November 2016Hay Springs, NE 69347

Public Power District

Hay Springs Yak Breeders Rare and FascinatingIt isn’t uncommon for Tim Hardy and Una Taylor

to have travelers stop in their driveway and ask “Whatare those things?”

Those long haired buffalo-cow looking things areyak. The couple who live approximately six miles westof Hay Springs along Highway 20 are yak breeders.Hardy purchased the small ranch after he retired as amath instructor at Wayne State. He had met his futurewife, Una Taylor, while he taught at Chadron State fora year. “We were looking for something to produce onour 171 acres, it’s too rugged to grow anything,” saidHardy. After studying about yak, they found yakrequire about a third of the amount of grass as angusdo and found that to be the perfect match. WhileHardy’s wife continues to teach vocal and chorus atCSC, his primary focus has been on the yak.

Eleven years later after purchasing the best two-year olds they could find, they now have approximate-ly 100 head. “We believe that Hay Springs Yaks hasNorth America's second largest herd of registeredyaks and is North America's largest producer of raw yakfiber,” said Hardy. “We breed outstanding bulls andheifers as seed stock for other ranchers.”

Wild yak are found in the Himalayan Mountains ofTibet and cannot live below 12,000 feet elevation.Thereare four different colors of yaks in the United States andare apparent at the Hay Springs Yak ranch. • Black Yak: A pure black yak with a grey nose• Imperial Yak: A pure black yak with a black nose

• Trim Yak: A yak that is mostly black that has a touchof white on the forehead, feet, and/or tip of the tail.

• Royal Yak: A yak that is a mix of white and black or whiteand gold. The white normally starts from the back end and makes its way forward.

• Golden Yak: A yak that has a golden, honey brown color.Very rare, as the gene that creates this color is recessive.

Hardy says they don’t raise the yak for the meat. Themeat typically runs higher than beef averaging about $8.00a pound. “The live weight is currently at $2.25 per lb.”noted Hardy, who added it was too expensive for theirtastes! According to yakbreeder.com, “The meat from thishardy breed may be the healthiest meat you can possiblyeat, better for your heart and for your health even morethan skinless chicken, buffalo, elk or any other meat. It isvery low in fat (95% or less). They are milked in othercountries, but milking them is pretty complicated with theirlong hair and the milk is super fatty.

Hay Springs Yak produced 26 calves this past year. Ayak cow rarely has twins. The breeding season is typicallyin September and October. “We prefer to calve in April orMay, however many are born in June.” There are currentlysix big bulls. There is no artificial insemination in the UnitedStates. “They are only fertile a few hours, so it would bepretty difficult,” explained Hardy. Unlike your typical cattleherd, the yak ear tags also serve as name tags and are(Continued on Page 2)

A super wooly yak Durga and her baby.

Tim Hardy, co-owner of Hay Springs Yaks located along

Hwy. 20 west of Hay Springs, treats a few of their yak.

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

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWSThe yaks that have been sold, typically have gone to

Michican, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. “In 2016, thelargest percentage went to Michigan,” said Hardy. Theyprefer customers pick up their yak, but he has deliveredseveral to Minnesota. They market on the internet undertheir website www.hayspringsyaks.com and also have afacebook page under the same name. The site consists ofa colorful display of their herd and descriptions of the yakavailable for purchase.

Four years ago, Hardy and Taylor took a few of theirherd to Denver for the Stock Show. Two years ago theystarted seriously showing. “We took 10 yaks to IYAK'sNational Show this year which takes place in Denver dur-ing the National Western Stock Show. We took one year-ling heifer sired by THY Yoda, one yearling bull sired byHSY Olar, one yearling heifer sired by HSY Batu, and sixcalves sired by SBR Wrangler. Yoda's heifer won a blueribbon, Olar's young bull won a blue ribbon, Batu's heiferwon a ribbon. Wrangler provided us with a blue ribbonheifer and the show's high point champion,” said Hardy. “In total, we came back with 13 ribbons and one trophy.”

Prior to the show, the yak are groomed some athome prior to the trip, but the grooming isn’t as seriousas it is in cattle and horse shows. Last year, a few of theyak were halter trained.

