VOLUME 65 | NO. 6 | JUNE 2020 BAUDETTE |

HAVE A FUN AND RHUBARB / STRAWBERRY NOMINATION PROCESS SAFE SUMMER CRUMB PIE FOR DIRECTOR ELECTION PAGE 5 PAGE 7 PAGE 8

HOMEMADE SAFETY VIDEO WINNER MATTHEW NORDINE (READ MORE IN THE MANAGER’S REPORT ON PAGE 2)

Matthew is from Roosevelt, Minn., “STAR” and attends Lake of OF THE the Woods School. SHOW!

NORTH STAR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. MISSION STATEMENT To improve the lives of our member-owners and community by responsibly providing clean, affordable, electric energy and other beneficial services while maintaining the very highest standards of performance and member satisfaction. MANAGER’S REPORT – STICKING TOGETHER

Safety - and the Want to pay lower taxes? Many of you have never needed financial $50 winner is... Here’s an easy way to pay lower taxes · help before, but maybe today you do. We – be counted in the census. Its results There are all sorts encourage you to contact Sue in our office of things to be determine how $675 billion in taxes is at 218-278-6658 to make arrangements. thinking about to spread across the United States to support stay safe, especially hospitals, schools, roads and other vital Ann Ellis this year, but let’s programs. Don’t let your taxes go to General Manager talk about electrical support some other part of the nation just · The COVID-19 situation has extended the safety. Last month because you weren’t counted. Census process out to October, but you don’t have to wait until someone comes to we encouraged students to record a short your door. homemade video because we missed being For example, Koochiching County reported able to go to their classrooms to teach that 2,100 residents went uncounted in them how to stay safe around electricity. the last census, which reduced the federal We wanted to turn the tables and make funds to the county by $60,000,000 · Similar to North Star’s mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to the students the presenters. We’d like to over the decade! That is more than just significant (373-12-006-05, Brian Fox). our member-consumers, our communities thank everyone who submitted a video, are strongest when we all stick together for In addition, the census results are also and we’d like to announce that the winner the common good. is Matthew Nordine from Roosevelt! used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives, determining how many He will have fun spending the $50 prize Sticking together he earned as the “Star” of the show, seats each state gets. State officials use the but more importantly, we hope his little data to redraw legislative districts, and our If you are not old enough to remember movie will actually prevent some electrical rural area needs as much representation how thick the Sears catalog was, visualize accidents. Check out his interesting two- as we can get. So much is at stake. a ream of paper. Then think about trying minute presentation at www.nse.coop. It to tear the intact ream in half. On your The COVID-19 situation has extended the is filled with very useful information. Also, own, that would be pretty impossible, census process out to October, but you please take a few minutes to review the but if you had 500 sheets to rip don’t have to wait until someone comes safety info on page 5 of this issue of the individually, you could easily destroy it. to your door. Fill out your survey form or Enlightener. Our communities need to act like a Sears do it online, and cross this important item catalog – bound by common goals. Similar Help with your electric bill off your “to-do” list. to North Star’s mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to our As we ease into a reopened economy, we The new normal? know many of you have been hit pretty member-consumers, our communities hard financially by COVID-19 restrictions. We anticipate our lobbies will be opening are strongest when we all stick together Many of you have never needed financial soon to the public, and our remote for the common good. Be part of the help before, but maybe today you do. We workers are beginning to return to on- solution. Share your perspectives. Listen encourage you to contact Sue in our office site work. My hope is that as everyone to others. Come to agreements. Support at 218-278-6658 to make arrangements cautiously returns to normal; we have all those goals. Be a part of the “Sears and discuss the availability of expanded, become better aware of the importance of catalog.” basic things like effective hand-washing, and easier-to-qualify-for, fuel assistance. And fill out your census form! Don’t wait too long, because the expanded staying home when we or our kids are sick fuel assistance ends July 1. and covering our coughs. Be well! At your service we remain … Ann

