wncc offers powerline classes in alliancerichie garza, 18, of alliance, “i chose the powerline...

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October 2016 Hay Springs, NE 69347 WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in Alliance This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the WNCC Powerline Maintenance & Construction program in Alliance. In the early 2000s, Ryan Reiber of Panhandle Rural Electric Membership Association (PREMA) and other Western Nebraska Rural Electric Managers began to discuss the possibility of a powerline school in Western Nebraska and quickly developed an advisory committee of utility experts who launched discussions with Western Nebraska Community College representatives. And in June 2006, WNCC began to offer a Powerline Technology Program. This summer, 11 students from as far away as Valentine, to Wray, Colo. and Cody, Wyo. are enrolled in the program under the instruction of Edward Salazar. Salazar, a journeyman lineman, had to make a career change following back and elbow injuries. He was looking to attend college when he received the perfect offer. “I believe I was appointed by a higher power,” said Salazar, who has taught at WNCC the past two years. He commutes from Bayard where he lives with his girl- friend America and her two children. He had previously worked for Xcel Energy out of Cheyenne, relocating several times over the years. He received his appren- ticeship from Mountain States Line Constructors. The students range in age from 18 to 34. Several have worked at various other jobs, but the most impressive is 34-year- old Brian Shores of Alliance. He continues to work full-time at Parker where they manufacture rubber hoses. He has a fam- ily and goes to school full time. “I have a job now, but I am working towards a career,” said Shores. The youngest is Richie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers looks like a good career to have,” said Garza. Cody Sierks, a retired PBR bullrider, from Stapleton, Neb. hopes to land a job with Custer Public Power in the future. “I decided to come here because it’s the closest and only takes one year to com- plete the program,” said Sierks who is also a certified welder. WNCC Lineman students include: Seated from left, Zeque Ward, Jacob Robinson, Preston Meier, Cody Sierks, Jeff Heckman; standing, Brian Shores, Luke Bracelin, WNCC Instructor Edward Salazar, Richie Garza, Kethan Mercure and Hunter Staman. Richie Garza and Hunter Staman prepare to take down the colors, a daily tra- dition at the WNCC Powerline Construction & Maintenance Class in Alliance.

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Page 1: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

October 2016Hay Springs, NE 69347

WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceThis year marks the 10th Anniversary

of the WNCC Powerline Maintenance &Construction program in Alliance.

In the early 2000s, Ryan Reiber ofPanhandle Rural Electric MembershipAssociation (PREMA) and other WesternNebraska Rural Electric Managers beganto discuss the possibility of a powerlineschool in Western Nebraska and quicklydeveloped an advisory committee of utilityexperts who launched discussions withWestern Nebraska Community Collegerepresentatives. And in June 2006, WNCCbegan to offer a Powerline TechnologyProgram.

This summer, 11 students from as faraway as Valentine, to Wray, Colo. andCody, Wyo. are enrolled in the programunder the instruction of Edward Salazar.Salazar, a journeyman lineman, had tomake a career change following back andelbow injuries. He was looking to attendcollege when he received the perfect offer.“I believe I was appointed by a higherpower,” said Salazar, who has taught atWNCC the past two years. He commutesfrom Bayard where he lives with his girl-

friend America and her two children. Hehad previously worked for Xcel Energy outof Cheyenne, relocating several timesover the years. He received his appren-ticeship from Mountain States LineConstructors.

The students range in age from 18 to34. Several have worked at various otherjobs, but the most impressive is 34-year-old Brian Shores of Alliance. He continuesto work full-time at Parker where theymanufacture rubber hoses. He has a fam-ily and goes to school full time. “I have ajob now, but I am working towards acareer,” said Shores. The youngest isRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose thePowerline Program here in Alliancebecause it’s not too far from home. Beinga Powerline workers looks like a goodcareer to have,” said Garza.

Cody Sierks, a retired PBR bullrider,from Stapleton, Neb. hopes to land a jobwith Custer Public Power in the future. “Idecided to come here because it’s theclosest and only takes one year to com-plete the program,” said Sierks who is alsoa certified welder.

WNCC Lineman students include: Seated from left, Zeque Ward, JacobRobinson, Preston Meier, Cody Sierks, Jeff Heckman; standing, Brian Shores,Luke Bracelin, WNCC Instructor Edward Salazar, Richie Garza, Kethan Mercureand Hunter Staman.

Richie Garza and HunterStaman prepare to takedown the colors, a daily tra-dition at the WNCCPowerline Construction &Maintenance Class inAlliance.

Page 2: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

NORTHWEST RURAL FEATURE

2-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner October 2016

“Satisfaction Guaranteed”

The program, located southeast of Alliance, hasthree semesters beginning in(Continued on Page 2)

(Continued from Page 1)June. Even the very first day, students begin climbingpoles. Students have a choice of the Construction &Maintenance Technology 12 month program, or they canearn an Associate of Occupations Studies (AOS) in 15months.

