April 2017

by David WaxmanSeattle Washington:

Drug company execs are nervous. That’s because the greatest health advance in decades has hit the streets. And analysts expect it to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits.

So what’s all the fuss about? It’s about a new ingredient that’s changing the lives of people who use it. Some call it “the greatest discovery since penicillin”!

The name of the product is the AloeCure. It’s not a drug. It’s something completely different. And the product is available to anyone who wants it, at a reasonable price. But demands may force future prices to rise.

TOP DOC WARNS: DIGESTION DRUGS CAN CRIPPLE YOU!

Company spokesperson, Dr. Liza Leal; a leading integrative health specialist recommends AloeCure before she decides to prescribe any digestion drug. Especially after the FDA’s stern warning about long-term use of drugs classified as proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec®, Nexium®, and Prevacid®. In a nutshell, the FDA statement warned people should avoid taking these digestion drugs for longer than three 14-day treatment periods because there is an increased risk of bone fractures. Many people take them daily and for decades.

Dr. Leal should know. Many patients come to her with bone and joint complaints and she does everything she can to help them. One way for digestion sufferers to help avoid possible risk of tragic joint and bone problems caused by overuse of digestion drugs is to take the AloeCure.

The secret to AloeCure’s “health adjusting” formula is scientifically tested Acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe Vera. But not the same aloe vera that mom used to apply to your cuts, scrapes and burns. This is a perfect strain of aloe that is organically grown under very strict conditions. AloeCure is so powerful it begins to benefit your health the instant you take it. It soothes intestinal discomfort and you can avoid the possibility of bone and health damage caused by overuse of digestion drugs. We all know how well aloe works externally on cuts, scrapes and burns. But did you know Acemannan has many of other health benefits?...

HELPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO CALM INFLAMMATION

According to a leading aloe research, when correctly processed for digesting, the Aloe plant has a powerful component for regulating your immune system called Acemannan. So whether it’s damage that is physical, bacterial, chemical or autoimmune; the natural plant helps the body stay healthy.

RAPID ACID AND HEARTBURN NEUTRALIZER

Aloe has proved to have an astonishing effect on users who suffer with digestion problems like bouts of acid reflux, heartburn, cramping, gas and constipation because it acts as a natural acid buffer and soothes the digestive system. But new studies prove it does a whole lot more.

SIDE-STEP HEART CONCERNSSo you’ve been taking proton pump inhibitors

(PPI’s) for years and you feel just fine. In June of 2015 a major study shows that chronic PPI use increases the risk of heart attack in general population.

UNLEASH YOUR MEMORYStudies show that your brain needs the

healthy bacteria from your gut in order function at its best. Both low and high dosages of digestion drugs are proven to destroy that healthy bacteria and get in the way of brain function. So you’re left with a sluggish, slow-to-react brain without a lot of room to store information. The acemannan used in AloeCure actually makes your gut healthier, so healthy bacteria flows freely to your brain so you think better, faster and with a larger capacity for memory.

SLEEP LIKE A BABYA night without sleep really damages your

body. And continued lost sleep can lead to all sorts of health problems. But what you may not realize is the reason why you’re not sleeping. Some call it “Ghost Reflux”. A low-intensity form of acid reflux discomfort that quietly keeps you awake in the background. AloeCure helps digestion so you may find yourself sleeping through the night.

CELEBRITY HAIR, SKIN & NAILSCertain antacids may greatly reduce your

body’s ability to break down and absorb calcium. Aloe delivers calcium as it aids in balancing your stomach acidity. The result? Thicker, healthier looking hair…more youthful looking skin… And nails so strong they may never break again.

SAVE YOUR KIDNEY National and local news outlets are reporting

Kidney Failure linked to PPI’s. Your Kidney extracts waste from blood, balance body fluids, form urine, and aid in other important functions of the body. Without it your body would be overrun by deadly toxins. Aloe helps your kidney function properly. Studies suggest, if you started taking aloe today; you’d see a big difference in the way you feel.

