December 2016Hay Springs, NE 69347

Public Power District

The Coffee Nook & Gifts Customers Keep Coming BackOne visit to the Coffee Nook in Gordon hooks

most customers to coming back for more. The aromaof freshly brewed coffee and baked goods combinedwith a inviting homey atmosphere attracts clientelefrom near and far. Barb Haller, owner of the CoffeeNook & Gifts purchased the the former Jacque’s Shopabout three years ago hoping to work towards a nestegg. “I’m was getting older, it was something I coulddo that is more towards retirement and incorporatemy passion for doing crafts,” said Haller. Haller’s lovefor people and her creative touch are a perfect matchand it was apparent during the interview. It’s a placefor friends to share an afternoon coffee, or a break fora student to read a book and enjoy a frappe and aplace to find a locally made gift.

Prior to purchasing The Coffee Nook, Hallercleaned houses for 12 years. It offered a flexibleschedule so she could attend her children’s activities.She and her husband, Richard, have two adult chil-dren now, Megan, 27, and Kenny, 24, who both live inRapid City, S.D.Richard is employed at Farmer’s Co-op in Gordon and they have resided in Gordon about10 years. Haller, graduated from Chadron High in 1983and met her future husband, who grew up in Rushville,through her younger brother. After they were married in1985 they lived in a variety of places including Arizona,Laramie, Wyo. and Alliance before returning back to thearea.

Customers are top priority at The Coffee Nook. “Wewant to keep it simple and offer a quality product and wanteveryone to feel welcome. These are our friends and neigh-bors... we want them to be able to sit, visit and be at peace,”said Haller.“One of the things that makes me happy the most is listen-

ing to noise of chatter, it makes me smile,” said Haller. TheCoffee Nook carries Dark Canyon Coffee products in whichthey often get complements on. “We want to make it the waythe customers want, not the way we want.” The Nook offersa full range of coffee beverages hot and cold together with aselection smoothies, frappes, teas, hot chocolate, sodas,gatorade and more. Drinks are available in two or three dif-ferent sizes.

THE COFFEE NOOK opens at 7 a.m. Monday thruFriday and at 7:30 a.m. on Saturdays for the a coffee beforework and delicious breakfast bacon or sausage burrito, to eatin or take for the route. They also serve fresh baked muffinsand cookies. At noon, the Nook offers ham or turkey crois-sants or their popular fire roasted grilled chicken breast saladmade with romaine lettuce. On Tuesdays and Thursdays sheoffers lunch specials. As a couple of examples, they haveoffered smothered chicken enchiladas or Indian tacos, and(Continued on Page 2)Barb Haller, owner of the Coffee Nook & Gifts.

Barb Haller, inside The Coffee Nook next to a large chalk

board menu with wonderful variety of hot and cold coffeedrink in about every flavor imaginable.

2-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner December 2016

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

The Coffee Nook--

Young’s Repair, Inc.Major to Minor Mechanical Work

Tractors, Truck & Car Repair• Vehicle & Farm Tires • Batteries

• Oil • Grease • Bolts

SERVICE CALLS • HAULING

308-638-74435631 Hwy. 87 • Hay Springs

youngsrepairinc@gpcom.net

BEGUIN PROPANEPropane Delivery

Tank Rentals & SalesAsk About Our

“KEEP FULL PROGRAM”

Robbie Beguin, Owner (308) 360-3579Hwy. 20 & 280th Lane - Gordon -

sbeguin@bbcwb.net

Haller beside one of her many creative pieces

she has repurposed like this an old country door asroom dividing display piece. The red sleigh is anotherpiece she added her personal touch to.

(Continued from Page 1)homemade soup. Haller recommends calling ahead toreserve the special, because they frequently run out. “Wetry to make as much homemade as possible, on the otherhand we don’t want to be a restaurant,” explained Haller.The Nook has been the hub for a few events or meetings.They often prepare large batches of burritos or sandwich-es for special orders, but are not into catering.

When Haller isn’t busy serving coffee or preparingfood, she focuses on the gift portion of the shoppe. Manyof the items she has designed or repurposed are primitive.She has her own set of tools complete with a cordless sawand drill. She admits she was really hooked on yard sales,thrift shops or other people’s trash, searching for tossedaway treasurers she can find a new home for. From olddoors and windows, magnet boards, to bolts and nuts shenever knows what she will find for her next project.

Not all the items for sale are her own creations, butshe does her best to seek out other Nebraskan-madeproducts. Some gifts are on consignment, but they need tocompliment the items she has in stock. Some of the prod-ucts include Double K Popcorn from Valentine available injars or microwavable, a line of Black Crow candles, aselection of Cornhusker apparel and gifts. You can finditems from large display pieces, to rustic seasonal walldecor among the many items to choose from. “I try tokeep a little variety and think outside the box. It’s importantto me to offer quality products at affordable prices. We arein a rural area and most of us are pretty conservative,”said Haller.

