Rockwell City, IA 50579 • (712) 297-7112 • (800) 821-4879

Current ConneCtionwww.calhounrec.coop Calhoun County REC

November 2016

Watching the presentation were area second graders.

Director Hanson CredentialedDirector Ron Hanson was recognized by the

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) for successfully completing all five required courses to become a Credentialed Director. The Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) curriculum consists of five courses designed to provide basic knowledge and skills required of cooperative directors.

The courses completed by Director Hanson were as follows: Director Duties and Liabilities, Understanding the Electric Business, Board Operations and Process, Strategic Planning and Financial Decision Making.

Congratulations Director Hanson!

Calhoun County RECWill Be Closed

November 24th & 25thto celebrate the

Thanksgiving Holiday.For outages and emergencies

call 712-297-7112.

HappyThanksgiving!

Utilit-e online Has Launched!

Electrical Safety is a priority with Calhoun County REC. Pictured is Member Service Representative Keaton Hildreth with 2nd grade students from surrounding schools in the Calhoun County area that participated in “Farm Safety Day” on September 8, 2016 at the Rockwell City Fairgrounds. Students learn a few things about the dangers of working, living and playing on and around a farm. Keaton Hildreth demonstrated the hazards of playing around power lines.

Many young people are unaware of the hazards that surround them each and every day. Our “Neon Leon” safety display is a perfect way to offer the children hands on experience in learning about the hazards surrounding daily lives on a farm. One of the keys to the success of farm safety day is the presenters who shared their knowledge and expertise about safety.

Go to www.calhounrec.coop for further information and to register your account if you are interested in this payment option. Please call the office at 712-297-7112 if you have any questions.

REC Participates in Annual Farm Safety Day

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Promoting a Culture of Safety…for our coop, our members and our communitiesCalhoun County REC sponsored “Take a

Break” on Friday, October 14th at three local Ag Cooperatives. Water, pop and candy bars were delivered, encouraging employees and area farmers to take rest breaks during this busy harvest season.

Please remember to keep clear of all overhead electrical hazards!

Holder Wins Coop MonthPhoto Contest

Calhoun County REC Communicator/Staff Assistant Lonnie Holder won the Living With Energy Magazine annual coop month contest and landed the front cover of the October 2016 issue. The winning photo was a shot of the coop linemen raising electrical lines for the recent house move.

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s Lonnie!

“Look Upand Live”

Be Prepared for Winter StormsWhen winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it

can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity varies depending on where you live, but nearly all Americans are affected by extreme winter storms at some point. Calhoun County REC cares about your safety, and we want you to be prepared.

Heavy snow and ice can lead to downed power lines, leaving co-op members without power. During extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous. During a power outage, our crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself. 14C21FA• Stay warm – Plan to use a safe alternate heating source,

such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove during a power outage. These are great options to keep you and your loved ones warm, but exercise caution when using, and never leave the heating source unattended. If you are using gasoline-, propane- or natural gas-burning devices to stay warm, never use them indoors. Remember that fuel- and wood-burning sources of heat should always be properly ventilated. Always read the manufacturer’s directions before using.

• Stay fed – The CDC recommends having several days’ supply of food that does not need to be cooked handy. Crackers, cereal, canned goods and bread are good options. Five gallons of water per person should also be available in the event of an extended power outage.

• Stay safe – When an outage occurs, it usually means power lines are down. It is best not to travel during winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter downed lines, always assume they are live. Stay as far away from the downed lines as possible, and report the situation to our dispatchers by calling 712-297-7112 or 800-821-4879.Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous,

and planning ahead can often be the difference between life and death. Calhoun County REC is ready for what Mother Nature has in store, and we want you to be ready, too. For more winter safety tips, visit www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

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Spot Your number

* Location numbers are located on bill-ing statements. *

Albright Brothers, Randy Krug and Ron Thompson missed their opportunity to receive a $10 electric bill credit.

Don’t forget to read the newsletter and check for your location number. If

your location number is spotted, call Calhoun County REC by the 15th of the month and receive a $10 credit on your next electric bill.

