volts and jolts - red lake electric...the ralph engelstad arena is handicap-accessible and equipped...

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VOL. 43 – NO. 5 RED LAKE FALLS (RED LAKE COUNTY), MINNESOTA 56750 Volts and Jolts Published monthly for the members of RED LAKE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, Inc. One of the Minnkota Power Systems SERVING THE FOUR-COUNTY AREA OF MARSHALL, PENNINGTON, RED LAKE AND POLK MARCH 2008 A look at some statistics from your Red Lake Electric Cooperative QUICK TAKES Welcome to the 70th Annual Meeting of the Membership of Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Inc. Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Imperial Room, Ralph Engelstad Arena Thief River Falls, Minnesota 9:00 a.m. Registration begins Free coffee and doughnuts 10:00 a.m. Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vern Rogalla 10:30 a.m. Call to order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Lundeen, President National Anthem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amelia Schmitz Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roger Johanneck Introductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Lundeen BUSINESS SESSION Notice of meeting and affidavit of mailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Henry Wieland Establishment of quorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Henry Wieland Minutes of 2007 meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Henry Wieland President's report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Lundeen General manager's report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Kennedy Financial report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roger Johanneck Minnkota report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave Loer, CEO, Minnkota Power Election of directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Lundeen Question and answer session Adjournment of business session Award Presentations Awarding of prizes Lunch and entertainment Langdon Wind Energy Center The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equipped accordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other special needs should contact Red Lake Electric Cooperative in advance. Energy conservation kits given at annual meeting Each member attending the Red Lake Electric Cooperative annual meeting March 26 in Thief River Falls will be given an energy conservation kit. The kit contains three CFL light bulbs, a night light, a furnace filter whistle, a refrigerator/freezer thermometer, 12 switch/outlet draft stoppers and useful tips on ways to con- serve electricity. Red Lake Electric encourages energy conservation in many ways and distribution of these kits will further assist members in their conservation efforts. Since distribution of these kits is a sizeable expense used to meet Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program requirements, only one kit will be given to each member, or spouse, if the member doesn't attend the annual meeting. Bonnie Christians lives in the Gentilly area with her husband, Scott. Together they have five chil- dren and 11 grandchildren. Scott works at American Crystal Sugar Company as a shift supervisor. Working with Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Christians assists families with preplanning and pre- funding funeral arrangements. Additional part-time employment includes her work with New Hori- zons, providing services, including mediation, for people addressing issues of custody of minor children, parenting time schedules, divorce, division of marital assets and work- place conflict. Community involvement for Christians includes being an active member of the Polk County Sher- iff's Mounted Posse Search and Rescue. She also serves as treasurer of the Gentilly Merri-Mixers Homemakers group. Christians will be completing her second term as a Red Lake Electric Cooperative director currently serving as vice president. "It has been an honor to be a part of such an outstanding Coopera- tive," Christians said. "I look for- ward to continuing my association and serving the members of Red Lake Electric." Steve Linder is a native to the Oklee area and lives with his wife, Donna, on their farm north of Oklee. They have three children: Amber, Ben and Levi. The Linders are engaged in grain farming, which includes raising wheat, soybeans and corn. During the winter months, Steve spends a good share of his time doing farm equipment maintenance in his farm shop. Linder has served as a Red Lake Electric Cooperative director for six years. He also serves as secre- tary of the Oklee Elevator Board of Directors, president of the Red Lake County Farmers Union and is a supervisor on the Garnes Town- ship Board. "I find it very interesting to serve as a director of Red Lake Electric Cooperative," Linder said. "I will continue to do my best in serving the Cooperative and its members." Mark Hanson lives east of Thief River Falls with his wife, Audrey. They have four children: Ehren, Seth, Ingrid and Kjell, and seven grandchildren. Hanson is engaged in dairy farming, raising replacement dairy heifers. Audrey works as a regis- tered nurse. Hanson has served as a director of Red Lake Electric Cooperative for three years. He also serves as vice chairman of the Pennington County Township Officers Associa- tion and as clerk of Silverton Town- ship. The Hansons are members of Evangelical Free Church of Thief River Falls. "Electricity plays a vital role in everyone's life, whether in our work, our homes or in our recre- ation," Hanson said. "Much of the quality of life as we live it today relates directly to the use of elec- tricity.” "I look forward to serving anoth- er three years as director of the Cooperative and thank the people of the district for their continued support," Hanson said. Director nominees to be elected March 26 Director nominees Bonnie Christians, Steve Linder and Mark Hanson will be officially re-elected to the Red Lake Electric Cooperative Board of Directors at the Cooperative's annual meeting. The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 26, in the Imperial Room at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Thief River Falls. All three nominees were selected as candidates at their respective district meetings that were held in February. There were no nominations by petition; therefore, the nominees will be elected to three-year terms. Bonnie Christians Steve Linder Mark Hanson

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Page 1: Volts and Jolts - Red Lake Electric...The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equipped accordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other special needs should

VOL. 43 – NO. 5 RED LAKE FALLS (RED LAKE COUNTY), MINNESOTA 56750

Volts and JoltsPublished monthly for the members of

RED LAKE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, Inc.One of the Minnkota Power Systems

SERVING THE FOUR-COUNTY AREA OF MARSHALL, PENNINGTON, RED LAKE AND POLK

MARCH 2008

A look at some statistics from your Red Lake Electric CooperativeQUICK TAKES

WWeellccoommeeto the 70th Annual Meeting of the Membership of

Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Inc.Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Imperial Room, Ralph Engelstad ArenaThief River Falls, Minnesota

9:00 a.m. Registration beginsFree coffee and doughnuts

10:00 a.m. Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vern Rogalla10:30 a.m. Call to order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Lundeen, President

National Anthem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amelia SchmitzInvocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roger JohanneckIntroductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly Lundeen

BUSINESS SESSIONNotice of meeting and affidavit of mailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Henry WielandEstablishment of quorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Henry WielandMinutes of 2007 meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Henry WielandPresident's report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly LundeenGeneral manager's report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron KennedyFinancial report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roger JohanneckMinnkota report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave Loer, CEO, Minnkota PowerElection of directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly LundeenQuestion and answer sessionAdjournment of business sessionAward PresentationsAwarding of prizesLunch and entertainment

Langdon WindEnergy Center

The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equippedaccordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other specialneeds should contact Red Lake Electric Cooperative in advance.

Energy conservation kits given at annual meetingEach member attending the Red Lake Electric Cooperative annual meeting March 26 in Thief River Falls willbe given an energy conservation kit. The kit contains three CFL light bulbs, a night light, a furnace filterwhistle, a refrigerator/freezer thermometer, 12 switch/outlet draft stoppers and useful tips on ways to con-serve electricity. Red Lake Electric encourages energy conservation in many ways and distribution of thesekits will further assist members in their conservation efforts. Since distribution of these kits is a sizeableexpense used to meet Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program requirements, only one kit will begiven to each member, or spouse, if the member doesn't attend the annual meeting.

Bonnie Christians lives in theGentilly area with her husband,Scott. Together they have five chil-dren and 11 grandchildren. Scottworks at American Crystal SugarCompany as a shift supervisor.

Working with Stenshoel-HouskeFuneral Home, Christians assistsfamilies with preplanning and pre-funding funeral arrangements.Additional part-time employmentincludes her work with New Hori-zons, providing services, includingmediation, for people addressingissues of custody of minor children,parenting time schedules, divorce,division of marital assets and work-place conflict.

Community involvement forChristians includes being an activemember of the Polk County Sher-iff's Mounted Posse Search andRescue. She also serves as treasurerof the Gentilly Merri-MixersHomemakers group. Christians willbe completing her second term as aRed Lake Electric Cooperativedirector currently serving as vicepresident.

"It has been an honor to be a partof such an outstanding Coopera-tive," Christians said. "I look for-ward to continuing my associationand serving the members of RedLake Electric."

Steve Linder is a native to theOklee area and lives with his wife,Donna, on their farm north ofOklee. They have three children:Amber, Ben and Levi.

The Linders are engaged in grainfarming, which includes raisingwheat, soybeans and corn. Duringthe winter months, Steve spends agood share of his time doing farmequipment maintenance in his farmshop.

Linder has served as a Red LakeElectric Cooperative director forsix years. He also serves as secre-tary of the Oklee Elevator Board ofDirectors, president of the RedLake County Farmers Union and isa supervisor on the Garnes Town-ship Board.

"I find it very interesting to serveas a director of Red Lake ElectricCooperative," Linder said. "I willcontinue to do my best in servingthe Cooperative and its members."

Mark Hanson lives east of ThiefRiver Falls with his wife, Audrey.They have four children: Ehren,Seth, Ingrid and Kjell, and sevengrandchildren.

Hanson is engaged in dairyfarming, raising replacement dairyheifers. Audrey works as a regis-tered nurse.

Hanson has served as a directorof Red Lake Electric Cooperativefor three years. He also serves asvice chairman of the PenningtonCounty Township Officers Associa-tion and as clerk of Silverton Town-ship. The Hansons are members ofEvangelical Free Church of ThiefRiver Falls.

"Electricity plays a vital role ineveryone's life, whether in ourwork, our homes or in our recre-ation," Hanson said. "Much of thequality of life as we live it todayrelates directly to the use of elec-tricity.”

"I look forward to serving anoth-er three years as director of theCooperative and thank the peopleof the district for their continuedsupport," Hanson said.

Director nominees to be elected March 26

Director nominees Bonnie Christians, Steve Linder and Mark Hanson will be officially re-elected to the RedLake Electric Cooperative Board of Directors at the Cooperative's annual meeting. The meeting will be heldWednesday, March 26, in the Imperial Room at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Thief River Falls.