In order to run a unique local shop with consistenthours, she has the assistance of three to four part-timehelpers. The Coffee Nook is open Monday thru Fridayfrom 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 to noon.They are closed on Sundays.

The Coffee Nook & Gifts shop is located at 108 N.Main in Gordon. For more information, call (308) 282-0220.

December 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner 3-A

Along The Garden Path -by Karen Runkle, Master Gardener

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

Five Perennials for Shade

I have had several requests this year for shade-lovingperennials. I always forget these treasures because I amnot fortunate enough to have a large shade tree protectingmy house. But I do haveareas on the north sideof my house that I tendto forget because I can-not get anything to growin those shady areas. Itis time to expand myhorizons. Shady gar-deners - This one is foryou!

LUNGWORT -(botanical name-Pulmonaria) This sounds like a plant you would find in aHarry Potter's novel but actually it is a pretty little plant withheart-shaped leaves and covered with a mass of speckledwhite patterns. It grows one to one and a half feet tall. Butit is not just the foliage that makes it so lovely. It has smallbell-shaped flowers that start out pink and slowly turn to blueas they begin to age.

LAMIUM 'Golden Anniversary' - is one of the best choic-es for tough yet showy ground cover. This outstanding plantforms a spreading patch of small heart-shaped green leavesbrightly edged with gold, with a silver stripe down the mid-dle. Clusters of rosy purple flowers appear in the spring,and then continue off and on until fall. It is tolerant of dryshade, once established.

BRUNNERA (commonly called False Forget-Me-Not)has always been popular shade plant because it is so lowmaintenance and it has long lasting sprays of bright blueflowers. Although Brunnera is a slow grower, the greenleaved species will eventually spread out and made a niceground cover. The flashier variegated varieties are a bitslower to fill out but provide interest and color all season.The delicate, 5-petaled, blue flowers come in sprays heldabove the foliage. They range from pastel to electric blue,often with a yellow center. As their common name implies,the flowers bear a resemblance to forget-me-nots.These plants can be planted in full sun if you give themenough moisture; but they prefer a shady spot.

BLEEDING HEART (Dicentra Spectabilis) - This is theold-fashioned bleeding heart. There are many different vari-eties and colors at this time, but for a hardy, easy to growplant, I tend to stick with the old-fashioned variety. Thebleeding heart is a staple in the shade garden and everyoneseems to enjoy their famous heart-shaped, spring time flow-ers. Bleeding hearts produce their blooms in late spring orearly summer, then they may die back entirely, and remaindormant until the following spring. They are excellent plantsfor any shade garden or woodland setting and are ideal for

planting among your ferns and hostas.

HOSTAS - Speaking of Hostas, let's not forget to planta couple of these in your shady areas. Although the plantsbear tall spikes of white or lavender flowers in midsummer,hosta is planted primarily for the season-long show of theirstriking foliage. Hosta leaves come in a broad range ofsolid colors, from blue-grey to deep green to light green orgold. Some leaves are shiny and others have a matte fin-ish. Variegation can be white, cream, or yellow and canoccur on the edges of the leaves, in the centers, orstreaked throughout the leaf. The most common leafshape is heart shaped but they can be found in othershapes. Hostas can be small in size like the 'Blue Mouseears' which is 8 inches tall and can spread to 12 inches oryou can grow a large striking plant like the 'Regal Splendor'which grows to grows 36 inches high with a spread of 36inches. Whether your shade garden is large or small, thereis probably a hosta variety that is just right for you.

All of the plants mentioned above are in our plantingzone and should do well in our area. A few tips for shadeloving plants would include enriching your soil with humusand mulching the area once planted. Most shade lovingplants like to have the soil moist but well drained, and wanttheir roots to remain cool. That is why they grow well in theshade.

I might even plant that north side of my garden with myshade loving plants. I bet they do well.

Christi’s Creative Scents129 N. Main • Hay Springs

308-430-0123____________________________

soyscentedcandles.com

cchilliker.scentsy.us

youravon.com/chilliker

Christi Hilliker - Owner

“Like Us” onFacebook!

Northwest Rural Public Power

Page 4 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner December 2016

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

WRECK-A-MENDEDBODY WORKS

Free Estimates • Custom Painting

(308) 282-2005

Steve & Valli Petersen701 South Main • Gordon

• Carpet & Furniture• Walls • Drapes• Wood & Tile Floors• Smoke & Water Restoration• Pet Odor Removal• Duct Cleaning• Air Mold Sampling

432-4889 • Chadron130 Horseshoe Drive

(888) 432-4889FREE ESTIMATES ••• Larry & Audrey Sloan

The

Service

that

Matters

Statistics show that sales of electrical productsincrease during the month of December. Thisincrease in electrical product purchases,combined with the advent of colderweather in many parts of the country,increases the likelihood of electricalfires, electrocutions and injuries.