GUARANTEED RESULTS OR DOUBLE YOUR MONEY BACK

Due to the incredible results people are reporting, AloeCure is being sold with an equally incredible guarantee.

“We can only offer this incredible guarantee because we are 100% certain this product will work for those who use it,” Says Dr. Leal.

Here’s how it works: Take the pill exactly as directed. You must see and feel remarkable improvements in your digestive health, your mental health, in your physical appearance, the amount inflammation you have throughout your body – even in your ability to fall asleep at night!

Otherwise, simply return the empty bottles with a short note about how you took the pills and followed the simple instructions and the company will send you...Double your money back!

HOW TO GET ALOECUREThis is the official nationwide release of the

new AloeCure pill in the United States. And so, the company is offering our readers up to 3 FREE bottles with their order.

This special give-away is available for readers of this publication only. All you have to do is call TOLL-FREE 1-800-328-8919 and provide the operator with the Free Bottle Approval Code: JC025. The company will do the rest.

Important: Due to AloeCure’s recent media exposure, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back.

Big Pharma stands to lose billions as doctors’ recommend drug-free “health cocktail” that adjusts and corrects your body’s health conditions.

Drug Companies Fear Release of the New AloeCure

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

Analysts expect the AloeCure to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits.

Doctors call it “The greatest health discovery in decades!”

April 2017 3

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Volume 71, Number 4, April 2017

FeaturesBattery vs. Energy Storage 6 Batteries are a hot topic for meeting new energy demands, andsome experts predict that utility-scale use of batteries could growby eight times in the next four years. Paul Wesslund, a writer forthe National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, explainswhy the business of batteries is booming in the U.S.

NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp 12 The NREA brings students from Nebraska and Wyoming togetherin July for Youth Energy Leadership Camp. The popular week-longcamp is designed to give young people a better understanding ofpublic power, electricity, power generation and the rural electricprogram.

Departments

On the coverJason Vaisvilas, Lead Lineman at KBR Rural Public Power District’sValentine outpost, helps a camper learn how to climb a pole. See the relatedstory on Page 12. Photograph by Wayne Price

Contents

EDITOR’S PAGE 4

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy 16

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by Pat Keegan 18

RECIPES 20

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS 22

StaffEditor

Wayne PriceEditorial Assistant

Tina Schweitzer

Published by the

Visit us at www.nrea.orgGeneral ManagerTroy Bredenkamp

PresidentDavid Keener,

Niobrara Electric Association, Inc.Vice President/Secretary

Butch Gray, Cornhusker Public Power District

TreasurerGreg Weidner,

Elkhorn Rural Public Power District

Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural ElectricAssociation, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln,Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.Advertising in the Rural Electric Nebraskan doesnot imply endorsement for products by theNebraska Rural Electric Association.Correspondence should be sent to Wayne Price,Editor, Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048,Lincoln, NE 68501.The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by theAradius Group, 4700 F Street, Omaha, NE 68117.Form 3579 should be sent to the Rural ElectricNebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb.POSTMASTER: send address changes to theRural Electric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 and ISSN0193-4937.Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20for three years, plus local and state tax.

Rural Electric Nebraskan4

EDITOR’S PAGE

by Wayne Price

rom restoring power after a storm tobuilding new lines to servecustomers, Nebraska’s electric

linemen are the face of public power inNebraska. They play a vital role in servingcustomers around-the-clock with reliableand affordable electricity. They don’t always get the recognition they

deserve. Please take a moment on April 10and join me in expressing your appreciationfor their professional contributions in allkinds of weather conditions, day and night.Use #ThankALineman to show your supportfor the men and women who light our lives.You probably don’t even notice these well-

trained and highly skilled employeesworking hard to keep the electricity flowingin the areas they serve. It’s not until a stormstrikes and the power goes out that most of

us think about these guys. When the power goes out, for whatever

reason, Nebraska’s electric linemen are thefirst to jump into action. Crews fromneighboring systems will join in the effort tohelp restore power as quickly as possible. Linemen must perform their duties safely

and efficiently while wearing special gear toprotect themselves. This gear often makestheir tasks more difficult. America’s public power districts and

electric cooperatives have designated thesecond Monday of April as National LinemanAppreciation Day.On April 10, 2017, the Nebraska Rural

Electric Association and its 34 member-systems will honor the hard working menand women who often work in challengingconditions to keep the lights on.

