The bylaws of the cooperative state that it shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to appoint a nominating committee prior to the annual meeting.

The committee shall propose and post at the principal office of the cooperative at least thirty (30) days before the annual meeting, a list of nominations for director, which said list shall consist of one or more candidates from each election district in which the term of the incumbent director shall expire at the next annual meeting of the members.

At the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held in the office of the cooperative on March 26, 2015, the Board of Directors appointed the nominating committee. Members will

receive the list in a letter to be mailed to all Members, or they may contact their director or the office at (218) 743-3131 to find the name of the nominating committee person for their district.

The duty of the nominating committee is to select, propose and post a list of candidates for director for Districts 1, 2 and 3. The nominating committee will meet in the office of the cooperative, Bigfork, Minn. on May 7, 2015 at 5:30 p.m.

Members of the coop-erative are urged to contact a nominating committee person or alternate and let them know if you have a candidate for the Board of Directors. All candi-dates selected should be qualified by the nominating committee person prior to

pages 8, 9

Rate schedule effective March billing cycle

page 3

Photos from area events

VOL.18 NO. 4 PUBLISHED FOR THE MEMBERS OF NORTH ITASCA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE APRIL 2015

Grants to p. 7>

Legislative Updatespage 11

• inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside •OFFICE HOURS8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Friday, April 3 is the deadline for com-munity organizations to apply for spring RoundUp® grants. RoundUp is a program that rounds up participating member bills to the next dollar, providing an opportunity for community organizations to apply for fund-ing for worthwhile projects. About $10,000 is distributed by the community trust board twice a year.

Applications are due in the headquarters office by Friday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m. Grants will be awarded on April 16.

Apply by Friday, April 3

RoundUp® grants

Laurel's to p. 14>

Districts 1, 2 and 3Board nominations open

Co-op Connections Business Profile:

Laurel's Needlecraft Supplies and Giftsby Sally Sedgwick

When Laurel Carlson began recreating Victo-rian era beaded crochet rope jewelry, she looked for a local consignment outlet. There were a num-ber willing to carry her product, but the percent-age taken by the stores meant the price would be high for customers.

There should be a Laurel Carlson with a Victorian beaded crochet rope jewelry set.

North Itasca Electric Cooperative celebrates National Lineman Appreciation DayAmerica’s electric co-

operatives have desig-nated the second Monday of April as National Line-man Appreciation Day.

On April 13, 2015, North Itasca Electric Co-operative will honor the

hard working men and women who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on.

The full text of the reso-lution, which the National Rural Electric Coopera-tive Association (NRE-

CA) Board adopted unani-mously, follows:

“Whereas linemen leave their families and put their lives on the line every day to keep the power on; Whereas linemen work 365 days a year under

dangerous conditions to build, maintain and repair the electric infrastructure; Whereas linemen are the first responders of the elec-tric cooperative family, getting power back on and

Rob Powell Bruce Carlson Charles Peck John Rahier Jerry Pula David Priem

place where handcrafters could keep more of the price, she thought, and where people who loved to knit and crochet like herself could find quality supplies.

She followed her idea to a building for sale on Highway 2 east of Deer River where Highway 6 turns south, formerly Jerry’s Country Corner. It would

take work to remake it into a retail store – there was no electricity, for instance. But she and her husband Curtis took on the challenge, and

Yarns from India; silk, shred-ded fabric, banana tree bark

Lineman to p.7>Nominations to p.14>

April 2015page 2

North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.Board of Directors

Chairman: Terry Schmitz, District 8Vice-Chairman: Wes Waller, District 2Secretary: Larry Salmela, District 3Treasurer: Roy Bain, District 9 Rep. to GRE Board: Bruce Leino, District 7

James White, District 1 Walter Breeze, District 6James Cox, District 4 Lloyd Kongsjord, District 5

~April Calendar~2 Storytelling, Marcell Town Hall, 2 p.m. Subject: April Happenings or any spring

story of your choice. Everyone welcome, treats and coffee served. 3 No school, all schools. Spring holiday.3 RoundUp applications due for spring grantmaking: 4:30 p.m. in the headquarters.5 Easter6 No school, all schools. Spring holiday. 8 Interested in the logistics of a total knee or total hip replacement surgery? Come to

Bigfork Valley’s comprehensive program to learn about replacement surgery. Board Room, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. RSVP required: (218) 743-4135.

8 Bigfork Lions Club meets second Wednesday, 6 p.m. at Golf on the Edge.8 South Koochiching-Rainy River School Board meets at 7 p.m. in the Northome and

Indus ITV Studios9 Committee on Aging/TRIAD meets at Over 50 Club, Bigfork. 9 am coffee, 9:30 a.m.

speaker, 10:30 a.m. meeting, 11:30 a.m. lunch for a fee, 12:30 p.m. TRIAD meeting.9 Evergreen Friendship Club meets at noon at a local restaurant. For more info, call

659-2683.9 Classic movie at the Edge Center in Bigfork, The Paleface (1948) with Jane Russell

and Bob Hope, 6:30 p.m.10 The Edge Center in Bigfork presents the Zenon Professional Modern Dance

Company, 7 p.m.11 Annual Squaw Lake Community Center Bullhead Feed & Fish Fry, Squaw Lake

Community Center, 4-7 p.m.13 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat

Sievertson at 659-2157 or Marlys Maki at 659-2901.13 Blackduck (ISD 32) School Board meets at 7 p.m. in the media center.13 Deer River School Board meets, 6 p.m., public forum before meeting. 246-242013 VFW meets in Bigfork second Monday at 7 p.m.14 Stop and Stitch at Marcell Family Center, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Bring $2 for rent, project

to work on. Bring a bag lunch and pizza money for dinner. Contact Rhonda 259-9220 or Judy at 832-3237.

15 Northome School Carnival, 6-7:30 p.m.17 Lake Country Seniors meet at Marcell Town Hall, noon. Potluck, bring a dish to

share.20 North Country Gardeners meet at 7 p.m. at the Marcell Family Center.24 Deadline to apply for the North Itasca Electric scholarships; for students and adults.

Contact Christine at clundin@northome.k12.mn.us or download an application from www.northome.k12.mn.us, click on Our Staff > The Office > Counselor > Scholarships.

24 Ordering deadline for the 2015 Native Tree, Shrub and Plant Sale at the Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District. Visit itascaswcd.org or call Matt at 326-0017 for more information.

26 The Sylvan Trio with Josh Aerie at the Edge Center in Bigfork, 2 p.m. more>>

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: Jared EchternachWATTS 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 NEWS

Board Meeting HighlightsDue to the early date of the February Board Meeting, the January

financials and GRE PCA were not available for this meeting and will be presented at the March Regular Board Meeting.

The Regular Meeting of the Board was held at the Cooperative's Office on February 12, at 10:00 a.m.

Directors Present: Schmitz, Salmela, White, Breeze, Leino, Kongsjord, Waller, Bain and Cox.

Absent: None.Also Present: CEO Echternach, Staff Assistant Karels, Line

Supt. Pederson, Mgr. Finance & Office Services Corradi, EMS Loney and Attorney Shaw.

Line Supt. Pederson presented his Line Department, Safety and Outage Reports.

Mgr. Finance & Office Services Corradi presented his Office Report.

CEO Echternach presented his CEO Report, which included an update on State and Federal legislative issues, and Northland Connect Broadband LLC.

