Celebrating Years - Freeborn

September 2016
Volume 77 • NO. 9
80
Celebrating
1936-2016
County
LINES
Second Quarter Report —
Years
Operation Round Up® Grants Top $23,008
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services members are great at
helping strengthen their communities. Your volunteer support of our Operation Round Up® program demonstrates
the far-reaching benefits of working together to provide
grants to a variety of programs and organizations that serve
our area. In turn, these grant recipients benefit thousands of
lives in our region. Thank you for being part of this wonderful cooperative effort.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
To report an outage
after hours call
1-800-734-6421
Continued on page 4…
The Hayward Booster Club used the grant for
the Blazing Star Trail Dedication Event.
To leave a message after
hours with our call center
1-800-734-6421
To make a payment call
1-877-487-9910, or go to our
website at www.fmcs.coop.
A 24/7 drive up drop box is
located at our office under the
canopy at 2501 Main Street East,
Albert Lea, MN. (We do not
advise leaving cash payments in
the box.)
Trent Wangen, Fire Chief of the Hartland Fire
Department receives an Operation Round Up®
award from Dawn Schroeder, Freeborn-Mower
Cooperative Services Communication Specialist.
Please enter our office through the
front doors near the flagpole. For
your convenience, there is an area
designated for member parking.
Micki Rayman, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services
Marketing & Events Coordinator, made the grant presentation to Jennifer Murphy, president of the Lyle First
Responders, and Mark Haugland.
Our office will be closed on
Monday, September 5, 2016
in observance
of Labor Day.
A Touchstone Energy® Cooperative
Use your card
for pharmacy
savings and
a variety of
discounts!
September Survey
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is commissioning a professionallyconducted and confidential survey of residential member attitudes during
September. If you are contacted, please participate and provide your
honest and candid responses. The survey will help us better understand
your concerns and needs, as well as any shortcomings you’ve identified.
There will be questions regarding your satisfaction with Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and our
performance as your electric service provider. Other questions will relate to rates and fees, our programs
and services, our commitment to member-owners, and how well we communicate with our members.
Stay Connected with your Co-op!
@FMCSCooperative
www.fmcs.coop
www.facebook.com/Freeborn-MowerCooperativeServices
800-734-6421
Inside...
Membership Matters
Get to know the candidates...................................................... 2
Harvest Safety........................................................................... 3
Saving Energy & Money Workshop....................................... 5
A Touchstone Energy® Cooperative
MEMBERSHIP
Affordable electricity is rural America’s
economic lifeline. Essential to our safety
and security, affordable electricity is
critical to providing the useful work that
drives our local economies and provides
jobs.
Throughout decades of local service,
electric cooperatives have built strong ties
in the communities they serve — connections that are fueled by a powerful sense
of civic duty. That’s why electric cooperatives focus on the impact that legislative
and regulatory changes with the electric
utility industry may have on families, agriculture and businesses nationwide. Electric co-ops provide a powerful voice on
national issues that have a local impact.
It is a long-standing policy of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services to
never endorse candidates. However, we
do work to educate local politicians and
political candidates on energy related
issues. We want to make certain that the
cooperative perspective is always included
in discussion and debate.
I want to take this opportunity to encourage our cooperative members to get to
know the candidates running for local,
state and national offices. Find out where
they stand on important issues such as
energy policy. The office holders at each
of these levels are extremely important
to shaping our regulatory environment.
In short, please make sure your voice is
heard at the ballot box!
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Board Meeting
The Board of Directors will meet on
Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 8:00 a.m.
at the cooperative headquarters.
Services & Billing Questions
(507) 373-6421 or toll-free (800) 734-6421
www.fmcs.coop
Gopher State One-Call
811 or (800) 252-1166
for all underground cable locations.
48-hour notice is required.
This institution is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
2
Keep in Mind What’s at Stake
Electric cooperatives provide
a business model where profit
is not the driving force and
member-owners have a voice.
In turn, we want our elected
officials to hear your voices. Vote!