The bulk of the fiber is purchased by Still River Millin Connecticut. They have special de-hairing equipmentso they can get down to the fiber. “We currently producemore yak fiber than anybody in the country, typically pro-ducing 100 lots,” said Hardy. Locally, the couple haveoffered yak fiber at the Scottsbluff Arts Fair.

To learn more about yak, visit their website or callthem at (308) 432-4856 or by e-mail attim@HaySpringsYaks.com

(Continued from Page 1)pink and blue noting their gender! The average life of aYak is about 20 years, however Hardy does have oneover 25. A yak cow is not full-growned until they areabout three years old when they average between 500-700 lbs. A bull on the other hand may not be full-weightuntil he is eight. One of their bulls “Wrangler” weighs1800 lbs. The Hay Springs ranch has three distinctivebreeding pastures.

The yaks are naturally grass fed and receive onlycertified organic hay when they need hay.

Four ounces ofYak fiber goesfor around$4.00. It iscomparable toangora.

Tim with one of the “Royal” yaks, Daisy Bell withMiss Lillian watching on.

Hay Springs Yak--

Una Taylor and Tim Hardy, owners of Hay Springs Yaks.

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

Along The Garden Path -by Karen Runkle, Master Gardener

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

Eating in Season this Winter

Eating the locally grown fruits and vegetables in theseason in which they were grown is the most economicaland healthy mode of eating.

When you eat locally grownfood, it doesn't have to bepacked, stored and then shippedto a store miles away. Mostfoods, if they have not beengrown locally, are shipped anaverage of 1500 miles. Whenyou buy the food, which we alldo, we are not only paying for thefood but also paying wages to thehandlers, paying shipping costsand paying storage costs.

To add insult to injury, the food is not as nutrient richafter all that handling, shipping and time spent getting thefood to your table……So, I repeat, eating the local foods thatare in season is the most economical and healthy mode ofeating. That is the reason we grow our gardens in the backyard.

Winter is the most challenging season for this mode ofeating as our gardens are typically not producing an abun-dance during these shortest days of the year. However, eat-ing in season doesn't have to stop just because it's cold out-side. Eating in season in winter requires more planning -creating preserved foods that can last in the freezer or onour pantry shelves is one crucial element. We can alsostockpile a wide variety of late season foods for severalmonths by storing them properly.

Cool Climate vegetables include:1. Cabbage - Most varieties of cabbage love cool

weather and are ready for harvest through the fall and win-ter. Wrap the individual heads of cabbage in plastic andstash in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

2. Winter squash - Store these nutritional gems in acool, slightly humid environment and they will keep formonths.

3. Potatoes - Store potatoes in a dark, cool, well-ven-tilated area. Potatoes are available year around and verynutritious.

4. Onions - Great in soups, salads and over yourmeat dish. Store onions in a cool dry place for severalmonths.

5. Beets - I hope you have put some of these awayfor the winter. They can store up to a month in the refriger-ator, but I put mine in jars and we eat them all winter.

6. Carrots - Dig your carrots in the fall, Put them intoa Styrofoam cooler - layer of newspaper, layer of carrots,layer of newspaper, layer of carrots……You get the idea.They will keep all winter so you can enjoy this delicious root

vegetable.7. Turnips and Rutabaga - You can keep these

vegetables in your root cellar for months through the win-ter. Great in soups and stews as well as that pot roast youare cooking for dinner.

Welcome the winter season as a period of rest and simplic-ity. Include a simplified diet of hearty veggie stews andcasseroles. The more we depend on root vegetables, pick-les, preserved garden goods and whole grains, the morewe can eat well all year.

I leave you with my favorite stew recipe:

Old-Time Vegetable Stew

It's the browning - long and lazy - that gives a stew therich color and flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons fat in Dutch oven.Add 2 pounds beef chuck, cut in 1 ½ inch cubes, andbrown on all sides. Keep turning the cubes (use tongs).Don't hurry - this should take about 20 minutes. Next sliceup a nice big onion and add along with a clove of garlic), 4cups boiling water, 1 tablespoon each salt and lemon juice,1 teaspoon each sugar and Worcestershire sauce, ½ tea-spoon each pepper and paprika, a bay leaf or two, and adash of allspice or cloves.

