Koochiching County Fair Joann`s Floral and Gifts GRE`s energy

VOL.17 NO. 8
PUBLISHED FOR THE MEMBERS OF NORTH ITASCA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
‘What Bear Country Means to Me’
Co-op Connections
Business Profile:
Koochiching County Fair
Traditional county fair
events mix with those you
might not see elsewhere in
the Koochiching County
Fair, Friday-Sunday, Aug.
8-10.
The fairgrounds just
west of Northome on
Highway 71 will host the
traditional exhibits and
competitions that celebrate
summer harvests: farm
market produce, giant
pumpkin, garden display
and flower arrangement.
Entries are open to families
in the county and living
within 25 miles of the
county line. There will
also be a photography
Your Hometown Everything Store
Joann’s Floral and Gifts
contest with a variety of
categories including "three
photos that tell a story."
Fairgoers can anticipate
food stands, rides and
amusements, and special
dinners for boys basketball
and the library. There will
be a Saturday 1 p.m. kiddie
and main parade. There
will also be competitions in
bocce ball, kickball, laser
tag and a variety of Sunday
afternoon kids events. On
Sunday afternoon, riders
will showcase their skills
in a horse show with the
Northwoods Saddle Club.
And there will be a
spectacular
Saturday
Fair to p. 7>
GRE's energy portfolio
It may be years before the effects
of the EPA's recently announced
Clean Power Plan are known
to electricity providers. What's
virtually certain, however, is that
utilities will have to carefully plan
their generation portfolios with
carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in
mind.
Over the years, North Itasca
Electric’s wholesale power provider,
Great River Energy, has evolved
its generation portfolio. While
Deadline extended!
Join your neighbors on the
Coal Creek Tour, August 18-20.
Signup extended to Monday,
Aug. 11 (See p. 16)
perfect location.
JoAnn, her husband
Mark and a number of
local tradesmen went to
work. The original 1938
wood floors were sanded
and finished, knotty pine
went up on the walls and
the interior of the store
became the light, attractive
environment that JoAnn
felt would offer a good
customer experience. In
March 2012 the new store
opened.
Owning a retail store
was a new venture, but
JoAnn’s
past
business experiences
Show your Cooperative
Connections card at Joann's all seemed to prepare
Floral and Gifts and receive: her for it. She has
10 percent off any one item worked in sales,
management
and
in your day's purchases.
JoAnn to p. 7>
by Sally Sedgwick
When
JoAnn
Krichkahn would pass
the empty general store in
Bigfork, she would think:
“Someone needs to buy
that building and restore it
for the community.”
She just didn’t know it
would be her, she said.
But the opportunity
came after she had
purchased the former
Northern Treasures Studio
just south of Bigfork in
October 2011. The old
brick building would be a
JoAnn Krichkahn (r) and employee Tammy Larson in front
of the gift shop in Bigfork.
a majority of the cooperative’s
generation comes from coal, it has
taken important steps to diversify.
Between 2001 and 2009, Great
River Energy added more than 1,200
megawatts (MW) of natural gas
generation in the form of peaking
plants throughout Minnesota. In
2013, natural gas provided 3 percent
of the company’s power generation.
Peaking plants operate during
periods of high energy use, typically
during the hottest and coldest days
of the year.
Great River Energy generated
approximately 11 percent of its
electricity from renewables in 2013
which includes refuse derived fuel
from the Elk River Energy Recovery
Station and power purchases from
eight wind farms in Minnesota,
North Dakota and Iowa. The
combined capacity of these wind
purchases, added to the portfolio
between 2005 and 2010, is 469 MW.
Great River Energy also obtains
a significant amount of renewable
energy
through
hydroelectric
purchases from the Western Area
Power Administration and seasonal
exchange agreements with Manitoba
Hydro.
Hydroelectric
power
provided 13 percent of Great River
Energy’s electricity in 2013.
More recently, the company
has begun adding solar projects,
GRE to p. 12>
U.S. Department of Energy
comes to Bigfork
by Sally Sedgwick
A representative from the U.S. Department of Energy
was in Bigfork on July 23. Julie Smith, electricity
policy analyst with the DOE joined representatives from
the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota
Public Utilities Commission, Minnesota Power and
Barr Engineering to explain the scoping process for the
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Presidential
Permit for the proposed Great Northern Transmission
Line. The 220 mile, 500 kV line is planned to bring
power from Manitoba Hydro in Canada to the Blackberry
substation east of Grand Rapids.
Transmission to p. 10>
• inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside •
Last chance!
Coal Creek Tour
page 16
CEO Column
page 3
AUGUST 2014
Photos of
Health Expo
page 8
Naturalist Programs
page 5
Summer Hours
7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
CLOSED
Monday, Sept. 1
page 2
August 2014
~August Calendar~
1-16Art on the Edge: 10th annual juried exhibit at the Edge Gallery, Bigfork. Gallery is
open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.
1 Arts & Crafts Fair at Bigfork School. Everything handmade by exhibitors, proceeds
go toward scholarships for local college students enrolled in a health care program.
Bigfork School Commons, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
2 Book signing by Rhonda Focks, author of Minnesota’s Lost Towns, Northern Edition, 2
p.m. at the Blackduck Area History and Art Center. See p.12 for more information.
1-3 White Oak Rendezvous and History Festival at the Fur Post just north of Deer River
on Hwy 6. Hours 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun until 4. Admission, $5; children under 10 free.
2-3 Wildwood Days at the Wildwood Town Hall, Northome. Saturday night dance with the
O'Loughlins, 8 p.m.-midnight. Sunday: potluck picnic and activities.
7 Storytelling at Marcell Town Hall, 6:30 p.m. Subjects: "What advice would you
give to a newly married couple?" and "Name a scientific invention and how does it
influence your life?"
7 Deadline for registering for the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, Orr Tourist Information
Center and Bog Walk through the Marcell Family Center on Aug. 14. Call 832-3444.
8-10Koochiching County Fair at the fairgrounds in Northome. Fri.: Grandstand Variety Show,
5k and 2 mile Sinkhole Scramble, parade, 1 Mud Run.; music in the grandstand,.fireworks.
Sun: Bocce Ball tourney and horse show, kids games. Schedule on p. 7.
9 Piano Bar Concert at the Edge Center, Bigfork with the “Northern Lights Trio” and dancing
in the pit, 7 p.m.
11 Last day for reservations for Coal Creek Tour, 743-3131.
11 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.
11 Deer River School Board meets, 6 p.m., public forum before meeting.
11 VFW meets in Bigfork second Monday at 7 p.m.
12 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.
12 Evergreen Friendship Club meets at 5 p.m. at the Sand Lake Community Center. For
more info, call 659-2683.
13 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.
13 Northome School Board meets, 7 p.m.
13 Bigfork Lions Club meets second Wednesday, 6 p.m. at Golf on the Edge.
15 Lake Country Seniors will go to the Itasca County Fair for Senior Day. Free lunch
served starting at 11 a.m.
15 Wine in the Wilderness Wine Tasting event, Marcell Fmaily Center, 6:30-10 p.m.
Annual fundraiser for the Edge Gallery. Tickets $40 by calling (218) 245-2434 or by
email [email protected]
16 Ardenhurst Township Potluck Picnic (rain or shine) at 11 a.m. at the Ardenhurst Town Hall
on Highway 46 south of Northome. 16 Marshall Oelmann Tribute Concert at the Edge Center, Bigfork with Spider John Koerner
and Friends, 7 p.m.
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 June 26, 2014, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
Directors Present: Schmitz, Cox, Salmela, Bain, White, Breeze,
Leino, Kongsjord and Waller
Also Present: CEO Echternach, Manager of Finance & Office
Services Corradi, Staff Assistant Karels, EMS Loney and Attorney
Shaw.