2 NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JUNE 2020 item that you would like to have placed HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BOARDROOM item that you would like to have placed HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BOARDROOM on the agenda, please contact Manager HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BOARDROOM on the agenda, please contact Manager the financial report, the new RUS Ann Ellis at least two weeks in advance to the financial report, the new RUS Ann Ellis at least two weeks in advance to (Rural Utilities Service) loan sta- be included on the agenda. (Rural Utilities Service) loan sta- be included on the agenda. tus, annual preventative mainte- tus, annual preventative mainte- nanceENERGY and inspection of electrical nance and inspection of electrical andEFFICIENCY HVAC systems in Baudette PARENTS OF HIGH and HVAC systems in Baudette PARENTS OF HIGH andTIP OFLittlefork, THE MONTH corrected non- and Littlefork, corrected non- SCHOOL SENIORS shedding off-peak loads, the an- SCHOOL SENIORS sheddingHome cooling makesoff-peak up a large loads, portion ofthe an- nualyour energymeeting, bills (429-45-088-01, red and Daniel yellow nualSursely). meeting, Try to keep the differencered betweenand yellow OneThese ofare the the highlightsboard’s from fiduciary the March duties testing, is to annualreview DOT the inspections, cooperative outages,’s zonethe temperature load control, of your newthermostat off-peak If you are a current member and a parent zonesetting loadand the control,outside temperature new tooff-peak a If you are a current member and a parent financials.One4, 2020, of theboard Inboard additionmeeting.’s fiduciary Allto boardthe duties annualbids is tofor report reviewconstruction from the work cooperativethe plan auditors projects,’s systems, rebates, water heater or guardian of a high school senior, financials.members were In in attendance.addition Into addition the annualinsurance, report legislative from issues, the auditorsthe MREA systems,minimum. The rebates, smaller the difference, water the heater or guardian of a high school senior, andto routine the monthlyactions, the financial board voted reports to annualfrom meeting,management, employee thebenefits board and sales,more energy new you willservices, save. upgrades, remember that along with encouraging andapprove the out-of-state monthly travel financial for operations reports expenses,from management, broadband, strategic the planningboard sales,Source: energy.govnew services, upgrades, remember that along with encouraging invites one of its lenders, NRUCFC (National Rural Utilities pole changeouts, AMI (Advanced your student to enjoy their last moments Cooperativeinvitesmanager Martyone Mollberg. Financeof its lenders, Corporation), NRUCFCand to comparethe (National Baudette North lineworkerRural Star Utilities Electricprogram pole changeouts, AMI (Advanced your student to enjoy their last moments Cooperative Finance Corporation),through to compare M-State. North Star Electric Metering Infrastructure) instal- of high school, also encourage them to CooperativeStaff reports included’s financial the safety ratios report, with our peers. Shown here with the Metering Infrastructure) instal- of high school, also encourage them to boardCooperativethe financial is NRUCFC ’sreport, financial’s Alisonthe ratiosworkers’ Deelstra, with Detailedour who peers. also minutes Shownadded are ahereavailable segment with at the theto lations, pole testing around the participate in our Cooperative Knowledge boardcompensation is NRUCFC audit, ’CoBank’ss Alison Sharing Deelstra, cooperative who also for added member a review.segment Regular to lations, pole testing around the participate in our Cooperative Knowledge shareSuccess theprogram, top strategic the 2019 goals capital of ruralboard electric meetings cooperatives are generally heldacross the Warroad substation, testing all Scholarship competition this spring. This thesharecredit nation, allocation,the top as strategicwellload ascontrol, challenges goals ripple of rural andfirst electrictrendsWednesday in cooperatives ratemaking. of every month. across If Warroad