Through Merchant Job Training and Safety, this pro-gram provides students with the training to apply techni-cal knowledge and learn skills to install, operate, main-tain, and repair electric transmission and distributionlines. They will also become familiar with electric under-ground cable design and installation.

Curriculum covers the Merchant Job Training andSafety Program books 1-3. “There are nine sections in abook and we have a final test after each book,” explainedSalazar. Students need to maintain a 3.0 average to beeligible for an internship during the third semester.“We’ve had students intern at Northwest Rural, PREMA,City of Hemingford, Roosevelt and Sidney to name afew,” said Salazar.

NRPPD’s intern was Kendall Goeglein of Colorado,who was at NRPPD January through April 2015.

Wheatland REA sponsored Preston Meier of Glendo,Wyo. who had the opportunity to attend the 2015Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in SteamboatSprings. “At the camp, I met numerous linemen that gavespeeches and advice. It opened my eyes to the electricalindustry. I was offered a few scholarships and choseWNCC because of all the electrical co-ops near myhometown who recommended it,” said Meier.

Kolten Mercure of Valentine noted that it was througha recommendation of one of his friends that inspired himto enroll at WNCC. “I was referred by one of my friendswho actually went to Northeast Community College. Hetold me that it would be good because they use theMerchant Program and it’s a fairly fast-paced program,”explained Mercure.

The WNCC Powerline program not only spends timestudying, learning hands on skills, the students are alsovery active in community services. They have participat-ed in numerous parades, many of which they recentlytook first places in. During Christmastime they sponsor afood and toy drive. They have also assisted the SeniorCitizen Center in raising money. They are looking forwardto participating in the 2017 National College LinemanRodeo.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, manyelectrical power industry workers are nearing retirementage. Retirements are expected to create very good jobopportunities for new electrical powerline installers andrepairers. Most utilities and municipalities provide a fullypaid benefits package to their employees, in addition totheir salary.

For more information about the program or to regis-ter, call 888-559-9622 or email [email protected]. Forinformation about the curriculum and instruction contact

WNCC lineman students demonstrate with theirhot shots, from left, Cody Sierks, Luke Bracelin andZeque Ward.

WNCC students Preston Meier, Kethan Mercure inthe bucket truck and Jacob Robinson giving a thumbs upon the power line.There are 11 acres on the large outdoorlab facility southeast of Alliance across from PREMA.

Page 3: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

October 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D Your Touchstone Energy Partner Page 3-A

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

The Pumpkin PatchOctober is the time for apples, harvest, scarecrows and

trips to the local pumpkin patch. When I think of October Ibegin to think about pumpkins. This is probably due to itsassociation with Halloween, carv-ing jack-o-lanterns and just beinga kid! As a food, pumpkins arehighly regarded in its most tradi-tional and festive form-- the pump-kin pie. But the pie is just the tipof the iceberg when it comes touses for pumpkins. Don't forget touse it in soups, stews, cookies,cakes, biscuits, muffins, butters,cheesecakes, breads, jelly rolls….and these are just naming a few.Remember to roast the seeds fora salty and nutritious snack.

BEYOND THE TREASURED recipes we use, pumpkinhas also been cultivated to feed farm animals in the U.S.

Pumpkins are an important winter vegetable for the sea-sonal eater, providing the most vitamin A of all common fruitsand vegetables. They are also high in iron, beta carotene,potassium, and phosphorous. They are high in fiber and lowin calories.

The pumpkin is thought to have originated in NorthAmerica. When the pilgrims came to America they weregreeted with pumpkin patches planted by the Indian tribes.It was a food staple to the Native Americans and soonbecame a staple to the new arrivals. Seeds from relatedplants have been found in Mexico dating back to 7,000 to5500 B.C. Pumpkins are easy to grow, highly nutritious,delicious, versatile and easily stored for winter use - Nowonder we treasure the American pumpkin.

There are a wide variety of pumpkins available. In thetraditional orange pumpkin there are two common types.One is the sweeter, thicker-walled, and smaller pie pumpkinwhich you would use on the recipes mentioned above. Theother is the larger jack-o'-lantern varieties generally used forcarving and display.

You can also find white pumpkins such as the Lumina orsmall miniature pumpkins such as the Jack-Be-Little or BabyBoo varieties. In many parts of the country you can also findcontests for the largest pumpkin grown. The latest record isheld by Beni Meier of Germany who broke the world recordin 2014 when he brought his 2,323.7 pound giant pumpkinto a contest. That is a lot of pumpkin!!!!! It could feed thewhole tribe.