Line Supt. Pederson's written Line Dept., Safety and May Outage
Reports were reviewed.
Energy Management Specialist Loney presented his Load
Management Report.
Manager of Finance & Office Services Corradi presented his
Office Dept. Report.
CEO Echternach presented the May 2014 Operating Report.
CEO Echternach presented his CEO Report, which included
an update on legislative issues, recap of the Annual Meeting and
Northland Connect Broadband LLC.
Round-table discussions were held.
Waller reported on the MREA Board Meeting.
Leino reported on the GRE Board Meeting.
Echternach reported on the GRE MMG meeting.
Action Items:
-Approved Consent Agenda.
-Accepted the May 2014 Operating Report.
-Approved to pass the GRE PCA of $3,033.66 onto the members.
-Approved a three-year Audit Contract with Brady Martz.
-Approved Policy 300.60 Vegetation Management.
-Approved revised Policies 100.60, 300.50, 400.40, 400.90 &
100.50
-Set the next meeting date of Tuesday July 22, 2014
Meeting Adjourned.
>>more calendar
18 Blackduck School Board meets, 7 p.m.
21 North Woods Craft Store Pie Social, 1-4 p.m. 22 Opening reception for everyday extraordinary, Terra Rathia
photography at the Edge Center Gallery in Bigfork, 5-7 p.m.
Exhibit runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 30. The Gallery is open
Thurs-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 23 John Perkins and Friends in a benefit concert for the Edge
Center, 7 p.m. at the Edge Center in Bigfork
25 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.
26 North Woods Quilters at Marcell Town Hall building, 9 a.m.
Lots of Show and Tell. Class will be "Cathedral Windows" by
Diane Goetzman. Potluck lunch at 11:30 a.m.
31 Suomi Area Lakes Association anual meeting, Marcell
Family Center. Potluck dinner at 5 p.m. followed by the
meeting.
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
August 2014
page 3
Member satisfaction – it’s why we exist
Last October an independent
contractor surveyed our membership
to determine satisfaction levels. If you
were called and participated in the
survey, I’d like to thank you for taking
the time to provide valuable feedback
to your cooperative. We use the survey
results to identify areas in which we
excel and where we can improve. As
promised, I will highlight the results of
the survey and share with you our plans
for improvement moving forward.
Methodology
250 telephone surveys were
conducted in October 2013. The survey
instrument included topics such as
reliability, community support, rates,
communication, responsiveness and
value-added services. The sampling
error is plus or minus 2.6 percent at
the 95 percent confidence level. Stated
another way, if we were to field 100
random samples, 95 of those samples
would return results that are within plus
or minus 2.6 percent.
Overall satisfaction
The survey uses a benchmark called
the American Customer Satisfaction
Index (ACSI). This is a benchmarking
index developed by the University of
Michigan School of Business and is
similar to rankings such as JD Power
and Associates. It benchmarks not
only against other electric utilities, but
also compares us to other industries as
well. It ranks member satisfaction on a
scale of 0-100. North Itasca Electric’s
ACSI score was 77. So what does
this mean? To put this in perspective,
we need to compare our score with
2013 Cooperative Difference Survey ACSI Scores
Cooperative Difference Survey Sample
Top Investor Owned Electric Utility
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Nationally
Non-Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
North Itasca Electric Cooperative
Energy Utility Sector Average
Investor Owned Utility Average
Municipal Electric Utilities
scores in the electric utility industry.
As shown below, North Itasca scored
higher than municipal electric utilities,
the energy utility sector average and
the investor owned utility average; but
lower than the cooperative difference
survey, the top investor owned electric
utility, Touchstone Energy cooperatives
nationally and non-Touchstone Energy
cooperatives.
Digging deeper
Breaking down the survey results,
North Itasca scored well in the areas
of member communication and
engagement,
community
service,
outage restoration and resolving
member problems. Your cooperative
scored lower in the areas of doing more
to control rising costs, providing a
good value for the money and helping
members manage their energy costs.
Where we go from here
We need to continue to concentrate
and improve on our core services.
Delivering safe, reliable electricity
at the lowest possible cost is our core
competency. We need to continue to
strive for improved service reliability
ElderCircle Chore Service
ElderCircle Chore Service is available to Itasca
County Seniors age 60 and up who qualify via County
Waiver or Low-Income designations to help pay for
lawn mowing and snow removal. Private pay is also
welcome. Seniors typically choose their provider but we
will help you find one in your area if you do not have
one.
Overall Satisfaction
82
82
81
80
77
76
75
74
measured through our reliability
indices. As such, we have accelerated
our vegetation management program to
re-establish our rights of way. We also
are putting more line underground to
reduce the occurrence of outages. These
efforts take time and resources, but will
pay off in the long run with improved
service reliability.
We need to continue to engage our
members and offer services that bring
additional value. With just over four
members per mile of line and low energy
sales, your cooperative is not going to
be the low-cost provider. However,
we can provide superior service and
identify programs that bring value to our
members. These value-added programs
can range from energy efficiency
programs that reduce your heating and
cooling costs, to discount programs
through the recently implemented Coop Connections Card, and anything in
between.
We received high levels of member
satisfaction in the area of communication
and we need to continue to communicate
with our members through our monthly
newsletter, website, social media, and
Jared Echternach, CEO
face-to-face
interactions.
The
survey results show that an engaged
membership has a better understanding
of the cooperative and the issues it faces
and through that understanding gains a
higher level of satisfaction.
We need to continue to seek ways
to minimize rising costs. As state and
federal regulations continue to put
upward pressure on rates, we need to be
actively engaged in the discussion with
our legislators to help influence decisions
for the benefit our membership. We
need your help in this area and we will
continue to call on you for assistance.
Internally we will continue to find ways
to improve efficiencies while providing
superior service to our members.
Again, thank you to those who
participated in the survey. I assure you,
your employees and directors are keenly
aware of the results and of the direction
North Itasca Electric needs to take to
improve service and ultimately your
satisfaction.
www.robpowellexcavating.com
Please contact Rinna at ElderCircle (218) 999-9233
for rates and applications.
Providers must pass a background check. Providers
are needed in the Bigfork and Deer River areas.
Visit your cooperative online
www.NorthItascaElectric.com
▪ Septic installation
License #060672-PM
33204 Shadywood Road • Grand Rapids, MN 55744
fax: (218) 327-9283 • [email protected]
page 4
August 2014
Koochiching County Fair
>from p.1
evening fireworks show.
But there will also be events that may be found only in
Bear Country - the Scramble, Mud Run, Veggie Creature
contest and Variety Show.
The Scenic Sinkhole Scramble will feature 2 mile and
5k USTAF certified races with registration starting at 8
a.m. on Saturday. At 3 p.m., visitors can watch (or get
muddy in) the 6th annual Mud Run – competition for
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”
New this year: a
Recycling Contest. Here's an
example using
a sardine can,
buttons, pop top
and bread tie.
Selected events:
Koochiching County Fair
Ongoing: Exhibits, food stands
Rentertainment rides: Sat., 1:30-7 p.m.; Sun. 10
a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 8
5-7 p.m. Entries for product, flower and photography
5 p.m.
Mustang Boys Basketball spaghetti feed
all ATV types and experience levels. Veggie Creatures 5-7 p.m. Make your Veggie Creatures class
Grandstand Variety Show (Amy: 897-5595)
will be made at a special class on Friday evening open to 7 p.m.
youth 12 and under.
Saturday, Aug. 9
The grandstand will host local talent in a Friday 8-11 a.m. Entries for product, flower and photography
evening Variety Show, and the Keith Winger Classic 8 a.m. Scenic Sinkhole Scramble registration for 9
a.m. start (Mike: 897-5065)
Country Band will perform on Saturday evening.
