VOLUME 64 | NO. 7 | JULY 2019 BAUDETTE |

MEMBER GET AIR-SOURCE BUTTERFINGER- APPRECIATION DAYS HEAT PUMPED CHOCOLATE DESSERT PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 7

MEMBER APPRECIATION DAYS

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 – THE WORLD IS RUN BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP

One of North Star’s deadly detour when something grounded strategic goals these comes in contact with the power · There will be three names printed in this past few years is to line. We will never know if one of our issue with no intention of stopping this get more members demonstrations will save a life one day, popular monthly challenge. to “show up.” Our but it’s very rewarding when people ask Ann Ellis annual meeting is questions or comment that they learned General Manager every October, and something from it. with that goal in mind, we are pleased · One of North Star’s strategic goals these that our registered members count has Fair booths past few years is to get more members steadily increased each of the last two Member Services Manager Kevin Holen years – from 126 in 2016, to 177 in 2017 will have our air-source heat pump (ASHP) to “show up.” and to 226 last year. The annual meeting demo unit at both of the local fairs in mid- is the biggie for getting a great face-to- July. It will be operating, so you will have a chance to see it in action and visit with us about how one may be a good fit for you. · Our state representatives and senators Although we don’t sell or install ASHPs, are all great supporters of your rural we are your trusted source for answers to electric cooperative down in St. Paul. your energy-related questions.

Find your name hidden in the Enlightener Did you wonder where the names of face update on the electric utility you and the three winners were last month? your neighbors own, as well as electing In the hustle and bustle of launching your representative on the board. We also the Enlightener redesign, we missed encourage members to engage with us including them! So, we did a Facebook at events like the Member Appreciation challenge and the winners Days and the county and district fairs. We were Gretchen Thompson, are strong when we work together. Also, if there are elected officials in a Alona Canfield and Russell fair booth, you couldn’t ask for a better Strand. There will be three Member Appreciation Days chance to just visit with them. Our state names printed in this You could have heard a pin drop as representatives (, Rob Ecklund issue with no intention of stopping this lineman Glen Marcotte provided the and ) and senators (Tom popular monthly challenge to win a $20 tabletop safety demonstration, which Bakk, Paul Utke and Mark Johnson) are bill credit. Happy searching for your started off for the kids but attracted the all great supporters of your rural electric name (or a friend’s), and if you haven’t adults as well. Linemen Jesse Huot and cooperative down in St. Paul (Alisa “liked” us on Facebook, you may want Cody Stuhaug provided a life-size version, Jacobsen, 252-01-003-06). Not only do to! including baby-waking electrical arcs, as they have an open door for us when we At your service we remain, they demonstrated what happens when visit them at the Capitol, they also come the path of electricity takes a potentially here, hoping to hear what is on your mind. Ann

2 NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JULY 2019 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BOARDROOM See you at the

These are the highlights from the May 3, August 2018 storm damage restoration 2019, board meeting. All board members in Koochiching County, the preparation Fair! were in attendance. In addition to routine for a new loan application for our 2019- action, the board voted to approve 2022 Construction Work Plan, winter Northern District, Littlefork the inventory adjustment as a result load control, ripple receiver testing, of the annual reconciling of inventory, new off-peak installations and repairs, July 11-14! to accept the 2018 IRS Form 990 for rebates, scholarships, upcoming safety filing, to approve the submission of a demonstrations at local elementary Lake of the Woods, Baudette matching grant application to CoBank’s schools, line inspection, line department Sharing Success program, to approve training, new AMI (Advanced Metering July 17-20! the material proposal for a fire alarm Infrastructure) installations, pole system, to approve a board self- changeouts, CFC’s Integrity Fund and assessment form to be used at Strategic North Star’s participation at the Early Planning, to approve CliftonLarsonAllen’s Childhood Family Education (ECFE) proposal for a three-year agreement for carnival. financial statement audit and tax return Board reports included information preparation and to approve out-of-state from the Roseau Electric Cooperative travel for three employees for training annual meeting, as well as from the purposes. NRECA legislative conference held in Staff reports included the safety report, Washington, D.C. the financial report, the annual inventory Detailed minutes are available at the DIRECTOR reconciliation, review of the IRS Form cooperative for member review. Regular 990, DBS capital credits, the proposals board meetings are generally held the NOMINATION PROCESS submitted for financial statement audit first Wednesday of every month. If you Interested in being a board member? and tax return preparation services, wish to speak with the board or have an The seat up for election this fall is CoBank’s Sharing Success matching grant item that you would like to have placed District 7, which includes the areas near Ray and Kabetogama. The deadline for program, reimbursement from the state on the agenda, please contact Manager a nomination petition is Aug. 2. Call us of Minnesota’s Homeland Security and Ann Ellis at least two weeks in advance for details. Emergency Management (HSEM) for the to be included on the agenda.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Directors Secretary- Shelley Spears President Vice President General Manager Editor Treasurer Randy Bergan Steve Arnesen Michael Hanson Ann Ellis Kevin Holen Lorraine Nygaard Tom Smith Bruce Sampson