All three nominees were selected as candidates at their respective district meetings that were held in February.There were no nominations by petition; therefore, the nominees will be elected to three-year terms.

Bonnie ChristiansSteve Linder Mark Hanson

Page 2: Volts and Jolts - Red Lake Electric...The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equipped accordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other special needs should

Tip of theHard HatThank you

to Brad Naplinfor pulling oneof the RedLake ElectricCooperative'sline trucks outof the snow.

Hours of load controlBefore the onset of this heating

season, Minnkota Power Coopera-tive, Red Lake Electric Coopera-tive's wholesale electric supplierand the one who implements thecontrol of off-peak electric heat,estimated control hours for long-term controlled electric heat to beabout 375 hours for the season.This estimate was based on severalvariables including projected powerplant availability and normal winterweather conditions.

One of Minnkota's coal-firedplants near Center, N.D., was out ofservice last fall for a planned out-age/overhaul. The outage wasplanned to span eight weeks butactually lasted 11 weeks due toissues beyond Minnkota's control.This extended outage carried intothe heating season, which wascause for several hours of load con-trol early.

The winter we have experiencedhas been more of an old-fashionedone than a normal winter. We haveexperienced some very cold tem-peratures throughout the seasonstarting in early December, whichwas cause for electric heat loadcontrol. Load control did subsideafter the first of the year but hascontinued due to colder-than-nor-mal temperatures carrying intoMarch.

Long-term load control hoursthrough March 13 totaled 420hours. This is more than what wasestimated but less than the 552hours of load control experiencedduring the 2006-07 heating season.

Portable electric heatersThis heating season there has

been a lot of promotion and adver-tisement of specific space heaters.Generally, the promotional materi-als are not false but the materialdoes not tell the whole story.

There is not "magic" in aportable electric heater. A heateradvertised as 5100 BTU is the sameas a 1500-watt heater. Any 1500-watt heater is going to use 1.5 kilo-watt hours for every hour of opera-tion (1,000 watts operated for onehour uses 1 kilowatt hour of elec-tricity).

Often the advertisements havestated, "reduce your heating costsup to 50%." Fifty percent of what?They fail to state that using theportable heaters will greatlyincrease the bottom line of yourelectric bill. We have entertainedmany phone calls from membersusing portable heaters asking whytheir electric bills are so muchgreater.

In my opinion, these spaceheaters are overpriced, glorifiedheaters. Instead of investing $1,200or $1,600 for portable heaters, onecould put that kind of moneytoward an off-peak electric heating(7420001.03 John LaRochelle)system and truly reduce one's heat-ing costs. As one of my counter-

parts stated, if you really want orneed a portable electric heater, buya $59 one at a hardware store andsave more than $300 in the pur-chase. Use the $300 for insulationor weatherization measures thatwill help reduce your heating costseach heating season.

Farm shop heatingIn talking with suppliers, con-

tractors and members, there areplans for several farm shops to bebuilt this construction season. Themeans of heating a shop is theowner's choice but if you are con-sidering electric floor heat may Isuggest the "storage concept."

There are three different ways ofheating a floor electrically. Two ofthem provide the storage concept inthe installation design. This isaccomplished with the installationof either underfloor heat cable orheat panels where the heat source isplaced in a bed of sand.

The third option is using an elec-tric boiler heating the floor hydron-ically with tubing. Often this optiononly provides a warm floor becausethe tubing is placed either in theconcrete or at the base of the con-crete. This option can also providea storage setup if the tubing isplaced in a bed of sand.

Case studies have proven thatstorage systems are more economi-cal to operate. As an owner you canalso take advantage of longer con-trol options that will yield the bestoff-peak electric heat rate helpingcontrol heating costs.

BILLINGS AND COLLECTIONYou will receive your energy bill on or near the

20th of each month.Payment of your monthly energy bill is due on the

20th of the month. You may pay your bill in personat RLEC during office hours, use the 24-hour drive-up drop box located next to the RLEC office, byAuto Pay, or by mail. Payment must be in the office,drop box, Auto Pay, or in the mail, as evidenced bythe postmark, by the 5th day of the following monthto avoid a late payment charge. A 1 1/2% monthlylate payment charge will be computed on delinquentenergy bills, the minimum late payment charge willbe $1.00.If your payment is not received by the 15th of the

month, a final notice of disconnection statement willbe included on your following bill. The final noticestatement will notify you when your electric servicewill be disconnected if the delinquent amountremains unpaid. If an employee is sent to discon-nect your electric service, a $50 collection fee willbe charged to your account, even if you pay the col-lector.To have a disconnected service reconnected, all

amounts owing, a $50 reconnection fee, and asecurity deposit must be paid. If the service must bereconnected after normal working hours, a $100reconnection fee must be paid.

BAD CHECKSA $15 charge will be levied each time a check is

returned because of nonsufficient funds, accountbeing closed or payment stopped.

OUTAGESIn case your electricity goes out, please do the

following:1. Check your fuses or breakers at the yard pole

or meter pedestal.2. Call your neighbor to see if they are out of

electricity also.3. Call the RLEC office (218-253-2168 or 1-800-

245-6068) during working hours or 218-253-2200after hours. We will accept collect calls for outagesonly.

METER TESTSRLEC has a schedule in place to have its meters

periodically tested for accuracy. Results from thesetests show that meters generally slow down withage; however, if you think that your meter is record-ing too much usage, RLEC will test it for accuracy.You must pay a test fee in advance of the test. If themeter test shows that the meter was inaccurate, thetest fee will be refunded to you.

STOPPED METERSIf you find your meter has stopped and you are

using electricity, please contact the office immedi-ately so we can replace it. Average consumption willbe billed to the member for the time the meter wasstopped so there is no advantage in not reporting astopped meter.

METER READINGSAn automated meter reading system is utilized to

obtain monthly meter readings. Although the systemis normally reliable, there is always a chance thatthe correct reading has not been transmitted to theoffice for billing. Customers should periodically readtheir meter and compare it to the reading on thebilling statement. If the actual reading is not close tothe billing statement reading, please call the office.

GENERAL SERVICE RATESFacilities charge variable $15 to $21 month

First 500 KWH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.0¢ KwhOver 500 KWH (April-Dec.) . . . . . . . . . .5.7¢ KwhOver 500 KWH (Jan.-Mar.) . . . . . . . . . . .6.5¢ KwhMultiphase users add $16/month cost of service

charge.Standby, $8/month (meter disconnected but the

power line retained; standby is not available onservices larger than 15 KVA transformer capacity).

Security light, $6/month, high pressure sodium,$7/month, mercury vapor; water heater flat credit,$5/month (on January-April billing); off-peak equip-ment charge, $3.50/month per heat meter; off-peakelectric heat rate, 3.5¢/kWh long-term control,5.0¢/kWh short-term control.

Mission StatementIt is the mission of Red Lake Electric Cooperative to enhance thequality of life for people of our service area by consistently providingquality electric service and other valued services while holding ouremployees, our community and our environment in high regard.

Volts and Jolts March 2008 2

WE PROUDLY PRESENT TO YOUThe Red Lake Electric Cooperative

Customer Service GuaranteeIt's short and simple! Red Lake Electric Cooperative employees will meet or exceed your expectations of friend-ly, courteous service and will meet any commitments they make to you. If your expectations of the service pro-vided by our employees is not met, please contact me at the Red Lake Electric Cooperative office, 253-2168.You will receive $5.00 for your inconvenience and our promise to serve you better in the future. Our employees'commitment to quality customer service makes this guarantee possible.

RONNIE M. KENNEDYGeneral Manager

Things you should knowabout your electric service

RED LAKE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, Inc.

VOLTS & JOLTS(USPS 663-400)

Published monthly by the Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Inc., 412International Drive SW, Red Lake Falls, Minnesota 56750-0430, inthe interest of its members and others. Periodical Postage Paid at theU. S. Post Office in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota 56750. POSTMAS-TER, SEND ADDRESS CHANGES to Volts & Jolts, c/o Red LakeElectric Cooperative, Inc., P. O. Box 430, Red Lake Falls, Minnesota56750-0430. E-mail: [email protected]

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORSPRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly LundeenVICE PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bonnie ChristiansSECRETARY-TREASURER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Henry WielandDIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert Olson,

Robert Finstad, Steven Linder, Joyce Johnson,Mark Hanson, Peter Mosbeck

Subscription Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.50 per year

NOTICEHidden within the text of the arti-cles on pages 1, 2, 3 and theback page of this issue of theVolts & Jolts are the names andaccount numbers of five RLECmembers. They will appear with-in the articles in parenthesis assuch (99-99-99-999-99 Roger P.Member). If you find your nameand account number, clip it outand send it with your next pay-ment. You will be credited with$5 on your electric bill.

Manager'sCommentsby Ron Kennedy

One of the Minnkota Power Systems

Red Lake ElectricCooperative, Inc.

One of the Minnkota Power Systems

Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Inc.

One of the Minnkota Power Systems

Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Inc.

AFTER-HOURSOUTAGE PHONE218-253-2200

The climate scientists andresearchers who scoff at the notionthat man is causing the earth towarm are not heard much in thehalls of Congress. Those predictingcatastrophic events due to man'saffection for fossil fuels grab theattention of politicians and thepress.

Since it appears a foregone con-clusion that Congress will adoptlegislation soon to curb the emis-sion of carbon dioxide (CO2), theobvious question is, "How much?"

How much CO2 needs to bereduced? How much will globaltemperatures drop if CO2 isreduced? Finally, how much will allthis cost America and Americans?

Generally, when the governmentwants to decrease the use of some-thing, like gasoline or electricity,they raise the price through director indirect taxation. Taxation nor-mally produces the intended effectand there's more tax revenue avail-able for various government pro-grams. This concept is under con-sideration right now.

