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JULY/AUGUST 2018 CONNECTION A GOOD BARN RAISING See what’s new at the 2018 Stevens County Fair

BUSINESS IS BUZZING Cory Nohl’s side venture flies high in the sky

MAKING A SPLASH Escape the summer heat in the coolest of ways INDUSTRY NEWS Money from home Rural Connections Using the internet to start cottage industries ver been told you can sell those knit caps or great jewelry pieces you’ve made BY SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO but don’t want to invest the money it takes for a brick-and-mortar location? NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association Look to the internet. EMore and more people are finding ways to earn a living by building online busi- nesses from their homes. According to Forbes, more than 52 percent of all small busi- Telemedicine is nesses in the U.S. are home-based, and most rely on the internet. These jobs can offer key to rural health flexibility, independence and a way to skirt the traditional 9-to-5. As more Americans board the microbusiness train, the economy is taking notice. roadband internet access is mak- While small, these microbusinesses employ 55 million people in the U.S. They also ing a real difference in the lives of contribute more than $1 trillion in earnings to the U.S. economy, according to Etsy, a people across rural America. I see global online marketplace for handcrafted and vintage pieces. Bit whenever I travel to the states where Many of these entrepreneurs are young, female and live in rural areas, too. Etsy telecommunications companies like this recently polled its network of 1.7 million sellers around the world, and the results are one are building advanced networks to eye-opening. Check out a few of these statistics from the 2017 Etsy Seller Census: reach those in hard-to-serve regions. Broadband supports efforts that are vital to a community’s well-being, such as economic development, education 97% 77% and small-business growth. But broad- of all U.S. Etsy are one- band’s greatest impact is perhaps seen in sellers run person the delivery of health care. their shops operations. Robust and sustainable broadband from home. infrastructure is necessary for expanding access to health care in rural America. NTCA has been looking into telehealth applications for a number of years. We have hosted events on our own. We have worked with health care groups to learn about their challenges and to introduce 87% 32% them to our member telcos’ capabili- are say their creative ties. We have assisted our members in women. business, both launching pilot projects of their own. on and off Etsy, Telemedicine in rural America is is their sole truly a win-win proposition. Access to occupation. advanced services in a local community brings greater health care options to its residents. As a bonus, telemedicine also makes it easier to attract high-skilled labor, industry and economic develop- ment. NTCA is passionate about the role that our member telcos play in tele- 32% 28% of Etsy sellers have live in rural medicine — and I think we have only traditional full-time communities. scratched the surface of possibilities. jobs. Your local telecommunications pro- vider, like hundreds of similar compa- nies across rural America, is building the advanced broadband network that makes telemedicine possible. 

2 | July/August 2018 STUDY: f Social media use is growing But so are privacy concerns l

BY JEN CALHOUN

bout seven out of every 10 American adults use some kind of social media, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have U Aworries about it. //////////////////////////////////// A recent Pew Research protect their privacy, nearly result, some users find it hard Center study found that more two-thirds worried that current to stop. Social media is part of Social media use has Americans than ever use Face- laws weren’t good enough to do their everyday lives. grown dramatically book, Twitter, Instagram and the job. In addition, nearly 65 Percent of adults other social media platforms percent said they support more NEW RULES who say they use social as part of their daily lives. They regulation of advertisers. However, some privacy media sites, by age keep in touch with friends and It’s not just privacy that wor- advocates say change is family. They participate in civic ries them either. Pew research coming. One example is the 18-29 year olds and political activities. They found that only 5 percent of European Union’s General even use social media for work users trust all of the informa- Data Protection Regulation, 56% 88% or to share health and science tion that comes to them on which was adopted in April 2008 2018 research. social media. They also don’t 2016 and went into effect in But the study found that as like the harassment, politi- May of this year. the number of likes and shares cal bickering, disrespect and The regulation offers data 30-49 year olds grows, so do concerns about incivility that can come with protection and privacy for privacy. a day in the life of Twitter or all those in the European 18% 78% Facebook. Union, but it could also have 2008 2018 PRIVACY ANXIETY a positive effect on U.S. social Last year, only 9 percent of HARD HABIT TO BREAK media users. Pew experts say 50-64 year olds social media users were “very But if social media is so the GDPR “will give users — confident” that social media troublesome, why are people even Americans — greater 6% 64% companies would protect their sticking with it? protection about what data 2008 2018 data, Pew research found. In Maybe it’s because they feel tech firms can collect, the fact, about half of the users like they have to, Pew experts data that can be used and polled “were not at all or not suggest. Let’s face it; social how consumers can be given 65+ year olds too confident their data were in media is an easy and conve- more opportunities to see safe hands.” nient way to stay connected to what is happening with their 2% 37% And while many users said our friends, families and the information.”  2008 2018 they wanted to do more to organizations we love. As a

