July - Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative

July 2008
For Our Members
Concession Catering To
The Customer
I totally enjoy the vending
experience and wish I
started 20 years ago.
PAGE 4
Renee Taylor, Anamosa
By the time you read this, we expect that approximately 2000 meters
have been read and bills calculated at the Cooperative office in Anamosa
through the new Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Those members
affected by this enhancement should see the automatic reading reflected
on their July bill. More automated readings will be collected as we
continue to expand the communication system to incorporate more
meters. We are currently still on-track to read every meter in our system
by the end of the year.
The Cooperative continues to
change meters daily and has
completed installations at over
55% of the system. Members
are anxiously awaiting their
new meter and often ask “when
can I stop reading my meter?”
Please remember it is important
you continue to read your meter until you receive a postcard in the mail
stating that your meter is tied into the communications system and is
fully operational. Additionally, the meter reading boxes on your bill will
no longer be visible when we can automatically read it. Members with
more than one meter may need to continue to read some of their meters
and not others until the process is complete.
Members will see more consistencies in monthly bills with readings
arriving on the same day each month. The ability to read a meter at any
point will also allow us to help you understand when your energy was
used and how your bill was calculated. Additionally, this will also help
the Cooperative create and explore new programs and services to help
you get the most from your energy dollar.
We are excited to bring this technology to your doorstep and invite you
to call us at 800-927-6068 with any questions you might have.
Hang your
clothes outside if
weather permits.
Solar energy is
FREE!
Watts Inside:
Maintain Proper Clearance
Around Grain Bins
Page 2
Tree Trimming Helps Keep People Safe And
The Power On When Storms Hit
Page 3
Concession Catering To The Customer
Page 4
Keep Tabs On Electricity Use
Page 5
Sweet Sweet Corn
Page 6
Maintain Proper Clearance Around Grain Bins
If you are planning to construct a new grain bin
(or move an existing one) at your farm, please
contact Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative.
We will provide assistance in planning a safe
environment for everyone working at and living
around your grain bins. The State of Iowa requires
specific clearances for electric lines around grain
bins, with different standards for those filled by
portable augers, conveyors and elevators, as well as
permanent equipment.
P
H
P
T
Electric wires should be at least 15 feet from the
non-loading side of the grain bin; at least 18 feet
from the highest filling or probing port on the bin;
and a clearance of at least the bin height plus 18
feet from the loading side of the grain bin. Electric
service cannot be provided to a grain bin installation
that does not meet these clearances.
According to the Iowa Electric Safety Code found
in Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 199-25.2(3)b.
An electric utility may refuse to provide electric
service to any grain bin built near an existing
electric line which does not provide the clearances
required by The American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) C2-1997 “National Electrical
Safety Code,” Rule 234f. This paragraph “b” shall
apply only to grain bins loaded by portable augers,
conveyors or elevators and built after September
9, 1992, or to grain bins loaded by permanently
installed augers, conveyors or elevators built after
December 24, 1997.
V2
V1
Safet
V2
Main
cle
P
Permanent
Elevator
Probe
Ports
V1
V1
arou
gra
P
T
H
Grain Bin
H
Grain Bin
V2
Clearances for Grain Bins Filled by
Permanently Installed Augers, Conveyors or Elevators
1
1.5
1.5
18 ft.
Area of
sloped
clearance
H
Rule
232
area
Loading
side
V
1
Area of
sloped
clearance
15 ft.
Nonloading
side
Rule
232
area
V
H
H
15 ft.
Loading
side
Area of
sloped
clearance
If the electric wires around your existing or
proposed grain bin do not meet the requirements
shown in the diagrams or if you have any questions,
please contact our office at 800-927-6068.
Consider energy efficiency when enhancing
your grain drying facilities. The USDA offers
grant and loan programs for projects meeting
energy efficiency guidelines. The application
process requires a professional energy audit and
Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative will assist
with the scheduling and cost to complete the audit.
Visit www.rurdev.usda.gov for more information.