It seems reasonable that we askour legislators, "How much?"before CO2 reduction legislation ispassed. Will it raise the price of

driving to work 10 percent, 30 per-cent, 100 percent? How about myelectric bill and cost of heating my

home: 10 percent, 50 percent, 100percent?

In a recent public opinion sur-vey commissioned by the NationalRural Electric Cooperative Associ-ation (NRECA), a sampling ofAmericans were asked, "Howmuch are you willing to pay tocombat climate change?" Thirty-

five percent said they would acceptno increase in electric rates, 31 per-cent said they would accept a rateincrease of less than 10 percent and20 percent of those surveyed saidthey would accept an increasebetween 10 percent and 20 percent.

There are likely Red Lake Elec-tric Cooperative (RLEC) customerswith opinions in each response cat-egory and that's fine. My hope is ifCO2 reduction legislation is passedit is done so with some rationalthought and the (3830007.05 ClareBruggeman) input of scientists onboth sides of the issue. We don'tneed legislation that could crippleour economy and provide nothingin return.

So what's your opinion? If youhaven't formed an opinion on CO2reduction to alleviate global warm-ing, you should. And if you haven'tcommunicated your opinion toyour legislators, you should do thatalso.

RLEC annual meetingI encourage you to attend the

annual meeting March 26 if youcan. We have a program lined upthat should be informative, interest-ing and short. I hope to see youthere.

Climate change … how much are you willing to pay?

'Consumers served byelectric co-ops acrossAmerica must under-stand that poorly con-ceived climate changelegislation or regulationcould enormouslyimpact their monthlyelectric bills and have adisastrous effect on theeconomy.'

– Glen English, CEO,National Rural Electric

Cooperative Association

Electric heat issues

Member Service Departmentby Kevin Reich

Red Lake Electric Cooperative(RLEC) wants its members to getthe most value possible from everydollar they spend on electricity.Various programs have long been inplace to help members conserveelectricity. Frequent messages inprint and on radio encourage ener-gy efficiency and conservation. TheEnergy Star appliance rebate pro-gram has rebated more than$141,000 to members to encourage(1208003.06 Mark Peterson) pur-chase of energy-efficient appli-ances. The appliance rebate pro-gram continues in 2008.

A rebate program for commer-cial customers began Jan. 1, 2007.RLEC will pay rebates to commer-cial customers that replace old,inefficient lighting systems with

new, more efficient light fixtures.RLEC will pay various rebate

amounts, depending on the lightfixture installed and replaced. In noevent will the rebate paid exceed 50percent of the replacement cost. A$10,000 maximum annual expendi-ture for the program has been set soit is important for commercial cus-tomers to act quickly.

Rebates are only given for fix-ture replacement, not new or addi-tional light fixtures. An RLEC rep-resentative must inspect the light-ing system before and after the fix-ture replacement work is done.

For more information onRLEC's commercial lighting rebateprogram contact Kevin Reich, man-ager of member services, at 800-245-6068 or 253-2168.

Commercial lightingrebates continue at RLEC

RLEC closed Good FridayIn celebration of Easter, Red Lake Electric Coopera-tive's headquarters will be closed Good Friday, March21. In case of electrical outage or emergency call theafter-hour phone number: 218-253-2200. Have a joy-ous Easter celebration.

The annual Ag Day celebrationwill be March 29 from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. at the Red Lake Falls Commu-nity Hall. Seven speakers will givepresentations on a variety of topics.

A free lunch, sponsored by theMerchants' Committee and Ag Dayvendors and sponsors will be servedby the Women of Today at noon.

An evening banquet will be atthe Red L ake Falls AmericanLegion Club at 6 p.m. with enter-tainment by the Lafayette HighSchool drumline.

Mark the date –Ag Day isMarch 29 in RLF

Page 3: Volts and Jolts - Red Lake Electric...The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equipped accordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other special needs should

Oatmeal ChocolateChip Cookies

1 c. shortening3/4 c. sugar3/4 c. brown sugar2 eggs1 tsp. vanilla1 1/2 c. flour1/4 c. cocoa1 tsp. salt1 tsp. baking soda1 tsp. hot water2 c. oats1 c. chopped nuts12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chipsIn a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs and

vanilla; beat well. Add flour, cocoa, salt and soda; mix until blended. Stir inhot water, oats, nuts and chocolate chips. Drop dough by rounded tea-spoonfuls 1 inch apart onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350˚ for 10 to 12minutes. Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies.

Mexican Lasagna2 lbs. ground beef1 large onion, chopped1 large jar picante sauce1 large jar salsa16-oz. carton cottage cheese2 eggs, beaten3 c. grated cheese, Monterey Jack or Cheddar2 pkg. 8-inch corn tortillasIn a large skillet, cook beef and onions until done; drain. Add picante

sauce and salsa and simmer 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, mix cottagecheese with eggs; stir until blended. In a 13x9x2-inch baking dish, placetortillas evenly, enough to cover the bottom of the dish. Next pour half thesauce, spreading evenly, then the cottage cheese and 1 cup grated cheese.Continue layering, ending with sauce on top, sprinkled with the remainingcheese. Bake at 350˚ for 30 minutes. Serves 8.

Taco Soup2 lbs. lean ground beef1 large onion, chopped2 envelopes mild taco seasoning mix2 envelopes Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix3 cans chicken broth1 large can crushed tomatoes1 can whole kernel corn, drained1 can chili hot beans, undrained1 tsp. sugarGrated Cheddar cheeseSour creamTortilla chips, crushedCook beef and onion in a large skillet until beef is browned and onion is

clear. Drain; add taco seasoning mix and salad dressing mix; stir. Add onecan of broth to skillet and heat through. In large soup pot, combine remain-ing broth and tomatoes. Heat to boiling; add beef mixture, corn, beans andsugar. Return to boiling and then reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 20minutes.

To serve, garnish each bowl with cheese, sour cream and tortilla chips.Serves 6 to 8.

Rice Pudding1 1/2 c. cooked white rice2 c. milk, divided1/3 c. white sugar1/4 tsp. salt1 egg, beaten2/3 c. golden raisins1 tbl. butter1/2 tsp. vanillaIn a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups milk, sugar and

salt. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, about 15 to 20 min-utes. Stir in remaining milk, beaten egg and raisins. Cook 2 minutes more,stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Servewarm. Serves 4.

Ever-Ready Bran Muffins15-oz. box wheat bran flakes cereal with raisins1 tbl. plus 2 tsp. baking soda2 tsp. salt5 c. all-purpose flour3 c. sugar4 eggs, beaten1 quart buttermilk1 c. vegetable oilCombine first five ingredients in a very large bowl. Make a well in the

center of mixture. Add eggs, buttermilk and oil; stir just enough to moistendry ingredients. Cover and store in refrigerator until ready to bake. Batterwill keep up to 6 weeks. To bake, spoon batter into greased muffin pan, fill-ing 2/3 full. Bake at 400˚ for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes about 5 dozenmuffins.

German Chocolate Cake4-oz. pkg. German sweet chocolate1/2 c. boiling water2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour1/2 tsp. salt1 tsp. baking soda1 c. butter or margarine2 c. sugar4 eggs, separated1 tsp. vanilla1 c. buttermilkMelt chocolate in a double-boiler pan; set aside to cool. Sift together

flour, salt and soda into a medium bowl; set aside. In a large bowl, use anelectric mixer to cream butter with sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks one ata time, beat well after each addition. Add melted chocolate and vanilla. Adddry ingredients alternately with buttermilk. Beat until smooth. In a separatebowl, whip egg whites until they form peaks, then fold into batter with aspoon. Pour into three greased and floured 9-inch round bake pans. Bake at350˚ for 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on a rack.

Frosting1 c. evaporated milk1 c. sugar3 egg yolks1 stick margarine or butter1 1/3 c. coconut1 c. chopped pecans1 tsp. vanillaCombine all ingredients and cook over medium heat until mixture thick-

ens. Stir and cool until thick enough to spread on top and between choco-late cake layers. Frost between, on top and on sides of layers. Serves 10 to12.

Recipe corner

Volts and Jolts March 2008 3

DEGREE DAYSTo determine degree days, you must calculate the daily meantemperature for the time period you are measuring. Degree daycomputation is based on the assumption that a building does notrequire any heat if the outside temperature averages 65 degreesduring a 24-hour period. To obtain a degree day figure, the hightemperature and the low temperature for the day are added andthe total divided by two. That figure is then subtracted from 65.For example, if the high temperature was 30 degrees and the lowtemperature 10 degrees, the figure would be 30+10=40; 40/2=20;65-20=45. This would be a 45-degree day. The higher the degreeday figure, the more heat required to warm your home.

The Lignite Energy Council willagain offer a lignite education sem-inar for teachers in a four-stateregion this summer. To date, morethan 2,300 teachers have attendedthe three-day seminar, whichincludes tours of North Dakota'spower plants and lignite mines.

The 2008 seminar is titled "Lig-nite - Our Regional Resource:Energy, Economics and Environ-ment." This year's seminar is sched-uled for June 17 through 19 at theUniversity of Mary in Bismarck,N.D.

The seminar provides teacherswith a broader understanding of thelignite industry and the importantrole it plays in providing electricityto homes, farms and businesses. Italso provides teachers with theinformation and educational mate-rials they need to teach studentshow lignite is mined and convertedinto electricity and synthetic naturalgas.

Teachers who attend the seminarand complete a lesson plan receiveone semester graduate credit in eco-nomics from the University of

North Dakota.Minnkota Power Cooperative is

sponsoring 10 teachers from itsMinnesota service area to attendthis seminar by paying the fullteacher registration fee of $60 plusround-trip mileage. Rooms are pro-vided at the University of Marydormitory at no charge.