July/August 2018 | 3 FROM THE CEO CONNECTION JULY/AUGUST 2018 VOL. 2, NO. 4

Connection is a bimonthly newsletter Are you well-connected? published by Farmers Mutual and Federated Telephone, © 2018. It is distributed without charge to all of our top and count with me for a moment. How many customers. Sinternet-connected devices do you have in your home? For many of us, smartphones and computers are the first obvi- ous devices that come to mind, but what other devices are there? How about tablets? Any smart TVs or streaming boxes like Roku or Amazon Fire TV? If you have children at home, what about their game systems, computers and other devices? Maybe you’ve gotten Farmers Mutual Telephone Company 301 2nd St. South into the smart home technology and have some of the bulbs, secu- Bellingham, MN 56212 rity cameras, thermostats or outlets. [email protected] When you think about all of the things we use regularly that 320-568-2105 depend on the internet, the answer to my question can grow KEVIN BEYER quickly. Federated Telephone Cooperative Chief Executive Officer 201 State Hwy. 9 S. • P.O. Box 107 In fact, depending on which source you use, most North Ameri- Morris, MN 56267 can households have between five and 10 connected devices. Some [email protected] experts believe that number will grow to as many as 50 devices in 320-324-7111 or 320-585-4875 less than five years! Whatever your number of connected devices happens to be, know this: There is no better FARMERS MUTUAL TELEPHONE network to handle a family downloading and uploading over multiple connected devices than COMPANY BOARD the type of fiber optic network Farmers Mutual and Federated Telephone have built for our members. Gerald Stensrud, District I, Vice President We have invested millions of dollars in our region to build a world-class fiber optic network. Dean Olson, District I While there are many benefits to a fiber connection — including reliability and increased Michael Sorenson, District II home value — I’d like to discuss the capacity your fiber connection will afford your family. John Plathe, District II, Secretary While we often talk about an internet connection’s speed, we really mean the speed at which Scott Wittnebel, District III, President things download. The bits and bytes are moving at the same speed no matter your connection, Troy Hoyles, District III but it’s the capacity (how many bits and bytes can pass through each second) that matters. Jerome Kallhoff, District IV I often tell people to think of internet service like plumbing. Each file you are trying to FEDERATED TELEPHONE download is like a bathtub filling up. The bits of data that make up the file flow through your COOPERATIVE BOARD modem and router just like water into a tub. Filling a tub from the spout is much faster than Roger Gerdes, District 1, Vice President filling it with a sink sprayer because the spout has more capacity to let more water through. Tim Danielson, District 2, Secretary Similarly, a smaller connection is going to limit the amount of data that can pass through Lynn Swenson, District 3, President when compared to a bigger connection. Dan Smith, District 4 To follow that analogy, it’s also important to consider how many faucets you’re going to Nancy Taffe, District 5 be using at the same time. If you open all of your faucets, the water pressure is going to dip Michael Schroeder, District 6 significantly, and it’s going to take a lot longer to fill each tub or sink. For broadband, the same Marcia Greiner, District 7 thing happens with multiple devices on a network. If you have three tablets, a game system, two computers, four phones and a streaming TV using your connection, each one is going to be slower — unless you have a high-capacity connection via fiber optics. Produced for Acira by: Finally, consider that this explanation of capacity applies to both downloading and upload- ing. Download speeds measure the capacity for bringing information to your devices. Upload speeds measure the capacity for sending information out — whether that’s sharing photos, backing up files to the cloud, sending documents or publishing videos. Unlike many providers, our system was built for what’s called “symmetrical speeds,” meaning you get the same fast, On the Cover: reliable upload speeds that you get while downloading. A variety of farm As we continue to improve our network, we’re looking down the road at the future. We see animals is only one families in our area continuing to add the latest technology in their homes, which drives up attraction that draws large crowds to the the demand for broadband capacity. The fiber network we’ve built is the only way we can be Stevens County Fair, sure we have the capacity to serve you today and in the future.  now in its 145th year. See story Page 12.

4 | July/August 2018 Nelson earns FRS Scholarship

Customer satisfaction reaches new heights

Emma Nelson, daughter of Barry and Sandra Nelson, was the recipient of a $1,000 NISC Acira recently authorized an independent Community Leadership Scholarship from the Foundation for Rural Service. Presenting the customer satisfaction survey of the check are, from left, Acira Customer Service Representative Tammy Marquart, Marketing and Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and Customer Service Manager Donna Eul and scholarship winner Emma Nelson. and Federated Telephone Cooperative service areas. The report discovered that both areas have incredibly positive customer satisfaction, with the Federated area at 93 percent and the Farmers Mutual area slightly higher at 94 percent. Both scores are well above the industry average of 80 percent.

