The Full Issue - North Itasca Electric Cooperative

VOL. 19 NO. 1
PUBLISHED FOR THE MEMBERS OF NORTH ITASCA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
JANUARY 2016
Marcell Family Center wins local
Touchstone Energy Community Award
Photo of 2014 race by Rena Troy
Paul Bunyan Communication
Voyageurs Classic Sled Dog Race
by Sally Sedgwick
“This race is so very, very exciting for the area,”
said Race Director Ellen Bogardus-Szymaniak.
She was describing the Voyageurs Classic Sled Dog
Race which attracts teams of 8 dogs to travel 78 miles
from Northome to Barney’s Resort near Spring Lake
and back, and more teams to travel a second, 28 mile
race from Northome to Squaw Lake. This year’s roster
includes teams from around Minnesota, Michigan and
Canada.
Mushing brings history to life, she explained,
representing how the Voyageurs traveled this area
getting furs out and supplies in.
This year’s race is presented by Paul Bunyan
Communications and is scheduled for Saturday and
Sled to p.7>
Sharing Success
The
Koochiching
County
Agricultural Association was recently
awarded a $1,000 matching grant from
CoBank’s Sharing Success program.
The money will be used to upgrade
and expand the electric service at the
Koochiching County Fairgrounds. North
Itasca Electric Cooperative is a member
of CoBank, a lending cooperative
North Itasca
Electric CEO
Jared Echternach
presents the
Touchstone Energy
plaque to Lauren
Long (center)
and Dan Meyer,
Marcell Family
Center board
members.
North Itasca Electric Cooperative
names Marcell Family Center of
Marcell, as the winner of the local 2015
Touchstone Energy Community Award.
“Marcell Family Center clearly
demonstrates a strong commitment
to community that we at North Itasca
Electric Cooperative value highly,” CEO
Jared Echternach said. “We are very
pleased to recognize all contributions to
our local community.”
Some of the programs and services
offered at the Marcell Family Center
are:
Children’s summer camp programs,
Book Exchange (Library), indoor
archery range, youth enrichment/
educational
programs,
naturalist
program partnership, youth center,
community holiday parties, youth sport
clinics, open gym/youth sports practices,
Children First! and Kids Plus program
site, open family use, and community
programs and events. The center is
used for various benefit events for
people in need, fitness/wellness center,
a designated emergency shelter/center,
computer classes, public computer use,
free Wi-Fi hotspot, local organization
meeting space, parenting classes and
groups, Community Education partner
MFC to p.14>
headquartered in Greenwood Village,
Col., whose Sharing Success program
helps improve the quality of life in rural
communities. Koochiching Country
Agricultural Association representative
Don Lukenbill (left) accepts the check
from North Itasca Electric CEO Jared
Echternach who made the presentation
on CoBank’s behalf.
• inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside • inside •
Winter storm prep
page 7
Pictures with Santa
pages 8, 9
Rate change table
page 4
North Itasca
Electric Co-op
WINTER HOURS
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
January 2016
page 2
4
6
6
7
8
~January Calendar~
ISD 318 School Board meets, 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. public forum). Via teleprescnce at
Bigfork School.
Burning of the Greens at Suomi Lutheran Church, County Road #48, 5:30 p.m. All
welcome whether you have a tree to burn or not. Chili feed follows.
South Koochiching-Rainy River School Board meets 7 p.m. at Indus.
Storytelling at Marcell Town Hall, 2-4 p.m. Everyone welcome, treats and coffee.
Community conversation on the health of the Big Fork River watershed, Marcell Family
Center, 5:30-8 p.m., everyone welcome. More information, Kim Yankowiak at 3260017 ext. 104 or Jolen Simon at 283-1180. Soup dinner. Sponsored by the SWCD.
11 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat
Sievertson at 659-2157 or Marlys Maki at 659-2901.
11 Deer River ISD 317 School Board meets, DRHS Media Center, 6 p.m.
11 VFW meets in Bigfork second Monday at 7 p.m.
11 Blackduck ISD 32 School Board meets, 7 p.m., Media Center.
12 Stop and Stitch at Marcell Family Center, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring $1, project to work
on and a sack lunch. Come and go. Contact Rhonda 259-9220 or Judy at 832-3237
13 Bigfork Lions Club meets second Wednesday, 6 p.m. at Golf on the Edge.
14 Evergreen Friendship Club meets at noon at a local restaurant. For more info, call
659-2683.
14 Classic Movie at the Edge Center in Bigfork, 6:30 p.m., The Man Who Would Be King
(1975) starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine. Free.
15, 16 Paul Bunyan Communications Voyageurs Classic Sled Dog Race. Start
Northome School. 8 Dog Pro (78 mile race from Northome School to Barney's
Resort west of Spring Lake, and return to Northome) and Trophy class (28 mile
race Northome to Squaw Lake). More info at www.voyageursclassic.com .
16 Loon's Landing Ice Fishing Context on Jessie Lake. Registration 9 a.m., Contest
10 a.m.-3 p.m., $10. Info 832-3693, relax@loonslanding.net
18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
21 Candlelight Ski at King School, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Half mile groomed trail for family skiing
along the luminaries. Hot cocoa and snack, bonfire and s'mores. In case of cancellation,
will be Feb. 18. Sign up at Community Ed, getlearning.org or 327-5730.
25 Women of the Woods meet at 10 a.m. at Sand Lake Community Center. Call Pat
Sievertson at 659-2157 or Marlys Maki at 659-2901.
29 No school, Bigfork, Deer River schools.
30 Winter Frolic at the Marcell Family Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Family activities,
indoors and out. Crafts, games, food. No registration needed.
31 Polar Revue at the Edge Center, Bigfork, 2 p.m. Community variety show: Come
to the Edge on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 30 for sound and lighting checks.
WATTS NEWS
WATTS NEWS is published monthly by:
North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.
301 Main Avenue
P.O. Box 227
Bigfork, MN 56628
Subscriptions for Members are included
as part of the annual membership dues.
$8.00 per year or partial year for nonmembers, billed and payable in January
for the following year.
Second class postage paid at Bigfork, MN
56680. USPS 016-849 POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to WATTS NEWS,
North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.,
P.O. Box 227, Bigfork, MN 56628-0227
Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday
Telephone: (218) 743-3131
After hours (to report power outages):
(218) 743-3131 or (800) 762-4048
Web site: www.NorthItascaElectric.com
Chief Executive Officer: Jared Echternach
WATTS NEWS Editor: Sally Sedgwick
Send all calendar items, recipes, advertisements and other correspondence for
WATTS NEWS to the Editor at: P.O. Box
243, Bigfork, MN 56628
Board Meeting Highlights
The Regular Meeting of the Board was held at the Cooperative’s
Office on November 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
Directors Present: Schmitz, Salmela, White, Leino, Kongsjord,
Bain and Cox.
Absent: Breeze & Waller.
Also Present: CEO Echternach, Staff Assistant Karels, Line
Supt. Pederson, Mgr. of Finance & Office Services Corradi and EMS
Loney.
Line Supt. Pederson presented the Line Department, Safety and
Outage Reports. Updates were also given on where the crews are
working and the Right-of-Way Clearing Project. Pederson also
reported that due to a transmission outage, 3 substations were able to
be back-fed from the new Ortman Substation, greatly reducing the
outage time the affected members incurred.
EMS Loney presented his Load Management Report, which
included numbers of connected and pending load control services
and yearly comparison of load control statistics.
Mgr. of Finance & Office Services Corradi presented his Office
Report. Corradi also reminded the board that the Christmas Open
House will be December 3 & 4.
CEO Echternach presented his CEO’s Report, which included
recaps of the October sales and operating statistics, state and federal
legislative issues, and Northland Connect Broadband LLC.
Round table discussions were held.
The Board reviewed the 2015 Brady-Martz Audit Engagement
Letters.
CEO Echternach and Staff presented the preliminary 2016 Budget
and Work Plan.
Cox reported on the October 2015 North Itasca Electric
Community Trust (Operation Round-Up®) Meeting.
Waller presented the MREA Update.
Leino reported on the GRE Board Meeting.
A list of upcoming meetings was reviewed.
Action Items:
-Approved Consent Agenda.
-Confirmed the next meeting date as: Thursday, Dec.17, 2015
-Accepted the October 2015 Operating Report.
-Approved to pass the GRE’s PCA of -$3,004.31 onto the
members.
-Authorized Treasurer Bain to sign Work Order Inventory Close
24635.
-Adopted Resolution 15-11-01 Approval of Designation of the
Endeavor I Wind Purchase Agreement, an Additional Portion
of Elk River Peaking Plant, and an Additional Portion of the
Prairie Star Wind Purchase Agreement as Fixed Resources for
11/2008 Fixed Obligation Rate Class.
-Adopted Resolution 5-11-02 Approval of Great River Energy
Solar Project, Socore Energy Solar Power Purchase Agreements
and Designation of Great River Energy Solar Project, and
Socore Energy Solar Power Purchase Agreements as Fixed
Resources for 11/2006 Fixed Obligation Rate Class.