The seminar includes a visit to alignite mine, a tour of a power plantfueled by lignite and a visit to theGreat Plains Synfuels Plant. A tourof the visitor's center at Fort Man-dan, which was constructed withthe use of coal combustion byprod-ucts, is also included. Fort Mandannear Washburn, N.D., is where theLewis and Clark expedition spentits first winter.

Teachers from all grade levelsare encouraged to attend. Earth sci-ence, social studies and energy edu-cation instructors find the programbeneficial in their classroom activi-ties.

For more detailed informationvisit www.lignite.com/teachers orwww.minnkota.com.

Lignite Energy Council'steacher seminar scheduled

Energy Star rebates areavailable through Red LakeElectric Cooperative(RLEC) for Cooperativemembers. Rebates are avail-ble for the purchase of newEnergy Star-rated equip-ment. This includes groundsource and air source heatpumps, air conditioningequipment and householdappliances. The equipmentpurchased must be for usewithin RLEC's service area.

Rebates will be awardedfor Energy Star models only. Toverify Energy Star ratings go to:www. energystar.gov or check withthe contractor or appliance dealer(6818002.92 Raymond Novak) youare purchasing the appliance from.

Energy Star rebate forms areavailable at RLEC or on its Website at www.redlakeelectric.com.Area appliance dealers and contrac-tors also have rebate forms avail-able.

Energy Star® equipmentrebates available in 2008

Energy Star® RebatesGround source heat pump. . . . $500Air source heat pump. . . . . . . . $200Central air conditioner . . . . . . . $100Split system air conditioner . . . $100Room air conditioner . . . . . . . . . $50Dishwasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100Freezer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100Clothes washer . . . . . . . . . . . . $100Dehumidifier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25

DEAR RLEC:Thank you for the interesting

meeting at Holt and for the niceprizes Cliff and I won. The crock-pot comes in handy and Cliff willuse his survival radio-light a lot.Thank you.

We wish Ron a great retirementand lots of good fishing, golfing tocome. We will miss you.

We look forward to many moreinteresting meetings in Holt.

Sincerely,Jeanette and Cliff Reierson,

NewfoldenDEAR RLEC:

Thank you for the survivalradio-light I won at the District 5meeting held at the CommunityChurch, Thief River Falls.

Irvin Jarshaw,Thief River Falls

DEAR RLEC:We would like to thank you for

the extension cord and cap we wonat the meeting in Oklee.

Allen and Dorothy Barsness,Oklee

DEAR RLEC:Thank you for the clock/radio

and delicious pie and coffee at thedistrict meeting.

Cecilia Plante,Crookston

DEAR RLEC:I am writing to thank Troy

Schmitz and Casey Thronson forstopping to rescue a radio-con-trolled airplane that was stuck in atree. My friend, Jim Gilbertson, andI were out at the Pat Hanson farmflying the plane on the morning ofFeb. 22. Unfortunately, the plane'scontrols had become misadjustedduring the winter and the planewent out of control, becomingentangled in a tree. The plane wasnow about 40 feet off the groundand stuck very securely in thebranches of a tree.

Jim and I were wondering whatto do when two of your trucks cameby. The second truck stopped andasked if they could be of assistance.They pulled up to the tree, extend-ed the boom on their truck andwithin five minutes the plane wasfree.

Thanks for saving the plane!Thanks for the friendly, courte-

ous service from your two men!I had a lot of work and money

invested in that plane and am verygrateful to have it back.

Thanks again,Gary Graff,

Red Lake Falls

From the mailbag

Breakfastand

SERVING

Pancakes, sausage &bacon,

biscuits w/gravy

Saturday,March 297:00 am to 11:00 am

~ Sponsored by the Amish Community ~

will be held

at

Quiet NookCabins and

Barns1½ mi. So. of Gonvick on

County Rd. 7, then ½ mi. W. on 490th St.

~ ALL YOU CAN EAT ~

Adults: $7.00

Children: $5.00

5 & under: Free

andandBake Sale

Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Operating ReportMONTHLY COMPARISON

JANUARY JANUARY2007 2008

Total Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 790,841 $ 936,798Total Margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 68,505 $ 93,622Cost of Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 485,352 $ 572,801KWH's Purchased . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,695,589 $ 16,349,034Capital Credits Paid to Estates . . .$ 9,418 $ 1,308

YEAR TO DATE COMPARISONJANUARY JANUARY

2007 2008Total Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 790,841 $ 936,798Total Margins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 68,505 $ 93,622Cost of Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 485,352 $ 572,801KWH's Purchased . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,695,589 $ 16,349,034New Service Connections . . . . . . . 0 0Customers Served . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,057 5,096Capital Credits Paid to Estates . . .$ 9,418 $ 1,308Miles of Line

Overhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,329 2,324Underground . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 231

2000 Mercury MountaineerT8036D V-8, AWD, Leather 94k Miles . . . . . . . . . .$6,5992005 Mercury SableB0613A V-6, GS, Cloth, 56k Miles . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9,4991999 Chev K-1500 Ext CabT8071C V-8, 4x4, Long Box, LS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9,5992004 Mercury Grand MarquisB0614A Leather, LS, 50k Miles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,9992006 Ford Freestar SEB0583 Quads, Rear AC/HT, FWD, V-6, 36k Miles$13,9992005 Ford Five Hundred SES0601 V-6, Cloth, FWD 27k Miles . . . . . . . . . . . .$13,999

2007 Ford Focus 4 Dr.S0600 4 Cyl., SES, AT, PW, PDL, CD, 11k Miles $14,9992003 Chev Silverado 1500C8020A V-8, 4x4, Reg. Cab, Lift Kit, 36k Miles .$15,9992005 Ford Ranger Super CabB0580 V-6, 4x4, XLT, 4-dr., 31k Miles . . . . . . . . .$16,9992005 Ford Freestyle LimitedB0604 V-6, AWD, Full Power, 30k Miles . . . . . . .$18,9992006 Ford Escape LimitedB0606 V-6, 4WD, Moonroof, Leather, 21k Miles . .$18,9992007 Ford Edge SELB0610 V-6, AWD, Loaded, 14k Miles . . . . . . . . . .$25,999

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Page 4: Volts and Jolts - Red Lake Electric...The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equipped accordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other special needs should

By Destiny HarmoningIn Thief River Falls, the FFA chapter has been run-

ning consecutively for the last 10 years. There are 73members involved in the program for the 2007-08school year and 317 total students enrolled in the agri-cultural education program.FFA used to be known as "Future Farmers of Amer-

ica" but has since resigned the title because it nowoffers a wide spectrum of curriculum.About 12 years prior to 1998, there was an FFA

chapter but it faded out, possibly due to lack of funding.The FFA was brought back in 1998 as a direct result ofa referendum in 1997.When the curriculum was reintroduced, ADawn

Melbye became the agricultural education teacher andthe FFA advisor.Melbye studied at the University of Minnesota,

Crookston, and then received her master’s degree at theUniversity of Minnesota, St. Paul. She achieved herteacher’s license and completed a master’s degree inagriculture with an emphasis in education.

The agricultural education consists of 10 different,nontraditional classes. "We look at all aspects of theindustry," Melbye explained.Small animal 1 and 2 covers information about dogs,

cats, birds, rabbits and other pet-type animals. The ani-mal’s nutrition, anatomy/ physiology and reproductionare studied and jobs and careers available in the fieldare looked at.In wildlife resources 1 students learn about the large

game in Minnesota such as whitetail deer, elk, bear andwolves. They again study anatomy/physiology but alsocover current event situations such as the concern oftuberculosis and other diseases.Wildlife resources 2 covers outdoor survival, GPS

orienting, population control, conservation measuresand water quality issues.Animal science, which can be taken for a science

credit and follows state science standards, is an appliedbiology focusing on the anatomy/physiology of ani-mals. Plant science is the study of plants. In floricul-ture, students learn about floral design.Exploring agriculture is a class that covers 25 differ-

ent topics from integrated pest management to exoticanimals such as buffalo, llamas and emus.Equine science is a class where students study about

horses. Natural resources covers forestry, soils andwater topics.Classes are every day like other high school classes.

The average class size is about 20 to 30 students. Notall the students enrolled in agricultural education are a

part of FFA. There are currently 73 members of FFA.FFA gives students the ability to expand on the

knowledge they learn. "It’s the hands-on extension ofthe classroom," Melbye explained.FFA members participate in career development

contests, which cover specific topics. There are 27 dif-ferent topics available. An example of a contest wouldbe horse judging, where a student interested in horsescould learn more about confirmation, breeds, parts andskeletal structures. This gives the student the ability tobecome a better horse owner or assist a career they arepursuing.

FFAmembers meet once a month. The also have twoofficer teams, a junior and senior team, who meet oncea week to make decisions. Students on the officer teamhave specific duties from president to reporter.The senior team members this year are Roshan Ped-

erson, president, Johnnie Philipp, vice president, Whit-ney Lian, secretary, Whitney Jacobsen, treasurer, JillSolberg, reporter, Natalie Brekkestran, sentinel, andKaine Jablinske, officer-at-large.The junior team consists of Erik Bratneg, president,

Allen Abercrombie, vice president, Angie Franks, sec-retary, Aaron Schneider, treasurer, Kelsey Spilde,reporter, and Jacob Malwitz, sentinel.FFA is involved in a wide variety of events. Recent-

ly they helped the AgriWomen with Project Pizza, hada display at the Farmers-Merchant Mixer and partici-pated in the Agriscience fair. "Just about every eventthere is, we have a team for," Melbye said.FFA allows students to participate in a multitude of

things such as horticulture, landscaping, mechanics,environment, outdoors, recreation, food fiber systems,small animals, horse judging, farm system managementand leadership contests.They also have a "very strong" parliamentary proce-

dure team that has learned Robert’s Rules of Order andcan demonstrate them well. They won the regionalcompetition and are going to state.One of the FFAmembers, Whitney Lian, got into the

program because "I have several animals and I wantedto expand my knowledge." Lian enjoys FFA because itprovides leadership skills. She also said there is no"clique" involved in FFA. "A person makes new friendsthat they normally would not have had," Lian said.