The quality of service and the absence of problems with Acira’s services were the top two reasons for that level of satisfaction, according to the survey. Three-quarters of Federated members are completely satisfied with Federated as their TV provider. Members gave Acira represented in D.C. the highest overall ratings for Acira Acira General Manager Kevin Beyers testified on behalf of small, rural broadband providers as an internet service provider, with during discussions on April 25 about American infrastructure and the small-business an extraordinary 93 percent customer perspective at the House Committee on Small Business hearings in Washington, D.C. satisfaction.

Don’t forgetSummertime that all Acira offices will followHours summer hours Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Fridays 8 a.m. to noon Please welcome our newest employee Chris Johansen started working as a combination technician at Farmers Mutual Telephone and Federated Telephone in April. “I’m very excited to be working with the Acira team and helping meet the needs of our rural communities and members,” Johansen says. He grew up in Slayton, Minnesota, and attended the Jackson campus of Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Johansen has worked in telecommunications for 21 years: three years at a telephone company in Murray County and 18 years in Yellow Medicine County. He and his wife, Stacy, have four adult children, all of whom graduated from Canby High School. In his free time, he likes to hunt, fish and ride his motorcycle.

Acira July/August 2018 | 5 TRAVEL

Go jump IN THE LAKE

Gull Lake, Minn. Photo courtesy of Sunny Augustine. courtesy Photo

ummer is syn- Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes — 11,842 to be exact. With so many from which to choose, how do you narrow your choices down to just two or three? And onymous with North Dakota is packed with lakes that beckon you into their sparkling waters. The two the nation’s many states combined are perhaps the country’s best destinations for a vacation at the lake. “Residents and visitors alike flock to our lakes year-round, with fishing and boating Sshores, but if you’re only among the most popular activities spring through fall,” says Erica Wacker, communica- tions manager for Explore Minnesota. And after a full day on the water, you can visit the looking to our coasts to charming resorts, restaurants and local stores that line many of the lakes, she adds. wiggle your toes in the So get ready to enjoy the waters of the Midwest this summer. Here’s a look at some of the most popular places to kick your shoes off, get a little sand between your toes, or wet sand and cool off on a your line and pull in a big one. warm day, you’re miss- Gull Lake ing out on some glorious Near Brainerd, Minnesota water holes: our lakes. The Brainerd Lakes area is a popular vacation destination in central Minnesota, and one of the biggest draws is its largest lake — Gull Lake. With several resorts along its shores, Gull Lake attracts anglers, families and anyone else looking for some fun on the water. Hop on a jet ski, pontoon, paddle board or cruise ship. Or come for the Ice Fishing