Electric cooperatives are significantly
different from other utilities in ownership structure and purpose. Electric
cooperatives are private, not-for-profit,
member-owned and locally-controlled
businesses. Our consumer-focus and
perspective is shaped by this framework.
Therefore, it is imperative that we keep
important issues facing our industry and
local economies in front of our local,
state and national leaders.
Nationwide, electric cooperatives
advocate for legislative and regulatory
policies that are scientifically sound,
cost-effective and balance consumer interest and environmental protection. We
advocate for policies that protect health
and the environment while ensuring
reliable and affordable power. Member
account number thirteen thousand one
hundred fifty-eight.
Good things can happen when we work
together. Case in point — with the
assistance of the National Rural Electric
Cooperative Association (NRECA),
electric cooperative members submitted
more than half a million comments to
the Environmental Protection Agency
through Action.Coop and TellEPA.com.
This remarkable achievement was possible only through the support, teamwork
and cooperation of the hundreds of
cooperatives that mobilized this effort
on an unprecedented scale.
Member account number one thousand
nine hundred eighty-one. Electric cooperatives are also dealing with challenges
created by circumstances of today’s
world. In mid-July, NRECA announced
that America’s electric cooperatives will
be partnering with the Department of
Energy (DOE) and the American Public
Power Association (APPA) on a new $15
million initiative to strengthen protec-
Electric cooperatives serve 42
million Americans in 47 states.
Nearly 75% of the nation’s
electric distribution lines are
owned and maintained by
electric cooperatives. Energyintensive businesses, including
agriculture and manufacturing,
are located in rural areas. These
businesses have a greater
sensitivity to electric price
increases than the more-servicebased economies found in more
densely populated areas.
Just a10% increase in electricity
prices over the 2020 to 2040
period is projected to result in:
A non-cumulative average job
loss of 882,000 nationwide that
peaks at 1.2 million by 2021
• Of that, a non-cumulative
average job loss of 614,000
in areas served by electric
cooperatives that peaks at
499,000 by 2021
• A cumulative loss in
national GDP of $2.8
trillion
(Source: NRECA study, July 2015)
tion of the nation’s electric grid from cyber
and physical attack.
Over the next three years, NRECA will use
the $7.5 million award to develop security tools, educational resources, updated
guidelines and training materials. Continued investments in the people, processes
and technology needed to secure critical
infrastructure will strengthen the ability
of America’s electric cooperatives to meet
rapidly changing cybersecurity threats.
Jim Krueger, President & CEO
Your membership matters.
Make
Safety
a Priority
Before you take to the fields this harvest
season, make sure you take some time to
look around. Look up and live!
Always know the location of overhead power
lines and guy wires when moving combines,
augers, wagons and other farm equipment.
Making accidental contact can create potential electrocution hazards. Use a helper as a
spotter if you are uncertain of your distance
from overhead power lines. Make certain
you always keep at least 10 feet away.
Proper Grain Bin Clearances
The National Electric Safety Code
has established clearance requirements to allow for the movement
of large equipment near grain bins.
Also, be aware of your proximity to all underground transformers and junction boxes.
Overhead power lines must be
at least 18 feet above the tops
of newly erected grain bins. The
illustration indicates the necessary clearances required on the
loading side of a grain bin.
Have a pre-harvest safety talk with everyone
who will be working in your fields. Never
let your safety be an afterthought or deadly
oversight!
Before moving or building a grain bin, please contact Freeborn-Mower
Cooperative Services so that we may help you determine a site that is a
safe distance from our power lines. Have questions? Contact our office at
507-373-6421 or 800-734-6421.
Minnesota “Cold Weather Rule” Does Not Forbid Winter Shutoffs
The “cold weather rule” regulates residential electric service disconnections between October 15 and April 15 if disconnection would affect
the primary heat source. It is important to understand that you must
follow these guidelines to be protected by the “cold weather rule.”