V1
T
V1
Nonloading
side
Area of
sloped
clearance
Clearances for Grain Bins Filled by
Portable Augers, Conveyors or Elevators
Drawings reprinted with permission from IEEE Std. C2-2002, “National Electrical Safety Code.” © Copyright 2002 by IEEE; all rights
reserved. The IEEE disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting from the placement and use in the described manner.
16
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Tree Trimming Helps Keep People Safe
And The Power On When Storms Hit
To protect electric reliability and personal safety it is
important that crews for your utility periodically trim
trees near power lines in your community. Tree limbs
and power lines are a bad combination, especially with
storms involving high winds, lightning or ice. Trees
are one of the most common causes of electric service
outages and during severe storms can disrupt power for
extended periods of time.
Tree limbs and branches that extend into power lines can
pose a significant risk to public safety during any kind
of weather. Anyone in close contact or trying to trim or
climb such trees could be seriously injured.
Professionally trained crews usually trim trees around
primary transmission and distribution lines every
few years. Franchise and easement agreements with
the communities they serve allow utilities to trim
affected trees on private property. Crews generally use
directional pruning, which helps protect tree health and
direct growth away from lines. The goal is to trim no
more than is necessary for public safety and electric
service reliability. Fast-growing trees may need to be
cut back more than slow-growing trees.
Many utilities can provide customers with information
about different species of trees because they sponsor
tree-planting programs for environmental and energysaving reasons. Also remember to contact Iowa One
Call, by dialing 811 or 1-800-331-5666, at least 48 hours
in advance of any tree planting to have underground
utilities marked. Trees can provide valuable shading
during hot weather and protection from cold winds
during other times of the year.
Customers with any questions or concerns about tree
trimming or planting on their property or in their
neighborhood should first contact their local utility. If
questions or concerns persist, they may also contact the
Iowa Utilities Board toll-free at 1-877-565-4450.
Always check for nearby power lines before planting or
trimming your own trees. Trimming a tree near a power
line will require a professional tree trimmer and you
should contact your electric utility about this. Try to
plant trees away from power lines. If a power line is in
the vicinity, determine how tall and wide a tree is likely
to be when it is fully grown. Placing low-growing trees
near power lines will help prevent service problems and
limit the need for tree trimming in the future.
*This article was provided by the Iowa Utilities Board.
Have you checked out our website?
Go to www.mvec.coop to discover
the numerous educational tools,
programs and products we offer.
Renewable Energy
Rebates
First Call
Electric Grills
Online Payments
Long Distance
And so much more...
Concession Catering To The Customer
Grace Zimmerman, Anamosa, Iowa
Are you experiencing that craving and longing that
you get this time of the year, when it’s fair time and
celebration days and you see that big sign that says
FUNNEL CAKES and your mouth waters? Some
of the best funnel cakes originate in Cass Township
in Jones County. Renee Taylor says that the most
often asked question is “How are funnel cakes
made?” Renee explained that answer to me. “The
funnel cake batter is put into a stainless steel pitcher
with a funnel attached, poured into a ring to form
and then placed in a shallow fryer. Take the ring off
and fry on the other side. Sprinkle with powdered
sugar. The key to a good funnel cake is fresh oil.
It feeds two to three people.” What surprised me
is when she added, “Our 10 year old son Blake is a
very good funnel cake maker!”
with us every other day. H & H is our chief
supplier. It takes lots of planning. For example, we
have to buy 125 cases of jumbo corn dogs at a crack
because it’s a special order.”
There’s an abundance of pride in Renee’s voice
as she tells me of the assistance of their other son,
Preston. “Our son, Preston, age 15, is the right arm
of the family, big and sturdy, and very trustworthy
who does setting up and works the window.”
An important part of the concession vending
business is the concession trailer (a basic necessity),
truck and trailer, as well as lots of freezers enabling
them to order products timely. You’ll recognize
the Taylor’s concession trailer, emblazoned high
on the sides are the Funnel Cake signs and Jumbo
Corn Dogs in front. It’s all in a red, white and blue
patriotic motif stating, “We Support Our Troops.”
