Celebrating Years - Freeborn
Transcription
Celebrating Years - Freeborn
September 2016 Volume 77 • NO. 9 80 Celebrating 1936-2016 County LINES Second Quarter Report — Years Operation Round Up® Grants Top $23,008 Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services members are great at helping strengthen their communities. Your volunteer support of our Operation Round Up® program demonstrates the far-reaching benefits of working together to provide grants to a variety of programs and organizations that serve our area. In turn, these grant recipients benefit thousands of lives in our region. Thank you for being part of this wonderful cooperative effort. OFFICE HOURS Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. To report an outage after hours call 1-800-734-6421 Continued on page 4… The Hayward Booster Club used the grant for the Blazing Star Trail Dedication Event. To leave a message after hours with our call center 1-800-734-6421 To make a payment call 1-877-487-9910, or go to our website at www.fmcs.coop. A 24/7 drive up drop box is located at our office under the canopy at 2501 Main Street East, Albert Lea, MN. (We do not advise leaving cash payments in the box.) Trent Wangen, Fire Chief of the Hartland Fire Department receives an Operation Round Up® award from Dawn Schroeder, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Communication Specialist. Please enter our office through the front doors near the flagpole. For your convenience, there is an area designated for member parking. Micki Rayman, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Marketing & Events Coordinator, made the grant presentation to Jennifer Murphy, president of the Lyle First Responders, and Mark Haugland. Our office will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2016 in observance of Labor Day. A Touchstone Energy® Cooperative Use your card for pharmacy savings and a variety of discounts! September Survey Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is commissioning a professionallyconducted and confidential survey of residential member attitudes during September. If you are contacted, please participate and provide your honest and candid responses. The survey will help us better understand your concerns and needs, as well as any shortcomings you’ve identified. There will be questions regarding your satisfaction with Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and our performance as your electric service provider. Other questions will relate to rates and fees, our programs and services, our commitment to member-owners, and how well we communicate with our members. Stay Connected with your Co-op! @FMCSCooperative www.fmcs.coop www.facebook.com/Freeborn-MowerCooperativeServices 800-734-6421 Inside... Membership Matters Get to know the candidates...................................................... 2 Harvest Safety........................................................................... 3 Saving Energy & Money Workshop....................................... 5 A Touchstone Energy® Cooperative MEMBERSHIP Affordable electricity is rural America’s economic lifeline. Essential to our safety and security, affordable electricity is critical to providing the useful work that drives our local economies and provides jobs. Throughout decades of local service, electric cooperatives have built strong ties in the communities they serve — connections that are fueled by a powerful sense of civic duty. That’s why electric cooperatives focus on the impact that legislative and regulatory changes with the electric utility industry may have on families, agriculture and businesses nationwide. Electric co-ops provide a powerful voice on national issues that have a local impact. It is a long-standing policy of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services to never endorse candidates. However, we do work to educate local politicians and political candidates on energy related issues. We want to make certain that the cooperative perspective is always included in discussion and debate. I want to take this opportunity to encourage our cooperative members to get to know the candidates running for local, state and national offices. Find out where they stand on important issues such as energy policy. The office holders at each of these levels are extremely important to shaping our regulatory environment. In short, please make sure your voice is heard at the ballot box! FOR YOUR INFORMATION Board Meeting The Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. at the cooperative headquarters. Services & Billing Questions (507) 373-6421 or toll-free (800) 734-6421 www.fmcs.coop Gopher State One-Call 811 or (800) 252-1166 for all underground cable locations. 48-hour notice is required. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 2 Keep in Mind What’s at Stake Electric cooperatives provide a business model where profit is not the driving force and member-owners have a voice. In turn, we want our elected officials to hear your voices. Vote! Electric cooperatives are significantly different from other utilities in ownership structure and purpose. Electric cooperatives are private, not-for-profit, member-owned and locally-controlled businesses. Our consumer-focus and perspective is shaped by this framework. Therefore, it is imperative that we keep important issues facing our industry and local economies in front of our local, state and national leaders. Nationwide, electric cooperatives advocate for legislative and regulatory policies that are scientifically sound, cost-effective and balance consumer interest and environmental protection. We advocate for policies that protect health and the environment while ensuring reliable and affordable power. Member account number thirteen thousand one hundred fifty-eight. Good things can happen when we work together. Case in point — with the assistance of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), electric cooperative members submitted more than half a million comments to the Environmental Protection Agency through Action.Coop and TellEPA.com. This remarkable achievement was possible only through the support, teamwork and cooperation of the hundreds of cooperatives that mobilized this effort on an unprecedented scale. Member account number one thousand nine hundred eighty-one. Electric cooperatives are also dealing with challenges created by circumstances of today’s world. In mid-July, NRECA announced that America’s electric cooperatives will be partnering with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the American Public Power Association (APPA) on a new $15 million initiative to strengthen protec- Electric cooperatives serve 42 million Americans in 47 states. Nearly 75% of the nation’s electric distribution lines are owned and maintained by electric cooperatives. Energyintensive businesses, including agriculture and manufacturing, are located in rural areas. These businesses have a greater sensitivity to electric price increases than the more-servicebased economies found in more densely populated areas. Just a10% increase in electricity prices over the 2020 to 2040 period is projected to result in: A non-cumulative average job loss of 882,000 nationwide that peaks at 1.2 million by 2021 • Of that, a non-cumulative average job loss of 614,000 in areas served by electric cooperatives that peaks at 499,000 by 2021 • A cumulative loss in national GDP of $2.8 trillion (Source: NRECA study, July 2015) tion of the nation’s electric grid from cyber and physical attack. Over the next three years, NRECA will use the $7.5 million award to develop security tools, educational resources, updated guidelines and training materials. Continued investments in the people, processes and technology needed to secure critical infrastructure will strengthen the ability of America’s electric cooperatives to meet rapidly changing cybersecurity threats. Jim Krueger, President & CEO Your membership matters. Make Safety a Priority Before you take to the fields this harvest season, make sure you take some time to look around. Look up and live! Always know the location of overhead power lines and guy wires when moving combines, augers, wagons and other farm equipment. Making accidental contact can create potential electrocution hazards. Use a helper as a spotter if you are uncertain of your distance from overhead power lines. Make certain you always keep at least 10 feet away. Proper Grain Bin Clearances The National Electric Safety Code has established clearance requirements to allow for the movement of large equipment near grain bins. Also, be aware of your proximity to all underground transformers and junction boxes. Overhead power lines must be at least 18 feet above the tops of newly erected grain bins. The illustration indicates the necessary clearances required on the loading side of a grain bin. Have a pre-harvest safety talk with everyone who will be working in your fields. Never let your safety be an afterthought or deadly oversight! Before moving or building a grain bin, please contact Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services so that we may help you determine a site that is a safe distance from our power lines. Have questions? Contact our office at 507-373-6421 or 800-734-6421. Minnesota “Cold Weather Rule” Does Not Forbid Winter Shutoffs The “cold weather rule” regulates residential electric service disconnections between October 15 and April 15 if disconnection would affect the primary heat source. It is important to understand that you must follow these guidelines to be protected by the “cold weather rule.” Energy Assistance Providers Freeborn County Dept. of Human Services (507) 377-5400 • As of October 15, you must be current in paying your bill or have entered into a payment arrangement and are current with payments under the arrangement. Mower County Human Services (507) 437-9701 Minnesota Valley Action Council • You must complete the MN Cold Weather Rule Application (available from Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services). Income verification must be provided along with the application. • Your total household income must be less than 50% of the state median income and/or you have received energy assistance