Energy Assistance Providers
Freeborn County Dept. of Human Services
(507) 377-5400
• As of October 15, you must be current in paying your bill or have
entered into a payment arrangement and are current with payments
under the arrangement.
Mower County Human Services
(507) 437-9701
Minnesota Valley Action Council
• You must complete the MN Cold Weather Rule Application (available from Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services). Income verification
must be provided along with the application.
• Your total household income must be less than 50% of the state
median income and/or you have received energy assistance for this
heating season.
If you do not meet the above conditions, you
do not qualify for winter shut-off protection.
(507) 345-6822 or (800) 767-7139
Minnesota Prairie County Alliance
(888) 850-9419
Faribault County Human Services
(507) 526-3265
Faribault County Minnesota Valley Action Council
If you are unable to pay your bill by the due date, you
must call our office to arrange a payment schedule.
If you do not respond to the disconnect notice, your
service may be disconnected, even in mid-winter.
As of April 15 your account must be current or have a
mutually agreed upon payment arrangement. Failure
to comply could result in disconnection of service.
www.fmcs.coop
(507) 526-5291 or (800) 767-7139
Fillmore County Social Services
(507) 765-2175
North Iowa Community Action Organization
(800) 873-1899
SEMCAC
(800) 944-3281 or (507) 864-7515
3
Small Change that Builds Communities
100% of Operation Round Up® funds are donated to local charitable organizations in our area.
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services began its Operation Round-Up® program in 2003. Currently,
more than 15,000 participants collectively contribute to the program by having their monthly electric bill
rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. The contribution could be as little as a penny, but never
more than ninety-nine cents. The average donation per member is $6.00 per year. Contributions to
Operation Round-Up® are tax-deductible and are printed on your electric bill each month with the total
contribution on your December electric bill. The funds are pooled with all other ORU participating members' monies and distributed on a quarterly basis to non-profit, charitable and educational organizations in
Freeborn & Mower Counties. Operation Round Up funds are held separate from Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and are overseen by a Board of Trustees. Operation Round Up is an opt-out program.
Program information and applications can be found on our website at www.fmcs.coop.
Operation Round Up®
builds our community
– thanks for your
participation!
Since its inception, the program has granted more than $357,000 in assistance in our areas!
Operation Round Up® 2016 Second Quarter Grants
The Operation Round Up Board of Trustees met on July 11th to review applications
and award grants to the following recipient organizations.
$1,000 Alden Fire Dept., Alden
1,000 Hayward Fire Dept., Hayward
1,000 Adams Area Ambulance Service, Adams
1,000 Lyle Fire Department, Lyle
1,000 Hartland Fire Department, Hartland
1,000 Lyle First Responders, Lyle
500 Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville
500 Southland Robotic Team, Rose Creek
500 Glenville-Emmons PTC, Glenville
500 Alden-Conger Supermileage, Alden
500 Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville
500 Ellis Robotics Team, Austin
500 Forte Milers Barbershop Chorus, Adams
500 Wild Turkey Federation, Waltham
500 Grace Christian Church, Albert Lea
500 MCHS Pediatric Clinic, Albert Lea 500 Albert Lea Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Albert Lea
500 Spruce Up Austin, Inc., Austin
500 Freeborn County Humane Society, Albert Lea
500 Hayward Booster Club, Hayward
500 Festival of Trees, Adams
500 Albert Lea Family Y, Albert Lea
500 Tee It Up for Campers, Freeborn
500 Hayward Booster Club, Hayward 500 Mower County Fair, Waltham
500 Freeborn County Arts Initiative, Albert Lea
500 C/O ALFC Chamber Foundation, Albert Lea 500 Freeborn County 4-H, Albert Lea
500 Changing Seasons Garden Club, Adams
500 Adams Town & Country Pool, LeRoy
500 Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, Austin
500 Austin Area Commission for the Arts, Austin
500 Real Hope for the Hungry, Adams
500 Community Home Improvement Projects, Austin
500 River Rats Car Club, Austin
489.38 Mower County 4-H Dog Project, Austin
419 LeRoy Community Pool, LeRoy 200 Get Your Pink On, Albert Lea 200 Mower County 4-H Llama Project, Rose Creek
200 Kids College, Albert Lea