Lian is in her second year in FFA and is the chaptersecretary. She has been involved in horse judging, jobinterview, parliamentary procedure andAgriscience faircontests. Lian enjoys the class because there are no try-outs; its open to everyone and "there is always some-thing to do," she said. Lian hopes to manage a horseranch. She said FFA has taught her numerous skills thatwill help her achieve her career goal. She learned main-tenance, sanitation, grooming and nutrition. Lian alsolearned what makes a "good horse" with confirmationand muscle balance.Another student, Jill Solberg, is in FFA because it

runs in the family. Her father and oldest sister wereinvolved in it. "The rest of us followed suit," Solbergexplained.For Solberg, FFA has opened her eyes to a whole

new perspective. She explained it helped her see thatagriculture entails much more than the stereotypical"hick farmers" idea. Solberg’s favorite part of FFA isgoing on trips. In October she went to the national con-vention in Indianapolis, Ind. "It’s so cool to meet kidsfrom all across the nation and make connections," Sol-berg stated.Currently the FFA reporter, Solberg has also previ-

ously been president as a junior. She was a reporter asa sophomore. She has been involved in FFA for fouryears.This year, Solberg is participating in floriculture and

novice parliamentary procedure contests. In prior years,she participated in creed speaking, Agriscience fair andparliamentary procedure. Solberg is unsure of hercareer goals but has learned a lot from FFA. "I’ve dis-covered that I really like floral design, something I’dprobably never have discovered otherwise," Solbergsaid. She said FFA has openened up a lot more optionsfor her careerwise.Jacie Miller, another FFA member is taking small

animal management because she enjoys learning aboutthe animals. She is unsure of her college plans butthinks it will probably be something with animals."Melbye is an awesome teacher and it’s fun learningwith her," Miller said.Another student, Krystle Ramsey, enjoys FFA and

the floriculture class. There she learned how to makecorsages, boutonniere and arrangements. She also takes

small animals classes because she hopes to be a veteri-narian.Kelsey Spilde, a student in the animal science class,

joined to further her career goals of attending collegefor something with animals and horse training. Sheenjoys doing experiments in the class.Another student in the animal science class is Alie

Dorn. Dorn loves animals and wanted to learn as muchas possible about them. She hopes to study animals incollege as well. She wants to become a horse trainer.Her favorite part of the class is experiments and reports.Roshan Pederson, senior president of the FFA, said

she’s always been interested in everything that agricul-ture entails. She plans to attend the University of Min-nesota, Crookston, to achieve a degree in naturalresources or horticulture in hopes of working for theDepartment of Natural Resources or being a florist.Pederson said FFA gives her a "head start" on hercareer.Whitney Jacobson joined FFA to learn more. Her

favorite part is meeting new friends and meeting upwith old friends. She hopes to become a veterinarian.Kaine Jablinske, FFA officer-at-large, enjoys the

outdoors. He hopes to be a fish and game wildlife man-ager. His favorite part of FFA is going on trips. He hasbeen a member for two years and says, "FFA is a greatorganization."Erik Brateng has been in FFA for two years and is

the junior president. He enjoys participating in contests.He wants to be a wildlife manager.FFA will host their annual banquet and FFA reunion

May 4 with the theme "Blue Jackets - Bright Futures."The program will run from 3 to 4 p.m. at the LincolnHigh School auditorium, followed by an ice creamsocial from 4 to 5 p.m. in the LHS cafeteria. All FFAalumni from the area are invited and are asked to bringtheir jacket and memorabilia or pictures.For more information on FFA visit the national Web

site at ffa.org, the Minnesota site at ffa.umn.edu or con-tact Melbye at 218-681-7432, ext. 112, or email [email protected].

More Photos on Page 5

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VOLTS AND JOLTS FEATURE OF THE MONTH

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deliveries• Tires, batteries,

accessories• Farm supplies

“THE FARMERSʼ HELPING HAND”

Dave MillerAgency

DAVE MILLER, AGENTRURAL ROUTE 1

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• All-Risk Crop Insurance• Crop/Hail Coverage

218-523-5861

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• In-floor heating • Oil furnaces• Pressure systems • Gas furnaces• Electric heat pumps

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A full version of the Gazette is now avail-able on www.arcasearch.com

Digital subscription . . .$2695 per year

6 months for $18.953 months for $13.95

Go to www.arcasearch.com, click on theCourier icon and then the "Client List" button.Choose the Red Lake Falls Gazette from theMinnesota newspapers list and subscribe. It'sthat simple!

One of the Minnkota Power Systems

Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Thief River Falls FFA chapter offers an array of opportunities for students

THIS SPACEFOR RENT

253-2594

ADawn Melbye

Members of the Thief River Falls FFA are, front from left, Megan OʼConnell, April Bruggeman, Eva Bruggeman, Jako Philion, Cydnee Peterson, Breanna Sanner,Travis Dagen, Anthony Martin, Amber Sanders, ADawn Melbye; second row, Kaine Jablinske, Casey Braastad, Whitney Lian, Michael Holmer, Angela Franks, Natal-ie Brekkestran, Whitney Jacobson, Christine Daniels, Kira Spaulding, Caitlyn Nelson; third row, Stephanie Amiot, Danelle Burton, Jason Bitzer, Mike Tunheim,Kevin Nelson, Adam Hutton, Andrew Miller, Richard Holland, Alie Dorn; fourth row, Aaron Schneider, Johnnie Phillip, Kenton Johnson, Kolton Kilen, Josh Skalsky,Raina Pederson, Bryan Rambeck, Nathan Lindom; back, Donovan Rupprecht, Kelsey Spilde, Jacie Miller, Krystal Roy and Jill Solberg.

Page 5: Volts and Jolts - Red Lake Electric...The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equipped accordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other special needs should

VOLTS & JOLTS March 2008 5

Value and Quality from the Ground Up

Cecil

Mark

As farming continues to evolve, so does Buhler Versatile. Our commitmentto product engineering focuses on features that add value. A quality 4WDtractor should be affordable, reliable, and serviceable. The new design andfeatures of the 435, 485 and 535 Buhler Versatile tractors make your pur-chasing decision easy. Explore all the possibilities and review your require-ments at Anderson Power, your Buhler Versatile dealer.

Power Shift andManual TransmissionPTOs • Deluxe Cabs

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Hwy. 59 North • Thief River Falls, MN e-mail: [email protected] Free: 1-800-888-2744 www.agdealer.com/andersonpowerPhone: 218-681-1423

Stop in and seeCecil or Mark

for all yourequipment needs.

Students extracting DNA from cheek cell samples are, from left, PhillipOlson, Chase Bakke, Brian Hruby and Kolton Kilen.

Roshan Pederson working on a floral arrangement in floriculture class.

Ag students Kira Spaulding, left, and Kevin Nelson were responsiblefor planting and maintaining the flowerbeds at Lincoln High Schoolduring the summer.

Ag students texturing soil are, from left, Whitney Jacobson, KelseySpilde, Shelby Johnson, Blake Halbasch, Melda Nelson and BrandonHousey.

Matt Audette, left, and Chris Compeau scoring antlers.

Ag students who helped with bird banding at Agassiz Wildlife Refuge are, from left, Ashley Compeau, LoraFipula, Becca Aaland, Anthony Martin, Royce Muzzy, Katrina Peterson and Reggie Cummings.

Chapter delegates sent to the national FFA convention in Indianapolis,Ind., are, from left, Jill Solberg, Kelsey Spilde, Roshan Pederson andWhitney Jacobson.

Members of the senior FFA officer team are, front from left, Whitney Lian, Whitney Jacobson, Jill Solberg;back, Natalie Brekkestran, Kaine Jablinske, Johnnie Phillip and Roshan Pederson.

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Page 6: Volts and Jolts - Red Lake Electric...The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equipped accordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other special needs should

VOLTS & JOLTS March 2008 6

(218) 681-2602

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Walleye FilletsShrimp On A Stick

Brats - Plain & CheddarChicken Breasts

WE NOW ACCEPT

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Gift CertificatesAvailable

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1/2 or Whole Hogs $1.39 lb.cut and wrapped

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Custom Cutting of Pork & BeefWe Now Have an EBT Machine!

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Stop in and visit withLori Melby to learn more

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If you're wondering when to turnoff personal computers for energysavings, here are some generalguidelines.While a small surge in energy

consumption occurs when a com-puter starts up, this hardly com-pares with theamount used whena computer runs fora long time. Forenergy savings andconvenience, con-sider turning off themonitor if youaren't going to useyour PC for morethan 20 minutesand switch off theCPU and monitor ifyou're not going touse a PC for morethan two hours.Make sure mon-

itors, printers andother accessoriesare plugged in to apower strip/surge protector. Whennot using equipment for extendedperiods, turn off the switch on thepower strip to prevent any powerdrain. If you don't use a power strip,unplug extra equipment when it'snot in use.Most PCs today reach the end of

their useful life due to advances intechnology long before any nega-tive effects of being switched onand off multiple times can be seen.But as a general rule of thumb, theless time a PC is on, the longer itwill "last." PCs also produce heatso turning them off reduces theneed for air conditioning.

