The Full Issue - North Itasca Electric Co-op

VOL.17 NO. 7
PUBLISHED FOR THE MEMBERS OF NORTH ITASCA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Annual Meeting
Co-op Connections
Business Profile:
Sleepy Hollow
Resort
by Sally Sedgwick
When Kirk Petersen visited the closed
Sleepy Hollow Resort near Northome in the
middle of winter, he looked at the cabin layout
on Island Lake and thought it might be perfect.
For 20 years, owning a resort had been on
the family’s bucket list, but a growing business
in Iowa, a new home and four active children
had taken priority. Now, with the business
established and the children grown, it was
possible.
“If you like it,” said his wife Mari when she
answered his call, “go ahead and buy it.”
They did, and a great adventure started
for the couple. With no experience in resort
management, no previous owners to show them
how to open and close the property for the season,
no customer list and no access through the snow
Resort to p. 7>
(below) Kirk and Mari Petersen
and resort mascot Buddy
welcome visitors to Sleepy
Hollow Resort.
Show your Cooperative Connections card
and receive: 10 percent off lodging.
Patriotic salute: the Touchstone Energy Balloon at
the annual meeting is framed by flags carried by the
cooperative's trucks.
The 74th annual meeting of North Itasca Electric
Cooperative, Inc. was called to order by Terry
Schmitz, president. An invocation and Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Jim Cox, and the Canvassing
Board convened in a separate room with Attorney
Andy Shaw to count ballots for District 4, 5 and 6
board positions and bylaw revisions.
CEO report
Jared Echternach welcomed the membership
and guests. Last year was a good year, he said, with
strong energy sales, improved system reliability
and a positive net margin of over $432,000. There
was no rate increase for the cooperative members
in 2014. This year has also started out well with
strong electricity sales and year to date margins at
$257,000.
The safety record for the cooperative was
excellent during 2013 with no lost time due to
injury. To date there have been 80,000 work-hours
without a lost-time incident.
Four important goals were identified during
strategic planning in 2013 that will guide the
cooperative through the next few years. The goals
were grounded in system reliability, energy sales
and service, using technology to improve efficiency
and service, and taking a proactive approach toward
legislation affecting your cooperative.
Annual to p. 7>
Health Expo, Rodeo,
Lions Fly-in in July
The annual Health Expo at Bigfork Valley will
be held on Saturday, July 19 from 1-4 p.m. offering
access to area health and fitness resources. Visitors
can tour an air ambulance (weather and emergencies
permitting), tour the new construction at Aspen
Circle, learn to use a fire extinguisher (and recharge
or purchase one), meet Lambo from the K9 unit at
the Sheriff's Department and enjoy the traditional
root beer floats. Information will also be available
from area companies and agencies which promote
community health and fitness.
Events to p. 11>
Connecting A Portable
Generator is Now
Safe and Easy with GenerLink™
North Itasca Electric is now offering Generlink
transfer switches and installation for members who
use portable generators during power outages. it is
a meter collar device which automatically detects
when a generator is running and disconnects from
the utility grid for safety.
For more information on the device, see p. 10.
• inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside •
What are
LUMENS?
page 4
Photos of Annual Meeting,
more June events
pages 8-9, 16
JULY 2014
Join your neighbors at
COAL CREEK
page 16
Summer Hours
7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
CLOSED
Friday, July 4
page 2
3
July 2014
~July Calendar~
Storytelling at Marcell Town Hall, 6:30 p.m. Subjects: "Name a favorite scientific invention and tell how it influences your life," or "What advice would you give to a newly
married couple?"
3 Suomi Area Lakes Association Picnic, noon-3 p.m. Sandy Beach, north end of Grave
Lake. Potluck: bring a dish to share and utensils.
8 Stop and Stitch at Marcell Family Center. Bring sack lunch, project and $1, come and
go. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact Rhonda 259-9220 or Judy at 832-3237.
8 Evergreen Friendship Club meets at 5 p.m. at the Sand Lake Community Center. For
more info, call 659-2683.
9 Interested in the logistics of a total knee or total hip replacement surgery? Come to
Bigfork Valley’s comprehensive program to learn about replacement surgery. Board
Room, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. RSVP required: (218) 743-4135.
9 Northome School Board meets, 7 p.m.
9 Bigfork Lions Club meets second Wednesday, 6 p.m. at Golf on the Edge.
10-Aug. 16 Juried Art Show at the Edge Gallery in Bigfork. Opening Reception 5 -7 p.m. on
Friday, July 11. Awards ceremony 6:15 p.m. Voting for People's Choice July 10-11 until
ceremony.
11-13 64th annual Deer River Wild Rice Festival; live entrtainment, Midway, food. See
www.wildricefestival.com
12 Open House at Bowstring Airport for the Fly By Knights, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free food
and a special guest. More informatioin, call steve 244-4450 or www.1446.eaachapter.
org
14 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat
Sievertson at 659-2157 or Marlys Maki at 659-2901.
14 Deer River School Board meets, 6 p.m., public forum before meeting.
14 VFW meets in Bigfork second Monday at 7 p.m.
16 Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations annual meeting at Marcell Town Hall, Potluck
5:30 p.m., program 6:30 p.m. Public invited and encouraged to attend.
18,-10 THE WIZ, Young audience version by Stages Theater at the Edge Center, Fri-.Sat.,
2 p.m. Sun.
18 Lake Country Seniors of Marcell, noon. Indoor picnic.
19 Health Expo at Bigfork Valley, 1-4 p.m. Air ambulance tours (weather/emergencies
permitting), health and fitness resources, construction tours, much more. More
information, 743-4249.
21 North Country Gardeners meet at 6 p.m. at Marcell Family Center to carpool for a
Garden Tour of members' gardens.
21 Blackduck School Board meets, 7 p.m.
22 North Woods Quilters at Marcell Town Hall building, 9 a.m. Class will be "Buffy
Unplugged" by Buffy Sutherland. Potluck lunch at 11:30 a.m.
25-27 North Star Stampede just north of Effie, 5 p.m. Fri., 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Parade
through Effie Sat. evening. New this year: "Mutton Bustin'" for youth.
26 Activities in Effie during rodeo Saturday: flea market, pie social, parade, more.
more>>
WATTS NEWS
WATTS NEWS is published monthly by:
North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.
301 Main Avenue
P.O. Box 227
Bigfork, MN 56628
Subscriptions for Members are included
as part of the annual membership dues.
$8.00 per year or partial year for nonmembers, billed and payable in January
for the following year.
Second class postage paid at Bigfork, MN
56680. USPS 016-849 POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to WATTS NEWS,
North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.,
P.O. Box 227, Bigfork, MN 56628-0227
Office Hours: 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday
Telephone: (218) 743-3131
After hours (to report power outages):
(218) 743-3131 or (800) 762-4048
Web site: www.NorthItascaElectric.com
Chief Executive Officer: Jared Echternach
WATTS NEWS Editor: Sally Sedgwick
Send all calendar items, recipes, advertisements and other correspondence for
WATTS NEWS to the Editor at: P.O. Box
243, Bigfork, MN 56628
Board Meeting Highlights
The Regular Meeting of the Board was held at the Cooperative's
Office on May 22, 2014, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
Directors Present: Schmitz, Cox, Salmela, Bain, White, Breeze,
Leino, Shearen & Waller
Also Present: CEO Echternach, Manager of Finance & Office
Services Corradi, Staff Assistant Karels, Line Supt. Pederson, Ken
Howe - CEO Northland Connect Broadband, LLC, and Auditor
Andy Weiss of EideBailly, via conference call.
Line Supt. Pederson presented the Line Dept. and Safety Reports.
Pederson also presented the April Outage Report.
Energy Management Specialist Loney presented his Load
Management Report.
Manager of Finance & Office Services Corradi presented his
Office Dept. Report.
The 2013 Audit Report was presented by EideBailly via
conference call.
Ken Howe, CEO - Northland Connect Broadband, LLC., updated
the Board on our subsidiary business.
CEO Echternach presented the April 2014 Operating Report.
CEO Echternach presented his CEO Report, which included an
update on legislative issues, Project GreenTouch , preparations for
the 2014 Annual Meeting and Northland Connect Broadband LLC.
Round-table discussions were held.
Leino reported on the GRE Board Meeting.
Echternach reported on the GRE MMG meeting.
CEO Echternach and Director Salmela reported on the NRECA
Legislative Visit.
Action Items:
-Approved Consent Agenda.
-Accepted the April 2014 Operating Report.
-Approved to pass the GRE PCA of $12,010.02 onto the members.
-Approved the 2013 Audit Report as presented.
-Approved the Outside Union Contract.
-Set the next meeting date of June 26, 2014.
Meeting Adjourned.
>>more calendar
27 Drive-In, Fly-In breakfast at the Bigfork Airport sponsored
by the Lion's Club. 7-11 a.m., everyone welcome.
28 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake
Community Center. Call Pat Sievertson at 659-2157 or
Marlys Maki at 659-2901.
AUG
1 27th annual Arts & Crafts Fair at Bigfork School.
Everything handmade by exhibitors, proceeds go toward
scholarships for local college students enrolled in a health
care program.
