June 2016 - Meeker Cooperative

Pioneer
Meeker Cooperative
In this issue...
June 2016
Celebrating our Co-op Dairy Farmers
I
magine the crisp, juicy bite
of a fresh ear of corn without
creamy, sweet dairy butter
dripping off the kernals. Or a
fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie
without a glass of cold milk to
dunk it into. And what’s a cracker
without cheese?
More photos from Solar
Dedication....................3
Ground Source Heat
Pumps: Time is
Running Out..................4
There’s no doubt about it — dairy
products add flavor to our lives.
During National Dairy Month,
it’s our pleasure to celebrate those
hard-working dairy farmers that
bring us all the goodness of milk,
cheese, cream, butter, yogurt and sour cream — not to mention
all the wonderful recipes we can make with these products.
This national month-long celebration began all the way back
to 1937 — just after Meeker Co-op was founded. It began as
National Milk Month as a way to promote drinking milk. When
the National Dairy Council got involved, they changed the
name to National Dairy Month.
A dairy farmer’s job is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week commitment
to their animals, their land, to their families and their
communities. According
to the Midwest Dairy
organization, there
are more than 47,000
dairy farms across the
country and they
contribute jobs and income to help
maintain the standard of living in
our local communities in all 50
states and Puerto Rico.
Dairy farmers and their families
provide us all with a safe and
wholesome milk supply. From
the farm to the dairy processing
plants to distribution and retail outlets, dairy creates jobs that
support the economic well-being of our country, and the health
of our citizens.
Here’s a quick look at dairy by the numbers
• About 97 percent of U.S. dairy farms are family owned
and operated.
• There are approximately 4,746 dairy farms in Meeker County
(from 2012 Census data).
Dairy Month, continued on Page 3
The Meeker Member Solar Project is Dedicated
M
Seats filling fast for
2016 Energy Tour..........7
Official publication of
www.meeker.coop
Meeker Co-op is an
Equal Opportunity Provider
and Employer
eeker Cooperative’s first solar
array, titled the Meeker Member
Solar Project, was officially
dedicated the evening of May 17, under
auspiciously sunny skies.
Invited to take part in the dedicated
were area legislators, solar panel lessees,
Co-op 101 member group participants,
Litchfield Chamber of Commerce
members, employees and their families.
Nearly 100 people joined the Co-op for
a pulled pork sandwich dinner, tours
of the substation and solar array, and a
dedication ceremony.
“Thank you to all the members who
leased panels in our first solar project,”
said CEO/General Manager Tim Mergen.
“The members who leased these panels
remind me of the Co-op’s first members
who put their faith in the Co-op to bring
them electricity. The solar lessees have
shown that same faith with this new
electricity generating technology the
co-op is providing.”
Steve Kosbab, the Co-op’s Energy and
Member Services Manager and solar
project manager invited members to
encourage their fellow members to
also inquire about leasing panels
in the solar array.
“We are more than willing to sit down
with members to answer all their
questions and arm them with enough
information to make an informed
decision.”
Tony Lorber, Co-op member and lessee
of multiple solar panels, manually flipped
the solar array power switch, which lit up
a security light illuminating the solar array.
Anyone interested in more information
about the Meeker Member Solar Project
is encouraged to contact the Co-op at
320-693-3231 and ask for Steve Kosbab or
John Eggert. For a list of the lease options,
please visit the Co-op’s website at: www.
meeker.coop; click on “Services” and then
“Meeker Member Solar Project.”
Mergen’s Message — by Tim Mergen, Meeker Cooperative, CEO/General Manager
I
Battling Bulbs
know we have printed articles in the Pioneer before about
lighting but allow me to get this off my desk — or maybe I
should say chest. The Energy, Independence and Security Act of
2007 required light bulbs to use at least 27 percent less energy by
2014. This legislation began the phase-out of standard incandescent
bulbs. Manufacturers could no longer make 100 watt bulbs
beginning in 2012; 75 watt bulbs in 2013; or 60 and 40 watt bulbs
in 2014.
This legislation brought on heated debates. People simply wanted
to continue to use the cheap and reliable incandescent light
bulb. Others saw no reason not to use the more efficient compact
fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) which soon became all the rage.
CFLs were touted as not only being much more efficient, but also
would last many times longer than the old standard screw-in
incandescent bulbs. I know of people who stockpiled incandescent
bulbs for fear of not being able to get them once they stopped being
manufactured. I didn’t do that. I initially got on the CFL bandwagon
by replacing any incandescent that burned out in my home with
a CFL. I especially liked the idea they were promised to last years
and years longer than a standard bulb. To me this was a huge
benefit as it meant I wouldn’t have to change out the bulbs in those
hard-to-reach or difficult-to-replace light fixtures again. I assumed a
“once and done for life” attitude with the CFLs. Boy, was I wrong.