1 p.m. Bear Fest Parade (Rena: 897-5970)
New this year will be a recycling contest – make a 3 p.m. Mud Run (Scott: 647-8911)
holiday decoration (for any holiday) from recycled 5 p.m. Northome Library ham dinner
objects.
7 p.m. Keith Winger and the Classic Country Band
Fireworks
Diane Wiley will be honored as Grand Marshal for Dusk
the parade, honoring her many hours of volunteer work
Sunday, Aug. 10
for the community. Don Houseman, art teacher at
Blackduck School for 34 years, will also be onsite to sign 9 a.m. Community Church Service
his three children’s books featuring the farmer Harvey. 11 a.m. Bocce Ball Tourney
The fairgrounds will open at 9 a.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Medallion hunt
Sunday, and 8 a.m. Saturday. Information is available 11 a.m. American Flag disposal ceremony
during those hours at (218) 897-5205 or (218) 897-5980. 11 a.m. Horse Show (Betty: 897-5016)
12 p.m. Miniature Golf Tourney
No pets are allowed.
2 pm. Kiddie competitions
EPA rule on emissions from existing power plants
A June 2 announcement from
Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator Gina McCarthy
unveiled the first proposed
regulations of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions from the country’s
existing fleet of power plants.
As Great River Energy and its
28 member cooperatives analyze
the proposed regulations, they
have affirmed their top priorities
are to maintain affordability and
reliability for cooperative members
while reducing emissions. To that
end, Great River Energy has been
actively collaborating with others
to find creative and flexible options
for reducing CO2 emissions in the
region and has shared those ideas
with the EPA, among others.
“We have been preparing for
this type of rule, both in the course
we have set for our generation
resources and the steps we have
already taken to reduce our carbon
emissions, including the installation
of DryFining™ at our largest power
plant,” said Great River Energy Vice
President and General Counsel Eric
Olsen.
Last summer, the Great River
Energy board of directors approved a
resolution calling on the organization
to adopt and begin implementing an
aggressive plan to reduce its exposure
to greenhouse gas regulations. Great
River Energy has also actively
engaged and collaborated with others
on a regional, market-based solution
to lower CO2 emissions.
Although the rules were proposed
iin June Great River Energy’s efforts
to prepare for the proposed CO2 rule
began years ago. Since 2005, Great
River Energy has seen the emissions
intensity of its generation portfolio
reduced significantly.
Great
River
Energy’s
DryFining™
technology
has
reduced all emissions, including
CO2, at Great River Eenrgy’s largest
coal plant, and the cooperative has
a License and Technology Transfer
Agreement with Tangshan Shenzhou
Manufacturing (TSM) Company to
make the technology available to
utilities in China.
Whenever you plan to
dig over 12 inches deep,
2 days before you start,
call Gopher One at 811
or (800) 252-1166. It’s
required by Minnesota
state law and it is a free
service.
Visit your Cooperative online: www.NorthItascaElectric.com
Find contractors ● Manage your account ● Learn about load management programs
August 2014
page 5
August pickup dates for Firewise
Communities
The deadline for requesting crew work is one week
prior to your community's pickup date. For more
information, email Bill Brink, Itasca County Firewise
Coordinator at [email protected]
Chipper Day pickup
Sand Lake Township August 11
Suomi Area August 18th
Bowstring Township Aug. 25
Bone Builders: in Northome
Coffee Break!
Start that exercise program that you resolved to
Get your morning joe at the Kootasca Senior Center
begin this year. Free exercise for healthy bones and
in beautiful Northome every Tuesday and Thursday
bodies every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
morning 8 to 9:30 a.m. All welcome! Call Judy at (218)
in the Kootasca Senior in Northome. All ages and
897-5770 for information.
conditions are welcome. Call Janet at (218) 897-5678
for information.
●
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
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
page 6
August 2014
Edge Gallery
by Lynn Nachbar
Art on the Edge: Tenth Annual
Juried Exhibit winners
The awards for the Juried Exhibit were
presented on July 11 during the Opening
Reception. The juror Lori Forshee-Donnay
chose the winners from the 41 pieces of art
in the exhibit. The Best of Show Award
sponsored by Kocian’s Family Market went
to Tim Lamey’s photo, “Amnicon Falls.”
Aaron Squadroni’s drawing, “Plant” and
Jon Offutt’s blown glass vessel, “Growth”
each won Awards of Excellence sponsored
by the First State Bank of Bigfork and
Northland Dental. The People's Choice
Award, chosen by viewers’ votes, was
sponsored by Bigfork Valley Hospital and
went to Jim Lutgen for his carved raven,
“The Visitor.” Art on the Edge will be in the
Gallery through August 16.
Wine in the Wilderness Wine Tasting
Arts on the Edge
by Paul Kraska even helping with directing which
Marshall Olemann did at the Edge
'The Northern Lights Trio' with a
there is a huge gap. He also spent
Twist
On August 9 you can have the years at the Winnipeg and Minnesota
pleasure of seeing and hearing our folk festivals and worked at KAXE
own local “Northern Lights Trio” as an on-air personality and music
bring the same smooth sounds and director. You might remember him as
easy listening music to the Edge stage M.M. Buck on air at KAXE or later
for the sixth time. They always pack as the owner/operator of the Effie
the house and never disappoint the Neighborhood Tavern.
On August 16, long time friend
audience.
“Spider”
John Koerner will headline
One reason is that the show is
a
tribute
concert for Marshall at the
always “fresh and different.” No
Edge.
Other
friends of Marshall are
matter how popular a concert might be,
Ron Olsen feels that something a little expected to join John.
John, best known for his Blues
new and different is always good for
Music,
can be described as a
both the audience and the performers.
“traditional
American folk and country
This year will be no exception, but
we will include a surprise! The first blues musician, rhythmic guitarist,
half of the show will be the sounds that song-crafter, singer and humorist.” He
keep bringing audiences back. A clue has a musical style based on the old
about the second half: be prepared for blues masters and traditional songs.
a toe-tapping show that will be so fine! His decades in music as a soloist and
Besides Ron Olsen playing keyboards, with partners explored the wide ranges
Jerry Hagen is on bass and Ron’s of American songs and influenced a
brother Don Olsen on percussion. generation of performers. Much of his
There will be plenty of music for good work, even dating back to the 1960s, is
listening and dancing in the pits or just still available on CDs.
His career has brought him to
sitting back in your seat and enjoying
stages
around the US and Europe and
a great afternoon of smooth sounds
his work influenced a generation of
with a musical surprise.
Think about the talent and performers. He has appeared as a guest
experience of these three musicians. on Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home
Between them, they have over 150 Companion, National Public Radio’s
years of experience playing in front of Morning Edition and Weekend
appreciative audiences. It is no wonder Edition, and now on stage at the
they are so extraordinary. Saturday Edge in Bigfork Saturday, August 16.
August 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, Tickets: $10 adults and $5 children.
The Gallery’s annual wine tasting event
will be held on Friday, August 15 from
6:30 until 10 p.m. at the Marcell Family
Center. New Zealand and Australian wines
are featured this year. Seven wines are
matched with gourmet appetizers for the sitdown event with Barry Feld explaining the
characteristics of the wines. This year for
the first time there is a beer/soft drink option.
The Northern Lights Trio will provide
the music. The live and silent auctions have
fun and unusual items that can only be found
here! Bidders can win, amidst other things,
a “Ladies only, you never have to touch the
bait or fish” fishing trip, a wolf howling trek
or a French pastries cooking lesson.
The wine tasting is the annual fundraiser
for the Gallery. Only 100 tickets are
being sold and they go fast. The tickets $5 children.