Gentle cooking is what makes the meat tender, socover and simmer 2 hours. When the meat is almost done,begin adding vegetables: 6 carrots, a couple large onions,4 leeks, and some potatoes are a favorite at our house.You could also add chunks of winter squash, turnips, orrutabaga for a heartier flavor. Cut the vegetables up into 1-½ inch pieces and put on top of the meat. These need tosimmer an additional 45 minutes to an hour.

Gravy time. Pour ½ cup cold water into a shaker, thenadd ¼ cup flour shake hard to blend. Move meat and veg-etables to one side and stir in flour mixture. Cook and stirtill gravy thickens and boils. Cook gently a few minutes.

You now have a wonderful stew - Enjoy it with somehomemade biscuits and a few friends and enjoy the satis-fying flavors of fall.

Christi’s Creative Scents129 N. Main • Hay Springs

308-430-0123____________________________

soyscentedcandles.com

cchilliker.scentsy.us

youravon.com/chilliker

Christi Hilliker - Owner

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

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

LED Rebates AvailableLooks like Tri-State is going to reduce

rebates for LED bulbs in 2017, so consumers maywant to take advantage of the current rebates offeredbefore year end.

2016 LED Rebate Incentive• LED lamps and LED fixtures over 500 lumens• 50% of lamp or fixture cost• Capped of $10 / lamp (or fixture)• Maximum of 50 lamps per account per year

Why Light Emitting Diode? (LEDs)Making improvements to your home’s light is one thefastest and easiest ways to cut your energy bill.Consider replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED lamps. They use a fraction of the wattage,last much longer and give off less heat. A 12.5 wattLED bulb is equal to a 60 watt incandescent bulb sav-ing you 47.5 watts.

Energy Efficient Light Bulb Cost Comparison

Watts Watts Annual Cost Annual Cost

Incandescent LED Incandescent LED

75 17 $16.50 $3.7460 12.5 $13.20 $2.7540 8.7 $ 8.80 $1.91

Northwest Rural Public Power District has rebatesavailable to help residential consumers offset the costof energy efficient water heaters, motors, space heat-ing and cooling systems, Energy Star appliances andLED Lighting. For the latest ENERGY STAR productlist, go to ENERGYSTAR.gov. Contact NorthwestRural about the details of the rebate criteria, specificamounts available and the procedure for obtaining therebates to save money and use energy wisely.

WRECK-A-MENDEDBODY WORKS

Free Estimates • Custom Painting

(308) 282-2005

Steve & Valli Petersen701 South Main • Gordon

Voluntary Renewable Resource

Program Available at NRPPDDo you want to go green but can't build a wind

turbine in your backyard? Don't have enough sun expo-sure to buy solar panels? Consider participating inNorthwest's Voluntary Renewable Resource Program.

What is the Voluntary RenewableResource Program?

It is a way for you to support the use of renew-able energy resources with the help of Northwest RuralPublic Power District. The Voluntary RenewableResource Program (VRRP) is a subscription to buyrenewable energy credits (RECs) on a monthly basis.

RECs are proofs of purchase from electricitygenerated by renewable energy resources. For theVRRP your subscription buys RECs from wind or solarfacilities. The program is a great way for you to helpexpand an existing renewable energy footprint.Who can participate?

Any of Northwest Rural Public Power District'scustomers can subscribe to VRRP. Northwest buysRECs in blocks of 100, which represents about 100 kilo-watt-hours of renewable generation.How is the program possible?

Northwest Rural Public Power District getselectricity from Tri-State Generation and TransmissionAssociation, a co-op owned by a group of utilities inNebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico. Tri-State has RECs available for member-owners likeNorthwest to increase their portfolio of renewable ener-gy.Where does my subscription go?

Money from the program goes directly towardthe purchase of RECs from wind or solar facilities at nomarkup from Tri-State. RECs are tracked according tothe region where they are bought and sold so you canbe sure it comes from a renewable resource.Why does the program exist?

VRRP gives you the chance to tap into renew-able resources without making a large investment into anew facility and any new transmission lines needed tomove that power. If Northwest and Tri-State sell moreRECs to customers like you, that could be an incentivefor them to build more renewable generation projects toserve your community.

“Like Us” on

Facebook!