1 Last day for reservations to Coal Creek Tour (see p.16)
1-3 White Oak Rendezvous and Hisotry Festival at the Fur Post
just north of Deer River on Hwy 6. Fri, Sat., 10 a.m. - 7
p.m., Sun, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Board of Directors
Chairman: Terry Schmitz, District 8
Vice-Chairman: Wes Waller, District 2
Secretary: Larry Salmela, District 3
Treasurer: Roy Bain, District 9
Rep. to GRE Board: Bruce Leino, District 7
James White, District 1 Walter Breeze, District 6
James Cox, District 4
Lloyd Kongsjord, District 5
July 2014
page 3
Your cooperative's annual meeting
Thank you to all who attended your
cooperative’s annual meeting June 7 at the
Northome School. Nearly 300 members
and guests attended the event that featured
a catered breakfast, energy information
booths, CFL Charlie and LED Lucy, the
Touchstone Energy balloon, bucket rides,
raffle prizes, business reports and of
course the election.
I’d like to congratulate Jim Cox
(District 4) and Walter Breeze (District
6), on their re-election to the cooperative
board. I’d also like to congratulate Lloyd
Kongsjord who was elected in District 5,
replacing Ed Shearen who did not seek
re-election after serving 12 years on the
board. I would like to thank Ed for his
exemplary service to the members of
North Itasca Electric Cooperative. Ed
brought thoughtful consideration to the
many issues facing North Itasca Electric
and the utility industry. He offered a
broad perspective and always acted in the
members’ best interest. Thank you, Ed,
for your dedicated service to North Itasca
Electric Cooperative.
costs associated with their aggressive
greenhouse gas regulations. Please join
me in voicing your opinion by logging
onto Action.coop and making your voice
heard.
Immediately following the annual
meeting the board held its reorganization
meeting and Terry Schmitz was elected
President; Wes Waller, Vice President;
Larry Salmela, Secretary; and Roy Bain, Vegetation management
As we highlighted at the annual
Treasurer.
meeting
and in the June issue of WATTS
Members approved the bylaw
NEWS, our right-of-way contractor is
amendments by a vote of 626-46.
scheduled to begin right-of-way clearing
Those who attended the business this month in the northwest portion of our
meeting
heard
me
discuss
the service area. Please see the map below for
Environmental
Protection Agency’s townships scheduled for clearing. I can’t
proposed rules on CO2 emission from stress enough the importance of a thorough
existing power plants. The proposed vegetation management program. Our first
rules were issued June 2 and we now and foremost priority is safety, followed
have 120 days to review and comment by service reliability. We need to properly
on the rules before they are finalized. I maintain our rights of way to ensure the
ask each and every member to join our safe, reliable delivery of electricity to your
grassroots initiative and submit comments home or business. If you have questions
by logging onto Action.coop. There you regarding the vegetation management
can customize your comments and tell the program or would like to meet with North
EPA that you are a member of North Itasca Itasca Electric personnel to view the right
Electric Cooperative. Our key message to of way on your property, please contact
the EPA is that we urge them to consider the office to schedule an appointment.
Jared Echternach, CEO
If
you
are
considering
transplanting a tree outside of
the right of way, the University
of Minnesota Extension Service
has excellent resources available
at http://www.extension.umn.
edu/. Here you will find a
plethora of information on tree
transplanting, care, soil types
and more.
BRIDGE
ITASCA CO.
HORNET
BELTRAMI CO.
BELTRAMI CO.
KOOCHICHING CO.
2014 ROW Clearing Areas : North Itasca Electric Co-op
NORE
FOREST
GROVE
EVERGREEN
ENGLEWOOD
PINETOP
WILDWOOD
KOOCHICHING COUNTY
ITASCA CO.
ARDENGRATTAN POMROY
HURST
PLUM
CREEK
LIBERTY
Balsam hours / Provider hours
Construction Services Inc.
“Serving the excavation needs of Itasca County
and beyond since 1968”
Ray V. Kongsjord & Sons
www.rkconstructionservices.com
email: [email protected]
Office: (218) 832-2842
Cell: (218) 244-6201
39335 State Highway 286
Marcell, MN 56657
• Demolition roll off service
• Site preparation • Landscaping
• Basements • Septics • Shoreland
• Gravel • Road construction
Bonded and licensed - MPCA Lic. 1204
Kari Drake, PA-C
M, 1-6 p.m. / 1-4:30 p.m.
T, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. / 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
W, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. / 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Th, 1-6 p.m. / 1-4:30 p.m.
For appointments call (218) 245-2610
Offering family Marcell hours / Provider hours
medical care and M & Th, 8 a.m.-noon / 8 a.m.-noon
outpatient lab. For appointments call (218) 832-3026
Where skill meets compassion.
page 4
Lumens: the new norm
by: Jerry Loney
Lighting has taken on a new
norm in determining the amount
of light delivered from light
bulbs. When incandescent bulbs
were the only bulbs available, we
determined the desired bulb size by
the number of watts it used. With
new bulb standards mandated by
the federal government, labels
on bulbs are being replaced with
lumens instead of watts.
In a study by the U.S.
Department of Energy, hundreds
of billions of kilowatt-hours were
being used for lighting. With the
old incandescent bulbs, only 10
percent of the energy consumed
gave off light, the remaining 90
percent was heat produced to
deliver light. In other words, 90
percent of the energy used to
light your home or business was
wasted.
If one considers hundreds of
billions of kilowatt hours produced
for lighting with only 10 percent
usable and 90 percent wasted, we
are producing a large amount of
From www.energystar.gov
Be
safe
Always call before you dig
CALL 811 BEFORE
YOU DIG.
IT’S THE LAW.
UNDERGROUND POWER LINES can be just as
dangerous as overhead power lines. Avoid serious
injury and property damage by calling 811 before
you dig to have underground facilities marked.
• Call Gopher State One Call at 811 at least
two business days prior to a dig.
• Dial 811 or 1-800-252-1166 during normal
business hours; this service is free for
homeowners.
• Minnesota state law requires you to call.
• If you damage a line, you may be financially
responsible for repairs.
You may also submit your dig information at gopherstateonecall.org/submit.
Great River Energy—Powering what’s possible
Agralite Electric Cooperative • Arrowhead Cooperative, Inc. • BENCO Electric Cooperative • Brown County Rural Electrical Association •
Connexus Energy • Cooperative Light & Power • Crow Wing Power • Dakota Electric Association • East Central Energy •
Federated Rural Electric Association • Goodhue County Cooperative Electric Association • Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative
Electrical Association • Kandiyohi Power Cooperative • Lake Country Power • Lake Region Electric Cooperative • McLeod
Cooperative Power Association • Meeker Cooperative • Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative • Minnesota Valley
Electric Cooperative • Nobles Cooperative Electric • North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc. •
Redwood Electric Cooperative • Runestone Electric Association • South Central Electric
Association • Stearns Electric Association • Steele-Waseca Cooperative
Electric • Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative • WrightHennepin Cooperative Electric Association
greatriverenergy.com
Hours of operation per 1 kwh @ 11 cents. incandescent
bulb
equivalent
40 Watt 25 hours power that is not productive, and
using fuel to produce that power.
There are still many people with
do not like the new CFL and LED
bulbs, but by understanding the
efficiencies of them, one can see
the benefits of moving away from
incandescent bulbs.
What to look for in purchasing
the new norm of lumens:
The higher the lumens, the
brighter the bulb, the higher the
operating cost. See chart for
operating costs and hours per
kWh. Energy cost is based on 11 cents per kWh. NorthItascaElectric.com
pay a bill
download a form
see your statement
find out about programs
Lumens 450 bulb CFL
Bulb
10 Watts 100 hours July 2014
LED
Bulb
5 Watts 200 hours 800 bulb 60 Watt 16.6 hours 13 W atts 10 Watts 76.9 hours 100 hours 1100 bulb 75 Watt 13.3 hours 16 W atts 15 Watts 62.5 hours 66.6 hours 1600 bulb 100 Watt 100 hours 20 Watts 50 hours 19 Watts 52.6 hours Keeping cool: tips for beating the
summer heat
Below are some tips from North Itasca Electric
Cooperative on keeping your air conditioning bills in
check.
Adjust the Thermostat. As TogetherWeSave.com
demonstrates, lowering a thermostat in the winter can
save as much as $85 a year. During warmer months,
raising the thermostat a few degrees can save money, too.
Set the temperature between 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit,
and you could save up to 8 percent on monthly cooling
bills.
Programmable thermostats make it easy to save by
offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate a
home's temperature throughout the year. Contact North
Itasca Electric Cooperative to learn more.
Be a “fan-atic.” While they don’t replace an air
conditioner or a heat pump, fans move the air so everyone
feels more comfortable. On milder days, fans can save as
much as 60 percent in electric bills. Fans cool people, not
rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
Regular maintenance is essential. North Itasca
Electric Cooperative recommends that members have
their HVAC systems serviced annually by a NATE (North
American Technician Excellence)-certified technician.
This HVAC professional will check the entire system
to make sure it is running efficiently. This will help to
extend the life of the system and save money.
