Current Matters - Nobles Cooperative Electric

July 2012
Vol. 4 Issue 7
Current Matters
Committed to improving the quality of life of our members
Nobles Cooperative
Electric
®
What do the Declaration of Independence Energy saving tip
and electric cooperatives have in common? Consider using solar lights for
When Benjamin Franklin signed the
Declaration of Independence, he is credited with saying, “We must, indeed, all
hang together, or most assuredly we
shall all hang separately.” That recognition of the need to work together may
also be why Franklin, in 1752, founded
the first successful cooperative in the
United States, the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses
from Loss by Fire, which still operates
today.
The principles behind the Declaration of Independence that form the basis
of American democracy also form the
basis of cooperatives. A cooperative is
owned and democratically controlled
by the people who use its services. Each
member has one vote regardless of their
stake (36-11-74). This stands in stark
contrast to investor-owned businesses
where only shareholders have a vote in
how the business is run and even some
have more votes than others.
The Declaration of Independence declared the equality of rights of its citizens
and that people had the right to organize
to secure their futures when their rights
were infringed upon. At the time the
Declaration was written, democracy was
a pretty untested idea—but the founders
of our country were determined to make
it work.
So when you celebrate the many
liberties and rights we enjoy with our
families and friends this year, think
about those principles that inspired our
Founding Fathers. They also inspired the
pioneers who established electric cooperatives―folks who were determined
to provide safe, reliable, and affordable
power to secure the futures of rural communities.
In the future, we may need your determination to help us convince our legislators that we need a fair, balanced, and
affordable solution that will not increase
your electric bills. You see, the national
focus on climate change and the future
regulation of greenhouse gas emissions
has created some new challenges and
opportunities for Nobles Cooperative
Electric (NCE). At the center of the climate change debate is the electric industry. As politicians in Washington, D.C.
continue to debate legislation, the electric industry is left weighing all the risks
of future power supply development,
which has placed increased emphasis on
new renewable technologies. NCE has always operated under the
principles of democracy, and we are
dedicated to fulfilling that promise as we
serve you today and in the future.
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3
Manager’s Message
Show your card and
enjoy the savings
outdoor lighting. Solar cells convert
sunlight into electricity that can be
stored in a battery and tapped at night
to make light. Check manufacturers’
instructions to make sure your
solar lights are situated to receive
sufficient sunlight to recharge each
day.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
Mark your calendar
Aug. 7-9.................................Farmfest
Aug. 10.................... Electric bills due
Your online
experience just got
FASTER.
No lease fees! Local service!
Everything you like to do online—now super fast!
Stream videos • Share photos • Send files • Browse, surf, email
NCE: 507-372-7331
Not available in all areas. Actual speeds will vary. Call us for availability,
details, terms and conditions, and ViaSat’s Data Allowance Policy.
4
Personnel changes
at your co-op
Nobles Cooperative
Electric
The value of electricity
®
One tank of gas for your car
(20 gallons) @ $3.55 per gallon = $71
A word from your
General Manager
by Richard ‘Rick’ Burud
Independence Day
Independence ... don’t take it for
granted. On one of my many trips
to Washington, D.C. on behalf of
the membership, I attended a musical production called 1776 at Ford’s
Theatre. As I observed the play from
afar, I concluded that the first Congress had “big” issues just as we
have today. From the wise Benjamin
Franklin, young lawyer Thomas Jefferson, to the “pusher” John Adams,
all of them worked for their beliefs.
In the end, they all compromised for
the good of our nation and people.
Today most Americans feel they
are either a Democrat, Republican,
or Independent. But what we need to
achieve again is the statesman philosophy and do what is right for our
nation.
So as we celebrate our independence on July 4, let’s take Benjamin
Franklin’s advice, “Energy and persistence conquers all things”. Have a
happy Independence Day!
More than 20 days of electricity
for your entire home = $71
Based on 900 kWh and NCE’s current rate schedule effective with energy used after April 30.
Voter registration site launched by cooperative
organization
If we want pubic officials who
understand what makes cooperatives
different, we must engage in the political process. The first step is to register
to vote. More importantly, make sure
to vote. The National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association (NRECA)
recently launched an Election Center
web page to help members register
to vote. In addition to providing voting information, you can read up on
legislation that is concerning electric
cooperatives and their ability to provide
affordable electricity.
When elected officials make decisions on energy policy, (39-23-54) it is
important for them to know that members care about the issues and they vote.
To visit the NRECA Elections Center
web page, go to www.noblesce.coop
and click on the VOTE 2012 icon.
Nobles Cooperative Electric’s
Rib Cook-Off
Saturday, August 18
Meal served at 5 p.m.
Murray County Fairgrounds
Money raised at the cook-off
will be donated to help restore
the cattle building on the
Murray County Fairgrounds.
Local fire departments competing!
For a complete schedule of the fair:
www.murraycountyfair.com
Don’t forget to spot your location number and win a $10 credit
on your monthly bill! Three numbers are listed this month.