6 | July/August 2018 Extravaganza, which is touted as the lake. You’ll be faced with a reservoir of Devil’s Lake world’s largest charitable ice fishing tour- delicious temptations — bakeries, bistros Near Devil’s Lake, North Dakota nament held every January to benefit the and wine bars. North Dakota’s largest natural lake is Brainerd Jaycees. Or you can take a riverboat cruise perfect for all sports: swimming, boat- The Brainerd Lakes are home to some aboard the Pearl of the Lake. It’s a ing, fishing, jet skis, water skis, pontoons, terrific beaches, one of which is near the 90-minute cruise that will take you back canoes, kayaks … you name it. There’s Gull Lake Dam. So pack your towel and to the glory days of river traffic on a plenty of lake access, including swim- head on down. There are picnic tables, replica of the grand boats that once trav- ming beaches. So go ahead and take the bathrooms and a boat ramp. The entry eled the Mississippi. plunge, and if you stay a little too long, fee is $3 per car. Stay the night: John Hall’s Alaskan just say the devil made you do it, because Stay the night: Cragun’s Resort is right Lodge offers all-suite accommodations, there are plenty of reasons to stay just a on the lake and offers dining, golf, a many of which include kitchenettes and little bit longer at Devil’s Lake. marina, a private beach with a playground whirlpools — all offer spectacular views From boogie boarding to skiing, there for the kids, beach volleyball and bonfires. of the lake. are some great areas to become an acrobat on the water, such as Creel Bay Lake Minnetonka Lake Sakakawea and Six Mile Bay. For swimming, though, In Hennepin and Carver counties in West of Bismark, North Dakota there’s one public beach at Graham’s Minnesota Lake Sakakawea is a destination that Island State Park. Admission per car is Located just 20 miles southwest of includes plenty of beaches, including $7.50. The swimming area is roped off for downtown Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka Lewis and Clark State Park on one of safety’s sake, and you can pick up food or is one of the largest lakes in the state the lake’s upper bays. The sandy beach supplies at a bait shop and convenience and a favorite daytrip for those in the is guarded by the towering backdrop of store. area. A number of cruise lines and the rugged buttes of the North Dakota If you’re a fisherman, there are plenty restored antique boats offer daily tours Badlands. of catches to be had. In fact, Devil’s Lake of the lake. Dozens of public parks and The lake is a busy place on hot summer is the perch capital of the world during beaches, as well as numerous lakeside days, but with 382,000 surface acres, you the winter months. But in the summer, restaurants with docks for boaters, line won’t have any trouble finding a place to the lake is all about the white bass, wall- its shores. There are also a number of get your feet wet. eye and northern pike. Marinas are open islands perfect for picnicking. Quaint Stay the night: The cabins at Lund’s to the public for a fee at resorts around town centers, such as Excelsior and Landing Marina and Lodge are nothing the lake. Wayzata Bay, are scattered along the fancy with bunk beds and a bring-your- Stay the night: Woodland Resort has shoreline, attracting families with local own toiletries setup, but what you’ll get is cabins, a lodge for groups and a 15-unit shopping and dining options. a cozy, memorable overnight overlooking motel on the lake. There’s a restaurant Where to stay: The Hotel Landing in the lake. The restaurant offers homestyle and lounge, plus a convenience store, Wayzata, a luxury boutique hotel, offers a fare breakfast through dinner. Anchor boat launch, pontoon rental, marina and lovely lakeside retreat with a full-service your boat at the dock and go jump in the swimming area, too — everything you restaurant and spa. lake. need to make a vacation out of it.  Lake Pepin Lake City, Minnesota What better place to hone your water Lake Pepin, Minn. skiing skills than the sport’s birthplace? In 1922, Ralph Samuelson invented water skiing on Lake Pepin, the widest spot on the iconic Mississippi River. But there’s more to the lake than skiing. There are many public beaches great for swimming and sunning, such as the beach at Point Douglas Park in Prescott. It has a shady area with picnic tables, a volleyball court and restrooms. It’s also within walk- ing distance of some great shops and restaurants, which you’ll find near the Photo courtesy of Ben Threinen. courtesy Photo

July/August 2018 | 7 TECH TIPS Going mobile Choosing the right laptop for you

oing to college presents a series of choices. There are the big ones: Which school should I go to? What’s my Gmajor? And there are lesser ones: Should I eat at HI! I’M JADE GEHRKE! the cafeteria? Can I wear pajamas to class? One choice is usually the selection of a laptop: a Mac or Windows-based PC? Either can be a In this column, in each considerable investment, so you want to make SOFTWARE issue, you’ll learn about sure that your choice is right for you. If you have a piece of software that you use all technology and read sim- If you’re getting ready to go off to school — or the time, make sure there is a version for the ple tips to get the most just want to do some computing on the go — operating system that comes with your lap- out of your electronics. here are a few things to consider before buying. top. Most major software programs, such as For more tips or help with Microsoft Office or Adobe’s applications, can your devices, be sure to PRICE be used with both Apple and Windows-based read this column in future Apple computers are generally more expensive computers. publications. I’m always than comparable Windows-based laptops. In happy to help! a way, you are paying for the Apple name, but EASE OF USE part of that brand is its commitment to offering While Macs are not perfect, Apple computers solid technology, ease of use and quality design. tend to be a better choice for people who are Apple’s lowest-priced offering is the MacBook not tech savvy or who don’t enjoy fiddling with Air, which starts at $999. A similar PC will systems settings and drivers. On the other hand, DEVICE OF THE MONTH sell for $799 or less. On the higher end, a fully PCs have gotten much better at guaranteeing loaded MacBook Pro sells for $2,799, while a plug-and-play compatibility and easier software comparable Microsoft Surface laptop comes in installations. at $200 less. GAMING UNDER THE HOOD If you want to play the latest games on your lap- Laptop prices vary depending on how much top, you will want to buy a PC. While Mac users processing and graphical power you want, as can play games, this is the area where Apple well as the amount of memory and hard disk cannot compete with Windows-based devices. space available. Most laptops have limited, or There are more games available for PCs, and Pioneer BDR-XS06 no, upgrade options, and this is especially true more are developed all the time. Gamers may Most new laptops have with Macs. You always want to purchase as also want to invest in a dedicated gaming laptop ditched the optical media much as you can so that your machine doesn’t from a specialty company like Origin or Razer. reader, but there are still become obsolete sooner than expected. Some Also, Dell has its Alienware line for gaming. plenty of CDs, DVDs and PC laptops can take memory and hard drive Blu-rays in the world. The updates, which may lengthen their lifespans. SECURITY Pioneer BDR-XS06 can Even the best-protected PC is more at risk of read and burn to all these DESIGN viruses and malware than a relatively unpro- formats using a USB 3.0 There is only one Apple, which means the tected Mac. PCs are so prevalent that it makes connection. It is also com- company controls the way all their laptops look. sense for hackers to focus on that market rather patible with both Mac OSX The sleek, lightweight and elegant designs are than target OSX. For most Mac users, the and Windows operating what other companies seek to emulate. On the system’s built-in security is more than enough systems. MSRP $119.99. PC front, the variety of manufacturers means to ensure peace of mind — never forget security you have more choice, and competition has upgrades for either, though.  produced some stylish options from Dell, HP and Microsoft.