F

Nebraska celebrates National Lineman Appreciation Day

FREEDOM CHOPPERS CUCKOO CLOCK

An original design

inspired by the

hottest choppers

and chopper

shops around

���

At the top of each hour

3 bikers pull out of the

garage with

motors revving

���

Lights accompany the

hourly action! Windows

and billboard illuminate

as the bikers roll out

���

Metal pendulum

and chains with

hanging “pistons”

www.bradfordexchange.com/freedom

Requires 3 “AAA” batteries

and 1 “AA” battery,

not included.

Shown smaller than

actual size of 17¾" H

x 8" W x 7" D,

including hanging

pendulum and weights

©2014 BGE 01-17513-001-BIR

It’s time to kick start every day with the exclusive “Freedom Choppers Motorcycle Garage” Cuckoo Clock only from The Bradford Exchange! Just like the sweetest rides on the road, this limited edition cuckoo is customized from top to bottom with details that will get your heart racing. Strong demand is expected, so act now to acquire yours in fi ve monthly installments of only $35.99, for a total issue price of just $179.95*, backed by our 365-day money-back guarantee. Reply today, but send no money now. Simply complete and return the Reservation Application.

Not Sold In Stores!

YES. Please reserve the “Freedom Choppers Motorcycle Garage” Cuckoo Clock for me as described in this announcement.

Limit: one per order. Please Respond Promptly

*Plus $21.99 shipping and service. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 295 casting days. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

Signature

Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name (Please Print Clearly)

Address

City

State Zip

01-17513-001-E66291

9345 Milwaukee Avenue · Niles, IL 60714-1393

RESERVATION APPLICATION SEND NO MONEY NOW

Almost 1½

feet tall

10:52 AM

onsumers expect more fromtheir electricity these days,which means public power

districts and electric cooperatives arefacing new challenges to meet newexpectations. Among those expectations aresmoother, faster recoveries afterstorm outages and better access torenewable energy choices. One possible solution to these newexpectations is a new generation oflarge batteries that could captureenergy when it’s plentiful, andrelease that energy when demand ishigher. Batteries are a hot topic formeeting those new demands, andsome experts predict that utility-scale use of batteries could grow byeight times in the next four years.

Energy storage alternatives to batteries

But some experts say even that’sthinking small. What batteriespromise utilities is the ability tostore energy. But a traditionalbattery that produces direct-currentelectricity from a mix of chemicalsinside a case is just one way to storeenergy. Changing the term “battery”

to “energy storage” opens up a wholenew world of improving your electricservice. “For many of the things a batterycan do, there are other technologiesthat can accomplish the same thing,”says Andrew Cotter, a programmanager for the National RuralElectric Cooperative Association’s(NRECA) Business and TechnologyStrategies group. “That’sencompassed by this larger idea ofenergy storage.” Batteries are booming becauseeverybody wants them; for smartphones, laptop computers andelectric cars. The forces ofcompetition and supply and demandare producing research and mass-production techniques that aremaking batteries better and cheaper. Even the military is adding to thepush for better batteries, says Cotter. “The military is increasinglyinterested in batteries, specifically tosupport their bases and to make surethey’re increasing their resiliency fortheir different critical assets,” saysCotter. State governments are addingrequirements for utilities aimed at