Attorney Shaw presented the Legal Update.Round-table discussions were heldLeino reported on the GRE Board Meeting.Waller presented the MREA Update.Action Items:-Approved Consent Agenda.-Confirmed the next meeting date as: Thursday March 26, 2015-Authorized Treasurer Bain to sign Work Order Inventory

24617, in the amount of $120,906.65Meeting Adjourned.

NorthItascaElectric.compay a bill - download a form

see your statementfind out about programs

>>more calendar27 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake

Community Center. 28 North Woods Quilters, Marcell Town Hall, 9 - 11:30

a.m. Bring your own coffee cup and a dish to share for potluck or a bag lunch. Lesson: Cleaning machines and general information from P & D Sewing. Another piece of the mystery quilt.

MAY2 Marcell Family Cemter Spring Fling, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Snacks, beverages, crafts, tree & seed planting, fun activities, and more.

April 2015 page 3

Last year was a relatively quiet year for energy legislation at the state level. This session is turning out to be very busy and last month a contingent of your board of directors and staff traveled to St. Paul to meet with area legislators on energy issues and advocate on behalf of our electric cooperative members. The following paragraphs highlight some of the legislative issues being discussed and your cooperative’s stance on each of the issues.State FEMA Reimbursement

HF484/SF599 would pro-vide electric cooperatives with access to state disaster funds to help our communities rebuild after natural disasters, just as municipal utilities have ac-cess to these funds. Damage to electric co-op lines is included in the calculation that triggers FEMA Disaster Declarations and we are eligible for federal assistance. We support this bill.Neutral-to-Earth Voltage Expert Witness

HF400/SF563 would re-quire those providing expert testimony on the way a util-ity’s system is designed and engineered be licensed elec-trical engineers. The legisla-tion would also require those providing expert testimony on neutral-to-earth voltage testing and measurements on a farm be licensed Master Electri-cians. We believe these com-mon-sense requirements will deter some of the questionable “consultants” pushing neutral-to-earth voltage cases in Min-nesota. In short, we believe that if someone is going to testify as an expert witness in a court of

law, then they should truly be an expert in that field.

Unfortunately, SF563 was voted down in the Senate Judiciary Committee over concern the bill represented a radical change to the state’s expert witness laws, one that could have a profound impact in a wide range of cases. They also expressed a hesitancy to restrict the discretion of judges over who can testify in cases before them.

In conjunction with the neutral-to-earth voltage legislation, the Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) is leading a stakeholder process with other utilities and agriculture groups to agree on standards for dealing with neutral-to-earth voltage incidents, including the responsibilities of utilities when testing, measuring and mitigating. The goal of the group is to produce a guide similar to those used in other states.Net Metering Reform

HF655/SF808 would reform the state’s current net metering statute for electric cooperatives and municipal utilities by eliminating the shifting of costs and allowing co-op boards and municipal utility commissions and city councils to recover the fixed costs it takes to serve net-metered members and customers. Under the legislation, new installations of small (under 40kW) distributed generation would have a choice to sell all of the output to the utility at avoided or wholesale cost or receive a kilowatt-hour credit on their bill, with excess credits rolling over month to

month. At the end of a calendar year, the credits may expire at the choice of the utility, thus eliminating the incentive to oversize generation. Boards and commissions would be allowed to charge a monthly grid fee to recover costs to avoid subsidization from those not participating in a net metering program. We support the bill.Utility Crossings

HF572/SF945 would elimi-nate the excessive application fees charged by the Minnesota Department of Natural Re-sources for state land and water crossings by electric and tele-com utilities. We support the bill.Railroad Crossing Fees

HF963/SF877 would stan-dardize the fee for railroad crossings by utilities in statute and prevent railroads from at-tempting to use the fees to in-crease profits. We support the bill.Move Over Legislation

HF1295/SF1180 would include utility vehicles in the current statute that requires drivers to slow down and move over (if possible) when they see flashing lights on police and emergency vehicles. We support the bill.Supply-Side Savings in Conservation Improvement Program

HF1421/SF602 would allow supply-side savings to be included in the state’s Conservation Improvement Program goal, eliminating the requirement that it be counted only after a utility has reached 1 percent savings. We support

the change.Assessment Mechanism

HF492/SF726 would in-clude renewable manufacturers & developers in the assessment utilities currently pay for the Department of Commerce and Public Utilities Commission operations. This would help alleviate the fees we currently pay and we support the bill.State Implementation Plan

HF333/SF231 would require the legislature to approve any State Implementation Plan to comply with federal EPA regulations regarding emissions from existing power plants. We support the bill.Importation of Carbon-Emitting Electricity

HF639/SF725 would repeal the ban on importing carbon-emitting electricity. We support the bill.Hydro Power

HF95/SF69 would allow large hydro to be counted as a renewable source of energy. We support the bill.Nuclear Energy

HF338/SF536 would allow new nuclear plant construction. We support the bill because we believe decisions over the type of generation are best made by utilities.Senate Omnibus Bill

Finally, a Senate Omnibus Bill is expected to be assembled and as was the case two years ago, we expect the bill to include some proposals we strongly oppose, including a proposed increase in the Renewable Energy Standard

to 40 percent by 2030 from the current standard of 25 percent by 2025. There is also discussion of increasing the state-mandated Conservation Improvement Program savings requirement to 2 percent of retail energy sales – a provision we also oppose.

When contacting your legislators on a specific issue, please include the file reference number. For example, if the bill originates in the House of Representatives, please include HF### in your message. Follow the same protocol for Senate bills such as SF###. If there is a companion bill in the House or Senate, please include that reference number as well. It’s also very important to include the key points of the bill along with your stance and recommendation to your legislators. Doing so will save time researching the issue and ensure your message is clear.

Jared Echternach, CEO

Legislative update

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

No referrals necessaryMike Olson, D.C.

Where skill meets compassion.

For appointments calls (218) 743-4340

April 2015page 4

by Jerry LoneyASHP with a fossil fuel furnace

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) are basically central air conditioning units which run in reverse during the winter months. In the summer, they run as a standard Central Air Conditioning Unit (CAC). But during the winter months, a reversing valve redirects the flow of hot refrigerant from the compressor and uses it to heat the home.

Depending on the COP (Coefficient of Performance) rating, these units can range from 200 percent to 300 percent efficient. The COP of a heat pump is a ratio of heat provided to electrical energy consumed.

The unit’s energy efficiency measurement for summer use is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). SEER is measured by the cooling output

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

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

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.

during a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same period. The higher the unit's SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is.

When sizing a heat pump for your home, it needs to be based on the heating load or heat loss calculations indicating the amount of heat the home requires to stay comfortable.

New technologies for these heat pumps are allowing them to run in much colder temperatures than ever before. The normal rule of thumb is to turn them off when outdoor temperatures reach 20 degrees. After 20 degrees, the efficiencies start to drop off to the point where it does not make sense to run them. Today’s technologies have changed that. These units are now running down to zero degrees and still performing at COP ratings higher than 100 percent efficiency.

Because of the good performance of ASHPs, they are good for energy conservation and help in meeting Minnesota’s conservation mandates. North Itasca Electric, in partnership with Great River Energy, offers rebates on installations of units 13 SEER and higher ranging from $330 up to $630 per qualified installation.