I soon found that the CFL’s promise to last years actually seemed
closer to months. The photo above shows only some of the CFLs I
had to replace. I was changing them out more often than the old
standard bulbs. On top of that, no one in the family — myself
included — liked the light. They were dimmer, fluttered to light up
and you often had to wait until they warmed up to get sufficient
light out of them. Sometimes I was already done and out of the
room before the the light reached full strength. On top of those
issues, CFLs gave off a different color of light and not always an
appealing one. I came to the conclusion the reason they were energy
efficient was because they didn’t work all that well and you simply
didn’t want to turn them on!
I have found LED’s energy efficiency greater than that of CFL’s
and certainly more efficient than the incandescent bulbs they
are replacing. LEDs don’t have the flickering start-up or the
“must-warm-up-to-be-bright” issues, either. They are rugged in
comparison to either the incandescent or CFL bulb. I have not had
issues with them burning out and the color of the light emitted is so
much better. That is one of the very unique things about LEDs; they
can come in just about any color and some bulbs can emit several
colors depending on the user’s mood.
LEDs have become so popular that several months ago General
Electric said it would stop making and selling CFLs in the U.S. by the
end of this year. Some of the big box stores have already stopped
selling CFLs or have greatly reduced the shelf space they give to
them. Good riddance.
electricity a bulb consumed the more light it would give off. Watts
and lumens didn’t always go hand in hand.
Better Color
The daylight color you can get out of an LED is one of the things I
really appreciate. As I stated earlier, the color emitted by CFLs wasn’t
always pleasing. LEDs have conquered that problem. You can
You may have heard or seen the above phrase many times already.
It really is one of the important factors in determining what LED
bulb to buy. For whatever reason, when it came to purchasing
incandescent bulbs consumers simply bought a certain wattage.
Continued on page 6
Meeker Pioneer
Matt Woetzel — District 5
Fairhaven in Stearns; Cokato, Southside,
French Lake in Wright; Dassel in Meeker
Juanita Olson, Vice President — District 1
Roseville, Irving in Kandiyohi; Paynesville
in Stearns; Union Grove in Meeker
Mark Larson— District 6
Harrison, Kandiyohi, Gennessee, Fahlun,
Lake Elizabeth, E. Lake Lillian in Kandiyohi;
Cosmos, Acton, Danielson, Swede Grove in
Meeker; Brookfield, Boon Lake in Renville
Brad Donnay — District 3
Luxemburg, Maine Prairie, South Maine
Prairie in Stearns; Forest Prairie in Meeker
An example of the Department of Energy Lighting Label
Shop For Lumens, Not Watts
K. Bruce Krueger, President — District 7
Collinwood, Cedar Mills in Meeker; Stockholm
in Wright; Acoma, Hutchinson in McLeod
Kevin Issendorf, Treasurer — District 4
Litchfield, Greenleaf in Meeker
Lumens measure how much light you get from the bulb. Simply put,
the more lumens a bulb has, the brighter the light it generates.
Lumens let you buy the amount of light you want or need. Watts,
on the other hand, tell you how much electricity a bulb consumes,
which isn’t really meaningful to the amount of light it produces.
Consumers just assumed the higher wattage a bulb was or the more
However, in the beginning the expense of an LED was a major road
block to their use. Consumers were used to purchasing the standard
incandescent bulb as a basic household commodity. You could grab
a package on your way through a store without much thought to its
cost. That certainly was not the case with LEDs. Buying one seemed
to be an investment choice as single bulbs could cost $20 to $30
dollars. Thankfully they have come down in price a long way from
when they were first introduced.
Board of Directors
Karen Becker, Secretary— District 2
Eden Lake in Stearns; Harvey, Manannah
in Meeker
Hardly anyone ever compared how much light or lumens were given
off by that particular bulb. That has changed with LEDs now being
on the market.
We now have the next generation of light bulbs on the market:
Light Emitting Diodes or as they are better known, “LEDs”. I realize
manufactures are still refining the LEDs but from my experience
LEDs are already way ahead of the CFLs. As a whole, I think the
lighting industry learned some things from the CFLs and are trying
not to make the same mistakes with the LEDs.
Ben Beckman — District 8
Darwin, Ellsworth in Meeker
Karl Lundin — District 9
North Kingston, Kingston, Forest City
in Meeker
Kim Keithahn — Attorney
Page 2
•
USPS 018-308 ISSN 1525-1055
Periodicals Postage Paid at Litchfield, MN.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Meeker Pioneer, 1725 US Hwy. 12, Suite 100
Litchfield, MN 55355.
The Meeker Pioneer is published monthly
for $5 per year for members and
$10 per year for non-members by
Meeker Cooperative, 1725 U.S. Hwy. 12, Suite 100
Litchfield, MN 55355
CEO/General Manager: Tim Mergen
Editor: Becky Sorenson
The Meeker Pioneer is the official member publication of
Meeker Cooperative and focuses on our members, programs
and events. All member story ideas and comments are
welcome. Send to Becky Sorenson at the address above.