Northwest Rural Public Power

Matt AndersonWarehouseman

Matt Anderson came to

work for Northwest Rural onJan. 5, 2005 as theWarehouseman. The HaySprings High School 2000gradate attended ChadronState College. Prior toNRPPD, he was employed atFarmer’s Co-op.

Anderson was born inMarshalltown, Iowa andmoved to Hay Springs in1991. He also enjoys workingwith customers. “I like beingable to help a customer that isin dyer need of somethingand I can help them,” said Anderson.

One of his favorite moments at NRPPD is when theywere at a meeting in North Dakota. “We went out to eatand I told the waitress it was Ron Housh’s Birthday.They came to our table and sang to him, he was soembarrassed!”

Matt and his wife Jessie are the parents of twodaughters, Aubry Grace, 8, a second grader, and MeganEllise, 6, a first grader. Jessie is the Fifth Grade Teacherat Hay Springs Elementary. Anderson’s favorite partabout living in Northwest Nebraska is the hunting andthe small town atmosphere. Needless to say, his hobbiesinclude hunting, camping and side by side riding.

Anderson is a member of Hay Springs Volunteer FireDept., on the Hay Springs School Board and on the HaySprings School-Community Foundation Board. He is alsoa member of the Post 239 Sons of American Legion andIBEW.Fun Facts:Favorite Food: Mac n’ Cheese.

Favorite Music: Anything with a beat!

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: Trampas Belknap & Matt Anderson

Editor’s Note: Northwest Rural has been introducing

two employees each month throughout the year of2016.’

Trampas BelknapLine Foreman

Trampas Belknap originally

began working at NorthwestRural as a groundsman for sum-mer help in May 2004. By thetime September rolled around,he was hired full-time as anApprentice Lineman. Belknapgraduated from Hay SpringsHigh School in 2002 and attend-ed Chadron State for a semesterbefore transferring to MitchellTechnical Institute enrolling inthe power lineman program which he completed in 2004.

Prior to working at NRPPD, he was employed at HaySprings Lumber and D&S Hansen Farms in Hemingford.He was promoted to Line Foreman in April 2009. Hisfavorite thing about working at NRPPD is “working out-side and working with the people.” He doesn't have aparticular favorite moment at Northwest. “Every day ismemorable at Northwest Rural,” said Belknap, who likesliving in a rural community. “Everybody knows everybodyand helps each other out.”

His wife Rachel is a RN at Chadron Hospital.Belknap has two children, a son Jaycek, 7, and a daugh-ter, Presley, 7 months.

In his spare time he enjoys hunting, fishing andchasing kids! He is the Vice Commander of Post 239Sons of the American Legion and the Hay SpringsChamber of Commerce President.Fun Facts:Mentors: Dad (Glen Belknap) and Uncle Mike Belknap.

November 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 November 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-RushvilleMustangsWed., Nov. 2 GRHS Blood Drive in Gym, 8 a.m.Thurs., Nov. 3 WR (MS) GR Invite, 1 p.m.Fri., Nov. 4 NOON DISMISSAL STUDENTSSat., Nov. 5 WR (MS) at Valentine Inv. 9 a.m. MT

Bowling Tri at Scottsbluff, 11 a.m.Sun., Nov. 6 Daylight Saving Time endsMon., Nov. 7 WTC Art Day at CSC, 8 a.m.Tues., Nov. 8 Election Day

National Honor Society Induction, 6:30 p.m., HS Cafeteria

Wed., Nov. 9 GRHS Accuplacer Test, 9 a.m.Nov. 10-12 State VolleyballThurs. Nov. 10 WR (MS) Hemingford, 12 p.m.

GBB (MS) at Bennett Co., 5 p.m.Sat., Nov. 12 WR (MS) at Chadron Inv., 9 a.m.

One Act Festival at Gering (tentative)GBB (MS) at Bennett Co. Inv., 9 a.m.Unified Bowling at Ogallala, 11 a.m.

Mon., Nov. 141st Day Winter Sports PracticesWTC Vocal Music at Bridgeport, 9 a.m.

Tues., Nov. 15 Sportsmanship Summit at AllianceGBB (MS) vs. St. Agnes, 4:30 p.m.

Wed., Nov. 16 FFA Leadership Skills at ChadronASVAB Test at GRHS, 8 a.m.