substation, testing all Scholarship competition this spring. This receiver testing, the completion of the you wish to speak with the board or breakers on lines fed from the scholarship competition is funded with the nation, as well as challenges and trends in ratemaking. breakers on lines fed from the scholarship competition is funded with fire alarm system in Baudette, off-peak have an item that you would like to Littlefork substation, outages and unclaimed capital credits and is a great Theseinstallations, are red andthe yellow highlights zone control, fromhave theplaced Nov. on the 6, agenda, please Littlefork substation, outages and unclaimed capital credits and is a great Theserebates, upgrades, are the AMI installations,highlights pole fromcontact the Manager Nov. Ann 6, Ellis at leastthe two future North of Star the offices local will be M-Stateclosed Friday, JulyLinework - way for North Star 2019,changeouts, board line relocates, meeting. meter testing, All boardweeks in members advance to be includedthe on thefuture 3, in of observance the local of Independence M-State Day. Linework In - way for North Star 2019,right-of-way board clearing, meeting. rubber goods All boardagenda. members ers’ Trainingcase of Program. an outage, call 1-888-668-8243. to support the were in attendance. In addition to routine ers’ Training Program. to support the were in attendance. In addition to routine youth throughout actions, the board voted to accept the Auditor Craig Haukom from the firm youth throughout actions, the boardDIRECTORS voted to accept the Auditor Craig Haukom from the firm our service area. audit report, to approve a rural economic CliftonLarsonAllen LLP was a visiting our service area. audit report, to approve a rural economic CliftonLarsonAllen LLP was a visiting North Star will development loan from North Star’s Directors North Star will Secretary- Shelleyguest Spears at the meeting. He joined auditor developmentPresident Viceloan President from North Star’s General Manager Editor award one $1,000 Treasurer Randyguest Bergan at the meeting. He joined auditor RevolvingSteve Arnesen LoanMichael Fund Hanson to Jake’s Sawmill Craig Popenhagen,Ann Ellis whoKevin was Holen available award one $1,000 Revolving Loan Fund to Jake’sLorraine NygaardSawmill Tom CraigSmith Popenhagen, who was available scholarship and Products, to approve the review and Bruce Sampsonby teleconference, to present the audit scholarship and Products, to approve the review and by teleconference, to present the audit four $400 scholarships to the students updates to several policies, to approve report for the year ending July 31, 2019. four $400 scholarships to the students updates to several policies, to approve report for the year ending July 31, 2019. who score highest on the test. Students delegates and committee appointments who score highest on the test. Students delegates and committee appointments scoring 60% or better on the test will be for 2020 and to approve Manager Ellis’s Detailed minutes are available at the scoring 60% or better on the test will be forDIGGING 2020 and toSOON? approve Manager Ellis’s DetailedLOOKING minutes areFOR available at the entered into a drawing for eight $100 out-of-state travel to Washington, D.C., in cooperativeSOMETHING? for member review. Regular entered into a drawing for eight $100 out-of-stateOne free, easy call gets travel your utility to lines Washington, marked D.C., in cooperative for member review. Regular cash prizes. Last year only 23 students January.and helps protect you from injury and expense. board meetingsPast issues of the are Enlightener generally are held the Safe digging is no accident. board meetingson our website atare generally held the cash prizes. Last year only 23 students January. first Wednesday of every month. If you competed. The odds are good. ALWAYS CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. first Wednesdaywww.northstarelectric.coop of every month. If you competed. The odds are good. StaffVISIT WWW.CALL811.COM reports included FOR MORE INFORMATION.the safety report, wish to speak with the board or have an Staff reports included the safety report, wish to speak with the board or have an

NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JUNE 2020 3 DIRECTORS Directors Secretary- ShelleyDirectors Spears President Vice President Secretary- Shelley Spears General Manager Editor President Vice President Treasurer Randy Bergan General Manager Editor Steve Arnesen Michael Hanson Treasurer Randy Bergan Ann Ellis Kevin Holen Steve Arnesen Michael Hanson Lorraine Nygaard Tom Smith Ann Ellis Kevin Holen Lorraine Nygaard Tom Smith Bruce Sampson Bruce Sampson

DIGGING SOON? LOOKING FOR DIGGING SOON? SOMETHING? One free, easy call gets your utility lines marked SOMETHING? andOne helpsfree, easyprotect call you gets from your injury utility and lines expense. marked Past issues of the Enlightener are Safeand helpsdigging protect is no accident.you from injury and expense. onPast our issues website of the at Enlightener are Safe digging is no accident. on our website at www.northstarelectric.coop ALWAYS CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. www.northstarelectric.coop VISITALWAYS WWW.CALL811.COM CALL BEFORE YOU FORDIG. MORE INFORMATION. VISIT WWW.CALL811.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JANUARY 2020 3 NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JANUARY 2020 3 STAFF REPORT – BUDGET BILLING / COVID-19

Budget billing whose addresses have changed. If you know anyone on this list, please have that person or their authorized representative If the seasonal swings on your electric contact our office for further instructions on how the unclaimed bill are hard on your budget, please money may be claimed. This fall, the capital credits that remain contact us to discuss budget billing. Our unclaimed will be donated to local charitable organizations. budget billing cycle starts ever year in July. The bills sent out for the months Please remember, if you ever move off the North Star system, of July through May are all at a set flat it is very important to ensure your mailing address remains amount, and the June bill (received in updated in our system so your capital credit payments continue early July) reconciles the estimated to reach you! budget payments with the actual bill Robyn Sonstegard amounts (675-06-003-03, Greg Solo). COVID-19 Manager of Finance & This works very well with ACH, the Safety is part of the culture here at our co-op. We know you automatic payment of your electric Administration depend on safe, reliable electric service, and we will continue bill from your bank account. Contact to do our best to serve you. Currently, our offices are still closed Patsy at 218-634-2202, or [email protected], for to the public. We will continue to evaluate the pandemic status additional information on budget billing. to determine when to reopen. We are using best practices, good judgment and safety precautions to continue to serve you during Unclaimed capital credits this time. Please stay safe and know that North Star will continue In last month’s Enlightener, we printed the “we are looking for to operate and provide the highest-quality service possible for you” list of former members with unclaimed capital credits. This our members. The spread of COVID-19 has necessitated that we published list is our last effort at finding these former members work differently, but it does not change what we do.

Make handwashing a healthy habit

4 NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JUNE 2020 check for overhead power lines before HAVE A FUN AND SAFE SUMMER placing them upright. Any downed line is potentially energized and deadly. Know what to do in an auto accident that involves downed power lines. Learn what you need to keep yourself and loved ones safe by visiting SafeElectricity. org. Packed with videos, games, articles and more, SafeElectricity.org is a virtual library for children and adults, farmers, contractors, businesspeople, homeowners, teachers – just about anyone who has questions or needs to know about electrical safety. Learning and understanding electrical safety steps and situations is a valuable investment of time for all of us. Electricity is an important asset to our Warmer weather sprouts thoughts of at the closest home, and learned that modern life, but we must respect that happy outdoor scenes – children running when thunder roars, you must go indoors. power or the results can be tragic. More and playing, people enjoying pools and than a thousand people die and thousands lakes, folks digging into gardening and Working for an electric utility got me more are injured in electrical incidents other projects. Most are not thinking thinking about electrical safety several years ago. Before then – like most people and fires each year. We can change that about potential safety hazards that could reality. Have a great, safe summer! affect the summer fun. We want you – I turned on lights, plugged things in to keep them in mind to ensure a safe and never thought about electricity summer of making great memories. unless the power went out. That changed when I learned about the multitude of CURRENT ELECTRICAL We don’t want anyone to learn about heartbreaking, life-changing incidents – electrical safety the hard way, through a most avoidable. INSPECTORS personal experience that ends with life- changing injuries or death. We are passionate about sharing electrical safety information and preventing State law requires that every new electrical installation in any construction, remodeling, The MacKenzie family didn’t dream tragedies, and are proud to be part of replacement or repair shall file a certificate for their 12-year-old daughter would die Safe Electricity, the national educational inspection and be inspected by a Minnesota from an electrical shock when she went program that works to prevent electrical electrical inspector. For more information, go to swimming with friends. Their tragedy tragedies and deaths. I am grateful for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industries taught them the importance of ground the many utilities, like North Star Electric website (dli.mn.gov) and go to the electrical page. fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection Cooperative, which are partners in that LAKE OF THE WOODS, ST. LOUIS around pools and other water sources. mission. and KOOCHICHING COUNTIES The Studer boys didn’t expect an electrical We know that when we arm people with Curt Collier flash when they opened an unlocked knowledge, they will make the right move [email protected] electrical box in their new backyard. They to stay safe. 218.966.5070 were lucky the burns left no permanent Call to set up an appointment scars. They and their parents want Make sure you understand the dangers of 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Monday - Friday everyone to understand pad-mounted swimming in a marina or near docks with equipment. electrical service. Check for power lines before fishing, and cast away from them. ROSEAU COUNTY Steve Wald and his kids felt sure they Help children to recognize electrical Ronald Ditsch would make it home on their bikes before equipment and stay away. Tell them 218.779.6758 the storm hit. Instead, the wind brought never to climb trees that are close to Call to set up an appointment a live power line to the ground in front of power lines. Look up when working with 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., Monday - Friday them. They turned back, sought shelter tall tools. Carry ladders horizontally and