More home fires occur during thewinter months than during any other part ofthe year. Heating equipment is the second leading causeof home fires in the United States. More than 65,000 homefires are attributed to heating equipment each year. Thesefire result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries andmillions of dollars in property damage. View our library ofsafe heating resources including our Heat Your HomeSafely infographic, to make sure your family and yourhome remain safe during the frigid temperatures.

Cooking fires are also common during the wintermonths due largely in part to the holiday season. Ourhandy infographic can help you Prevent Common KitchenHazards during the winter months and throughout the year.Further, portable generators are commonly used in thewinter as a result of storm-induced power outages. In fact,the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that50% of all portable generator-related carbon monoxidedeaths occur during the winter months (November -February). Also, winter storms can also lead to serious

hazards such as downed power lines andflooding.

Following manufacturers’ instruc-tions is the first step in avoiding electrical haz-ards and preventing deaths and injuries during

the winter months and all year long. Inthis section, you will find safety tips andreminders to help you and your lovedones stay safe during the winter sea-

son.Be sure to refer to our Holiday Safety Resources to

make sure that you avoid the hazards that are all too com-mon during this otherwise festive time of year.

Winter Safety HOLIDAY SAFETY - Visit ESFI's holiday safety resources tolearn how to stay safe during the winter holidays.SPACE HEATER SAFETY - More than 65,000 home fires areattributed to space heaters. Learn how to use one safely.HEATING PADS AND ELECTRIC BLANKETS SAFETY - Heatingpads and electric blankets cause almost 500 fires eachyear. CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY - The winter months hold thehighest risk for CO poisoning deaths. Every year over 200people die from CO poisoning. Learn how to stay safe.

Colder Weather/More Electrical Products Increase Hazaards

Hay Springs Lumber& Hardware Company130 N. Main • 308-638-4404

Complete Builders Supply,

Sentry Hardware

Free Estimates

Before Selling or BuyingFarm, Ranch or Land, Call:

Phillip RosfeldBroker

Les Tlustos

Consumer Services DirectorLes Tlustos began his

duties in Member Services atNorthwest Rural on June 4,2001. He had previously beenemployed at UNWNRD(Upper Niobrara WhiteNatural Resource District inChadron.

The 1977 Oelrichs HighSchool graduate graduatedfrom Chadron State Collegewith four majors and a minor.He notes “helping people” ashis favorite part of the job. Hismost memorable moment wasserving as a Camp Counselorduring the 2007 Youth Energy Camp. “The tour bus blewa front tire, 100 degree nights and getting stuck on sand-bars in the kayak,” said Tlustos.

The best part of living in Northwest Nebraskaaccording to Tlustos are the wide open spaces andfriendly people. “We have good fishing, hunting and golf-ing. No better place to raise a family.” He and his wife,Peggy, have five children. Daughter Erin Huth lives inHay Springs with her husband and son and daughter;daughter Nicole lives in Omaha; daughter Stephanielives in Hay Springs; and the youngest two, Sydney andWesley attend Hay Springs High School.

Tlustos is a member of Ducks Unlimited, RidgeviewCountry Club and Post 239 Sons of the AmericanLegion.FUN FACTS:Mentors: Parents and FamilyFavorite Food: Chips & Salsa, Ribeye Steak andWalleye.

Hills Tire & SupplyOn Farm Tire Repair

Exhaust • Brake RepairWheel Alignment • Shock Absorbers

Mike Waugh - Manager

1072 W. 6th St.• (308) 432-3850 • Chadron

Central Office

218 S. Gibson

Hay Springs

1-800-752-9584

(308) 638-4432

www.westplainsco.com

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

NRPPD Featured Employees: Erik Persons & Les Tlustos

Editor’s Note: Northwest Rural has been introducing

two employees each month throughout the year of2016.’

Erik Persons

Meter TechErik Persons started out as

summer help in June 2001, thenaccepted a full time position. Heis a graduate of Hay SpringsHigh School and attendedChadron State College for a yearand a half before enrolling inMitchell Technical Institute for ayear.

His favorite part about work-ing at Northwest is the variety. “Ilike not doing the same jobeveryday, there is always something different going on,”said Persons.

His most memorable moment was when some of thecrew assisted South Dakota Central Electric following asnow storm in 2005.

In Persons spare time he enjoys hunting, camping,pretty much anything outdoors. He and his girlfriendKayla Heiting have a four year old son, Hudson, whokeeps them busy. Kayla is the director at Pioneer DayCare in Hay Springs. Erik is the son of Dennis andSharon Persons of Hay Springs.FUN FACTS:Favorite Food: BEEF!