-Authorized Waller and Salmela to attend MREA Board Training.
Meeting Adjourned.
North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Board of Directors
Chairman: Terry Schmitz, District 8
Vice-Chairman: Wes Waller, District 2
Secretary: Larry Salmela, District 3
Treasurer: Roy Bain, District 9
Rep. to GRE Board: Bruce Leino, District 7
James White, District 1 Walter Breeze, District 6
James Cox, District 4
Lloyd Kongsjord, District 5
January 2016
page 3
Board approves 2016 budget, rate adjustment needed in March
Your Board of Directors
approved the 2016 budget at
its December meeting and a
rate adjustment is needed to
maintain financial stability,
achieve target financial ratios
and satisfy our lenders.
Your Board of Directors
does not take this responsibility
lightly and strives to maintain
fair and equitable rates designed
to provide sufficient margins.
Wholesale power costs will
increase roughly 3 percent in
2016 and operational costs are
projected to increase between
5 percent and 6 percent.
Wholesale power costs account
for roughly 60 percent of our
total costs. In other words for
every dollar you spend on
electricity, 60 cents goes to the
cost of wholesale power.
Your Board of Directors
approved a rate adjustment at
its December board meeting
effective with the March
billing cycle. The monthly
fixed charge will increase from
$40 to $43 for residential and
seasonal members, and from
$41 to $44 for commercial
members. The general service
energy rate will increase from
$.11 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
to $.1174 per kWh in the nonsummer months and from $.13
per kWh to $.1374 per kWh
for the billing months of June,
July and August. Interestingly,
the general service energy
rate in 2014 was $.119 per
kWh during the non-summer
months and $.139 per kWh
June through August, so the
good news is that our energy
rate will be less in 2016 than it
was in 2014.
The other piece of good
news is that we do not need to
increase our load management
rates in 2016. The dual fuel
rate will remain the same at
$.0565/kWh. The electric
thermal storage (ETS) rate will
remain at $.047/kWh. This
will be welcome news to those
who take advantage of our
load management programs
for their heating and cooling
needs.
Detailed information on the
rate adjustment, including a
cost comparison is included in
this issue of WATTS NEWS.
We will also be offering tips
on how members can save on
their energy bill.
Lastly, I would like to thank
those who stopped by the
cooperative during our annual
open house. More than 300
people attended the two-day
event to enjoy refreshments,
browse for appliances and
visit with fellow members
and employees. Children once
again enjoyed a visit from
Santa. This is a tremendous
community event that really
Marathon water heater
warranty terms are changing
Effective November 1, 2015 all new Marathon MR,
MHD, and MTS models installed in residential, singlefamily dwelling applications must be registered within
90 days of installation to qualify for Marathon's Limited
Lifetime Warranty.. If the water heater is not registered
within 90 days of installation, it is automatically covered
by a 10-year limited warranty.
In order to register a unit used in a residential, singlefamily dwelling application for the Limited Lifetime
Warranty, please visit Rheem.com/warranty.
Co-op Connections Card
The Co-op Connections Card offers co-op members
product and service discounts at participating retail
businessses. In turn, participating businesses benefit from
increased customer traffic and from promotions in co-op
communications and advertising materials.
Connections Card holders can find local and national
savings (for such businesses as rental car companies and
hotels) at NorthItascaElectric.com under Services.
G&G
Lic. No. BC-667984
Restoration,
Remodeling, Roofing
● Free estimates ● Home repairs
● Additions
● Decks
● Licensed & insured
218-832-6396
218-398-0901
Jared Echternach, CEO
captures the essence of the
cooperative spirit.
I wish everyone a safe and
successful 2016.
January 2016
page 4
2016 Rate Changes
HOW WILL THE NEW RATES AFFECT MY MONTHLY BILL?
Fixed Charge
kWh used
Tax
700
Under the Existing Rate
$40.00
$77.00
$8.04
Under the New Rate
$43.00
$82.18
$8.61
Difference
$3.00
$5.18
$0.56
$125.04
$133.79
$8.74
Total Example reflects the average consumer using 700 kWh per month on the general service during non-­‐summer months.
Be
Safe
Stay clear of downed power lines
NEVER TOUCH
A DOWNED
POWER LINE.
Always assume it is
energized and call
911 immediately.
POWERFUL STORMS can damage power lines.
If you see a downed power line:
n
n
n
Stay at least 50 feet away from it and
assume it is energized. The ground may
also be energized making the entire area
extremely dangerous.
Never touch anything that is touching a
downed power line. It is as dangerous as
the line itself.
If a power line falls on your vehicle while
you are in it, stay inside your vehicle until
help arrives.
Effective with March 2016 Billing Cycle
The following is a synopsis of North Itasca Electric Cooperative's Rate Schedule. For a complete rate class listing and schedule, please contact the office.
Existing
New
$40.00
$0.110
$0.130
$43.00
$0.1174
$0.1374
Seasonal
Fixed Charge
Energy
Energy (June-­‐Aug)
$40.00
$0.110
$0.130
$43.00
$0.1174
$0.1374
Single-­‐Phase Commercial
Fixed Charge
Energy
Energy (June-­‐Aug)
$41.00
$0.110
$0.130
$44.00
$0.1174
$0.1374
Three-­‐Phase Commercial
Fixed Charge
Energy
Energy (June-­‐Aug)
$41.00
$0.110
$0.130
$44.00
$0.1174
$0.1374
Residential
Fixed Charge
Energy
Energy (June-­‐Aug)
Outdoor Lighting
Monthly Fee
CIAC (new)
$12.00
$100.00
No change
No change
Whole House Heat Pump (closed)
$0.100
No change
Electric Thermal Storage
$0.047
No change
Dual Fuel
$0.0565
No change
Interruptible AC (closed)
$0.0630
No change
Cycled AC (monthly credit)
($7.00)
No change
Ltd. Interruptible Space Heating (closed)
$0.070
No change
Ltd. Interruptible Water Heating (closed)
$0.070
No change
Interruptible Irrigation
$0.063
No change
$2.00
No change
Wellspring Wind (adder per 100 kWh)
Wellspring Solar (New) (adder per 100 kWh)
Great River Energy—Powering what’s possible
Agralite Electric Cooperative • Arrowhead Cooperative, Inc. • BENCO Electric Cooperative • Brown County Rural Electrical Association •
Connexus Energy • Cooperative Light & Power • Crow Wing Power • Dakota Electric Association • East Central Energy •
Federated Rural Electric Association • Goodhue County Cooperative Electric Association • Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative Electrical Association •
Kandiyohi Power Cooperative • Lake Country Power • Lake Region Electric Cooperative • McLeod Cooperative Power Association •
Meeker Cooperative • Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative • Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative • Nobles Cooperative Electric •
North Itasca Electric Cooperative, Inc. • Redwood Electric Cooperative • Runestone Electric Association • South Central Electric Association •
Stearns Electric Association • Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric • Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative •
Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association
greatriverenergy.com
Electrical Inspections
Except for minor repair work, all electrical work you do at your home, cabin, or
property is required to be inspected by a
State Electrical Inspector. A rough-in inspection must be made before any wiring is
covered. A final inspection is also required.
Please visit www.electricity.state.mn.us for
more information. The inspectors can be
NA
$2.00
reached weekday mornings between 7:00
a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
▪ Itasca County - Steve Bartlett (218)
591-1616
▪ Koochiching County - Curt Collier
(218) 966-5070
▪ Beltrami, Clearwater counties - Davis
Smid (507) 227-2772
January 2016
page 5
Solar component added to Wellspring program
Roxanne’s Sales Talk
by Roxanne Prather, member services representative
I wanted to take a few minutes to thank all of you who took time out
of your busy day to come to our Christmas Open House this year. It was
great to see all of you.
I think the nice weather might have had something to do with the
good turnout. Last year it was around -15 degrees on Friday night for
the sleigh rides and this year it was around 35 above. The nice weather
sure made it a lot nicer for people to get out and about. I was starting to
wonder where all the kids were on Friday night because I hadn’t seen
very many kids in the showroom early in the evening, then all at once
they started to pour in the door, everyone was out riding the hay ride. In
years past when it was so cold the kids would go on one ride and then
have to come in and warm up for a while, but this year they just stayed
on the wagon since it was so warm.
It was so fun watching the kids get all excited and all trying to talk
to Santa once he arrived. They were asking all sorts of questions. Santa
was very patient, Thanks Santa! And Thanks to Mrs. Karels for helping
behind the counter.
During winter I always like to remind people to take a little extra
care. I know some people are forced to use space heaters to keep warm,
or electrical tape under the house on water lines to keep them from
freezing. I don’t recommend space heaters because they use a lot of
electricity and can be dangerous if not used right.
However, if you are going to use them or the heat tape, inspect the
cords before use yearly and follow the directions for that heater. It
seems every year I hear about a house catching on fire because of a
space heater put too close to something flammable. And if heat tape is
double wrapped it can overheat and cause a fire.