Purchase two sets of turnout gear
Purchase set of rescue jacks
Purchase radio
Purchase two new nozzles
Purchase fire truck hoses
New member training and re-certifications
Rebuilding of baseball facility
Purchase a robot
Purchase books
Support sending entire team to London
Rebuild softball pitching mound
Purchase wireless keys and robot controllers
Purchase performance music
Purchase LED bulbs/fixtures for Conservation Building at Mower County Fair
Purchase computer to handle HD video streaming
Purchase books for each child to receive after a well-check visit
Towards purchase of concession trailer
Landscaping materials for use at Mower Co. Fair
Purchase of pet carriers / kennels
Blazing Star Trail Dedication & Celebration
Fund raising items for community pool
Family membership programs
True Friends children camp experience
Landscaping for City of Hayward sign
Conservation Building Committee animal exhibit
Purchase digital projector
Purchase basketball hoop/Moore Hoop
Toward purchase of playground equipment at fairgrounds
Rejuvenate Adams welcome signs
Purchase new chlorination system
Leadership Program
Bring touring artists to Historic Paramount Theatre
Purchase food ingredients
Expansion to CHIP program
Pavers with Veterans’ name
Purchase an A-frame mover
Purchase training manikins & rescue tubes
Fundraising golf tournament for breast cancer research, screenings & treatment
Update obstacles & conduct mock show
Purchase giant world map
Total Grants Awarded: $22,008.38
4
Office Hours: Monday – Friday | 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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Economic
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Mike Murtaugh
Director of
Energy Services
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(800) 734-6421
or (507) 379-8880
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Get Started on Saving Energy and Money
You’re invited to attend a one-hour
energy presentation.
Freeborn-Mower also offers an audit/assessment rebate of up
to $500 for the completion of measures recommended from a
Freeborn-Mower sponsored energy audit. This audit/assessment
rebate becomes available when the measures recommended during a
cooperative sponsored energy audit have been paid for and implemented. The rebated amount cannot exceed 50% of the cost of the
implemented measures. Professional labor can be included in the
cost. Only measures related to the reduction or efficient usage of
electricity or delivered fossil fuels can be included. Delivered fossil
fuels include propane (LP) or fuel oil. Natural gas is not considered
to be a delivered fuel. However, we are pleased with this collaborative effort to be able to offer energy audits to members served by
MERC for natural gas and Freeborn-Mower for electricity. Thursday, September 29th at 6:30 p.m.
Albert Lea High School • Commons Area / Lobby
2000 Tiger Lane • Albert Lea, MN
Reserve your spot at the workshop today!
Call 888-734-6365 or email sbootcamp@mncee.org
(Must be a Minnesota Energy Resources and
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services customer.)
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is partnering with Minnesota Energy Resources (MERC) to offer the Community Energy
Services residential energy efficiency program designed to help
homeowners save energy and
money in their homes.
Homeowners will be able to schedule a customized home energy
audit for a co-pay of $50. This discounted audit price is available
to residents thanks to Minnesota Energy Resources and Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. Member account number
sixteen thousand five hundred nineteen.
Based on your home’s needs and your wants, our
experts will:
•
•
•
•
•
Install free energy saving materials in your home.
Perform a blower door test to measure your home for air leaks
Complete an insulation inspection.
Safety check your home’s heating system and water heater.
Help you find qualified insulation contractors.
Don’t forget!
Winter is on the way. Now is the time to take action!
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services offers its members
low-interest Energy Improvement Financing!
Loans of $1,000 to $5,000 are available, with terms of one to five
years. The financing can be used for energy improvements such as
new air conditioners, high-efficiency furnaces, electric boilers, plenum heaters, and air source or geothermal heat pumps. In addition,
financing can be used for energy efficiency improvements such as
insulation, weatherization and external doors or windows. Member
account number one thousand nine hundred eighty-one.