improving storm recovery andencouraging renewable energy. Morethan a dozen states have takenaction to promote energy storage. And that distinction between“energy storage” and “batteries”could be the difference betweensolving a problem the expensive way,or the efficient way. For example, one way to storeenergy without a battery is alreadyin place—pumped storage. Tom Lovas, a technical liaison andconsultant with NRECA, says, “Wehave 22 gigawatts of energy storagealready, in the form of pumpedstorage.” That 22 gigawatts is enoughto power about 15 million homes. But what is pumped storage? It’s atechnology that allows a power plantto pump water up a hill when notmany people are using electricity,like in the middle of the night. Then,during times of peak use, like wheneveryone is using hot water in themorning, the water is releaseddownhill through a turbine thatgenerates electricity for the busiertimes of day. Forty-two pumped storage plants

Rural Electric Nebraskan6

More on Page 8

C

Batteriesvs. energy

storageThe difference could define the utility industry.

by Paul Wesslund

April 2017 7

are already operating around theU.S. A Department of Energy studyissued last year said that today’spumped storage capacity could beincreased to as much as 36gigawatts.

Your water heater could be a battery

Keith Dennis describes another“cost-effective” storage innovation inwhich you or your rural electricutility may be involved. It’s called“community storage” and itharnesses the energy that’s alreadystored and available throughoutcommunities, like in your home’swater heater in the form of hot

water. “A water heater is a thermalbattery,” says Dennis, NRECA seniorprincipal for end-use solutions andstandards. “It’s a very basic form ofthermal storage.” Dennis says a couple dozenelectric utilities around the countryare already supporting communitystorage programs that coordinateconsumer-members’ water heatersinto a large battery. That storedenergy could potentially be usedduring peak demand times, possiblyavoiding the expense of building anadditional power plant. And Dennis expects to see morecommunity storage programs. Awater heater program could eveninclude the energy stored in electriccar batteries when they’re not inuse. Dennis predicts, “Thermal storagecould be much, much cheaper and

more cost-effective than traditionalbatteries.” Batteries. Thermal storage.Pumped storage. Communitystorage. NRECA’s Andrew Cottersays all of those options mean thatutilities are learning to meet the newelectricity demands not by focusingon a single technology like batteries,but by responding to each separateenergy question with the mostappropriate form of energy storage. “It’s important to not get hung upon specific battery or energy storagetechnologies,” he says. “If it’s backuppower you need for energy on aremote part of the utility system,water heaters won’t produceelectrons, so maybe you do need toexplore batteries. But if what youwant is to reduce peak electricityuses, water heaters could be a muchcheaper alternative than batteries.”

Rural Electric Nebraskan8

Batteries vs. storageFrom page 6

vidence of big changes in how we’re usingelectricity these days has shownup in California, and it looks

like a duck. In the last couple of years, electricutility specialists have startedtalking about “the duck curve,”which illustrates the effectrenewable energy is having onconsumers and electric utilities. The duck curve starts with asimple graph of electricity duringa typical day—the graph showsa single line with three parts: 1. The line slopes downstarting at midnight as peoplego to sleep and use lesselectricity; 2. It starts sloping up aspeople wake and start their day; 3. It starts sloping back downabout 8 p.m. as people start turningoff lights and appliances for the night. But now, there is so much use of renewableenergy that a second line has been added. Solar energytends to be generated in the middle of the day. That

means the utility needs to generate less electricityfrom more traditional sources like coal, nuclear

and natural gas. So in the middle of theday, the line showing electricity fromthose traditional sources dips down,forming the belly of the profile of aduck, with tail feathers at the backand a duckbill in the front.Changes to how and when weuse energy mean electricutilities are adjusting howthey produce and deliverelectricity.

“There’s a shifting ofthe demand curve of powerthat’s happening across theU.S.,” says Andrew Cotter, aprogram manager for theNational Rural ElectricCooperative Association’sBusiness and Technology

Strategies group. “Places withthe most solar energy are feeling it

the most, but this is a universalchange that’s happening everywhere.” Image provided by iStock.com/ajt

E

If it looks like a duck … It might be a chart about the new ways we use energy.