“We know that when we arm people with knowledge, they will make the right move to stay safe.”

NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JUNE 2020 5 Get more out of a modern cooling system. PROBLEMSPROBLEMS Get year-round comfort. PAYINGPAYING Get top-notch efficiency. YOURYOUR GET AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMPED. ELECTRICELECTRIC

BILL?BILL? Up to $500/ton ENERGYENERGY in rebates! ASSISTANCEASSISTANCE MAYMAY BEBE Air Conditioner Air-Source Heat Pump AVAILABLE!AVAILABLE! Cooling during warm summer IfIf you you recently are lostreceiving your joba orlow had CAN I USE IT Heating and cooling through days YEAR-ROUND? every season yourincome hours or cut, are the suffering following from agencies a  maytemporary be able tofinancial help you shortfall, with your electricthe following bill. You agencies may have may neverbe Absorbs inside heat and expels Works like an air conditioner it from your home, then creates in the summer, but offers the neededable to help assist before, you but withmaybe your today chilled air to push back into your IS IT versatility of the reverse process youelectric do. We bill. encourage We urge you toyou contact to home VERSATILE? to heat your home in the winter themcontact before them the Julyimmediately 2020 deadline to or whenavoid the disconnection additional federal if you assistance feel Wall units lack efficiency, as they Super energy efficient, as runsyou out, are whichevereligible for comes aid. first. only provide spot cooling and air the unit moves both cooled can leak through window seals. IS IT EFFICIENT? and heated air throughout the Central air units are comparable home LAKE OF THE WOODS COUNTY to ASHPs in summer SOCIAL SERVICES 206 8th Ave SE, Suite 200 • Smaller upfront cost, but does • Large rebates available for Baudette, MN 56623-2895 not offer heating CAN I SAVE unit installation 634-2642 • No installation rebates offered MONEY? • Sustained savings through  energy efficiency NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL PO Box 67 Bonus Winter Benefit: Badger, MN 56714-0067 Electric ASHP heating is much more efficient and cost-effective than fuel heat 800-568-5329 technology, delivering up to three times more energy than the electricity it uses. KOOCHICHING COUNTY PUMP UP YOUR SAVINGS WITH AN AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP! COMMUNITY SERVICES 1000 5th St Contact our Energy Experts at 218-634-2202 for more information. InternationalInternational Falls,Falls, MNMN 56649-224356649-2243 283-7000 KOOTASCA COMMUNITY ACTION, INC. WILL YOUR AC UNIT MAKE IT Grand Rapids, MN 55744-3984 Toll free 877-687-1163 THROUGH THE SUMMER? Direct 218-999-0800 Fax 218-999-0220 Don’t sweat it – North Star Electric has you covered. With rebates up to $500/ ARROWHEAD ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AGENCY ton, the time to purchase an air-source heat pump is NOW! 703 3rd Ave S Virginia, MN 55792 For environmentally friendly heating and 800-662-5711 cooling, an air-source heat pump is the natural choice. Quiet and efficient, heat pumps use the heat found naturally in the air.