Many PCs come with a power-down or sleep mode feature for theCPU and monitor. Energy Star®computers consume 15 watts or lessin this mode – about 70 percent lesselectricity than a computer withoutpower management features. Ener-

gy Star monitors also have thecapability to power down into twosuccessive sleep modes, first to 15watts and then to eight watts – lessthan 10 percent of its operatingpower consumption.Keep in mind screen savers are

not energy savers. Using a screensaver may, in fact, require moreenergy than not using one and yourpower-down feature may not workif you have a screen saver activat-ed. In fact, modern LCD colormonitors do not need screen savers.– Source: U.S. Department of

Energy, Office of Energy Efficien-cy and Renewable Energy.

When to turn off computersRandy and Margaret Rasmussen,

supervisors of the Red Lake-PenningtonDHIA, put the following herds at top 10 inthe association for February.

Top dairy herds for February DHIAName % in lbs. lbs. lbs.

Cows milk milk test fat protein proteinTodd, Kathy Johnston . . . . . . .60 88 73 3.9 2.9 3.1 2.3NW Research & Outreach Ctr.113 89 72 3.7 2.4 3.1 2.2Northstar Dairy, LLC, 3X . . . .896 90 67 3.8 2.6 3.2 2.2Walter Bros. Farm . . . . . . . . .298 90 67 3.8 2.5 3.1 2.1Beyer Bros. Farm . . . . . . . . . . .69 88 65 3.5 2.3 3.1 2.0Wayra Dairy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221 90 64 3.7 2.4 3.1 2.0Robert and Terri Dahlen . . . . . .55 85 64 3.5 2.2 3.0 1.9Tom and Diane Kolstoe . . . . . .37 95 64 3.7 2.4 3.0 1.9Spring Prairie Colony . . . . . . .357 88 62 3.9 2.4 3.0 1.9Paul Duray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 91 62 3.8 2.4 3.2 2.0The herd averages are affected by the number of dry cows in the herd. The amount

of milk or butterfat is averaged out over all the cows. This gives the farmer a record ofthe earning power of the herd for the month. If too many cows are included in the herd,then the average for the month may be low, even though the cow that is milking pro-duces a lot of milk.

The 15th annual dead animalcollection service for 2008 in north-western Minnesota is officially can-celled due to the bovine tuberculo-sis outbreak, according to the Pem-bina Trail RC&D.The trucking company that picks

up the animals and hauls them tothe rendering facility in Blue Earthhas received word from the render-ing facility they will not accept anyanimals from northwestern Min-nesota due to the outbreak.For more information on bovine

tuberculosis visit the MinnesotaBoard of Animal Health Web site at

http:// www.bah.state.mn.us/ orcontact your local large animal vet-erinarian.Pembina Trail RC&D is a non-

profit organization operating underthe IRS 501(c)3 regulations. Localsponsors are the boards of countycommissioners and the SWCDsfrom Red Lake, Kittson, Marshall,Norman, Pennington, Polk andRoseau counties.For more information about

RC&Ds in Minnesota visit the Min-nesota NRCS Web site at www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov.

Dead animal collectioncancelled due to bovine TB

A legislative change effectiveAug. 1, 2007, extended the expi-ration date of 2007 fishing licens-es for resident and nonresidentanglers through April 30, accord-ing to the Minnesota Departmentof Natural Resources. Any stampsor tags to harvest particularspecies also are valid throughApril 30.Angling licenses, stamps and

tags for 2008, which will be effec-tive from March 1 through April30, 2009, went on sale Feb. 18.Fishing licenses are required

for resident anglers age 16 andolder and all nonresidents. Non-residents younger than 16 mayfish without a license if a parent orguardian who is licensed accom-panies them.Licenses can be purchased in

person at one of 1,750 statewideElectronic License System agents,online at mndnr.gov or by phoneat 1-888-MNLICEN (665-4236).There is a $3.50 convenience feefor telephone or online purchases.

State's 2007fishing licensesare good untilend of April

The 13th District HorticulturalSociety spring workshop, "Hats offto spring!" will be held Saturday,March 29, at the Badger Communi-ty Center, hosted by the Gro-riteGarden Club."Garden Jeopardy" will be given

at 11:15 a.m., hosted by KarenAndol, master gardener and ownerof L&E Greenhouse. Jackie Erick-son, master gardener and landscap-er, will present a lesson at 1:15

p.m., "Starting a new garden bed."Registration is at 9 a.m. A meet-

ing of the executive board and alldistrict presidents will be held at9:15 a.m. The business meetingconvenes at 10 a.m. and lunch willbe served at 11:45 a.m.A country store will begin at

12:45 p.m. with the day's wrap-upwith door prizes and silver tea at2:30 p.m.The event is open to the public.

In the first year of a new venison donationprogram, Minnesota hunters donated 1,977 deer,creating the opportunity for 97 food shelveslocated throughout Minnesota to distribute78,000 pounds of venison."Overall, I think we had a very successful

first year," said Lou Cornicelli, MinnesotaDepartment of Natural Resources (DNR) biggame program coordinator. "Most of the deerdonated came from areas with overly high deerpopulation densities, and the venison from thosedeer was put to very good use."The donations were made possible by a new

venison donation program that allows hunters todonate harvested deer without having to pay pro-cessing costs. Managed by the DNR and Min-

nesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), theprogram's goal is to provide a sought-after foodsource to those in need while encouraginghunters to harvest additional animals to helpmanage the deer herd."Hunters always could donate harvested

deer," Cornicelli said. "But without funding,only a few deer were donated annually. The infu-sion of new money allowed us to greatly expandthe program." The program is funded by a leg-islative appropriation, a nonresident license feeincrease and voluntary donations when residenthunters purchase a deer licenses.Cornicelli said the hunting portion of the pro-

gram is designed to allow hunters to harvestextra deer in areas where deer populations are

above wildlife management goals. In 2007, per-mit areas that allowed individual hunters to takemore than one deer provided 95 percent of thedonations. Nearly 70 percent of donated deercame from permit areas that allowed the harvestof five or more deer.The program requires that hunters donate deer

only to processors certified by the MDAand deerbe free from signs of illness, field dressed withthe hide intact, free of visible decomposition orcontamination and properly identified with aDNR registration tag. In 2007, 72 certifiedprocessors distributed the venison to 97 Min-nesota food shelves.

Minn. deer hunters donate 78,000 pounds of venison

Signs that herald Minnesota'ssesquicentennial celebration arenow being installed at state entrypoints and other locations by theMinnesota Department ofTransportation.The signs read "Min-

nesota 1858 -2008, 150Years of Statehood."In addition, special

signs are being posted atthe entrances of five Min-nesota cities, which willserve as honorary Capi-tals for a Day this spring.The cities are Bemidji,

Detroit Lakes, New Ulm,Thief River Falls and Winona.Activities in those cities will

join celebrations that will occurstatewide during the rest of theyear.Minnesota’s early transportation

history will be recreated by aGatzke family who will drive anoxcart down the historic trade routefrom Pembina, N.D., to St. Paul anda week-long wagon train trip inMay. The History Center's "MN

150" exhibit explores transporta-tion and many other facets of thestate's history in St. Paul.Major celebration sponsors

include the Minnesota Sesquicen-tennial Commission and the Min-nesota Historical Society.The historical society paid

Mn/DOT for the cost of makingand posting the signs. The signswill be removed at the end of theyear and recycled.More information about the

state's sesquicentennial is availableon the history center's Web site:www.mnhs.org/exhibits/mn150/.

New signs signal Minnesota'ssesquicentennial celebration

Minnesota's manufacturedexports reached a record $4.3 bil-lion in the fourth quarter of 2007 –14.5 percent ahead of the sameperiod a year earlier, according todata released by the state Depart-ment of Employment and Econom-ic Development (DEED). The stateoutpaced the U.S. export market,which expanded 12.1 percent in thequarter.Minnesota's export growth was

strong in the second half of 2007and finished at an overall pace of6.5 percent for the full year. U.S.export growth averaged 10.4 per-cent in 2007.Transportation equipment, com-

puters and electronics, and foodproducts led the surge in the state'sexport growth in the final threemonths of 2007, with each sectorjumping by more than $100 mil-lion.The biggest increase in demand

for Minnesota products came fromCanada, the Philippines and Mexi-co.Canada was Minnesota's largest

trade partner in the fourth quarter,buying $1.2 billion worth of thestate's manufactured exports, nearly33 percent more than in the fourthquarter of 2006. China ($298 mil-lion), Ireland ($247 million), Japan($191 million) and Germany ($190million) rounded out the state's topfive export customers during theperiod.Three South American countries

posted strong growth, with stateexports to Chile increasing 134 per-cent to $35 million; Argentina, 71percent to $29 million; and Brazil ,37 percent to $67 million.Among other highlights of the

quarter:Computers and electronics were

Minnesota's largest export,accounting for $1.1 billion in fourth

quarter sales. That was the firsttime exports in that category haveexceeded $1 billion since the sec-ond quarter of 2006.The state's other strong export

categories were machinery ($653million), transportation ($601 mil-lion), miscellaneous, includingmedical ($489 million), and food($365 million).In the transportation category,

Minnesota businesses sold mostlytrucks, as well as tractors, masstransportation vehicles and snow-mobiles to Canada. Aircraft-relatedsales grew strongly to the UnitedKingdom and Brazil but they wereoffset by comparable declines toIsrael and France .A more detailed report about

fourth-quarter manufacturedexports is online at www.exportminnesota.com/itradestats.htm.

Manufactured exportshit $4.3 billion infourth quarter

DEALER IMPRINT

Easy service access Large, ergonomic operator’s cab T-Bar “hands-only,” dual-hand or hand/foot controls

Combined with their power,speed, reach and visibility,these skid loaders haveeverything needed to get thejob done quickly.

