Public Power District

Hay Springs, NE 69347 May 2019 Winter Storm Ulmer Wreaks Causing Outages Winter Storm Ulmer wreaked havoc all across Nebraska and into neighbor states. The storm that began early Wednesday, March 13 pretty much brought everything to a halt for a few days, with the exception of our area farmers and ranchers who braved the ele- ments to tend to cattle and other livestock. Some of the other first people to begin the cleanup along side the road crews were Northwest Rural linemen who had a few challenges to get through in order to restore power to 96 consumers. “We had 96 accounts out of power most of them were in Dawes County and had only 23 accounts in Sheridan County,” explained Ron Olson, NRPPD Operations Manager. The linemen used snowmobiles in many instances to reach the outages since the roads were still blocked with massive snow drifts. “Northwest has employees that own snowmobiles that we rent from them on major storms like this when we can’t get around with our four wheelers and our track vehicles,” explained Olson. “Highways were all closed Thursday and cleared enough by Friday to drive to the county roads then we A tracker was used to get to an outage on Justin would use snowmobiles and our track vehicles to get Raymer’s place seven miles south and one mile east of Hay around.” Springs. Below, a downed pole in the Belmont area, which was the worst area effected by outages. “West Belmont was the worst area to get around and had the most damage. But we got lucky we didn’t Northwest Rural have the damage to our system with how much snow had everyone on call and wind we got,” said Olson. for this storm and used all their lineman to restore outages. “We just couldn’t get around and had to dig our own employees out so they could make it to our office. Then our employees had to move snow to get our equipment out at our office,” said Olson. “Northwest Rural Public Power District got lucky the condi- tions before the snow temperatures were Above, NRPPD Linemen Matt Anderson (left) warm enough that the and Abe Young load up to head to the next outage. (Cont. on Page 2) NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS Panhandle (Continued from Page 1) rain we got didn’t become ice on our lines, so most of thedamage was from the high winds,” said Olson “The farmers and the road departments had far more dam- age then we did.” In fact there were consider- able more damages during the Christmas storm of 2016 when there were 2038 outages, which ended up requiring 26,588 man hours, which averaged to about 11 hours per household. Northwest Rural does have a few poles to change out when Northwest Rural employees make their way through a blocked road after the snow melts and the flooding after the County got the road opened near Belmont. stops and the country roads dry up. Most of the damage to our area was the farmers dealing with calving and try- ing to keep cattle safe. Also the counties road From left, departments have a lot of work ahead of them with NRPPD the flooding on the roads. Linemen “We did have to move a pole south of Darren Hay Springs next to the river because the river Drabbels, has rose high enough to cut a new path close to Matt our pole that the dirt was gone,” added Olson. Anderson “Ulmer” was the most widespread natural dis- and Abe aster in the state’s history. The flooding and severe Young weather caused 81 of Nebraska’s 93 counties to make issue disaster declaration. In the Panhandle, the their way estimated loss of cattle is between 400-600. to an out- The state as a whole, preliminary estimates of age fol- damage to homes and business, as well as state lowing infrastructure, topped $1.3 million. Damage to Winter roads, bridges and other state infrastructure sys- Storm tems is estimated at $439 million. About 2,000 miles of state roads, roughly 20 percent of the Ulmer. entire state road system

Before Selling or Buying Farm, Ranch or Land, Call: WRECK-A-MENDED Phillip Rosfeld Broker BODY WORKS Free Estimates • Custom Painting (308) 282-2005 Steve & Valli Petersen 701 South Main • Gordon

2-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner May 2019 NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