April 2017 9

C PIC

OPO

OCK OC OUR Y

WWERO

WOW

R

Learn more at STIHL .combattery

TRIMM RS ER RS ME RS FROM $12 9929

swa 10.5” a cutting battery 10 AK with 56 FSA . Run time may vary based on batte laboratory

. At participating dealers Prices are CDC-SRP P. At participating dealers while supplies last. © 2017 CDC STIHL 17CDCELECN-22-135039-1

NEW!

Lightweight, adjustable trimmer edging small residential yards. S

FSA 45LITHIUM-ION TRIMMER

third independent an by verified and tested claim Usage ath. , model operating style an ery type, charge level and capacity

s while supplies last. © 2017 CDC STIHL 17CDCELECN-22-

r ideal for trimming and Simply plug in to recharge!

$ 912 99 NEW!

rim the l Tswath––a

LITHIUM

STtesting -party

nd conditions. 135039-1

length of five football fields with a 10.5” all in one charge. Includes battery & charger

FSA 56M-ION TRIMMER

$ 919 99

TIHLdealers

. er

9

A lightweight, gasoline-powered trimmer with many quality design features for the homeowner

GASOLINE TRIMMERFS 38

.coms

rimmer with . the homeowner

99129$

pmmpHupumH

200 S

biraFFaerbGa

56885 (402)

uor Y Y

oae

s N Ne

erlaeD

yeeyrhpdeeSd & eeFy ehrp

t.d S 2n 923-0102

yurrybadnos H’ er

y 136w5 H 729-2294

hesmeingl Enlams S

y 136w5 US H 335-2379

llihCice LLverl Slhi

evade A Avl 846-5450

te arre aon M MoraeLmo.cerr.cppppiipyClrryCltnu

kd-Up Deck

& Gotick

Stand

Point Joyst

200 S (402)

mucTes ’ppoTTo

61705 (402)

haltthWWalttick ring

Joyst Steer

htlaWWal102 S

(402)

LuoC

Plan ahead to dig safely

amaging underground utilitiescan be costly, dangerous, anddisruptive. Before picking up

your shovel for your next diggingproject, plan ahead to be safe or youjust might dig up trouble or eventragedy. Call 811 a few business days beforeyour planned digging date. Once youhave reported where you plan to digand what type of work you willcomplete, the area will be surveyedand marked for public utilities withintwo to three days. This service is freeof charge. Once all marks have been made toindicate the location of undergroundutilities in the area, respect theboundaries, and dig carefully. Keep atleast 24 inches away from the utilityline markings. It can be helpful toexcavate by hand when more controlis needed to maintain this safedistance.

D

Rural Electric Nebraskan10

hen public power districtsand electric cooperativeswere formed in the 1930s,

their technology was primitive byany standard. Digging holes for theutility poles by hand, walking themup into those holes, using ladders toreach equipment needing service.And if you had to get in touch withthe line crew, face-to-facecommunication was the only option. Today, the lineworker rivals anyother worker when it comes tohaving the necessary tech to get thejob done safely, quickly and moreaccurately. Let’s take a look at a fewof the devices behind this evolution,starting with the tablet. Many public power districts andelectric co-ops are sending theircrews into the field with ruggedizedtablets. Depending on the utility, thecontent varies. A common use is toload work orders detailing the day’sprojects. This can includeconstruction drawings for how thejob is to be built, the bill of materialsso they know what to pull frominventory before hitting the road andsystem maps so they know exactlywhere to go. Gone are the reams ofpaper and cumbersome map books ofthe past. Not quite as new, but equallyimportant, are GPS units. Thisfunctionality might be built into thelineworker’s tablet, a ruggedizedsmart phone or a handheld unit. Asmore PPDs and co-ops map theirsystems using GPS coordinates, theGPS capability gets the crews wherethey need to be in a more efficientmanner. Some GPS units aredesigned specifically for heavytrucks, and plot routes that avoidbridges with weight limits or roadswith height restrictions. One of my personal favorites interms of lineworker tech is theforward-looking infrared camera,also known as FLIR. You may be