December 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner 5-A

WAHLSTROM

FORD, INC.“The Value Store’’

E. Hwy. 20Robert Wahlstrom ChadronAdam Smith (308)432-5533Misty Hickstein

Serving Certified Angus Beef Only

Open Thurs-Fri.-Sat. Nights

5 p.m.-9 p.m.

PRIME RIB SPECIAL - FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Lunch Served Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.119 N. Main • (308) 638-4580 • Hay Springs

Owners - Don & Mary Vannatta

BAR J STEAKHOUSE

6-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner December 2016

NRPPD Area Schools Activity Calendars

HAIL REPAIR• Paintless Dent Removal • Paint Chip & Scratch Repair• Headlamp Restoration • Glass Chip & Scratch Repair

Tim Kicker • (308) 430-2650 • Chadron

Gordon-RushvilleMustangsThurs., Dec. 1 G BB (MS) at Hemingford, 5 p.m.Fri., Dec. 2 G/B BB vs.Hemingford, 2 p.m.Sat., Dec. 3 Play Production Districts at Sidney, 9 a..m.

G/B BB (JV-V) at Ainsworth 12 noon MTMon., Dec, 5 WR (MS) at Mitchell, 1 p.m.Tues., Dec. 6 G/B BB “C” vs. Chadorn, 5 p.m.Wed., Dec. 7 Noon Dismissal for StudentsThurs., Dec. 8 WR (JV-V) at Chadron Tri/w Valentine, 5 p.m.Fri., Dec. 9 G/B BB (JV-V) at Chadron, 4 p.m.Sat., Dec. 10 WR (JV-V) GR Invite, 9 a.m.Mon., Dec. 12 MS Christmas Concert, 7 p.m.Tues., Dec. 13 G/B BB (JV-V) vs. Hyannis, 4 p.m.Thurs., Dec. 15 WR (JV-V) at Bridgeport Tri/w Hemingford

6 p.m.GES K-2 Music Program at City Aud., 6 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 16 WR (V) at Valentine Invite 12 Noon MTG/B BB (JV-V) at Bennett Co., 2 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 17 WR (V) at Valentine Invite 8 am MTRES Turn in BoxTops Day!!! 8 a.m.G/B BB (JV-V) vs. Mullen 2 pm MT, 2 p.m.

Mon., Dec. 19 HS Christmas Concert, 7 p.m.Tues., Dec. 20 Christmas StoreDec. 22-Jan. 4 No School - Christmas Break MoratoriumDec. 28-29 G/B BB (V) at Alliance Holiday TBAThurs., Jan. 5 WR WTC at Mitchell, 10 a.m.Fri., Jan. 6 Girls (JV-V) BB vs. Valentine, 5 p.m.Sat., Jan. 7 Novice Speech at G-R MS, 8 a.m.

Wrestling at Ogallala Duals, 9 a.m.GB BB (JV-V) vs. Bayard, 1 p.m.

ChadronCardinalsMon., Dec. 5 WR (MS) vs. Mitchell, 1 p.m.Tues., Dec. 6 Mock Trial at Lincoln

G BB (7th) vs. Gering, 4 p.m.G BB (8th) at Gering, 4 p.m.G&B BB (C) at Gordon-Rush., 5 & 6:30

Thurs., Dec. 8 G BB (8th) at Alliance, 4 p.m.G BB (7th) vs. Alliance,4 p.m.WR (V) w/Gordon-Rush, Valentine, 5 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 9 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Gordon-Rushville, 4, 4, 5:30 & 7 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 10 Act Testing, CHSWR (V) at Gordon-Rushville, 9 a.m.WR (MS) at Scottsbluff, 9 a.m.G&B BB (C-JV-V) at Torrington, 1 p.m.,

1 p.m., 2:30, 2:30, 4 & 6 p.m.Mon., Dec. 12 G&B BB (C-JV-V) at Hot Springs, 3, 3,

4:30, 4:30, 5:30, 6 & 7:30 p.m.Tues., Dec. 13 G&B BB (C) vs. Mitchell, 4 & 5:30 p.m.Thurs., Dec. 15 Choir Concert, MS/HS, HS Aud., 6 p.m.Dec. 16-17 WR (V) at Valentine, tbdFri., Dec. 16 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Scottsbluff,

4, 4, 5:30 & 7 p.m.Sat., Dec. 17 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Gering,

4, 4, 5:30 & 7 p.m.Mon., Dec. 19 Elementary Concert (Kindergarten),

HS Aud., 7 p.m.Tues., Dec. 20 6-12 Band Concert, HS Aud., 7 p.m.Dec. 29-30 G&B (V) Holiday Tournament at CSC, tbdThurs., Jan. 5 WR Dual at Alliance, 6 p.m.Jan. 6-7 WR (V) at Douglas, 10 a.m.Fri., Jan. 6 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Gothenburg,

4, 4, 5:30 & 7 p.m.Sat., Jan. 7 G&B BB (C) at Alliance, 9 & 10:30 a.m.