Along The Garden Path -by Karen Runkle, Master Gardener I am not a scientist - I just want a garden The Seed is Where it All Begins-- I got it - Most seeds we buy at the garden center has all the We want to plant a garden so we buy seeds and put components and is viable. It is when we keep the seeds from them in the ground - Presto! It grows and we have pret- year to year that we start getting into trouble. It is important to ty flowers and lots of veggies from our garden. We real- keep your seed in a cool dry location. If you think your seed ly don't think of the seed could be questionable, put 2-3 seeds in a wet paper towel in a much more than that plastic container and see if it will sprout. The back of the seed but what is this little tiny packet should tell you how many days it takes to germinate. item that starts it all. Double the time. If they have not sprouted at that time, buy If we look up the def- new seed. inition of a seed it states A Few Interesting facts about seeds that "a seed if a small • The smallest seed is only 1/300th inch long. It is an orchid embryonic plant in a covering called the seed coat, usu- called Gomesa crispa ally with some stored food." This means that the seed is • The largest seed is a sea coconut weighing a whopping 33 composed of three main parts pounds and is approximately 15 inches long. 1. Embryo which is the immature plant • Some plants like ferns don't produce seeds. 2. A supply of nutrients for the seedling to get its start. • One dandelion flower will produce approximately 200 seeds. 3. It has a seed coat surround it which protects the Fortunately they are not easily germinated and not easy to food and the embryo until it is able to grow. grow. This is hard to believe when you see the dandelions in All three of these components must be present my yard but if you consider that every bloom of fluff has 200 before the seed will germinate and grow. seeds it is easier to comprehend. 1. The embryo must be alive, which is called 'seed via- bility.' Different conditions can affect 'seed viability'. Some seeds do not produce a functional and complete ULTIVATING embryo (hybrid seeds). Environmental conditions like flooding (sitting in water) or too much heat (fire or stored RELATIONSHIPS in a hot place) can damage or kill the embryo. The age of the seed can also affect the seed's health and germi- Homegrown is always better. nation ability. Homegrown banking means 2. Any dormancy requirements of the seed must be met. Dormancy requirements depend on the seed. local decision making and a Seeds such as walnut, peach, lettuce and some flowers better understanding of what have very hard coats which need to be scarified or dam- aged before they are able to absorb water and germi- customers need and expect nate. Other seeds such as cone flowers and many fruits from their banks. need to be stratified to break dormancy. Stratification is the moist chilling of the seed. Mother Nature does this naturally to our prairie flowers when we have cold wet Let’s grow together. snows and freezing temperatures. 3. The proper environmental conditions must be HECKING AVINGS ERSONAL USINESS OANS met for germination. Conditions include warmth, light, C • S • P & B L moisture and a proper soil. Of course these vary with CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT • MORTGAGES • INSURANCE each seed. That is why cactus is planted in a coarse, sandy mixture which is kept on the dry side and your tomatoes need to be planted down into damp, fertile, 231 N. Main warm soil. A little side note here: Many of your annual 638-4416 flowers need light to germinate....hence, don't cover the Hay Springs seed with soil. Petunias and moss rose fall into this cat- egory. I am not going to admit how long it took me to fig- Member FDIC ure this trick out.

May 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner 3-A NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS Osmose, the pole testers, are coming to the Rushville south area in the Attention near future and updates will posted on our Facebook page as to Irrigation their progress. Customers: NRPPD irrigation cus- tomers who are partici- pating in the traditional or Time of Day (ToD) load control programs Quality Custom Made Hats & Accessories can now check our GARY & JOAN WAUGH Load Control Status by G: 308-532-1700 or J: 308-534-4907 visiting our website at Gordon, Nebraska www.nrppd.com and “Satisfaction Guaranteed” clicking on the “Load Control Status” button. This is available on mobile devices and computers.

On Farm Tire Repair!

Page 4-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner May 2019 Science that Sparks: The NEED Conference

