or as little electric motor assist as desired.

The bikes have the fat tires popular on many off-road pedal bicycles today. I ask, “What do you like best about these electric bikes?” Sheila and Galen

Good Morning North Itasca Electric Cooperative Member-Owners!

Thank you to those of you who took the time to come to the annual meeting. I enjoyed visiting with everyone and listening to some awesome music. I caught myself just itching to dance to a couple of the songs. The food was great, and our community organizations had wonderful information for all of us.

I want to thank everyone that had part in making the day a success, Jerry and Roxanne put a lot of time into the meeting. I will say I’ve been shopping since the meeting. I’m looking for a good PA system to make the sound better. We’ve discussed a few things to make next year even better.

For those of you that missed the Annual Meeting, we will have financial information in the WATTS. We recently met with the audit firm of Eide Baily. I was very pleased to hear from them we were given a clean audit. The auditors also spoke very highly to the

board about the response and the ease of working with North Itasca Electric office employees. Thank you for all the hard work that went into this year’s audit!

We often think of the linemen when the phrase comes up about keeping the lights on. There is a mountain of work that goes in at the office to keep the lights on, paying bills, billing accounts, filing reports, balancing accounts, HR, payroll, contracts, workorder closes,

A very fun way to get around

Brad Dolinski, CEO

CEO Report

Sheila and Galen Vorland on their electric bikes >>

Renewables becoming the norm

Renewables to p.2>

page 2 July 2018

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 56628. 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: Brad Dolinski WATTS NEWS Editor: Sally SedgwickSend all calendar items, recipes, adver-tisements and other correspondence for WATTS NEWS to the Editor at: P.O. Box 43, Spring Lake, MN 56680

WATTS NEWS

NorthItascaElectric.com

North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.Board of Directors

Chairman: 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

>from p.1and the list goes on and on and on. We have a group of employees that handles all this heavy lifting in stride! Great job and thank you for all that you do.

After the annual meeting the board gathered to have the organizational meeting. The officer positions have remained the same this year. Larry Salmela President; Terry Schmitz, Vice President; Lloyd Kongsjord, Secretary; and Roy Bain, Treasurer, congratulations to you. I have worked with our board of directors since last August. I am proud of the work we accomplish together. There is a great amount of experience and knowledge at the board meetings, these guys know their business. The board always has you in mind when making decisions! Thank you, gentlemen, for the excellent work you do on behalf of our Member-Owners.

I want to talk about a few changes we are working on at North Itasca Electric Cooperative. My biggest responsibility to you and the employees at North Itasca is safety. I am proud to say NIECI has gone over 100 thousand hours without a lost time incident. This is a number to be proud of, but it isn’t good enough. There have been several contacts over the past year in Minnesota. The cost of an electrical contact is substantial, but to heck with the money right now. I couldn’t imagine having someone under my watch have a

life altering injury. We have changed work practices to prevent something like this from happening. We train in safety often and talk about safety every day. We have limited the number of hours the crews can work in any given period. This may not get the lights on as fast as we would like but please consider the lives of your lineman working out in the field. We need our field crew to be sharp, and to be aware of their surroundings. We can test for electricity, but we can’t see, smell, or often hear it. Line work is unforgiving, we need to be as cautious as possible to make sure everyone goes home at the end of the day.

As I’m writing my article this month, we are preparing for the Father’s Day open house. My intention was to have the open house from 11-2, through the lunch hours. This will work just as well having it open all day. I’m guessing we’re going to get a shocked look or two: what are they doing? We’re having a keg, yes you heard it right. 1919 Root Beer will be on tap at the office for the event, we’re going to roll out one of our new grills and make a little lunch for everyone that stops by. We talked with Jeff of Creek Bank Printing to help us out with some nice can coolers, we don’t want your root beer getting warm, you know. All in all it should be a very fun Friday, I hope to see you around the Bigfork office.

By your side,Brad

> from p.1 begin to give me the long list faster than I can scribble some notes. The bikes are very quiet. The rider can travel faster and farther, which is a great advantage for anyone who is trying to get back in shape from a period of less activity. Also, a person who has had surgery such as a total knee replacement needs to work her/his leg muscles back into top form, and the electric bike allows the rider to dial in variable levels of electric assist while s/he applies the remaining effort through the pedals.

Sheila said, “I got my freedom back! I can enjoy the beautiful Deer and Pickerel Lake country at 12 miles per hour. It can take the hills, which is a huge advantage!”

There are some serious hills along the East Deer Lake Road, but she can dial in the controls so that the electric motor does all the work for climbing a hill or none of the work or anywhere in between. She can shift to any of the seven

sprockets to apply as much muscle effort through the pedals as she wishes.

Our conversation gets into the technical weeds a little. The battery charger plugs into a regular socket in the garage or any room in the house. It would take five hours to charge a totally dead battery, but Galen said that he never runs it down that far. The bike comes with a smart charger which he leaves plugged in all the time, but it won’t overcharge the battery.

The model they selected has very fat tires to provide a lot of stability on the mostly gravel roads in this neighborhood. Do they require a motorcycle license? No, the state’s rules about bicycles apply. The bikes travel and store easily so that Sheila and Galen can take them along conveniently if they go on a long trip in their camper to use

them at a state park or national park.

How did they decide on the manufacturer? Galen told me that many brands are available. Most brands have a variety of models. For example, the brand they chose has models with skinny

tires, which are more efficient for riding on pavement. “More efficient” translates to longer distances before the charge runs out. The normal range on their model is 20 miles at 20 miles per hour on flat terrain in full electric assist mode.

Whew, there we have many variables to work out. If there are some hills on your route, a little less range; a little less range in colder temperatures; and so on.

Galen says, “We tested a demonstrator, and we were impressed with the design

features and solid construction qual-ity. For example, the

handle bar moves out of the way conve-niently when necessary for carrying on a bike rack or in a trunk. On a regular bi-cycle, something is always poking out be-cause the handle bar and the front wheel are always rigidly connected at a right angle.”

They put on their bike helmets to depart. Sheila reminds me of the serious hill on our driveway going out, where a couple delivery trucks have become stuck after a winter snowfall.

“No problem for me on this bike,” she said as she zips away.

CEO Report (continued)Electric bikes: a fun exercise

Battery pack

July 2018 page 3

Here are the highlights from the board of directors’ May 24, 2018, meeting. Board members, general counsel and management staff were in attendance.

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors was held at the office of the Cooperative on May 24, 2018.

Regular Board Meeting was brought to order promptly at 10:00 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Motion was made to Adopt Agenda, seconded. Motion carried. Motion was made to Consent Agenda, seconded. Motion carried.

Derek Flanagan with Eide Bailly gave the 2017 Financial Audit Presentation.

D. Pederson updated] the board with Line Department Report. North Itasca has gone 116,964 hours without a lost time incident. MREA was on site to cover Safety. Materials for the new substation have been ordered and we have received verbal confirmation that work should start at the end of June or beginning of July. Crews have been working on rejected poles. 4 services have been revamped, 1 new service built, 2 rounds of disconnects completed and County Round 286 has been trimmed and mowed with the ASV. Discussions were held on the crew’s sleep time, reconnected services and after hour operations. D. Pederson went on to discuss the Work Plan Projects on County Road 35, Jack the Horse Road and County Road 45.