The John Perkins and Friends
are available at the Edge Center office, or Marshall Is Remembered in
Summer Concert also in August
contact Karen Ferlaak at (218) 245-2434 or Concert
This will be the sixth time that
[email protected]. Tickets are $40 each.
John
Perkins and some of his friends
Without the acting, singing and
everyday extraordinary - photography
Edge Center Gallery is next to the Bigfork
by Terra Rathai
School
and is open from 10 a.m.. to 4 p.m.
From August 21 to September 20,
on
Thursdays,
Fridays and Saturdays.
the exhibit in the Gallery is everyday
For
more
information
and updates, see
extraordinary. You can guess by the fact
that the title doesn’t use capital letters that www.the-edge-center.org.
Next shows at the Gallery
Minneapolis artist Terra Rathai captures
in her photographs the most ordinary
August 15: Wine in the Wilderness:
objects and causes the viewer to really see 6:30 -10 pm at Marcell Family Center
things they never noticed. As Rahai says,
August 21- September 20: everyday
”My work is rooted in the act of seeing - extraordinary - photography by Terra
finding and revealing transcendence in the Rathai
everyday stuff of the world.” However,
her photographs are anything but ordinary.
"Velo Under Glass,"
See her work and meet Rathai at the free
photo by Terra Rathai
Opening Reception on Friday, August 22
from 5 to 7 p.m.
Edge Events
Learn more about all of these at:
edgecenterarts.blogspot.com
• Through Aug. 16: Juried Art Exhibit
• August 9 - Piano Bar Concert with
the “Northern Lights Trio” and
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
benefit concert for the Edge Center,
7 p.m.
• Sept. 7 - The Sutter Brothers, music
and poetry. 2 p.m.
• Oct, 19 - Ragamala Dance Troupe,
2 p.m.
• Oct. 30-Nov. 2 — EdgeWild Players perform The House of Bernarda
Alba
• May 18, 2015 – (tentative) James
Sewell Ballet, 12:30 and 7 p.m.
Keep watching here and the website
www.the-edge-center.org for more
upcoming events as they are set!
will bring their talents to the Edge stage
this month. John, a very popular local
song writer, musician and singer will do
his concert with all proceeds going to
benefit the Edge Center.
He describes his music style as
“Americana/folk” and every song
performed is his own original work.
Celebrating life in the northwoods
along with exploring personal feelings
and life’s challenges, John’s “easyto-listen to” style is very popular and
always brings in a great audience.
John again will change the stage
to reflect parts of his own life. Many
will remember the campsite that he
created on the Edge stage two years
ago, followed by the rustic Minnesota
front porch last year. This year, the
living room of John’s home will be the
setting for his summer performance.
Accompanied on bass by Jerry Hagen
for part of the show, John will sing and
play a variety of guitars and a six-string
banjo. With his wife and friends also
“at home” it will be a real community
of songs and sounds.
Saturday, August 23 at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 adults. $5 children.
August 2014
JoAnn's Floral and Gifts
>from p.1
finance. But every job in some way dealt with
customer service.
Raised in Michigan City, Indiana, JoAnn
worked all the jobs in a five and dime store
during her teen years, then joined a bank where
she spent the next 28 years, becoming a senior
vice-president and raising three children with her
husband.
During that time, she and her family would
vacation in the northwoods, They built a home
to spend those vacations near Effie. Seven years
ago, they decided not to wait any longer.
Moving to Effie, JoAnn became busy in her
new community – she got her EMT license,
joined the Highway 38 Leadership Board and
worked in several businesses. Today she also
does books for the community foundation and
Mark’s company, Five Star Mechanical, as well
as being vice-chair of the Edge of the Wilderness
Business Association and on the Effie City
Council.
Her wide interests are reflected in her store
– a “hometown everything store.” It carries
souvenirs, balloons, decorations, cards, tee shirts,
décor, scrapbooking materials and inspirational
gifts. A specialty is custom-made baskets.
It also is a place to find a large variety of
locally crafted one-of-a-kind items. It has been
her goal, she explains, to support the community
through using locally made products and talent.
Today she offers work from over 50 artisans in
page 7
painting, woodcrafts, sewing, packaged food
mix, jewelry and more, and is always looking
for new work, either to purchase for resale or on
consignment.
It’s an amazing experience. She pointed out
that local artists are so humble …they will bring
in ”just a little something I do…” and the quality
of the work just blows her away, she said. The
walls of the store have framed oils, acrylics,
watercolors and photography for sale, both prints
and originals.
She wasn’t sure at first about including
flowers, but with help from Jan Hufnagle and
online courses, she learned the skills for floral
arrangement. Now she has a full time employee
and floral designer, Tammy Larson, working
with her.
She also adds services as there is a need.
The counter, for instance, has coffee brewing all
day and for summer – iced coffee! Last fall she
added a tanning bed to help her customers deal
with long winters and lack of sun.
And it’s possible that some customers come in
just to visit with Pete, a 14 month old Yorkshire
terrier.
More information about JoAnn’s Floral
and Gifts is at JoAnnsfloralandgifts.com or on
Facebook.
(above)
Tammy
Larson (l)
and JoAnn
Krichkahn
at the
counter of
the store.
743-3607
DNR Question of the Week
From the DNR communications team works and
agency experts. This question if from the week of July
21. Find more questions and answers on the DNR
news site: http://news.dnr.state.mn.us
Q: How old do muskie get, and how long does it take
to grow a 50 incher?
A: The oldest muskellunge I have aged was 22 years,
and muskellunge in Canadian waters have been aged
up to 30 years old.
In both cases, ages were assessed using the
cleithrum, a calcified structure that requires lethal
sampling and is collected from harvested fish anglers
bring into taxidermy shops.
Traditional aging methods used scales because
they were easy to sample and fish didn’t have to be
sacrificed. Various studies have since found the scale
aging method underestimates age, particularly for
larger fish.
Growth and ultimate size can vary among bodies of
water, depending on factors such as lake productivity,
forage and genetics. Depending on the body of water,
muskellunge in Minnesota could take 13 to 21 years to
reach 50 inches.
Jerry Younk,
DNR fisheries research biologist
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!
Pie
!
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
M.A.D. Gutters
seamless gutter installations
Gutterguard
HEAVY DUTY Offce: 218-743-6448
GUTTER PROTECTION
“where technology meets demand”
Cell: 218-929-7134
www.madgutters.com
Now offering Rain Barrels!
Free Estimates
page 8
August 2014
Bigfork Valley Health Expo photos
(right) Ambulance crew sitting on a bench that was later
awarded in a drawing, Eddy on the Edge with a lucky
winner, Linda Shirer (center) won the paddleboard and
posed with her family, John Latimer with one of his
slides on insects - dragonflies were more welcome!
Latimer, phenologist on KAXE, gave talks on orchids,
wildflowers and insects and let the crowd know that
native Minnesota spiders are not able to bite skin.
Winner of the kayak donated by Northern Orthotics
and Prosthetics was Ben Holland.
Seasonal Lots & Cabins for Rent
“Great Residents, Marina
and Beach”
www.ghostbay.com
Call Dennis at
612.618.1957
MARCELL LAKESHORE FOR SALE
8 ACRES
One bedroom home on North Star Lake
-walk to town-
Asking $179,000
(931) 397-1243
(931) 752-2888
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
YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FOR GASOLINE, ON ROAD
DIESEL, OFF ROAD DIESEL, LIVE BAIT AND
TACKLE, GIFT SHOP, PROPANE, GROCERY, AUTO
PARTS, AND YOUR LOCAL FEED STORE.
Where skill meets compassion.