My interest in pumpkins and the pumpkin patch is alsoconnected to the Lil' Ladybug's pumpkin patch held annual-ly during the month of October. Check my website

Along The Garden Path -by Karen Runkle, Master Gardener

www.LittleLadybugGardens.com for schedules and contactinformation. Pumpkin patches are held all over the U.S. andhave a wide range of activities and farm experiences for theyoung and old alike. Petting zoos, corn mazes, crafts, farmtours, music and entertainment, pumpkin painting and carv-ing, farm educational tours and pumpkin contests are just afew of the things that can be done at Pumpkin Patchesacross the country. They allow people to enjoy the magic ofthe fall harvest and farm life.

Whether you want to carve or paint a pumpkin or just trysome of the tasty treats that come from this wonderful veg-etable; join in the fun and enjoy the magic of the pumpkin thisfall.Pumpkin Cheesecake

1 cup flour 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 5 tablespoons softened butter 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans 125 grams packet cream cheese softened 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup cooked pumpkins 2 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon allspice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine flour & brown sugar in medium bowl. Cut inbutter to make a crumb mixture. Stir in nuts. Set aside 3/4cup of mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture into bot-tom of 8x8x1 1/2 inch pan. Bake in pre-heated 350 degreeoven for 15 minutes. Cool slightly. Combine cream cheese,sugar, pumpkin, eggs, cinnamon, allspice & vanilla in largemixer bowl. Blend until smooth. Pour over baked crust.Sprinkle with reserved topping. Bake an addition 30-35 min-utes. Cool before cutting into bars.

Central Office218 S. GibsonHay Springs

1-800-752-9584(308) 638-4432

www.westplainsco.com GRAIN L.L.C.

Page 4: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

Page 4-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner October 2016

NORTHWEST RPPD NEWS

The Gordon Substation approximately60 years old was taken out of service on Sept.13, so NRPPD crews could start the first majorrebuild on the substation. The crews beganremoving equipment to enable Besler Inc. ofRapid City, S.D. to begin removing high sideswitches and structures. Also, removing theexisting transformer off its pad to start diggingfor new concrete pads. If everything goes asplanned with construction and weather theGordon substation upgrade/rebuild processshould be complete in December.

The upgrade/rebuild process will includerelocating of equipment to make room for theinstallation of new equipment and positioningequipment to lift or move components for futuremaintenance. Installing a 34-5 kV circuitbreaker to protect the power transformer, mov-

ing regulators out from under the existing buss& structure to allow removal/installation safely,without having to de-energize the substation.Installation of a new PMH switch/Shoefly toenable back-feeding the sub for maintenanceand emergencies while providing regulation forvoltage control and sectionalizing. Theupgrade will also include a new 48 volt batterybackup system.

The Gordon substation rebuild will giveNorthwest Rural better equipment to back-feedwhen working on substations and powerlines inthe area.

You can follow the upgrade/rebuildprocess on our facebook page located on ourwebsite nrppd.com

Gordon Substation Taken Out of Service For Upgrade/Rebuild

Engineers drawing of theGordon Substation when theupgrade/rebuild process iscomplete.

Page 5: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

Several Northwest Rural inter-nal department transitions are beingmade this fall. It began with theretirement of Planning EngineerRon Housh. A new position,Operations Manager, was given toRon Olson. Olson was promoted upfrom Serviceman which he served insince 2006. He will be in charge ofall operations including locates,service calls, usage complaints, billcollects to name a few of theresponsibilities.

Olson began working as part-time summer help and was hired onfull time in February 2000 as anapprentice lineman. In approxi-mately 2006, he was namedServiceman.

Olson is a 1989 graduate of HaySprings High School. Following highschool, he attended junior college atMcPherson, Kan. for a year, thenreturned to the area where heattended CSC for a year. Following

that, he worked in construction for3-4 years in Denver and onceagain relocated to Dallas, Texaswhere he worked in airport security.

Olson’s first big job in his newposition will be to oversee theGordon Sub-station Rebuild whichbegan in mid-September and willcontinue through the end of theyear. Besler Electrical PowerConstruction Co. from Rapid City isthe main contractor, while NRPPDwill assist.

The Gordon Sub-station is locat-ed west of Gordon which serves

the entire Gordon area. With therebuild with upgraded equipment,the substation will be capable ofdoing more switching and back-feeding during outages.

Olson is looking forward tolearning more about the construc-tion and the engineering portion ofhis job. He and his girlfriend LindaKudrna live in Hay Springs. He hasthree children, Alexis, Colton andJasymne.

Stepping up as Serviceman isAbe Young. Young started as anapprentice lineman on May 10,2006. He completed his 4-yearapprenticeship training andbecame a journeyman lineman inOctober 2010. Young was promot-ed to sub-foreman on the line crewon March 14, 2016.Young has athree-year old son, Ayden.