Look for ENERGY STAR equipment. When it’s
time to replace that cooling system, TogetherWeSave.
com recommends replacing it with an ENERGY STAR
qualified model. This could reduce energy costs by as
much as 30 percent. Tax credits and rebates on qualifying
ENERGY STAR models may be available so check with
North Itasca Electric Cooperative for more information.
Bigger isn’t always better. Too often, cooling
equipment isn’t sized properly and could lead to higher
electric bills. A unit that is too large for your home will not
cool evenly and might produce higher humidity indoors.
That’s why it is important to talk to your Touchstone
Energy expert at North Itasca Electric Cooperative.
Instead of getting burned this summer with high
energy bills, check out Touchstone Energy’s energysaving website, TogetherWeSave.com, for more moneysaving ideas or call North Itasca Electric Cooperative.
July 2014
page 5
Roxanne’s Sales Talk
Just a thought…saving a watt
by Roxanne Prather, sales assistant
Appliance energy use
This year it was a long cold winter and
The average monthly kilowatt- hour consumption figures shown
along with that came higher heating bills. We on this chart are based on normal use. Your electric consumption
are always trying to help our members learn may be higher or lower, depending on how you and other people in
how to cut the costs of their electric bill when your home use the various appliances and equipment.
possible, so here are some things to consider.
Everything you plug in uses electricity.
So when possible, if you plug something
in, unplug it when you are done. If you turn
something on - whether they are lights,
displays, fireplace lights, ceiling fan lights,
etc. - don’t forget to turn them off when you
leave the room. If you have a faucet that drips
or a toilet that keeps running after it has been
flushed, get it fixed. Even If you have your
own well and don’t have to pay for the water,
the pump is still kicking in a lot more then it
normally would, using more electricity.
Also, space heaters use a lot of electricity.
Here is a formula to see just how much that
space heater is really costing you. You should
be able to get the wattage information from the
nameplate on the equipment.
➢ Convert Watts to kilowatt hours
____Watts divided by 1,000 = kilowatts (kW)
____kW x hours of operation = kilowatt hours
➢ Calculate the operating cost
_____ kilowatt hours (kWh) x 0.11 (11 cents/
kWh)= $_____ per hour
$_____ per hour x __ hours= $_____ per day
During the winter we use more electricity
due because we are cooped up in the house
when it is too cold to be outside, therefore we
watch more TV, play video games, spend time
on the computer, cook more, use more heat,
etc. - all of which means we are using more
electricity. So when the kids get a snow day,
they will be home using about an extra 9 hours
of electricity that they wouldn’t have used
while in school.
Another thing that could help save you up
to $160 a year is to install a programmable
thermostat for your furnace and match the
thermostat settings with your schedule: cold
when you’re away and warm when you are
at home. During the cold months, set the
thermostat to 68 degrees during the day (lower
at night when you’re snug in bed). By turning
the thermostat down 10 to 15 degrees for at
least 8 hours, you can save 5 to 15 percent of
your heating costs.
Electrical Inspections
Except for minor repair Itasca County - Steve Bartlett (218) 591work, all electrical work you do at your home, cabin, or property 1616;
is required to be inspected by a State Electrical Inspector. A Beltrami County - Mark Smythe (218) 751rough-in inspection must be made before any wiring is covered. 0487 (www.smytheelectricinspections.
A final inspection is also required. Please visit www.electricity. com);
state.mn.us for more information. The inspectors can be reached Koochiching County - Robert Orgon (218)
weekday mornings between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
556-3829
Meter seals
If you or an electrician is performing electrical work
at your residence which requires opening meter sockets
or load control receivers, please contact North Itasca
Electric first. By contacting North Itasca Electric, you
can help prevent possible problems which could occur
when North Itasca Electric finds that seals have been
cut.
These problems would mostly be on sub meters
where load control meters are installed. This equipment
is owned, controlled and maintained by North Itasca
Electric. These seals may only be cut if permission is
granted by North Itasca Electric in advance or deemed
an emergency by an electrician. North Itasca Electric
does realize that there could be instances where work
needs to be done, in such cases; North Itasca Electric
still needs to be contacted. If it is determined that loads
have not been controlled during load control periods,
demand charges will be applied to your billing.
GUNSTOCK CHECKERING
All types of gunstock checkering
We can create virtually any design or use your own
We can recreate your worn-out checkering like new
We refinish stocks with the hand rubbed English oil method
Custom stocks built here. Boyds and Richards microfit
blanks.
RC Keith GUNSTOCK CHECKERING 218-897-5152
Pederson Hovila Agency
Insurance Services
Local, friendly, personal service for over 35 years
● Auto, Home, Farm, Health, Life, Mobile Home, Boat, etc.
● Discount, Preferred and Value Plans available
Call Kevin for a no-obligation quote or policy review
218-743-3545
401 Main Ave., Bigfork 56628 next to the post office
WILLIAMS SEPTIC & ELECTRIC, INC.
Licensed & Bonded
Contact:
● Septic
Brian Williams at
Installation
(218) 659-4216
Inspection
Design
● Hauling & Excavating
● Residential & Commercial Wiring
P.O. Box 633 / 52034 Silk Rd. Squaw Lake, MN 56681
page 6
July 2014
Arts on the Edge
Edge Gallery
Art on the Edge: Tenth
Annual Juried Exhibit
by Lynn Nachbar
A juried exhibit is a wonderful way for
emerging artists to test public reactions to their
work.
This year Lori Forshee-Dfonnay, juror for
Art on the Edge chose seven artists whose work
is new, at least to this juried exhibit. They are
painters Jane Latimer, Paula Lichke, David
Nyssen and Jan Stenson; photographer Jeff
Poenix; carver Jim Lutgen; and printmaker
John McCoy.
Other artists that Forshee-Donnay picked
are experienced and have been in Art on the
Edge before. Among these are photographers
Elizabeth Blair, Randal Caton, Catherine
Hanson, Audrey Johnson, Jill Johnson, Tim
Lamey and David Swanson. Returning painters
are Gene Madsen, Scott Rollenhagen, Nyle La
Grange, and Sandra Thompson. Jon Offutt’s
blown glass, Denise Martin’s felted figure and
Susan Gilbert’s aluminum sculpture are in the
three-dimensional category. Drawing examples
extend from Aaron Squadroni’s grey tones
in graphite pencil to David Richter’s intense
colors done in colored and watercolor pencils
to Robert Biaggio’s woodburned and oil color
enhanced drawings.
Altogether 40 works of art from 24 artists
are part of the Tenth Annual Juried Exhibit.
Art on the Edge is at the Edge Center
Gallery in Bigfork from July 10 to August
16. The Artists’ Reception is on Friday, July
11 from 5 to 7 p.m. The Awards Ceremony
starts that evening at 6:15 p.m. when juror
Lori Forshee-Donnay will present the awards.
Kocian’s Family Market is sponsoring the Best
of Show Award, and Northland Dental and First
State Bank of Bigfork are the sponsors for the
two Awards of Excellence. Bigfork Valley
Hospital is sponsoring the People’s Choice
Award. For the audience, the People’s Choice
Award is the most fun part of the Opening.
It is a chance for each audience member to
vote for his or her favorite work of art. Like
armchair quarterbacking, it is your chance to
second-guess the juror. It often takes some real
concentration on all the art to choose the most
successful. You may vote all day on July 10 and
up until 6 p.m. at the Opening Reception on
July 11.
Juror Lori Forshee-Donnay is Executive
Director of the Watermark Art Center (former
Bemidji Community Art Center) in Bemidji,
where she is responsible for viewing artwork
and evaluating artists in preparation for jury into
the art center gallery and shop, the annual art
by Paul Kraska the original Tony-Award winning
Broadway musical of the same name,
One of the events in June was but tailored for younger performers.
Native American artist Steve Premo, “The Wiz” is the very familiar story
who opened his first solo exhibit in of Dorothy's adventures in Oz and the
the Edge Gallery. The show’s name is characters who befriend and protect
“Introspection” and it is still up until her. The Tin Man, the Scarecrow and
July 5th. Steve has been part of other the Cowardly Lion help her and all
exhibits at the Edge Gallery, and his ends well. “The Wiz” is a modern
work has been well received. Then “soulful” rendition of the classic,
there were “The Divas,” a return and won seven Tony awards in 1975
visit also in June. They have a new including Best Musical. There is
summer themed show of wonderful new music in the show like "Ease on
music. You will get a chance to see Down the Road," and “Everybody
them once more this year because Rejoice.” Friday and Saturday, July
they will be our Christmas special.
18 and 19 at 7 p.m., Sunday, July 20
The EdgeWild Players also had a at 2 p.m.; children $5, adults $10.
June play entitled Love Letters. The Health Expo at the hospital
EdgeWild Players will also be back
Look for the Edge Center table
this fall in a serious drama about at the Health Expo in the Bigfork
life in a household dominated by Hospital on Saturday July 19 from
an unyielding matriarch. The play 1-4 p.m. It is always great to talk
is entitled The House of Bernarda about the Edge Center and find out
Alba.
how you think we can improve on
June was great
July Show: The Wiz From
Stages in Hopkins
it. You can get a chance to win one
of two season passes for all Edge
Events, pick up some literature about
the Edge and find out a little more
about “The Wiz” performing that
night and the next day.