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Integrity
Accountability
Make saving money as easy as showing a card
Action Realty Group, Inc., Slayton ............ 507-836-1011
Hill Top Inn Motel Inc., Slayton .................. 507-836-8511
Anytime Fitness, Wgtn. ................................ 507-295-7110
The Historic Dayton House, Wgtn. ............. 507-727-1311
Free market analysis or 1/2% discount off listing commission
10% off membership
Arby’s, Wgtn. ............................................... 507-372-4944
Free small fry or drink with purchase of sandwich at regular price, excludes
value menu or discounted sandwiches
Ax Photo & Portrait Studio, Wgtn. ............ 507-376-9191
$10 off a portrait session fee
Benson Funeral Home, Wgtn. .................... 507-376-4477
No charge on paper products ($150 value)
Bot Appliance, Marshall ............................. 507-532-5714
10% off purchase
Broadway Bowl, Slayton ............................. 507-836-6237
Buy one game of bowling, get second free (up to four bowlers per visit). Does not
include rental shoes. Limit one free game of bowling per bowler per visit.
Brown’s Shoe Fit Co., Wgtn. ....................... 507-376-4160
10% off regular priced items over $70
Carlson’s Northside Service, Slayton ......... 507-836-6123
10% off on all oil changes and labor repairs, $20 off four-wheel alignment, free tire
rotation with oil change, free diagnosis for check engine light ($40 value)
Center Sports, Inc., Wgtn. ........................... 507-376-3663
10% off
Classic Design, Lake Wilson ....................... 507-734-5323
50% off on consulting fee
Crafty Corner, Wgtn. .................................. 507-372-2707
$5 off regular service charge for sewing machine service
Culligan Water Conditioning, Wgtn. ......... 507-376-4441
5% discount
MN-made “Dayton House” mug with two nights lodging in guest suites
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Wgtn. ......... 507-372-2333
10% off regular room rate
Horse Barn & Hunt Club, Lakefield ........... 507-662-5490
One free pop or lemonade to any cardholder
Jackson Speedway, Jackson ........................ 507-841-1957
$3 off general adult admission
Jaycox Implement, Wgtn. ........................... 507-376-3147
10% off Case IH toys
Jerry’s Auto Supply NAPA, Wgtn. .............. 507-376-6566
Dealer discount
Johnson Jewelry, Wgtn. ............................... 507-376-4313
25% discount
Lende Signs & Graphics, Wgtn. .................. 507-372-7200
10% off regular priced items
Lit’l Wizards, Wgtn. .................................... 507-372-5233
20% off one regular priced item
MainStreet Kids, Wgtn. ............................... 507-376-3325
30% off regular priced merchandise
Mick’s Repair, Wgtn. ................................... 507-376-3095
Free diagnostics with repair
Murray County Speedway, Slayton ($2 off adult admission)
Nobles Cooperative Electric .. 507-372-7331 or 836-6107
Energy-saving water kits only $5 ($40 value)
Dairy Queen, Wgtn. ..................................... 507-376-5487
Nobles County Speedway, Wgtn. ($1 off grandstand admission)
Okoboji View Golf Course, Spirit Lake ...... 712-337-3372
Echo Lighting Design Gallery, Wgtn. ........ 507-372-7767
Perkins, Wgtn. ............................................. 507-372-7761
Buy 10 bags of solar salt and get one free
$1 off any size blizzard
10% off one showroom lighting fixture
Elite Audio, Wgtn. ....................................... 507-372-2235
10% off purchase of car/home stereos and televisions
Emerald Hills Golf Club, Arnolds Park .... 712-322-7100
10% discount off of green fees and merchandise in pro shop
E-Z Wash, Wgtn. ................................... (next to Hardees)
$1 off any automatic car wash when attendant is on duty
Graham Tire Company, Wgtn. .................... 507-372-5454
$5 off oil change
Gramma’s Kitchen, Fulda ........................... 507-425-3237
10% off the cardholder’s order
Grothe Prosteam Cleaning, Fulda ................. 507-425-3343
15% off carpet cleaning when applying Scotchgard, $100 off air duct cleaning (no other discounts apply)
Hadley Liquor Store, Hadley ....................... 507-836-8019
1 free beverage with menu purchase, 1 per card (well drink or pop)
Hample’s TV & Floor Covering, Slayton .... 507-836-8998
$50 off with a minimum purchase of $500 floor covering (limit one per address)
Heartland Eyecare Center, Slayton ............. 507-836-6784
Purchase one pair of prescription designer eyewear and get 20% off second pair. Discount applies to the lesser value. Must be purchased by same person on same day.