Thurs., Nov. 17 RES Turn in BoxTops Day! 8 a.m.GBB (MS) at Hay Springs, 4 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 18 RES Bingo Night at MS, 6:30 p.m.,Cafeteria

Sat., Nov. 19 WR (MS) at Alliance Invite, 8:30 a.m. GBB (MS) at Valentine Inv. 9 a.m.MTUnified Bowling at Ogallala, 11 a.m.

Mon., Nov. 21 GBB (MS) vs. Chadron, 4:30 p.m.Tues., Nov. 22 One Acts WTC at Bayard, tba Nov. 23-25 NO SCHOOL-Thanksgiving BreakSat., Nov. 26 G-B (V) Hall of Fame Game at

Scottsbluff, 2 p.m.Tues., Nov. 29 WR (MS) at Bayard, 9 a.m.

Unified Bowling Districts at Alliance, 11 a.m. tentative

GBB (MS) vs. Valentine 4 pm MTThurs., Dec. 1 G BB (MS) at Hemingford, 5 p.m. Fri., Dec. 2 G&B BB (JV-V) 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. MT

HS Christmas Concert, 7 p.m.

ChadronCardinalsTues., Nov. 1 National Honor Society Induction,

5:30 p.m., HS CommonsThurs., Nov. 3 District Volleyball

WR (MS) at Gordon-Rushville, 1 p.m.Sat., Nov. 5 Old West Choir Festival at Scottsbluff

WR (MS) at Valentine, 10 a.m.Nov. 10-12 State Volleyball

G BB (7th) at Alliance, 4 p.m.G BB (8th) vs. Alliance, 4 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day Program, 10 a.m., HS Auditorium

One Act Dinner Theatre, 5:30 & 7:30, HS Commons

Sat., Nov. 12 WR (MS) Chadron Tourney, 9 a.m.One Act Matinee, 2 p.m. (tentative)

Tues., Nov. 15 Elementary Vocal Concert, 7 p.m., HS Auditorium

Thurs., Nov. 17 G BB (8th) vs. Scottsbluff, 4 p.m.G BB (7th) at Scottsbluff, 4 p.m.

Sat., Nov. 19 G BB (7th-8th), tbdWR (MS) at Alliance

Mon., Nov. 21 G BB (7th-8th) vs. Gordon-Rushville, 4:30 & 6 p.m.

Tues., Nov. 29 G BB (7th-8th) at Hot Springs, 4:30 & 6 p.m.Thurs., Dec. 1-2 G&B BB (V) Tourney at Scottsbluff, tba

CrawfordRamsThurs., Nov. 3 Volleyball DistrictsFri., Nov. 4 PanCo Choir at Hay SpringsMon., Nov. 7 Fall Athletic Banquet, Com. Bldg., 6 p.m.Tues., Nov. 8 G BB (JH) at Edgemont, 4 p.m.Thurs., Nov. 10 Mid-Second QuarterNov. 10-12 State VolleyballFri., Nov. 11 NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-Service

WR (JH) at Hemingford, 12 p.m.Mon., Nov. 14 First day of BB PracticeTues., Nov. 15 G BB (JH) vs. Hemingford, 5 p.m.Thurs., Nov. 17 G BB (JH) at St. Agnes, 4:30 p.m.Fri., Nov. 18 WR (JH) at Morrill, 9 a.m.Tues., Nov. 22 GB (JH) vs. Sioux County, 3 p.m.Nov. 23-25 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving BreakSat., Nov. 26 G&B BB (V) Jamboree at Crawford, 3 p.m.Tues., Nov. 29 WR (JH) at Bayard, 9 a.m.

HemingfordBobcatsTues., Nov. 1 VB (V) Sub-Districts

WR (JH) at Kimball InviteWed., Nov. 2 FB PlayoffsThurs., Nov. 3 WR (JH) at Gordon-Rushville InviteFri., Nov. 4 HAL Field Trip

PanCo Music Clinic in Hay SpringsFCCLA at Clusters Competition

Sat., Nov. 5 HAl Field TripMon., Nov. 7 PanCo-WTC Art Day at CSCTues., Nov. 8 FB PlayoffsWed., Nov. 9 FCCLA Big Brother/Sister, 2:30 p.m.Nov. 10-12 State VolleyballThurs., Nov. 10 WR (JH) at Hemingford InviteSat., Nov. 12 GBB (JH) vs. Hay Springs, 10 a.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