Our good friends in Hopkins, The
Stages Theatre Company, makes its
sixth visit to Bigfork with a musical
the whole family can enjoy, but it is
extra special to our younger audience Spider John Koerner and
members. The show is based on Friends in tribute to Marshall
Little McKewen Lake by Jeff Poenix
fair, Art in the Park, and national
juried ceramics competition and
exhibit It’s Only Clay.
Wine in the Wilderness, the
annual benefit for the Gallery,
takes place on Friday, August
15 at the Marcell Family Center
in Marcell. At 6:30 p.m., guests
are seated and served seven
courses of wine accompanied by
appropriate gourmet appetizers.
Each wine will be introduced
and briefly explained by Master
of Ceremony Barry Feld. This is a
fun and delicious evening. Only
100 tickets are being sold and they
go fast. To buy tickets, contact
Karen Ferlaak at (218) 245-2434
or [email protected]. Tickets
are $40 each.
Edge Center Gallery is next
to the Bigfork School and is
open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information and
updates, see www.the-edge-center.
org.
Edge Events
Learn more about all of these at:
edgecenterarts.blogspot.com
• Through July 5 - Steve Premo,
Ojibwe painter: Introspection
• July 11 - Gallery Opening Reception
Juried Art Show, 5-7 p.m.
• July 18-21 – Stages Theater brings
THE WIZ, theater for Young
Audience Version.
• August 9 - Piano Bar Concert Musi
by Northrn Lights Trio (Ron Olsen
on piano, Don Olsen on drums, Jerry
Hagen on bass, Dancing in the pit. 7
p.m.
• August 16 - Marshall Oelmann
Tribute Concert with Spider John
Koerner and Friends, 7 p.m.
• August 22 - Gallery Opening
Reception Terr Rathia photography
• August 23 - John Perkins and Friends
Concert, 7 p.m.
• The Sutter Brothers, afternoon of
music and poetry. 2 p.m.
• Ragamala Dance Troupe,
Minneapolis-based professional
dance troupe. 2 p.m.
• Oct. 31-Nov. 2 — EdgeWild Players
perform The House of Bernarda Alba.
Keep watching here and the website
www.the-edge-center.org for more
upcoming events as they are set!
in August
Spider John Koerner will bring
some friends along for a tribute to
Marshall Oelmann in August. The Edge
Center meant a great deal to Marshall
and Marshall meant a great deal to the
Edge Center. Marshall played many
roles on stage, but throughout his work
at the Edge, he always wanted a special
part: Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof. With
his large presence and deep booming
voice, the part was perfect for him. He
got the chance, and, for many of us,
he will always be remembered for his
great performance in that show.
Membership
Thank you again for all the support
the Edge Center has had throughout
the years from you in both time and
donations. Without it we would not
exist. This year’s annual membership
includes membership cards that provide
discount on all ticket prices. Your
consideration will be appreciated.
Take off from Coon Creek by Gene Madsen
July 2014
page 7
Sleepy Hollow Resort Annual Meeting
>from p.1
on Island Lake
>from p.1
to see exactly what was in the cabins
(or even if there was a beach),
they bought the property in February
and two days later were at a sports
show looking for customers for that
summer.
Now, four years later, they have
had to decline reservations because
they were full.
It’s been hard work, but the
couple has one big advantage: they
enjoy it. “Imagine your excitement
at having guests,” explained Mari.
“Here we get company every
week!”
“I like the hospitality business,”
added Kirk. “I have fun here every
day.”
As a family they have
redecorated the eight furnished
cabins and have added features
every year like a water trampoline
and resort clothing. Today the
resort has a kayak, water bike,
canoe, paddleboards, game room,
playground area and wood fired
hot tub free for its guests, as well
as fishing boats and pontoons for
rent. There are 10 spaces with full
RV hookups and a shower room for
campers.
But there’s one thing they don’t
have: television in the cabins.
There have been no complaints,
they say. Families appreciate time
with their kids outside playing and
being active, said Mari. The setting
on a 3100 acre lake in the Chippewa
National Forest offers both
water and woodland recreational
opportunities and Island Lake is
known for the quality of its fishing.
Stocked by the Department of
Natural Resources, over 10 million
walleye fry have been released into
the lake since 2005, but there are
also northern pike, crappie, bass and
yellow perch.
Mari summed up Sleepy
Hollow’s invitation: “Good fishing,
great views and a relaxing time with
your family.”
More information about Sleepy
Hollow Resort is at sleepyh.com or
on Facebook. Email the Petersens
at [email protected].
Three 2013 projects were highlighted: a
cable replacement crossing Elizabeth Lake,
two miles of second phase upgrade near
Deer Lake and conversion of two miles of
line from overhead to underground along
County Road 525. Projects scheduled for
2014 include work along State Highway 6
and along the route of the new transmission
line and Ortman substation north of Effie.
The resulting interconnection will improve
system reliability when it is energized in
late 2015 or early 2016.
A subsidiary satellite internet company,
Northland Connect, made a net income
of over $635,000 in 2013. North Itasca
Electric owns 11 percent of Northland
Connect.
Although local legislators were very
helpful in exempting cooperatives from
additional renewable energy mandates
during 2013, there is a major challenge
facing utilities now in new EPA rules
regulating carbon dioxide emissions from
existing power plants. Members are urged
to use Action.coop to send a message to
the agency during the 120 day comment
window urging it to consider the costs which
must be borne ultimately by cooperative
members toward meeting the new rules.
The rural character of North Itasca
Electric Co-op’s service area is another
challenge that means the cooperative must
be efficient with its resources and do more
with less. The average electric cooperative
serves 7.4 members per mile of line,
collecting about $15,000 per mile. Investorowned and municipal utilities have many
more customers per mile. In contrast, North
Itasca Electric has just over 4 consumers per
mile of line and collects just over $5,600 in
revenue per mile.
Load management programs such as
storage space heating, storage water heating
and dual fuel are continuing to expand and
help energy sales without increasing deand
charges. To encourage these beneficial
programs, the cooperative will continue to
offer incentives, low to no interest financing
and cash rebates on qualifying systems. To
help members make the best decisions,
North Itasca Electric offers a free heat loss
calculation for a home or business.
Itasca Electric was excellent. “Safety isn’t not seek re-election this year. Shearen
something somebody else does,” he said, explained that he was interested in keeping
explaining that the culture of safety starts costs down and reliability high when he
joined the board, and had found those were
with the leadership.
The MREA covers seven districts in objectives shared by fellow board members.
the state, and each district elects two board Election of Directors
members. North Itasca Electric board
The results of the election were
member Wes Waller represents District 2 announced with the selection of:
and is the 2nd Vice Chair of the organization. District 4: Jim Cox
The June 2 release of new Environmental District 5: Lloyd Kongsjord
Protection Agency rules limiting CO2 District 6: Walter Breeze
greenhouse gas emissions for existing coal Bylaw Amendments:
plants is the single biggest event in federal √Yes: 626
regulation for the energy industry in the last No: 46
20 years, he believed. The release, over 640
pages long plus an additional 1,000 pages
of analysis, targets an overall 30 percent
decrease by 2030 from a baseline in 2005.
However, Moe explained, this is
misleading since each state has its
own criteria. Minnesota generators,
for instance, can expect a target of a 40
David Lick, CIC, LUTC
percent decrease down from a 2012
Bill Sergot, CIC, AAI
Dan Drennen, CIC, LUTC
baseline number.
Sheila Gustafson
The cost of complying with this
Greg Passard
mandate is an issue. The EPA’s own
Steven Swentkokske
estimate places it at about $8 billion
nationally. Another concern is the impact
on reliability for members…will the lights
come on when the switch is flipped?
It’s important that cooperatives speak
with one voice, said Moe, and that
members express their opinion
during the 120 day comment
period that ends October 16,
Open Saturdays,
2014. Members may use the
10-2
Cooperative Action Network
on action.coop to express their
concerns. If using the EPA site
or commenting directly, refer to
Summer garden gifts! Cabin books & games!
the Clean Power Plan, docket
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
ID EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-062.
North
Itasca
Electric
Community Trust
Tom
Boland
spoke
about the Community Trust
distribution of about $22,000
through Operation RoundUp,
where members round up their
bills to the next higher dollar
and donate the cents toward
community projects.
He
accepted a check for $1,000
Darrick Moe, MREA CEO
donated by Great River Energy
Darrick Moe, the new CEO and president from Denise Brenteson, key
of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, account executive for GRE.
spoke to the membership about the role of Ed Shearen
the organization in enhancing cooperation
Board Chair Terry Schmitz
among its member utilities, and providing recognized the contributions
education and training opportunities.
of Ed Shearen, board member
June is National Safety Month, and Moe from District 5 who did
pointed out that the safety record of North
743-GIFT (4438) ● Three blocks east of Main, Bigfork
ALL TYPES OF GUNS - BUY, SELL, TRADE
Talmoon Firearms and Supplies
Ed Shearen, FFL
P.O. Box 12
218-832-4867
49635 State Hwy 6
218-832-GUNS
Talmoon, MN 56637
- By appointment only.-
Where skill meets compassion.