8 | July/August 2018 Acira Corey Nohl’s farm as seen from the drone he uses to check crops.

Bird’s-eye view Hancock drone business helps farmers scout crops BY DREW WOOLLEY

hen Corey Nohl damage assessment information that can analysis,” Nohl says. “We are there to bought his first drone then be interpreted by an agronomist or provide information on crop health and insurance agent. But Nohl has also taken how the field is doing. Then farmers can six years ago, he was jobs doing aerial inspections of structures take action on that with their crop scout or Wjust another guy looking to have and aerial photos of large real estate prop- agronomist.” fun with new technology. Then erties. He has even generated 3D models Nohl’s biggest challenge in his second it occurred to him that his new- for potential construction sites. year of the business is finding the time to found hobby could prove useful However, before Nohl could charge for grow Above All Aerial while still tending his services, he first had to get a commer- to the farm. His brother, Taylor, recently on the family farm. cial drone pilot’s license. Preparing for the earned his commercial license to lend “I was trying to figure out a better way to test took a month of studying many of the a hand. But in the coming years, Nohl scout my crops,” he says. “I’d been playing same principles recreational airplane pilots only sees the demand for drone services with the drone, put two and two together, have to master before they can fly. increasing. and started using it to get a better view. “We have to know weather patterns, “I remember someone on a webinar said After about a year of doing that for myself, how to talk to air traffic control, safe -fly drones are at the same place today that other people started asking me to do it for ing conditions, elevation — pretty much computers were in the ’80s,” he says. “That’s them.” everything but the physical part of flying a how much upside potential there is right Those requests turned into a full-fledged plane,” says Nohl. now. We’re just at the tip of the iceberg.”  business — Above All Aerial — which Nohl operates part time while continuing A SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH to work the farm. Founded in March 2017, Despite drone technology still being the drone business has served a need in the relatively new, the response from custom- marketplace that has taken its owner as far ers in Above All Aerial’s first year has been as California in its first year. encouraging for Nohl. And while a drone “There aren’t a lot of commercial drone survey can’t replace the expertise of a pilots out there, so people tend to reach trained crop scout, he believes Above All pretty far out to find us,” Nohl says. Aerial can provide much-needed informa- Nohl deploys tion. his drone over a FLYING FOR FARMERS “I don’t consult farmers with informa- neighbor’s farm to map out which Above All Aerial mostly serves other tion like what to spray. So we work very crop areas need farmers by providing crop scouting and well with crop scouts who can give that improvement.

Acira July/August 2018 | 9 ubscription shopping online can save you time and money. In fact, it’s so easy to get a quality meal delivered that you may cut down on long trips to Sthe grocery store. There are subscription services that will provide fresh, healthy ingredients straight to your door. From turkey shepard’s pie to garlic and herb shrimp, these meals are only a few clicks away from your doorstep. But these services wouldn’t be possible without a high-speed internet connection. That’s what’s great Good about the World Wide Web: It’s truly international. From your living room, you’re connected to recipes inspired by the world’s greatest chefs. And with online subscription services, you can get regular deliveries of the meals you like most. & EASY In the next few issues, we’ll feature several online sub- EATS! scription services … but don’t wait on us. Check them Subscription services provide out for yourself. Everything from chic skincare products first-class meals and convenience to children’s toys and vintage vinyl records ship daily.

Blue Apron Hello Fresh Freshly MunchPak Blue Apron delivers Much like Blue Apron, If you’re tired of cooking on If you’re not in the mood everything you need for Hello Fresh is a competitor the stove but still want to for a full meal but you’re a gourmet-quality meal with a twist. While you’ll put a satisfying meal on the curious about what our you can cook at home. still find high-end meals, table every night, Freshly is neighbors across the pond The step-by-step recipes Hello Fresh specializes in the perfect option. Packed reach for in their pantries, are paired with unique simple home cooking. But with protein, Freshly MunchPak is the answer ingredients to help you the meals don’t skimp on meals can be cooked in the without the cost of the feed your family for a flavor. The plates include microwave. The natural flight. With snacks from fraction of restaurant tasty recipes for winner ingredients are also gluten around the world, you prices without sacrificing winner chicken orzo free. The options don’t choose the size of your taste. Menu items include dinner, pineapple poblano disappoint; each chef- delivery and customize its spicy smoked trout beef tacos and slow cooker prepared meal is ready in contents. Try out Japanese sandwiches, Caribbean smoky beef chili. under three minutes. You’ll hard candy, wacky new chickpea curry and find Sicilian-style chicken potato chip flavors, drink Mexican-spiced pork. parmesan, homestyle meat- options and more. loaf, and spaghetti squash and meatballs on the menu.