Because these units require a blower fan and are installed with propane furnaces, they also qualify for North Itasca Electric’s load management (Dual Fuel) program. Considering the Dual Fuel rate of 0.0565 cent per kWh, the installation of a 200 percent efficient ASHP would equate to energy costs of 0.0285 cent per kWh, at 300 percent 0.0188 cents per kWh.

ASHPs also work excellently with electric thermal storage furnaces. With geothermal heat pumps being the most efficient way to heat your home, the combination of an ASHP along with a storage brick

furnace is very competitive without the additional expense of installing a loop field or wells in your yard. The combination of the Dual Fuel ASHP with brick storage furnace rate and the even lower storage rate brings the cost of heating your home down to slightly higher than that of a geothermal system.

The ASHP would use the fan blower of the storage furnace to distribute heat to each room as it would a fossil fuel furnace.

This low-cost energy is equivalent to paying $1.13 per gallon for propane or $1.52 per gallon for fuel oil. As you can see by the chart below, ASHPs reduce heating cost even further yet beyond that of storage heat, adding even more savings.

Fossil fuel comparisons per gallon ASHP 90% Propane 80% Fuel OilEfficiency Equivalent Equivalent 200% 0.83 1.37 300% 0.55 0.92

Talmoon Firearms and SuppliesEd Shearen, FFL

P.O. Box 1249635 State Hwy 6Talmoon, MN 56637

218-832-4867218-832-GUNS

- By appointment only.-

ALL TYPES OF GUNS - BUY, SELL, TRADE

2014 – 2015 actual control hours • Minnkota Power controlled – 60 hrs., 48 mins. • Great River Energy controlled – 40 hours (including system tests)

How does this equate to fossil fuel costs?Calculating losses from a tightly built 2,800 square foot home, slab on grade: 90 percent efficient propane costing $1.99, and 80% efficient fuel oil $2.75 per gallon

Minnkota Power controlled: • Propane costs for year $10.30 • Fuel Oil cost for year - $7.44

Great River Energy controlled: • Propane cost for year $6.76 • Fuel Oil cost for year $4.88

Load Management Control hours in 2014 - 2015

April 2015 page 5

Start that exercise program that you resolved to begin this year. Free exercise for healthy bones and bodies every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Kootasca Senior in Northome. All ages and conditions are welcome. Call Janet at (218) 897-5678 for information.

Bone Builders in Northome

Water Heating1. Set water heater temperature

no higher than 120 degree F. 2. For households with one or

two members, a 115 degree F setting may work fine.

3. Install water-heater wrap per manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Drain 1-2 gallons from bottom of water heater each year to reduce sediment build up.

5. Install heat traps on hot and cold water lines when it’s time to replace your water heater.

6. Insulate exposed hot water lines.

7. Limit showers to 5-7 minutes.8. Install low-flow shower heads.9. Fix dripping faucets.10. Don’t let water run while you

are shaving.11. Don’t let water run while

brushing your teeth. Laundry

12. Wash clothes in cold water. Use hot water only for very dirty loads.

13. Only do full laundry loads.14. If you must do smaller loads,

adjust the water level in the washing machine to match the load size, especially when using hot water.

15. Always use cold-water rinse.16. Use bath towels at least twice

before washing them. 17. Clean your dryer’s lint trap

before each load.18. Make sure the outdoor dryer

exhaust door closes when the dryer is off.

19. Verify dryer vent hose is tightly connected to dryer

20. Make sure dryer vent hose is not kinked or clogged.

21. Minimize clothes dryer time; use moisture sensor on dryer if available.

22. Dry consecutive loads to harvest heat remaining in dryer from last load.

23. Consider using a “solar-powered” clothes dryer; an old fashioned clothesline.

Kitchen24. Use your refrigerator's

anti-sweat feature only if necessary

25. Switch your refrigerator’s power-saver to “ON” if

available.26. Clean refrigerator coils

annually.27. Set the refrigerator

temperature to 34 - 37 degrees and freezer temperature to 0 – 5 degrees.

28. Ensure gaskets around door seal tightly.

29. Unplug unused refrigerator or freezers.

30. Use microwave for cooking when possible.

31. When cooking on the oven range, use pot lids to help food cook faster.

32. If you are heating water, use hot tap water instead of cold.

33. Remember to use the kitchen exhaust fan when cooking. Turn it off after cooking.

34. Use a slow-cooker instead of simmering foods on the stove.

35. If rinsing dirty dishes before putting them in dishwasher, do so with cold water

36. Use cold water for garbage disposal.

37. Only run dishwasher when fully loaded.

38. Use air-dry cycle instead of heat-dry cycle to dry dishes.

Lighting 39. Replace any light bulb that

burns more than 1 hour per day with its equivalent compact fluorescent or LED bulb.

40. Turn off unnecessary lighting.

41. Replace outdoor lighting with its outdoor-rating equivalent compact fluorescent or LED bulb.

42. Use fixtures with electronic ballasts and T-8, 32-watt fluorescent lamps.

43. Use outdoor security lights with a photocell and/or motion sensor.

Miscellaneous44. Turn computers and monitors

off when not in use.45. Make sure electric blankets

are turned off in the morning.46. Turn waterbed heater off

when not needed.47. Turn large-screen TVs off

completely when not in use. 48. Turn off stereos and radios

when not in use. 49. Remember to turn off hair

curling iron and hot rollers. 50. Turn off coffee maker not in

use. 51. Turn off pool pumps and

heaters when not needed. 52. Verify livestock water tank

heaters are off when not needed.

53. Make sure heat tape is off when not needed.

54. Unplug battery charges when not needed.

55. Ensure all new appliances are ENERGY STAR rated.

Heating and Air Conditioning56. Set thermostats to 78 degrees

in the summer, 68 degrees in the winter.

57. Run ceiling paddle fans on medium, blowing down in summer.

58. Run ceiling paddle fans on low, blowing up in winter.

59. Change HVAC filters monthly.

60. When installing new air filters, make sure they are facing in the correct direction (look for arrow on side of filter)

61. When heating or cooling, keep windows locked.

62. Insulate electric wall plugs and wall switches with foam pads.

63. Caulk along baseboards with a clear sealant.

64. Close fireplace dampers when not burning a fire.

65. Caulk around plumbing penetrations that come through walls beneath bathroom and kitchen sinks.

66. Caulk electrical wire penetrations at the top of the interior walls.

67. Close shades and drapes at night to keep heat in during the winter.

68. Make sure drapes and shades are open during the day to catch free solar heat in winter.

69. Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep heat out in summer.

70. Ensure attic access door closes tightly.

71. Insulate attic access door.

100 easy ways to save energy and money

The Bigfork Valley Community Foundation donated $500 to Bigfork School’s Backwood Bots Robotics team. The full team name is the Backwoods Bots #5253 and the robot pictured is named Gilligan.

Bigfork Valley Community Foundation exists to provide an opportunity for individuals to contribute to a 501c(3) private, non-profit organization that will support the betterment of Northern Itasca Hospital District and its communities.

(front) Shawna Youngberg, Gigi Wanner, (back) Kristen Huot (BVCF Donations Coordinator), Nanci Zeine (BVCF Board Member), Rodney Kuschel, Michele Carnahan (Team Mentor). Team Members not pictured: Hunter Dahlke, Liam Prato.

Backwoods Bots donation

100 to p.7>

April 2015page 6

by Paul KraskaZenon Professional Modern Dance returns

When Zenon Dance Company of Minneapolis was in Bigfork in January, they were hosted by ISD318/Bigfork School for a week-long school residency. During their stay, classes for students were held by the company’s professional dancers who ended their Bigfork visit with a performance for family and friends.