Meeker Pioneer
•
www.meeker.coop
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For 24-hour service call
320-693-3231 or 800-232-6257
Fax: 320-693-2980
Web site: www.meeker.coop
Use the “Contact Us” form on the home page
Meeker Cooperative
Mission Statement
“To enhance the quality of life of the Cooperative’s Members
and Customers by providing safe, reliable, competitively
priced energy and other value-added services, while
practicing environmental stewardship.”
Dairy Month: Dairy by the Numbers
Home-made Butter Recipe
Continued from Page 1
(Great as a project with children or grandchildren)
• The value of all milk products sold from
our Meeker County dairy cows is about
$1,538 billion.
• Dairy farms help sustain our economy by
providing an estimated 38,013 jobs either
directly or through partner businesses, products
and services in and outside the County.
• Milk is local. It takes about 48 hours for milk to
travel from dairy farms to the store.
• The size of the dairy farming industry
in Minnesota makes it the 8th largest
milk-producing state in the United States.
• Milk production on Minnesota dairy farms
yielded approximately 1,061 million gallons of
milk in 2014.
• Dairy products are the 4th largest agricultural
commodity in Minnesota.
• In Minnesota, the average dairy cow produces
about 6.3 gallons of milk per day. That’s more
than 2,290 gallons of milk over the course of a
typical year.
It takes about six quarts of milk to make one
gallon of ice cream, just under five quarts of milk
for one pound of cheese, and one quart of heavy
cream to make one pound of butter (see recipe for
making your own butter, right).
Meeker Cooperative was first founded by
farmers that banded together to bring electricity
to the countryside. The Co-op has always been
grateful and supportive of all farmers. It has
always been the Co-op’s goal to work with
farmers to help them use energy as efficiently and
cost-effectively as possible. One important way
of doing so is through our energy management
programs and rebates.
Energy Management Programs boost farmers’
bottom line through energy efficient heating and
cooling equipment and the Co-op’s half-price
Energy Management electric rate.
Take a look at the box below to see some of the
rebates available to farmers who install energy
efficient lighting and equipment.
• Minnesota has 36 plants that process one or
more dairy products.
Rebates
Meeker Cooperative offers rebates on the
installation of energy efficient lighting,
premium efficient motors, adjustable speed
drives, compressed air systems, refrigeration,
HVAC, well water pre-cooler and waste heat
exchangers for dairy equipment.
Rebates can help with the installation costs of
energy efficient equipment and the equipment
will save energy and money in the years
ahead. To further help with installation costs,
Meeker Co-op offers Energy Management
Improvements Loans (some at 0%) that can
significantly reduce the pay-back time.
For more information on Energy Management
programs and Rebates, contact one of
our Technicians (Chris, John or Terry) at
320-693-3231 and they will answer all
your questions.
Once again, we salute our dairy farmers for
their contributions to our way of life.
Tastes better than store-bought butter!
• 1 to 1 ½ quarts heavy cream
• 1 tblsp salt (or less, to taste) (optional)
• 4-6 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
1. Let the cream stand at room temperature for 4 to 6
hours to thicken and ripen flavor. This helps to give
the butter a mild, good taste. Cool cream again in
refrigerator for about an hour before beating.
2. Pour cream into large electric mixer bowl. Add a
few drops of yellow food coloring, if desired. Beat at
high speed until flecks of butter begin to form. You
may have to cover to avoid splatters. Then turn to low
speed until butter separates from milk.
3. Pour off buttermilk and use in cooking, if desired.
4. Now, “wash” the butter under cold, running water
by “kneading” it gently under running water until the
water runs clear. To wash in the mixer, place the butter
back in the bowl and add cold water, about as much
as there was buttermilk. Let beater run at the lowest
speed. Pour off water; repeat.
5. Mix a scant tablespoon (or less, according to taste)
of salt into the butter. Scrape off the butter from the
mixer blades, press a spoon against the butter to
remove all water.
6. Press butter into a ready-made butter press or into a
container with a tightly fitting lid. Store in refrigerator.
One quart cream makes about one pound of butter,
although it depends on how heavy the cream is. You
will find that this butter is sweeter and creamier than
store-bought butter. However, the cost is at least twice
to three times as much, unless you get it straight from
the cow!
Solar Dedication:
Continued from Page 1
CEO Tim Mergen and Energy and Member Services
Manager Steve Kosbab spoke to members about
the process, challenges and success of the project.
Solar lessees, legislators, Co-op Board members, Co-op 101 Education Group members, employees and
their families celebrated the completion of Meeker’s first Member Solar Project with a meal, tours of
the substation and array, and a dedication ceremony.
Member Tony Lorber flips the switch on the
solar array to light up the security light, totally
powered by the sun.
Page 3 •
Meeker Pioneer
•
www.meeker.coop
Ground source heat pumps:
Time is running out
This is a forced-air unit. However, GSHPs can also be used to
provide radiant water heat, either baseboard or underfloor.