J. Loney updated the board on the preparations for the upcoming Annual Meeting, Operation Round Up winners, Contractors Luncheon at Lakeside Lumber and Star Energy’s Generator Training. 3 new meters have been installed for Dual Fuel and Storage Water, and GRE is promoting rebates on Air Source Heat Pumps. Jerry went over the load control & demand graphs in detail. Questions & discussions were held.

T. Danielson updated the board on the regular audit completed, 2017 Allocations, Capital Credits and disconnects. The audited Form 7 can be submitted to lenders and GRE. Tina gave the bank account balances, upcoming accounts due and GRE’s $1000 check for Operation Round Up. Questions and discussions were held.

T. Danielson went over the Statement

of Operations & Balance Sheet in detail. A Motion was made to accept the Statement of Operation/Balance Sheet, seconded. Discussions were held on the budget, net worth, new substation and long range plans. Motion carried.

B. Dolinski gave his CEO Update and spoke about the CEO Orientation, Federated Insurance’s role on safety and non-director officer positions. A motion was made to allow the CEO the ability to name other non-director officer positions under the CEO at NIECI, seconded. Discussions were held. Motion carried.

B Dolinski updated the board on the summer intern position and the PCS Users Meeting & Training in Iowa on June 3rd – 7th. Discussions were held. A motion was made to allow the CEO the ability to approve employees’ travel for training, seconded. Motion carried.

EZ TV Bandwidth has been sold to T-Mobile and the co-op must now move our channels if we wish to continue to provide basic channels. FFC approved to reimburse the Coop. A motion was made to make the changes and move our channels, seconded. Motion carried.

B. Dolinski updated the board on the Contractor Lunch Meeting held at Lakeside Lumber, Father’s Day Open House, Annual Meeting and Safety.

Resolution needed for the switch from NRECA to Alerus. A motion was made for an adoption of a new plan on July 1, 2018 to move employee 401K dollars from NRECA to Alerus, seconded. Discussions were held. Motion carried.

No meeting was held for Northland Connect. Brad discussed the financials and spoke about the computer station that will be set up on the showroom floor.

A motion was made to nominate Bruce Leino to represent North Itasca Electric Coop duly on the Great River Energy Board of Directors, seconded. Motion carried.

A motion was made to nominate Bruce Leino for voting delegate, seconded. Discussions were held. Motion carried.

A motion was made to pass on the PCA credit of $15,039.37 onto our members, seconded. Motion carried.

A motion was made to approve the CEO fees and expenses, seconded.

>from p.1Electricity as a norm cannot

be stored unless in a battery. Until recently (and still), batteries are expensive. Even with advancements in technology, there can never be enough of them. There is another way to store electricity, but first it needs to be converted to heat. Mediums such as water and ceramic bricks are good places to store this heat to be used later by the means of water heaters and Steffes brick storage furnaces. This is also known as ETS (Electric Thermal Storage). This program takes the electricity produced during nighttime hours and stores it for the next day, providing hot water for domestic use and also for heating your home.

The ETS program is beginning to take on another medium - batteries. A better definition would be EBS (Electric Battery Storage). With the rise in electric cars coming into our future, they can be charged during

the night-time hours as are the water and ceramic bricks men-tioned above. We may not see many electric cars now, but they are coming. With the increased distances per charge and with electricity averaging 12.5 cents per kWh, the cost of charg-ing is equivalent to paying $1.00 per gallon for gasoline. Electric car sales have been increasing and, as with everything, as manufacturing increases, the cost of manufactur-ing goes down making it more af-fordable for the consumer. With the $1.00 per gallon equivalent cost at 12.5 cents mentioned above, you can see if car batteries are recharged on the storage rate of 4.7 cents per kWh, it would be like paying 38 cents per gallon for gasoline.

Electric vehicles will be coming.

Growth of renewables

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

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

Highlights from the Board Room

Motion carried.W. Waller updated the board on

MREA. B. Leino gave his GRE Board Report. Questions and discussions were held.

A motion was made to adjourn, seconded. Motion carried at 2:46 p.m.

Regular Board Meeting will be held on June 28, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.

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 CEO Brad Dolinski at least two weeks in advance to be included on the agenda.

page 4 July 2018

See Notes to Financial Statements

2017 2016

Assets

Electric PlantIn service 33,223,587$ 32,593,616$ Under construction 989,531 287,916

Total electric plant 34,213,118 32,881,532 Less accumulated depreciation 10,347,283 9,493,689

Electric plant - net 23,865,835 23,387,843

Other Property and InvestmentsNonutility property (net of accumulated

depreciation: 2017 - $58,080; 2016 - $53,065) 61,876 66,891 Investments in associated companies 3,457,308 3,272,037 Other investments 8,135 8,249

Total other property and investments 3,527,319 3,347,177

Current AssetsCash and cash equivalents 1,089,889 2,123,552 Notes receivable, less allowance for

uncollectible notes (2017 and 2016 - $9,052) 26,905 30,022 Accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible

accounts (2017 - $63,782; 2016 - $40,910) 985,050 1,058,850 Material and supplies 326,702 423,729 Prepayments 34,987 41,644 Interest receivable 3,249 8,367

Total current assets 2,466,782 3,686,164

Deferred DebitsClearing accounts 90,038 91,231 Retirement security prepayment 316,506 374,906

Total deferred debits 406,544 466,137

30,266,480$ 30,887,321$

3

Minnesota 94 North Itasca North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Balance Sheets December 31, 2017 and 2016

2017 2016

Equities and Liabilities

EquitiesPatronage capital 7,321,309$ 7,093,697$ Other equities 2,957,957 2,945,267

Total equities 10,279,266 10,038,964

Long-Term Debt, Less Current Maturities 16,881,414 17,591,673

Current LiabilitiesCurrent maturities of long-term debt 794,489 753,313 Line of credit 842,083 792,697Accounts payable - general 103,606 35,440 Accounts payable to associated company - billed power costs 831,673 754,368 Capital credit payable 189,235 - Consumers deposits 57,176 55,079 Taxes accrued 52,808 602,290Interest accrued 33,396 35,033Accrued payroll 21,287 24,749

Accrued compensated absences 111,862 115,976

Total current liabilities 3,037,615 3,168,945

Deferred Credits Consumers' energy prepayments 50,689 70,243

Deferred revenue 17,496 17,496

Total deferred credits 68,185 87,739

30,266,480$ 30,887,321$

See Notes to Financial Statements 4

Minnesota 94 North Itasca North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Statements of Operations Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

2017 2016

Operating RevenuesElectric 8,240,901$ 8,025,524$ Other 190,390 79,526

Total operating revenue 8,431,291 8,105,050

Operating ExpensesCost of power 4,187,317 4,026,616 Distribution - operation 195,678 178,186 Distribution - maintenance 848,402 972,342 Customer accounts 322,449 345,956 Customer service and informational 157,468 175,619 Sales 2,216 1,475 Administrative and general 804,035 915,367 Depreciation 1,001,818 866,771 Taxes 35,931 29,495 Interest on long-term debt 706,199 684,924 Loss on Disposal of Plant - 444,649

Total operating expenses 8,261,513 8,641,400

Operating Margin (Loss) Before Capital Credits 169,778 (536,350)

Generation and Transmission and Other Cooperative Capital Credits 275,121 268,855

Net Operating Margin (Loss) 444,899 (267,495)

Nonoperating Margins (Losses)Merchandising, jobbing and contract work

less costs and expenses (2017 - $185,676; 2016 - $167,101) (61,691) (46,768) Interest income 50,016 53,601Loss on sale of plant - (6,000) Income on investment in LLC 25,064 19,701EZ TV operations, net of costs (2017- $20,487; 2016 - $10,791) (15,358) (5,810)

Total nonoperating margin (loss) (1,969) 14,724

Net Margin (Loss) 442,930$ (252,771)$

North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.Balance Sheets

December 31, 2017 and 2016

See notes to financial statements.