Recipe of the Month

melinda’S porCupine meatballSINGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:1. Mix the ground beef, rice, 1/2 cup water, onion, salt, celery salt,

garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Roll the mixture into 12 meatballs.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the meatballs. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until evenly browned. Drain and discard any excess grease. Pour the tomato sauce, 1 cup water, and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet; reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center and the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Stir in more water if the sauce becomes too dry.

1 pound ground beef1/2 cup uncooked white rice1/2 cup water 1/3 cup chopped onion1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon celery salt1/8 teaspoon garlic powder1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce1 cup water, or more as needed2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

An average household dedicates about 5% of its energy budget to lighting. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. By replacing your home’s five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, you can save $75 each year.

Source: energy.gov

The following is a breakdown of the property taxes due for 2016.

County Taxes paid

Calhoun $ 28,076.00

Sac $ 1,256.00

Pocahontas $ 738.00

Webster $ 1,737.00

Calhoun County REC pays property taxes!If you were not aware, Calhoun County REC pays property taxes, too. Calhoun REC pays taxes in the four counties we provide service.

Thank a VeteranOn Friday, November 11th we

celebrate Veteran’s Day in order to honor all who have and are serving our country! 02C16HA

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Calhoun County REC

-- Directors --Jim Miller, President FondaTerry Finley, V. President AuburnJason McKenney, Secretary SomersJohn Wahl, Treasurer Rockwell CityLaVerne Arndt Sac CityBeryl Birkland GowrieRon Hanson Pomeroy

-- Office Hours --Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Telephone: 712-297-7112 or

Toll Free: 800-821-4879Fax: 712-297-7211

e-mail:info@calhounrec.coopwww.calhounrec.coop

After 4:30 p.m. call 800-821-4879 or 712-297-7112

for outages and emergencies only.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Green Pricing Customer Contribution Plan The Green Pricing Program will allow individual customers to voluntarily

contribute to the development of alternate energy production facilities in Iowa. Alternate energy production facilities may include wind energy, biomass, solar and other non-traditional generation technologies. All of the money collected from customers participating in the green pricing program will be used to assist in the purchase of alternate or “green” energy in Iowa.

Authorization FormYes, I want to be a part of the Green Pricing Program._____ I will make a one-time contribution to Green Pricing. My check is enclosed.

_____ I will contribute $_______ per month to Green Pricing. I understand that this amount will be automatically added to my monthly electric bill.

Name __________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________

City/State__________________Zip ________ Account # ________

Clip and mail to:Calhoun County REC, Green Pricing Program

PO Box 312, Rockwell City IA 50579

Line Foreman Bret McAlister

Name Last known addressBuenting, David Pomeroy, IACarroll, John Lake City, IAEngleson, Mark Lone Tree, IAGreif, Randy Martelle, IAHeuton, Sherry Sartell, MNHoward, David Elk Point, SDLee, Raynell Sac City, IALeGrand, Kevin Peru, ILMcCreery, Aaron Omaha, NENeitzel, Scott Durand, WISchneckloth, Scott Mason City, IASmidt, Richard Auburn, IAWellman, John Gowrie, IA

Help us find…Calhoun County REC is holding

unclaimed property resulting from a patronage dividend due to the persons listed below. The following people had electric service in 1999 and may claim this property by contacting us at 712-297-7112 or 800-821-4879. If deceased, we need the name and address of executor or nearest relative.

Being prepared for emergency situations is part of the ongoing safety training practiced by the Calhoun County REC line crew. Once a month employees hold a safety training and education meeting at the Calhoun County REC office. The line crew rehearsed a basket and pole-top rescue on September 12, 2016. The “Rescue Mannequin” is lowered from the pole by a rope. If needed, CPR would then be administered after the “Rescue Mannequin” is on the ground. For their rescue training to be as real as possible, the Calhoun County REC linemen train with the “Rescue Mannequin” that weighs around 180 pounds. 18W06CA

Pole Top Rescue Training