A GSHP can be installed even in a crawl space, like this unit
installed under a lake cabin.
Energy Management Technician Allen Lendt does a “check out” of
the system to make sure it is set to deliver low-cost heat and air.
f you’ve been thinking about installing a
ground source heat pump (GSHP) to heat and
cool your home, congratulations! There is no
other system that is more efficient; a heat pump
can give you up to four times more energy than
you pay for.
geothermal unit circulates liquid through the pipes
to pull available heat from the ground and distribute
it into the home. During the summer the system is
reversed. Heat from the home is pulled from the air
and desposited by the same pipes into the ground.
I
However, time is running out to claim a substantial
government tax credit. December 31, 2016 is the
deadline to receive a 30% tax credit for installation
of an Energy Star certified GSHP. While the tax
credit may be extended, there is currently no
indication to that effect. If you’ve been thinking that
this is the way to go, we recommend that you take
the steps necessary to make that happen and take
advantage of the tax credit.
Why a GSHP?
Ground source heat pumps (also called geothermal
systems) are an extremely energy and cost-efficient
way to both heat and cool a home. The reason
behind this is that geothermal systems draw existing
heat energy from the ground, instead of having to
use energy to produce it.
Ground that lies several feet below the surface
maintains a very stable temperature (about 55
degrees) throughout the year. By placing pipes in
the ground (either horizontally or vertically), the
Why aren’t they used more often?
In many European countries, geothermal systems
are the standard. This technology has been around
for decades. In the U.S., people are sometimes put
off by the up-front cost of a geothermal system
which usually run $10,000 to $15,000 depending on
the size of the home. While other heating systems
may cost less in the beginning, the geothermal
system makes up for its expense in the monthly
energy bill. Because the geothermal system frugally
uses existing energy, it also requires much less
energy to run. While it’s difficult to predict the
payback of a system due to differences in size and
price, climate, electricity rates, how the home is
used, etc., a substantial amount of money can be
saved each and every month.
For example, a member on our lines installed a
GSHP system half-way through the year in 2014.
The previous year, the family used 2,299 kilowatt
hours of electricity. In 2015, which represents the
first full year of operation, they used only 1,505
kilowatt hours, which translates into a savings of 35
percent. Depending on how much energy you use
each year to heat and cool your home, you could see
paybacks more quickly than you think.
Find a Qualified Installer
Do some research when choosing a contractor
to install a GSHP system. It’s important to size
a system to your needs to avoid greater cost and
inefficient operation. Contractors that have gone
through Qualified Installation training are experts at
sizing systems for each home. Contact the Co-op or
go to the website for a list of contractors that have
received the training.
How to apply for the tax credit
In order to qualify for the tax credit, the system
must be installed in a home you own and use as a
residence (no rentals, but second homes qualify)
before December 31, 2016. Existing homes and new
construction qualify.
The system also must meet the requirements of the
ENERGY STAR program which are in effect at the
time that the expenditure for the equipment is made.
When you file your next tax return, it must include
Tax Form 5695 in order to receive the credit.
If you’re interested in exploring this option, the
best first step is to contact the Co-op and speak
with one of our Energy Experts. Their experience
can be a valuable asset as you move forward to
enjoying many years of exceptionally low-cost
space conditioning.
Worried about Water in Your Basement This Spring?
Prevent expensive water damage with a water sensor
from Heartland Security.
Our system will notify you immediately if your sump pump
stops working or water starts leaking into your home.
Call us today and be prepared before the spring rains
turn into a headache!
A Subsidiary of:
1-888-264-6380 HEARTLANDSS.COM
Coop Members: Ask about your discount!
Page 4
Call 811
Industry News
Wildlife Thriving In
Chernobyl Disaster Area
R
eports show that thirty years after the “catastrophic
explosion and fire at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Pripyat,
Ukraine, wildlife rules an area abandoned by residents after
the release of radioactive material.” According to a recent study
“published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, James
Beasley, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia’s Savannah
River Ecology Laboratory, found radiation levels aren’t affecting
animal distribution in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.” A 2015 “study of
animal tracks found wildlife populations thriving in the contaminated
zone” and it was recently reported that “nuclear contamination didn’t
necessarily damage the health of all people who refused to leave
after the disaster.”
~Greenwire
WSJournal: Like Europe,
California’s Cap-And-Trade
Program Looks Doomed
T
he Wall Street Journal (5/30, Subscription Publication,
6.27M) editorializes that like the bursting of Europe’s carbon
cap-and-trade bubble, a similar program in California appears
headed for failure after the California Air Resources Board (CARB) sold
only two percent of the carbon emissions it put up for auction in May.
The auction raised only $10 million of the $500 million CARB had
projected would be available to spend on high-speed rail, housing,
and electric-car subsidies. CARB has brushed the auction off, which,
according to the Journal, signals that the state’s climate officials don’t
appear to care about the suffering of businesses and consumers.