Statements of Operations

See notes to financial statements.

If you or an electrician is performing electrical work at your residence which requires opening meter sockets or load control receivers, you need to contact North Itasca Electric first.

By contacting North Itasca Electric, you can help prevent possible problems which could occur when North Itasca Electric finds that seals have been cut. These problems would mostly be on sub meters where load control meters are installed.

This equipment is owned, controlled and maintained by North Itasca Electric. These seals may only be cut if permission is granted by North Itasca Electric in advance or deemed an emergency by an electrician.

North Itasca Electric does realize that there could be instances where work needs to be done, in such cases; North Itasca Electric still needs to be contacted. If it is determined that loads have not been controlled during load control periods, demand charges could be applied to your billing.

Meter seals

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 2018 page 5

vPlum Tree & Co. Antiques, Primitives & Gifts

“Best Lil’ Shop in Northern MN” Highways 38 and 286 in Marcell

v

v July 5, 6, 7v August 2, 3, 4 v September 13, 14, 15

2018 SHOP SCHEDULE

Thurs-Sat |10 a.m.-4 p.m. (218) 838-2332 CLIP AND SAVE

fVendors welcome in flea market! $20

Kitchens & Bath DoorsRemodel Windows

Siding

HANDYMANSERVICEJer

ry’s218-910-7169

Free Estimates

First off, I want to thank everyone who attended North Itasca Electric Cooperative’s 2018 annual meeting which was held on June 9. It was held at the Bigfork School with breakfast served by the Shining Light Café owned and operated by Teener Swang - Thank you Teener.

We invited those organizations which received grants through Operation Round-Up® to explain the projects they have underway. Vicki Gullickson (the chairperson of Operation Round-Up) spoke on behalf of the trustees and received a check in the amount of $1,000 as a donation from by Great River Energy. Thank you, Great River Energy, for your donation.

Along with many other displays was a Tesla all electric-car. It was very interesting and I think it was my most favorite display.

Entertainment this year was by Jason Waldron and two members from his band: Shane Kingsland and Greg Kaczor. They did a great job and were enjoyed by all, thank you.

The Annual Meeting is very important to us at North Itasca Electric. It is the one big day out of the year when we all have a chance to get together, and for you to learn and share with the whole Cooperative. Many of you do not realize it, but you are not only a member, but also an owner.

As a member, you have a say in North Itasca Electric’s operations. Directors are voted on and you have a vote as to who that person is in your service district. It is not only the employee’s responsibility to make North Itasca Electric the best it can be, but every member as well.

Cooperatives are not just important because we keep the power on but because when all the cooperatives work together, they are a huge voice and with that voice we all have a huge say in what happens in our future. If you are one who doesn’t think that the Annual Meeting is for you because you’re too young, please rethink it. Remember, you’re a member. So please take part and get involved.

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

Roxanne’s Sales Talk by Roxanne Prather, member services representative

Father’s Day at the co-opFathers Day at the Cooperative was a lot

of fun, we served cookies and coffee in the morning and about 11 a.m. we were serving lunch, which consisted of brats cooked on the grill and chips. There was also a keg of

1919 Classic American Root Beer. Every dad that stopped in received a magnetic can Koozie and lunch. Not too bad a turnout for our first Father’s day event.

(photos, counter clockwise from top right) Denise and Bill Trebs enjoy a lunch at the cooperative, Brad Dolinski mans the grill, Jerry Loney serves up some keg rootbeer in a Willie Wiredhand glass.

218-832-3626Summer Hours:M-Th: 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.F-Sa: 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Sun: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Spring Lake StoreAn Old Fashioned General Store

On Hwy 4, 1 mile west of Hwy 29

Groceries, hardware, gas, crafts, housewares, post office, licenses,

nightcrawlers & leeches.Sandwiches, salads, ribeyes and pork loins.

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.

page 6 July 2018

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

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

Outage Report for May 2018

● YTD average time a member is out of power in minutes: 41.004

● Yearly average number a member experiences a sustained interruption: 0.0983

● Yearly average time required to restore service in minutes: 417.236 mins

Indices based on an average Customer Count of 5393

Whenever you plan to dig over 12 inches deep, 2 days before you start, call Gopher One at 811 or (800) 252-1166. It’s required by Minnesota state law and it is a free service.

800-252-1166 or 811

Call before you dig.

Start Time End Time

5/8/18 6:48 pm 5/8/18 8:32 pm

Cause Substation5/8/18 5:23 pm 5/8/18 6:14 pm TRANS FUSE 3 Locations Affected 1

BIRD

TRANS FUSE 4 Locations Affected 15/12/18 10:51 am 5/12/18 11:49 am ANIMAL OR 1 Locations Affected 1

Locations Affected 156

5/19/18 6:35 am 5/19/18 8:42 pm WIND AND TREES 2 Locations Affected 1

5/19/18 6:26 am 5/19/18 8:42 pm WIND AND TREES 2,0

Locations Affected 1TREES

5/19/18 6:46 am 5/19/18 8:42 pm WIND AND 2

Locations Affected 115/19/18 3:48 pm 5/19/18 6:51 pm TREES 5

Locations Affected 1

5/19/18 9:34 am 5/19/18 1:36 pm WIND AND TREES 3,2 Locations Affected 16

5/19/18 8:03 am 5/19/18 9:54 am WIND AND TREES 4

15/26/18 1:03 pm 5/26/18 2:17 pm WIND 2 Locations Affected 15/20/18 8:24 pm 5/20/18 10:17 pm STORM - EXTREME 4 Locations Affected

132

5/29/18 5:41 pm 5/29/18 10:12 pm WIND AND TREES 2 Locations Affected 1

5/29/18 5:39 pm 5/30/18 12:10 am WIND AND TREES 2,0 Locations Affected

1

5/29/18 6:11 pm 5/29/18 11:12 pm WIND AND TREES 2 Locations Affected 14

5/29/18 5:57 pm 5/29/18 11:57 pm WIND AND TREES 3 Locations Affected

82

5/29/18 7:00 pm 5/29/18 9:13 pm WIND AND TREES 2 Locations Affected 9

5/29/18 6:38 pm 5/29/18 9:13 pm WIND AND TREES 2,3,0 Locations Affected

49

5/29/18 7:02 pm 5/29/18 8:32 pm WIND AND TREES 2 Locations Affected 49

5/29/18 7:02 pm 5/29/18 8:32 pm WIND AND TREES 2 Locations Affected

1

5/30/18 9:55 pm 5/30/18 11:56 pm ANIMAL OR BIRD 2 Locations Affected 1

5/29/18 8:35 pm 5/30/18 12:10 am WIND AND TREES 3 Locations Affected

As technology changes the world around us, today’s electric grid provides North Itasca Electric Cooperative members with more benefits than ever before.

The electric “grid” consists of the poles, wires, transformers, switches, fuses and other components that make up local power lines and transmission lines. That said, the electric grid is vastly more sophisticated than it used to be. Two things that have changed the grid over time are:• Communications technology. In addition to transmitting electricity, the grid now also moves data that is used to precisely monitor and measure the flow of electricity. The rapid movement of information also allows cooperatives to respond to the needs of the grid to avoid unexpected outages and high energy prices. • Interest in new generation sources. More and more electric cooperative members want access to electricity generated by wind and solar power. Advanced grid technologies enable the two-way flow of information and energy, which can allow cooperative members to do things that are

otherwise not possible, such as sell excess power into the electric system from solar panels on their home.