As low as As low as As low as As low as $9.99 $8.74 $8.99 $9.95 per serving! per serving! per serving! per serving!

10 | July/August 2018 TECHNOLOGY IN THE GOLDEN YEARS Your personal ‘techtionary’

Learn the  internet lingo  basics WI-FI STREAMING ometimes the language  OTT VIDEO of technology can seem complex, but it’s an BROADBAND Sincreasingly common, and WIRELESS ROUTER important, part of day-to-day VOIP life. Hopefully, this column will make your use of technology a little smoother.  I often describe myself as a translator, and I want to help you create your own “techtion- ary.” I’ll define some common words associated with the internet and related services, and, hopefully, this will give you a simple reference you can keep handy. XXBROADBAND: This term is meant to define fast internet. internet without using a wire. maintain the device and keep when copper wires transmit The fastest broadband services From your home to the coffee it updated. I think of a router phone calls. With VoIP, calls go come from providers that shop, Wi-Fi is increasingly as a sprinkler head attached to through your internet connec- rely on fiber optic networks, essential as more and more the end of the garden hose. It tion. VoIP is becoming more although some companies do people rely on mobile devices distributes the broadband sig- and more common, and in offer broadband plans through or connected devices, such as a nal to a wider area, much like a most cases you don’t even know networks reliant on copper Roku, Amazon Echo or gaming sprinkler distributes water. you are using an internet-based cables. I like to think of broad- box. Keep in mind, Wi-Fi can XXSTREAMING: This term phone. band as a garden hose deliver- be either open for all to access refers to accessing content, such These are just a few of the ing water. The higher the water or protected with a password. as television shows or music, words you may hear in regards pressure — how many megabits If you have a home Wi-Fi net- over the internet. If you like to to your internet service. Don’t per second your plan provides work, consider using a secure watch a video using applica- hesitate to ask questions when — the faster the speed! password. tions such as Netflix or You- speaking to your internet ser- XXOVER-THE-TOP (OTT) XXWIRELESS ROUTER: This Tube, you are streaming video. vice provider, which is a great VIDEO: This term refers to device converts a broadband If you listen to music online resource. The internet network media delivered through an connection into a Wi-Fi signal. through Pandora or Spotify, can seem like magic at times, internet connection — often Routers need to be maintained you are streaming audio. The but it’s not as mysterious as it with the help of a smart TV, and updated regularly to have content is stored online as may appear.  Roku, Apple TV or other the best connection. Many opposed to you downloading it streaming device — as opposed broadband providers sell rout- to your device. CARISSA to your standard cable TV or ers or offer plans where they XXVOICE OVER INTERNET SWENSON satellite TV. manage the router. Using a PROTOCOL (VOIP): While IS A TRAINING XXWI-FI: This is the way router recommended by your the phone seems to work as it AND EDUCATION CONSULTANT you can connect a computer, broadband provider is a good always has, VoIP technology is FOR CONSORTIA television or other device to the idea because they typically help very different from that used CONSULTING.

July/August 2018 | 11 FAIR

4-H members build new dairy barn and shake shack SHAKEfor the Stevens County Fair

BY DREW WOOLLEY

Hopping on a few rides with friends is one of the quintessential experiences that the Stevens County Fair offers each year.

ave Lonergan still remembers when a good night But of all the main events, Lonergan’s favorite part of the fair is seeing young for the Stevens County Fair meant attracting a few kids experience the fair for the first time. hundred visitors. When he joined the fair board It takes him back to a time when Stevens County residents didn’t have the Valleyfair D38 years ago, the fairgrounds didn’t have the bandshell for amusement park to visit or endless TV major musical acts or the hockey arena for local exhibitors programming. “It was a big event when the County that it does today. Fair came around,” Lonergan says. “Now, Now, Lonergan estimates the County That growth is thanks in large part to every year, you get that youngster who was Fair can draw as many as 6,000 people in a support from the rural community. Local in diapers two years ago and now is able to single night, a stark contrast to most other 4-H members still take center stage to walk around. He comes as a new fairgoer, fairs in Minnesota. compete and show off their accomplish- and it’s all a new experience to that young “It started out in the earlier days as a ments to friends and family, while schools, k i d .” three-day fair, and now it’s six days,” he sports teams and other organizations from says. “Most fairs around the state have the area set up booths or sell food and A BARN FOR ALL SEASONS gone the other way, from maybe four days drinks. When the weekend comes around, One of the highlights of this year’s fair down to three, or they don’t even have one visitors show up by the thousands to cheer is a new dairy barn constructed for the anymore. It’s probably the biggest fair west on and even participate in a long-distance county’s 4-H program. Federated Tele- of the Minnesota State Fair.” car race and demolition derby. phone Cooperative contributed to the