Great River Energy, Three
Rivers Park District restore
pollinator habitat
Sizing your residential generator
I
t’s never wise to exceed the wattage capacity of your generator. Doing so can damage the
generator and/or any appliances plugged into the generator. Plan ahead to determine which
appliances you plan to run with the generator, and then determine the wattage necessary
to start and run each appliance. Your generator must be rated to handle the total starting and
running wattage. The wattages shown below are examples only and your appliance wattages
may differ. Check your appliance name plate for specific wattage needed. Then start your largest
motor first, plugging in additional items one by one.
Appliance
Running Wattage
Startup (Surge) Wattage
Refrigerator/Freezer................................................... 700................................................................. 2200
Furnace Fan................................................300 to 875 (dep. on hp)...........................500 to 2350 (dep. on hp)
Sump Pump..................................................................1050................................................................ 2150
Central Air Conditioner.......................................... 10,000.............................................................11,200
Lights (10 60-Watt Bulbs).......................................... 600..................................................................... 0
Keurig Coffee Maker................................................... 300................................................................. 1500
625-Watt Microwave.................................................. 625...................................................................800
50-in. LCD HDTV........................................................... 300..................................................................... 0
Desktop Computer.............................................. 600 to 800............................................................... 0
Note: It is strongly recommended to upsize the generator from 20 percent to
125 percent for more stable voltage and to account for future appliance use. For
farm and other commercial generators, speak with the appropriate equipment
manufacturer for sizing guidance based on your individual requirements.
Page 5
B
ees will buzz and butterflies will flutter when the seeds
planted by Prairie Restorations in two Three Rivers Park
District parks — including Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
in Savage — along a Great River Energy transmission line begin
to bloom. Great River Energy, Three Rivers Park District and Prairie
Restorations came together to install a 0.6-acre prairie planting along
a new 115-kV transmission line, the Elko New Market and Cleary
Lakes project, near Savage.
“As both a cooperative and transmission owner, Great River Energy
has a unique opportunity to serve in our local communities,” Craig
Poorker, Great River Energy’s manager of land rights, said in a press
release. “We do that through our environmental stewardship and
our commitment to sustainability. Great River Energy has made
numerous investments in pollinator projects, but this is the first time
we’ve been able to leverage a private-public partnership with one of
our transmission partners in planting pollinator friendly habitat.”
Paul Kortebein, senior forestry and horticulture manager for Three
Rivers Park District, said that although utility construction does
disrupt the terrain, Great River Energy took additional steps to
mitigate their potential impacts. “We applaud the effort of Great
River Energy staff to minimize the impact and to reestablish native
plants, such as using pollinator seed mix after their work was
completed at Cleary Lake Regional Park and Murphy-Hanrehan
Park Reserve,” Kortebein said in a press release. Prairie Restorations,
a native plant restoration company, planted a native grass mix,
including big bluestem, Indian grass, prairie drop seed, and
wildflower seed mix, which included black-eyed susan, goldenrod
and purple prairie clover on May 17.
Battling Bulbs
CO-OP CONNECTIONS FEATURED BUSINESS
by Tim Mergen, Continued from page 2
purchase LEDs in varying light appearances. This
is shown as Warm to Cool on light bulb labels. It
is measured in Kelvin or usually shown as “K” in
the bulb information. Generally a “warm” light
will be in the 2700K range and a “cool” light will
be in the 5000K range. It’s the 5000K or above
range that creates the daylight light.
Selection Help
Do these new bulbs and their associated new
terms have you confused? I understand as I, too,
have walked into a big home improvement store
only to be dazzled and confused by the massive
displays of bulbs. As I was standing there trying
to figure it all out I remember thinking, what
would Thomas Edison think of all these bulbs?
Fortunately you don’t have to be as smart as
ol’ Thomas to buy the right bulb. There is some
help. The U.S. Department of Energy produces a
Lighting Facts label for LED lighting. Generally
this label can be found in the LED product
literature and on the LED bulb packaging.
Another lighting guide is offered by The Federal
Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC now requires
a product label for all screw in light bulbs.
Understanding it will help you buy the right
light bulb for the right application. I have found
this one pretty basic and easy to follow. Its
information is useful and informative when
comparing bulbs in stores.
Hopefully you can use one of these lighting fact
labels to help you navigate through the new
world of light bulbs.
Mission
They want to provide the
highest level of service and
respect. It is their desire
to help you understand
your heating and cooling
system, meet your
Dassel, Minnesota
expectations and deliver
quality products that provide comfort and energy conservation.
Services
They provide all home and business heating and cooling services. Whether you
are using air or water to condition your space they can help you move it, filter it,
dry it, humidify it, heat it, or cool it. They also install WiFi thermostats to monitor
and control the comfort of your home or business from any location at any
time. Location # 04-17-332
History
They are a small family-owned business with 20 years of experience installing,
servicing, and maintaining heating and cooling systems.