These changes and more provide cooperative members with new benefits as the grid becomes increasingly:• Empowering. New technologies provide you with information that can help you make smart decisions about your energy use and save money.• Reliable. New technologies provide automated operations, which help electric cooperatives pinpoint outages and restore power faster when the lights go out. These technologies also allow system operators to remotely check on the health of equipment to help avoid outages altogether, and control the flow of electricity to route it around problem areas.• Resilient and flexible. New technologies make the grid more flexible, enabling the use of

renewable energy sources that generate power on and off when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining. • Environmentally friendly. Having cleaner energy like wind and solar power in the mix helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Advanced technologies also allow cooperative members to use electricity when it is most efficient.

New technology, new ways to serve you

July 2018 page 7

by Sally Sedgwick“This meeting belongs to the members,” said

North Itasca Electric Board President Larry Salmela. “It’s your opportunity to determine the health of the cooperative.”

The 78th annual meeting of North Itasca Electric Cooperative followed a breakfast by Shining Light Café of Northome and music by Jason Waldron and two members of his band, Shane Kingsland and Greg Kaczor. Members were also invited to browse displays by organizations receiving recent grants from the Operation Round Up® program, consumer electrical displays by the cooperative and equipment used by linemen. Members could try out Great River Energy’s Energy Bike, where pedal power was turned into electrical power to light different types of light bulbs. Outside, Janice Ward had driven in her all-electric Tesla car to share as a display..

There were 111 members in attendance for the meeting. Items on the agenda included election of directors for Districts 1, 2 and 3, and a change to the bylaws to elect unopposed directors (true for all districts this year) to be elected by acclamation without the expense of mailing ballots. All three incumbents were re-elected and the bylaw change passed, according to Attorney Andy Shaw, speaking for the canvassing board.

During the meeting winners for energy certificates and donated gift cards were drawn, and a girls and boys bicycle were awarded.President’s report

There have been large changes in the electric industry over recent years, particularly in the migration to renewable fuel sources, explained Salmela in his report to the membership. No-one, he said, expected that there would be such a quick move to renewables.

In fact, GRE has already achieved the mandated 25 percent renewables energy by 2025, eight years early. Its new goal is 50 percent by 2030.

This is possible, said Salmela, because renewables have gotten cheap enough so that they can economically replace coal.

Salmela also spoke to the importance of safety. We depend on line crews to keep the lights on, he said, and in return he regards it as a sacred obligation to make sure those crews come home safe. Part of that is making sure that the crews have enough rest to maintain a safe working environment. Even with major outages, the cooperative needs to ensure the linemen will get enough rest time.CEO report

CEO Brad Dolinski introduced himself, thanked those putting together the annual meeting and all the employees who had to face adversity and long hours this year.

“I’m here to tell you,” he said, “we are strong.”Dolinski mentioned the recent clear audit from

Eide-Bailly and the compliance requirements for federal lending dollars. “Thank you to Mother Nature,” he said, “your co-op is in good shape.”

He also touched on the importance of safety, praising the employees for having over 100,000 hours without a lost time accident. Safety is constantly in the forefront and is his biggest responsibility, he said, as the cost of an electrical contact accident is

so significant. It’s important to understand that it isn’t about the cost, it is about making sure everyone makes it home safely, he said.

In his visit to the state capitol this year, Dolinski spoke about the importance of Move Over legislation: when line workers have their warning lights on and are working beside the road, motorists must both slow down and move over.

Another program of interest to cooperatives is the CIP (Conservation Improvement Program). It began as an encouragement to consumers to use efficient ways to conserve electricity, but now is outdated and punitive, he said. It requires the cooperative to spend a mandated amount on conservation programs that effectively reduce sales. Utilities should get credit he explained, for energy savings over the life of an LED or CFL bulb and reaching greenhouse gas reduction goals.Surprise speaker: Wes Waller

Director Wes Waller is the current president of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, representing about 1.7 million of 5 million electric customers in the state. The surprise guest speaker at the annual meeting, he spoke on the cooperative’s strategic planning, history and policies.

One goal of the cooperative will be to communicate with members better, using social media and speaking at community meetings. North Itasca Electric would be happy to speak at meetings of local organizations, he said.

Looking back at the co-op’s history, North Itasca Electric was one of the last, and probably one of the most challenging rural electric cooperatives to form in the state after WWII. The big utilities and municipals had taken areas with large consumer bases, leaving the farm and lake country.

New memberships cost $5, and were often paid with barter or over time. For federal loans, cooperatives needed to show three customers per mile, but lobbying got that number down to two per mile. To reach even that number, Waller said, every possibly livable building, and probably even some snow-covered haystacks were counted.

Waller spoke on the monthly demand/service charge on bills, explaining that Xcel can spread this cost over 35-40 customers per mile while North Itasca Electric now has about 4.4 member-owners per mile, and two of those are seasonal. The monthly charge is a way to try to make the cost of operating the lines fair for all member-owners.

Balancing cooperative priorities is like building a three legged stool, he said, the legs representing safety, reliability and cost. The costs of undergrounding lines, clearing rights of way and keeping equipment like the bucket trucks upgraded all have to be balanced between those three considerations.

He used to say, he explained, that North Itasca Electric was the only cooperative with only one traffic light – in Effie...and then it lost that one. “But we’re just as tough and stubborn as when co-ops started out,” he said. With new technology and a young, dynamic CEO, he said, the future is bright.Talking about the future

Dolinski provided a look into the future for

Annual Meeting

Meeting to p.8>

Cassy Bender may welcome you at the front desk this summer. She is an intern with the cooperative.

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>from p.7the cooperative. Electricity needs will be filledincreasingly with renewable and distributed powerhe said, as well as batteries and wind.

As far as home generators, Dolinski said he believes that if you want something like this, you should be able to go to your co-op. New products in the showroom include both portable and whole house Briggs and Stratton generators. The Speed Queen washer/dryer line has also been added.

In other business, Dolinski asked for a show of hands for those who would be willing to change the time or day of the annual meeting; about half said yes.

Director Walt Breeze introduced Pat Marblea cooperative member since the start of the co-op and is turning 106 this August.

Vicki Smith, president of the North Itasca Community Trust Board which administers Operation Round Up grants, accepted a $1,000 donation from GRE. Since the program started in 2005 with members rounding up their bill payments to the next whole dollar, the program has given out $298,085.52 to local organizations.

Annual meeting

Annual Meeting photos

July 2018 page 9

218-743-6315202 Main Ave. Bigfork, MN

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

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page 10 July 2018

Wilderness Day photos

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July 2018 page 11

by Paul KraskaJuly means a special play from our friends at Stages

July brings us “DreamWorks Madagascar –A Musical Adventure,” another special play for young people from our friends at Stages in Hopkins. The Stages Theatre Company, based in Hopkins, has been bringing a fun musical adventure to the Edge Center stage for years, and once again it is a young people’s show that includes lots of music, colorful costumes and sets, and happy smiles.

From the Stage’s website, “Move it, Move it with us this summer as Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and, of course, uproariously plotting penguins enter our stage in the musical adventure of Madagascar. Not content to live in blissful captivity, Marty lets hs curiosity take over as he escapes to explore the world. His friends and some unusual penguins will not be left behind as they embark on an unforgettable voyage.”