Loan applications are available at the FMCS office. A written
quote is required for the equipment or improvement, along with a
loan origination fee of $50. Following review of the application and
pending notification of its approval, the equipment can be purchased or contractor hired to make the installation(s). A promissory
note must be signed with FMCS. The loan is repaid on a monthly
basis and is included on your regular monthly billing statement.
CO-OP CONNECTIONS ® SEPTEMBER FEATURED BUSINESSES
New to You Consignment
Nail Tech
123 N. Broadway
Albert Lea MN
507-373-0388
DEAL : 10% off purchase
Use your card
to save!
2348 Hendrickson Road
Albert Lea MN
507-377-2977
Discounts available at these
featured businesses, along
with hundreds of others, both
locally and nationwide.
See our website for more
ways to save!
www.fmcs.coop
DEAL S: Pedicure and manicure for $35
(once a month) OR Student Special:
Full set for $35 (once a month)
Members must show their
Co-op Connections® card.
5
FOR SALE
Fa r m e r ’ s M a r k e t
Vehicles/Motorized:
2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON
SPORTSTER. 1200cc, custom
saddle bags, wired in battery
charger, 15,000 miles. Call
(507) 923-1733.
2002 BUICK LESABRE.
4-door, high highway miles.
Good work car. $800 firm. Call
(507) 383-8593.
2001 DODGE PICKUP. V-8,
auto, new tires, 29,000 miles,
topper, 4-door. Call (507) 7545672.
1983 944 PORSCHE. Call
(507) 440-3261.
Farm:
860 FORD TRACTOR.
Serial 98500. $3,000. Call (507)
440-2988.
1927 GP JOHN DEERE
TRACTOR. Call (507) 3188158 on weekends.
Household:
PRESSURE COOKER. $35.
Call (507) 273-2141.
VERTICAL BLINDS. 4 sets.
Good condition. $100. Call
(507) 373-8661.
POWER WHEELCHAIR.
Has Invacare Sure Step Pronto
M51 joystick. $800. Call (507)
437-6582.
TABLES. 2 oak round tables
and 2 drop leaf tables. Call
(507) 325-4193.
WALNUT TREE. You cut down.
You keep the wood. Call (507)
402-6743.
BLONDE DESK. Sturdy,
5 drawers, 25”x 42½”. $25.
Call (507) 402-3867.
ELECTRIC JAZZY WHEELCHAIR. Used, needs batteries,
lightweight transfer wheelchair.
Call (903) 504-8159.
ROCKING CHAIR. Tan color.
New condition. $25. Call (507)
265-3239.
FIESTA DISHES. Set of original
Fiesta dishes. Includes pre 1946
colors. Call (507) 373-8151.
Clip & Return
Do you have an item to submit in next month's Farmer's
Market? Please fill out the form below, clip and return.
Ad will print as room allows.
Name__________________________________________
Account number_________________________________
Phone__________________________________________
Check
one.  FOR SALE  WANTED  FREE
Description_____________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
One submission per member per month. Print legibly.
No business advertising. Submit before the 15th of the
month prior to the issue in which you want the ad to appear.
Limit ad to 15 words or less. Complete rules are posted at
www.fmcs.coop. Return to Farmer’s Market Submissions,
P.O. Box 611, Albert Lea, MN 56007
Don't Wait.
Communicate.
Make a family emergency
plan today.
September is National
Preparedness Month.
Learn more at
www.ready.gov/September.
6
MISC:
HARLEY DAVIDSON
MOTORCYCLE JACKET.
Black, men’s 44 reg. $50 OBO.
Call (507) 373-7228.
ARIENS RIDING LAWN
MOWER. Model 936083, 42”
deck, 19hp, B&S. $1,000. Call
(507) 320-0967.
SEPTIC TANK. New, 60”
wide, 60” deep, 80” long, 750
gallons. Call (507) 473-0041 or
(507) 473-0080.