This time Zenon Dance brings their professionals for a public performance that will include some of the residency students to open the evening’s entertainment.

Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Zenon Dance Company's Artistic Director Linda Andrews says Zenon is returning to The Edge, “…early enough this year so that the January student residency is still relevant to the students. The residency was a wonderful experience for Zenon. We loved the community and the venue. With our April 10 performance, we will get a chance to see ‘old friends’ again while sharing our expertise and love for American modern dance. The performance will be energetic and passionate with something for everyone.”

Besides the Bigfork students, this pub-lic performance will include a premiere performance of a work by Minnesota cho-reographer Wynn Frick (based on select-ed women’s Bulgarian choir music) and a performance of internationally known Afro-Cuban choreographer Oshel Del-gato titled “Coming Home.” It is about a journey in which the sport of baseball becomes common ground between the

choreographer, dancers and the audience.Josh Aerie with the Sylvan Trio and Maggie Anderson

Josh Aerie is also returning to the Edge, but this time with a new chamber ensemble, The Sylvan Trio. It is a flute/cello/piano ensemble with Suzanne Bona, Josh Aerie and Dr. Greg Kostraba.

The Sylvan Trio focuses on a mix of new and “old” music. The program includes works from Weber, Pleyel and Sowash. The Edge Center is fortunate

to be one of the venues for The Sylvan Trio on this first tour around this area.

Local Bigfork cello player and former student of Josh Aerie's, Maggie Anderson, will open the concert. Maggie is has been a regular on the Edge stage and provided audiences many wonderful performances. She is going to college this fall and would like one more opportunity to perform at the Edge before then.

Date April 26; time 2 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children.Prairie Home Companion Ballet

The Reif hosts the world famous James Selwell ballet in a performance of “Guy Noir” inspired by a segment on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion. From the Reif website: “Known for their creative, visionary and contemporary take on a classical art form, the James Sewell Ballet (JSB) delivers…Guy Noir…the neo-story ballet has

garnered national appeal as one of JSB's most entertaining works. It has been applauded for its spectacle of characters, costumes and music; and it features narrations by Keillor himself, as well as music by A Prairie Home Companions' Rich Dworsky and The Guy's All-Star Shoe Band. The familiarity of the Guy Noir: Private Eye character is certain to make this ballet resonate with Greater Minnesota audiences.”

May 8, 7:30 p.m., doors open 7 p.m.. Price $20 adult, $18 seniors, $10 youth. Contact Reif center in Grand Rapids for tickets. Ten Year Anniversary Special

Something also to start thinking about

Arts on the EdgeEdge Events

Learn more about all of these at:edgecenterarts.blogspot.com

• April 9 - Classic Movie The Paleface (1948), 6:30 p.m.

• April 10 –Zenon Professional Modern Dance Company, 7 p.m.

• April 26 – Sylvan trio with Josh Aerie, 2 p.m.• May 8 – James Sewell Ballet, 7:30 p.m. • May 13 – BHS Spring Concert• May 22-24 – BEST of the PLAYERS: The 10-

Year Reunion Show, EdgeWild Players • June 12 – Monroe Crossing• June 19 – Kevin Kling/Aaron Gabriel, 7 p.m.• July 17-19 Stages Theatre The Little Mermaid Jr.• Aug. 8 – Piano Bar with The Northern Lights• Aug. 16 – Pat Surface• Aug. 29 – John PerkinsKeep watching here and the website www.the-

edge-center.org for more upcoming events!

CLASSIC MOVIE SERIESEdge to p.7>

Edge GalleryShould you enter Art on the Edge: 11th Annual Juried Exhibit?

by Lynn NachbarThis juried exhibit is open to

all media, from any geographic location. The organizers are very helpful in answering questions. We try to make it as easy as possible to enter.

Are you 16 years or older? Have you got work that was produced in 2013, 2014 or 2015? Can you get digital images or even a real photo to us by May 3? Can you get over the fear of rejection?

This Juried show has had first time entries win an Award. Most important is that the work you are doing be original and creative in subject matter, style or materials. Original means that it is fresh and unusual, not copied from another artist’s work, and is not a print of an actual artwork, even your own. Along with that, composition and craftsmanship are carefully considered.

For an artist to enhance his or her chance of being chosen, the digital images submitted for consideration need to be of high quality. When the image is blurred or too small, shows reflections from the glass or a view from an angle, the juror cannot get an accurate view of the work and will usually remove the work from consideration. After that it may boil down to the personal preferences of a person whose taste reflects their study of thousands of pieces of art during their career. The juror’s decisions are final.Patricia Canelake is Chosen as Art on the Edge Juror

The Edge Center Gallery has chosen Patricia Canelake as the juror for Art on the Edge: 11th Annual Juried Exhibition. She has been a practicing painter and printmaker for 30 years, winning many awards and residencies. She served as a panelist and juror for the MAEP (Minnesota Artist Exhibition Program) at The Minnesota Institute of Art and as a juror for The Minnesota State Arts Board, National Scholastic Awards, Tweed Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin, Superior Wisconsin, and the Duluth Art Institute.

by Jack NachbarJane Russell is the gun toting Calamity Jane

pretending to be a "lady" and Bob Hope is an inept, cowardly dentist pretending to be a frontier tough guy. Together they turn the Western upside down in the smash hit 1948 comedy The Paleface, the final movie in the current season of the Classic Movie Series. Russell and Hope both commented on how much they enjoyed making this movie, and the fun they were having radiates off the screen. Hope was the top movie comic of the 1940s and this was his most popular picture.

The Paleface will be shown FREE on Thursday, April 9 at the Edge Center Theater in Bigfork at 6:30 p.m.

Art on the Edge: The 11th Annual Juried Exhibit begins on July 2 continuing until July 25. Artists must be 16 years or older. The entry deadline is Monday, May 4. There is a $20 non-refundable fee for up to 3 entries and the work must be created in 2013, 2014 or 2015, and never before shown in the Edge Center Gallery. Call the Edge Center at (218) 743-6670, Lynn at (218) 743-6018 or Sandy at (218) 832-3761 for more information.

Edge Center Gallery CalendarMay 7-23 Bigfork Student Art Show June 4-27 With a View: Landscape Opening Reception: Friday, June 5, 5 p.m.

April 2015 page 7

Groceries, hardware, movies, gas, gifts, post office, waste

coupons, licenses, housewaresMasterCard and Visa

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

Sun: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Spring Lake StoreAn Old Fashioned General Store

On Hwy 4, 1 mile west of Hwy 29

Pederson Hovila AgencyInsurance & Financial Services

Local, friendly, personal service for over 40 years• MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS NOW AVAILABLE!• FINAL EXPENSE PLANS now available!• LIFE INSURANCE for all stages of life• AUTO, HOME, FARM, HEALTH, etc.

Call Kevin for a no-obligation quote or policy review

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

>from p. 572. Make sure insulation in

your attic does not block soffit vents.

73. Do not close off unused rooms that are conditioned by forced-air systems.

74. Do not close supply air registers.

75. Check to be sure return grilles are not blocked by furniture or bookcases.

76 Ensure windows and doors are properly weather-stripped.

77. Make sure outside door soffit vents are not blocked.

78. Do not use roof-top power ventilator for attic exhaust as they may evacuate conditioned air from your home.

79. Have your HVAC system serviced once per year by a NATE-certified technician.

80. Monitor your home's relative humidity in the summer. If it consistently stays in the 60 percent range or higher, ask your HVAC technician about lowering your central air conditioning unit's indoor fan speed.