Artistic Director and CEO of stages, Sandy Boren-Barrett, who is also the Director of this play, says, “Everybody has a friend, that one best friend that makes you do things (good or bad), or try things that you might not be brave enough to try without them convincing you that you can do it. That is Alex and Marty – they are there for each other, they laugh with each other, take risks for each other, and save each other when they need to be saved.

“This is a story about wanting more, and finding that you actually had all you needed or wanted all along, you just needed a ‘best friend’

to remind you of that. Madagascar, is truly a musical adventure. It

has fun, lively musical numbers that will keep your toes tapping and you dancing out the door. We can’t wait to share it with you.”

July 13 through 15. Performances 7 p.m. Fri and Sat., Sunday at 2 p.m. Prices $15 adults, $5 children.

July also brings back John Perkins

The next performance on the Edge stage will still be in July. It is a return of the Edge benefit concert by song writer and singer, John Perkins, who has been bringing his brand of music and singing to the Edge stage for over ten years, and it is all done for the benefit of the Edge Center. John’s program is still

in the planning stages at the writing of this column, but he has given us some insight as to what is coming with him.

John says, “I’m thinking…(to do)…several slide-guitar numbers. I’ll also be debuting my new song about Craigville and Peggy Mattice… “The Cadillac Madam.” I’m working with the idea of a title… “Box of Time.” This would let me speak to the times gone by with many of my stories about those who came before us here in the woods. I’d like to leave the

audience with a charge to be good stewards of this beautiful land and the varied nationalities that made it what it is today”.

Of course, John will fill the Edge Center with some of the music he has already written. His performances have always been very popular and well attended with his style of relaxed and well done music. His performance will be on Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m. Plan on a very enjoyable program and be able to relive much of this area’s history though music.

Edge Gallery Arts on the EdgeEdge Events edgecenterarts.org and

edgecenterarts.blogspot.com.

• July 13-15 – Stages brings “Madagascar” young people’s production

• July 21 – John Perkins• August 11– Piano Bar• August 26 - Daryl Webb Band• Sept. 15 - The Church of Cash• Oct. TBA - Anne Dunne &

Anne Humphrey storytelling• Oct. 27 - Lost Forty• Oct. TBA - Zorongo Flamenco• Nov. 9- Lorna Landvik• December 16 - Scandinavian

Christmas with Ross Sutter

“Art on the Edge,” the 14th Annual Juried Exhibition, is coming to the Edge Center Gallery from July 5 - 28.

The opening reception, to meet and greet the artists is July 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. Join us for light snacks, introductions, conversations and your chance to vote on the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”

Featured this year will be 20 artists selected by our juror for this year’s exhibition, Mr. Peter Spooner. Peter currently works as an independent educator, art appraiser and curator. He lives in Duluth, Minn. where he teaches studio art, art history and first-year seminar courses at The College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College and the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Spooner began his education in the 1970s at the University of Vermont and the Vermont Institute of Community Involvement. He received a B.S. in Art Education from UW-Stout, and an M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from Illinois State University (1988). He worked as Curator/Assistant Director at University Galleries, Illinois State University, 1988-1992. His experience also included teaching painting and drawing at the college level, writing reviews for Dialogue and other magazines, and running a non-profit alternative gallery.

Between 1994 - 2012 Spooner worked as Curator for Tweed Museum of Art, UMD, where he organized scores of exhibitions and publications, including solo exhibitions of Wanda Gag, Frank Big Bear, Frances Myers, John Orth, Dennis Oppenheim, Jane Calvin, Philip Pearlstein, Rudy Autio, Aristide Pappas and Truman Lowe. Spooner organized numerous group exhibitions and catalogues around art and science themes, like Botanica and Mathematical Instinct, which traveled extensively in the U.S. He also developed exhibitions and publications rediscovering American artists, among them Gilbert Munger, David Ericson and Sister Mary Charles McGough. >>

Art on the Edge:14th Juried Exhibition

>> Spooner has served as a grant review panelist for numerous institutions, lectured at universities and museums in the U.S., Japan and Canada, and has juried many exhibitions locally and regionally.

This year’s artists include a wonderful selection of artistic offerings in many different media and styles, including:

Sarita Alami (photo) Thomas Anderson (colored pencil)

Rein Boyd (collage) Susan Clandon (acrylic) Doug DeWitt (multimedia) David Dobbs (oil on canvas) Will Dinski (book) Kalley Fosso (mixed media) Reid Harer (photo) Ashley Hise (ceramic) Mary Jasper (photo) Jon Offutt (blown glass) Cathryn Peters (fiber/basketry) David Richter (colored pencil) Scott Rollenhagen (photo) Stephanie Stevens (watercolor)

Christine Tierney (pastel) Yuta Uchida (oil on canvas) Michael Weatherly (multi-plate linoleum cut) Coralyn Worth (charcoal)Our award sponsors include:

Awards of Excellence, First State Bank of Bigfork and Arvig Communications; People’s Choice Award, Bigfork Valley Hospital.

More information is available at www.edgecenterarts.org or call (218) 743-6018 or (218) 832-3761.

BE AN EDGE CENTER MEMBER!___Enclosed is $35 (any amount is great!) We are happy to accept additional amounts toward Gallery or Theatre equipment. Name:

Address:

Send to: EWCC, P.O. Box 303, Bigfork, MN 56628

John Perkins

page 12 July 2018

area bookmobile stops

**Check out the youth and adult Summer Reading Programs!

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

Tuesdays: July 10, 31; Aug. 21 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 12; Aug. 2, 23 1:15 - 2:00 Togo: School vicinityFridays: July 6, 27; Aug. 17 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

Blackduck

Community Library: 835-6600

Northome Library 897-5952

Tues: 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.-4 p.m. Wed: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.Fri: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Blackduck: (218) 835-5768

Northome: (218) 897-5952

Resource Centers:

Play at the ParkJoin Project READ at the Lion’s

Park in Deer River on July 14 from 4-5 p.m. as we make new friends, get out in the sunshine and read some great books. (Event will be canceled if rain is in the forecast). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to help your reader pick a free book from the Project READ Traveling Red Bookshelf.

Event is FREE. For more information call Project READ at (218) 327-5709.

Community Cafe The Community Cafe is available to anyone who is in

need of a meal. There is no income or financial qualification to receive a free meal. Each Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. (or until gone), a nutritious three-course meal is served. Location: King Elementary School.

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

and beyond since 1968”

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Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center

The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center is located just north of Marcell on Highway 38. The EOWDC has indoor interpretive displays, an interpretive trail, fishing pier, picnic area, CCC buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and more. Individuals, families, school groups, other groups are all welcome.

Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center summer hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. seven days a week. Call 218-832-3161 for more information.

Free naturalist programs at the Discovery Center, Marcell

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Nature walk and learn about the natural world. Parents and kids will hunt different natural textures and shapes, birds and bugs. For kids in first grade and up and their families. Children m be accompanied by an adult. Please pre-register by July 2 to guarantee your space and supplies. Date: Saturday, July 14Time:1-3:30 p.m.Location: Discovery Center, Marcell, MNFee: Free. A Children First! event.Register online at getlearning.org or call Bigfork Community Education at (218) 743-3444 ext. 42503.

Nature scavenger huntHike, draw and photograph!