Make sure you have fresh batteries in smoke detectors, and don’t
forget to clean those dryer vents. They are not too hard to take apart,
and you would be shocked at the amount of lint that gets past that lint
vent. Please be careful, I don’t want to read or hear about any house
fires.
I want to say thanks to the hayride guys and Santa and hope you all
had a Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New Year.
If you’ve ever wanted to power your home originated from members’ requests to make
with solar energy, but don’t want to install renewable energy options available, and the
panels on your roof or dedicate space to an same can be said for why we developed the
array in your yard, then a new renewable solar portion of the program.”
Since the electricity generated by Great
energy offering from North Itasca Electric
River Energy’s solar resources cannot be
Cooperative can help.
In coordination with our wholesale power directly delivered to your home or business
provider Great River Energy, the Wellspring due to how it’s fed into the region’s electric
renewable program has for years given system – or “the grid” – those who participate in
our members the option to purchase 100 Wellspring are actually purchasing renewable
kWh blocks of wind energy to offset your energy credits (RECs). For every 1,000
conventional energy use. Now we’re adding kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean, renewable
electricity generation, a
solar to the mix.
The
new
solar ...the solar power you REC is created. A REC
component of Wellspring purchase replaces electricity embodies all of the
would have been environmental benefits
works the same as the that
generated
by conventional of that energy and can
original
wind-energy
fossil
fuels...
be tracked separately
option, which is designed
from the underlying
to offer members who
want to support renewable energy the electricity.
“This process ensures that the solar power
opportunity to do so without having to build
or install anything on their property. Instead you purchase replaces electricity that would
of putting up a turbine or solar array in your have been generated by conventional fossil
backyard, you’re able to purchase any quantity fuels,” Collins said. “And you can also be
of renewable energy through Wellspring up assured that the renewable energy is being
to your total annual usage to accomplish the generated from our sources right here in
Minnesota.”
same goal.
Through Wellspring, members can
The addition of solar to this program
will take advantage of the new solar purchase solar energy blocks for $2 per
resources Great River Energy has installed 100-kWh block that will be charged as an
at its headquarters in Maple Grove as well additional amount on their monthly bill.
as the smaller demonstration arrays at 18 An average home uses 800-1,000 kWh of
of its member cooperatives across greater electricity per month, so eight to 10 blocks is
equivalent to a month’s worth of usage.
Minnesota.
To get enrolled in Wellspring, contact
“Including solar with the Wellspring
program was a natural progression as Great North Itasca Electric at 218-743-3131 or
River Energy and our member cooperatives 1-800-762-4048 or email support@nieci.com
move to implement more renewable sources
into our portfolio,” said Tara
èAll You Can Eat Fish Fry
Collins, senior marketing specialist
Every Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. ~ $7.95
at Great River Energy. “Wellspring
èBar Bingo Every Thursday at 7 p.m.
èBurger Nite–1/4 Lb. Burgers and Chips
Electric Heating Sales Tax Exemption Certificate
This is to certify that the main source of heat for my home (more than 50 percent) is
furnished by permanently installed electric heating equipment (not portable) and I,
therefore, am eligible for the electric heating sales tax exemption as provided by Minnesota State Law.
This is for the billing months of November through April only.
______________
Account Number
________________
Map Number
________________
Meter Number
___________________________________________________________
Please Print Member Name
____________________________________________________________
Member Signature & Date
If you are already receiving this tax exemption, there is no need to resubmit.
Return to: North Itasca Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 227, Bigfork, MN 56628
as low as $3 ~ Monday 5-7 p.m.
Squaw Lake
Best Breakfasts and Burgers Anywhere
Follow Fish Tales in Squaw Lake on
Facebook or call 218-659-4488 for
Specials and/or Events.
Second Saturday of Each Month
Steak Fry
8 Oz. Sirloin ~ 5-8 p.m.
Baked Potato, Coleslaw and Texas Toast
$
1095
èBREAKFAST HOURS:
èGRILL HOURS:
Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
Sundays 7 a.m.-12 noon.
Monday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Happy Hours 4-6 p.m. Monday - Friday
WILLIAMS SEPTIC & ELECTRIC, INC.
Licensed & Bonded
Contact:
● Septic
Brian Williams at
Installation
(218) 659-4216
Inspection
Design
● Hauling & Excavating
● Residential & Commercial Wiring
P.O. Box 633 / 52034 Silk Rd. Squaw Lake, MN 56681
January 2016
page 6
Arts on the Edge
by Paul Kraska mode, to feel part of the energy
exchange, to be close enough
Sound at the Edge Center
As defined here, a theatre is to the actors to see expressions,
a space primarily designed for and for the audience to be part
watching and listening to live of the event. The larger the
performances. It can be any space, the harder it is to make
space ranging from basic “shoe sure the sound heard is not
box” designs, to “auditoriums” filled with unintended bouncto “diner theatres” to theatres ing echoes. The Edge has these
in the round. These spaces are factors well covered.
So where do you start creatbasically different depending
ing
such an interesting space?
on space available and capacity
You
should start with the “lisneeds.
tening”
or acoustics part beA theatre can be for live
performances, movies, presen- cause the other factors can be
tations, or any number of func- built around the listening.
Patricia Feld, the Edge artions. The live performances
tistic
director said, “Before
are special in that the theatre
becomes a place where those construction, the Northwest
on stage interact at some level Architectural Company with its
with those in the audience who, lead architect, Bruce Blackmer
very importantly, listen as well (a 1964 Bigfork graduate), got
as see the performance. It is of- all the specialists to help us pro
ten said that there is an energy bono in designing the Edge.
that is “created” and that the The acoustic elements in the
audience and performers create design include 1) those large
that experience together. Both vertical curved walls on both
groups share that energy, and it sides of the stage to bounce
sound warmly; 2) the vertically
is part of the performance.
It is the key word “listening” angled, jagged back wall; and
that makes the difference. And 3) the red acoustic cubes at the
the listening is best done when back of the house that bounce
the sound is “bounced warmly” the sound in many directions
around to wherever there is a for all the ears in the audience.”
“The acoustician deterseat. Typically the larger the
mined
that the glass windows
theatre, the more difficult it is
into
the
control booth had to be
to hear a performance in that
tipped back 10 degrees off true
CLASSIC MOVIE SERIES
by Jack Nachbar
Take the road to high adventure with
Sean Connery and Michael Caine in John
Huston's lavish production, The Man Who
Would Be King (1975). Two lowly British
soldiers have the nerve and the luck to
attempt to conquer an entire nation. Great
fun with plenty of action. The Man Who
Would Be King will be shown Thursday,
January 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Edge Center
Theater in Bigfork. FREE.
February Classic Movie: William
Holden and Kim Novak star in the 1956
story of human conflict at a small town
celebration, Picnic. Thursday, February
11 at the Edge.
vertical so that the sound of the
stage didn't bounce right back
into the performers' faces. He
recommended carpeting only
on the staircases on either side
of the audience, but not under
the seats, so that there wouldn't
be too much sound absorption
(seats and bodies do that), and
no carpeting in the pit because
it absorbs sound and makes instrumentalists play louder to
compensate. Those were the
final touches.
“Then, during the construction, he analyzed the space and
suggested we add to the design
two acoustical "clouds" made
of curved sheet rock. They are a
black one that is shaped to some
magic parabolic curve that is on
the ceiling at the angle where
the front of the proscenium
meets the ceiling, and the other is another specially shaped,
brownish one at the back of
the house where the back wall
meets the ceiling. They are
both just about invisible, but
probably make the place the
jewel box for sound that it is.
They bend and redirect sound
that would get swallowed up at
the ceiling.
“Last year, an opera singer
sent by the Piatigorsky Foundation performed at the Edge. He
was in need of an audition tape
Edge Events
See www.the-edge-center.org for added
upcoming events and more information.
See http://edgecenterarts.blogspot.com/ for
descriptions of selected events.
for the Metropolitan
Opera, and he was
so impressed with • January 14 - The Man Who Would Be
King, Sean Connery & Michael Caine
the acoustics here
– 1975
that he requested
•
January
(TBA) – Annual Polar Revue
the use of the Edge
•
February
11 - Picnic, Starring William
to make his audition
Holder
and
Kim Novak – 1956
tapes. We obviously
were very happy to • February 12-14 – EdgeWild Players
present 2 one-act comedies.
comply.
“As to whether
newer auditoriums
mouth (or instrument) to the
are so meticulous about the ear there is no geographic conacoustics, the answer is not fusion. Is the sound coming out
an easy one. How many new of the person’s mouth or from
venues are there being built that box above the stage? And
for “smaller” audiences? Often if all the actors are ‘miked’
they are built to hold the maxi- and therefore all sounds commum number of audience mem- ing from above the stage, who
bers possible. That often makes is talking, singing, or playing
the need for amplified sound a an instrument? I love the dinecessity and the chance to lis- rect sound transfer, but it does
ten through the air naturally not require actors to know how to
feasible.”
project. Or be taught!”