There’s much more to this business venture of
Blake and Renee Taylor. As she answers the
question as to how they got started in the concession
business, Blake is busy preparing for their next
vending task, pausing only to say “Hi.” Most of
the week was busy but Thursday was rained out as
they had just returned from Waterloo Days. Renee
explains, “When I was working at Wal-Mart years
ago, I volunteered to do the fundraising for the
Children’s Miracle Network. Soon we were both
volunteering to help the children and received
so much enjoyment from vending that Blake
suggested we do our own business. I totally enjoy
the vending experience and wish I started 20 years
ago. I will retire in the concession business. I do
the paperwork through the early winter, setting up
contracts with the various celebrations. We don’t
leave the state of Iowa.”
Our big event will be the July RAGBRAI from
beginning to end, following the whole route and
we’ll be much in evidence in the pass-thru towns,
doing nine RAGBRAI stops. It starts in Missouri
Valley and ends in Le Claire. We load up with
supplies. Our food and bread suppliers meet up
Blake and Renee Taylor’s concession trailer is a
fixture at many events throughout Iowa.
You’ll see the concession stand at Hog Wild Days
in Hiawatha, the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers
Market, Mississippi Valley Fair at the end of July to
August, the Irish Fest in Waterloo, as Renee adds,
(“Waterloo events are always good”), Mt. Pleasant
Threshers Reunion, as she adds, (“been there 13
years”) and Anamosa Pumpkinfest will find them
in the same location on Main Street. It surprised
me to hear that Taylors’ concession will have their
third season at the Iowa Hawkeye Football games
where set-up the day before is a necessity. Selling
starts at 6 AM. Renee informs me that their special
is biscuit and sausage gravy which is a big seller.
“They’re fun! In a nut shell, we do 30 events a
year,” concludes Renee.
This fits in with Renee’s philosophy that her
specialty is cleanliness. She also admits that it’s a
stressful task. “We’re up against the weather and
it’s lots of work. You’re cleaning up from one job
late at night, and at the same time, you’re preparing
to depart early the next morning for the next
concession job. There’s not much snoozing time.”
You know that it is activity time as supply trucks
head down the road to 14893 Old Cass Road,
Anamosa, Iowa. Those interested in contacting
Blake and Renee Taylor about their schedule or
desiring their concession trailer at an event, can
call 319-821-1238. As Renee relates, most of their
business evolves from word-of-mouth as customers
appreciate the cleanliness, tasty quality food, and
organization which is dedicated to pleasing the
patrons of the Taylors’ family venture. So follow
the lead of those who know…look for the best
in fair fare at the red, white and blue funnel cake
concession trailer.
When I ask about their teenage daughter, Courtney,
Renee states that she is involved in school
activities and such the year round, not allowing
time to get involved in business. Renee remarks
how customers love seeing her sign in the trailer,
“Employees-if you have time to lean, you have time
to clean!”
Keep Tabs On Electricity Use
Energy-saving practices—like using compact fluorescent
light bulbs, changing air conditioning filters and washing
full loads of laundry—will collectively reduce your
electric bills.
Here’s a trick for teaching your kids to turn off the lights
before they leave a room: have them plug their bedroom
lamps into a monitor that will show them how much
energy they’re wasting when the lights are on in an
empty room. When they—and you—can quantify your
energy use and realize how much you could be saving,
you may find it is easier to save more.
Still, it’s not always easy to save energy, especially if
you don’t know how much you’re using.
Do you want to know? Invest in an electricity-use
monitor. It’s a small tool that records the amount of
energy each appliance or gadget uses. Some can even
predict how much energy that appliance will burn in a
day, month or year, based on what it already has used.
Depending on the model you buy, you can learn how
much energy a single appliance uses, or you can track
your home’s total energy use.
Try it on several large appliances. Knowing how much
energy your refrigerator consumes, for example, could
encourage you to close the door quicker or purchase a
more efficient model. Estimating your oven’s energy use
for a month could convince you to keep the oven door
closed or to use your microwave oven instead.
Sweet Sweet Corn
Susan Uthoff, ISU Extension Nutrition & Health Specialist
MyPyramid recommends eating the equivalent of 2 ½
cups of raw or cooked vegetables per day for a 2000
calorie diet. It’s getting that time for Iowa sweet corn.