for this heating season. If you do not meet the above conditions, you do not qualify for winter shut-off protection. (507) 345-6822 or (800) 767-7139 Minnesota Prairie County Alliance (888) 850-9419 Faribault County Human Services (507) 526-3265 Faribault County Minnesota Valley Action Council If you are unable to pay your bill by the due date, you must call our office to arrange a payment schedule. If you do not respond to the disconnect notice, your service may be disconnected, even in mid-winter. As of April 15 your account must be current or have a mutually agreed upon payment arrangement. Failure to comply could result in disconnection of service. www.fmcs.coop (507) 526-5291 or (800) 767-7139 Fillmore County Social Services (507) 765-2175 North Iowa Community Action Organization (800) 873-1899 SEMCAC (800) 944-3281 or (507) 864-7515 3 Small Change that Builds Communities 100% of Operation Round Up® funds are donated to local charitable organizations in our area. Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services began its Operation Round-Up® program in 2003. Currently, more than 15,000 participants collectively contribute to the program by having their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. The contribution could be as little as a penny, but never more than ninety-nine cents. The average donation per member is $6.00 per year. Contributions to Operation Round-Up® are tax-deductible and are printed on your electric bill each month with the total contribution on your December electric bill. The funds are pooled with all other ORU participating members' monies and distributed on a quarterly basis to non-profit, charitable and educational organizations in Freeborn & Mower Counties. Operation Round Up funds are held separate from Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and are overseen by a Board of Trustees. Operation Round Up is an opt-out program. Program information and applications can be found on our website at www.fmcs.coop. Operation Round Up® builds our community – thanks for your participation! Since its inception, the program has granted more than $357,000 in assistance in our areas! Operation Round Up® 2016 Second Quarter Grants The Operation Round Up Board of Trustees met on July 11th to review applications and award grants to the following recipient organizations. $1,000 Alden Fire Dept., Alden 1,000 Hayward Fire Dept., Hayward 1,000 Adams Area Ambulance Service, Adams 1,000 Lyle Fire Department, Lyle 1,000 Hartland Fire Department, Hartland 1,000 Lyle First Responders, Lyle 500 Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville 500 Southland Robotic Team, Rose Creek 500 Glenville-Emmons PTC, Glenville 500 Alden-Conger Supermileage, Alden 500 Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville 500 Ellis Robotics Team, Austin 500 Forte Milers Barbershop Chorus, Adams 500 Wild Turkey Federation, Waltham 500 Grace Christian Church, Albert Lea 500 MCHS Pediatric Clinic, Albert Lea 500 Albert Lea Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Albert Lea 500 Spruce Up Austin, Inc., Austin 500 Freeborn County Humane Society, Albert Lea 500 Hayward Booster Club, Hayward 500 Festival of Trees, Adams 500 Albert Lea Family Y, Albert Lea 500 Tee It Up for Campers, Freeborn 500 Hayward Booster Club, Hayward 500 Mower County Fair, Waltham 500 Freeborn County Arts Initiative, Albert Lea 500 C/O ALFC Chamber Foundation, Albert Lea 500 Freeborn County 4-H, Albert Lea 500 Changing Seasons Garden Club, Adams 500 Adams Town & Country Pool, LeRoy 500 Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, Austin 500 Austin Area Commission for the Arts, Austin 500 Real Hope for the Hungry, Adams 500 Community Home Improvement Projects, Austin 500 River Rats Car Club, Austin 489.38 Mower County 4-H Dog Project, Austin 419 LeRoy Community Pool, LeRoy 200 Get Your Pink On, Albert Lea 200 Mower County 4-H Llama Project, Rose Creek 200 Kids College, Albert Lea Purchase two sets of turnout gear Purchase set of rescue jacks Purchase radio Purchase two new nozzles Purchase fire truck hoses New member training and re-certifications Rebuilding of baseball facility Purchase a robot Purchase books Support sending entire team to London Rebuild softball pitching mound Purchase wireless keys and robot controllers Purchase performance music Purchase LED bulbs/fixtures for Conservation Building at Mower County Fair Purchase computer to handle HD video streaming Purchase books for each child to receive after a well-check visit Towards purchase of concession trailer Landscaping materials for use at Mower Co. Fair Purchase of pet carriers / kennels Blazing Star Trail Dedication & Celebration Fund raising items for community pool Family membership programs True Friends children camp experience Landscaping for City of Hayward sign Conservation Building Committee animal exhibit Purchase digital projector Purchase basketball hoop/Moore Hoop Toward purchase of playground equipment at fairgrounds Rejuvenate Adams welcome signs Purchase new chlorination system Leadership Program Bring touring artists to Historic Paramount Theatre Purchase