Chiropractic clinic at Marcell
Wednesdays
Walk-ins welcome
Mike Olson, D.C.
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
(218) 832-2033
Chiropractic clinic at Bigfork Valley (218) 743-4340
page 8
July 2014
Photos of the Annual Meeting
Pictures from the Annual Meeting
held June 7 at Northome School:
(from top, clockwise) Winner of the
Early Bird prize Bill Polchow with
Joel Karels; Pat Hill from Northome
First Responders gives a blood
pressure reading to Kim Lindner;
Jerry Loney explains a meter to a
member at the information table;
winner of a bicycle Jaycee Baird
with CFL Charlie and LED Lucy;
guest speaker Darrick Moe, president and CEO of the
Minnesota Rural Electric Association; Board Chair Terry
Schmitz congratulates Director Ed Shearen for his service
on the board; Myrna and Brodie Baird, winners of the lawn
mower; CEO Jared Echternach (r) shares a conversation
with Director Jim White (l) and Commissioner Wayne Skoe;
winner of the Grand Prize, Gary Whitnable; Great River
Energy representative Denise Brenteson presenting a $1,000
donation for RoundUp® to Chris Corradi.
For “Above the Crowd” Service!
MARCELL LAKESHORE FOR SALE
Bob Ellies
8 ACRES
One bedroom home on North Star Lake
-walk to town-
®
BROKER/REALTOR
218-259-3403
800-982-3403
Asking $179,000
(931) 397-1243
(931) 752-2888
[email protected]
Residential & Waterfront Specialist
RE/MAX Thousand Lakes, Grand Rapids, MN
Edge of the Wilderness Realty
Villa Apartment
Opportunity
Health
Expo
2014
Saturday, July 19, 1-4 p.m.
●
●
●
●
●
Enter to win a kayak!
Browse health & fitness resources
Tour Aspen Circle construction
Learn to use a fire extinguisher
Tour an air ambulance
(weather and emergencies permitting)
Office- (218)832-4000
Toll Free- (800)767-4872
48921 State Highway 38 Marcell, MN 56657
“Get the Edge”
Located Next to Frontier Sports
Broker/Owner
(218)244-1165
[email protected]
●ForEnjoy
ourinformation,
famous root
floatsTendrup,
further
callbeer
Bonnie
.....And much
more!
housing coordinator
at (218)
743-1000 or email
[email protected].
Terry Schmitz
Top Producing
Real Estate Team
in Northern
Itasca County
Greg Anselmo
Broker/Owner
(218)244-4648
[email protected]
Check out our webcam on North Star Lake
www.EOWRealty.com
July 2014
page 9
Crazy Days, Northome
Crazy Days celebration in Northome after the Annual
Meeting included Turtle Races and the Rhubarb Rumble.
(left top, counterclockwise) The turtles are off at the start,
contestant and owners, and music at the Rumble. Photos
by Barb Skoe (TurtleRaces) and Suzie Smith Fedorko.
Wilderness Days, Bigfork
(top right to bottom left) Root beer floats at the
Bigfork City Hall Renovation Project booth; riding
in the parade; members of the Sheriff's Department
including the two K9s, Sarge and Lambo; miniature
horse in parade; a Massey 44 from the White Oak
antique tractor club exhibit.
Plum Tree & Co.
Antiques, Primitives & Gifts
Our inventory is constantly changing - stop on in!
www.plumtreeandco.com
on
us ok!
Th-Sat; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
e
Lik cebo
Highways
38 & 286, Marcell, MN
a
F
(218) 838-2332
“Best little Antique Store in Northern MN”
use
enho
e
r
G
Eden
of We Open!
n
e
d
Now
A Gar
40095 Hwy 2
near junction
with Hwy 6,
just east of
Deer River
218-246-8330
Hours:
M-F 9-5
Sat 10-2
page 10
July 2014
Generlink transfer switches
• A new meter collar device
by simply energizing
cord system that provides a
that makes connecting a
appliances from their
quick and easy connection
breaker panel.
portable generator safe and
of a portable generator.
easy.
• installed in 20 minutes or
Itasca
Electric
• Eliminates the use of
less by utility personnel North
extension cords and other
and does not require the Cooperative has these devices
available to members wishing
connections that can be
member's presence.
hazardous to members and • easily installed behind a to use portable generators
utility personnel.
member's electric meter during power outages.
• Detects when a generator is
and requires no rewiring The cost of 30 amp devices:
operating and automatically
of the member's electrical $799.99 including installation
disconnects from the utility
system.
by our lineman.
grid, eliminating dangerous • Members
have
the
back feed.
flexibility to run virtually The cost of 40 amp devices:
• equipped with GenerLok™,
any appliance, up to the $899.99 including installation
a unique interlocking power
capacity of their generator by our lineman.
Door prize winners
North Itasca Electric
May Open House
G&G
Lic. No. BC-667984
Restoration,
Remodeling, Roofing
● Free estimates ● Home repairs
● Additions
● Decks
● Licensed & insured
218-743-6396
218-398-0901
Bigfork, MN 56628
218-743-3232 • 877-541-2817
www.scenicriverhealthservices.org
Edwin Anderson, MD • Lisa Harmon, MD
Heidi Korstad, MD • Jeffrey Scrivner, MD
Denyse Trebs, CANP • Ruth Eckstrom, NP-C
Kari Drake, PA-C • Natalie Gustafson, NP-C
Cathy Sellers, CANP/CWOCN
Same-Day Appointments
Eileen Lindgren
Mollie Hastings
Viola Cook
Roy Johnson
Audrey McCormack
Don Hubbard
Rex Sala
Sandra Johnson
Lyle Hocking
Darlene Richards
Robin Custer
Carol Wood
Karen Wetzel
Marie Lovdahl
Judy Pinette
Claudia Burkholder
Taunya Rautio
Jane Topley
Jim Vulto
Florence Gustafson
Ed Nielsen
Richard Runyon
Bonnie Cole
Frank Topley
Tom Renquist
Debra Lance
Boyd Penn
Linda Kegley
LaRue Hocking
Diana Adams ` Bob Connelly
Vi Johnson
Mary Smith
Demand response saves money
Whether heat wave or polar
vortex, temperature extremes
present electric utilities with the
challenge of how to meet electrical
lawn gnomes
demand without incurring higher
lawn troll
energy costs.
solar rooster
The answer is demand
alarm clock
response.
body massager
Also
known
as
load
lawn frog
management, Great River Energy’s
wall clock
demand response strategy allows
electric knife
the organization and its member
waffle maker
cooperatives to avoid purchasing
floor lamp
power at times of heightened
blender
electricity demand and higher
solar owl
market prices.
electric skillet
“This ability is critical on hot
hand mixer
days when air conditioners across
floor lamp
the region are all running at the
sandwich maker same time,” explained Eddie
Mr. Coffee
Webster III, demand response
yard frogs
lead at North Itasca Electric
rice cooker
Cooperative’s wholesale power
griddle
provider GRE. “During these
rolling cooler
periods we’re forced to purchase
blow dryer
higher cost energy from the
can opener
wholesale market in order to meet
food chopper
member needs. Through demand
hummingbird
response, we are able to reduce
feeder
the electric load at times when
lamp
it’s most costly and shift loads
hanging basket to times when it is economically
hanging basket advantageous. “
hanging basket
In the past, loads such as water
hanging basket heaters, air conditioners and space
hanging basket heaters were controlled only as
hanging basket needed on the hottest or coldest
hanging basket days of the year in order to reduce
peak demand.
Today, Great River Energy
controls loads when the wholesale
market price of electricity is highest
and not necessarily just because of
local demand. This strategy creates
value throughout the year rather
than just during peak times in the
summer and winter months.
Across Great River Energy’s
member cooperatives, more
than 200,000 households and
businesses participate in demand
response programs. Because of
this, Great River Energy has the
capability to control 15 percent of
its peak load — in aggregate the
ability to remove 370 megawatts
off the system peak. That’s the
equivalent of reducing electricity
demand by more than 200,000
homes on a normal summer day.
North
Itasca
Electric
Cooperative offers a variety of load
control programs to help reduce
wholesale electric costs and keep
electricity more affordable for
members. These programs involve
cycling or suspending electric
service to certain appliances or
devices, such as air conditioners
and water heaters, during particular
hours of the year or shifting it to
off-peak times.
For information and a list
of demand response programs
available from North Itasca Electric,
visit www.northitascaelectric.com.
For details on Great River Energy’s
load
management
program,
visit
www.greatriverenergy.
com/savingelectricity/
loadmanagement.
July 2014
page 11
Outage Report - May 2014
Winners of the Memorial Blood Center drive drawing
Outages: This is a chart showing what the Line Department responded to during the month, including cause, length of outage, whether the
fault was overhead (OH) or underground (UG), and the location.
DATE OFF
LOCATION
AREA AFFECTED
OH/UG CAUSE
July events
>from p.1
The last full weekend in July is
the annual North Star Stampede
at the rodeo grounds just north of
Effie on Highway 5.
on Friday, July 25, and 2 p.m. on
Saturday and Sunday. Admission
is $15, $9 for youth ages 9-16.