81. Ensure window A/C units are weather-stripped.

82. Ensure windows with window mounted A/C units have weather-stripping between the middle of the top and bottom pane.

83. Remove and clean window A/C filter monthly.

84. Keep “fresh-air” vents on window A/C units closed

85. Use heavy-duty, clear sheets of plastic on the inside of windows to reduce the amount of cold air entering your home.

86. Minimize use of electric space heaters.

87. Ensure your outdoor heat pump/air conditioning unit is kept clean and free of debris.

88. When using the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening damper in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly.

89. In a basement, seal the sill and band joist with durable caulking or foam sealant.

90. Ensure floor registers are not blocked with rugs, drapes or furniture.

91. Outside your home, caulk around all penetrations including telephone, electrical, cable, gas, water spigots, dryer vents, etc.

92. Caulk around storm windows.

93. Caulk around basement windows.

94. Verify your supply air duct “boots” (behind supply air registers) are caulked to your ceiling or wall sheetrock or flooring.

95. If in unconditioned space, verify your ducts are tightly connected to your HVAC equipment.

96. Verify all outdoor doors (Including storm doors) close and seal tightly.

97. In two-story homes serviced by one HVAC system, a paddle fan at the top of the stairs can push down hot, second-floor air.

98. Install 15 minute, spring-wound timers on bathroom ventilator fans.

99. Always run your HVAC system fan on “Auto.” Running it on “on” uses more electricity and can decrease your air conditioners ability to remove moisture.

100. Keep your garage door down. A warmer garage in the winter and cooler garage in the summer will save energy

100 energy saving tips North Itasca Electric Scholarships

Children of North Itasca Electric Cooperative members can apply for college scholarships through Northome School. Applications are due Friday, April 24.

Applications are available at Northome, Bigfork, Deer River, and Grand Rapids high schools as well as the North Itasca Electric office. Applicants can also email Christine at clundin@northome.k12.mn.us or visit www.northome.k12.mn.us and click on Our Staff> The Office > Counselor > Scholarships to get a copy.

Members or member children may apply for a separate scholarship for a non-traditional student returning to college.

North Itasca Electric Cooperative scholarships are made possible through unclaimed capital credit funds.

RoundUp grants

National Lineman Appreciation Day>from p.1making things safe for all after storms and ac-cidents; and Whereas there would be no electric cooperatives without the brave men and women who comprise our corps of linemen;

Therefore be it resolved that NRECA recog-nize the Second Monday of April of each year as National Lineman Appreciation Day and make available to electric cooperatives, materials and support to recognize the contributions of these valuable men and women to America’s Electric Cooperatives.”

We proudly recognize all electric linemen for the services they perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety.

“Electric linemen do not often receive the recognition they deserve,” said Jared Echter-nach, North Itasca Electric Cooperative CEO. “They work all hours of the day, often in haz-ardous conditions far from their families, going above and beyond to restore power to their com-munities. Our linemen, as well as linemen from across the nation, truly deserve this special day of recognition.”

>from p.1Application forms along with instructions can

be obtained by calling the office at (218) 743-3131 or toll free 1(800) 762-4048, by e-mail to joelk@nieci.com or online at www.NorthItascaElectric.com.

When completing the grant application, please read and follow the directions closely. If you have any questions on completing the application, please contact Joel at North Itasca Electric or one of the Trust Board members.

>from p. 6for May is a special reunion show by the Edgewild Players in short segments of popular plays of the past 10 years. It is part of our 10-year anniversary happenings coming through-out 2015. The title is BEST of the PLAYERS: The 10-Year Reunion Show, and it will be per-formed May 22 – 24. What plays and who is in them we'll cover next month, but start thinking Music Man, Oklahoma, Fiddler on the Roof and more! It will be fun and a great chance to reminisce with old friends and great shows.

Arts on the Edge

April 2015page 8

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

David Lick, CIC, LUTCBill Sergot, CIC, AAIDan Drennen, CIC, LUTCSheila GustafsonGreg PassardSteven Swentkokske

Call the Kutschats for Great Service

and Results! 721 S Pokegama Ave Grand Rapids MN 55744

Michelle 218-256-5774

Buying or Selling?

Jim 218-256-5773

Toll Free 1-877-900-3635

Century 21 ~ The Gold Standard www.C21LakesTeam.com

Michelle & Jim Kutschat

Perchjerker ice fishing contest by the Squaw Lake Fire Department on Round Lake: (l) Jackie Schuemann, Evan Ross, Zack Randa and Brian Williams wait for customers at the grill, (far right) contest from above, some winners (top to bottom): Kayla Suragger, first perch caught; Susan Schechinger, largest perch; Mike Beck, 10th largest perch caught; Lane Stangmer, 4th largest perch caught; Tony Svorak, smallest perch caught. Photos by Pat Hill

Perchjerker

April 2015 page 9

40095 Hwy 2 near junction with Hwy 6, just east of Deer River

218-246-8330Hours:

M-F 9-5 Sat 10-2

www.mnlakeshoreproperties.com Experts in

Lakeshore, Acreage & Residential Property

“We’re on the North

end of Marcell”

Call The Ritter Team Your “Home Town” Realtors!

218-832-3121

Dave Ritter-Broker Cheryl Ritter-Agent Jason Ritter-Agent

Photos from the St. Urho Day Parade, Squaw Lake

Parade Marshals Bud (l) and Yvonne (r) with Bruce Leino

"Fish Tales" float "Whack a Grasshopper" float

Photos byJackie Schuemann

Jackie and Judi, previous parade winners.

The Wilderness Wheelers is pleased to announce the winnner of our logo contest. Thank you Bailey Schultz of St. Paul for your wonderful drawing!

The Wilderness Wheelers Four Wheeler Club is open to families and individuals who enjoy the great outdoors by ridiing the many off road vehicle trails within the state of Minnesota. The club meets the last Monday of each month, 6 p.m., at the meeting room in Park Rec, Main Street, Bigfork (new time and location). Come join us!

Logo contest winner

April 2015page 10

Outage Report - February 2015 DATE OFF AREA AFFECTED OH/UG CAUSE TIME OFF # MEMBERS

Outage chart shows what the Line Department responded to during the month, including cause, length of outage, whether the fault was overhead (OH) or underground (UG), and the location.

● Yearly average time a member is out of power is 2.85 minutes ● Yearly average number a member experiences a sustained interruption: 0.02 ● Yearly average time required to restore service is 1.99 hours.G & G

Restoration, Remodeling, Roofing

● Licensed & insured

218-832-6396 218-398-0901

● Free estimates● Additions

● Home repairs ● Decks

Lic. No. BC-667984

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

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

811 or(800) 252-1166

April 2015 page 11

Example under existing rates:If you used 700 kWh in September, your monthly bill including sales tax would be: $128.57

Example under new rates:If you used 700 kWh in September, your monthly bill including sales tax would be: $125.04

Excludes Operation RoundUpExample under existing Dual Fuel rate:

If you used 3,000 kWh for your electric heat in December, your monthly bill for electric heat would be: $156.00.

Example under new Dual Fuel rate:If you used 3,000 kWh for your electric heat in December your monthly bill for electric heat would b: $169.50.