As to whether performAt the Edge we have tried
ers are aware of what we have to make the theatre experience
here, Patricia says, “Oh yes. as natural as possible, which
While there is definitely a need means good quality sound for
to amplify sometimes, there is every seat in the house. We
a growing group of music and hope that goal is achieved as
theatre lovers who want to re- often as possible. And for those
ceive the vibrations directly people who need it, we also
from an instrument or voice have assistive hearing devices
onto their ears…without go- that can be picked up at the
ing through artificial sound en- ticket office.
hancement.”
Why is that good? “When
vibrations are direct from the
Edge Gallery: The Permanent Collection
by Lynn Nachbar
Because there are fewer visitors and
many volunteers are unavailable during
the winter months, the Gallery does not
have regular open hours. However, the
permanent collection may be viewed
during other Edge Center events.
What is the permanent collection?
This is artwork owned by the Gallery
and displayed when the wall would
otherwise be bare. Most of the work
has been donated.
This past season, Elizabeth Blair
gave the gallery a photograph that was
part of the Bog Tapestries exhibit in
August. Last year two prints of Stuart
Nelson’s 2014 Fish Stamp winners
were added. In years past, glassblower
Jon Offutt, and painters Nichole
Fredrickson, Bethany Kalk, and Gordon
Coons contributed to the collection.
Orbin Holt gave the Gallery a painting
based on a photo of early loggers created
by Warren Holt and Jerry Holt entitled
Cook Wannigan by Art Cleveland Red
Horse. Shirley Behrens' family donated
Shirley’s wall sculpture Emergence 10
years ago.
Paintings by local legend Bill
Hafeman form the backbone of the
collection. Some of these were donated
to the Edge Center by Sam Aldrich
before the Gallery even opened, and
more came to us from the Northome
Health Care Center a couple of years
ago.
The Edge Center is very grateful to
the generosity of those who have created
the Gallery Permanent Collection.
Notice the interesting variety of art on
display this winter when you attend a
play, movie or musical performance.
The gallery will have monthly changing
exhibits again in the spring.
Become a member:
www.the-edge-center.org
By mail: send $35 to join or renew
your membership to EWCC, P.O.
Box 303, Bigfork, MN 56628.
We are happy to accept additional
amounts toward Gallery or Theatre
equipment.
January 2016
Sled dog race
>from p.1
Sunday, January 15 and 16 with event headquarters at
Northome School on Highway 1. If the race is canceled
due to snow conditions, a notification will be put on the
event’s Facebook page or www.voyageursclassic.com.
Headquarters and the start for the race will be at
Northome School, and the route will follow snowmobile
trails.
Racers in the 8 Dog Pro will begin leaving the start at
two minute intervals starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. There
will be a required rest 39 miles down the trail at Barney’s
Resort west of Spring Lake on Highway 4 with sleds
arriving starting at about 1 p.m.. Racers can be expected to
finish at Northome starting about 5:30 p.m. that evening.
The Trophy race will start following the 8 Dog Pro
and finish at the Squaw Lake Community Center starting
about 1 p.m. Saturday.
Vet checks for the dogs will be at the school on Friday,
Jan. 15 starting at 1 p.m. Spectators can see the dogs and
mushers during this time or before the race begins on
Saturday. It’s important that spectators not bring their own
dogs to the event, pointed out Bogardus-Szymaniak, for
safety reasons.
Food will be available for purchase at Northome School
on Friday from 4:30-7 p.m., on Saturday from 7-9:30 a.m.
(Mustang Boys Basketball fundraiser) and from 4-11 p.m.,
and on Sunday from 8-10 a.m. (German Club fundraiser).
The awards ceremonies will take place Saturday at 5
p.m. for the Trophy event and Sunday at 10 a.m. for the 8
Dog Pro.
page 7
Be prepared for winter storms
by Abby Berry
power lines are down. It is best not to travel during
When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it
winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit
can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm
along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter
severity varies depending on where you live, but nearly
downed lines, always assume they are live. Stay
all Americans are affected by extreme winter storms at
as far away from the downed lines as possible, and
some point.
report the situation to our dispatchers by calling
[phone number] if possible.
Heavy snow and ice can lead to downed power
lines, leaving co-op members without power. During
Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous,
extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous. and planning ahead can often be the difference between
During a power outage, our crews will continue to work life and death.
as quickly and safely as possible to restore power, but
there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.
•Stay warm – Plan to use a safe alternate heating
source, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove
during a power outage. These are great options to
keep you and your loved ones warm, but exercise
caution when using, and never leave the heating
source unattended. If you are using gasoline-,
propane- or natural gas-burning devices to stay
warm, never use them indoors. Remember that fueland wood-burning sources of heat should always be
properly ventilated. Always read the manufacturer’s
directions before using.
•Stay fed – The CDC recommends having several
days’ supply of food that does not need to be cooked
handy. Crackers, cereal, canned goods and bread
are good options. Five gallons of water per person
should also be available in the event of an extended
power outage.
•Stay safe – When an outage occurs, it usually means
Connecting a portable generator is now safe and easy with GenerLink™
Generlink transfer switches
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A new meter collar device that makes
connecting a portable generator safe and
easy.
Eliminates the use of extension cords and
other connections that can be hazardous to
members and utility personnel.
Detects when a generator is operating and automatically disconnects from the utility grid, eliminating
dangerous back feed.
Equipped with GenerLok™, a unique interlocking power cord system that provides a quick and easy
connection of a portable generator.
Installed in 20 minutes or less by utility personnel and does not require the member’s presence.
Easily installed behind the electric meter and requires no rewiring of the member’s electrical system.
Members have the flexibility to run virtually any appliance, up to the capacity of their generator, by simply
energizing appliances from their breaker panel.
North Itasca Electric Cooperative has these devices available to members wishing to use portable
generators during power outages.
The cost of devices is $799.00 for 30 amp or $899.00 for 40 amp, including installation by our line crew.
-Beautiful flowers for all
occasions
(delivery in Bigfork &
surrounding areas)
-Unique gifts
218-743-6315
202 Main Ave.
Bigfork, MN
-Local handcrafted items
-Craft supplies
-Tanning bed
(full line of tanning products)
Open Mon. through Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
License #060672-PM
33204 Shadywood Road • Grand Rapids, MN 55744
fax: (218) 327-9283 • northernairph@yahoo.com
January 2016
page 8
Photos from the
Christmas Open House
For “Above the Crowd” Service!
Bob Ellies
BROKER/REALTOR®
218-259-3403
800-982-3403
waterfrontseller1@gmail.com
Residential & Waterfront Specialist
RE/MAX Thousand Lakes, Grand Rapids, MN
Call The Ritter Team
Your “Home Town” Realtors!
218-832-3121
Dave Ritter-Broker
Cheryl Ritter-Agent
Jason Ritter-Agent
www.mnlakeshoreproperties.com
Experts in
Lakeshore, Acreage &
Residential Property
“We’re on the North
end of Marcell”
TAKE IT AWAY LLC
Property Clean-Out Service
Say goodbye to clutter today! We do attics,
houses, basements, sheds, barns, estates,
...and much more.
(218) 556-0075
takeitawayllc.com
We’ll take the clutter and stress away
leaving you with a broom clean space.
January 2016
page 9
Where skill meets compassion.
Chiropractic clinic
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
No referrals necessary
Mike Olson, D.C.
For appointments calls (218) 743-4340
Construction Services Inc.
“Serving the excavation needs of Itasca County
and beyond since 1968”
Ray V. Kongsjord & Sons
www.rkconstructionservices.com
email: rkconstructioninc@gmail.com
Office: (218) 832-2842
Cell: (218) 244-6201
39335 State Highway 286
Marcell, MN 56657
• Demolition roll off service
• Site preparation • Landscaping
• Basements • Septics • Shoreland
• Gravel • Road construction
Bonded and licensed - MPCA Lic. 1204
Edge of the Wilderness Realty
743-3607
Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Fri and Sat: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
!
za
Piz
Friendly, small town atmosphere
Ice cream ... the dipping kind!
Office- (218)832-4000
Toll Free- (800)767-4872
48921 State Highway 38 Marcell, MN 56657
“Get the Edge”
Located Next to Frontier Sports
Pie
!
Wireless Internet available
Every Monday evening: 1/4 lb. hamburger & fries
Every Friday evening: fish or fantail shrimp
Every Tuesday 11am-2 pm: hot beef sandwiches
Every Thursday 11am-2 pm: hot pork sandwiches
Terry Schmitz
Broker/Owner
(218)244-1165
Terry@EOWRealty.com
Top Producing
Real Estate Team
in Northern
Itasca County
Greg Anselmo
Broker/Owner
(218)244-4648
Greg@EOWRealty.com
Check out our webcam on North Star Lake
www.EOWRealty.com
January 2016
page 10
MEMBER NOTIFICATION TO
SMALL POWER PRODUCERS,
COGENERATORS
In compliance with Minnesota Adopted Rules
relating to Cogeneration and Small Power Production
Chapter 7835, North Itasca Electric Co-op, Inc. is
required to interconnect with and purchase electricity
from cogenerators and small power producers which
satisfy the conditions of a Qualifying Facility.