G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Mitchell, 2, 2, 3:30 & 5 p.m.

CrawfordRamsThurs., Dec. 1 G&B BB vs. Sioux County, 3:30 p.m.Fri., Dec. 2 G&B BB (V) at Bayard, tba

WR Crawford Invite, 2 p.m.WR (JH) at Mitchell, 1 p.m.

Mon., Dec. 5 Pre-School Christmas Concert, HS Aud.,5:30 p.m.

Elementary Christmas Program,HS Aud., 7 p.m.

Tues., Dec. 6 G BB (JH) at Hemingford, 5 p.m.Thurs., Dec. 8 G&B BB (V-V) vs. Hay Springs, 4 p.m.

WR at Hay Springs w/Hemingford, 5 p.m.Fri., Dec. 9 No School - InserviceSat., Dec. 10 WR at Banner Co., 9:30 a.m.

G BB (JH) at Hay Springs, 10 a.m.G&B BB (JV-V) at Garden County, 3 p.m.

Mon., Dec. 12 G BB (JH) at HemingfordHS Christmas Concert, 7 p.m.

Tues., Dec. 13 G&B BB (V) vs. Minatare, 4 p.m.Thurs., Dec. 15 G&B BB (JV-V) at Hyannis, 4 p.m.Fri., Dec. 16 End of Second QuarterDec. 16-17 WR at Hot Springs, tbaDec. 19-20 G&B BB (V) Holiday Tournament at Sioux Co.Tues., Jan. 3 School Resumes

G&B BB (JV) at Hemingford, 6 p.m.Thurs., Jan. 5 GB BB (JV-V) at Edgemont, 6 p.m.Fri., Jan. 6 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Lingle Ft. LaramieSat., Jan. 7 WR at Garden Co., 9 a.m.

HemingfordBobcatsThurs., Dec. 1 G BB (JH) vs. Gordon-Rushville, 5 p.m.Fri., Dec. 2 G&B BB (JV-V) at Gordon-Rushville, 2 p.m.

WR (V) at Crawford Invite, 3 p.m.Sat., Dec. 3 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Hyannis, 1 p.m.Mon., Dec. 5 G BB (JH) vs. Alliance St. Agnes, 4:30 p.m.Tues., Dec. 6 G BB (JH) vs. Crawford, 5 p.m.

Strong Insurance, Inc.

“All Forms of Insurance’’

224 Main Street

Gordon, NE 69343

(308) 282-0560

FIRSTNATIONALBANK

Member FDIC

Your Local Ag Loan SpecialistPart of Your Past, Part of Your Future.

~Independent and Strong~

(308) 282-0050 • Gordon • 134 N. Main

JAMIE ROES • JERRY TURMAN

JERRY PIERCE

920 E. Third - ChadronToll Free: 1-888-363-3636 • 432-3636

www.tommyscarlot.com

tommyscarlot@hotmail.com

December 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner 7-A

“Proudly Serving the Sheridan CountyArea for Over 20 Years”

Bees • HoneyPollination

Hay Springs

308-282-0560

Your Panhandle Area Bee Keeper

Winter Activity Pics & Retakes, 8:30 p.m.Wed., Dec. 7 FCCLA Big Brother/Sister, 2:30 p.m.Thurs.,Dec. 8 State One Act at Norfolk

G BB (JH) at Bridgeport, 4 p.m.WR at Hay Springs Tri (Crawford), 6:30 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 9 Community Soup Supper at Cafeteria,4:30 p.m.

Elementary Christmas Concert, 5:30 p.m.HS Christmas Concert, 6:45 p.m.

Sat., Dec. 10 Happy Feet Dance Recital in HS Gym, 8 a.m.ACT Test Date, 8 a.m.WR (V) at Banner Co. Invite, 9:30 a.m.G&B BB (JV-V) at Mitchell, 1 p.m.

Mon., Dec. 12 G BB (JH) PanCo Invite at home, 9 a.m.School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Mon., Dec. 13 G&B BB (JV-V) at Hay Springs, 2 p.m.Thurs., Dec. 15 All Things Christmas Day

WR (V) at Bridgeport Triangular, 6 p.m.Fri., Dec. 16 G&B BB (JV-V) at Bridgeport, 4 p.m.Sat., Dec. 17 WR (V) at Bridgeport Invite (Sidney), 9 a.m.