October 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner Page 5-A

Farm, Ranch & Land * Qualified BuyersIf you are considering selling please contact

Philip Rosfeld, Broker (308) 432-6828 Day or (308) 430-5151 Evening

www.WesternViewRealEstate.com

NORTHWEST RPPD NEWS

CChhrriissttii’’ss CCrreeaattiivvee SScceennttss129 N. Main • Hay Springs

308-430-0123

soyscentedcandles.comcchilliker.scentsy.us

youravon.com/chilliker

Christi Hilliker, Owner

Abe YoungServiceman

Ron Olson, NRPPD Operations Manager

Northwest Rural Employees Have New Job Positions

Happy Halloween

Northwest Rural willhave Treats for the ghouls and goblins

the day before Halloween on

Monday, Oct. 31ALL DAY!

5613 Hwy. 87 • Hay Springs

Page 6: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

Page 6-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner October 2016

WWAAHHLLSSTTRROOMM

FFOORRDD, IINNCC..“The Value Store’’

E. Hwy. 20Robert Wahlstrom ChadronAdam Smith (308)432-5533Misty Hickstein

SSeerrvviinngg CCeerrttiiffiieedd AAnngguuss BBeeeeff OOnnllyyOpen Thurs-Fri.-Sat. Nights

5 p.m.-9 p.m.PRIME RIB SPECIAL - FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Lunch Served Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.119 N. Main • (308) 6638-44580 • Hay Springs

Owners - Don & Mary Vannatta

BAR J STEAKHOUSE

JAMIE ROES • JERRY TURMAN• JERRY PIERCE

920 E. Third - ChadronToll Free: 1-888-363-3636 • 432-3636

[email protected]

NRPPD Area Schools Activity CalendarsGordon-RushvilleMustangsSat., Oct. 1 VB (V) at Lead-Deadwood Inv., 8:30 a.m.

VB (MS) at Hemingford Inv., 9 a.m. tentative)FB (MS) vs. Bennett County, 9:30 a.m.

Mon., Oct. 3 Girls Golf Dist. at Ogallala, tbaVB (JV-V) at Hay Springs, 6 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 4 VB (MS) at Hay Springs, 5 p.m.Wed., Oct. 5 RHS Financial Aid Night -Cafeteria, 5 p.m.Thurs., Oct. 6 FB (MS) at Valentine, 4 p.m.

VB (JV-V) at Bennett County, 6 p.m.Fri., Oct. 7 Motivational Media Assembly, 8:50 a.m.

CC WTC at Kimball, 11 a.m.FB (V) at Chadron 7 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 8 VB (C) GR Invite, 8:30 a.m.VB (MS) at Bennett County Invite, 9:30 a.m.

Mon., Oct. 10 Girls Golf State, tbaVB (MS) vs. Crawford, 4 p.m.FB (JV) vs. Valentine, 4:30 p.m.MT

Tues., Oct. 11 Girls Golf State, tbaGRHS Parent Teacher Conferences, 4 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 12 NOON DISMISSAL FOR STUDENTSThurs., Oct. 13 CC Districts at Ogallala, tba

VB (V) Tri vs. Alliance/Valentine, 4 p.m.Fri., Oct. 14 FB (V) vs. Ogallala, 6 p.m.Sat., Oct. 15 VB (V) at Valentine Inv.,tba

FB (MS) vs. Chadron, 9 a.m.Mon., Oct. 17 RES Turn in BoxTops Day!, 8 a.m.

VB (9th/C) vs. Hemingford, 5 p.m.Tues., Oct. 18 VB (JV-V) at Morrill, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 19-22 FFA National Convention

Thurs., Oct. 19 END OF 1ST QUARTERFri., Oct. 21 CC State at Kearney

NO SCHOOL - TEACHER IN-SERVICEFB (V) at Cozad 5 p.m. MT

Sat., Oct. 22 VB (V) WTC at Bayard, 1 p.m.Mon., Oct. 24 VB (9th-C) at Hyannis, 5 p.m.Tues., Oct. 25 RES PT Conferences, 3:30 p.m.

VB (JV-V) Tri at Bridgeport w/Mitchell, 4 p.m.Wed., Oct. 26 Apply 2 College for Seniors, 9:30 a.m.Thurs., Oct. 27 GES Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4 p.m.Sat., Oct. 29 Unified Bowling at Alliance, 11 a.m.Mon., Oct. 31 VB Sub-District at Alliance TBANov. 1-3 A+ Educators Training/AuditThurs., Nov. 31 WR (MS) GR Invite, 1 p.m.Fri., Nov. 4 NOON DISMISSAL STUDENTSSat., Nov. 5 WR (MS) at Valentine Inv. 9 a.m.MT

Bowling Tri @ Scottsbluff, 11 a.m.

ChadronCardinalsSat., Oct. 1 VB at Scottsbluff Invite, tba

CC (MS&V) at CSC, 9 a.m.VB (7th-8th) at Torrington, 9 a.m.