Chiropractic clinic at Marcell
U.S. POST OFFICE BOXES AND STAMPS
AVAILABLE HERE
WE ARE LOCATED AT: 49926 STATE HWY 6 /
P.O. BOX 26 TALMOON, MN 56628
(218)-832-3804
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
August 2014
page 9
(from left top, clockwise) Kristen Huot at
the Bigfork Valley Community Foundation
booth, Susan Schmickle and Travis
Lovdahl with the Bigfork Fire Department
truck, North Memorial Air Care helicopter,
summer intern Kendra Porter helps out at
the Imaging Department stamping station,
Diane Kongsjord at the bright orange MS
Society table, Sandra LeBlanc-Boland
chats with visitors at the Bigfork Valley
Challenge table.
David Lick, CIC, LUTC
Bill Sergot, CIC, AAI
Dan Drennen, CIC, LUTC
Sheila Gustafson
Greg Passard
Steven Swentkokske
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 10
Great River Energy holds annual meeting
During the company’s
annual
meeting
on
Wednesday, June 4, Great
River Energy recounted
the details of 2013 that
placed it among the most
successful years in the
EFFIE, MN 56639
218-743-3297
1-800-936-4083
if no answer please leave message or call
MPCA CERTIFIED * BONDED
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
TANKS
150’ HOSE * NO LAWN DAMAGE
BACKFLUSH FOR “TOTAL”
CLEANING
CABLE OR HYDRO-JET DRAIN
CLEANING
PROMPT YEAR-ROUND SERVICE
electric
cooperative’s
history. Company leaders
also detailed strategic shifts
the organization has taken
to keep providing value for
its member cooperatives as
the electric utility industry
evolves.
“Financially
and
operationally, 2013 was
a great year,” said Great
River Energy President
and CEO David Saggau.
“We are off to a strong
start in 2014, and we
continue to see positive
results from actions we
have taken on behalf of our
membership.”
In 2013, Great River
Balsam hours / Provider hours
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
“We are off to a strong start in 2014,
and we continue to see positive
results from actions we have taken
on behalf of our membership.”
...David Saggau, CEO
Energy kept operations
and maintenance expenses
$16.1 million below budget
while recording margins of
$42.8 million. In addition,
Great River Energy was
able to defer $13.8 million
to apply to future rates.
Last August, the Great
River
Energy
board
of directors passed a
resolution to mitigate the
business risks associated
with impending regulations
of emissions from existing
power plants. Among the
strategies was a decision to
accelerate the depreciation
of Great River Energy’s
coal-based
generation
resources and transition
away from a generation
portfolio that is heavily
dependent on coal.
“I am very optimistic
that the decisions we
have made and the work
we have done to prepare
for these regulations will
serve our membership
well,” added Saggau.
Great
River
Energy
has also championed a
market-based
approach
to
complying
with
greenhouse gas rules that
has gained interest across
the country, including from
regulators.
Great River Energy
Board Chair Michael
Thorson stated that recent
positive returns are the
result of a combination
of a dedicated board
of
directors,
strong
GUNSTOCK CHECKERING
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We refinish stocks with the hand rubbed English oil method
Custom stocks built here. Boyds and Richards microfit
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RC Keith GUNSTOCK CHECKERING 218-897-5152
Where skill meets compassion.
Edge of the Wilderness Realty
Office- (218)832-4000
Toll Free- (800)767-4872
48921 State Highway 38 Marcell, MN 56657
“Get the Edge”
Located Next to Frontier Sports
Terry Schmitz
Broker/Owner
(218)244-1165
[email protected]
Top Producing
Real Estate Team
in Northern
Itasca County
An Old Fashioned General Store
Greg Anselmo
Spring Lake Store
Groceries, hardware, movies,
gas, gifts, post office, waste
coupons, licenses, housewares
MasterCard and Visa
Broker/Owner
(218)244-4648
[email protected]
Check out our webcam on North Star Lake
www.EOWRealty.com
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
August 2014
distribution cooperatives
and talented Great River
Energy staff.
“Great River Energy
directors come from across
the state and have diverse
backgrounds, which helps
ensure a varied perspective,
just like the members Great
River Energy serves,” said
Thorson.
Annual
meeting
attendees were the first to
see the recently completed
250-kilowatt (kW) solar
array at Great River
Energy’s
headquarters
site in Maple Grove,
Minn. The company has
plans to work with its
member
cooperatives
on an additional 18 solar
projects, each with a
capacity of 20 kW, over the
next 18 months.
During the board of
directors’ reorganization
meeting following the
annual meeting, Michael
Thorson (Todd-Wadena
Electric
Cooperative,
Wadena) was re-elected
board chair; Brad Leiding
(BENCO
Electric
Cooperative,
Mankato)
was elected board vice
chair; Gary Wilson (SteeleWaseca
Cooperative
Electric, Owatonna) was
re-elected secretary, and
Robert Thompson (East
Central Energy, Braham)
was re-elected treasurer.
In addition to the
officers, the following
directors were elected
to Great River Energy’s
24-member board:
• Thomas Spence,
Arrowhead Cooperative,
Inc., Lutsen
• Reuben Kokesch, Brown
County Rural Electrical
Association, Sleepy Eye
• Don Holl, Connexus
Energy, Ramsey
• Jim Leroux, Connexus
Energy, Ramsey
• Peggy Kuettel,
Cooperative Light &
Power, Two Harbors
• Margaret Schreiner,
Dakota Electric
Association, Farmington
• Clay Van De Bogart,
Dakota Electric
Association, Farmington
• Joe Morley, East Central
Energy, Braham
• David Hernke, Goodhue
County Cooperative
Electric Association,
Zumbrota
• Tim Kivi, Itasca-Mantrap
Cooperative Electrical
Association, Park
Rapids
• Dale Anderson,
Kandiyohi Power
Cooperative, Spicer
• Bob Bruckbauer, Lake
Country Power, Grand
Rapids
• Joseph “Dale” Long,
Lake Country Power,
Grand Rapids
• Ken Hendrickx, Lake
Region Electric
Cooperative, Pelican
Rapids
• Randy Hlavka, Mcleod
Cooperative Power
Association, Glencoe
• Harold Harms,
Mille Lacs Energy
Cooperative, Aitkin
• Lee York, Nobles
Cooperative Electric,
Worthington
• Bruce Leino, North
Itasca Electric
Cooperative, Inc.,
Bigfork
• Audrey Hjelle,
Runestone Electric
Association, Alexandria
• Dennis O’Donnell,
Stearns Electric
Association, Melrose
VISIT YOUR CO-OP ONLINE
www.NorthItascaElectric.com
pay your bill - contractor lists - cooperative bylaws
load management programs - Gopher One
August 2014
page 11
Outage Report - June 2014
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.
Affected members average time is 3.9 hours.
System average time off for the month of June is 54 minutes.
Year to date system average time off is 2.6 hours.
Transmission line hearing
>from p.1
About two dozen residents attended the meeting where
comments were accepted on environmental impacts and
alternative routes for the line for consideration in the EIS . Seven
residents provided comments on the line route running through
the Effie, Scenic and Balsam areas. Submitted comments
covered health effects, routing through community areas, effect
on wildlife and aesthetics, whether it was actually a segment of a
much bigger regional project, economic and jobs issues, and the
effect of buying power from a foreign country.
The DOE participation was tied to the latter: Because siting
is a prerogative of the state, the DOE uses the project EIS as
one basis for deciding whether to permit an international border
crossing – the Presidential Permit.
The permitting process began in mid 2012 with about 19,800
square miles under consideration for a transmission corridor.
With a gradual narrowing of study corridors to alternative routes,
now there are two routes – preferred and alternate – with two
optional segments, or in total about 530 square miles. The final
200 foot wide transmission line easement will total about 8
square miles for the project.