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

Mon., Nov. 14 FB PlayoffsWTC Vocal Music at Bridgeport

Tues., Nov. 15 GBB (JH) at Crawford, 5 p.m.Wed., Nov. 16 FFA District Leadership at ChadronThurs., Nov. 17 FFA Meeting at 6:30 p.m.Fri., Nov. 18 PanCo One Act at Morrill

WR (JH) at Morrill InviteSat., Nov. 19 WR (JH) at AllianceMon., Nov. 21 FB Playoffs

G BB (JH) at Bayard, 4 p.m.Tues., Nov. 22 WTC One Act at Bayard

WR (JH) at Sidney InviteGBB (JH) vs. Morrill, 4 p.m.

Nov. 23-25 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving BreakTues., Nov. 29 WR (JH) at Bayard InviteWed., Nov. 30 Progress Reports sent home

Hay SpringsHawksThurs., Nov. 3 WR (JH) at Gordon-Rushville, 1 p.m.Fri., Nov. 4 PanCo Honor Choir in ListerSat., Nov. 5 WR (JH) at Scottsbluff, 10 a.m.

G BB (JH) at Sioux County, 10 a.m.Thurs., Nov. 10 WR (JH) at Hemingford, 12 p.m.Sat., Nov. 12 WR (JH) at Chadron, 9 a.m.

G BB (JH) at Hemingford, 10:30 a.m.Thurs., Nov. 17 One Act Performance, 2 & 7 p.m.

G BB (JH) vs. Gordon-Rushville, 4 p.m.Fri., Nov. 18 Once Act PanCo at Morrill, 8 a.m.Sat., Nov. 19 WR (JH) at Alliance, 8:30 a.m.Mon., Nov. 21 G BB (JH) vs. Alliance, 5 p.m.Tues., Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Dinner, 11:30 a.m.Nov. 23-25 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving BreakMon., Nov. 28 One Act DistrictsTues., Nov. 29 WR (JH) at Bayard, 9 a.m.

“Proudly Serving the Sheridan CountyArea for Over 20 Years”

Bees • HoneyPollination

Hay Springs

308-282-0560

Your Panhandle Area Bee Keeper

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

BEGUIN PROPANEPropane Delivery

Tank Rentals & SalesAsk About Our

“KEEP FULL PROGRAM”

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

sbeguin@bbcwb.net

Quality Custom Made Hats & AccessoriesGARY & JOAN WAUGH

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

Gordon, Nebraska

“Satisfaction Guaranteed”

Readers Availableto Area Classrooms

Northwest Rural Public Power has “Readers”available to area classrooms. The Reader this yearhas an emphasis on “Be Safe Around Electricity” forThird, Fourth and Fifth Graders. These comply withSTEM and they are peer reviewed prior to printing.

Teachers please contact Les Tlustos atNorthwest Rural on how many readers are neededfor your classroom. 638-4445 or 800-847-0492.

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

NRPPD ENTERTAINMENT

CORNER

Recipe

For Thanksgiving. . .Everything Stuffing• 1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage • 4 cups seasoned stuffing cubes • 1-1/2 cups crushed corn bread stuffing • 1/2 cup chopped toasted chestnuts or pecans • 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley • 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage or 1 teaspoon rubbedsage • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon pepper • 1-3/4 cups sliced baby portobello mushrooms • 1 package (5 ounces) sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms • 1 large onion, chopped • 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped • 1 celery rib, chopped • 3 tablespoons butter • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth

In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heatuntil no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Stirin the stuffing cubes, corn bread stuffing, chestnuts,parsley, sage, salt and pepper.

In the same skillet, saute the mushrooms, onion,apple and celery in butter until tender. Stir into stuffingmixture. Add enough broth to reach desired moistness.Transfer to a 4-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on lowfor 3 hours, stirring once. Yield: 9 servings.

* * * * *

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake• 10 oz. pumpking pie filling• 8 3/4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature) • 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided • 1 cup confectioners' sugar • 1 (9 inch) prepared shortbread pie crust

Stir pumpkin pie filling, cream cheese, 1 cup whippedtopping, and confectioners' sugar together in a large bowluntil smooth; spread into the prepared pie crust. Top piewith remaining whipped topping. Refrigerate pie until thefilling is set, 4 to 6 hours.When it is in the process of mix-

ing and setting, it is very sweet, but as it chills it begins tosettle down, and the pumpkin flavor bleeds through.