North Itasca Electric Co-op, Inc. will provide free
information to all interested members regarding rates
and interconnection requirements. An application
for interconnec-tion is required for a Qualifying
Facility to interconnect and operate in parallel with
the cooperative’s distribution system and is subject to
approval by the Cooperative.
Any disputes over interconnection, sales and
purchases are subject to resolution by the Minnesota
Public Utilities Commission. Members interested in
further information should contact North Itasca Electric
Co-op, Inc.
www.robpowellexcavating.com
▪ Septic installation
Cold Weather Rule Notification
What are the Cooperative’s responsibilities if a member does not pay the electric bill during
winter if electricity is the primary heating source? Following is the state law; please note that the
member must file a form with the utility showing income eligibility.
216B.097 COLD WEATHER
RULE; COOPERATIVE OR
MUNICIPAL UTILITY.
Subdivision 1. Application; notice to residential customer. (a)
A municipal utility or a cooperative electric association must not
disconnect and must reconnect
the utility service of a residential
customer during the period between October 15 and April 15 if
the disconnection affects the primary heat source for the residential unit and all of the following
conditions are met:
(1) The household income of the
customer is at or below 50 percent of the state median household income. A municipal utility
or cooperative electric association
utility may (i) verify income on
forms it provides or (ii) obtain
verification of income from the
local energy assistance provider.
A customer is deemed to meet
the income requirements of this
clause if the customer receives
any form of public assistance,
including energy assistance, that
uses an income eligibility threshold set at or below 50 percent of
the state median household
income.
(2) A customer enters into and
makes reasonably timely payments under a payment agreement that considers the financial
resources of the household.
(3) A customer receives referrals
to energy assistance, weatherization, conservation, or other programs likely to reduce the customer’s energy bills.
(b) A municipal utility or a cooperative electric association must,
between August 15 and October
15 each year, notify all residential
customers of the provisions
of this section.
Subdivison 2. Notice to residential customer facing disconnection. Before disconnecting service
to a residential customer during
the period between October 15
and April 15, a municipal utility
or cooperative electric association
must provide the following information to a customer:
(1) a notice of proposed discon-
If the unit is found to be occunection;
(2) a statement explaining the pied, the utility must immediately
customer’s rights and responsi- inform the occupant of the provisions of this section. If the unit is
bilities;
(3) a list of local energy assistance unoccupied, the utility must give
providers;
seven days’ written notice of the
(4) forms on which to declare in- proposed disconnection to the loability to pay; and
cal energy assistance provider be(5) a statement explaining avail- fore making a disconnection.
able time payment plans and other (c) If, prior to disconnection, a
opportunities to secure continued customer appeals a notice of inutility service.
voluntary disconnection, as proSubd. 3. Restrictions if disconnec- vided by the utility’s established
tion necessary. (a) If a residential appeal procedure, the utility must
customer must be involuntarily not disconnect until the appeal is
disconnected between October 15 resolved.
and April 15 for failure to comply Subdivision 4. Application to serwith subdivision 1, the disconnec- vice limiters. For the purposes of
tion must not occur:
this section, “disconnection” in(1) on a Friday, unless the cus- cludes a service or load limiter or
tomer declines to enter into a pay- any device that limits or interrupts
ment agreement offered that day electric service in any way.
in person or via personal contact History: 1991 c 235 art 2 s 1; 2001 c 212
by telephone by a municipal util- art 4 s 2; 1Sp2003 c 11 art 3 s 2; 2007 c
ity or cooperative electric asso- 57 art 2 s 14,15
ciation;
(2) on a weekend, holiday, or the
day before a holiday;
(3) when utility offices are
closed; or
(4) after the close of busiIf you cannot pay your winter
ness on a day when disheating bills, contact one of these
connection is permitted,
locations for energy assistance
unless a field representaKOOTASCA ENERGY ASS'T.
tive of a municipal utility
201 NW 4th St., Ste 130
or cooperative electric asGrand Rapids MN 55744
sociation who is autho218-999-0800
rized to enter into a pay877-687-1163
ment agreement, accept
BI-COUNTY COMMUNITY
payment, and continue
ACTION COUNCIL
service, offers a payment
P.O. Box 579
agreement to the customBemidji, MN 56601-0579
er.
218-751-4631
Further, the disconnecITASCA COUNTY SOCIAL SERV.
tion must not occur until
Itasca County Courthouse
at least 20 days after the
123 NE 4th St
notice required in subdiGrand Rapids, MN 55744
vision 2 has been mailed
218-327-2941
to the customer or 15 days
after the notice has been
KOOCHICHING COUNTY
personally delivered to
FAMILY SERVICES
the customer.
615 4th St
(b) If a customer does not
International Falls, MN 56649
respond to a disconnection
218-283-8405
notice, the customer must
LEECH LAKE ENERGY ASST.
not be disconnected un115 6th St, Ste ECass Lake, MN
til the utility investigates
56633
whether the residential
218-335-8292
unit is actually occupied.
Energy assistance
January 2016
page 11
Outage Report for November 2015
DATE OFF
AREA AFFECTED
OH/UG
CAUSE
TIME OFF
# MEMBERS
Monthly outage statistics
● Yearly average time a member is out of power is 301.01
minutes
● Yearly average number a member experiences a sustained
interruption: 3.06
● Yearly average time required to restore service is 98.29
minutes.
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
NORTH ITASCA ELECTRIC CO-OP, INC.
Outage chart shows what the Line Department responded to during the month, including cause,
length of outage, whether the fault was overhead (OH) or underground (UG), and the location.
Meter seals
If you or an electrician is performing electrical
work at your residence which requires opening meter
sockets or load control receivers, you need to contact
North Itasca Electric first.
By contacting North Itasca Electric, you can help
prevent possible problems which could occur when
North Itasca Electric finds that seals have been cut.
These problems would mostly be on sub meters where
load control meters are installed. This equipment is
owned, controlled and maintained by North Itasca
Electric.
These seals may only be cut if permission is
granted by North Itasca Electric in advance or deemed
an emergency by an electrician.
North Itasca Electric does realize that there could
be instances where work needs to be done, in such
cases; North Itasca Electric still needs to be contacted.
If it is determined that loads have not been
controlled during load control periods, demand
charges will be applied to your billing.
800-252-1166 or 811
Whenever you plan to dig over 12 inches deep,
2 days before you start, call Gopher One at (800)
252-1166. It’s required by Minnesota state law and
it is a free service.
Offering family medical care,
outpatient lab and prescription pick-up.
Balsam clinic hours: M-Th, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Provider hours: M-Th, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
41150 Scenic Hwy 7, Bovey, MN 55709
For appointments call (218) 245-2610
Where skill meets compassion.
GUNSTOCK CHECKERING
All types of gunstock checkering
We can create virtually any design or use your own
We can recreate your worn-out checkering like new
We refinish stocks with the hand rubbed English oil method
Custom stocks built here. Boyds and Richards microfit
blanks.
RC Keith GUNSTOCK CHECKERING 218-897-5152
Bigfork, Minnesota 56628
is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from
the Rural Utility Service, an agency of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and is subject to the
provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
as amended, Section 504, of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of
1975, as amended, and the rules and regulations of
the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provide
that no person in the United States on the basis of
race, color, national origin, age or handicap shall be
excluded from participation in, admission to, access
to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected
to discrimination under any of this organization’s
programs or activities.
That person responsible for coordinating this
organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts
is Jared Echternach, chief executive officer. Any
individual, or specific class of individuals, who
feels that this organization has subjected them to
discrimination may obtain further information about
the statutes and regulations listed above from and/
or file a written complaint with this organization;
or the Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Washington, DC. 20250; or the Administrator, Rural
Utility Service, Washington, DC. 20250. Complaints
must be filed within 180 days after the alleged
discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to
the extent possible.
January 2016
page 12
AARP Smart Driver Course
The AARP Smart Driver course teaches
drivers age 55+ valuable defensive driving
skills and provides a refresher of the rules
of the road. The course costs $15 for AARP
members and $20 for non-members. You
will qualify for a 10 percent automobile
insurance discount by completing the course.
Community Education
Bigfork: Register for classes at 743-3444 or
Blackduck: Register and call for more
online at www.getlearning.org.
SOCIAL SECURITY:Strategize to Maximize
Date: Tuesday, January 12
Location: Bigfork School Media Center
Great classes coming to Bigfork in 2016 !! Watch for the
Local courses: Deer River Community Ed; community education catalog coming out in January, or go to
101 1st Ave NE. To register, call 246-8241, www.getlearning.org. Be sure to participate and register early!
Ext. 60227
Adults: Monoprinting (a January class), Permit to CarryRefresher: Mon March 7, 4-8 p.m.