PlaystationsDid you know that there are

playstations at McGarry Park in Bigfork and Lion’s Park in Deer River? Playstations are like a lending library with sporting gear and park art supplies for you to use as you wish, and then return the equipment back for other visitors to enjoy. More information at unitedwayof1000lakes.org/Playstations

Bone Builders, an ElderCircle program, offers free fitness and strength building classes to adults of all ages, but is formatted for older adults. Call Cindy Stage at (218) 999-9233, Ext. 279, ecircle@eldercircle.org.Scenic Highway 7, Lawron Presbyterian Church

(Mon. 1-2:30 p.m.;Wed. 9-10:30 a.m.) Bowstring, 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.) Dora Lake, Kinghurst Town Hall (Tues., Thurs., 10-

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

11 a.m.)Togo, Carpenter Town Hall (Tues, Thurs, 9:30-11 a.m.)

Area BoneBuilders

7/5 11  a.m. The  All  American  Bird:  Eagles  7/6 11  a.m. Making  Their  Marks:  Animal  Tracks  7/7 11  a.m. Invading  Invasives  7/12 11  a.m. Composting  101  7/13 11  a.m. Gone  Batty7/14 11  a.m. I  Spy...Tree!7/19 11  a.m. Stories  of  the  Sky:  Constellations7/20 11  a.m. Don’t  Ruffle  My  Feathers:  Ruffed  Grouse7/21 11  a.m. Wild  About  Flowers  7/22 11  a.m. The  Fish  of  10,000  Lakes  7/27 11  a.m. Minnesota’s  Top  Predators,  Part  II:  Bears7/28 11  a.m. Respect  Your  Space:  Leave  No  Trace  

Northome Food Shelf hours1st Monday: 9 a.m.-noon2nd Monday: 2-5 p.m.

3rd Monday: 9 a.m.-noon4th Monday: 2-5 p.m.

i12059 Main Street (big green building).Bring your own bags or boxes.

July 2018 page 13

~ July Calendar ~1 Reception for “Art on the Edge,” the 14th Annual Juried Exhibition at the

Edge Gallery, Bigfork, 5-7 p.m. Exhibit runs July 5-28. The Edge Gallery is open Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

3 Mizpah City Council meets in Mizpah Community Center, 7 p.m.4 Independence Day. North Itasca Electric headquarter offices CLOSED4 Turtle Lake July 4 Dock Food Pickup benefitting the Bigfork food shelf.5 Storytelling at Marcell Town Hall, 6:30 p.m. Subject : “Fishing stories.”

Coffee and treats will be served.6-8 Deer River Lions’ Wild Rice Festival. Highlights include (Fri.) Midway begins

5 p.m., Pow Wow 630 p.m., live music 8 p.m.; (Sat) Wild Rice Run 7 a.m., Bike Rodeo, 9 a.m., open air concert 9 p.m., Fireworks 10 p.m.; (Sun) parade 1 p.m., kids tractor pull 3 p.m., live music 4:30 p.m. Seewildricefestival.com

7 Riley’s 12th annual Pig-Eye Memorial Scramble, 9 a.m. Blueberry Hills Golf Course. Limited number of teams, $30/person. Call Jon, (218) 832-3656 to sign up.

9 Deer River ISD 317 School Board, Media Center, 6 p.m. Public forum 5:45 p.m.

9 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat Sievertson at 659-2157

9 VFW meets in Bigfork second Monday at 7 p.m. 10 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 as you please. 11 “The Club I Never Wanted to Join” breast cancer support group meets at

Grand Rapids Area Library 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. More info: Lynn Ettl, 832-3612 or lynn_ettl@msn.com

11 ISD 363 South Koochiching-Rainy River School Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Northome ITV studio.

11 Bigfork Lions Club meets second Wednesday, 6 p.m. at Golf on the Edge.13-15 Edge Center in Bigfork presents Stages Theatre Company with “DreamWorks

Madagascar –A Musical Adventure.”13-15 Northwoods Saddle Club, Inc. hosts a weekend horse show at Itasca County

Fairgrounds, Grand Rapids. Fri. Jackpot Barrels, Sat-Sun WSCA Pleasure and Games shows. Spectators welcome. northwoodssaddleclubinc.com or Facebook.

16 ISD 318 School Board meeting, Admin Board Room Grand Rapids, 7 p.m. Public forum, 6:30 p.m.

16 North Country Gardeners meet at the Marcell Family Center at 6:30 pm.16 Blackduck ISD 32 School Board meets, Media Center, 7 p.m.18 31st annual Salad Luncheon at Jesse Lake Lutheran Church (2 miles west of

Talmoon). Accessible and air conditioned. Raffle, cookbookds, takeout avail.18 Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations annual meeting, Marcell Family Center.

5:30 p.m. potluck and 7 p.m. meeting.Everyone invited.21 Edge Center, Bigfork presents singer/songwriter John Perkins in a benefit

concert, 7 p.m. Perkins draws much of the content of his program from the history of this area.

23 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat Sievertson at 659-2157.

23 Memorial Blood Centers Bloodmobile at Bigfork Valley Hospital, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sign up online at mbc.org or call Heidi Powell, (218) 743-4148.

24 North Woods Quilters, 9-11:30 am. Lessons: Class will be “Disappearing Pinwheels (5 ways)” by Karen Kemmer. Lots of Show and Tell. Potluck lunch served 11:30 a.m., bring a dish to share or bag lunch, a smile and a coffee cup.

27-29 North Star Stampede, Effie. Friday, 5 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m.28 Last day to register for Marcell Family Center Aug. 15 trip to the Twins

Game. Bus leaves MFC 6:30 a.m. for the day game. $60. Call (218) 832-4444 for more information.

28 Rodeo Daze in Effie. Vendors, games. food all day; parade 7 p.m. 28 Woodcarver’s Festival and Arts & Crafts Show in Blackduck, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wayside Park29 Lions Drive-In/Fly-In breakfast at Bigfork Municipal Airport, 7:30 a.m.-1

p.m.AUG3-5 White Oak Rendezvous, White Oak Fur Post just north of Deer River on

Highway 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Living history re-enactment of Voyageur and medieval eras. $5 admission, kids under 10 free.

Great River Energy has announced a company goal to supply its member-owner cooperatives with energy that is 50 percent from renewable resources by 2030. The announcement was made to more than 200 attendees at the cooperative’s annual meeting.

“Great River Energy has already met Minnesota’s 25 percent renewable energy standard eight years ahead of requirements. We continue to evolve our power supply portfolio, delivering even more renewable energy to our member-owner cooperatives to help them remain competitive in a changing market,” said GRE President and Chief Executive Officer David Saggau. “We look forward to meeting this goal for the benefit of our members while maintaining strong system reliability.”

Today’s announcement also established interim renewable energy goals for GRE of 30 percent by 2020 and 40 percent by 2025.

The announcement of the 50 percent renewable goal comes at a time when home- and business-owners are increasingly interested in having more renewables in their energy supplies. Increasing renewables can present advantages to cooperatives for attracting and retaining business as well as meeting the expectations of members who value renewable energy.

“I applaud the leadership and strategic vision that this announcement by Great River Energy represents. Consumers of all kinds—companies, cities, governments and households—are asking for more renewable energy, and competing for their loyalty and selling them more electricity for more uses will increasingly hinge on it being as clean and close to zero-carbon as it can be,” said Rolf Nordstrom, president and chief executive officer of the Great Plains Institute. “Less carbon, more electricity—that’s the future for smart utilities.”

Mounting research suggests that electrifying certain parts of the economy – using electric technologies to replace the use of fossil fuels – is necessary to achieve ambitious carbon emissions reduction goals worldwide. This is often referred to as beneficial or efficient electrification within the utility industry.