* * * * *

Leftover Turkey EnchiladasServes 6-8• 3 cups leftover cooked dark turkey meat, shredded• 1/2 cup onion, finely diced (to taste)• 4 -5 garlic cloves, fresh minced (to taste)• 3 cups enchilada sauce, divided• 1 tablespoon chili powder• 2 teaspoons ground cumin• 2 -3 jalapeno peppers, chopped fine (optional)• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced (optional)• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (any type will work)• 8 -10 small flour tortillas, warmed (smaller size 6-8-inch)• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (more if desired)• 1 tablespoon olive oilPreheat oven to 350.

Heat a skillet to medium, add some oil and saute theonions for a few minutes then add the peppers and garlicand saute until the onion become translucent.

Add tomatoes, seasonings, stir to combine.Add Turkey and 1 cup of enchilada sauce - stir - sim-

mer until some of the liquid has evaporated (not too juicyany more).

Add cream cheese and stir until well incorporated.Simmer for a few minutes longer.

In a 9”X13" pan add 1 cup of enchilada sauce andcoat bottom of pan. Add about 1/4-1/3 cup of meat mixtureto each tortillia - roll tortilla and place seam side down ina baking dish (just roll, don't fold ends).

Pour remaining Enchilada sauce over the top of thetortillas. Sprinkle cheese over the top.

Bake for about 20-30 minutes until cheese is meltedand side are bubbling slightly. Toppings (suggestions) -salsa, lettuce, chopped olives, onions, tomatoes and/orjalapenos.

* * * * *

Before Selling or BuyingFarm, Ranch or Land, Call:

Phillip RosfeldBroker

During this most wonderful time of the year, dis-playing holiday lights and decorations is a time-honoredtradition for spreading goodcheer. But celebrating the seasonwith all the trimmings can alsoring in unwanted safety hazards.The following list gives helpfulsafety tips to keep the seasonmerry.

• Inspect decorations before plug-ging in, checking for frayed orloose wires and loose connec-tions.

• Secure lights with insulated holders (never use tacks,staples or nails) or run strings of lights through hooks.

• Never run electrical cords and wiring under rugs or car-pet.

• Do not overload extension cords and electrical outlets orconnect more than three strings of lights together.

• Remove dead tree limbs near power lines and clear anystorm debris that may pose a fire hazard to outsidelightings and decorations. NEVER trim tree limbs thatare touching power lines. If a damaged limb is restingon a power line, contact us at 891.4YOU (4968).

• Place fresh-cut trees away from heat sources, such asheat registers, fireplaces, radiators and televisions.

• Turn off holiday lights while you are away from home orbefore going to bed at night. Consider adding a pro-grammable timer to ensure lights are not accidentallyleft on.

• Unplug strings of lights before replacing bulbs, andreplace burned-out bulbs promptly with ones of thesame wattage.

• When placing lights or decorations outdoors, use onlydecorations and extension cords certified for outdooruse.

• When placing lights or decorations on outdoor trees,make sure to clear any damaged limbs. Fallen limbscan damage electrical cords and bulbs.

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

NORTHWEST RURAL ENTERTAINMENT

Safety Important When Displaying Christmas Lights• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with

ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to avoidpotential shocks.• Do not string lights on trees that are near or touch-ing power lines.• On outside lights, point sockets down to avoidmoisture build-up, wrap a plastic bag around con-nections and tie ends with electrical tape.• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. Faultybulbs could make the tree become charged withelectricity.These tips are provided in cooperation with theFlorida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA).

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

Grain BinsHarvesting Safely

As rewarding as it may be,

farming is an extremely difficult

job -- and ranks among the top 10

most dangerous professions in the

United States. At Northwest

Rural, safety is a top priority for

all -- our employees and our consumers.

Our farmers work hard to get the job done, and

sometimes it’s easy to forget all the necessary steps to

take when practicing safe operations. Grain bins are

siloed spaces built for storing grain and ferment feed

known as silage. These bins pay an integral role in

efficiency and profitability of farm and ranch opera-

tions, and safety regulations should always be consid-

ered when working around these structures.