G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Leyton, 1 p.m.Dec. 19-30 No School - Christmas BreakDec. 29-30 G&B BB (V) Geroge Watson Classic at CSC, tba

Hay SpringsHawksFri., Dec. 2 G&B BB (JV-V) at Cody-Kilgore, 3 p.m.

WR (V) at Crawford Invite, 3 p.m.Sat., Dec. 3 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Arthur County, 2 p.m.

WR at Custer Invite, 8:30 a.m.Thurs., Dec. 8 G&B BB (JV-V) at Crawford, 4 p.m.

WR HS Tri. (Crawford-Hemingford), 6 p.m.(Continued on Page 8)

8-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner December 2016

DREAMSCarports • Buildings

• GaragesYOU DREAM IT!

WE BUILD IT!

Starting at $595 12’x21’x5’

Dennis & Sharon Persons

(308)-638-7453Hay Springs

NRPPD SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Quality Custom Made Hats & AccessoriesGARY & JOAN WAUGH

G: 308-532-1700 or J: 308-534-4907

Gordon, Nebraska

“Satisfaction Guaranteed”

Shut Off Your Irrigation SystemNorthwest Rural recommends that all Disconnects on

your irrigation system be shut off during the off season.

Temperature shutdown safe guards may protect you “pro-

viding they work”.

Shutting your system off is the only truly dependable

safeguard. This will prevent systems equipped with auto-

restart switches from inadvertently starting should a bump

or surge occur on the main power line. Besides prevent-

ing unwanted system startup, this may also prevent elec-

trical equipment damage.

F O R S A L E

Used 100 watt High Pressure SodiumUsed 100 watt High Pressure Sodium

Security Light Fixtures, includes a bulbSecurity Light Fixtures, includes a bulb

and eye. $20 each while supply lastand eye. $20 each while supply lasts.s.

WWill work great on the customer side forill work great on the customer side for

calving sheds, feedlotcalving sheds, feedlots etc. s etc.

Call 308-638-4445.Call 308-638-4445.

(Continued from Page 7)Sat., Dec. 10 G&B BB (GV-V) vs. Mullen, 2 p.m.

WR (V) at Gordon-Rushville Invite, 8 a.m.G BB (JH) vs. Crawford, 10 a.m.

Mon. Dec. 12 G BB (JH) PanCo at Hemingford, tbaTues., Dec. 13 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Hemingford, 3 p.m.Thurs., Dec. 15 G BB (JH) at Morrill, 4 p.m.Sat., Dec. 17 G&B BB (JV-V) at McPherson Co., 3 p.m.

WR (V) at Sidney Invite, 9 a.m.Tues., Dec. 20 Boys BB (JV-V) at Oelrichs, 6 p.m.Fri., Dec. 30 WR (V) at Newman Grove, 9 a.m.Mon., Jan.2 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Morrill, 4 p.m.Tues., Jan. 3 Girls BB (JV-V) vs. Bennett Co., 5:30p.m.Fri., Jan. 6 G&B BB (JV-V) at Banner Co., 3:30 p.m.Sat., Jan. 7 G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Leyton, 1 p.m.

WR (V) at Garden Co. Invite, 9 a.m.

Have a Great Holiday Break!

Hay SpringsHawks

December 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner Page 9-A

NRPPD ENTERTAINMENT

CORNER

Recipe

For Christmas. . .

Peppermint Bark• 8 oz. high-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces• 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided•2 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided• 8 oz high-quality white chocolate, broken into pieces• 25 peppermint candies, crushed

Lightly grease a 9x9 inch pan and line with waxed paper,smoothing out wrinkles; set aside.

Place the semisweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of thecanola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely sim-mering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sideswith a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolateis melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of the peppermint extract. Pourthe melted chocolate into the prepared pan, and spreadevenly over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle half of thecrushed peppermints over the chocolate layer. Refrigerateuntil completely hardened, about 1 hour.

Place the white chocolate and the remaining 1 teaspooncanola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely sim-mering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sideswith a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolateis melted, stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermintextract. Pour the white chocolate directly over the semisweetchocolate layer; spread evenly. Sprinkle the remainingcrushed candy over the top and gently press in. Refrigerateuntil completely hardened. Remove from pan; break intosmall pieces to serve.

* * * * *Garlic Prime Rib• 1 (10 pound) prime rib roast• 10 cloves garlic, minced• 2 tablespoons olive oil• 2 teaspoons salt• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

Place the roast in a roasting pan with the fatty side up. Ina small bowl, mix together the garlic, olive oil, salt, pepperand thyme. Spread the mixture over the fatty layer of theroast, and let the roast sit out until it is at room temperature,no longer than 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.