Mon., Oct. 3 VB (7th) at Alliance, 4 p.m.VB (8th) vs. Alliance, 4 p.m.VB (JV) vs. Alliance, 5:30 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 4 FB (7th) at Alliance, 4 p.m.FB (8th) vs. Alliance, 4 p.m.VB (C-JV-V) vs. Hot Springs, 4-5-6 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 6 SB Districts, tbaCC (MS-V) at Sidney Hillside Golf Course, 3 p.m.VB (V-JV-C) at Scottsbluff, 4-5-6 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 7 FBLA Chili Feed, HS CommonsSB Districts, tbaFB (V) vs. Gordon-Rushville, 7 p.m., Parents Night: FB, CC, Golf

Sat., Oct. 8 FB (7th-8th) at Hot Springs, 9 & 10:30 a.m.VB “C” Tourney at Gordon-Rushville, 9 a.m.VB (V) Tourney at Scottsbluff, 9 a.m.

Mon., Oct. 10 VB (C-JV-V) at St. Thomas More, 4-5-6 p.m.Tues., Oct. 10-11 Girls State GolfTues., Oct. 11 VB (C-JV-V) vs. Sidney, 4-5-6 p.m. Parents N.Wed., Oct. 12 Food Feast, 4:30 p.m., HS CommonsThurs., Oct. 13 CC Districts, tbaOct. 13-15 State SB at HastingsFri., Oct. 14 FB (V) at Mitchell, 7 p.m.

Page 7: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

October 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D. A Touchstone Energy Partner Page 7-A

Strong IInsurance, IInc.“All Forms of Insurance’’

224 Main StreetGordon, NE 69343

(308) 282-0560

FIRSTNATIONAL

BANKMember FDIC

Your Local Ag Loan SpecialistPart of Your Past, Part of Your Future.

~Independent and Strong~

(308) 282-0050 • Gordon • 134 N. Main

HAIL REPAIR• Paintless Dent Removal • Paint Chip & Scratch Repair• Headlamp Restoration • Glass Chip & Scratch Repair

Tim Kicker • (308) 430-2650 • Chadron

Bees • HoneyPollinationHay Springs

308-638-7535

Your PPanhandle AArea BBee KKeeper

“Proudly Serving the Sheridan County area for Over 20 Years”

Sat., Oct. 15 FB (7th-8th) vs. Gordon-Rushville, 9 & 10:30 a.m.

VB (JV-V) at Valentine, 10:30 a.m.Mon., Oct. 17 FB (JV) vs. Scottsbluff, 6 p.m.Tues., Oct. 18 Sweet Singsation, HS Auditorium, 7 p.m.Thurs., Oct. 20 Capstone Conf. HS Auditorium, 12 p.m.Fri., Oct. 21 CC (V) at UNK

FB (V) vs. Chase County, 6 p.m.Sat., Oct. 22 Homecoming Dance, HS Commons

ACT Testing, CHS, 7:45 a.m.VB (V) at Alliance Invite, 10 a.m.

Tues., Oct. 25 VB (C-JV-V) at Alliance, 5-6-7 p.m.Wed., Oct. 26 Blood Drive, 8-11:48 a.m., HS AuditoriumThurs., Oct. 27 MS & HS Choir Concert, 6 & 7:30 p.m.Mon., Oct. 31 VB Sub-Districts, tba

CrawfordRamsSat., Oct 1 VB (V) at Morrill Invite, 9 a.m.Mon., Oct 3 VB (JH) at St. Agnes, 3:30 p.m.

VB (JV-V) at Hemingford, 5 p.m.Tues., Oct. 4 Parent Teacher Conferences, 4-8 p.m.Thurs., Oct. 6 Theater Day at CSC

Parent Teacher Conferences, 4-8 a.m.Fri., Oct. 7 FB (V) at Leyton, 7 p.m.Sat., Oct. 8 FB (JH) vs. Edgemont, 1 p.m.Tues., Oct. 11 VB (JH-JV-V) vs. Sioux County, 3 p.m.Thurs., Oct. 13 CC Districts, tba

End of 1st QuarterFri., Oct. 14 No School for Students — Teacher In-Service

FB (V) at Creek Valley, 7 p.m.Sat., Oct. 15 VB (V) at Hay Springs PanCo, 9 a.m.Mon., Oct. 17 First Day of JH G BB and JH WR PracticeThurs., Oct. 20 VB (V) Triangular at Hyannis

(Banner County), 5-6 p.m.Fri., Oct 21 CC State at Kearney

FB vs. Garden County, 7 p.m.VB (V) at Sioux Co. Tri. (Hemingford), 5 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 27 First Round of Football Playoffs, tbaOct. 27-28 No School — Fall BreakSat., Oct. 29 WR (JH) at Banner County, 9 a.m.Oct. 31-Nov. 1 VB Sub Districts, tbaThurs., Nov. 3 VB Districts, tba

HemingfordBobcatsSat., Oct.1 VB (JH) Hemingford Invite, 9 a.mMon., Oct. 3 VB (JV-V) vs. Crawford, 5 p.m.