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

NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JULY 2019 3 STAFF REPORT – SO MUCH FOR SPRING, SUMMER

So much for spring – and maybe even new AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) deployment. At summer! the time of this article, we are around 30% completed.

All in favor of some warmer weather The biggest obstacle we are finding is the ability to access say “Aye!” Old Man Winter obviously the off-peak meters. So, if you are in the Warroad to Williams has not wanted to loosen his grip and areas or an area around the city of Littlefork, call and allow spring, and it’s about time he schedule a time that we may does. I, for one, am tired of still hearing come and change out your my furnace turn on in mid-June. off-peak meter. This allows us to begin retiring the old AMI The delayed lifting of road restrictions equipment. Marty Mollberg slowed some farmers’ planting, and it Manager of Operations also created a slow start for crews with If you have plans for a new new service and service upgrades. service, need to upgrade your But with a break here and there, crews have built several new existing service or have plans services with more in the works. to install any new buildings on your property, be sure to give West-end crews have been working in the Wheeler’s Point area us a call ahead of time to ensure you are not building on top (Gerald Gubbels, 252-13-037-01). They are converting some of our underground cable or creating a code violation that overhead line to underground to accommodate the widening of could result in additional costs to correct. Bur Oak Road (between Sportsman’s Lodge and Border Bait) for the Wheeler’s Point Sewer Project. Until next time, stay safe!

As mentioned in a previous article, we don’t plan to do any “The biggest obstacle we are finding is work plan projects this year, allowing us to focus on the the ability to access the off-peak meters.”

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH

Routinely replace or clean your ENERGY SAVING COMPARISON air conditioner’s filter. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter can reduce INCANDESCENT | 100 watt LED | 15 watt your air conditioner’s energy 31 days/month 31 days/month consumption by 5% to 15%. Equals 24,800 watts [24.8 kWh] Equals 3,720 watts [3.7 kWh] Source: energy.gov At 12.2 cents/kWh + 6.875% sales tax At 12.2 cents/kWh + 6.875% sales tax Equals $3.23/month Equals $0.48/month

Savings per bulb per month with LED = $2.75 | Cost of LED bulb after rebate = $4 4 NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JULY 2019 NORTH STAR ELECTRIC MEMBER APPRECIATION DAYS

We were pleased with the turnout at our 17th annual Member Appreciation Days. In Littlefork we had 107 members register and 22 kids, and in Baudette we had 158 members register and 18 kids. Adult drawing winners for a Dewalt wet/dry vacuum were Nadine Breeton from Littlefork and Marilyn Larson from Baudette. The kids drawing winners for a new bike were Miley Davis from Littlefork and Skyler Holter from Baudette.

CURRENT ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS

State law requires that every new electrical installation in any construction, remodeling, replacement or repair shall file a certificate for inspection and be inspected by a Minnesota electrical inspector. For more information, go to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industries website (dli.mn.gov) and go to the electrical page. LAKE OF THE WOODS, ROSEAU COUNTY ST. LOUIS and KOOCHICHING Ronald Ditsch COUNTIES 218.779.6758 Curt Collier Call to set up an appointment [email protected] 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. 218.966.5070 Monday - Friday Call to set up an appointment “We encourage members to engage with us at 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. events like the Member Appreciation Days.” Monday - Friday

NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JULY 2019 5 Get more out of a modern cooling system. PROBLEMS Get year-round comfort. PAYING Get top-notch efficiency. YOUR GET AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMPED. ELECTRIC