DID YOU KNOW -
An incandescent bulb in Livermore, CA, has
been burning since it was first switched on in
1901. The Livermore Centennial Light Bulb,
at fire station #6, has been burning for 115
years. Operating at about 4 watts, it’s been
left on 24 hours a day. It has been on for over
1,000,000 hours.
Example of the FTC Lighting Label
320-582-HVAC (4822)
Connections Card Discount:
$10 OFF Service Call
$100 OFF new furnace or A/C Installation
Barbecue Bean Salad
Rosalea Hoeft of Kimball submitted this month’s
winner for Favorite Picnic Recipe: Barbecue Bean Salad.
She will receive a $10 credit on her electric bill.
Barbecue Bean Salad
2 cans Pinto beans
¼ cup Cider vinegar
¼ cup Vegetable oil
¼ cup Ketchup
¼ cup Packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. Chili powder
¾ tsp. Ground cumin
1 tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Pepper
¼ tsp. Hot pepper sauce
1 can (15-1/4 oz) Whole kernel corn, drained
1 Medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 Medium green pepper, chopped
1 Medium onion, chopped
2 cups Tortilla chips,
coarsely crushed, divided
Drain the Pinto beans and rinse, set aside. For dressing: Mix the next 11 ingredients
together and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
In a large salad bowl, combine the beans, corn, peppers and onion. Just before serving,
stir in dressing and half of the chips. Sprinkle with remaining chips.
Yield: 14-16 servings.
For July submit your favorite
Cake Recipe by June 30 to:
Meeker Cooperative, ATTN: Becky Sorenson,
1725 US Hwy 12, Suite 100, Litchfield, MN 55355
Page 6
•
Meeker Pioneer
•
www.meeker.coop
Join us for our 2016 Energy Tour: Seats are filling fast!
E
njoy a three-day luxury
coach tour to North
Dakota’s coal country July
19-21, 2016 to see how lignite
coal is mined and turned into the
electricity we use every day!
This fun and educational trip
includes the following highlights:
• Tour the Falkirk Mine and see
the gigantic equipment used to
supply 8 million tons of lignite
coal each year.
• Tour Coal Creek Station, the
largest power plant in North
Dakota, and learn why this plant
is vitally important to our
generation needs.
• Tour the Garrison Dam, the fifth
largest earthen dam in the world.
• Tour the fascinating Knife River
Indian Villages National Historic
Site. Location #23-13-224
• Visit North Dakota Historical
Center Museum, which has been
newly remodeled and expanded.
• Two-night stay at the spacious and
elegant StayBridge Suites Hotel
in Bismarck.
• Games and prizes on the bus!
Most meals are included in this
trip, with the exception of fast food/
coffee stops during the bus trip to
and back from North Dakota and
any restaurants you may visit during
your free time.
Energy Tour Reservation
Children 10 and older are welcome
when accompanied by an adult.
Please reserve ______ places for the Energy Tour on July 19-21, 2016.
Cost: $175 per person single
or double
Deadline: June 20 or when seats
are filled!
__________________________________________________________________
Name(s):_____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Account Number:________________________________________________________
Phone:_____________ _________________________________________________
Member Cost: $175 each
We’ll send a letter two weeks
before we go with the schedule and
trip details.
Amount enclosed: $ __________
Return to: Meeker Cooperative, ATTN: Becky Sorenson, 1725 US Hwy. 12,
Suite 100, Litchfield, MN 55355. Persons listed above will share a room.
Heat Pump Beats Central Air Hands Down & earns up to $600 rebate!
A
Central Air Conditioner
Air Source Heat Pump
ll of us want to be
comfortable for the
least amount of money
possible. When shopping for an
air conditioning unit, an air source
heat pump will be your best bet in
the long run when compared to a
standard central air conditioner.
A central air unit will cool and
dehumidify your home nicely and
it will do so at around 100 percent
efficiency. An air source heat pump
will also cool and dehumidify your
home. However, it will do so at up to
300 percent efficiency. That means
you will get three times the cooling
for the money! Even better, an air
source heat pump will work more
than 3 months out of the year...in
fact, it can supply 50 percent or more
of your heat during colder months
with up to 200 percent efficiency,
saving you money on heating as
well. Location # 25-33-131
An air source heat pump is more
expensive than a central air unit
initially. However, the money you
save will allow you to pay back your
investment quickly, while the savings
continue year after year.
Page 7
•
How does this work? An air source
heat pump doesn’t create heat or
cooling. It simply transfers heat
from one location to another. In the
summer, it pulls heat and humidity
from your home and runs it outside.
In the winter, it pulls heat from
the outside air (yes, there’s heat
even in the winter) and brings it
into the home. During the coldest
months of the year, you will need
a little supplemental heat and the
efficiency is reduced to 200 percent
in the winter months. But even
at 200 percent efficiency, you’re
getting double the benefit for your
Meeker Pioneer
•
www.meeker.coop
hard-earned money. Members who
have switched to this type of system
often save hundreds of dollars each
and every year over their traditional
heating and cooling system.