food ingredients Expansion to CHIP program Pavers with Veterans’ name Purchase an A-frame mover Purchase training manikins & rescue tubes Fundraising golf tournament for breast cancer research, screenings & treatment Update obstacles & conduct mock show Purchase giant world map Total Grants Awarded: $22,008.38 4 Office Hours: Monday – Friday | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. y nc ie ic Eff Economic Development Mike Murtaugh Director of Energy Services ts n ccou Key A le wab Reneergy En (800) 734-6421 or (507) 379-8880 Re ba te s E n er g y Se s rvice Direction Get Started on Saving Energy and Money You’re invited to attend a one-hour energy presentation. Freeborn-Mower also offers an audit/assessment rebate of up to $500 for the completion of measures recommended from a Freeborn-Mower sponsored energy audit. This audit/assessment rebate becomes available when the measures recommended during a cooperative sponsored energy audit have been paid for and implemented. The rebated amount cannot exceed 50% of the cost of the implemented measures. Professional labor can be included in the cost. Only measures related to the reduction or efficient usage of electricity or delivered fossil fuels can be included. Delivered fossil fuels include propane (LP) or fuel oil. Natural gas is not considered to be a delivered fuel. However, we are pleased with this collaborative effort to be able to offer energy audits to members served by MERC for natural gas and Freeborn-Mower for electricity. Thursday, September 29th at 6:30 p.m. Albert Lea High School • Commons Area / Lobby 2000 Tiger Lane • Albert Lea, MN Reserve your spot at the workshop today! Call 888-734-6365 or email [email protected] (Must be a Minnesota Energy Resources and Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services customer.) Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is partnering with Minnesota Energy Resources (MERC) to offer the Community Energy Services residential energy efficiency program designed to help homeowners save energy and money in their homes. Homeowners will be able to schedule a customized home energy audit for a co-pay of $50. This discounted audit price is available to residents thanks to Minnesota Energy Resources and Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. Member account number sixteen thousand five hundred nineteen. Based on your home’s needs and your wants, our experts will: • • • • • Install free energy saving materials in your home. Perform a blower door test to measure your home for air leaks Complete an insulation inspection. Safety check your home’s heating system and water heater. Help you find qualified insulation contractors. Don’t forget! Winter is on the way. Now is the time to take action! Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services offers its members low-interest Energy Improvement Financing! Loans of $1,000 to $5,000 are available, with terms of one to five years. The financing can be used for energy improvements such as new air conditioners, high-efficiency furnaces, electric boilers, plenum heaters, and air source or geothermal heat pumps. In addition, financing can be used for energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, weatherization and external doors or windows. Member account number one thousand nine hundred eighty-one. Loan applications are available at the FMCS office. A written quote is required for the equipment or improvement, along with a loan origination fee of $50. Following review of the application and pending notification of its approval, the equipment can be purchased or contractor hired to make the installation(s). A promissory note must be signed with FMCS. The loan is repaid on a monthly basis and is included on your regular monthly billing statement. CO-OP CONNECTIONS ® SEPTEMBER FEATURED BUSINESSES New to You Consignment Nail Tech 123 N. Broadway Albert Lea MN 507-373-0388 DEAL : 10% off purchase Use your card to save! 2348 Hendrickson Road Albert Lea MN 507-377-2977 Discounts available at these featured businesses, along with hundreds of others, both locally and nationwide. See our website for more ways to save! www.fmcs.coop DEAL S: Pedicure and manicure for $35 (once a month) OR Student Special: Full set for $35 (once a month) Members must show their Co-op Connections® card. 5 FOR SALE Fa r m e r ’ s M a r k e t Vehicles/Motorized: 2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER. 1200cc, custom saddle bags, wired in battery charger, 15,000 miles. Call (507) 923-1733. 2002 BUICK LESABRE. 4-door, high highway miles. Good work car. $800 firm. Call (507) 383-8593. 2001 DODGE PICKUP. V-8, auto, new tires, 29,000 miles, topper, 4-door. Call (507) 7545672. 1983 944 PORSCHE. Call (507) 440-3261. Farm: 860 FORD TRACTOR. Serial 98500. $3,000. Call (507) 440-2988. 1927 GP JOHN DEERE TRACTOR. Call (507) 3188158 on weekends. Household: PRESSURE COOKER. $35. Call (507) 273-2141. VERTICAL BLINDS. 4 sets. Good condition. $100. Call (507) 373-8661. POWER WHEELCHAIR. Has Invacare Sure Step Pronto M51 joystick. $800. Call (507) 437-6582. TABLES. 