BILL? Up to $500/ton ENERGY in rebates! ASSISTANCE MAY BE Air Conditioner Air-Source Heat Pump AVAILABLE! Cooling during warm summer If you are receiving a low CAN I USE IT Heating and cooling through days YEAR-ROUND? every season income or are suffering from a  temporary financial shortfall, the following agencies may be Absorbs inside heat and expels Works like an air conditioner it from your home, then creates in the summer, but offers the able to assist you with your chilled air to push back into your IS IT versatility of the reverse process electric bill. We urge you to home VERSATILE? to heat your home in the winter contact them immediately to avoid disconnection if you feel Wall units lack efficiency, as they Super energy efficient, as you are eligible for aid. 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. International Falls, MN 56649-2243 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 NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JULY 2019 NORTH STAR ELECTRIC WHERE YOUR POWER POLITICAL LEADERS COMES FROM: FEDERAL LEGISLATORS Congressman Collin Peterson Senator Mark Johnson • 34% wind 2204 Rayburn House Office 2105 Bldg. President Donald Trump Building 95 University Avenue W. • 8% hydro The White House Washington, D.C. 20515 St. Paul, MN 55155 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW www.collinpeterson.house.gov • 55% ND lignite coal Washington, D.C. 20500 651-296-5782 202-225-2165 [email protected] • 3% other www.whitehouse.gov Fax: 202-225-1593 [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 Representative Dan Fabian Senator Amy Klobuchar 800-657-3717 [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 Rob Ecklund 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-COOKED MEALS

Bonus Winter Benefit: Electric ASHP heating is much more efficient and cost-effective than fuel heat BUTTERFINGER-CHOCOLATE DESSERT technology, delivering up to three times more energy than the electricity it uses. With so many delicious, creamy layers and the buttery crunch of PUMP UP YOUR SAVINGS WITH AN AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMP! Butterfinger candy, this dessert is pure heaven!

Contact our Energy Experts at 218-634-2202 for more information. Prep Time Total Time Servings 20 mins 20 mins Can make 18 bars

INGREDIENTS • 1 (5.9-ounce) box firmly all • 32 Oreo cookies instant chocolate along the bottom. Refrigerate. • 5 Tbsp. butter, melted pudding mix 2. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese. Gradually add confectioners’ • 1 (8-ounce) package • 2 cups milk sugar. Beat in peanut butter. Fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip. Crush 6 mini cream cheese, softened Butterfingers and fold them into peanut butter mixture. • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar INSTRUCTIONS 3. Spread peanut butter mixture evenly over Oreo crust. • 3/4 cup creamy peanut 1. In a medium bowl, stir butter together crushed Oreo 4. In a medium bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk together. Let sit to • 1 bag mini Butterfingers cookies and melted thicken for a minute or two and then pour over peanut butter layer. • 1 (16-ounce) container butter. Transfer to a 9x13- 5. Spread remaining Cool Whip on top. Crush remaining Butterfingers and Cool Whip, divided inch baking dish and press sprinkle on top. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Chef: Sue Williams, North Star Electric Co-op supervisor, district office services

NORTH STAR ENLIGHTENER | JULY 2019 7

SUMMER ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS When the weather gets hot, we head outdoors for sun and serious long-term effects, according to the National Weather fun. Keep in mind some tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation Service. Because lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles, International to make sure everyone has a safe summer. blue skies are not a sign of safety. If you hear thunder, take cover. Water and electricity don’t mix • If weather conditions indicate a storm, stay inside – away from doors and windows – or seek shelter in a low-lying area away Summer is the season for swimming, and awareness of electrical from trees and any metal, including sheds, clotheslines, poles and hazards around water can prevent deaths and injuries. Water and fences. If you’re near water, stay as far away as possible. electricity don’t mix. • If you’re in a group, spread out – don’t stand close together. • Use covers on outdoor power outlets, especially near swimming • Indoors, unplug electronics before the storm arrives and don’t pools. Keep cords and electrical devices away from the water, and use corded phones. never handle electrical items before you’ve dried off. • Avoid plumbing – sinks, bathtubs and faucets. • Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent • Don’t forget about your pets. Doghouses are not safe from electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. These devices lightning, and chained animals are easy targets. interrupt the flow of power when they sense a surge (Timothy Fulton, 783-29-049-03). Portable GFCIs require no tools to install • If your home is flooded during a storm, don’t turn on appliances and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30. or electronics until given the OK by an electrician. If there’s laying water, don’t go inside. The water could be energized. Lightning and storms Find more safety tips at esfi.org. Lightning strikes are fatal in 10% of victims and 70% suffer Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International

‘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 summer storms Electrical after-hours emergencies 1-888-6OUTAGE (1-888-668-8243) and other useful info. E-mail 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. This institution is an equal opportunity Subscription price $1/year. Periodicals postage paid at Baudette, MN 56623. POSTMASTER: Send address corrections to The Enlightener, North Star Electric Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 719, Baudette, MN 56623-0719. provider and employer.