• Innovative acousticalmaterials to reduce interiorcab sound levels

• New higher operating loads–up to 2,900 lbs. with optionalcounterweights

• Advanced high-horsepowerDeutz engines with in-cylinder glow plugs to improvecold weather starts, and auto-shutdown systems

• Exceptional hydraulic powerfor high breakout forces andoutstanding attachmentperformance

• Standard ground speeds upto 8.5 mph or 12.5 mph withoptional two-speed drive

• Choice of T-bar “hands-only,”dual-hand or hand/footcontrols

The Gazette . . . only $29 in Red Lake County

Photo by Daivs Instruments

NNEELLSSOONN EEQQUUIIPPMMEENNTTThief River Falls, MN 56701 218-681-1997 1-888-685-1997

Your Local GEHL Dealer

SALES & RENTAL

Amish Community Quilt and Consignment Auction

May 10th

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT AN ESTATE AUCTION?GIVE US A CALL FOR RATES!

Location: 1-1/2 miles So. of Gonvick on Pine Lake Road and 2 miles west.

Now taking your quality items for our spring auction!

Consign your items with Dan TroyerCall 218-487-5976

Advertising deadline is April 8th.

Horticultural springworkshop is March 29

Page 7: Volts and Jolts - Red Lake Electric...The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equipped accordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other special needs should

Your key to buy, sell or trade anything is theCLASSIFIEDSThe members are invited to use this FREE WANT AD service.If you have anything to trade or sell, just drop a card to Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Box 430, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750.

Red Lake Electric Cooperative

Want Ad Order FormUse this handy form to submit your want ads.

PLEASE PRINT.Mail or bring your ads to the RLEC office by the tenth of the month.Commercial ads are 10¢ per word with a minimum charge of $4 perinsertion.

Member want ads are FREE. One want ad per member per month.

Please PRINT . . .Your Name, Address and Phone Number. Mail with your power billpayment, if you prefer, or fax to 218-253-2630.

Miscellany

BurnsWeldingand

Repair• Skid-steer loader rental• Farm machinery repair• Custom cattle gates builtto your needs

• Custom size hay feeders• Portable welding• Aluminum welding andtig welding

CALL SHOP218-964-5444

CARPETETC.

OF ST. HILAIRE

On Highway 32 • St. Hilaire • 218-964-5555 • FREE ESTIMATES

CARPET • VINYL • LAMINATE • CERAMIC TILE

OPENMon.-Fri., 9-5:30

Sat., 9-3

LOW PRICES.STOP ANDCOMPARE!

EXPERT ADVICEAND

INSTALLATION

DON'SSEWING & VACUUMS

307 1st St. E in Thief River FallsMon.-Fri., 9-5:30. Closed 12-1 p.m. for lunch.Simplicity sewing machines and

vacuums now sold here.Lamp and small appliance repair.

SALES AND SERVICE • NEW ANDUSED

Parts and service for all makes and models218-681-8664

We're equippedto repair

anything fromframes towindshields!

GIVE US A CALL218-681-3952

NORTHWEST AUTO BODYNORTHWEST AUTO BODYNext to Fleet Supply • Hwy. 1 and 59 West • Thief River Falls

““YYoouu BBeenndd ‘‘EEmm .. .. .. WWee MMeenndd ‘‘EEmm..””

BRIAN SCHAFER MIKE SCHAFER218-289-5430 218-289-5431CELLULAR CELLULAR

16483 120th Avenue SWRed Lake Falls, Minnesota 56750

Office 218-253-2497COMMERCIAL TRENCHING RESIDENTIAL FARM

LLuucckkeenn CCoorrpp..23125 430th St. SE, Winger, MN 56592

WWAANNTTSS YYOOUURR SSCCRRAAPP!!CASH$$$ CASH$$$ CASH$$$

WE ALSO DO CAR CRUSHING, TIN BALING AND FARM CLEANUPWE NOW HAVE AN ON-SITE CERTIFIED SCALE.

WE BUY ALL FERROUS AND NONFERROUS IRON AND METALS• Prepared steel • Aluminum transmissions • Unstripped motors• Radiators • Tin • Die cast• #1 and #2 cast • Stainless steel • Car bodies• Aluminum • Batteries • Copper• Brass • Lead

FFIILLLLIINNGG LLIIQQUUIIDD OOXXYYGGEENNCCaallll 880000--887744--44110077

Ask for Jeff or email [email protected]: M-F, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 8-noon

LLUUGGGGEERR SSEERRVVIICCEE AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE

TreeTrimming or TreeRemovalNeeded?Free Estimates “Fully Insured”

Tvedt Tree Service(218) 681-6314(218) 686-Tree Stump

RemovalWe can get the jobdone! No job is toosmall or too large!

CONCRETE INC.

RADIO DISPATCHED TRUCKSNO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL!

CONCRETE INC.St. Hilaire, MN 964-5237

READY MIX CONCRETE, SAND & GRAVEL.We Have Heated Ready Mix For Year Around Jobs.

PRICED RIGHT FIREWOOD SALES

HAS A SPRING SALE ON FIRE WOOD.

POPLAR - $70 per cord, 8 ft. lengthsOAK - $85 per cord, 8 ft. lengths

Call Don at Don’s Sewing & VacuumSales at 218-681-8664 days or Steve

at 218-289-4445.

'00 Chev. Monte CarloBlack, Sharp, 3400 V-6 . . . . . . . .$6,850

'99 Buick Park Avenue4-Dr., Maroon, Gray Leather . . .$5,250

'98 Chev. Cavalier 4-Dr.AT, AC, 4 Cyl.,Blue . . . . .SPECIAL $3,350

'98 Chev. Astro Utility VanWhite, 4.3 V-6, AT, AC .Reduced To$2,350

'97 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4Dark Green, Loaded . .SPECIAL $3,350

'97 Buick LeSabre 4-Dr.Maroon, 3800 V-6 . . . . .SPECIAL $3,450

'96 Chev. Lumina 4-Dr., 3100 V-6

Tilt, Cruise, White . . . . . .SPECIAL $2,650'96 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4-Dr.

4.0, 6 Cyl., 4x4, Black .SPECIAL $2,650'95 Pontiac Grand Prix

2-Dr., 3100 V-6, Blue . .SPECIAL $2,450'94 Pontiac Transport 3800

V-6, Dark Green . . . . . .SPECIAL $2,450'93 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4-Dr.

4.0, 6 Cyl., 4x4, Red . . . . .SALE $2,850'91 Cadillac DeVille Sedan 4-Dr.

Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPECIAL $1,450'91 Ford F-150 Long Box

5.0 V-8, Red . . . . . . . . . .ONLY $1,195'87 Ford F-250 3/4-Ton Ext. Cab

460 Engine, 4x4, HD . . . . .ONLY $1,950

� These Prices

D & S Sales & ServiceRed Lake Falls, MN

(218) 253-2940 • 1-800-253-2009DLR #21275

DAVIDSONREADY MIX &CONSTRUCTION

• Concrete • Concrete Blocks• Rebar • Rock• Gravel • Backhoe and• Septic Tanks Dozer Service

CALL (218) 449-4865or (218) 681-7033

1325 Greenwoood St. WThief River Falls

www.davidsonconstruction.com

WE NOW CARRY – Half-fold-size envelopes for computer-gener-ated greeting cards. 11¢ apiece.The Gazette in Red Lake Falls,253-2594. xf

LOW-ODOR, DRY ERASEMARKERS – Are now available atthe Gazette in Red Lake Falls, 253-2594. xf

PRINTING – Check with theGazette for all your printing needs.No job is too big or too small. TheGazette, 253-2594, Red Lake Falls,MN. xf

FIREPLACES FOR LESS –Highest-quality fireplaces and free-standing stoves at guaranteed low-est prices. Compare and save.www.mikesheating.com; 1-800-446-4043. xc

THE BEST RADIANT FLOORHEAT WATER TUBING – Freeestimates. Compare and save.Guaranteed lowest prices.www.mikesheating.com. 1-800-446-4043. xc

FOR SALE – Herd of black beefcows bred to black bull. Wormedand vaccinated. Scour Guard. Vetprechecked. Will sell any numberfor spring freshening. Also wantedto buy: International Cub tractor orInternational A tractor. Call 320-760-9954. xp

For sale

WANTED – Junk vehicles andscrap iron. Paying cash. Will pickup. Call anytime: 218-280-1757days or 218-253-2068 evenings.xp

WANTED – Mark V Mercury out-board, any condition. Call 218-280-1380.

Wanted

OFFER ENDS MAY 31SThonda.com UTILITY ATVs ARE RECOMMENDED ONLY FOR RIDERS 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. BE A RESPONSIBLERIDER. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, AND PLEASE RESPECT THEENVIRONMENT. OBEY THE LAW AND READ YOUR OWNER’S MANUAL THOROUGHLY. PROFESSIONAL RIDER SHOWNIN A DESIGNATED RIDING AREA. *Special 3.99% Fixed APR financing available for customers who qualify for super preferredcredit tier for up to 36 months through Honda Financial Services. Payment example: 36 monthly payments of $29.52 for each $1000financed. Offer good on all new and unregistered 2008 and prior model year ATVs. **$500 Bonus Bucks offer good with thepurchase of select 2007 and prior TRX®500FA/FGA, TRX500FE/FM and 2007 TRX500FPE models. Check with participatingHonda Dealers for complete details. Bonus Bucks can only be used for purchases at the dealership and must be redeemed on thedate of purchase. Offer has no cash value and is not transferable. Redemption value is not to exceed $500. Offer ends 5/31/08.FourTrax,® Foreman® and TRX® are trademarks of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2008 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (2/08) 07-0316

ON ALL 2008 & PRIORFOURTRAX® FOREMAN® MODELS

3.99%AS LOW AS $500UP

TO BONUSBUCKSon 2007 andprior models**

HARD WORKER.EASY PAYMENTS.