2 oak round tables and 2 drop leaf tables. Call (507) 325-4193. WALNUT TREE. You cut down. You keep the wood. Call (507) 402-6743. BLONDE DESK. Sturdy, 5 drawers, 25”x 42½”. $25. Call (507) 402-3867. ELECTRIC JAZZY WHEELCHAIR. Used, needs batteries, lightweight transfer wheelchair. Call (903) 504-8159. ROCKING CHAIR. Tan color. New condition. $25. Call (507) 265-3239. FIESTA DISHES. Set of original Fiesta dishes. Includes pre 1946 colors. Call (507) 373-8151. Clip & Return Do you have an item to submit in next month's Farmer's Market? Please fill out the form below, clip and return. Ad will print as room allows. Name__________________________________________ Account number_________________________________ Phone__________________________________________ Check one. FOR SALE WANTED FREE Description_____________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ One submission per member per month. Print legibly. No business advertising. Submit before the 15th of the month prior to the issue in which you want the ad to appear. Limit ad to 15 words or less. Complete rules are posted at www.fmcs.coop. Return to Farmer’s Market Submissions, P.O. Box 611, Albert Lea, MN 56007 Don't Wait. Communicate. Make a family emergency plan today. September is National Preparedness Month. Learn more at www.ready.gov/September. 6 MISC: HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE JACKET. Black, men’s 44 reg. $50 OBO. Call (507) 373-7228. ARIENS RIDING LAWN MOWER. Model 936083, 42” deck, 19hp, B&S. $1,000. Call (507) 320-0967. SEPTIC TANK. New, 60” wide, 60” deep, 80” long, 750 gallons. Call (507) 473-0041 or (507) 473-0080. CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC MITER BOX SAW. With dust catcher. Hardly used. $60. Call (507) 874-3731. BATHROOM VANITY. Very nice, 48”, 1 door, 6 drawers. Top and sink included. Make an offer. Call (507) 373-8051. 2 CEMETERY PLOTS. At Hillcrest Memorial Garden, Garden J. $200 each or $350 for both. Call (507) 377-8768. ICE HOUSE. 17’ long, 6½’ wide, 8 hole, v-front, crank down, spray foam insulated. $3,500. Call (507) 383-4459. ALUMACRAFT BOAT. Lunker 165 LTD CS Elite. Motor, trolling motor, cover. Shoreline trailer, 17’, step-up fenders. Call (507) 373-3610. 2003 COACHMAN TRAVEL TRAILER. 26’ large slide out, sleeps 4-6, large bathroom. Excellent condition. $9,000. Call (507) 373-0539. HITCH RACK. For a handicapped scooter. Call (507) 373-6537. SPORTZ TRUCK TENT. Used 2 times. Great condition. $150 OBO. Call (507) 567-9900. Pets/Animals: STANDARD POODLE PUPPIES. AKC, black, brown, apricot, cream. Champion bloodlines. Trained. $1,500. Call (507) 273-3652. WANTED TWO WINDOW AWNINGS. 56” wide minimum. Call (507) 567-2150. CARGO TRAILER. 12’ to 14’, single axle. Call (507) 377-3428 after 5:00. ENCLOSED TRAILER. For storage, 20’ to 28’. Call (507) 529-8850. DID YOU KNOW? Heartland Security is owned by Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. Call for information on the variety of protection services available, as well as a free consultation and estimate. Call 1-800-734-6421 or 1-888-264-6380. It’s back to school time. Slow down and watch for buses and children in crosswalks. Protect What Matters Most! Join the growing number of home and business owners who are protecting their family and assets with a customized security system from Heartland Security. www.heartlandss.com 1-888-264-6380 Secure your home. Secure your life. Burglary, fire, and water damage are threats for any homeowner. A security system from Heartland Security is an affordable, reliable way to help keep your home, family, and valuables safe. We offer a variety of sensors and cameras to custom-design an alarm system that meets your specific needs and can alert you about intruders, smoke, carbon monoxide, water problems, and extreme temperatures. Put the control in your hands. We partner with Alarm.com, an innovative wireless service that keeps you in touch with what’s happening at home. With our home automation features, you can create a schedule for your thermostat and adjust it at any time, right from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Protect your livelihood. We can help you protect your business against theft. Your office houses your employees, customer information, trade secrets, inventory, and money. With a security system and cameras for your business, you’re protected 24/7 from intruders, fire, flooding, and temperature variances. Member account number sixteen thousand five hundred nineteen. Worry-free independence. If you or a loved one worry about a medical emergency happenDuring the second fiscal quarter of 2016, about 64% of the Heartland Security regional sales were within the service territory of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. (Based on a four-cooperative sales region in southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa.) A Touchstone Energy® Cooperative www.fmcs.coop 507-373-6421 ing at home, we offer 24/7 medical monitoring systems. Whether you live alone or have a medical condition that limits your mobility, our medical alert system can help you maintain your independence. Specialized equipment for agriculture