Get up to a $600 rebate when
you install an air source heat
pump! Meeker Co-op’s Dual Fuel
program earns the half-price
electric rate, boosting savings even
more.
Can one of our Energy Management
Technicians today for more
information at 320-693-3231.
Pioneer Ads —
Free want ad service for members. Please limit your
ad to nine words. Use the coupon printed below or available at Meeker
Cooperative’s front desk to submit your ad. Ads will be printed for one month
only. Please submit a new ad if you want it published more than one month.
Include your name and address, which will be used for identification purposes
only. Ads must be received by June 30 to be included in the July issue. We no
longer accept “Service” or “For Rent” ads.
Please run this ad in the next Pioneer
Name: _______________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
Please check
ad category
Telephone number: ____________________________________
___For Sale, Misc.
Remember to limit your ad to nine words!
___Agricultural
___Automotive
1__________________ 2__________________ 3__________________ ___Wanted
4__________________ 5__________________ 6__________________
___Giveaway
7__________________ 8__________________ 9__________________
Clip and Send to: Meeker Cooperative, 1725 US Hwy. 12, Suite 100, Litchfield,
MN 55355 Attn: Becky Sorenson or email [email protected]
For Sale - Miscellaneous
• FSBO: 3BR, 2.75BA
home on Lk. Koronis.
612-801-0419.
• Sofa, 2 chairs, green
print, lk. new. $100/ea.
320-877-7724.
• Poly lick tank, $50;
RR ties, $3/ea.; 41’
antenna pole, $10.
320-764-2529.
• Starcraft 8-sleeper tent
camper. $1,195/obo.
320-693-8004.
• Standing frame,
Grandstand II, used very
little. Top cond. $195.
320-224-2799.
• Used Arien’s
walk-behind mower,
self-prop., bag incl. $25/
obo. 320-224-2799.
• Sol-Tech 20 tanning
bed. $2,200 new, asking
$800. Very little use.
320-212-5939.
• Dell Monitor 15”
and mouse. Set of
speakers, lk. new. $25.
320-275-2477.
• Apple & Apricot wood
chips for use in smokers.
320-224-3458.
• Couch, lk. new, 8’ long.
$50; Elec. bike, trade for
golf cart. 320-453-2489.
• Class A 36’ Fleetwood
Bounder, 1996 Ford
460 Eng., low mi.,
car caddy. Exc. cond.
952-881-0706.
• Hostas. ½ gal. $2.50;
1 gal. $3.50. Antique
dining set, $250.
641-891-0262.
• Truck topper,
fiberglass, ‘93 Silverado,
sliding windows, navy.
$300. 907-398-6037.
• 20-ft. green-treated
wood dock, exc.
cond. $225/obo.
507-627-5292.
• 2010 Whirlpool
upright freezer, 20
cu.ft. Works well. $275/
320-398-2774.
• Larson 14’ boat w/
trailer & 35hp Johnson
motor. $950/obo.
320-236-7684.
Find your location number
Four location numbers have been
hidden within this Pioneer. If you
find your number and claim it
by calling Meeker Cooperative
by June 30 you will have $10
credited to your account!
Good Luck!
• Lazy Boy 5 hp
mulcher/chipper, works
well. 320-693-7798.
• Odd sizes jelly jars,
long drapes, vintage
afghan and pillow.
320-693-7653.
• Homemade bird
feeders/houses, sev.
designs. $15-$30.
320-275-2421.
• Local raised farm
fresh hogs for butcher/
roasting. $200/head.
320-221-2469.
• Boatlift cantilever
3200# alum. 103”
W Dockrite. $1,075.
Washington. Dean,
612-749-3047.
• Complete set of
machinist tools w/
Kennedy tool box.
320-693-7599.
• 10 x 20 all-purpose
canopy cover, used
once, lk. new. $45.
320-693-7599.
• Craftsman mower,
42”, 17 hp. $250.
320-693-8665.
• A-frame pickup
camper, gd. cond.,
jacks incl. $1,900.
320-373-5051.
• 2HP/4 gal. twin tank
air compressor. Lk. new,
$90. 320-373-5051.
• Dock, white vinyl,
1 – 10’ x 3’, 4 – 5’ x 3’,
Lk. Minnie Belle. Leave
mess. 763-898-0115.
Page 8
•
• Exercise bike. Aero
Pilates machine w/ 5
CDs. 320-693-3867.
• 6 ton running gear.
320-243-4381.
• 12-ft. heavy duty
trampoline, no net/
guard. Gd. shape. $100/
obo. 320-221-2103.
• Women’s large black
duster coat, never
worn. $100/obo.
320-221-2103.
• Sea Doo, 2-pc. Long
wet suit, lg women’s.
$50/obo. 320-221-2103.
• 2 outside wood
boilers: Classic and
Heatmor. 320-221-2163.
• Wood pellet or corn
burning stove. $600.
320-693-6744.
• Yamaha 2500W
generator. Very gd.
cond. 320-275-3090.