(Parent's Night)FB (V) at Garden Co., 5:30 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 4 FB (JH) vs. Kimball, 4 p.m.Wed., Oct. 5 FFA Area Land JudgingThurs., Oct. 6 Theatre Day at CSC

FB (V) vs Morrill , 7 p.m.(Homecoming)Fri., Oct.7 CC at WTC Meet at Kimball

Homecoming Dance, 8-11 p.m.Sat. Oct. 8 VB (V) at Gordon-Rushville Invite, 9 a.m.Mon., Oct. 10 VB (JH) vs. Hay Springs, 4 p.m.

School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.Tues., Oct. 11 NDE Math Workshop in Gering

FFA Meeting, 6:30 p.m.One-Act Auditions, 7:30 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 12 WTC Principal's Meeting in Bdpt. 11 a.m.FFA Edge Conference-Location TBA

Thurs., Oct. 13 VB (JV-V) at Bayard, 4 p.mVB (JH) at Bayard, 4 p.m.District Cross Country

Sat., Oct. 15 VB (V) PanCo at Hay Springs(Continued on Page 8)

Page 8: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

Page 8-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner October 2016

NRPPD SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

BEGUIN PROPANEPPrrooppaannee DDeelliivveerryy

TTaannkk RReennttaallss && SSaalleessAsk About Our

“KEEP FFULL PPROGRAM”

Robbie Beguin, Owner (308) 3360-33579Hwy. 20 & 280th Lane - Gordon

[email protected]

Hemingford Continued from Page 7)Mon., Oct. 17 VB (C-JV) at Gordon-Rushville, 5 p.m.

VB (JV-V) vs. Hay Springs, 5 p.m.Wed., Oct. 19 Quarter 1 Ends

PSAT TestFFA State Land Judging

Thurs., Oct. 20 FCCLA Big Brother/Sister, 2:30 p.m.9th Gr--"How to Succeed in HS", 6 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 21 State Cross Country at KearneyFB (V) at Dundy County Stratton, 7 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 22 VB (V) WTC Tourney at Bayard, 1 p.m.ACT Test Date

Mon., Oct. 24 VB (V) Tri. vs. Sioux Cty./Crawford atSioux County, 5 p.m.

Tues., Oct. 25 1 p.m. DismissalP/T Conferences 2 - 8 P.M.

Wed., Oct. 26 No School -- Assessment DayFCCLA District in Alliance

Oct. 27-28 No School -- Fall BreakFB Playoffs

Sat., Oct. 29 WR (JH) at Banner Cty. InviteMon., Oct. 31 VB Sub-Districts

Hay SpringsHawksTues., Oct. 4 VB (JH) vs. Gordon-Rushville, 5 p.m.Thurs., Oct. 6 VB (JH) vs. Hyannis, 3:30 p.m.

FB (JH) vs. Hyannis, 4:30 p.m.Fri., Oct. 7 FB (V) at Potter-Dix, 7 p.m.Sat., Oct. 8 VB at Cody-Kilgore Tri (Little Wound), 2 p.m.Mon., Oct. 10 VB (JH) at Hemingford, 5 p.m.Tues., Oct. 11 VB (V) HS Trianagular vs. Hyannis/

Morrill, 4 p.m.VB (JH) at Cody-Kilgore, 3:30 p.m.FB (JH) at Cody-Kilgore, 3:30 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 15 VB (V) PanCo at Home, tbaMon., Oct. 17 VB (JH) at Sioux County, 4:30 p.m.

FB (JH) at Sioux County, 3 p.m.Tues., Oct. 18 VB (V) vs. Hemingford, 5 p.m.Fri., Oct. 21 FB (V) vs. Hyannis, 7 p.m.

Wreck-A-MendedBody Works

Free Estimates • Custom Painting(308) 282-2005Steve & Valli Petersen

701 South Main • Gordon

LED Rebates AvailableLooks like Tri-State is going to reduce rebates for

LED bulbs in 2017, so consumers may want to takeadvantage of the current rebate offered before yearend.

2016 LED Rebate Incentive • LED lamps and LED fixtures over 500 lumens • 50% of lamp or fixture cost • Capped at $10 / lamp (or fixture) • Maximum of 50 lamps per account per year

Why Light Emitting Diode? (LED's)Making improvements to your home's lighting is one ofthe fastest and easiest ways to cut your energy bill.Consider replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED lamps. They use a fraction of the wattage,last much longer and give off less heat. A 12.5 wattLED bulb is equal to a 60 watt incandescent bulb, sav-ing you 47.5 watts.

Energy Efficient Light Bulb Cost Comparison_____________________________________________

Watts Watts Annual Cost Annual CostIncandescent LED Incandescent LED

75 17 $16.50 $3.7460 12.5 $13.20 $2.7540 8.7 $ 8.80 $1.91

Northwest Rural Public Power District has rebatesavailable to help residential consumers offset the costof energy efficient water heaters, motors, space heat-ing and cooling systems, energy star appliances andLED Lighting. For the latest ENERGY STAR productlist, go to ENERGYSTAR.gov. Contact NorthwestRural about the details of the rebate criteria, specificamounts available and the procedure for obtaining therebates to save money and use energy wisely.