(Prices subject to change.) Three
day pass available. There is free
An open rodeo, the event camping for participants and
attracts
contestants
from spectators onsite.
around the region to compete
Rodeo weekend also features
in traditional rodeo events like festivities in Effie. All day
saddle bronc riding, calf roping, Saturday there will be a flea
barrel racing and more. Rodeo market, pie social, bake sale and
clown this year will be Tuffy a parade at 5 p.m.
Gessling from Missouri.
Starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday,
A new event is on the schedule
this year - "mutton bustin'" - the
art of riding sheep. The event is
open to youth under 55 pounds.
area visitors can also enjoy
pancakes and sausage at the
annual Lions Club fundraiser
Drive-In, Fly-In breakfast at the
Rodeo performances are Bigfork Municipal Airport south
rain or shine and are at 5 p.m. of Effie on Hwy 6.
TIME OFF
MEMBERS AFFCTD
from May 29: Sandra Allen and Chris Larson won gift
cards sponsored by M.A.D. Gutters. The next blood drive
is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5 at Bigfork Valley.
Parkfinder
Want to visit one of Minnesota's 75
state parks or recreation areas this summer,
but want to make sure there's a swimming
beach for the kids? Or maybe a canoe for
rent?
The Department of Natural Resources
has a new online tool - Parkfinder - that
can narrow down your choices depending
on what features you are interested in from
lodging to recreation to accessibility.
Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/parkfinder
to try out the tool. Checking the desired
feature will limit the park icons; scroll over
the icons for a park description.
Visit your cooperative
online:
www.NorthItascaElectric.com
Villa Apartment Opportunity
For further information, call Bonnie Tendrup,
housing coordinator at (218) 743-1000 or email
[email protected].
page 12
July 2014
Project GreenTouch helps spruce up
state parks
North Itasca Electric along
with other Minnesota Touchstone
Energy Cooperatives joined
together sprucing up State Parks
throughout Minnesota. This
year, GreenTouch day was held
Saturday, May 3 when electric
Energy Fact:
Electricity began to replace natural
gas for lighting purposes in the 1890s.
From the Energy Kids page of the U.S.
Energy Information Administration,
www.eia.gov
cooperative employees and
members volunteered at
various parks throughout the
state.
Locally, 16 volunteers
worked together at Scenic
State Park hanging wood
duck houses, raking
leaves, picking up
trash, removing bud
caps off the young
white pines and doing
a little brushing.
Volunteers enjoyed
hot dogs and hamburgers
accompanied by chips,
cookies and fruit.
A fire burned in the
main lodge to remove the
chill along with hot cocoa, coffee
and cookies. The weather was
beautiful and we look forward to
hosting it again next year
Senior meals
●
New Decks ● Deck Replacement ● Deck Repair
FREE ESTIMATES
Matt Hanson: 218-850-9494 ● Bernie Elhard 218-556-8334
Experienced in serving Northern Minnesota’s Lake Country
since 1998
www.robpowellexcavating.com
Arrowhead
Economic
Opportunity
Agency offers senior
dining available to
those 60 plus and their
spouse. There is no income criteria. Homebound patrons may
be offered meals-onwheels. The price for
the home cooked meals
is $3.50. Register
ahead by calling (218)
749-2912 or toll free
1 (800) 662-5711, Ext.
223. Please reserve by
9 a.m. of the day you
plan to dine (except for
restaurant sites).
Meals are offered at
Bigfork Over 50 Club
(M-F, 11:30 a.m.),
Bowstring Community
Center (Tu, Th, 11:30
a.m., 832-3594), Deer
River Senior Center
(M-F, 11:30 a.m., 2468028), Balsam, Big
Falls, Northome and
Squaw Lake.
An Old Fashioned General Store
Spring Lake Store
Groceries, hardware, movies,
gas, gifts, post office, waste
coupons, licenses, housewares
MasterCard and Visa
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
218-832-3626
On Hwy 4, 1 mile west of Hwy 29
Where skill meets compassion.
Bigfork Valley Fitness Center
▪ Septic installation
Open 24 hours ♦ 7 days a week
Call 743-4133 for membership information
Rental lockers ♦ Showers
July 2014
Community News
Bowstring
Marcell Family
Center
218-832-3444
Email editor at sedgwick@
paulbunyan.net, put Community
News in the subject line
49023 State Highway 38 Marcell, MN 56657
http://www.edgeofthewilderness.org/mfc.htm
Bowstring Fly By Knights is having an open house and membership drive
on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Bowstring Airport. Free
food and drink. Come join us for a fun time. Door prizes and a special guest
will attend. Contact Steve at (218) 244-4450 for information. Our website is,
www.1446.eaachapter.org.
Marcell
2014 Naturalist Programs will be Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at
11 a.m. (unless noted) at the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center in
Marcell. Many of the programs include hands-on activities & crafts. They
are interesting, interactive and intended for all ages! FREE. Call (218) 8323444 for more information.
Turtle Lake
Turtle Lake residents will celebrate July 4 with the second Turtle Lake
collection of food shelf goodies for the Northern Itasca Food Shelf in Bigfork.
Food can be left at the end of your dock. Volunteers will come by to pick
up your contributionstarting at 10 a.m. July 4. Questions? Call Kathleen at
(218) 743-3085. All donations of food or money go to food shelf!
Notice is hereby given to qualified voters of Ardenhurst Township,
Itasca County, that filing for town offices will be held for a two week
period beginning Tuesday, July 29th through Tuesday, August 12,
2014, 5 p.m.
Offices to be filled at the November 13, 2014 meeting.
General Election are:
Supervisor A ( 4 year term)
Supervisor B (4 year term)
Treasurer (4 year term)
An affidavit of Candidacy shall be filed with the Township Clerk along
with a $2.00 filing fee, Affidavits are available from the Township
Clerk, Khris Knaeble at (218) 244-5225, or send a request for Affidavit
to Ardenhurst Township at PO Box 242, Northome, MN 56661
page 13
Summer Fun
July 30 -Valley Fair Trip! (ages 7 and up) ● 7 hours at the park!
Cost $55 Registration deadline JULY 23
Bus leaves Family Center at 7 a.m. and will stop in Deer River. Return at 11:30 p.m.
August 6 - Minnesota Twins game against San Diego Padres.
Cost $55
Registration deadline JULY 25
Bus leaves Family Center 6:45 a.m. Light dinner and snacks provided.
MFC hours: Fitness Center, multi- Tues, Thurs: 6:30-8:30 a.m.(8:30 library),
purpose room, public computer room and
high speed Internet wireless hotspot.
Mon: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.
Weds: 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. 11 - 2 p.m..
Fri: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
MFC Computer Room/ Book Exchange
Book Exchange: After filling out a
registration form, the public may check
out books for FREE. Computer Room:
Computers and printers available for
public-use. High-Speed Internet, Word
Processing and more! Requires registration
and fees.
Yoga
Beginner yoga practice that will strengthen
your body, deepen your breath and soothe your
mind. We will explore the benefits of yoga
by linking breath with mindful movements
with a focus on proper alignment and basic
breathing techniques. This practice will help
to create strength and flexibility and balance.
Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Wireless Internet Hotspot:
Instructor: Patti Alt
FREE: Requires registration. Open during
Location: Marcell Family Center
MFC hours above.
Fee: $10 per individual class/session
Register with Marcell Family Center, 218832-3444
List of participating businesses, Co-op Connections Card
North Itasca Electric Cooperative 301 Main Ave., Bigfork (218) 743-3131
Buy 1 appliance at regular price, receive 15% off second appliance of equal or lesser
value. Receive an additional 10% off on each appliance if you pick up.
G & G Restoration, Remodeling 33602 Priem Rd, Bigfork
and Roofing
5% off on all projects.
Anchor Inn Resort
55960 Co Rd. 4, Spring Lake (218) 659-2718
10% off gifts, garments, bait and tackle; 15% off basic cabin rental.
JoAnn’s Floral and Gifts
202 Main Ave., Bigfork
10% off any one floral arrangement.
Cozy Air Heating and 46461 Alder Rd., Marcell (218) 832-3246
Plumbing Services
$50 off purchase off an Energy Star appliance with $1,000 purchase.
Kocian’s Family Market
P.O. Box 225, Bigfork
(218) 743-3113
5% off on Tuesdays excluding lottery, tobacco and alcohol products.
Dun-Rite Cabinets & 50917 E Dixon Lk Rd, Squaw Lake (218) 659-4797
Construction, LLC
Free octagon cedar bird feeder with the purchase of a full set kitchen cabinets.
Effie Café
100 NW State Hwy 1, Effie
(218) 743-3607
25% off purchase of second entree of equal or lesser value. Limit 1 meal per card per visit.
Effie Country Service
P.O. Box 14, Effie
12” sub sandwiches, $5; $5 off oil changes
Five Star Mechanical
5% off one service call.
375 SE Hwy 1
Frontier Sports & Grocery 48919 St Hwy 38, Marcell
10% off 14” pizza.