6 NORTH6 NORTH STAR STARENLIGHTENER ENLIGHTENER | JUNE| JULY 20202019 NORTH STAR ELECTRIC WHERE YOUR POWER POLITICAL LEADERS COMES FROM: Congressman Collin Peterson Senator Mark Johnson FEDERAL LEGISLATORS CAPACITY ENERGY 2204 Rayburn House Office 2105 Bldg. President Donald Trump Building 95 University Avenue W. 34% wind 19% wind The White House Washington, D.C. 20515 St. Paul, MN 55155 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW 8% hydro 11% hydro www.collinpeterson.house.gov 651-296-5782 Washington, D.C. 20500 55% lignite coal 67% lignite coal 202-225-2165 [email protected] www.whitehouse.gov Fax: 202-225-1593 3% other 3% other [email protected] Representative Matt Grossell 202-456-1111 STATE OF MINNESOTA 429 State Office Building Senator Tina Smith LEGISLATORS 100 Rev. Dr. Martin 309 Hart Senate Office Building Governor Tim Walz Luther King Jr. Blvd. Washington, D.C. 20510 Capitol Building, Room 130 St. Paul, MN 55155 www.smith.senate.gov 75 Rev. Dr. Martin 651-296-4265 202-224-5641 Luther King Jr. Blvd. [email protected] Fax: 202-224-0044 St. Paul, MN 55155 800-657-3717 Representative Senator Amy Klobuchar [email protected] 359 State Office Building 302 Hart Senate Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Washington, D.C. 20510 Senator Tom Bakk Luther King Jr. Blvd. www.klobuchar.senate.gov 2221 Minnesota Senate Bldg. St. Paul, MN 55155 202-224-3244 95 University Avenue W. 651-296-9635, 888-727-0979 1-888-224-9043 (Minnesota St. Paul, MN 55155 [email protected] office) 651-296-8881 Fax: 202-228-2186 www.senate.mn/members Representative Congressman Pete Stauber Senator Paul Utke 311 State Office Building 2366 Rayburn House 3403 Minnesota Senate Bldg. 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Office Building 95 University Avenue W. Luther King Jr. Blvd. Washington, D.C. 20515 St. Paul, MN 55155 St. Paul, MN 55155 www.stauber.house.gov 651-296-9651 651-296-2190 202-225-6211 [email protected] [email protected]

HOME COOKING

RHUBARB / STRAWBERRY CRUMB PIE This dazzling dessert recipe is just heavenly. The sharp rhubarb balances out the sweet strawberries perfectly and the crunchy crumb topping is the grand finale.

Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Servings 30 mins 45 mins 1 hour 15 mins 8 servings

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup brown sugar strawberries (cut in half). Pour mixture into the unbaked pie shell. • 1 egg • 1/2 cup oatmeal • 3 Tbsp. flour • 1/4 cup butter 5. For topping, combine flour, sugar, oatmeal and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this over the fruit. • 3 cups rhubarb INSTRUCTIONS 6. Bake at 400o for 10 minutes, then lower temperature to 350o and • Unbaked, 9-inch pie shell 1. Preheat oven to 400o. • 3/4 cup sugar bake for 35 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown. Cool 2. In a large bowl, beat the • 1 tsp. vanilla completely. egg and then mix in sugar, From the kitchen of Judy Griffen • 2 cups strawberries flour and vanilla. Topping: 3. Gently fold in rhubarb (cut Receive a $20 energy credit if you submit a recipe and it is • 1/2 cup flour into 1/2-inch pieces) and chosen to run in a future issue of the Enlightener newsletter.

NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JUNE 2020 7

NOMINATION PROCESS FOR DIRECTOR ELECTION

The North Star Electric Cooperative annual meeting of the members is parent, grandparent, brother or sister; scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, at Lake of the Woods School. The Board of Directors (f) be only one, and not more than one, member of a joint membership; positions up for election for a four-year term are District 1 (currently held by provided, however, that none shall be eligible to become or remain a director Steve Arnesen) and District 4 (currently held by Mike Hanson). or to hold a position of trust in the Cooperative unless all shall meetthe Your district number is printed on your electric bill. If you live in this district qualifications hereinabove set forth; and are interested in a position on the Board of Directors, you may pick up a (g) if a representative or agent of a member is not a natural person, i.e. petition form at our North Star Electric Cooperative office in either Littlefork or a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or similar, then the Baudette. representative or agent designated as a nominee for director shall bean Please be advised that each membership of the North Star Electric individual residing within the external boundaries of the district from which the Cooperative is allowed one signature, and in the case of joint membership, only member is nominated; one signature is allowed. (A husband and wife are not joint members unless (h) agree to regularly attend all board, annual and special members’ meet- they have completed a joint membership application.) ings, and in no case have more than four (4) unexcused absences within a SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS. twelve (12)-month period of time; and All persons eligible to become or remain a director of the Cooperative shall: (i) not have been convicted of a felony. (a) be a member in good standing of the Cooperative receiving electric (j) Exceptions. In regard to the restrictive provisions of this section that service at the member’s primary residence in the district from which the are based upon close relative relationships, no incumbent director shall lose director is to be elected prior to being nominated for director; eligibility to remain a director or to be re-elected a director if, during a director’s For purposes of these bylaws, “primary residence” shall mean the residence incumbency, a director becomes a first kindred relative of another incumbent that is the chief or main residence of the person and where the person actually director or of a Cooperative employee because of a marriage or an adoption to lives for the most substantial portion of the year. which the director was not a party. (b) have voting rights within the district from which the director is to be (k) Disqualification. After the Board of Directors determines that a nominee elected; for director lacks eligibility under the provisions of this section or as may (c) not be employed by, materially affiliated with or have a material financial be provided elsewhere in these bylaws, it shall be the duty of the board to interest in any director, individual or entity which either is: promptly make a disqualification. (1) directly or substantially competing with the Cooperative; or Nothing contained in this section shall affect in any manner whatsoever the (2) selling goods and services in substantial quantity to the Cooperative; or validity of any action taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors. (3) possessing a substantial conflict of interest with the Cooperative; SECTION 5. NOMINATIONS. For purposes of this section, the terms “material” or “substantially” shall The procedures and methods of nominating candidates for election as be interpreted as constituting a minimum of 5% of a member’s total hours of a director of the cooperative is by nomination by petition. Any twenty (20) employment sales or income on an annual basis. or more members of a district of the Cooperative may make nominations in (d) not be an employee or not have been an employee of the Cooperative writing over their signatures not less than sixty (60) days prior to the annual within the last three (3) years; meeting, and the Secretary of the Board of Directors shall post the petition at (e) not be a close relative of an employee, where as found in these bylaws the principal office of the Cooperative, Baudette, Minnesota; such listing of “close relative” means any individual who is, either by blood, law or marriage, nominations by petition may be mailed to each member through the medium including step, half, foster and adoptive is either a spouse, child, grandchild, of the cooperative newsletter.

‘LIKE’ US ON FACEBOOK OFFICE HOURS | 7:30 A.M. - 4 P.M. | MONDAY - FRIDAY TO STAY UP TO DATE Baudette 218-634-2202 or 888-634-2202 | Littlefork 218-278-6658 or 888-258-2008 Like your cooperative for outage For credit card payment 855-874-5354 | Online billing info available via SmartHub app updates during the summer Electrical after-hours emergencies 1-888-6OUTAGE (1-888-668-8243) season and other useful info. Email us at [email protected] | Visit our website at northstarelectric.coop /northstarelectric The Enlightener (USPS 024959), is published monthly by North Star Electric Cooperative, Inc., 441 St. Hwy 172 N.W., Baudette, MN 56623-0719. Subscription price $1/year. Periodicals postage paid at Baudette, MN 56623. POSTMASTER: Send address This institution is an equal opportunity corrections to The Enlightener, North Star Electric Cooperative, Inc., PO Box 719, Baudette, MN 56623-0719. provider and employer.