Residential and Seasonal examples

At its December board meeting the North Itasca Electric Cooperative Board of Directors approved a rate adjustment effective with the March 2015 billing cycle. Please see the associated charts regarding the new rate schedules and examples of how the rates may affect your monthly bill.

New rates begin in March billing cycle

How  will  the  new  rates  affect  my  bill?

Residental  and  Seasonal  Rate  Classes

2014 Rates (Mar - May / Sept-Dec.) 700 kWh usage 1,500 kWh usage 2,000 kWh usageBase Charge $37.00 $37.00 $37.00First 700 kWh 0.119 $83.30 $83.30 $83.30Additional kWh 0.109 - $87.20 $141.70Sales tax $8.27 $14.27 $18.01Monthly cost $128.57 $221.77 $280.01

2014 Rates (Jun - Aug) 700 kWh usage 1,500 kWh usage 2,000 kWh usageBase Charge $37.00 $37.00 $37.00First 700 kWh 0.139 $97.30 $97.30 $97.30Additional kWh 0.129 - $103.20 $167.70Sales tax $9.23 $16.33 $20.76Monthly cost $143.53 $253.83 $322.76

2015 Rates (Mar - May / Sept-Dec.) 700 kWh usage 1,500 kWh usage 2,000 kWh usageBase Charge $40.00 $40.00 $40.00Energy 0.11 $77.00 $165.00 $220.00Sales tax $8.04 $14.09 $17.88Monthly cost $125.04 $219.09 $277.88

2015 Rates (Jun - Aug) 700 kWh usage 1,500 kWh usage 2,000 kWh usageBase Charge $40.00 $40.00 $40.00Energy 0.13 $91.00 $195.00 $260.00Sales tax $9.01 $16.16 $20.63Monthly cost $140.01 $251.16 $320.63

Commercial  Rate  Classes

2014 Rates (Mar - May / Sept-Dec.) 700 kWh usage 5,000 kWh usage 10,000 kWh usageBase Charge $37.00 $37.00 $37.00First 700 kWh 0.119 $83.30 $83.30 $83.30Additional kWh 0.109 - $468.70 $1,013.70Sales tax $8.27 $40.49 $77.96Monthly cost $128.57 $629.49 $1,211.96

2014 Rates (Jun - Aug) 700 kWh usage 5,000 kWh usage 10,000 kWh usageBase Charge $37.00 $37.00 $37.00First 700 kWh 0.139 $97.30 $97.30 $97.30Additional kWh 0.129 - $554.70 $1,199.70Sales tax $9.23 $47.37 $91.71Monthly cost $143.53 $736.37 $1,425.71

2015 Rates (Mar - May / Sept-Dec.) 700 kWh usage 5,000 kWh usage 10,000 kWh usageBase Charge $41.00 $41.00 $41.00Energy 0.11 $77.00 $550.00 $1,100.00Sales tax $8.11 $40.63 $78.44Monthly cost $126.11 $631.63 $1,219.44

2015 Rates (Jun - Aug) 700 kWh usage 5,000 kWh usage 10,000 kWh usageBase Charge $41.00 $41.00 $41.00Energy 0.13 $91.00 $650.00 $1,300.00Sales tax $9.08 $47.51 $92.19Monthly cost $141.08 $738.51 $1,433.19

April 2015page 12

Community Education

Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency of-fers senior dining available to those 60 plus and their spouse. The price for the home cooked meals is $3.50. Register ahead by calling (218) 749-2912 or toll free 1 (800) 662-5711, Ext. 223. Please re-serve by 9 a.m. of the day you plan to dine (except for restaurant sites). Meals are offered at: Bigfork Over 50 Club (M-F, 11:30 a.m.), Call by 9 a.m. for reservations at 743-3121. Bowstring Com-munity Center - Tu, Th, 11:30 a.m., 832-3037. Meals are also offered in Balsam, Big Falls, Nor-thome and Squaw Lake.

Blackduck: Register and call for more information at (218) 835-5206. WEDNESDAY NIGHT BASKETBALL Open to anyone 18 and older or has graduated from high school.Date: Wednesday nightsTime: 6:30-8:30 p.m.Place: Blackduck High School Gym Fee: $3 per nightSCIENCE CLUBFor 7-13 year olds from the Headwaters Science CenterDate: Tuesdays, ongoing through April 28Time: 4:30-6 p.m.Place: Blackduck Elemenatry SchoolCall (218) 444-4472 for info and to register.

Bigfork: Register for classes at 743-3444 or online at www.getlearning.org.

Northome: Call Sue Gross, 897-5275, Ext. 100 to register.

area bookmobile stops

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

Tuesdays: April 21; May 12 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: April 2, 23; May 14 1:15 - 2:00 Togo: School vicinityFridays: April 17; May 8, 29 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

REIF DANCE FUNDAMENTALS WORKSHOPBallet-based program for students. Workshop will have 3 levels or classes divided by age group with a maximum 20 students per class. Register for your age group. Date: Saturdays, starting 4/11Time: K-2, 10 -10:45 a.m.; Gr 3-5, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.;

Gr 6-12, 12-1:30 p.m. Location: Edge CenterFee: $10/session, 3 sessions per workshop

DOG TRACKING AND THE SPORT OF CANINE NOSEWORK Learn all about your dog's ability to use its nose to field track, hunt and find things and even find certain scents. Class fee is based on working dog teams; dog, parent and child under 15, OR youth over 15 and dog, or adult with dog. Participants bring dog with basic manners on 6 foot leash. Bring dog training treats and a portable dog crate if you have one. Class will be held outside and inside so dress accordingly.Date: Saturday, 4/18Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Marcell Family CenterFee: $50

PERMIT TO CARRY - MINNESOTABasic handgun safety course meeting Minnesota law to apply for a permit to carry a handgun. Bring your handgun and 50 rounds of ammunition. If you do not have a handgun one will be provided for you to use. Eye and ear protection will be provided also. Must be 21 or older. For further info call (218) 256-8137. Date: Saturday, 4/25Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Marcell Family CenterFee: $100

The AARP Smart Driver course teaches drivers age 55+ valuable defensive driving skills and provides a refresher of the rules of the road. The course costs $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Space is limited, so register now by calling the host phone listed with class dates. There are NO written or driving tests to pass this course – just be an active participant.

Plus, you will qualify for a 10 percent automobile insurance discount by completing the course.

The program is also looking for instructors to bring Smart Driver courses to their communities. If you are interested in being an instructor and have internet access, please call Jerry Flint, (218) 326-4991.

Local classesApril 13 - Deer River Community Ed., 4-8 p.m.; to

register call Kayleen, (218) 246-8241, ext. 60227April 15 - Over 50 Club, Bigfork, 3-7 pm; to

register call Elder Circle, (218) 999-9233April 21 - Marcell Family Center, 3-7 p.m.; to

register, call Elder Circle, (218) 999-9233April 23 - Carpenter Town Hall, Togo, 1-5 p.m.,

call (760) 780-7190

AARP Smart Driver Course

OPEN GYM Date: Sundays Time: 3-5 p.m.Location: Northome SchoolFee: $1/person, $5/family

Where skill meets compassion.