Comments may be made through the Minnesota Department
of Commerce or the US Department of Energy, but must be
received by August 15 to be considered. Comments may be
directed to Julie Smith, PhD at [email protected] or
Bill Storm of the Minnesota DOC at [email protected]
The Public Utilities Commission has a neutral advocate to
help citizens making public comments, Tracy M.B. Smetana at
[email protected] .
Interested parties can subscribe to the docket to receive
ongoing information about the project. At mn.gov/puc, select
Subscribe to a Docket. Enter an email address, Select 14 for the
docket number and then enter 21 in the second box. Then select
add to list.
Information on the project and detailed route maps
are available on the Minnesota Power project site:
greatnortherntransmissionline.com .
Keep us up-to-date
Please keep your contact information current with our
office. Please notify North Itasca of any changes in property
ownership, mailing addresses, phone numbers and email
addresses.
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.-
page 12
August 2014
GRE energy mix
>from p.1
both on its headquarters site and in concert with a
number of its member cooperatives. Not only will these
projects help Great River Energy better understand
the opportunities and pitfalls in a variety of solar
technologies, but they also show that the company is
ready and willing to explore new generation technologies.
At its strategic planning session in 2011, the Great
River Energy board acknowledged that its generation
portfolio would need to evolve for the company to
remain competitive in the decades ahead. To protect
against business risks presented by coming CO2
regulation, last year the board of directors adopted
a resolution directing Great River Energy staff to
develop and implement a plan that significantly reduces
its dependence on coal. The resolution included the
m.decision to accelerate the depreciation of Coal Creek
Station
d
Minnesota’s Lost Towns,
Northern Edition
...A book by Rhonda Fochs
Meet the author at a presentation and book signing
event on Saturday, Aug 2 at 2 p.m. at the Blackduck Area
History and Art Center on Margaret Avenue at Main Street
in downtown Blackduck.
The book, featuring nearly 150 of Northern Minnesota’s
lost towns, vanished villages and long ago places is a
fascinating look at Minnesota’s history, people and places.
Each community is covered in a narrative tale detailing
the location, lifespan, decline and interesting aspects of
the town. Historical and contemporary photos bring the
words and the towns to life. Historians, genealogists, local
residents, tourists, travelers and anyone who enjoys a good
tale will enjoy the book. Most of the communities and
towns covered in the book are in this area.
The center is open Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays,
1-4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. For more
information, visit www.blackduckhistoryart.org .
Quilters and Quilter Wannabees
Come to the Kootasca Senior Center in Northome
every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. There is always
room for extra hands. Call Janet at (218) 897-5678 for
information.
Card players wanted
Cribbage games every Tuesday at noon in the Kootasca
Senior Center in Northome. Call Melvin at (218) 8975085 for information.
Open Saturdays,
10-2
Summer garden gifts!
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cabin books & games!
Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
743-GIFT (4438) ● Three blocks east of Main, Bigfork
Where skill meets compassion.
Bigfork Valley Fitness Center
Open 24 hours ♦ 7 days a week
Call 743-4133 for membership information
Rental lockers ♦ Showers
Senior meals
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-on-wheels.
The price for the home
cooked meals is $3.50.
Register ahead by calling (218) 749-2912 or
toll free 1 (800) 6625711, 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., 246-8028),
Balsam, Big Falls, Northome and Squaw Lake.
AARP Driver's Ed in Marcell Aug. 19
The AARP Smart Driver course teaches drivers
age 55+ valuable defensive driving skills and provides
a refresher of the rules of the road. Attend an AARP 4
hour refresher course in Marcell at the Family Center
on Tuesday, August 19 from 3-7 p.m. To register call
218-999-5441 (ElderCircle).
The course costs $15 for AARP members and $20
for non-members. Space is limited, so register now.
There are NO written or driving tests to pass this
course – just be an active participant.
The full eight hour beginning course and more
refresher courses are scheduled regularly throughout
the county. The AARP.org website has a locator
button to find a course near you.
Should You Take the AARP Smart Driver Course?
Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving
conditions, and the roads you travel every day. Even
the most experienced drivers age 55 and over can
benefit from brushing up on their driving skills.
By taking the AARP Smart Driver course you'll
learn the latest changes in Minnesota rules of the road,
defensive driving techniques, and how to operate
your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly
challenging driving environment.
Plus, you will qualify for a 10 percent automobile
insurance discount by completing the course.
area bookmobile stops
Tuesdays: Aug. 12; Sept. 2, 23
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: Aug. 14; Sept. 4, 25
1:15 - 2:00 Togo: School vicinity
Fridays: Aug. 8, 29; Sept. 19
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
August 2014
Community News
Ardenhurst
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
P-I-C-N-I-C spells F-U-N. The eighth annual Ardenhurst Township Potluck
Picnic will be held Saturday, August 16 (rain or shine) at 11 a.m. at the
Ardenhurst Town Hall on Highway 46 south of Northome. Everyone is
invited - old residents, new residents, old friends, new friends, and friends
of friends of friends. Come for good conversation and lots of good food.
Coffee, lemonade, and paper products will be provided. Call Peg Wiklund
(897-5262) or Carol Avelsgaard (897-5106) for more information.
Summer Fun
Thurs., August 14 - Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, Orr
Tourist Information Center and Bog Walk
Adults $30, children under 12, $15. Leave 12:30 p.m., return 9 p.m.
Dinner, snacks included.
Bigfork
The 39th annual Arts and Crafts Fair will be Friday, Aug. 1 at the Bigfork
School, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. There is a used book sale, bake sale and the Famous
Wild Rice Salad for lunch as well as the work of many craftsmen. The event
is sponsored by the Bigfork Valley Hospital Auxiliary and co-sponsored
by the EOW Community Center .and ISD 318 Community and Family
Education.
Northome
North Woods Craft Store in Northome will hold its 6th annual Pie Social on
Thursday, Aug. 21 from 1-4 p.m. Visitors to the store can enjoy a piece of
pie (free will offering), coffee and fruit punch, as well as browsing the handcrafted items on the shelves. All sales will be 10 percent off. If you would
like to donate to the store, a cooperative outlet for local crafters, but are unable to attend this fundraiser, donations are accepted. Please mail them to:
North Woods Craft Store, 12195 1st St, Northome, MN 56661
Wildwood
Wildwood Days will be Sat. and Sun., Aug. 2 and 3. Saturday night dance
with the O'Loughlins, 8 p.m.-midnight. Sunday, potluck picnic at noon,
cakewalk, kids' games, music. Wildwood Town Hall on Co. Rd. 127,
Northome. There will be a special fund for hall renovations. Questions?
Call Karen at 897-5629.
page 13
Registration deadline Thursday, Aug. 7
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.
(218) 743-6396
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 item in a day's purchases
(218) 743-6315
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.
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) 245-1818
(218) 832-3901 Scenic Pines Bar & Grill
29314 County Rd. 52, Bigfork (218) 832-3656
10% off food. (Beverages not included.)
Sleepy Hollow Resort 10% off lodging.
64264 State Hwy 46, Northome (218) 897-5234
page 14
White Oak Rendezvous & History Festival
The annual White Oak Rendezvous
and History Festival will be held at the
White Oak Fur Post just north of Deer
River, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Friday and
Saturday, Aug. 1 and 2, and 10 a.m. – 4
p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3. Admission is
$5, children under 10 are free.
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
Electrical Inspections
Except for minor repair work,
all electrical work you do at your
home, cabin, or property is required
to be inspected by a State Electrical
Inspector. A rough-in inspection must
be made before any wiring is covered.
A final inspection is also required.
Please visit www.electricity.state.