Bake the roast for 20 minutes in the preheated oven,then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F, and con-tinue roasting for an additional 60 to 75 minutes. Theinternal temperature of the roast should be at 135degrees F for medium rare.

Allow the roast to rest for 10 or 15 minutes before carv-ing so the meat can retain its juices.

* * * * *Ham, Potato and Broccoli Casserole• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen French fries• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli• 1 1/2 cups cooked, cubed ham• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom

soup• 1 (10.75 ounce) can milk• 1/4 cup mayonnaise• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheesePreheat oven to 375 degrees F.Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cover

bottom of dish with layer of French fries. Add a layer ofbroccoli, then sprinkle ham evenly over broccoli. In asmall bowl mix together soup, milk and mayonnaise.Pour mixture evenly over ingredients in baking dishand sprinkle with cheese.Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

* * * * *Lucious Eggnog• 3 eggs, lightly beaten• 1/3 cup white sugar• salt to taste• 2 1/2 cups milk•1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract• 1/2 cup rum (optional)• 2 drops yellow food coloring (optional)• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

In a heavy saucepan, combine eggs, white sugar,and salt; gradually stir in milk. Stirring constantly,cook for 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat, untilmixture just coats a metal spoon. Remove from heat,and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Place saucepanover ice water until custard cools, and then refriger-ate until chilled.In a chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, confection-ers' sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beatuntil stiff peaks form. Stir in rum and yellow food col-oring. Fold whipped cream mixture into the cooledcustard. Pour into serving bowl, and sprinkle with nut-meg. Serve immediately.

* * * * *

If you look up at overhead power lines, it would not be

surprising to see birds sitting on the wires. While it is safe for a

bird to do so, it is not safe for people to be near overhead power

lines. So how can birds sit on a power line unharmed? Safe

Electricity reveals insights into the "bird on a wire" phenomenon

and separates fact from fiction.

"There are many false assumptions on why birds can safe-

ty sit on power lines, from specialization in bird anatomy to insu-

lated lines," explains Richard McCracken, Safe Electricity

Advisory Board member.

It is a myth that all power lines are insulated with a pro-

tective coating that prevents shocks. Most power lines are actual-

ly not insulated. The coating that is on lines is actually for weath-

er proofing and will not offer any protection from the electrical

current.

To understand why birds are actually able to sit on high-

voltage electric lines unharmed requires digging a little deeper into

the science of electricity.

In order for an electrical charge, or electrons, to move

from one spot to another, it must be in contact (or sometimes close

proximity) with conductive material that has at least two different

points of potential. Electrons will move toward lower potential.

That is why it is said that electricity is always looking for a path to

10-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner December 2016

NORTHWEST RURAL SAFETY

Insights into a Bird on Wire

A Relationship You Can Count On.

231 N. Main • 638-4416

Hay Springs

Member FDIC

ground (lower potential).

A bird remains safe because it is sitting on a single wire

and is at one point of contact-and consequently one electrical

potential. If the bird sitting at this one potential was to also

make contact with another object of different potential, that bird

would be completing a path to ground, causing severe electric

shock or electrocution. For larger birds with wider wingspans,

reaching and touching another cable is a real hazard.

Getting near overhead power lines is also a serious haz-

ard for people. The utility professionals who work near over-

head power lines must wear appropriate safety clothing, use

tested safety equipment, and take training to be able to do the

installation, maintenance, and repair work they do. It is vital

that safety equipment is regularly tested as even non-conduc-

tive materials, such as rubber, wood, or plastic, can conduct

electricity if damp, dirty, or damaged.

Safe Electricity encourages everyone to be aware of

their surroundings and shares the following safety tips:

• Always look up and look out for overhead power lines.

• Keep yourself and any tools or equipment a minimum dis-

tance of 10 feet away from power lines in all directions at all

times.

• Remember that getting too close to a power line, even without

touching it, is very dangerous.

• Avoid working directly under powerlines.

• When working with tall equipment such as ladders, poles, or

antennas, carry them in a horizontal position as to not risk mak-

ing contact with overhead lines.

• Always assume that power lines, even if they have come

down, are live and carry an electrical charge.

McCracken adds, "Whether you regularly work near power

lines on the job or are planning an outdoor project at home, take

the time to slow down, look up, and stay safe."

To learn more about electrical safety, visit

SafeElectricity.org.

# # #

CULTIVATINGRELATIONSHIPS

Homegrown is always better.

Homegrown banking means

local decision making and a

better understanding of what

customers need and expect

from their banks.

Let’s grow together.