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on approved credit throughHonda Financial Services*

Current In-Stock 2007 Models Eligible for Bonus Bucks

Hwy. 1 & 59 WestThief River Falls(218) 681-1007

www.rvsports.com

IS YOUR FURNACE

UNDER THE

WEATHER?CALL . . .

PAT’S HEATING25542 285th Avenue SE

Brooks, MN 56715Business: 218-796-5189

Cell: 218-684-0991

Repair/Replacement/Service- System Balancing - Servicing Systems

Let us help you stabilize your heating system

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Page 8: Volts and Jolts - Red Lake Electric...The Ralph Engelstad Arena is handicap-accessible and equipped accordingly. Any annual meeting attendee requiring any other special needs should

VOLTS & JOLTS March 2008 8

P. O. Box 430 412 International Drive SW Red Lake Falls, MN 56750-0430

Phone 218-253-2168Toll-free 1-800-245-6068Fax 218-253-2630After-hour outage 218-253-2200Office hours Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30E-mail: [email protected] site www.redlakeelectric.com

Red Lake Electric Cooperative is pleased to offeryou Auto Pay. Now you can have your monthly ener-gy bill paid automatically from your checking or sav-ings account. You can receive the Auto Pay serviceby completing the Auto Pay sign-up sheet andreturning it to Red Lake Electric Cooperative.

The Auto Pay service is free of charge. Not onlyis this service free, you will eliminate the expense ofwriting a check, postage to mail your payment andno more late payment penalties because your billwill be paid on time, every month, for you.

Your payment will be automatically made for youon the 5th of each month. If the 5th falls on a week-

end or holiday, the payment will be made on the nextbusiness day. You will continue to receive yourmonthly energy bill as you have in the past, indicat-ing the amount that will be withdrawn from yourbank account. The proof of your payment will appearon your bank statement and your next month's ener-gy bill statement.

Continue to pay your monthly bill until youare notified on your bill that the Auto Pay hasbeen set up for you.

If you have any questions about the Auto Payplease call RLEC at 800-245-6068 or 218-253-2168.

AUTO PAYSIGN-UP SHEET

I authorize Red Lake Electric Cooperative (RLEC) and the bank listed below to initiate variable entriesto my checking or savings account. This authorization remains in effect until I notify RLEC in writing tocancel it in such time as to allow RLEC to act on it.

RLEC ELECTRIC ACCOUNT #

NAME (PRINT)

ADDRESS

TELEPHONE #

NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

CHECKING ACCOUNT #

SAVINGS ACCOUNT #

SIGN HERE TO AUTHORIZEPlease return this authorization form with a blank, voided check to:

Red Lake Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 430, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750

AUTO PAY OFFERED BY RLEC

One of the Minnkota Power Systems

Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Inc.

The 69th annual meeting of themembers of the Red Lake ElectricCooperative, Inc. was held onWednesday, March 28, 2007, in theImperial Room of the Ralph Engel-stad Arena in Thief River Falls.

President Veral Mosbeck calledthe meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.Approximately 325 members andguests were in attendance.

Mosbeck thanked Vern Rogallafor the premeeting musical enter-tainment he provided. LaceyVoecks, an eighth grader in ThiefRiver Falls, next sang a song shewrote entitled "Proud of You." Shewrote the patriotic song after hercousin was deployed to Iraq. KellyLundeen gave an invocation andcurrent board members were intro-duced.

President Mosbeck called thebusiness meeting to order. Secre-tary Henry Wieland read the affi-davit of mailing and quorum decla-ration.

Mosbeck entertained a motionthat the 2006 annual meeting min-utes be approved as they wereprinted in the March Volts andJolts. It was duly moved, secondedand carried to do so.

Mosbeck next gave the presi-dent's report. He said service relia-bility was at an all-time high in2006, the result of good systemmaintenance and few thunder-

storms. Capital credit payments, hesaid, continued to be a priority ofthe board and $383,000 had beenpaid out in March 2007. He saideven after the 5.7 percent retail rateincrease that would go into effect inthe summer, the Cooperative's rateswould still be very competitivewith other regional electric utilities.Mosbeck noted this would be hislast annual meeting as a directorsince he did not seek re-election.He thanked fellow directors,employees and the membership fortheir work and support of Red LakeElectric during the course of his 30years of service on the board.

The general manager's reportwas then given by Ron Kennedy.He briefly reviewed some of thepositive results of 2006, noting theCooperative's service reliability,competitive rates and communityservice. He explained the annualmeeting theme, "Demands on Elec-tricity," referred to member usageof electricity, legislative mandatesand wholesale power rate increases.

Kennedy explained members'annual usage of electricity was notincreasing but members' use ofelectricity during the cold winterpeak periods was increasing. Hesaid this would increase ratesbecause the system was becomingless efficient. Kennedy said the 25by 25 renewable energy mandate

recently passed in Minnesotawould likely increase costs, as wellas potential carbon dioxide restric-tion legislation.

He reviewed the retail rateincrease that would take effect withthe July 2007 billing and said therate would be higher during thethree cold winter months to offsethigher cost of service then and,hopefully, encourage more energyconservation at that time. He saiduse of portable electric heaters dur-ing cold periods was bad for theCooperative and resulted in higherrates for everyone. Kennedy saidalthough retail rates would increasesignificantly over the next fiveyears, members could continue toexpect the Cooperative to providethem reliable service, competitiverates and service to the community.

Roger Johanneck, manager offinance and administration, gavethe 2006 financial report. He said2006 revenue was $7.6 millionfrom energy sales of 116 millionkilowatt hours. He said the cost ofwholesale power was $4.7 millionand other operating expensestotaled $1.7 million, with a total netmargin of $711,126.

Johanneck also reviewed theCooperative's balance sheet, whichincluded electric plant of $23.7 mil-lion, long-term debt of $8.1 millionand member equity of $10.1 mil-

lion.The Minnkota Power report was

given by Dave Loer, president andCEO of Minnkota. Loer talkedabout the current and future chal-lenges of generating electricity. Hesaid existing and potential environ-mental laws and regulations oncoal-fired generation would have alarge effect on the cost of generat-ing electricity. He said a largewholesale rate increase would benecessary in the 2010 through 2012timeframe to start paying for $150million in emission control equip-ment additions at Minnkota'sYoung 1 unit. Loer said Minnkotawould purchase wind-generatedelectricity from a 100-megawattwind farm near Langdon, N.D.,when it was completed in early2008. He explained the contractpurchase price for the new windgeneration was close to the region-al power pool market price so thispurchase would likely not have anegative effect on rates.

President Mosbeck asked for amotion to accept the precedingreports and it was duly moved, sec-onded and carried to do so.

Election of directors took place.Secretary Wieland verified thenominees elected at the districtmeetings and said there had beenno nominations by petition. Mos-beck then declared the followingthree people duly elected as direc-tors for three-year terms: District 3,Joyce Johnson; District 6, HenryWieland; and District 9, Peter Mos-beck.

Mosbeck asked for any newbusiness or questions from theaudience. A member asked whetheror not it was good to use portableelectric heaters over peak times andKennedy said that was not in the

best interest of the Cooperative. Itwas then duly moved, secondedand carried to adjourn the businesssession.

Kennedy said Cooperativeemployees had now completedmore than four years without anylost-time accidents. He presentedsafe worker awards to Steve Cone-ly and Ira Cota, five years; MikeWavra, 25 years; Shirley Bregier,35 years; and Bev Schmitz, 40years.

Vice president Kelly Lundeenpresented retiring president VeralMosbeck with a plaque in gratitudefor his 30 years of service as adirector and the past 16 years asboard president. Mosbeck thankedLundeen and the members in atten-dance and said he was very proudof his involvement with Red Lake

Electric Cooperative.Kennedy also presented Mos-

beck with a plaque in appreciationof his 14 years of service on theRed Lake Electric Trust Board.

Kim Swanson, president of theRed Lake Electric Trust Board, pre-sented a $500 grant check to KarlaStavnes of the Pennington/RedLake Counties Victim Services.Stavnes thanked the members fortheir participation in the OperationRound Up program and said thegrant would be used to provideessential help for victims of crime.

Kevin Reich awarded doorprizes and lunch was served by St.John Lutheran Church of Red LakeFalls.

Henry Wieland,Secretary

Minutes of the annual meeting held Wednesday, March 28, 2007,at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Thief River Falls

The Red Lake Electric Coopera-tive (RLEC) Board of Directorsapproved payment of capital creditstotaling more than $395,000. Thispayment continues a strong tradi-tion of equity revolvement atRLEC.

The balance of capital creditsassigned to members in 1990 willbe paid out, as well as 66 percent ofthe capital credits assigned in 1991.(5402001.05 Gerald J. Helle)Active members, if they receivedservice in those years, will see acredit adjustment on their Marchbilling statement. Inactive members(those no longer receiving servicefrom RLEC) will be mailed acheck.

The difference between annualrevenues and annual expenses(termed a margin) is assigned tomembers' capital credit accountseach year based on their annualbillings for electric service. TheCooperative retains those capitalcredits for a number of years forfinancial security and to reducedebt. If the Cooperative's financialhealth is good, as it is today, someof those capital credits assigned arepaid out to members.

At RLEC, capital credits arepaid out on a "first in, first out"basis. Capital credits are also paidout in the event of the death of amember or their spouse.

$395,000 capital creditpayment given in March

To Our Eggstra-SpecialCustomers and Friends

Red Lake Electric Cooperative, Inc.

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Hanson Oil and Fuel, Inc.ANDY MORAN, OWNER

GIVE US A CALL FOR GAS, DIESEL AND OIL DELIVERIESRed Lake Falls 218-253-2787 Crookston 218-281-4102

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Ag Day in Red Lake Falls is Saturday, March 29 at the Community Hall

A CUT ABOVE CONVENTIONAL OIL!