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, in Project, at [email protected] or Michelle Pastor, conjunction with The National Energy Education Tri-State, at [email protected]. Development (NEED) Project, offers a conference to provide www.tristate.coop/NEEDapplication educators with the most up-to-date 4th-12th 3 days most expenses paid information on all aspects of energy so they may implement TEACHERS LENGTH COST hands-on lessons in their classrooms. • June 18-20, 2019 at Tri-State headquarters in Westminster, TUESDAY, JUNE 18, DAY 1 Colorado 8:00 Registration and hot breakfast • Available to 4th -12th grade teachers who are electric co-op 8:30 Welcome, introductions, Energy Bingo members or teach electric co-op 9:30 Science of Energy members Learn about the different forms of energy and explore • Educators receive: inquiry activities designed to teach these concepts. - Hands-on Science of Energy kit for the classroom ($300 11:30 Story Behind the Switch value). Participate in this hair-raising electric safety program - Professional development credit. that can be facilitated in your very own classroom. - STEM curriculum regarding the science of energy, sources 12:15 Lunch at Tri-State of energy, electricity 1:00 Energy Roundup efficiency and more. The NEED Project has over 30 years of Explore properties and characteristics of the ten energy education and major sources of energy. curriculum development experience. 1:30 Energy Enigma - Assistance meeting math and language arts Common Core Apply what you’ve learned so far in this Standards. critical-thinking activity. - Most travel expenses are covered, including lodging, meals 2:30 Exploring coal and natural gas and transportation. Learn more about coal and natural gas using • Apply at www.tristate.coop/NEEDapplication NEED activities. For more information contact Wendi Moss, The NEED 4:00 NEED internet resources 4:30 Adjourn Check into hotel, dinner on your own. WED., JUNE 19, DAY 2 08:00 Field trip: Tour of J.M. Shafer Generating Station, Ft. Lupton, Colo. 11:00 Electric Connections Understanding the electricity generation in the United States. 11:20 Global Trading Game Consider energy, environment and economics inter-relationships between entities and countries. 12:30 Lunch at Tri-State 1:00 Baseload Balance Activity 1:45 Tour of Tri-State Operations and Energy Markets 3:45 Break 4:00 Exploring wind and solar Explore the generation of electricity using wind and solar power. 5:30 Dinner at Tri-State HQ THU., JUNE 20, DAY 3 8:00 Science of Electricity Model a Science of Electricity demonstration for your classroom. 9:15 Introduction to Energy Efficiency and Conservation Understand the simple, low-cost ways to reduce energy consumption and the science behind energy efficiency. 10:00 Energy House Learn about efficiency, conservation and economic returns by building and insulating a cardboard house. 12:00 Lunch and Networking with Tri-State Staff 1:30 Exploring the NEED website Curriculum available to teachers. 02:15 Energy Jeopardy 03:30 Adjourn May 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner 5-A Northwest Rural School Activity Calendar

Mon., May 6 School Physicals, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Gordon-Rushville Mustangs Honors Night at CHS Gym, 6 p.m. Thurs., May 2 Golf at Kimball, 9 a.m. Tues., May 7 Golf at Bayard, 9 a.m. Fri., May 3 Track (MS-HS) at Valentine, 9 a.m. Girls on the Run, Local 5K, 5:30 p.m. Sat., May 4 Prom Wed., May 8 District Track, tba Mon., May 6 HS Concert, 6 p.m. School Physicals, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Tues., May 7 Sports Awards, 6 p.m. Thurs., May 9 Golf Crawford Best Ball at Legend Buttes Wed., May 8 Academic/Fine Arts Awrds, 12:30 p.m. Golf Course, 9 a.m. Thurs., May 9 District Track at Bayard Elementary Spring Concert at Boys Golf at Crawford, 9 a.m. CHS Aud., 6 p.m. Sat., May 11 Graduation Sat., May 11 Graduation at CHS Gym, 2 p.m. May 13-14 Boys District Golf at Cambridge Tues., May 14 Athletic Banquet at Community Bldg., 6 p.m. Wed., May 15 Preschool Field Trip May 17-18 State Track at Omaha Thurs., May 16 RES Last Day of Pre-School Sat., May 18 Girls on the Run, PanCo, 9:30 a.m. MS Concert, 7 p.m. May 21-22 State Golf at North Platte May 17-18 State Track Tues., May 21 Last Day for Students Mon., May 20 Going Bananas Day (K-2) at Modisett Park (Rushville), 8 s.m. RES Preschool Field Day at Modisett Park, 1 p.m. GES Preschool Graduation, 6 p.m. HemingfordBobcats Thurs., May 2 Golf at Kimball Invite May 21-22 State Golf HS Spring Concert, 6 p.m. Tues., May 21 Track Day 3rd-5th at GRHS, 8 a.m. Fri., May 3 FFA Meeting RES Preschool Graduation at Track at Bayard B-C-D Invite GRMS Gym, 6:30 p.m. Sat., May 4 Track (JH) at Western Trails Conf. at Sidney Thurs., May 23 Last Day of School, noon dismissal Mon., May 6 FCCLA Awards Celebration, 6 p.m. Tues., May 7 Golf at Bayard Invite Elementary Spring Concert, 6 p.m. CrawfordRams Wed., May 8 Seniors Last Day Thurs., May 2 FFA Banquet, tba Walk/Bike to School Day Fri., May 3 Track at Bayard (B-C-D) at Bayard, 8:30 a.m. Thurs., May 9 Golf at Crawford Invite