CHECKING • SAVINGS • PERSONAL & BUSINESS LOANS

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT • MORTGAGES • INSURANCE

December 2016 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner Page 11-A

from the Board of Directors and Employees at

Northwest Rural Public Power District

EMPLOYEES:Cale AndersonKelli AndersonMatt AndersonTrampas BelknapChance BriscoeKelsey DeFieldDarren DrabbelsWade HanksVicky HenwoodJohn HesslerTony Hindman

Craig HoushBrad JohnsonTerry KnappArlene LahayeRon OlsonErik PersonsLJ ProsserRuss ReichenbergLes TlustosKelly TroesterAbe Young

BOARD:Lee AhrensWayne CobbGary FuchserTerry TerrellRobert RickenbachBruce TroesterMike Van Buskirk

12-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner December 2016

NORTHWEST RURAL ENTERTAINMENT

OFFICERSPresident: Lee Ahrens, MarslandVice Pres.: Wayne Cobb, MerrimanSecretary: Bruce Troester, MarslandTreasurer: Robert Richenbach, Chadron Tri-State Director: Gary Fuchser,

GordonBoard Members: Mike Van Buskirk,

Hay SpringsTerry Terrell, Hay Springs

Manager: CHANCE BRISCOE Office Manager: Arlene Lahaye

Office (308) 638-4445Fax 638-4448

Consumer/MarketingDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Les TlustosPublisher/EditorAdvertising Rep. . . . . . . . .Cindy Peters

Hip-Hop (308) 638-7132or E-mail hiphop@haysprings.net

___________

Office Hours:8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday- Friday

Service CallsAfter Hours:

Please call

800-847-0492 if

your call is long dis-

tance or 638-4445for the local HaySprings area at alltimes.

We have ananswering servicethat answers thesenumbers on a 24-hour basis - afterhours, Saturday,Sundays and holi-days. Please statelegal description,account number ormeter numberwhere the outage isand your phonenumber when youcall.

Public Power DistrictSouth on Hwy. 87 • P.O. Box 249

Hay Springs, NE 69347

web page: http://www.nrppd.com

Bits ‘n Pieces...

Call or E-mail for more information

Karen Runkle at 232-4474or 308-763-1843

4283 460th Rd. - Hay Springs

Lil LadybugGreenhouse & Garden

Tiffany's robin's-egg blue box. Exciting! Inside, I found a

beautiful, initial necklace...but an 'L,' for Larry. I tried

wearing it, but it was too hard to explain why the pricey

jewelry had the wrong letter. To this day, I'm still in

search of a best friend whose name starts with an L so I

can pass it along."

–P. Blumberg

I Thought It Was a Back Massager"A few years ago, my sister tore into a present from our

parents and saw "deep knead" on the box. 'Is this what I

think it is?' she excitedly exclaimed, tearing the final

piece of paper off to reveal...a bread maker."

–D. Scarantino

• I once received a toilet seat. —J. Shellsburg, Iowa• The book What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I

was in high school and not even dating. —A. Norfolk, Virginia

• A fifth of whiskey, even though I’m an alcoholic. —C. H., Magdalena, New Mexico

• A very nice sweater that someone had worn, stainedand regifted to me. —B. M., Penn.

• A donation in my name to a cause I don’t support. —M. E. Texas

• I got my own Christmas gift back the next year. --Carol E.

• A subscription to the Nutrisystem weight-loss program. —Rosemary G., Kentucky

Fresh from the Earth!E-mail:

lilladybug7@hotmail.comor visit

LittleLadybugGardens.com

Keep in touch through ...www.littleladybuggardens.com

and Facebook for the Upcoming Events in our new addition...

The Gathering Shed

Merry Christmas!

The Best Worst Christmas Gifts We Ever Got...And you thought the loot under your tree

was bad?"I know my best friend meant well when she gave me an

electric bug vacuum, because she knows how much I hate

insects. You trap a bug in one end of a tube, then press

the trigger to suck the bug into wherever part collected the

dead bodies. The whole idea grossed me out so much I

never even opened the box!"

–B. Weinhouse* * * * *

"One of my relatives is known for giving horrible gifts, and

the year I was 16 I got a plain fleece blanket—the type

that rolls up for easy transport. Clearly I wasn't thrilled, so

I tried to return it. Well, that failed when customer service

told me the blanket hadn't been sold in stores... for three

years!" --A. Jung* * * * *

"Every Christmas, cousin Nancy sends a box of holiday

surprises: rice pasta (I am gluten tolerant), bars of Ivory

soap, or perhaps Trail Mix. But this trout tie? Yes, Nancy

remembered that I love to fish, but it's as ugly as sin. I

haven't had the nerve to wear it for 15 years, yet I put it

on now so you don't think I'm making the story up."

–F. Lostys

* * * * *"Someone gave me pair of used red suede cowboy boots.

And, they came with authentic dust."– B. O’Dair

When a Joke Goes Way Too Far"My ex-boyfriend used to call me 'Larry' as a joke instead

of 'Perri.' For the holidays one year, he gave me a