• 12 x 15 area rug
$25. Carrier room
air conditioner $50.
320-328-4041.
• John Deere lawn
mower F-525, 4-ft. deck,
4-ft. blower w/cab.
320-453-8963 eves.
• Garden cart, wood w/
steel frame, 37” long,
26” wide. Can tow. $75.
952-938-8269.
• ’98 Tigershark jet
ski TS-770, 768cc, ’03
trailer, $1,425 firm.
952-938-8269.
• Tent 8-10 person,
canvas, no leaks. $60.
952-938-8269.
• Quilt frame w/stand.
320-693-8492.
• Location #24-24-203
• New Polaris tires/
rims, $400. AT26 x 8r12/
AT26 x 11r12. Nick
320-292-0090.
• 9 roof trusses; 16-ft.
wide, for vaulted
ceiling & 12” overhang
for soffit. $49 ea.
320-267-2998.
• Honda Roto Tiller,
front tines, exc. cond.
easy start. $250.
320-221-2487.
• Bunk bed, sturdy wood
frame, ladder & top
guard, exc. cond. $75.
320-221-2487.
• Tilt utility trailer
w/winch 6’ x 8’, 12”
wood sides, 5.7 x 8
tires, gd. cond. $750.
507-276-7422.
Meeker Pioneer
•
www.meeker.coop
• Fishing rod holders,
Berkley, 1 pr., incl.
boat mounts. $15.
320-221-2487.
• Ringneck pheasant
chicks, $1.25 ea.,
avail. After June 7.
320-764-7053.
• Motorcycle seat w/
backrest. Mustang stock
#79447, new $400.
320-275-9951.
• Easy load boat
trailer w/rollers. $250.
320-693-8136.
• 90 hp Johnson motor,
1984, oil injection. $750.
320-693-8136.
• 18’ white alum
4-panel garage door
w/hardware, opener &
remote. 320-693-5884.
• Class A 2004 35-ft.
Itasca gas motorhome,
low mi., exc. cond.
320-275-3602.
• Cleaned feather
pillows. $20/ea.
320-276-8217.
• JD 318 tractor/mower.
$2,500. 320-693-3800.
For Sale - Automotive
• Toyota Highlander
all-weather, new
flr. Mats. $100/obo.
507-430-1734.
• Honda Interstate, new
battery, cover, x-tra
parts. 320-693-8451.
• 29-ft. 1992 Salem
camper, sleeps 6. Air
& new awning, gd.
cond. $4,000/obo.
320-221-2343.
• 2007 Dodge Caravan
7-pass., low mi. $6,000/
obo. 320-221-2343.
• Kia Soul Plus, 2011,
red, 134,000 mi.,
sunroof, Bluetooth,
loaded. 320-693-2331.
• Blizzak tires on 20”
Ford rims. $600/obo.
763-670-0975.
• ’04 Buick LeSabre
Ltd., loaded, runs grt.
well-servd. 124,000 mi.,
$5,995. 320-693-6678.
• 1997 Ford Mustang
GT convertible. Black
w/black top. Sharp.
Exc. Cond. $4,000.
320-267-2998.
• ’92 Polaris Trail Boxx
250 4x4 ATV, runs.
320-693-5884.
• 2002 Buick LaSabre,
well maint., very sound
mechanically. $2,000.
320-275-2435.
For Sale - Agricultural
• Used 62-in. rock
bucket. $350. Six
portable grain dryers.
$35/ea. 320-764-5832.
• 7720 JD combine
w/four heads, all for
$16,000. 320-587-4850.
• One drag section, 3’ x
5’ trailer, gd. tires, ball
hitch. 320-974-8818.
• Two front tractor tires/
rims, 10.00-16. $100/ea.
320-693-4118.
• Two big bale hay
feeder/hauler wagons.
320-693-2766.
• 3-pt. cultivators; 4-row
Glencoe, 6-row John
Deere. 320-693-2766.
• Mixed grass & alfalfa
grass hay, sm. sq., no
rain. $2.25-$3.25/bale.
320-221-1954.
• Riding lawn mower,
25 HP Kohler 48-in. cut.
$1,000. 320-693-6744.
• 970 Diesel Case tractor.
Wide front w/rock box
& cab. Oil/gas efficient.
320-857-2736.
• 100-gal. molasses
plastic feeder w/2
lick wheels for cattle.
320-857-2736.
• White 418 plow w/
cylinder. 320-857-2736.
Wanted
• Small wooded
acreage, 5-10 acres
(not for buildings).
320-693-4118.
• Hay farmer to make
abt. 16 acres hay land.
320-693-2766.
• Dorm refrigerator.
320-275-2274.
• Used refrigerator for
garage, must work.
320-275-3155.
• Old A/C units and
dehumidifiers. Will pick
up. 320-582-4822.
Give-Away
• 13” Panasonic TV w/
VCR built-in, remote
& manual, lk. new.
320-275-3249.