(218) 743-6396
(218) 743-6315
Laurel’s All Needlecrafts Supply 40095 Hwy 2 E, Deer River (218) 246-8330
10% off needlecraft supplies with $25 purchase
Little Turtle Lake Store
49926 State Hwy 6, Talmoon (218) 832-3804
Save 3 cents per gallon of gas for cash sales only. (No department store or credit cards.)
My Lake Home B&B
50917 E Dixon Lake Rd, Squaw Lake (218) 659-4797
10% off of lodging of 3 nights or more.
(218) 743-3616
Polar Insulation 3% insulation upgrade.
(218) 743-6145
Riley’s Fine Food & Drink
46551 Riley Rd, Deer River
10% off food. (Beverages not included.)
51041 State Hwy 46, Squaw Lake
(218) 659-4351
(218) 832-3901 Scenic Pines Bar & Grill
29314 County Rd. 52, Bigfork
10% off food. (Beverages not included.)
Sleepy Hollow Resort 10% off lodging.
(218) 245-1818
(218) 832-3656
64264 State Hwy 46, Northome (218) 897-5234
page 14
area bookmobile stops
Tuesdays: July 1, 22; Aug. 12
11:15-11:45 Spring Lake Store
1:15 - 2:00 Bowstring Store
2:15 - 3:00 Talmoon: Hayslip’s Corner
4:00 - 4:30 Effie: Effie Cafe
4:45 - 5:45 Bigfork: Main Street
6:45 - 7:15 Balsam: Comm. Center
Thursdays: July 3, 24; Aug. 14
1:15 - 2:00 Togo: School vicinity
Fridays: July 18; Aug. 8, 29
12:30 -1:00 Gemmel; Comm.Church
1:15 -1:45 Mizpah; Post Office
2:15 - 3:00 Northome; Post Office
3:45 - 4:45 Alvwood; Hoot-n-Holler
5:00 - 6:30 Squaw Lake; Community Ctr
Bookmobile or Mail-a-Book information: call
Arrowhead Library System at (800) 257-1442
-SERVICES-
Lepinski Painting
interior/exterior.
Call for free estimate
15 yrs experience
218-743-6878 or
218-404-3156
Landscaping
Services
www.
landscapewithlloyd.
com
JB Mercantile
Affordable used items
in Deer River next to
Cenex.
Fri-Sat,
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Marcell Boat &
Mini Storage
CLASSIFIEDS
-SERVICES-SERVICESM.A.D. Gutters
Gutterglove® gutterguard
Ultimate gutter protection
Seamless gutter installation
(218) 743-6448
Cell: (218) 929-7134
Proudly made in the USA
www.madgutters.com
Gus’s Auto and
Recycling of Bigfork
Wanted: Junk.
Cars, trucks and other
property clean up.
Used auto parts, steel,
tires and bridge beams.
A buyer of metals
Snowplowing
Over 20 years experience
Available in granite
and bronze.
Also do final dating,
cleaning, foundation
work.
FREE estimates.
Serving your area.
Jerry Pula, sales rep.
Call (218) 743-3711
Two’s Company
218-897-5959
218-244-1916
Interior/exterior
painting and staining,
window washing
fully insured, references
(218) 929-7117
Hm: (218) 743-3598
Gus David
Penny’s Keepsake
Quilting
Lawn mowing: Call
Randy at (218) 743-6838
Offering quality
machine quilting at
reasonable prices
8/14
Main Street Marcell
License #060672-PM
33204 Shadywood Road • Grand Rapids, MN 55744
fax: (218) 327-9283 • [email protected]
Monuments
and Markers
Call (218) 832-3500
or
(218) 832-3503
Turn your quilt top
into a keepsake.
(218) 832-3684
10% discount with ad.
July 2014
-SERVICES-
Life’s Companion
Highland Care:
Home care providers
for elderly, adults,
special needs children.
“Our goal is to
maintain dignity and
independence in a safe
home environment.”
Call collect weekdays;
8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
(218) 326-1179 or stop
by at 111 NW 11th St.,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744.
We are an EOE employer.-
Ads are a service to our
members. North Itasca
Electric and the WATTS
NEWS do not endorse
advertisments Please use
your good judgment.
Check your ad.
Contact the editor to
make changes by the
deadline date.
• recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes •
Mom's Danish Puffs
Thanks to Angie Prather for this July recipe!
1st step:
1 cup sifted flour
2 Tbs. water 1/2 cup butter
Measure first cup of flour into a bowl: cut in the butter
and sprinkle with 2 Tbs. of water and mix with fork. Form
into a ball and divide into half. Pat dough with hands into
2 long strips about 12" by 3". Strips should be 3 inches
apart on a ungreased cookie sheet.
2nd step:
1/2 cup Butter
1 Tsp. almond flavoring 1 cup water
Mix second amount of butter and water and bring to a
rolling boil. Add the flavoring. Remove from heat.
3rd step:
1 cup sifted flour
3 eggs
Stir in the flour immediately to keep from lumping. When
smooth and thick add 1 egg at a time beating until
smooth. Divide in half and spread 1/2 evenly over each
piece of pastry. Bake 50 to 60 minutes in a 350° F. oven
until topping is browned.
Frost with powered sugar icing. Spread generously with
chopped nuts
Sweet and Sour Carrot Salad
3/4
1/2
1/4
1/2
1/3
1/4
1/4
1/4
lbs carrots, peeled and sliced
medium red onion, sliced thin
cup chopped green pepper
can tomato soup
cup sugar
cup vegetable oil
cup red wine
teaspoon salt
Cook carrots in boiling salted water until crisp tender
(about 7 minutes). Drain and cool.
Combine carrots, onion and green pepper in a bowl. In
another small bowl combine soup, sugar, oil, vinegar
and salt. Pour marinade over vegetables; stir gently
but thoroughly. Cover. Refrigerate at least 24 hours to
blend flavors.
Please share your recipe with us! If your recipe is chosen, you will
receive a $10 credit on your electric bill from North Itasca Electric
Cooperative. Send your recipe to the editor, WATTS NEWS, P.O.
Box 243, Bigfork, MN 56628.
July 2014
-SALES-
-FOR SALE-
-FOR SALE-
For sale: Tournament size
2nd Annual Plum Tree
pool table.
Ball return,
Flea Market. The Plum
oak wood and accessories.
Tree in Marcell will
Exc. cond. $500 or offer.
host a Flea Market SatEarthquake Call (218) 832-3941. Leave
urday, July 5. The cost For sale:
8/14
for a vendor is $20 for tiller $95; balsam studs message
a 10' x 20' spot. Flea 2x4x8 $2.50 each; wood For sale: 2002 Pop up
Good cond.
Market hours 8 a.m. – splitter, tilts up, 26 ton, 8 camper.
4 p.m. Everyone wel- hp $895; hay spike, $75 Beds, table into bed, all
come! Call for info: Call (218) 832-3050 8/14 oeprational, storage, new,
(218) 838-2332
For sale: Very old cast awning, 8' x 18', single axle.
$4,000. Call (218) 897Flea Market at Balsam iron cauldron. Asking 5675 8/14
$425. Call (218) 897-
Store: Corner Hwy 8
and Scenic 7. Every Sat.
and Sun, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.,
weather permitting. Vendors welcome, just come
and set up. Freewill donations accepted. May October.
-WANTED-
For sale: Pella glass patio
door w/screen. Fit sstandard
6 ft. opening, $150. Call
(218) 897-9535 7/14
CLASSIFIEDS
8/14
5368 For sale:
Many old
phonograph records from
1920 and 1930 and also
from 1950 and later. Call
(218) 743-3106 8/14
For Sale; Nordic-Rider
exercise machine $45.
Call (218) 832-3651 8/14
Want to buy 4 seater aluFor sale: Cooler with
minum paddle boat. Call
12V cigarette plugin to
(218) 659-2647 7/14
use with car, boat, etc.
Wanted: Guinea hens. Measures
15"Wx16"H
Call (218) 244-1286.
x21"L, $45. Call (218)
8/14 832-3651 8/14
-HELP WANTEDHelp wanted Squaw
Lake area. Indoor work
picking/harvesting
waxworms. $10/hour.
6 to 8 hours every other
day. Also an opening for
a cleaner $8.50 /hour
call for details. Morning
hours.
MUST
BE
RELIABLE! Call Dan
(218) 659-4202 7/14
For sale: Automatic
pistols, Yugo Md 57 &
Romian TT33. 7.62 X 25
cal w/holsters $325 each.
New unused Yugo SKS
7.62 X 39, $375. K31
Swiss 7.5 X 55 straight
pull bolt w/sling, $350.
Remmington 870 Magn
Exp 12 GA Pump, Barrel
Vent Rib, 2 3/4 & 3"
chamber, wood stock &
sling $325. Call (218)
8/14
832-3651.
-FOR SALE-
For sale:
Tandem axle
trailer, 9,000 GVW, 6 ft. x
10 ft. bed, 3 ft. beaver tail
with 8,000 lb, 12 volt winch.