Visitors can experience an eighteenth
century North West Company fur post
holding a Voyageur Rendezvous, and
a 15th century mercenary camp of the
Willenstark Company. Wander among
and talk to historical characters, try
some period food or purchase goods
made with authentic materials.
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.
mn.us for more information. The
inspectors can be reached weekday
mornings between 7and 8:30 a.m.
Itasca County - Steve Bartlett (218)
591-1616;
Beltrami
County
Mark
Smythe (218) 751-0487 (www.
smytheelectricinspections.com);
Koochiching County - Robert Orgon
(218) 556-3829
CLASSIFIEDS
-SERVICES-
Lepinski Painting
interior/exterior.
Call for free estimate
15 yrs experience
218-743-6878 or
218-404-3156
Landscaping
Services
www.
landscapewithlloyd.
com
M.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
Check your ad.
Contact the editor to
make changes by the
deadline date.
-SERVICES-
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
(218) 929-7117
Hm: (218) 743-3598
Gus David
Monuments
and Markers
August 2014
-SERVICESTwo’s Company
218-897-5959
218-244-1916
Interior/exterior
painting and staining,
window washing
fully insured, references
Penny’s Keepsake
Quilting
Turn your quilt top
into a keepsake.
Offering quality
machine quilting at
reasonable prices
(218) 832-3684
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
Lawn mowing: Call Randy
at (218) 743-6838
8/14
10% discount with ad.
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.
• recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes •
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, minced
2 teaspoons salt
2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup cooked rice
1/4 cup lemon juice or 1 eggvinegar
Core cabbage. Place, cored end down in saucepan with 2
inches boiling water. Simmer until cabbage leaves are just
soft enough to remove from cabbage and roll. Drain and
cool.
Combine beef, rice, onion, egg and seasonings. Place
portions of meat mixture in center of each cabbage
leaf. Roll up, folding ends over. Secure with toothpick if
necessary. Mix tomato sauce with sugar and lemon juice
or vinegar. Bring to boil. Add cabbage rolls and simmer
covered 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Baste often. 6 servings
Whole or halved potatoes and carrots can be added for a
one-dish meal.
Ribbon Salad
Top and bottom layers are the same, but fixed separately.
Bottom layer:
1 small package cherry Jello
1 small can fruit cocktail, drained but liquid saved
Dissolve Jello as per instructions. Add fruit, pour into
bottom of rectangular cake pan or baking dish and let
jell.
Middle layer:
Heat fruit juice from 2 cans of fruit cocktail and
dissolve 1 small package lemon jello in juice.
Beat until smooth: 1 cup mayonnaise with 1 large
package cream cheese. Add Jello mixture and
pour over bottom layer.
Top layer:
Repeat bottom layer.
Can be cut into squares and served on lettuce.
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.
August 2014
-SALES-
Flea Market at Balsam
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.
CLASSIFIEDS
-FOR SALE-
For sale: Full size bed
complete. Oak bookcase
headboard, new mattress
and springs. $250 obo.
Call (218) 743-3256 eves
9/14
For sale: 2 gal Valspar
Supreme Paint and Primer
in One - Exterior flat
-WANTEDtinted taupe. Paid $31/
Wanted: Pontoon trailer. gal+tx, sell for $15/gal
Call (218) 244-2584 9/14 or best offer. Call (218)
9/14
Wanted: Clean fill. Call 832-3761 (218) 832-3693 11/14
For sale:
Red wood
-FOR SALE-
For sale:
Earthquake
tiller $95; balsam studs
2x4x8 $2.50 each; wood
splitter, tilts up, 26 ton, 8
hp $895; hay spike, $75
Call (218) 832-3050 8/14
For sale: Very old cast
iron cauldron. Asking
$425. Call (218) 8978/14
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-
For sale: '65 Ford 5500
diesel backhoe and loader.
Good rubber, ½ yd bucket
on backhoe, 1 ½ yd bucket
on loader. Digs clay with
ease. $4,000. Call (218)
8/14
897-5152 page 15
AD DEADLINE
for SEPTEMBER issue, WEDS, AUG. 20
FISHING, BOATS
For sale: Aluminum Floe
boatlift V-2000, 2000 lbs,
96 wide on Bowstring Lake,
$1,800.
Call (218)2634817, leave message 8/14
For sale: Shore Station boat
lift. On wheels. $500 Call
For sale: Tournament size (218) 832-3331
8/14
pool table.
Ball return, For sale: 36' of wood dock.
oak wood and accessories. Two 12' x 3' sections and
Exc. cond. $500 or offer. one 12' x 30" section. Good
Call (218) 832-3941. Leave condition. Located on Turtle
message
8/14
Lake. Make offer.
Call
For sale: 2002 Pop up
camper.
Good cond.
Beds, table into bed, all
oeprational, storage, new,
awning, 8' x 18', single axle.
$4,000. Call (218) 8975675 8/14
(218) 259-3987
8/14
-REAL ESTATE-
For rent: Year around
cabin, GhostBay Resort
www.ghostbay.com on
Sand Lake. Great location and opportunity.
Call Dennis at (612)
618-1957 12/14
Seasonal Lots Available: GhostBay Resort
www.ghostbay.com on
Sand Lake call Dennis
at (612) 618-1957 12/14
For sale: Marcell, 2 bdrm
cabin, electric, 80 acres of
land, flowing well, great
hunting and fishing opportunities in heart of
Chippewa National Forest. $125,000. Call (763)
571-5294 or email [email protected] 8/14-
Wanted: Guinea hens. octagon table, 4 chairs.
Call (218) 244-1286. 8/14 For deck or porch, never For Sale; Nordic-Rider
POWER SPORTS
-HELP WANTED- been rained on. Call exercise machine $45.
For sale: 2005 John Deere
Call (218) 832-3651 8/14
650 Trail Buck ATV, apBigfork Valley Hospital (218) 743-3623 8/14
prox. 400 miles, like new
is seeking housekeep- For sale: 1909 Pride For sale: Cooler with
ers, CNAs. Competi- Jazzy model 614-HD 12V cigarette plugin to
condition. Warn winch.
tive wages, benefits. electric chair, metallic
use with car, boat, etc. For sale: New log siding. $4,000. Call (651) 433We offer a CNA course red.
Exc. Condition,
15"Wx16"H 45 pieces of hewn 1/2 log, 5266 9/14
For sale: Hatch Lake
with free tuition, see $1,500. Call (218) 256- Measures
x21"L,
$45.
Call
(218)
8"wide
16'
long.
Double
property for sale by
the employment page 1560
VEHICLES
9/14
8/14
832-3651
stained
with
Sansin
stain,
at
bigforkvalley.org.
For sale: 1972 Cadillac owner, over 3200' of
stored
inside. Coupe DeVille (collec- lakeshore plus over 350'
Next classroom training For sale: STS Utility For sale: Automatic sealed,
Trailer
5’ x 8’, all pistols, Yugo Md 57 & Approx 720 lineal ft or 1300 tor); 114k, $7,995 obo. on Twin Lake on 32
starts Aug. 5.
aluminum,
12” solid side Romian TT33. 7.62 X 25 sq ft. New cost $3.65/ft (Restored vehicle) Call acres with year around
-FOR SALEcargo
box,
flip-up ramp, cal w/holsters $325 each. (incl tx). Will sell $1.80/ft. (218) 751-9659 8/14
home and 40’ x 60’ pole
For sale: Six matching
Call
(218)
659-4404
8/14
12”
wheels,
2”
ball,
with
New
unused
Yugo
SKS
barn. Itasca Co. PIN 38vintage mission oak
For sale: 1991 Jeep 122-4200 and 38-122jack,
very
good
condition,
7.62
X
39,
$375.