Good Luck Area Teams!!

Page 9: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

October 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D. A Touchstone Energy Partner Page 9-A

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

ReecippeeCCorneer

Award Winning Peaches & Cream Pie • 1 (3 ounce) package non-instant vanilla pudding mix• 3 tablespoons butter, softened• 1 egg• 1/2 cup milk• 1 (29 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained and syrup reserved• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened• 1/2 cup white sugar• 1 tablespoon white sugar• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease sides and bottomof a 10 inch deep-dish pie pan.

In a medium mixing bowl, mix together flour, salt, bakingpowder and pudding mix. Mix in butter, egg and milk. Beat for2 minutes. Pour mixture into pie pan. Arrange the peachslices on top of the pudding mixture.

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add1/2 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons reserved peach syrup. Beatfor 2 minutes. Spoon mixture over peaches to within 1 inchof pan edge. Mix together 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspooncinnamon, and sprinkle over top.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until goldenbrown. Chill before serving.

* * * * *Great Pumpkin Dessert

• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk• 3 eggs• 1 cup white sugar• 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice• 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix• 3/4 cup butter, melted• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch bak-ing pan.

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar andspice. Mix well, and pour into a 9x13 inch pan.

Sprinkle dry cake mix over the top, then drizzle with melt-ed butter. Top with walnuts.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour or untila knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

* * * * *Caramel Corn• 7 quarts plain popped popcorn• 2 cups dry roasted peanuts (optional)• 2 cups brown sugar• 1/2 cup light corn syrup• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup margarine• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place the popped popcorn into two shallow greased bak-ing pans. You may use roasting pans, jelly roll pans, or dispos-able roasting pans. Add the peanuts to the popped corn ifusing. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, margarine and salt in asaucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring enoughto blend. Once the mixture begins to boil, boil for 5 minuteswhile stirring constantly.

Remove from the heat, and stir in the baking soda andvanilla. The mixture will be light and foamy. Immediatelypour over the popcorn in the pans, and stir to coat. Don'tworry too much at this point about getting all of the corncoated.

Bake for 1 hour, removing the pans, and giving them eacha good stir every 15 minutes. Line the counter top withwaxed paper. Dump the corn out onto the waxed paper andseparate the pieces. Allow to cool completely, then store inairtight containers or resealable bags.

* * * * *Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves• 2 tablespoons butter• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup• 1 onion, finely diced• 2 (10 oz.) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn intopieces

Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cook-er, and fill with enough water to cover.

Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 min-utes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slowcooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

* * * * *

Hay Springs Lumber& Hardware Company

130 N. Main • (308) 638-4404Complete Builders Supply,

Sentry Hardware, Free Estimates

Page 10: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

Page 10-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. A Touchstone Energy Partner October 2016

NORTHWEST RURAL SAFETY

Dennis &Sharon Persons(308) 638-7453

Hay Springs

Carports • Buildings • GaragesYOU DREAM IT WE BUILD IT!

Starting at$595 12’x21’x5’

432-4889 • Chadron130 Horseshoe Drive(888) 432-4889

FREE ESTIMATES ••• Larry & Audrey Sloan

The Servicethat

Matters• Carpet & Furniture• Walls • Drapes• Wood & Tile Floors• Smoke & Water Restoration• Pet Odor Removal• Duct Cleaning• Air Mold Sampling

HILLS TIRE & SUPPLYOn Farm Tire Repair

Exhaust • Brake RepairWheel Alignment • Shock Absorbers

Mike Waugh - Manager

1072 W. 6th St.• (308) 432-3850 • Chadron

Follow these safety tipsto identify and prevent electrical hazards.• Regularly check all cords, outlets, switches,

and appliances for signs of damage orwear.

• Extension cords are for temporary use only.• Be sure that outlets are not overloaded with

too many devices.• Look and listen for warning signs of an elec-

trical problem such asoutlets and switchesthat are warm or makecrackling, sizzling orbuzzing sounds.

• Always replace and labelfuses or circuit breakerswith the correct sizeand amperage.

• Keep the electrical panel accessible so youcan quickly shut off power in an emergency.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of yourhome. Place alarms inside each bedroomand outside each sleeping area. Test themonce a month, change the batteries at leastonce a year, and replace the alarm itselfevery ten years.

Page 11: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

October 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D. A Touchstone Energy Partner Page 11-A

NORTHWEST RURAL SAFETY

Does Northwest Rural PPDHave Your Correct

Phone Number?Having your current phone number onfile allows NRPPD to make contact with

you for multiple reasons.Updated telephone contact information will

assist NRPPD in notifying you for a planned out-ages, billing questions, service change out ques-tions, or even if we come across your cattle on theroad.