12 | July/August 2018 Acira new barn with a donation from the Coop- fairgoers a taste of what the dairy industry spent long days and early mornings trying erative’s unclaimed capital credits fund. provides. to grow that corn or milk those cows or Previously, the county 4-H had leased While 4-H has partnered with the raise that pork.” or bought cattle from local farms with County Fair board in the past on a horse This year’s fair, running from Aug. 7-12, decreasing numbers. Over the past three barn and sheep barn, the new dairy barn features the same demonstrations of local years — through a leasing program with will be the program’s largest project by food and culture and provides a chance Riverview LLP, Little Brook Dairy and far. Riverview LLP has contributed design for 4-H and FFA members to show off Jer-Lindy Farms — the number of cattle and layout expertise for the barn, which the work they’ve done over the past year. on display at the fair quadrupled, and the Koch expects to be especially useful when The event kicks off with a Fair Apprecia- group looked for another option. the weather gets cold. tion Supper before the carnival arrives on The new AgCountry Farm Credit Ser- “The 4-H members will benefit from Wednesday night. vices Dairy Barn will not only accommo- having a facility to use all year instead of The week will also feature a strong man, date the growing dairy program but also cramming all of our animal science activi- hypnotist, magic acts, extreme bull riding rival a similar attraction at the Minnesota ties and shooting sports into the summer,” and a performance by the Blues Brothers State Fair. she says. “Now we can do those through- Revival, in addition to an ATV challenge, “We wanted to have a dairy barn where out the year.” the enduro race and demolition derby. people could learn about the whole dairy Like any good fair, Stevens County will process at the fair,” says Kirstin Koch, 4-H COME TOGETHER also have a number of local favorite foods. program coordinator for Stevens County. For Ryan Sleiter, the new County Fair Beef and pork producers will be selling “It will house our dairy cattle, but it’s also chairman, the dairy barn is part of a con- steak sandwiches and pork chops, and the going to have a demonstration herd of tinuing tradition of promoting agriculture Hockey Association’s homemade french cows that will be milked twice a day and and rural culture in Minnesota to people fries are always a hit. viewing windows on the outside where who might not have other opportunities “Any time you can put food and people fairgoers can watch.” to experience it in a hands-on way. together they’re going to have a good The barn also features a dairy parlor “Whether it’s garden produce or live- time,” says Sleiter. “This is the spot where like the ones used on farms across the stock or the quilts that grandma made, we people come and see their neighbors state, an ag education space and hands- want to bring those to the fair and show maybe once a year, and it’s at the County on activities for visitors to participate in. where they come from,” he says. “Your Fair. It’s about bringing the community There will even be room for the St. Mary’s corn flakes actually come from corn, not together, and it’s the largest event in Ste- Catholic School Shake Shack, giving just from the grocery store. Someone has vens County to do that.” 

Andrew Hennessey washes a dairy Brother and sister Bradley and Morgan Rohloff show calf that he leases through a 4-H dairy their hogs during the 2017 Stevens County Fair. leasing program that started in 2016.

Acira July/August 2018 | 13 MIDWEST KITCHENS Canning 101 It’s about this time every how to can. And her parents summer that Jolene Moen can figured she’d learned through be found in her Glenwood, osmosis, picking up tricks and Minnesota, garden, dirt under techniques through years of her fingernails, mud on her watching it done at home, she jeans and a smile on her face. says. Harvest time is nearing, and “They even gave me a can- her garden is filled with trea- ner for a wedding gift,” she sures: tomatoes, green beans, says. “But I had no idea how cucumbers and other veg- to use it.” etables ready for picking and canning — a time-honored NEW SKILLS process that Moen admits she As her garden grew, Moen once took for granted. realized the necessity of pres- Jolene Moen enjoys canning “I didn’t start canning until ervation, and through trial and for her family: husband Jason, daughter Janel and son Carter.