Bigfork Valley Fitness CenterOpen 24 hours ♦ 7 days a week

Call 743-4133 for membership informationRental lockers ♦ Showers

Hours: Sun-Thurs: 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri and Sat: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

743-3607

Every Monday evening: 1/4 lb. hamburger & fries Every Friday evening: fish or fantail shrimp

Every Tuesday 11am-2 pm: hot beef sandwiches Every Thursday 11am-2 pm: hot pork sandwiches

Friendly, small town atmosphere Ice cream ... the dipping kind!

Wireless Internet available Pizza! Pie!

M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.743-GIFT (4438)

Lovely spring items coming in!

Wanigan cafeteria and Gift Nest now open Saturdays

TO THE RESIDENTS OF Ardenhurst Township of Itasca County, Minnesota:NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Board of Appeal and Equalization for Ardenhurst Township shall meet on April 14, 2015, 1:00 p.m., at Ardenhurst Town Hall (Old Island Lake School). The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether taxable property in the jurisdiction has been properly valued and classified by the assessor, and to determine whether corrections need to be made.If you believe that the value or classification of your property is incorrect, please contact your assessor’s office to discuss your concerns. If you are still not satisfied with the valuation or classification after discussing it with your assessor, you may appear before the local board of appeal and equalization. The board shall review the valuation, classification, or both if necessary, and shall correct it as needed. Generally an appearance before your local board of appeal and equalization is required by law before and appeal can be taken to the county board of appeal and equalization.

Seasonal Lots & Cabins for Rent

www.ghostbay.com

Call Dennis at 612.618.1957

“Great Residents, Marina and Beach”

Senior meals

April 2015 page 13

Spring FlingSaturday, May 2, 10 a.m to 12:30 p.m.

Snacks, crafts, tree & seed planting, fun activities, and more.

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 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.

Squaw Lake

General interest

MFC Computer Room/ Book ExchangeBook Exchange: After filling out aregistration form, the public may checkout books for FREE. Computer Room:Computers and printers available forpublic-use. High-Speed Internet, WordProcessing and more! Requires registrationand fees.

Wireless Internet Hotspot: FREE: Requires registration. Open during MFC hours above.

Tai Chi Exercise ClassThursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., $10 per sessionQuestions> Call Lauri at 832-3291 or (952) 200-5543

MFC Open GymMonday-Saturday. Call for hours. Parents must accompany children under the age of 16. Register with Marcell Family Center, 218-832-3444

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.

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.

YogaBeginner yoga practice that will strengthen your body, deepen your breath and soothe your mind. We will explore the benefits of yoga by linking breath with mindful movements with a focus on proper alignment and basic breathing techniques. This practice will help to create strength and flexibility and balance.Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.Instructor: Patti AltLocation: Marcell Family CenterFee: $10 per individual class/sessionRegister with Marcell Family Center, 218-832-3444

Fitness Center: Eliptical Crosstrainer, Treadmills, Bike, Strength Training Machines, Free Weights, more! Fee: Membership (stu-dent, adult, family or day pass)

The annual Squaw Lake Community Center Bullhead Feed & Fish Fry is coming up on Saturday, April 11 at the Community Center from 4-7 p.m.

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

Area Resources

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.

Blackduck Community

Library: 835-6600

AA meeting: Old Scenic Community Church, 25747 County Road 340, Thurs., 7 p.m. Contact: Richard at (218) 743-3970 or Jim at (218) 245-1804

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.

Northome Library Resource Center

897-5952

Resource Centers: Blackduck:

(218) 835-5768Northome:

(218) 897-5952

The 8th annual Let's Go Fishing with Seniors Fish Fry will be at the Grand Rapids Eagles Club on Weds., April 22 from noon to 7 p.m., $8. This program takes seniors in the county onto area lakes for fishing from a well-equipped pontoon.

The annual Children's Fair will be held at the IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids on Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Free Kiwanis pancake breakfast, 9-11 a.m. door prizes, storytellers, big vehicles tour.

Visit us onlinewww.

NorthItascaElectric.com

April 2015page 14

Yummy Chocolatety TrifleThanks to Jan Mackenthun for this March recipe!

1 box fudge brownie mix (18 oz) and water, oil and eggs called for in recipe

1 Tablespoon instant coffee (deepens chocolate flavor)1 box (4 serving, 32 oz) chocolate fudge instant pudding (can

be sugar free)2 cups cold milk1 bag Heath toffee bits1 small container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Heat oven to 350°. Grease bottom of 13"x9" pan with cooking spray. Make brownies as directed on box using water, oil and eggs and 1 Tablespoon instant coffee. Spread batter in pan and bake as directed. Cool completely (approx. 1 hour).Make pudding as directed with 2 cups cold milk. Regrigerate until brownies are coolCut brownies into 1 inch pieces, placing half in bottom of a trifle dish or 3 qt. glass bowl. Add half of pudding over brownies. Top with half of toffee bits and half of thawed frozen topping. Repeat layers.Cover and refrigerate 4 hours before serving. Store covered in refrigerator. Serves 10-20.

Freely substitute other flavors of pudding or cake, or add nuts, mints or fruit. Display in a fancy, clear glass bowl.

Easy Cheesy Tuna CasseroleThanks to Nancy Cummings for this April recipe!

2 cups egg noodles2 cans (5 oz) tuna, drained1 small onion, chopped2 ribs celery, chopped1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and garlic salt1/2 cup sour cream1 1/2 cup shredded Marble Jack cheese (divided)1 jar (15 oz) Asiago Alfredo sauce

Cook noodles according to package instructions. Mix onions, celery and tuna in a 2 quart casserole dish. Add salt, pepper, garlic salt, sour cream, Asiago Alfredo sauce and 1 cup of shredded Marble Jack cheese. Mix well.

Combine cooked egg noodles. Cover, bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Marble Jack cheese over top. Bake an additional 5 minutes until heated through.

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.

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Roxanne’s Sales Talk by Roxanne Prather, sales assistant

Over the past couple of years I have had a few requests from members to carry another brand of appliances besides Frigidaire. We have been looking to see what would fit best for us as well as you. We have decided to go with the Samsung brand. Samsung offers a wide range of a quality appliances. With Samsung and Frigidaire together, I believe we will have a better variety to offer.

The other good news is that we can get them through the same company that we purchase Frigidaire appliances from, so we will get a break on the shipping charges. When we were carrying the GE and Frigidaire appliances it wasn’t working well for us because we had to have them shipped from two separate locations. Since we don’t have a lot of storage space, we were having trouble ordering enough appliances from each vendor to get free freight which drove the prices up. It will be nice now because we can mix and match between the two brands to come up with the amount of merchandise needed to get the free freight. This means more savings for you.

We are hoping to have these new appliances in the showroom before our Mother’s Day sale which is coming up fast. This year it will be held May 8th. Watch the WATTS News next month for the sale flyer. Mark your calendar so you can come in and see the new pieces. I hope to see you all here!

Laurel's Needlecraft Supplies & Gifts Nominations open>from p.1the meeting to ensure that if elected, he or she could serve in the capacity of director for a period of three years in Districts 1, 2 or 3. Each candidate must be a Member of the cooperative and a bona fide resident of the district having director elections.

The candidates selected by the nominating committee for Districts 1, 2 and 3 will be placed on the ballot and voted on by the members within that district at the annual meeting on June 13, 2015 at the Marcell Family Center.

You can determine which district you are in by looking at your billing statement. Your director district is listed directly below the portion of your bill that lists your name, account number and statement date.

Each month, the cooperative provides to each consuming member a copy of the WATTS News newspaper. If any member does not receive this paper on a monthly basis now, please contact our office and let us know.