• Feed • Grain DAVIS • Fertilizer • Chemical Repair & Animal Tractor & Farm Equipment Repair Health Care Specializing in John Deere Roller Chain • Baler Belting - Guards & Sickle Sections Hemingford • Hay Springs • Gordon Nathan Davis, Owner 308-487-3317 - www.farmcoop.com 212 N. Scott • Hay Springs • (308) 430-2615

JAMIE ROES 308-282-1088 JERRY PIERCE 220 N. Main • Gordon facebook.com/fuelgrill 920 E. Third - Chadron Open: Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Toll Free: 1-888-363-3636 • 432-3636 Fri-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Closed Sundays www.tommyscarlot.com Marlin Sandoz - Owner [email protected]

6-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner May 2019 NRPPD AREA SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Track at Districts, tba Sat., May 11 Graduation, 1 p.m., HS Gym Sat., May 11 Graduation, 2 p.m. Mon., May 13 Golf at North Platte Lake Maloney Course, tba May 13-14 Golf at Districts, tba May 17-18 State Track at Omaha Burke HS, tba Mon., May 13 School Board Meeting, 7 p.m. May 21-22 Boys State Golf at Columbus, tba Tues., May 14 Third Grade Field Trip to the State Patrol, 8:30 a.m. Thurs., May 16 Second Grade Field Trip to Hot Springs HaySpringsHawks Wed., May 1 Hawk Talk, 8 a.m., Senior Center Mammoth Site, 8:30 a.m. Nurse Physicals, $5, 8:30 a.m. Third-Sixth Grade Track Meet, 9 a.m. K-Second Grade Field Trip, 9 a.m. Thurs., May 2 Kindergarten-Pre-K Round Up May 17-18 State Track at Omaha $5 HS Physcials May 21-22 State Golf, tba Golf at Morrill, 9 a.m. Tues., May 22 End of Fourth Quarter, Last Day of School Fri., May 3 Track (JH) at Valentine, tba Track (V) B-C-D Meet at Bayard ChadronCardinals Tues., May 7 Golf at Chimney Rock in Bayard, 9 a.m. Wed., May 1 Scibbles Preschool Graduation & Reception, Music Concert (4th-8th), 7 p.m., 6 p.m., HS Aud. & Commons HS Auditorium Thurs., May 2 HS Physicals, CHS, 7 a.m. Wed., May 8 Track (C) at Mullen Invite, 9 a.m. Golf Invite at Gering Monument Shadows, 9 a.m. Thurs., May 9 ML $5 Physicals, Immunizations in Chadron Elementary (Second Grade) All School Academic Fair & ML-HS Awards/ Vocal Music Concert, 7 p.m., HS Aud. Excellent in Teaching Fri., May 3 Track (V) at Bayard, 8:30 a.m. Golf at Crawford Meet, tba Sat., May 4 Prom, CSC Student Center Sat., May 11 Graduation, 2 p.m. Track (MS) at Alliance, 9 a.m. Mon., May 13 District Golf, tba Sun., May 5 Baccalaureate, HS Aud., 7 p.m. Mother’s Day Lunch Mon., May 6 Honors Night, 7 p.m., HS Auditorium Tues., May 14 Kindergarten Graduation, 6:30 p.m. Tues., May 7 Band Concert, HS Auditorium May 17-18 State Track at Omaha Thurs., May 9 District Track at Ogallala, tba Tues., May 21 State Golf at North Platte, tba MS Physicals, 7 a.m. Preschool Ice Cream Social, 5-7 p.m. Golf at Ogallala Crandell Creek Course, 9 a.m. Wed., May 22 Elementary Awards, 2 p.m. Thurs., May 23 Last Day of School Rasmussen Grain Services Roger Rasmussen - Toby Rasmussen Owners & Operators Wahlstrom MOBILE GRAIN CLEANING Ford, Inc. “The Value Store’’ & TREATING E. Hwy. 20 (308) 430-1926 or (308) 207-5423 A.J. Huffman Chadron Waymann Wild (308)432-5533 Hay Springs Cesar Barraza