after my first year of marriage error — plus troubleshooting of Jolene Moen. courtesy Photos in the summer of 2001,” she with her family — she learned says. “I was never compelled how to can. to can before that or to learn “I’ve been gardening and anything about it.” canning or freezing everything After all, she had access to my family eats every year her parents’ pantry every time since,” she says. “Nothing in she paid a visit to their home a store-bought can compares a few miles down the road in to the goodness found in a Sartell, Minnesota. The only mason jar from the pantry. stipulation for her “pantry Nothing.” raid” was that she return the Moen now grows and makes canning jars once emptied. enough to feed her family for But then came the day when a year. And by sharing her her father challenged her to a produce with others, as well as Green beans are prolific in the competition to see who could selling it at local markets and Moen garden every summer. grow the biggest tomatoes through a Community Sup- and the best beans — in other ported Agriculture organiza- ning or sterilizing jars and lids job easier. Mixtures with low words, to find out who had tion, she has created closer ties for processing. acidity levels should be pres- the most prolific garden. As to her community. “We can spaghetti sauce, sure cooked, while high-acid the summer progressed, Moen “I’ve made some great salsa, chili, beans, chicken level mixtures can be canned realized she was born with a friendships,” she says. But soup, pumpkin, stewed toma- in a traditional water bath green thumb. she admits canning can be a toes, pickles, peaches, pears, canner. “As gardens grow, mine did lonely, tiring task. apple juice, jellies and my well,” she says. In fact, she “So each year, my girlfriend mom’s tomato soup that tastes remembers collecting 25 gal- and I come together with our way better than Campbell’s. lons of beans in one picking. harvests and can together,” she Our motto is, ‘There is noth- FOOD EDITOR That’s when she was struck by says. “Then we split the goods ing that can’t be canned, so ANNE P. BRALY the realization that it would be at the end of each season.” just can it,’” she says. IS A NATIVE OF nice to know how to process Here are several of Moen’s CHATTANOOGA, and can her harvest. But who FULFILLING WORK favorite recipes using both a TENNESSEE. would mentor her? There Each woman performs a canner and a pressure cooker, weren’t any young people in different function, whether two items you may want to her circle of friends who knew preparing the produce for can- invest in to make your canning

14 | July/August 2018 Jolene Moen uses both a pressure cooker and water-bath canner to make canned soups, fruits, vegetables and other foods to enjoy all year.

SPAGHETTI SAUCE HEARTY CHICKEN SOUP MOM’S BEST TOMATO SOUP 16 cups raw tomatoes, blemishes 1 stewing chicken, cut up 6 onions, chopped and stems removed 2 quarts water 1 bunch of celery, chopped 3 cups diced onions 1 large onion, quartered 8 quarts fresh tomatoes 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 cup chopped, fresh parsley, 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup sugar stems removed 1/4 cup salt 2 teaspoons pepper 1 celery rib, sliced 1 cup (2 sticks) butter 2 tablespoons parsley flakes 5 chicken bouillon cubes 1 cup flour 2 tablespoons seasoned salt, such 5 whole peppercorns as Lawry’s 4 whole cloves Place chopped onions and celery in 2 tablespoons dried oregano 1 bay leaf a large kettle with just enough water 4 teaspoons dried basil leaves 2 teaspoons salt to keep them from burning and bring 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon pepper to a simmer. While they simmer, cut 4 (12-ounce) cans tomato paste Dash of dried thyme tomatoes (remove the stems if not 4 beef bouillon cubes 6 carrots, thinly sliced using a strainer). Add tomatoes to kettle 4 chicken bouillon cubes with onions and celery and cook until 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese In a large kettle, combine all ingredients tender. Put vegetables through a food 4 bay leaves except carrots; bring to a boil. Reduce mill, then return to kettle. Add sugar and heat; cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours salt. Remove 2 cups of juice and allow to Place tomatoes in a blender and or until the chicken is tender. Remove cool slightly. In a blender, cream butter process to liquefy. Combine tomatoes chicken from broth; cool. Debone and flour together and mix thoroughly with remaining ingredients in a heavy chicken; cut into chunks. Strain broth with cooled juice until mixture is kettle and simmer for 2 hours. Remove and skim fat; return to kettle and add smooth. Before soup in kettle gets too bay leaves and seal in clean, dry chicken pieces and carrots. hot, add butter/flour mixture. This will quart jars. Pressure cook according prevent lumps from forming. Stir well. to manufacturer’s instructions at 10 Place contents in hot jars and pressure Heat just until hot. If it boils, it will scald pounds for 30 minutes. Store jars in cool, cook according to manufacturer’s and can form lumps. Place warm soup dark cabinet or pantry. instructions for 1 hour 15 minutes at 10 into clean, dry, hot jars and process in a pounds of pressure. Store jars in cool, water bath for 20-30 minutes at a rolling dark cabinet or pantry. boil. Store jars in cool, dark cabinet or pantry. 

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