Heartland Security Services ........................ 507-372-7331
New subscribers receive three months monitoring for free
Hedeen, Hughes & Wetering, Wgtn. .......... 507-376-3181
Take $5 off green fees on weekdays only
10% off any menu item
Picket Fence on Main, Wgtn. ..................... 507-372-5771
$2 off a $15 purchase
Pizza Ranch, Wgtn. ...................................... 507-376-3711
10% off any purchase, not valid with other offers
Quest Marketing, Garvin ............................ 507-763-3434
1/2 price on one screen charge or free gift with order
Randy’s Floor Coverings, Slayton .............. 507-836-6083
Free carpet spot remover or laminate/wood/tile cleaner with floor covering purchase
Scott’s Appliance Inc., Slayton .................... 507-836-1005
$25 off when you purchase a new appliance
Slayton Equipment, Inc., Slayton ................ 507-836-8951
10% discount on all John Deere clothes
The Stag Clothiers, Wgtn. ............................ 507-376-5920
25% off one regular priced item
Travel Express, Wgtn. .................................. 507-376-1010
$2 off any car wash
Urban Edge, Wgtn. ....................................... 507-372-2777
20% off all products
Wgtn. Area YMCA, Wgtn. .......................... 507-376-6197
$1 off youth, $2 off adult, $3 off family day fee. 50% off joiners fee
Wgtn. Sports Center, Inc. ............................ 507-372-2291
20% off any oil filter
25% discount on attorney fee for preparation of a simple Last Will and
Testament
Commitment to Community
Innovation
3
Your cooperative hired a new line superintendent
Jerry Mausbach began his career
with NCE in October 2011. He was
an electric manager/superintendent
for the City of Winner, South Dakota,
before coming to the cooperative. Prior to his position in Winner, (10-1874) he held positions with Kingsbury
Electric Cooperative, City of Lake
Crystal, and Xcel Energy.
Jerry and Brandy Mausbach are
the parents of
Montgomery, their
two-year old son.
“I am excited
about this opportunity,” Mausbach
said. “I am looking
forward to working with the employees and members,
along with the challenges to come.”
Line Superintendent Bill Schreiber retires
On June 22,
William (Bill)
Schreiber retired
from NCE after
35 years of service.
He began his
employment with the cooperative as a
lineman in 1977, a position he held until
his promotion to line superintendent in
April 2004.
A retirement party was held in Bill’s
honor on June 1 where he was surrounded by relatives and coworkers that
gathered to wish him well.
Bill and his wife, Carol, look forward
to spending more time with their family,
along with traveling and four-wheeling.
NCE would like to congratulate Bill
and extend our best wishes for a happy,
healthy, and fulfilling retirement ahead.
Congratulations!
Country Cupboard
Overnight Caramel Rolls
1/2 tsp. dry yeast - dissolve in 1 1/2 c. warm water
1/4 c. white Crisco
1/2 c. sugar (or less)
Donna Nelsen
Westbrook
1 egg
1 tsp. salt
Mix well. Add 2 c. of flour and beat until smooth with an electric mixer. Add more
flour (approximately 2-3 c.). First mix with a large spoon, then work in with hands
on floured board, and knead until smooth and elastic. Caution: Do not add too
much flour. (It is okay for the dough to be sticky.) Place dough in Tupperware bowl
with cover. Form dough into a ball, grease the top, and set the bowl in warm water.
Add more warm water every hour. For example, if you start the buns at 5 p.m., be
sure to punch them down every hour beginning at 7 p.m. Shape into rolls at 10 p.m.
and use Crisco on your hands to work with the dough.
Melt 3/4 stick of butter in saucepan over heat, then add approximately 7 to 8 heaping T. of light brown sugar, along with 2 T. of light corn syrup (Karo). The consistency must remain runny. Beat until smooth and place in two Pyrex pie plates (9 or
10 inch). Smooth out with the back of a spoon and add pecans.
Divide dough in half and press with hands each portion into a rectangle. Sprinkle
sugar and cinnamon on dough, roll up, and pinch together. Cut, starting in the
middle, and place in pans, starting with the middle. Keep the slices fat (3/4 inch).
Allow 7 or maybe 8 to a pan. Sometimes it’s not necessary to use the ends. Cover
with a dish towel and bake in the morning at 350 degrees for approximately 16
minutes or until light golden in color. Cut around the edge of pan, turn over, and
place on rack to cool for 20 to 30 minutes before eating.
Send your favorite recipe with beef as an ingredient to Nobles Cooperative Electric, Attn:
Tracey, P.O. Box 788, Worthington, MN 56187-0788. Entries must include your name, address, telephone number, and NCE’s location number. All entries must be received by July
13. The winning recipe will be featured in the next edition of Current Matters and the winner
will receive a $10 credit on their electric bill.
Nobles Cooperative
Electric
®
Official monthly publication
Main office
22636 U.S. Hwy. 59, P.O. Box 788
Worthington, MN 56187-0788
Phone: 507-372-7331
Fax: 507-372-5148
Satellite office
1505 20th Street, P.O. Box 56
Slayton, MN 56172-0056
Phone: 507-836-6107
Website
www.noblesce.coop
E-mail address
[email protected]
Office hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
24-Hour outage service
800-776-0517
Gopher State One-Call
800-252-1166
WildBlue tech support
888-326-4289
Electrical inspectors
Murray County
Randal Maha - 507-274-5261
Nobles County
Scott Preuss - 507-449-8870
General Manager
Richard G. Burud
Board of Directors
Ronald Schwartau, President - 734-3052
Lee York, Vice Pres. - 879-3497
David Clarke, Sec./Treas. - 425-2646
Richard Greve, Director - 376-5026
Henry Hanson, Director - 483-2417
Dick Ruiter, Director - 443-5891
Gary Sieve, Director - 926-5455