Your Local Ag Loan Specialist Part of Your Past, Part of Your Future. ~Independent and Strong~ FIRST NATIONAL BANK Member FDIC (308) 282-0050 • Gordon • 134 N. Main

May 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner 7-A NRPPD ENERGY SAVINGS Ten Energy Savings Tips Suggested For Spring With the beginning of spring and the end of a long, brutal 5. Install window treatments. Energy efficient window treat- winter for much of the United States. With the start of a new ments or coverings such as blinds, shades and films can season comes a fresh opportunity to find ways to save energy slash heat gain when temperatures rise. These devices not and money. only improve the look of your home but also reduce energy Here are just a few simple things you can do to improve costs. the energy efficiency and comfort of your home as warmer 6. Caulk air leaks. Using low-cost caulk to seal cracks and temperatures arrive: openings in your home keeps warm air out -- and cash in your wallet. 1. Service your air conditioner. Easy maintenance such as 7. Bring in sunlight. During daylight hours, switch off artifi- routinely replacing or cleaning air filters can lower your cial lights and use windows and skylights to brighten your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. home. Also, the first day of spring could serve as a reminder to 8. Set the thermostat. On warm days, setting a programmable check your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which should thermostat to a higher setting when you are not at home can be cleaned annually to ensure the system is performing at help reduce your energy costs by approximately 10 percent. optimal levels. 9. Seal ducts. Air loss through ducts can lead to high electrici- 2. Open windows. Opening windows creates a cross-wise ty costs, accounting for nearly 30 percent of a cooling sys- breeze, allowing you to naturally cool your home without tem’s energy consumption. Sealing and insulating ducts can switching on air conditioners. This is an ideal tactic in go a long way toward lowering your electricity bills. spring when temperatures are mild. 10. Switch on bathroom fans. Bathroom fans suck out heat 3. Use ceiling fans. Cooling your home with ceiling fans will and humidity from your home, improving comfort. allow you to raise your thermostat four degrees. This can help lower your electricity bills without sacrificing overall Check out our home cooling and landscaping info- comfort. graphics for more ways to cut energy costs this spring. And 4. Cook outside. On warmer spring days, keep the heat out visit Energy Saver for additional tips on improving your of your home by using an outdoor grill instead of indoor home’s energy efficiency. ovens.

Customized Unique Leather Christi’s Creative Purses, Many Featuring Scents Intricate Beadwork. 129 N. Main • Hay Springs 308-430-0123 Check us out on Facebook: wildlacebeadwork soyscentedcandles.com Website: cchilliker.scentsy.us www.wildlacebeadwork.com youravon.com/chilliker Landstrom’s • Gift Baskets Lacey Swayne - Gordon 308-207-5311 Christi Hilliker - Owner D&S BEGUIN PROPANE Auto Center Propane Delivery Tank Rentals & Sales Car Sales & Dreams Carports Ask About Our “KEEP FULL PROGRAM” Dennis & Sharon Persons Robbie Beguin, Owner 308-638-7453 (308) 360-3579 W. Hwy. 20 • Hay Springs, NE 69347 Hwy. 20 & 280th Lane - Gordon - [email protected]

8-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner May 2019 NRPPD ENTERTAINMENT

parchment paper. Recipe Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 C minutes. Drain on paper towels. Cook and stir onion in the O same skillet until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Heat olive oil in the skillet. Pour in R eggs and cook, stirring occasionally, until set, 3 to 5 minutes. N Place pita bread on lined baking sheet. Spread pesto over pita; top with bacon, scrambled eggs, tomato, mushrooms, E and spinach. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over toppings. R Bake in the preheated oven until cheese has melted, about 10 minutes. Serve garnished with avocado slices. Asparagus and Mozzarella Stuffed * * * * * Chicken Breasts Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie • 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves • 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust (see footnote for recipe link) • salt and black pepper to taste • 3 cups rhubarb, sliced 1/4-inch thick • 8 asparagus spears, trimmed - divided • 1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered • 3 large eggs • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided • 1 1/2 cups white sugar • 1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs • 3 tablespoons milk

Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8x8-inch bak- • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ing dish. • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Place each chicken breast between two sheets of heavy • 1 tablespoon butter, diced plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam surface. Firmly pound the chicken with the smooth side of a • 1/4 teaspoon water meat mallet to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Sprinkle Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place rolled-out pie crust each side with salt and pepper. in a 9-inch pie plate and set on a baking sheet lined with parch- Place 4 spears of asparagus down the center of a chicken ment paper or a silicone baking mat. breast, and spread about 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over Combine rhubarb and strawberries in a bowl; transfer to the the asparagus. Repeat with the other chicken breast, and roll pie crust, distributing evenly. the chicken around the asparagus and cheese to make a tidy, Whisk eggs, sugar, milk, flour, and nutmeg together in a compact roll. Place the rolls seam sides down in the prepared medium bowl. Slowly pour filling over rhubarb mixture until it baking dish, and sprinkle each with about 2 tablespoons of just reaches the top edge of the crust. Scatter diced butter bread crumbs. evenly over the top of the filling. Lightly tap and shake the bak- Bake in the preheated oven until the juices run clear when ing sheet to remove any air bubbles. pricked with a fork, about 25 minutes. An instant-read ther- Transfer pie to the preheated oven and bake, turning halfway mometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 through, until rhubarb is tender and custard is set, about 1 hour. degrees F. Mix strawberry jam and water in a small bowl; heat in the * * * * * microwave until warm, about 15 seconds. Glaze the top of the Breakfast Pita Pizza pie with the jam mixture and let cool. Refrigerate until ready to • 4 slices bacon serve. • 1/4 onion, chopped • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 4 eggs, beaten • 2 tablespoons pesto Young’s Repair, Inc. • 2 pita bread rounds Major to Minor Mechanical Work • 1/2 tomato, chopped Tractors, Truck & Car Repair • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mushrooms • Vehicle & Farm Tires • Batteries • 1/2 cup chopped spinach • Oil • Grease • Bolts • 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese SERVICE CALLS • HAULING • 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and sliced 308-638-7443 5631 Hwy. 87 • Hay Springs Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with [email protected]

* * * * * May 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner Page 9-A NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS Spring into Safety on the Farm We are finally starting to see some warmer, dryer days here in Northwest Nebraska, and that means planting season for area farmers. While you prepare to plant the crops that keep the world fed, NRPPD reminds you to spring into safety — especial- ly when working around electric- ity. According to a 2014 report from TIME magazine, farming is the sixth most dangerous job in the United States. April 2018 Farm Electrical Safety SM1“Every year, 62 farm workers are electrocuted in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration,” said Adam Shelton, West Kentucky RECC’s safety coordinator. “These deaths can be pre- FORTUNATELY, vented by practicing some simple safety measures.” Here are some helpful safety tips for farmers to keep in THERE ARE mind this season: To prevent electrocution, make sure farm equipment PEOPLE WHO (including planter arms and sprayers) safely clear overhead power lines. This tall equipment can easily become entangled in ACTUALLY power lines. Keep a minimum of 10-foot distance from power lines in all directions. Consider asking your electric co-op to move or bury overhead lines around buildings or busy pathways. LOVE A JOB If building a new farm structure or building, consult your coop- erative for information on minimum clearances and the location LIKE THIS. of overhead lines. Keep a safe distance from power poles and guy wires when You’d think a job description like this working the land or planting crops. Contact 911 immediately if would scare people off, wouldn’t you? But your equipment comes into contact with a guy wire or power it doesn’t. In fact, these very demanding pole. Don’t try to fix it yourself. Leave that to the experts. jobs attract some very dedicated people. also lurks around grain bins. The National Electrical People who understand the importance of Safety Code requires power lines to be at least 18 feet above the keeping electricity in your home or busi- highest point on any grain bin with which portable augers or ness. People who know that they’ll be out other portable filling equipment are used. Contact NRPPD if in the middle of the night in a driving (Continued on Page 11) snowstorm. People who just seem to be born with a desire to do more than just have a job. We’d like to thank our lineworkers for their hard work and dedica- Central Office tion. And if you agree, give them a thumbs 218 S. Gibson up when you see them at work. Your appre- Hay Springs ciation is a big reason they take such pride in a very tough job. Northwest Rural 1-800-752-9584 Public Power District (308) 638-4432 “Cares About the Consumer” www.westplainsco.com L.L.C. 24-HOUR SERVICE

10-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner May 2019 NRPPD ENTERTAINMENT Safety on the Farm--