Call (218) 897-5368 7/14
For sale: Guns: Browning
Bar Automatic, Jukar 45
Muzzle Loader, Browning
BPS Pump, Mauser Chileno
Model 1895, Springfield
Mdel67E,
Harrison
&
Richardsn Topper Modl
158 16 gauge. Call Pat
For sale: New 5' x 8' green Szwajkowski at (218)
"rag" rug still in plastic. $20. 659-2187 for info and
7/14
Krups XL juice extractor directions. like new, $15. Magic Chef FISHING, BOATS
dehydr, $10. Cast iron 2 For sale: 16' deep V Lund,
qt. sauce, 6.5", 8", 10.5" 10 hp Johnson, trolling
skillets w/wood handles (not motor, depth finder, 12 gal.
Griswold). All for $20. Set tank, 3 high back seats and
3 new 14" wheel covers, fits trailer at Sand Lake, Max,
most vehicles $8. IBM elec. Minn. Asking $1,000 or
typewriter w/cover. Works best offer. Call (507) 498good. $20. Big yellow mop 5158 or text (507) 429-8807
8/14
bucket w/wringer and large
cotton string mop. Hvy For sale: Aluminum Floe
duty, $30. Misc. dishes for boatlift V-2000, 2000 lbs,
camper/cabin. Cheap! All 96 wide on Bowstring Lake,
Call (218)263good/exc. cond. Call (218) $1,800.
7/14
4817, leave message 8/14
832-3791 For sale:
Oak pedestal
table. 42’’x 60’’ with two
18“ leaves. Good condition.
$150. Call (218) 832-3402
or (218) 435-6419.
7/14
For sale: New log siding.
45 pieces of hewn 1/2 log,
8"wide 16' long. Double
stained with Sansin stain,
sealed,
stored
inside.
-FREEApprox 720 lineal ft or 1300
Sofabed, stuffed chair,
sq ft. New cost $3.65/ft
rocker, table, 2 chairs, For sale: 2 horse saddles, (incl tx). Will sell $1.80/ft.
lamp. Email me and I big horn, 17” Flex Tree Call (218) 659-4404 page 15
EARLY AD DEADLINE
for AUGUST issue, FRI, JULY 18
POWER SPORTS
For sale: Honda model
#110 1981 3 wheeler. Engine completely redone,
good tires, extended
front fork, new recovered
seat. Looks good. I have
$1,200 into it. Near Northome. $600. Call Terry
at (612) 247-3345 7/14
VEHICLES
For sale: 1972 Cadillac
Coupe DeVille (collector); 114k, $7,995 obo.
(Restored vehicle) Call
(218) 751-9659 8/14
-REAL ESTATE-
Wanta trade? 3 BR rambler, basement, year round
home, garage, appliances,
furnishings on good fishing
lake, 200 ft. frontage, 65 ft.
alum. dock, pontoon. Will
trade for land with similar
assessed value. Call Tom,
(651) 388-6947
7/14
For sale: Hatch Lake
property for sale by owner,
over 3200' of lakeshore plus
over 350' on Twin Lake. 32
acres with year round home
and 40’ x 60’ pole barn.
Itasca Co. PIN 38-122-4200
and 38-122-4300. Inquire
at:
[email protected] or
(218) 832-3514. 7/14
For sale: 1991 Jeep
Grand Wagoneer 360, V8,
4 WD, Exc. cond. New
tires, runs good. 217,000
miles, $1,500. Call (218) For sale by owners:
Diamond S RV Park, Ronan,
8/14
897-5152 MT (close to Flathead Lake,
Glacier Park, more). 23 pull
through sites, hwy frontage,
tent sites, city sewer, well,
mature trees & recreational
area.
Office bldg with
apartment, showers. Rental
bldg. w/apt., roofed pavilion,
-REAL ESTATE- 2 mobile hm sites, 16x70
For sale: House and 8 apt. 7.8 acres, $768,000 or
acres on North Star Lake. 2 lots (one developed). Call
For sale: Shore Station boat 375 ft shoreline, 3/4 mi Diane at (218) 259-0164
lift. On wheels. $500 Call to town. Call Jim at (931)
-FARM(218) 832-3331
8/14
For sale: "B" John Deere,
7/14
752-2888 For sale: 36' of wood dock. For sale: Marcell, 2 bdrm late 1950. Runs good, good
Two 12' x 3' sections and cabin, electric, 80 acres of rubber, good tin. Call (218)
8/14
one 12' x 30" section. Good land, flowing well, great 245-1702 For sale: 1984 C70 Chev
dump truck. 366 gas 5
over 2 50% radials, dual
50 gal saddle tanks, 8 yard
box. Farm plates, $2,900.
Call (218) 832-3651 8/14
condition. Located on Turtle hunting and fishing op- For sale: Jolt electric fencer.
Lake. Make offer.
Call portunities in heart of $10. Call (218) 832-3791
Chippewa National For(218) 259-3987
8/14
est. $125,000. Call (763) For sale: Heavy duty frame
For sale: Newman boatlift, 571-5294 or email john- front end loader with bucket.
Fits 800 series Ford tractor.
$1,895. Vertical list, rated [email protected] 8/14
Came off of a model #861
for 3,500 lbs. Call (218)
Ford. Near Northome. $999.
832-3402 or (218) 435Call Terry at (612) 2476419. Cell (218) 766-8448
3345 7/14
7/14
will send you pictures. $750. 16” trail saddle 8/14
[email protected]. $400. High quality round
pen 45’ in diameter, 12
7/14
(218) 743-2320
Place a Classified Ad Today!
panels, 1 ¾ in diam pipe,
If you are an individual member of the cooperative, classified ads are free as a service from your
-FOR SALEcooperative. If you are advertising for a business or are a non-member, please remit $5 per ad per
brown, 4’ walk in gate,
month.
For sale: Norlake double
$750. Call (218) 897__________________________________________________________________________
door
freezer
model
8/14
5152 __________________________________________________________________________
#6R422. 115 V @ 6.4
amp. D 34" x W 63 1/4" For sale: '65 Ford 5500
Receipt will be acknowledged if email is given here:___________________________________________
x H 63" (commercial) diesel backhoe and loader.
Send to:
Editor, WATTS NEWS,
Run my ad for one month only.
P.O. Box 243
.$1,800. Call (218) 659- Good rubber, ½ yd bucket
Your ad will run for two months unless you
Bigfork, MN 56628
on backhoe, 1 ½ yd bucket
8/14
4518 check
this
box.
(Business
classifieds
are
$5
per
or
call:
(218) 659-2779
on loader. Digs clay with
insertion.)
or email: [email protected]
ease. $4,000. Call (218)
Please note: We are as careful as possible, but are not
Put WATTS AD in subject line.
8/14
897-5152 responsible for errors.
If no response, please resend.
page 16
July 2014
Wirt Summerfest
(from left top, clockwise) Music from local
groups like the Bailey Boys (shown) played all
day, Michael Jackson's bright metal flowers,
organizers relax, horse racing game was one
of activities available, Don Houseman with
one of his children's books.
Join us for the Coal Creek Power Plant Tour
This is a special opportunity for members to tour the
power plant owned and operated by Great River Energy
in central North Dakota. The two-night, three-day tour
includes visits to Coal Creek Station, Falkirk Mine,
Garrison Dam, the Headwaters Fort Mandan Visitors
Center and more!
We will leave Bigfork by deluxe motor coach on August
18 and return August 20, stopping in Northome along
the way. Cost of the tour is $75 per person and includes
transportation, lodging at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel
Coal Creek. If there are not enough participants, the
in Bismarck, N.D. and some meals.
To reserve your space, please clip and return the coupon tour may be cancelled.
below by August 1, along with the fee of $75 per person.
Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority
Nowadays, some of us take electricity for granted. But no matter
where you go, you expect it to follow. And it does. It’s there because
will be given to those who have never taken the trip to
your electric co-op is here. Learn more about the power of your
co-op membership at TogetherWeSave.com.
Coal Creek Tour Reservation Form
August 18-20, 2014
Please make checks payable to North Itasca Electric
Cooperative and mail to PO Box 227, Bigfork, MN 56628
Member Name: ________________________________
YOU’RE EVERYWHERE
THESE DAYS. SO IS
YOUR POWER.
BIGFORK LAND FOR SALE BY OWNER
Lots ready for building
from $6,500
SCENIC VIEWS
ONE MILE FROM TOWN
(218) 256-2267
www.wildernesscommunity.com
Overlooking Golf on the Edge Golf Course
743-3607
Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fri and Sat: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
!
za
Piz
Friendly, small town atmosphere
Ice cream ... the dipping kind!
Wireless Internet available
Every Monday evening: 1/4 lb. hamburger & fries
Every Friday evening: fish or fantail shrimp
Every Tuesday 11am-2 pm: hot beef sandwiches
Every Thursday 11am-2 pm: hot pork sandwiches
Buying or Selling?
Phone: _____________
Name of Spouse/guest: __________________________
Single Room ______ Double room _____
Address: _____________________________________
_____________________________________________
Have you been to Coal Creek before? Yes ___ No ___
Pie
!
721 S Pokegama Ave
Grand Rapids MN 55744
Call the Kutschats
for Great Service
and Results!
Jim 218-256-5773
Michelle 218-256-5774
Toll Free 1-877-900-3635
Michelle & Jim Kutschat
www.C21LakesTeam.com
Century 21 ~ The Gold Standard