Iowa grown corn is one of Iowa’s favorite vegetables
and such a delicious way to get part of your daily
recommended servings of vegetables. As you select
your ears of corn keep some of the following tips in
mind.
Roasted Corn Salsa
4 large ears of yellow sweet corn
½ cup finely chopped red onion
1 ½ cups finely chopped ripe tomato
1 pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
½ to 1 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. salt
Ground pepper to taste
When you buy or pick corn the first thing to inspect on
an ear of corn is the husks. They should be tight, moist,
bright green in color and free of any brown or moldy
spots. When peeling away a bit of the husk, the kernels
should be plump and packed in tightly. Check that the
ears are free of worm injury. It is best if the kernels
are small at the ends and larger in the middle of the ear.
Cobs with small, shiny kernels are generally sweeter
and more tender than those with large, deep yellow, dull
kernels. The silk should be soft and golden, not brown
and dry.
Inspect corn on the cob and remove a few outer leaves
and as much silk as possible without completely
removing husk. Wash and place on baking sheet,
partially covered with aluminum foil and bake on the
middle rack in a preheated 375° F oven for 45 to 55
minutes. Once corn is roasted, remove baking sheet
and allow corn to cool. Peel ears, removing all silk.
Cut kernels from ear. Corn should measure at least 2
½ cups. Combine corn with chopped onion, tomato,
pepper, and cilantro. Add olive oil and mix well. Add
lime juice and cumin to taste; then stir in salt and ground
pepper. Cover and chill, allowing flavor to blend for
about 15 minutes or more.
If you buy corn ask if it has been refrigerated after
it was picked. Sweet corn that has been kept under
refrigeration or on ice as heat increases decreases the
rate of spoilage. Ideally, it is best to eat sweet corn
right after it has been picked or purchased from the
grocery store. If this is not possible, sweet corn can be
refrigerated for up to 3 days. Refrigerate the cobs in the
husks until you are ready to cook them.
*This recipe may be made in advance but is best when served the same day.
Besides tasting great, corn has many health benefits.
Corn is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and
fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which helps decrease
cholesterol. One study at Cornell University showed
that cooking corn increases its antioxidant level.
Antioxidants help protect the body from the free
radicals, which have been linked to heart disease and
cancer.
Corn is good and good for you. Try eating corn in
ways that keeps it healthy for you. Don’t smother it in
butter and salt. Try roasting corn instead of boiling or
microwaving it. Enjoy the flavor of fresh Iowa corn in
quick and easy recipes like roasted corn salsa.
The proper
humidity level for
your home is 35%.
Get Your New Electric Grill From
Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative
We have what you need for your backyard barbeques this summer. Electric grills
deliver the performance of gas with the simplicity, safety and precision of
electric power. Eliminate the worries and hassels of gas grills. No hot spots,
empty tanks or flare-ups. Stop by the office in Anamosa to see the display of
grills or call 800-927-6068 for more details.
Watts The
Answer?
1. Electric wires should be at
least ____ feet from the nonloading side of a grain bin.
2. Always check for nearby
_________ lines before planting
or trimming your own trees.
3. Electric ________ deliver
the performance of gas with the
simplicity, safety and precision
of electric power.
Mail your answers in with your
energy bill or email them to
[email protected].
Meco Deluxe Electric Grill
(w/stand & tables)
$171.75 plus tax
Meco Table Top Grill
$113.25 plus tax
Dimplex EBQ Electric Grill
$325.00 plus tax
Two winners will each receive
a $10.00 credit on their energy
bills.
Name:
__________________________
Address:
Youth Tour Trip
Highlights!
All the sights and fun recapped
in next month’s issue of
Watts Current
Correction:
The June 2008 Watts Current incorrectly listed Director Eldon Busch as a
Dubuque County representative. Mr. Busch is actually the Jackson and
Clinton County representative.
__________________________
__________________________
May winners:
Connie Groth, Manchester
Vicki Ruppert, Maquoketa
T
S
GU
28
AU
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
ANNUAL MEETING
WILL BE HELD ON
AUGUST 28 AT THE
PALACE BALLROOM
IN FARLEY