“We at the Center for Energy and Environment applaud Great River

Energy’s announcement today to have 50 percent of their electricity be generated by renewable resources by 2030. This commitment is another example of their long tradition as a national leader on utility innovation,” said Mike Bull, director of policy and external affairs at the Center for Energy and Environment. “As a member-owned generation and transmission cooperative, Great River Energy exists to serve the interests of their member-owners, and adding more low-cost renewable energy clearly serves those interests. Bravo, Great River Energy!”

GRE has spent more than a decade positioning its portfolio, lowering costs and reducing dependence on coal as a fuel source, while improving the overall flexibility of its generation portfolio. These measures have resulted in a 35 percent reduction in GRE’s carbon dioxide emissions since 2005.

GRE has exited two contracts for coal-based electricity in recent years and, in 2017, retired a North Dakota power plant owned by the cooperative. Improvements at GRE’s Coal Creek Station power plant have reduced the plant’s emissions of sulfur dioxide and mercury by up to 40 percent, nitrogen oxides by 20 percent and carbon dioxide by 4 percent in recent years, while operational adjustments allow the plant to ramp down production when market conditions warrant.

GRE’s renewable portfolio currently includes 468 megawatts (MW) of wind energy, 200 MW of hydropower, 4 MW of solar and 30 MW of biomass. GRE has announced plans for an additional 300 MW of favorably priced wind energy by 2020.

“Renewable energy, particularly wind, is currently our lowest-cost option for new generation resources,” Saggau said.

In its 2017 integrated resource plan filing to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, GRE projected wind energy as its sole new resource need over the next 15 years. GRE will continue to maintain a diverse portfolio in order to best serve its member-owner cooperatives.

Learn more at greatriverenergy.com. The renewable energy goal applies to the power supply portfolio for Great River Energy’s 20 all-requirements member-owner cooperatives.

GRE sets new renewable energy goal

page 14 July 2018

Scalloped Broccoli2 packages frozen broccoli spears2 hard boiled eggs, sliced1/2 cup sliced almonds1/2 pound (about) cubed longhorn cheesewhite sauce

Spread ingredients in buttered casserole. Top with broken potato chips. Bake uncovered at 350° for one hour.

White Sauce

Melt 3 Tablespoons margarine in small saucepan. Mix in 3 Tablespoons flour. Add slowly while mixing 1 1/2 cup milk. Bring to simmer to thicken while mixing constantly.

Strawberry Peach Angel DelightThanks to Roxanne Prather for this Juy recipe!

1 8 oz package cream cheese1/4 cup sugar

Beat until creamy. Mix in:1 family size Cook Whip®, soft1 large (family size) can peaches, drained and cut up1 package fresh strawberries, cut up1 angel food cake, cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces

Mix well and refrigerate.

Delicious!

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 43, Spring Lake, MN 56680.

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

-SERVICES-Gus’s Auto and

Recycling of BigforkWanted: Junk.

Cars, trucks and other property clean up.

Used auto parts, steel, tires and bridge beams.

A buyer of metals.Snowplowing

Over 20 years experience(218) 929-7117

Hm: (218) 743-3598Gus David

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.

-SERVICES-LOG HOME CARE

SERVICESPlus decks, wood siding

and interiors.Washing, sanding, staining, chinking, minor repairs and

damage prevention.Contact Zach Ender

for free estimates(218) 256-4523

zcender@gmail.com

M.A.D. GuttersGutterglove® gutterguardUltimate gutter protectionSeamless gutter installation

(218) 743-6448Cell: (218) 929-7134Proudly made in the USAwww.madgutters.com

Lepinski Paintinginterior/exterior

Call for free estimate15 yrs experience

218-743-6878 or 218-248-0717

-SERVICES-Two’s Company

218-244-1916rschenhiet@gmail.com

Interior/exterior painting and staining,

window washingfully insured, references

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

Penny’s Keepsake Quilting

Turn your quilt top into a keepsake. Offering quality

machine quilting at reasonable prices

(218) 256-900210% discount with ad.

CLASSIFIEDS

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.

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

Jesse Lake

Register by July 28 for theTwins vs. Pittsbvurgh Pirates baseball game on Wednesday, August 15

Call the MFC at (218) 832-3444

Join us for the 31st Annual Salad Luncheon on Wednesday, July 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Jesse Lake Lutheran Church (2 miles west of Talmoon on Co. Rd. 4. The church is handicap accessible and air conditioned. Raffle! Cookbooks! Take Outs Available! No one has left hungry! Free will offering.

July 2018 page 15

-WANTED-Wanted: 4WD sub-com-pact tractor w/attachments Call (218) 659-2825 8/18

Wanted to buy: Singer featherweight sewing ma-chine with case. Reason-able (218) 244-3792 8/18

-FREE-Free: Siberian iris plants. Also chives, and spearmint starts, and phlox Call (218) 832-3453 8/18

Free: BrassMaster Plus water softener. Used-good condition. Turtle Lake. Call (218) 259-6998 8/18

Free: Fiberglass rowboat. NO leaks. Oar Lake, Bigfork, 56628. Call (612) 374-9419 or (612) 805-2913 7/18

-SALES-Garage sale: July 3, 4, 5 - Computer desk, lamps, rocking chair, microwave, hedge trimmer, Eddie Bauer tent, hammock, lots of misc. items. Take Scenic Hwy. 7 to County Road 340 (near Antler Lodge). Follow sign 1 more mile. Rain or Shine!! Downsizing sale: July 2-7, 75 years of collectables, wide variety from tools to glass. Power tools, saws, sander, drill press, grinder and more. Hand tools for almost everything. Child and adult books, craft supplies, knives, fishing, jewelry, lots of misc. 24749 CR 52, take 52 or 34 off Scenic 7.

-FOR SALE-For sale: 2 heavy duty metal tables, one $25, second with shelf $35 Call (218) 929-7106 8/18

For sale: Mantis rototiller, weighs 12 lbs. Looks & runs excellent. Call (218) 929-7106 8/18

For sale: Craftsman 61/8” jointer. 2 hp w/stand. Used for 1 set of kitchen cabinets. Excellent shape. Asking $300. Call (218) 743-3496 after 5 p.m. 8/18

-FOR SALE-For sale: 32” x 60” handicapped tub, shower surroung, railing. Make an offer. PSE compound bow with quiver, arrows, new string, release, case, accesories. Great for beginner. $250. Call Doug (218) 659-4222 8/18

For sale: 20 ft folding ladder. Measures 4 ft. when folded, $35. Call (218) 929-7106 8/18

For sale: 12000 lb trailer, 3 axle, new oak deck, fifth wheel with hitch. $3,000. Call (218) 263-4817 8/18

For sale: Kenmore stacked washer/electric dryer combo. New (2012) $1700, sell $650. Ancient 38” wide heavy Odin gas kitchen range perfect for your shack $75. Howard Miller grandfather clock Westminster chimes new (2001) $1500, sell $550. Unfired 1970 engraved polished nickel Colt 1911 45 cal commemorating 25 anniversary end WWII Eastern Theater in oak display case, $1350. 2003 Kimber 1911 45 cal CDPII fired 44 times, 956 rds ammo 2 extra clips, $1650. Call ( 218) 659-2825 8/18

For sale: Rare Victorian sofa $500, matching chair $300, coffee table (Georgian Style) $150. Must see to appreciate. All sales firm, cash only. (217) 402-3746 8/18