(Continued from Page 10) you’re concerned about the proximity of power lines to grain bins. Water, dust and farming often go hand-in-hand. Install waterproof and dustproof electrical boxes and outlets at the farm. If a standby generator is used on a single-phase system, it must be connected to the farm’s wiring system through a dou- ble pole, double-throw switch. The switch disconnects the CROP SPRAYING NOTICE farm’s electrical system from the electric cooperative’s lines during an outage and prevents backfeed – keeping linemen Help our lineman avoid exposure to haz- safe from the risk of electrocution. ardous crop chemicals. Finally, make sure full-time and seasonal farm workers are If you use dangerous chemicals in your educated to stay safe on the farm. Each worker should be fields, aware of the dangers and utilize proper safety procedures. PLEASE FLAG THEM. If contact with electricity occurs, contact 911. Keep others away and remain calm. DO NOT try to exit the machinery or We need your help to protect our employ- touch someone who has had electrical contact. If you must exit ees and their safety. your equipment for life-threatening reasons—jump out and away from the machinery, making sure to land with your feet together and touching. Then, shuffle at least three tractor lengths away with your feet touching. NEVER attempt to get back into or touch machinery that is in contact with a power line.

Hay Springs Lumber & Hardware Company 130 N. Main • 308-638-4404

Complete Builders Supply, Sentry Hardware Free Estimates

Rhonda & Ted Baseggio Alliance • 407 E. 3rd • 762-4505 Gordon • 113 N. Main • 282-1000 Hay Springs • 123 Main • 638-4566

May 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner Page 11-A NRPPD ENTERTAINMENT Bits ‘n Pieces... A First Grade School teacher had 26 students • The pen is mightier than the... pigs. in her class. She presented each child in her class- • An idle mind is... the best way to relax. room the first half of a well-known proverb and • Where there’s smoke there’s... pollution. asked them to come up with remainder of the • Happy the bride who... gets all the presents. proverb. It’s hard to believe these were actually • A penny saved is... not much. done by First Graders. • Two’s company, three’s... the Musketeers. • Don’t change horses... until they stop run- • Don’t put off till tomorrow what... you put on to ning. go to bed. • Strike while the... bug is close. • Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry • It’s always darkest before.... Daylight Saving and... Time. you have to blow your nose. • Never underestimate the power of... termites. • There are none so blind as... Stevie Wonder. • You can lead a horse to water but... how? • Children should be seen and not... spanked or • Don’t bite the hand that... looks dirty. grounded. • No news is... impossible. • If at first you don’t succeed... get new batteries. • A miss is as good as a... Mr. • You get out of something only what you... see in • You can’t teach an old dog new... math. the • If you lie down with dogs, you’ll... picture on the box. stink in the morning. • When the blind lead the blind... get out of the • Love all, trust... me. way. • A bird in the hand... is going to poop on you. And the WINNER and last one!

Welcome to Spring! ______Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday- Friday Service Calls Public Power District After Hours: South on Hwy. 87 • P.O. Box 249 Please call Hay Springs, NE 69347 if 800-847-0492 web page: http://www.nrppd.com your call is long dis- tance or 638-4445 OFFICERS ~AND~ for the local Hay • President: Bruce Troester, Marsland Springs area at all • Vice President: Christopher Garrett, times. Check the website Chadron • Secretary: Lee Ahrens, Chadron www.LittleLadybugGardens We have an • Treasurer: Marcus Sandberg, answering service Hay Springs for upcoming events. that answers these • Terry Terrell, Hay Springs numbers on a 24- hour basis - after • Lucas Bear, Gordon hours, Saturday, • Tri-State Director: Gary Fuchser, Gordon Lil Ladybug Sundays and holi- days. Please state Manager: CHANCE BRISCOE Greenhouse & Garden legal description, Office Manager: Arlene Lahaye account number or Office (308) 638-4445 Fresh from the Earth! meter number Fax 638-4448 Call or E-mail for Consumer/Marketing E-mail: more information where the outage is and your phone Director ...... Les Tlustos [email protected] Karen Runkle at 232-4474 Publisher/Editor or visit number when you or 308-763-1843 call. Advertising Rep...... Cindy Peters LittleLadybugGardens.com Hip-Hop (308) 638-7132 or E-mail [email protected]

12-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner April 2019