>from p.1in October 2013 Laurel’s Needlecraft Supplies and Gifts opened, with bright lights running on solar power.

Today it’s a store full of yarn from all over the world: sock yarn, scarf yarn, soft baby yarn, sweater yarn. There is Icelandic wool yarn, silk yarn from India, and yarn made from banana bark. And there is everyday yarn for craft projects in all colors.

Much of the yarn comes from places like Ireland, Japan and China, Laurel said, but she is encouraged by the increasing amount of natural yarn from the U.S. Her goal, she explained, is to have half her stock from domestic sources.

Along with the yarn Laurel offers a full selection of supplies for knitting, crocheting and crafting. She also offers fellowship for what is sometimes a solitary hobby: Knit Group on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. and Crochet Group on Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. On Thursday nights from 6-8 p.m. anyone with a crafting project can come and sit in the circle of rocking chairs at one end of the store to work and visit.

Not everything in the store is

related to yarn. Half the store is open to consignments of handmade gifts, and Laurel said the need for that type of space was surprising. Each consigner pays a modest commission on sales and volunteers one day a week to working in the store.

The store is also home to Laurel’s Tammy doll collection – Ideal Toy Company’s 1960s response to the 1958 Barbie doll released by Mattel. Originally designed to reflect a 14-16 year old, the Tammy doll was sold complete with family, friends and even a yacht, something the Barbie line then added, explained Laurel. Although the doll was made only for a few years until 1966, there is a rich variety of clothing and styles that are reflected in the many dolls on the display shelves.

In May, the Garden of We’eden greenhouse will open at the store location, selling annuals and vegetable starts.

Laurel’s Needlecraft Supplies and Gifts is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday – Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday with extended hours during greenhouse season.

Show your Cooperative Connections card at Laurel's Needlecrafts and Gifts and receive 10 percent off needlecraft supplies with a $25 purchase.

April 2015 page 15

-WANTED-Want/Need: Due to a rabies shot, my poodle will lose all his fur. I need someone to knit him a winter and summer coat. I will pay for the yarn and labor. Call (218) 659-2732 5/15

-LOST-Lost: Miley, 1.5 yrs old black Pug dog with small white tuft of fur on chest. 15-20 lbs. Large “googly” eyes. Last seen Bluebill Lake Rd. near Co. Rd. 345, 20 mi. s of Bigfork, 2 mi. s of Antler Lake Store. Friendly. Call Danielle at (218) 360-1984 or Dakotah at (218) 966-8960 5/15

-FREE-Pool table: Good cond. 8' x 4'. You haul. Marcell. Call (218) 832-3791 5/15

-FOR SALE-For sale: Resin wicker furniture, dark color, love seat, 2 chairs, 1 footstool,2 tables w/glass tops, lt. beige cushions, all for $350 excellent condition. Call (218) 245-3488 5/15

-FOR SALE-For sale: 0.5 hp Goulds 230V submersible pump. 25 gal. S.S. pressure tank (in well). Installed 6/2010. Used summers for 2 weeks. $1,300. Call (307) 660-1330. 5/15

For sale: 26" bikes. Both single speed. One Huffy men's bike in vg cond. Rides good. Good tires. $25. One woman's "old style" with big tires, high handle bars, comfy seat. Bought new in 2002. $50Call (218) 832-3791 5/15

For sale: Antique cast iron caulfron. Good shape. No breaks. $300. Call (218) 897-5368. 4/15

For sale: Tandem axle trailer. 9,000 GVW, 8-10,000 winch, 6 ft x 10 ft bed, 3 ft beaver tail. $1550. Call (218) 897-5368 4/15

For sale: Vintage Laser 128 computer, monitor, Panasonic printer, manu-als, and diskettes. All in excellent condition. $150. Call (218) 897-5798 4/15

-FOR SALE-For sale: Nice poolstick in leather-like case. 56" $10. Call (218) 832-3791 5/15

For sale: Heavy Duty Snow Plow for large ATV or side by side. Hand fab-ricated 5 ft V Plow and 6 1/2 ft Straight Plow, 4 settings, weight 200 lbs. $800. Call (218) 743-3933 4/15

For sale: 4 Toyo truck tires - 235/85/R16, 35 percent tread left, radial 10 ply. $100 or $35 each. Call (218) 743-3933 4/15

-FISHING/BOATS-For sale: 24' Port-a-Dock boat lift, Model K-2550. New cover included. Weight capacity of 3,000-3,500 lbs. $3,000 Call Steve at (218) 244-0526

5/15 For sale: Wheeled fish house, 16 ft x 8 ft. 10,000 BTU furnace, 40 lb pro-pane tank, dinette welded on jacks. $1,500. Call cell (218) 929-2048, home (218) 743-6699. 4/15

-VEHICLES/PARTS-For sale: one tire and rim, new tire off F-150 B. F. Goodrich, size is p235/7OR 16. $50. Call (218) 832-3791 5/15

For sale: 17.5 inch alloy wheels. Some corrosion, $200 OBO all four. Call (218) 245-3488 5/15

-MOTOR HOMES-For sale: 2000 Coach-men camper, 27 ft. long, 12 ft. slide out. $7,500. Call (218) 659-4344 5/15

-REAL ESTATE-FOR RENT/SALE

For sale: Timeshare in Branson, Missouri. One bedroom, full kit, wash/dryer; $335 maint. fees paid for 2015, askiing $6,000; selling for plus $20,000. Call (218) 743-3970 4/15

-SERVICES-

Landscaping Services

www.landscapewithlloyd.

com

Bigfork Mini-Storage

FIRST MONTH FREEMany sizes available

Guaranteed lowes prices 24 hour personal access

Cheap outdoor storage as well

(218) 743-6566M.A.D. Gutters

Gutterglove® gutterguardUltimate gutter protectionSeamless gutter installation

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

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

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

-SERVICES-

Lepinski Paintinginterior/exterior. Call for free estimate15 yrs experience

218-743-6878 or 218-248-0717

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.

Two’s Company218-244-1916

rschenhiet@gmail.comInterior/exterior

painting and staining, window washing

fully insured, references

Penny’s Keepsake Quilting

Turn your quilt top into a keepsake. Offering quality

machine quilting at reasonable prices

(218) 832-368410% discount with ad.

Take It Away LLCProperty Clean-Out Service

Say goodbye to clutter today!

We do attics, houses, basements, sheds, barns,

estates, ...and more.

(218) 556-0075takeitawayllc.comWe’ll take the clutter and stress away, leaving you

with a broom clean space.

CLASSIFIEDS AD DEADLINEfor MAY issue, FRIDAY, APRIL 17

To cancel an ad, contact the editor before the deadline date.

Ads are a service to our members. North Itasca Electric and the WATTS NEWS do not endorse advertisments Please use your good judgment.

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.

__________________________________________________________________________

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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.

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April 2015page 16

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

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

www.robpowellexcavating.com

▪ Septic installation

For “Above the Crowd” Service!

Bob ElliesBROKER/REALTOR®

Residential & Waterfront SpecialistRE/MAX Thousand Lakes, Grand Rapids, MN

218-259-3403800-982-3403waterfrontseller1@gmail.com

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

The value of electricity

Graphics that show the average cost increase for electricity compared to other market basket items over the last eight years (left) and the average consumer cost of electricity for Minnesota compared to other states.

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)