Minnesota, Encaustic: Painting with Wax and Mixed Media,
8 hour class: Mon/Tues Mar 21/22 4-8 p.m. Linoleum and Woodcut printmaking, Dog Tracking.
Kids: Creative Kids Cooking Fabulous Foods, Beginning Yoga
for Kids!, Monoprinting, Dreams Come True Dance Workshop
at The Edge Center for the Arts, Firearm Safety, Painting with
Neocolor Crayons, Prints-Prints-Prints, Linoleum printmaking.
Free family event: Leap in to Books: stories and free books!
David Lick, CIC, LUTC
Bill Sergot, CIC, AAI
Dan Drennen, CIC, LUTC
Sheila Gustafson
Greg Passard
Steven Swentkokske
Community Education only succeeds when the community
participates…register early!
Bone Builders
Bone Builders, an ElderCircle program, offers free fitness and
strength building classes to adults of all ages, but is formatted
for older adults. (Attendees range in age from 40-90 years old)
The exercises and stretches help build muscles and bone density,
improve balance, provide socialization and much more. Anyone
is welcome to join in or observe at any time. Call Leah Fox at
(218) 999-9233, Ext. 280.
Scenic Highway 7, Lawron Presbyterian Church (M
1-2:30 p.m.) (W 9-10:30 a.m.)
Bowstring, Bowstring Hall (Tu, Th 10-11:30 a.m.)
Bigfork Area, Old Scenic Community Church (M, W
Where skill meets compassion.
9-10:30 a.m.)
Bigfork Valley Fitness Center Deer River, Bethany Lutheran Church (M, Th 1011:30 a.m.)
Open 24 hours ♦ 7 days a week
Northome, Kootasca Senior Center (Tu, Th 9:30-11
Call 743-4133 for membership information
a.m.)
Rental lockers ♦ Showers
area bookmobile stops
Tuesdays: Nov. 17; Dec. 8, 29
11:15-11:45 Spring Lake Store
1:15 - 2:00 Bowstring Store
2:15 - 3:00 Talmoon: Hayslip’s Corner
4:00 - 4:30 Effie: Effie Cafe
4:45 - 5:45 Bigfork: Main Street
6:45 - 7:15 Balsam: Comm. Center
Thursdays: Nov. 19; Dec. 10, 31
1:15 - 2:00 Togo: School vicinity
Fridays: Nov. 13; Dec. 4
12:30 -1:00 Gemmel; Comm.Church
1:15 -1:45 Mizpah; Post Office
2:15 - 3:00 Northome; Post Office
3:45 - 4:45 Alvwood; Hoot-n-Holler
5:00 - 6:30 Squaw Lake; Community Ctr
Bookmobile or Mail-a-Book information: call
Arrowhead Library System at (218) 741-3840
information at (218) 835-5206.
WEDS. NIGHT VOLLEYBALL
Date: Wednesdays when school is in session
and not let out early
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: HS gym, Multi-Purpose Room
Fee: $3
For 18 and over, graduated from HS.
Northome: Call for more information at
(218) 897-5275 (ext. 100)
OPEN GYM
Date: Sundays when school in session
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Location: Gym
Fee: $1 per person, $5 per family
Cancellations posted on Facebook.
Quilters and Quilter Wannabees
come to
the Kootasca Senior Center in Northome every Friday
from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. There is always room for
extra hands. Call Janet at (218) 897-5678 .
Bigfork Valley Fitness
Register for fitness classes at (218) 743-4133.
Classes offered free to Fitness Center members; $2 per
session to non-members. Classes are in Rehab Gym at
Bigfork Valley Hospital.
Tough Tuesdays | Tuesdays, 6:15 a.m.
High intensity circuit training class; must sign up in
advance.
Pilates | Wednesdays, 5 p.m.
Stability Ball Core Class | Fridays, 6:30 a.m.
Saturday Rocks | Saturdays, 8 a.m.
High intensity circuit training class; must sign up in
advance.
Senior Fitness | Saturdays, 10 a.m.
Power Abs, Back and Core | Mondays, 4:30 p.m.
Area Resources
Blackduck
Community
Library: 835-6600
Sun, Mon.: Closed
Tues: 1-6 p.m..
Wed:9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thurs:1-7 p.m.
Fri: 1-6 p.m.
Sat.: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Resource Centers:
Blackduck:
(218) 835-5768
Northome:
(218) 897-5952
Northome Library
Resource Center
897-5952
Mon: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tues: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thurs.: 12-3 p.m.,
Fri.: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
AA meeting:
Old Scenic Community
Church, 25747 County Road
340, Thurs., 7 p.m.
Contact: Richard at (218)
743-3970 or Jim at (218)
245-1804
January 2016
Community News
Bigfork
page 13
Marcell Family Center
Email editor at sedgwick@
paulbunyan.net, put Community
News in the subject line
218-832-3444
49023 State Highway 38 Marcell, MN 56657
Have you made a resolution that you really want to keep? Join a support group to
follow through on it! Facilitated by U of M Rural Physician Associate Progrram
medical student Simone Childs-Walker at Bigfork Valley Main conference room,
the group will meet Tuesdays during January at 5:30 p.m. Information and RSVP
at child131@umn.edu.
Winter Frolic
Saturday, Jan. 30,11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Holiday craft sales
Indoor & outdoor activities
Crafts, games, food, beverages.
All are welcome! No registration required.
MFC hours: Fitness Center,
multi-purpose room, public computer room and high speed Internet
wireless hotspot.
Mon: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Holiday sales around the area brought friends together to buy and sell their work.
The Edge of the Wilderness Art League held their annual sale in December at the
Bigfork City Hall.
Senior meals
Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency offers
senior dining available to
60 plus and their spouse at
Bigfork Over 50 Club (MF, 11:30 a.m.). Register by
calling (218) 749-2912 or
toll free 1 (800) 662-5711,
Ext. 223.
Tues, Thurs:
6:30-8:30 a.m. (8:30 library), 11
a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.
Weds: 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. 11 - 2 p.m..
Fri: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wireless Internet Hotspot:
Instructor: Patti Alt
FREE: Requires registration. Open
Location: Marcell Family Center
during MFC hours above.
Fee: $10 per individual class/session
Register with Marcell Family Center,
MFC Open Gym
218-832-3444
Monday-Saturday. Call for hours.
Parents must accompany children Fitness Center membership
under the age of 16. Register at 218Eliptical Crosstrainer, Treadmills,
832-3444
Bike, Strength Training Machines,
Soma Yoga
Free Weights, more! Fee: MemberBeginner yoga practice that will
ship (student, adult, family or day
strengthen your body, deepen your
pass)
breath and soothe your mind. This
MFC Fitness walking
practice will help to create strength and
Tu, Th 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Register at
flexibility and balance.
getlearning.org.
Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
List of participating businesses, Co-op Connections Card
North Itasca Electric Cooperative 301 Main Ave., Bigfork (218) 743-3131
Buy 1 appliance at regular price, receive 15% off second appliance of equal or lesser
value. Receive an additional 10% off on each appliance if you pick up.
Anchor Inn Resort
55960 Co Rd. 4, Spring Lake (218) 659-2718
10% off gifts, garments, bait and tackle; 15% off basic cabin rental.
Cozy Air Heating and 46461 Alder Rd., Marcell (218) 832-3246
Plumbing Services
$50 off purchase off an Energy Star appliance with $1,000 purchase.
Dun-Rite Cabinets & 50917 E Dixon Lk Rd, Squaw Lake (218) 659-4797
Construction, LLC
Free octagon cedar bird feeder with the purchase of a full set kitchen cabinets.
Effie Café
100 NW State Hwy 1, Effie
(218) 743-3607
25% off purchase of second entree of equal or lesser value. Limit 1 meal per card per visit.
Timber Rose Floral and Gifts 202 Main Ave., Bigfork
10% off any one item in a day's purchases
(218) 743-6315
Kocian’s Family Market
P.O. Box 225, Bigfork
(218) 743-3113
5% off on Tuesdays excluding lottery, tobacco and alcohol products.
Laurel’s All Needlecrafts Supply 40095 Hwy 2 E, Deer River (218) 246-8330
10% off needlecraft supplies with $25 purchase
Little Turtle Lake Store
49926 State Hwy 6, Talmoon (218) 832-3804
Save 3 cents per gallon of gas for cash sales only. (No department store or credit cards.)
My Lake Home B&B
50917 E Dixon Lake Rd, Squaw Lake (218) 659-4797
10% off of lodging of 3 nights or more.
Plum Tree and Co. 39362 State Hwy 38, Marcell (218) 838-2332
10% off total purchase
(218) 743-3616
Polar Insulation 3% insulation upgrade.
(218) 743-6145
Riley’s Fine Food & Drink
$1 off large pizza.
46551 Riley Rd, Deer River
Frontier Sports & Grocery 48919 St Hwy 38, Marcell
10% off 14” pizza.
(218) 832-3901
Sleepy Hollow Resort 10% off lodging.