Please return this form, with your payment, so NRPPD can update your contact information.

Thank you for your assistance.

NRPPD account number(s): _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Phone number at service address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Mobile phone number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Work phone number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

(only if we may contact you at work)

Northwest Rural PPD, PO Box 249Hay Springs, NE 69347 or e-mail:

[email protected]

Young’s Repair, Inc.Major to Minor Mechanical WorkTractors, Truck, & Car Repair

• Vehicle & Farm Tires • Batteries• Oil • Grease • Bolts

SERVICE CALLS • HAULING308-638-7443

5631 Hwy. 87 • Hay [email protected]

When it comes to home improvement, completing aproject yourself can save money and be a fulfillingaspect of owning a home. Before you pick up your tools,consider the scope of the project and your personalsafety.• Have a clear vision of a project before it begins. Think

about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement,colors, lighting and your plan on using a new orremodeled space.

• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters on all 120-volt, sin-gle-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles, or havean assured equipment grounding conductor pro-gram.

• Follow manufacturers’ recommended testing proce-dures to ensure GFCIs are working correctly.

• Use double-insulated tools and equipment. You canrecognize double-insulated equipment by its distinc-tive marking of a box within a box.

• Use tools and equipment according to the instructionsincluded.

• Use tools and equipment according the instructionsincluded.

• Visually inspect all electrical equipment before use.Remove any equipment with frayed cords, missingground prongs, cracked tool casings, etc. do not usedefective equipment until the problem has been cor-rected.

Make Safety a Priority in Your Next Do-It-Yourself Project

Page 12: WNCC Offers Powerline Classes in AllianceRichie Garza, 18, of Alliance, “I chose the Powerline Program here in Alliance because it’s not too far from home. Being a Powerline workers

12-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner October 2016

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

OFFICERSPresident: Lee Ahrens, MarslandVice President: Wayne Cobb, MerrimanSecretary: Bruce Troester, MarslandTreasurer: Robert Rickenbach, Chadron

Tri-State Director: Gary Fuchser, Gordon

Board Members:Mike Van Buskirk, Hay SpringsTerry Terrell, Hay Springs

Manager: CHANCE BRISCOE Office Manager: Arlene Lahaye

Office (308) 638-4445Fax 638-4448

Consumer/MarketingDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Les TlustosPublisher/EditorAdvertising Rep. . . . . . . . .Cindy Peters

Hip-Hop (308) 638-7132

___________

Office Hours:8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday- Friday

Service CallsAfter Hours:

Please call 800-847-0492 ifyour call is long dis-tance or 638-4445for the local HaySprings area at alltimes.

We have ananswering servicethat answers thesenumbers on a 24-hour basis - afterhours, Saturday,Sundays and holi-days. Please statelegal description,account number ormeter numberwhere the outage isand your phonenumber when youcall.

Public Power DistrictSouth on Hwy. 87 • P.O. Box 249

Hay Springs, NE 69347

web page: http://www.nrppd.com

Bits ‘n Pieces...There’s never enough time to do all the

nothing you want.Bill Watterson

* * * * *Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is

not putting it in a fruit salad.Miles Kington

* * * * *The real point of watching television is to forget

that you have a brain.Elizabeth Jane Howard

* * * * *Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is

spoken out loud. Hermann Hesse* * * * *

You never will be the person you can be if pressure,tension, and discipline are taken out of your life.

James G. Bilkey* * * * *

I don’t believe in luck. Luck = leaving things to chanceand outside the world. I believe in being harbingers ofour fate, taking action and creating your own path and

destiny in life. Your life is yours to create -- don’t let others do it for you.

Celestine Chua* * * * *

The future frightens only those who prefer living in the past.

* * * * *Giving is the secret of a healthy life. Not necessari-

ly money, but whatever a man has of encourage-ment and sympathy and understanding.

--John R. Drockefeller, Jr.* * * * *

When you love your job, you will work on yourself soyou will be better for your job. You will love itenough to be good at it. If you aren’t doing that,you don’t love your job at all; you love going tothat place where you hang out and they pay youfor it.

--Larry Winget* * * * *

You don’t have to worry about burning bridges if youare building your own.

--Kerry E. Wagner* * * * *

Sometimes, the best way to help someone is just bebe near them.

--Veronica Roth

Lil LadybugGreenhouse & Garden

Call or E-mail for more information.

Karen Runkle at 232-4474 or308-763-1843

4283 460th RoadHay Springs, NE 69347

Fresh from the Earth!E-mail: [email protected]

Or visitwww.LittleLadybugGardens.com

Open SSaturdays aand SSundays iin OOctober Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sundays 1-5 p.m.

Open for School Trips or Special Activities through the Week - Call to Schedule

Lots of Activities including Hay Rides,Animal Farm, Pumpkin Sling and more!

Admission: $6 a person or $25 a family