For sale: 8’ x 36’ construction trailer. New AC and heater, good hunting shack. Dora Lake area $2,500 obo. Can be moved with 1 ton pickup. Call Steve, (612) 867-9958, leave message. 8/18

For sale: Beautifully handcrafted cremation urns made by local artisan. Made of oak, birch, aspen, maple or other woods. Made to meet all funeral home specifications. Price range $100 - $150 depending on wood. Call (218) 897-5918

8/18

-FOR SALE-For sale: Magnum 49cc III Plus ice Auger - $50 or best offer. Call (218) 246-9398 7/18For sale: Palram greenhouse, 28 ft x 8 ft x 8.5 ft high. Aluminum frame. Clear polycarbonate panels. $3,000. Call (218) 553-0723 7/18

For sale: Beautiful 3 ft tall (not incl. pot) Chinese Evergreen (botanical name: Aglaonema modestum). Easy to maintain, pot included. Downsizing. $5. Call (218) 832-3453 7/18

For sale: 1979 Cub Cadet lawn tractor 1650 46” mower deck, snowplow with hydraulic lift, angle and tire chains, snow thrower. All fluids changed last fall, very nice cond.everything works as it should, $1000. Coleman Powermate 5000 gas generator on a cart $150.Call (218) 659-2891 or (630) 484-8542 7/18

For sale: Vintage LE Gurley Transit with Tripod-Rare, with four vintage Chicago Steel Tape Rods.Great for Collector. $350 cash firm. Call (218) 832-3488 7/18

For sale: Eco Fans for a wood stove. Start with heat, no batteries or electricity required. About $100 new. Asking $38 each. Pictures available. Two available. Call or text (218) 780-1561

7/18

For sale: Dehumidifier. Runs good. $40. Call (218) 832-3791 7/18

-FOR SALE-For sale: Double wheel grinder on heavy duty stand with safety plate and lights. Pictures available. $75. Call or text (218) 780-1561 7/18

For sale: Lawnmower. Greenworks 20”, 40 volt. Battery operated with a hand held trimmer, 2 lithium batteries and charger. $400+ new. Asking $180. Call or text (218) 780-1561 7/18For sale: Osburn 1100 Ef-ficient Wood Stove. Glass front, brass legs and door, black inside chimney and metalbestos outside chim-ney. Pictures available. About $1,500+ new. Ask-ing $650. Call or text (218) 780-1561 7/18

For sale: Jitterbug flip cell phone. Recommended by AARP for non teens. Nice phone with good plan rates. Less than a year old. New $100, now get it for $50. Call (218) 832-3791 7/18

For sale: Window air conditioner. Works good. $40. Call (218) 832-3791

7/18

For sale: Wood kitchen table. Oval top, 4 legs, 8 sided center post. 4 wood chairs. 60”x42” with 18” extension. Leaf installed. $150 Call (218) 929-7106

8/18

For sale: Yugo MD 57 auto pistol 7.62x25 Cal hol-ster & 2 mags. $345. Must have right to purchase or carry. Call (218) 929-7106

8/18

-FOR SALE-For sale: 5’ finishing mow-er 3 pt. hitch. Birch, elm, cut, split firewood. Old doll. Call (218)-910-6610 8/18

For sale: Yugoslavian SKS auto rifle 7.62x39 Cal Unis-sued (new) grenade launch-er, blade bayonet, $425, Russian bolt action rifle Mod 81/30, 7.62x54R Cal with bayonet & sling $250. Arm Score Mod M20P 22 cal auto rifle, detachable magazine, still in box, nev-er used. $225. Call (218) 929-7106 8/18

For sale: Work Force Mod THD550 7” diamond blade tile wet saw. Still in box. $125. Call (218) 929-7106

8/18

-BOATS-MOTORS, DOCKS, ETC.

For sale: 20 ft Forester pontoon and trailer, 2 electric anchors, depth finder, 9.9 Johnson engine 4 stroke. Power tilt, canopy topper. $3,000 (763) 843-3059 8/18

For sale: 1996 – 1650 Lund Angler with 70 hp Evinrude Backtroller on 2000 Karavan Classic Trailer - $3,500 or best offer. 1961 – 10 hp Johnson - $200 obo. 7.5 hp Gamefisher - $150 obo Call (218) 246-9398

7/18For sale: 16 ft. wood strip and fiberglass canoe (color-white), $400. Call (218) 743-3709 7/18

See rowboat under FREE.

-VEHICLES-TIRES, ACCESSORIES

For sale: 4 Goodyear Wrangler tires 275/ 65R18. 30,000 miles. Nice cond. $25 ea. Call Jim (218) 259-5753 8/18

For sale: Toyota rims and tires. Tires about 40 percent. Came off of a 2001 Toyota Tundra. Pictures available. $150/B.O. Call or Text (218) 780-1561 7/18

-REAL ESTATE-For sale: Cabin/lake home, Lum Lake. 2,600 sq ft home with 1600 sq ft garage and storage shed. Included is pontoon, rowboat, dock. For sale by owner which makes it ready for sale with-out a realtor, negotiable for both parties. 9 acres and 570 ft of lakeshore. Check it out on Zillow, Craigslist and Facebook. Text, call, email for pic-tures, more info. Call (218) 966-1471 or pandb1233@gmail.com

8/18For sale: Owen Lake cabin. 100 feet of sandy lakeshore. Two bedrooms, fireplace, propane heater, shed and outhouse. Adja-cent to 1000s of acres of public land with miles and miles of trails to explore. Good fishing and swim-ming. Great sunsets over the water. $122,900. Call (218) 999-9444 7/18

-FARM-See tractor under WANTED.

CLASSIFIEDS AD DEADLINE for AUGUST issue, Fri. JULY 20

Place a Classified Ad Today!If you are an individual member of the cooperative, classified ads are free as a service from your coop-erative. 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: NOTE: New address Editor, WATTS NEWS, P.O. Box 43 Spring Lake, MN 56680or 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.

Emails will be answered; if no reply,

please resend.

page 16 July 2018

218-743-3297if no answer please leave message or call

1-800-936-4083MPCA CERTIFIED * BONDED

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL TANKS

150’ HOSE * NO LAWN DAMAGEBACKFLUSH FOR “TOTAL”

CLEANINGCABLE OR HYDRO-JET DRAIN

CLEANINGPROMPT YEAR-ROUND SERVICE

EFFIE, MN 56639

BROKER/REALTOR®

218.259.3403Bob@GoWithBob.comLakes, Homes & Acreage

Bob Ellies

Thousand Lakes, Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-8200 x17

G With

Some 2018 Operation Round Up grant awardeesSome of the organizations and those accepting checks from the 2018 spring awards for Operation Round Up include: (top row, l to r) City of Bigfork, Amy Pifher; Marcell Township, Diane Coppens; Bigfork School Special Education, Andrew Almendinger; Bigfork School 6th grade Soudan Underground Mine tour, Dexi Maxa. (second row, l to r) Edge Center education, Karlyn Berg; Swampsiders Snowmobile Club chimney replacement, Jim Cox; Grattan Township well, Calvin Johnson; Bigfork public computer, Angie Storlie. (third row, l to r) Bigfork Valley Senior Services activities and Fitness Center Pilates class props, Aaron Saude; Bigfork Over 50 Club, Marlene Petersen; Santa’s Mitten Maids, Kathy Peterson. (fifth row) Bigfork High School Robotics, Erin Pocquette, instructor.