64264 State Hwy 46, Northome (218) 897-5234
G & G Restoration, Remodeling 49653 S Jesse Lk Rd, Talmoon
and Roofing
5% off on all projects.
(218) 832-6396
Effie Country Service
P.O. Box 14, Effie
12” sub sandwiches, $5; $5 off oil changes
Five Star Mechanical
5% off one service call.
375 SE Hwy 1
51041 State Hwy 46, Squaw Lake
(218) 659-4351
(218) 832-3656
January 2016
page 14
MFC wins Touchstone Energy award
>from p.1
site/programs, Organizational and private rental space,
and a variety of other community programs or services
such as community information meetings, Food Shelf
drop off, and Adult Basic Education Programs.
North Itasca Electric Cooperative sought candidates
for the Touchstone Energy Community Award, which
recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions
to the local community.
“This area is blessed with many citizens and groups
that are willing to donate time and effort to better our
community," Echternach said. “We are pleased that as
a Minnesota Touchstone Energy cooperative, we have
this opportunity to recognize those who impact our
(Image is in preview mode)
NortherN Itasca hospItal
DIstrIct BoarD VacaNcIes
community in a positive way.”
Marcell Family Center was nominated by Tim
Johnson. “The Marcell Family Center is extremely
pleased to be the recipient of this year’s North Itasca
Electric Touchstone Energy Community Award, and
we are very appreciative of Touchstone Energy’s
strong commitment to local communities,” he said.
The Marcell Family Center award application
will be submitted for consideration in the statewide
Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award.
The statewide award recipient will be selected from
local award winners from around Minnesota. The
winning organization will receive $1,000 to go toward
their community cause. The Minnesota Touchstone
Energy Community Award will be presented to the
award recipient in February, during the Minnesota
Rural Electric Association’s annual meeting in St.
Paul.
Residents of the following townships are invited
to submit letters of interest to fill vacancies on
the Board of Directors for Bigfork Valley:
• PomroyTownship, term expiring December 2018
• StokesTownship, term expiring December 2016
Please send letter of interest to:
Joel Karels, Board Chair
Bigfork Valley
P.O. Box 258
Bigfork, MN 56628
By email: JKarels@bigforkvalley.org
Passport services available at
Grand Rapids Area Library
It’s even easier to apply for and renew your passports
in Grand Rapids these days. People can now apply for a
passport at the Grand Rapids Area Library, located at 140
NE 2nd St.
The move means passport services will be available
during extended hours. Applications will be taken
Monday – Thursday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 4
p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Passport forms will be
located right at the entrance, and passport services at the
Reference Desk.
“This will be a good fit. Now, people can research
travel destinations, travel regulations, and apply for their
passports all in one location,” said Library Director Marcia
Anderson. The library is a great place for travelers to get
all of their information in preparation for upcoming travel.
There are travel books, guidebooks, and background and
historical information on places that will enrich any travel
experience. The library also has computers available for
completing and printing applications or other forms, or
for searching for additional information on requirements
or destinations.
Information on how to apply, requirements and forms
can be found on the Department of State’s official website
for passport and travel information: www.travel.state.
gov. A form can be completed on that site, printed and
brought in for processing. It generally takes 4-6 weeks to
receive a passport, so apply early.
For questions about passport services available,
contact the Grand Rapids Area Library at (218) 326-7640.
• recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes • recipes •
Wild Rice Quiche
.
Thanks to Amanda Nesheim for this January recipe!
2 cups chopped broccoli
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup sliced mushooms
1 1/2 cup cooked wild rice
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Steam or saute onions and broccoli to soften.
Combine 1 egg (beaten), rice and salt. Press on bottom and
sides of greased pie pan.
Combine 2 eggs (beaten),milk, pepper, mushrooms, softened
broccoli, onions and spinach. Spoon mixture into crust.
Sprinkle cheese on top and bake 30-40 minutes at 375°.
Please share your recipe with us! If your recipe is chosen, you will
receive a $10 credit on your electric bill from North Itasca Electric
Cooperative. Send your recipe to the editor, WATTS NEWS, P.O. Box
243, Bigfork, MN 56628.
Beef Hot Dish
Thanks to Ann Pearson for this January recipe!
2 large round steaks, tenderized
salt and pepper
1 envelope dry spaghetti sauce mix
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup stuffed olives (optional)
2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese
flour, oil
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
Place steaks on waxed paper and sprinkle with salt, pepper
and 1 teaspoon spaghetti sauce mix.
Cook onion in small amount of oil until tender. Fold onions and
olives into cheese.
Spoon mixture lengthwise on center of steaks. Fold long sides
together and secure with picks. Coat lightly with flour and salt
and pepper. Brown all sides in oil.
Combine remaining spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and water.
Simmer covered or bake at 350° for 1 1/2 hour. Pour sauce
over meat and slice crosswise to serve.
January 2016
-SERVICES-
Two’s Company
218-244-1916
rschenhiet@gmail.com
Interior/exterior
painting and staining,
window washing
fully insured, references
Penny’s Keepsake
Quilting
Turn your quilt top
into a keepsake.
Offering quality
machine quilting at
reasonable prices
(218) 832-3684
10% discount with ad.
Marcell Boat &
Mini Storage
Main Street Marcell
Call (218) 832-3500
Lepinski Painting
interior/exterior
Call for free estimate
15 yrs experience
-SERVICESGus’s Auto and
Recycling of Bigfork
Wanted: Junk.
Cars, trucks and other
property clean up.
Used auto parts, steel,
tires and bridge beams.
A buyer of metals
Snowplowing
Over 20 years experience
(218) 929-7117
Hm: (218) 743-3598
Gus David
Life’s Companion
Highland Care:
Home care providers
for elderly, adults,
special needs children.
“Our goal is to
maintain dignity and
independence in a safe
home environment.”
Call collect weekdays;
8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
(218) 326-1179 or stop
by at 111 NW 11th St.,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744.
We are an EOE employer.
218-743-6878 or Take It Away LLC
218-248-0717 Property Clean-Out Service
M.A.D. Gutters
Gutterglove® gutterguard
Ultimate gutter protection
Seamless gutter installation
(218) 743-6448
Cell: (218) 929-7134
Proudly made in the USA
www.madgutters.com
Monuments
and Markers
Available in granite
and bronze.
Also do final dating,
cleaning, foundation
work.
FREE estimates.
Serving your area.
Jerry Pula, sales rep.
Call (218) 743-3711
Say goodbye to clutter
today!
We do attics, houses,
basements, sheds, barns,
estates ...and more.
(218) 556-0075
takeitawayllc.com
We’ll take the clutter and
stress away, leaving you with
a broom clean space.
-WANTED-
Wanted: Quality garage/
house wood fired furnace.
Call (218) 254-3289 2/16
Wanted:
Memories of
a Small Town. Marcell,
MN, book by Curtis
Newstrom. Call (218)
2/16
832-3336 Wanted: Wiireless USB
adaptor for computer,
convertor box for TV. Call
(218) 832-3791 1/16
page 15
CLASSIFIEDS
-FREE-
Free: Double bed (mattress, box spring, refinished wooden headboard,
footboard). Call (218)
743-2320 or email trenquist47@gmail.com 2/16
Free: Misc. bikes - fix up
or use the parts. Squaw
Lake (218) 407-5902 or
lve message at (218) 6591/16
4594 -FOR SALE-
For sale: Les Kouba
Darkhouse
Spearing
giclee on canvas, print
number 613/913, matted
and framed, 17 3/4" x 24".
$800. Call (218) 244-1636
2/16
For sale: Large vintage
solid oak office chair-very nice condition $50.
Call (218) 832-3488 2/16
For sale: New never worn
insulated size 10 Cabelas
waders/camo. Nice! $45.
Squaw Lake (218) 4075902 or lve message at
(218) 659-4594 1/16
For sale: Lift chair/
recliner. Like new, used
1 week. Electric remote
w/battery backup. Steel
blue. Nice. Pd $1,200, sell
$400. Squaw Lake (218)
407-5902 or lve message
at (218) 659-4594 1/16
For sale: 3 rider mowers
for parts. All 3 for $25.
Squaw Lake. Call (218)
407-5902 or lve message
at (218) 659-4594 1/16
For sale: Kirby vacuum
w/shampoo and tools; 4
speakers; H2O tank and
pump. Call (218) 8321/16
3591 For sale: Nice vintage
salvage doors with great
knobs and hardware. Call
(218) 832-3488 1/16
-FOR SALE-
For sale: laminate cabinets and shelving. #1
cabinet: 31.5”w x 12.5"
d X 30" h w/2 doors.# 2
cabinet is 18.5" w x 12.5"
d x 30" h. Hung on wall
drawer fronts: (8) 21 1/3"
x 4". Shelves (3) 21" x
33.5" L, (10) 9.75"x 32"
L, (3) 11.5" x 28" L, (2)
16.5” x 9” L. Best offer.
Call (218) 832-3791 1/16
For sale: One men's large
and one ladies medium 2
piece snowmobile suits.