and livestock Heartland Security’s rural Midwest roots have allowed us to develop an agricultural specialty that keeps livestock and other assets out of harm’s way. We offer customized equipment and specialized monitoring such as: • Weatherproof box and panels reliable in all seasons, all weather • Wireless systems ideal for remote sites such as barns, bins and shops • Hard-wired sensors with exterior grade wire and minimal number of connections • High and low temperature sensors • Door sensors and alarms • Automatic feeding equipment sensors • Generator monitoring • Video surveillance Changes to Your Contact Information? Please Keep Us Updated! It’s important that your contact information is kept current with our office. If there have been changes, please use this clip and return form. You can also login to SmartHub to make updates or email your changes to [email protected]. Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Member Contact Update Form First Name:_______________________________________ Last Name: ___________________________________________ Business Account Name: ___________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________ City:___________________________ State:_______________ Zip:____________________ Phone No:______________________ _Primary Cell Ph:_________________________ Add’l Cell Ph: ______________________ Primary Email:_____________________________________Add’l Email:_______________________________________ FMCS Account No:____________________________________________ Comments:__________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Clip and Return to Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, P.O. Box 611, Albert Lea, MN 56007-0611 To report an outage after hours call 1-800-734-6421. 7 USPS 209-540 ISSN 8755-9099 Periodicals Postage Paid at Albert Lea, MN and other locations. Postmaster: Send address corrections to: County Lines P.O. Box 611, Albert Lea, MN 56007-0611 County Lines is published monthly, except for the Annual Report edition issued in March, by Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, 2501 Main Street East, Albert Lea, MN 56007. This monthly publication is designed to provide information about the cooperative to the member-owners of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. President: Jim Krueger, President & CEO Telephone: (507) 373-6421 SPOT YOUR NUMBER To reward our faithful readers, three member account numbers have been selected at random to be spelled out each two times within the newsletter. If you spot your account number, call the WATCH cooperative by the 15th of the current FOR YOUR month to claim your prize of a $25 ACCOUNT bill credit. Your account number is the NUMBER! series of numbers printed in the Service Summary box on your bill or on the bottom of the bill near the tear off portion that is returned with your payment. Remember to exclude the last two digits when looking for your account number in the newsletter. There were no Spot Your Number winners in August. There are three member account numbers hidden in this issue. Watch for your account number! Zucchini Bread Wendy Shultz, Ellendale 1 c. vegetable or salad oil 2 c. sugar 3 eggs Mix and add: 2 c. raw shredded/processed zucchini 3 c. flour 3 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. soda ½ tsp. baking powder Mix thoroughly. Bake at 325 degree oven for 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves. Electrical Safety Warning for Pokémon Go Players Load Control Events July 1, 2016 – July 31, 2016 There were 39 residential water heater and air conditioning load control events totaling 192 hours and 50 minutes. Average control time of 4 hours 57 minutes per event. For Diversified Services from FMCS call: Heartland Security (Medical and Home Security) (888) 264-6380 Northland Connect (Exede® Satellite Internet) (866) 567-1919 WHAT’S COOKING? Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and other utilities are reminding players of Pokémon Go to stay away from electric substations, power plants and other electric equipment. The new smartphone-based augmented reality game sends players to real world places to “catch” Pokémon. Pokémon turn up everywhere—from grocery stores to hospitals. But they’re also appearing at electric substations, drawing players into extremely dangerous situations. Member account number thirteen thousand one hundred fifty-eight. “Electric utilities cannot control where the Pokémon appear, and players should make sure they catch their Pokémon from a safe distance,” said Lori Read, Compliance and Training Coordinator. “Any game or activity that distracts people from the possible dangers around them and potentially brings them in proximity to our electric equipment and power lines is a major concern for all of us.” Remember these important electrical safety tips below, from Freeborn-Mower cooperative Services as you try to #CachEmAll: • Never touch electric equipment, including transformers and power lines. • Never touch a downed power line. Assume all lines are energized and dangerous. • Never climb utility poles. • Never enter an electric substation.