CRAFTSMAN ELECTRIC
MITER BOX SAW. With dust
catcher. Hardly used. $60. Call
(507) 874-3731.
BATHROOM VANITY. Very
nice, 48”, 1 door, 6 drawers.
Top and sink included. Make
an offer. Call (507) 373-8051.
2 CEMETERY PLOTS.
At Hillcrest Memorial Garden,
Garden J. $200 each or $350
for both. Call (507) 377-8768.
ICE HOUSE. 17’ long, 6½’
wide, 8 hole, v-front, crank
down, spray foam insulated.
$3,500. Call (507) 383-4459.
ALUMACRAFT BOAT.
Lunker 165 LTD CS Elite.
Motor, trolling motor, cover.
Shoreline trailer, 17’, step-up
fenders. Call (507) 373-3610.
2003 COACHMAN TRAVEL
TRAILER. 26’ large slide out,
sleeps 4-6, large bathroom.
Excellent condition. $9,000.
Call (507) 373-0539.
HITCH RACK. For a handicapped scooter. Call (507)
373-6537.
SPORTZ TRUCK TENT.
Used 2 times. Great condition.
$150 OBO. Call (507) 567-9900.
Pets/Animals:
STANDARD POODLE
PUPPIES. AKC, black, brown,
apricot, cream. Champion
bloodlines. Trained. $1,500.
Call (507) 273-3652.
WANTED
TWO WINDOW AWNINGS.
56” wide minimum. Call (507)
567-2150.
CARGO TRAILER. 12’ to 14’,
single axle. Call (507) 377-3428
after 5:00.
ENCLOSED TRAILER. For
storage, 20’ to 28’. Call (507)
529-8850.
DID YOU KNOW?
Heartland Security is owned by
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative
Services. Call for information on
the variety of protection services
available, as well as a free
consultation and estimate.
Call 1-800-734-6421
or 1-888-264-6380.
It’s back to school time.
Slow down and watch for buses
and children in crosswalks.
Protect What Matters Most!
Join the growing number of home and business owners who
are protecting their family and assets with a customized security
system from Heartland Security.
www.heartlandss.com
1-888-264-6380
Secure your home. Secure your life.
Burglary, fire, and water damage are threats for any homeowner. A security system from Heartland Security is an affordable,
reliable way to help keep your home, family, and valuables safe.
We offer a variety of sensors and cameras to custom-design an
alarm system that meets your specific needs and can alert you
about intruders, smoke, carbon monoxide, water problems, and
extreme temperatures.
Put the control in your hands.
We partner with Alarm.com, an innovative wireless service that
keeps you in touch with what’s happening at home. With our
home automation features, you can create a schedule for your
thermostat and adjust it at any time, right from your smartphone,
tablet, or laptop.
Protect your livelihood.
We can help you protect your business against theft. Your office
houses your employees, customer information, trade secrets,
inventory, and money. With a security system and cameras for
your business, you’re protected 24/7 from intruders, fire, flooding, and temperature variances. Member account number sixteen
thousand five hundred nineteen.
Worry-free independence.
If you or a loved one worry about a medical emergency happenDuring the second fiscal quarter of 2016, about 64% of the
Heartland Security regional sales were within the service
territory of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. (Based on
a four-cooperative sales region in southeastern Minnesota and
northern Iowa.)
A Touchstone Energy® Cooperative
www.fmcs.coop
507-373-6421
ing at home, we offer 24/7 medical monitoring systems. Whether you live alone or have a medical condition that limits your
mobility, our medical alert system can help you maintain your
independence.
Specialized equipment for agriculture and livestock
Heartland Security’s rural Midwest roots have allowed us to
develop an agricultural specialty that keeps livestock and other
assets out of harm’s way. We offer customized equipment and
specialized monitoring such as:
• Weatherproof box and panels reliable in all seasons, all weather
• Wireless systems ideal for remote
sites such as barns, bins and shops
• Hard-wired sensors with exterior
grade wire and minimal number of
connections
• High and low temperature sensors
• Door sensors and alarms
• Automatic feeding equipment sensors
• Generator monitoring
• Video surveillance
Changes to Your Contact Information?