Whether you’re purchasing new grain bins or

remodeling areas that contain existing ones, proximity

to overhead power lines must be a considered factor.

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

Complete Builders Supply,

Sentry Hardware

Free Estimates

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

NORTHWEST RURAL ENTERTAINMENT

Does Northwest Rural PPDHave Your CorrectPhone Number?

Having your current phone number on fileallows NRPPD to make contact with you for

multiple reasons.Updated telephone contact information will assist

NRPPD in notifying you for a planned outages,billing questions, serve change out questions, oreven if we come across your cattle on the road.

Please return this form, with your payment, soNRPPD can update your contact information.Thank you for your assistance,

NRPPD account number(s) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Phone number at service address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Mobile phone number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Work phone number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _(only if we may contact you at work)

Northwest Rural PPD, PO Box 249

Hay Springs, NE 69347 or e-mail:

nrppd@nrppd.com

• 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

Dodge the Draft Weather Strip Doors & Windows

There are a variety of materials available to weather stripyour home. Here are a few options to help you choose:FELT: Reinforced with a flexible metal strip. Should be sta-pled, glued or tacked into place.Cost: LowAdvantage: Easy to install and inexpensive.Disadvantages: Low durability. Do not use where exposed

to a great deal of moisture. All-wool felt is more durable but very visible.

ROLLED OR REINFORCED VINYL: Pliable or rigid strip gasket (attached to wood or metal strips).

Cost: Low to mediumAdvantages: Easy installation, various colors to help with visi-bility and some types of rigid strip gaskets provide slot holesfor height adjustment.Disadvantages: Can be difficult to install and very visible.

REINFORCED FORM: Closed-cell form attached to wood or metal strips.

Cost: Moderately lowAdvantages: Effective sealer, rigid, proven to work well.Disadvantages: Can be difficult to install and visible.

A Relationship You Can Count On.

231 N. Main • 638-4416

Hay Springs

Member FDIC

On this special day of the year that

has been set aside to give thanks and

reflect on all the good fortunes that

have been bestowed us

It gives us great pleasure to say

Thank You andHappy Thanksgiving Day

The Security First Bank in Hay Springs will be

CLOSED

Thursday, Nov. 24

in honor of Thanksgiving Day

The Lobby and Drive-Up Window will close

at 3 p.m. Wednesday

Shut Off Your Irrigation SystemNorthwest Rural recommends that all Disconnects

on your irrigation system be shut off during the off sea-

son. Temperature shutdown safe guards may protect

you “providing 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

preventing unwanted system startup, this may also pre-

vent electrical equipment damage.

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

• The smoke alarm was due for a test.

• Carving the bird will provide a good cardiovascular

workout.

• After dinner, the guys can take the bird to the yard and

play football.

• The less turkey Uncle George eats, the less likely he

will be to walk around with his pants unbuttoned.

• You'll get to the desserts quicker.

• You won't have to face three weeks of turkey sand-

wiches.

* * * * *

Thanksgiving is a traditional American Holiday

where families all over the United States sit

for dinner at the

same time.... Halftime!

HappyThanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Humor:True Stories From The Butterball Turkey

Hotline, where people call to get advice how tocook a Turkey from the experts:• Thanksgiving Dinner on the run. A woman called 1-

800-323-4848 to find out how long it would take toroast her turkey. To answer the question, the Talk-Line home economist asked how much the birdweighed. The woman responded, "I don't know, it'sstill running around outside."

• Tofu turkey? No matter how you slice it,Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without turkey.A restaurant owner in California wanted to knowhow to roast a turkey for a vegetarian menu.

• Then there's the time a lady was picking throughthe frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn'tfind one big enough for her family. She asked astock boy, "Do these turkeys get any bigger?" Thestock boy replied, "No ma'am, they're dead."

* * * * *

The Silver Lining to the Burning

Question You Burnt the Bird? A Dozen Reasons to Be Thankful!:

• Salmonella won't be a concern

• No one will overeat.

• Everyone will think it's Cajun Blackened.

• Uninvited guests will think twice next year.

• Your cheese broccoli lima bean casserole will gain

newly found appreciation.

• Pets won't pester you for scraps.

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