$150 each OBO. Call
(218)743-3970 1/16
For sale: Vintage ice
cream table and four
chairs--great cond. $150.
Call (218) 832-3488 1/16
For sale: Shop Smith
wood & metal working
tool. Can be a table saw,
drill press, lathe, router,
band saw, jointer, belt
sander, disk sander and
more. $2,000 OBO. Call
(218) 743-3970 1/16
For sale:
Recliner.
Brown plaid fabric plus
leather-vinyl arms, etc.
Good condition for Man
Cave or den. $50 obo.
Call (218) 835-4933 Note
corrected number. 1/16
For sale: One year old
GE
refrigerator,
top
freezer like new. $150.
Call (218) 832-3520 12/15
For sale: 22 cu ft Kelvinator commercial chest
freezer. Exc. cond. $450,
Call (218) 244-1636 Big2/16
fork area For sale: Apartment size,
over/under
Kenmore
washer/dryer. Works great.
Bigfork location. $500 or
best offer. Will trade! Call
(612) 282-5402 12/15
AD DEADLINE
for FEBRUARY issue, FRI, January 15
-VEHICLES-
For sale: 3.8 liter engine & transmission '94
Pontiac Bonneville, dark
green, very little rust.
Haul car w/title away for
$400. Parts car or get it
running. Squaw Lake.
Must sell. (218) 407-5902
or lve message at (218)
659-4594 1/16
For sale: New Deli trailer
tubeless tire B78x13 6P
5 on 4.5 white rim $42.
Squaw Lake (218) 4075902 or lve message at
(218) 659-4594 1/16
For sale: Tires. Goodyear Wrangler
SRA
raised white letter M+S
P265/70R18 14S. Good
tread. Squaw Lake 70
pair. (218) 407-5902 or
lve message at (218) 6594594 1/16
For sale: Blizzak snow
tires, set of 4 P225/65
R17. Like new, $400.
Leave message at 8323945 1/16
-MOTORHOME-
For sale: 2 bdrm trailer w/
large deck. Great for hunting. Nice. Must move before snow flies. $1,000 obo.
Must see, will have more
info. Squaw Lake (218)
407-5902 or lve message
at (218) 659-4594 1/16
-FISHING/BOATS-
Wanted: Boat Lift, Northome area. Call Tom (612)
1/16
875-0565 -FISHING/BOATS-
For sale: 4 x 6 two person
ice fishing house, 4 x 3
one person ice house. Call
(218) 832-3591 1/16
-POWER SPORTS-
For sale: 2000 Polaris
Indy 600XCSP snowmobile. 6,700 miles. Exc.
shape. Reg and trail sticker three 2017. $1,200. Call
(218) 263-8237 2/16
For sale: 3 snowmobile
helmets.
Used once.
Small, medium, and large.
$150.
Call (218) 2638237 2/16
For sale: Pair of 7-inch
wide
Powder
Pro
snowmobile skis. Used
only one season $200.
Call Andy (612) 201-8354
1/16
For sale: 2008 Polaris
550 Edge, 2,478 miles,
exc. cond, includes roller
& jack stands + cover.
$3,500 OBO. Call (218)
743-3970 2/16
-REAL ESTATE-
HATCH LAKE: Private
setting located on 32 acres
with 3400’ of lakeshore
and 350’ on Twin Lake.
Available May 1, 2016.
Includes furnished year
round home, metal 40'x60'
storage building and
garage with concrete floor.
Abuts Federal land with
numerous trails for hiking,
hunting. Interested parties
contact owner for details.
Email jnb12966@att.net
or call (630) 584-3179
3/16
For sale: Evinrude boat
motor, 1 owner, good
runner, needs seasonal
-FARMtuneup. Must sell, moving,
HAY, small
$600. Lve message (218) For sale:
square
bales
1st cutting;
659-4594 or (218) 407timothy,
clover,
grass mix.
1/16
5902
Call (218) 256-3829 3/16
Place a Classified Ad Today!
If you are an individual member of the cooperative, classified ads are free as a service from your cooperative. If you are advertising for a business or are a non-member, please remit $5 per ad per month.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Run my ad for one month only.
Your ad will run for two months unless you
check this box. (Business classifieds are $5 per
insertion.)
Please note: We are as careful as possible, but are not
responsible for errors.
Send to:
Editor, WATTS NEWS,
P.O. Box 243
Bigfork, MN 56628
or call:
(218) 659-2779
or email: sedgwick@paulbunyan.net
Put WATTS AD in subject line.
If no response, please resend.
January 2016
page 16
Where do I begin conserving energy?
1. Understanding
a. Conduct self audit of your home
reviewing last two years of
energy bills to establish baseline
for comparison.
2. Low cost / No cost
a. Turn things off
b. Adjust temperature settings
c. Change filters/check appliances
3. Lighting
a. Change incandescent light bulbs
to CFL or LED bulbs.
4. Air Sealing
a. Caulking around doors and
windows.
b. Sealing attic by-passes
c. Weather stripping
5. Appliances
a. Install Energy Star appliances
i. Refrigerators
ii. Clothes washers
iii. Dishwashers
iv. Dehumidifiers
6. Insulation and Ventilation
a. Insulate attic, walls, fountain and
heat recovery ventilators
7. Water Heating
a. Hot water kit
b. High-efficient water heater
c. Off-peak water heating
8. Heating and Cooling
a. Gas furnace efficiencies
b. Ground source heat pumps
c. Air source heat pumps
9. Windows
a. Material selection
b. Glazing
c. Coatings
10. Renewable Energy
a. Wind turbines
b. Solar
i. Electric
ii. Thermal
c. Wellspring Energy
Community Conversations about the Big Fork River
Itasca and Koochiching Soil
and Water Conservation Districts
are hosting a series of community
conversations on preserving the
health of the Big Fork River
Watershed in their areas. Hearing
your voice is an imperative part of
developing a long-range plan for
keeping the waters healthy.
This process is a part of the
WRAPS, or Watershed Restoration
and Protection Strategy, a 10-year
process initiated by the Minnesota
Pollution
Control
Agency,
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR), and the
Minnesota Board of Soil and Water
Resources (BWSR) to determine
water quality for each of the 81
watersheds in Minnesota.
In fall of 2014, two kickoff events
were held (one in Koochiching
County and one in Itasca County)
to which the public was invited to
review and comment on the findings
of the MPCA’s Monitoring and
Assessment Report on the Big Fork
River Watershed. This report showed
that the water quality in the Big
Fork River Watershed is generally
good. Of the 121 lakes assessed,
114 passed (met the standards), five
lakes did not meet the standard in
this cycle, and one lake was already
listed as impaired prior to this cycle.
All river segments assessed met the
standards.
The MPCA has hired RESPEC
Consulting & Services to compile
the data gathered over the last five
years and use it to produce two
guiding documents. In 2015, another
event was held in Marcell to hear the
first presentation from RESPEC.
The next series of community
conversations will be held in
January, with events in both Itasca
and Koochiching County and with
Pederson Hovila Agency
Insurance & Financial Services
Local, friendly, personal service for over 40 years
snacks and a soup dinner sponsored
by the Koochiching County Farm
Bureau. In this series, the focus
will turn to gathering information
from the public on what local areas
could benefit from restoration and/
or protection projects. Everyone is
welcome.
Itasca County: January 8,
Marcell Family Center, 5:30-8 p.m.
Koochiching County: January
13, Big Falls Community Building
5:30-8 p.m.
For more information please
contact your local SWCD County
representative: (Itasca)
Kim
Yankowiak, 218-326-0017 ext.
104, kim.yankowiak@itascaswcd.
org; (Koochiching) Jolen Simon,
218-283-1180,
jolen.simon@
co.koochiching.mn.us
The Big Fork River Watershed
Civic Engagement Team
An Old Fashioned General Store
Spring Lake Store
Groceries, hardware, movies,
gas, gifts, post office, waste
coupons, licenses, housewares
MasterCard and Visa
• MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS NOW AVAILABLE!
• FINAL EXPENSE PLANS now available!
• LIFE INSURANCE for all stages of life
• AUTO, HOME, FARM, HEALTH, etc.
Call Kevin for a no-obligation quote or policy review
218-743-3545 or www.phafinancial.solutions
401 Main Ave., Bigfork 56628 next to the post office
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
218-832-3626
On Hwy 4, 1 mile west of Hwy 29
Can’t make it South
to Golf?
Stay North!
Open all year round
Located 1 mile east of
Hwy. 38 on Co. Rd. 261
Like us on Facebook!
www.golfontheedge.com
Winter Hours:
Wed-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.+
Sun
11 a.m.-7 p.m.+
Mon-Tue CLOSED
Happy Hour Every Day!
3-6 p.m.
Fri, Sat 7-8 p.m.
BOGO drinks and beer
218-743-3626
Full swing indoor
simulator
52 PGA Tour courses
Open Dart League
Wednesday - 6 p.m.
> Open for lunch
> Take-Out available
> Full bar
> Party rental
> In-house catering