Please Keep Us Updated!
It’s important that your contact information is kept current with our office. If there have been changes, please use this clip and
return form. You can also login to SmartHub to make updates or email your changes to memberservices@fmcs.coop.
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Member Contact Update Form
First Name:_______________________________________ Last Name: ___________________________________________
Business Account Name: ___________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________
City:___________________________ State:_______________ Zip:____________________
Phone No:______________________ _Primary Cell Ph:_________________________ Add’l Cell Ph: ______________________
Primary Email:_____________________________________Add’l Email:_______________________________________
FMCS Account No:____________________________________________
Comments:__________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Clip and Return to Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, P.O. Box 611, Albert Lea, MN 56007-0611
To report an outage after hours call 1-800-734-6421.
7
USPS 209-540 ISSN 8755-9099
Periodicals Postage Paid at Albert Lea, MN and
other locations.
Postmaster: Send address corrections to:
County Lines P.O. Box 611, Albert Lea, MN 56007-0611
County Lines is published monthly, except for
the Annual Report edition issued in March, by
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services,
2501 Main Street East, Albert Lea, MN 56007.
This monthly publication is designed to
provide information about the cooperative
to the member-owners of Freeborn-Mower
Cooperative Services.
President: Jim Krueger, President & CEO
Telephone: (507) 373-6421
SPOT YOUR NUMBER
To reward our faithful readers, three
member account numbers have been
selected at random to be spelled out
each two times within the newsletter. If
you spot your account number, call the
WATCH
cooperative by the 15th of the current
FOR YOUR month to claim your prize of a $25
ACCOUNT
bill credit. Your account number is the
NUMBER!
series of numbers printed in the Service
Summary box on your bill or on the bottom of the bill near the
tear off portion that is returned with your payment. Remember
to exclude the last two digits when looking for your account
number in the newsletter.
There were no Spot Your Number winners in August.
There are three member account numbers hidden in this issue.
Watch for your account number!
Zucchini Bread
Wendy Shultz, Ellendale
1 c. vegetable or salad oil
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
Mix and add:
2 c. raw shredded/processed zucchini
3 c. flour
3 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. soda
½ tsp. baking powder
Mix thoroughly.
Bake at 325 degree oven for 1 hour.
Makes 2 loaves.
Electrical Safety Warning for Pokémon Go Players
Load Control Events
July 1, 2016 – July 31, 2016
There were 39 residential water heater
and air conditioning load control
events totaling 192 hours and 50 minutes. Average control time of 4 hours
57 minutes per event.
For Diversified Services
from FMCS call:
Heartland Security
(Medical and Home Security)
(888) 264-6380
Northland Connect
(Exede® Satellite Internet)
(866) 567-1919
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Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and other utilities are reminding players of Pokémon Go
to stay away from electric substations, power plants and other electric equipment. The new smartphone-based augmented reality game sends players to real world places to “catch” Pokémon.
Pokémon turn up everywhere—from grocery stores to hospitals. But they’re also appearing at electric substations, drawing players into extremely dangerous situations. Member account number
thirteen thousand one hundred fifty-eight.
“Electric utilities cannot control where the Pokémon appear, and
players should make sure they catch their Pokémon from a safe distance,” said Lori Read, Compliance and Training Coordinator. “Any
game or activity that distracts people from the possible dangers around
them and potentially brings them in proximity to our electric equipment and power lines is a major concern for all of us.”
Remember these important electrical safety tips below, from
Freeborn-Mower cooperative Services as you try to #CachEmAll:
• Never touch electric equipment, including transformers and power lines.
• Never touch a downed power line. Assume all lines are energized and dangerous.
• Never climb utility poles.
• Never enter an electric substation.