K31
chairs $325 (firm), nice
FISHING, BOATS Grand Wagoneer 360, V8,
vintage mahogany sewing always stored inside. Swiss 7.5 X 55 straight For Sale: Boat Lift. Will 4 WD, Exc. cond. New 4300. New price. Call
table, $50. Call (218) $850. Call (218) 835- pull bolt w/sling, $350. function for a boat or smaller tires, runs good. 217,000 (218) 832-3514 or email:
8720 after 6 p.m. or leave Remmington 870 Magn
[email protected] 9/14
9/14
832-3488
message 9/14
Exp 12 GA Pump, Barrel pontoon and is in good miles, $1,500. Call (218)
8/14
For sale: Pump. Electric
-FARMVent Rib, 2 3/4 & 3" condition. Moves fairly 897-5152 shallow water, nearly new For sale: Cub Cadet self- chamber, wood stock & easily on alum. pads. No For sale: 1984 C70 Chev For sale: "B" John Deere,
walk-behind
- yours for $150. Deer propelled
sling $325. Call (218) wheels to deal with. Rated dump truck. 366 gas 5 late 1950. Runs good, good
for 2,200. Would work great over 2 50% radials, dual rubber, good tin. Call (218)
River area. Call (218) lawn mower, 10.5 hp, 832-3651.
8/14
for a second boat. $500 or
246-3177 or (941) 350- 33” wide cut mower.
245-1702 8/14
Excellent condition and For sale: 2 horse saddles, best offer. Call (320) 248- 50 gal saddle tanks, 8 yard
9/14
0915 box. Farm plates, $2,900. For sale: Jolt electric fencer.
maintenance. $595 or big horn, 17” Flex Tree 8368
9/14
Call (218) 832-3651 8/14 $10. Call (218) 832-3791
For sale: Telescope. best offer. Call (218) $750. 16” trail saddle
For
sale:
18
ft.
aluminum
Celestron 8, on tripod, 743-3685
$400. High quality round
9/14
boat, Yacht Club trailer, Ads are a service to our
motorized mount, exc.
pen 45’ in diameter, 12
members. North Itasca
condition for planets, For sale: 32” x 48” UV panels, 1 ¾ in diam pipe, pedestal seating, sunshade Electric and the WATTS Emails will be responded
to; if you do not receive a
stars, etc., $400. Deer shade (keeps heat and sun brown, 4’ walk in gate, top, other. No motor. $750. NEWS do not endorse reply, please resend.
River area. Call (2180 out, but you can see out), $750. Call (218) 897- Call (28) 553-0723 9/14
advertisments Please use
your good judgment.
246-3177 or (941) 350- 2 never used. $150 new, 5152 8/14
sell
for
$100.
Call
(218)
9/14
0915 Place a Classified Ad Today!
9/14
832-3599 If you are an individual member of the cooperative, classified ads are free as a service from your
For Sale:
Sofa &
cooperative. If you are advertising for a business or are a non-member, please remit $5 per ad per
loveseat, coffee table For sale: Norlake double
month.
freezer
model
& 2 end tables. All in door
__________________________________________________________________________
#6R422.
115
V
@
6.4
__________________________________________________________________________
good condition. Sofa and
loveseat are red and green amp. D 34" x W 63 1/4"
Receipt will be acknowledged if email is given here:___________________________________________
fabric - southwestern x H 63" (commercial)
Send to:
Editor, WATTS NEWS,
Run my ad for one month only.
type design. Tables are .$1,800. Call (218) 659P.O. Box 243
8/14
Your ad will run for two months unless you
Bigfork, MN 56628
forest green with wood 4518 check this box. (Business classifieds are $5 per
or
call:
(218) 659-2779
grain tops. All for $350.
insertion.)
or email: [email protected]
Located near Bigfork.
Please note: We are as careful as possible, but are not
Put WATTS AD in subject line.
Call (320) 963-3078 9/14
responsible for errors.
If no response, please resend.
page 16
August 2014
Why Seal and Insulate?
Advice from EnergyStar.gov
Standby Power and Energy Vampires
What is
Standby Power and what does it
have to do with vampires?
Standby power is the energy used
by some products when they are turned
off but still plugged into a power/wall
outlet.
While this standby power sometimes
provides useful functions such as remote
control, clock displays, and timers, in
other cases it is simply wasted power as
a result of leaving an electronic device or
power adapter plugged in. The devices
causing this waste are referred to as
energy vampires because these products
are slowing sucking energy from your
home while not providing any useful
function!
In addition to your home office and
home electronics equipment, chargers
for cell phones, ipods, power tools, etc
also suck energy from your home when
they are plugged into an outlet, even if
they aren't charging.
Is standby power significant enough
to worry about?
Yes, the amount of energy used
by products when they are in standby
mode is significant. The average U.S.
household spends $100 per year to
power devices while they are off (or
in standby mode). On a national basis,
standby power accounts for more than
100 billion kilowatt hours of annual
U.S. electricity consumption and more
than $10 billion in annual energy costs.
How can I slay the energy vampires
in my house?
▪ Look for ENERGY STAR when
shopping. All ENERGY STAR
qualified products are among the
lowest power consuming in their
category in standby mode.
▪ Enable the ENERGY STAR power
management settings on your
computer and monitor, so they go
into power save mode when not in
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 twonight, three-day tour includes
visits to Coal Creek Station,
Falkirk Mine, Garrison Dam,
the Headwaters Fort Mandan
Visitors Center and more!
return August 20, stopping in Northome
We will leave Bigfork by
deluxe motor coach on August 18 and along the way. Cost of the tour is $75
per person and includes
transportation, lodging
at the Best Western
Coal Creek Tour Reservation Form
Ramkota Hotel in
August 18-20, 2014
Bismarck, N.D. and
some meals.
Please make checks payable to North Itasca Electric
To reserve your
Cooperative and mail to PO Box 227, Bigfork, MN 56628
space, please clip and
return the coupon below
Member Name: ________________________________
by August 11, along
Phone: _____________
with the fee of $75 per
person. Reservations
Name of Spouse/guest: __________________________
are on a first-come, firstserved basis. Priority
Single Room ______ Double room _____
will be given to those
who have never taken
Address: _____________________________________
the trip to Coal Creek.
If there are not enough
_____________________________________________
participants, the tour
may be cancelled.
Have you been to Coal Creek before? Yes ___ No ___
use.
▪ Use a power strip as a central "turn
off" point when you are done using
equipment,
which
completely
disconnects the power supply. You
can use one for your computer and
all peripheral equipment, and another
for your home electronics (TV, VCR,
DVD, stereo, gaming).
Keep in mind though that if you've
set a timer to wake up a product,
such as programming a Digital
Video Recorder (DVR) to record
a program, then the product must
remain plugged in (and able to
draw standby power) to function as
intended.
▪ Unplug your chargers: cell phone
chargers, camera chargers, battery
chargers or power adapters, etc.
These are drawing some amount of
energy even when not in use (and
even when not connected to an enduse product).
Save energy and money.
Air that leaks through your home's
envelope − the outer walls, windows, doors,
and other openings − wastes a lot of energy
and increases your utility costs. A well-sealed
envelope, coupled with the right amount of
insulation, can make a real difference on your
utility bills.
Increase comfort.
Sealing leaks and adding insulation can
improve the overall comfort of your home
and help to fix many of these common
problems:
Reduced noise from outside
▪ Less pollen, dust and insects (or pests)
entering your home
▪ Better humidity control
▪ Lower chance for ice dams on the roof/eves
in snowy climates
Most homes will benefit.
Most homes in the United States don't
have enough insulation and have significant
air leaks. In fact, if you added up all the leaks,
holes and gaps in a typical home's envelope, it
would be the equivalent of having a window
open every day of the year!
ENERGY STAR® July 2014, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of
Energy. www.energystar.gov