familiar with this technology fromthe many ghost hunter programscurrently on television. With a FLIRcamera, crews can rapidly scanpower lines, transformers and otherequipment when searching for hotspots. A piece of distributionequipment about to fail will often gethot. While not visible to the nakedeye, it shows up clear as day on aFLIR display. Scanning the systemwith a FLIR camera is a fast andaccurate means of spotting a problembefore it becomes an outage. And today, many lineworkers haveeyes in the sky in the form of drones.Public power districts and electriccooperatives cover territory that isoften difficult to access when theyneed to survey the system fornecessary repairs or to locate a newpower line route. Instead of tacklingthe job on foot or in quads, the utilitycrews might be able to send in adrone. Flying above the area gives agreat view of the situation andallows the crew to make anassessment of what to do nextwithout having to be there in person.

This is especially useful after a majorstorm when roads can still beblocked. Public power utilities are laserfocused on providing the bestreliability possible at the lowestpossible price. A major aspect ofreliability is getting the lights backon as soon as possible after anoutage. Key in this is the outagemanagement system, or OMS. Thissystem builds on geo-tagged systemmaps (each pole has its GPS locationmapped), sophisticated engineeringmodels of the distribution system,and for maximum accuracy, anadvanced metering system. When anoutage occurs, the system usesmodels and databases to determinethe exact location of the fault and theextent of the outage. Crews can thenbe sent to the right spot to correct theproblem. Part of this restorationeffort might be a vehicle trackingsystem that tells operations staff theexact location of each line truck. Thecrews closest to the outage are sentto restore power––and essentialinformation can be accessed on thetablets, depending upon thesituation. Sometimes, all the technology inthe world is not enough and a goodold-fashioned visual inspection isrequired. During daylight hours, itcan be pretty easy to see the cause ofa problem. But at night, lineworkersneed a reliable source of light. Today,that comes from LED flashlights andtruck mounted lights. If you have notinvested in a handheld LEDflashlight, you owe it to yourself toget one. These powerhouses are afraction of the size of regularflashlights, and they make yourincandescent model look like acandle by comparison. In the handsof a lineman, they provide anamazing view of the lines during thedarkest of nights. Technology is permeating everyaspect of rural electric utilityoperations, allowing your electricutility to constantly improve yourservice. And the well-connectedlineworker is at the forefront of thattechnical evolution.

The well-connected lineworker

WAnd the cool technologies they use in the field

Many lineworkers use tablets toperform their duties.

Call now to find out how you can get your own Easy Climber Elevator.Please mention promotional code 105699.

For fastest service, call toll-free. 1-888-485-8220Residential installations only. Not available in all areas. Call to see if you qualify.

8282

1

© 2017 Aging in the Home Remodelers Inc.

Elevators have been around since the mid 19th century, and you can � nd them in almost every multi-story structure around… except homes. � at’s because installing an elevator in a home has always been a complicated and expensive home renovation project… until now.

Innovative designers have created a home elevator that can be easily installed almost anywhere in your home by our professional team

without an expensive sha� -way. Its small “footprint” and self-contained li� mechanism adds convenience and value to your home and quality to your life. It’s called the Easy Climber® Elevator. Call us now and we can tell you just how simple it is to own.

For many people, particularly seniors, climbing stairs can be a struggle and a health threat. Some have installed motorized stair li� s, but they block access to the stairs and

are hardly an enhancement to your home’s décor. By contrast, the Easy Climber® Elevator can be installed almost anywhere in your home. � at way you can move easily and safely from � oor to � oor without struggling or worse yet… falling.

Why spend another day without this remarkable convenience. Knowledgeable product experts are standing by to answer any questions you may have. Call Now!

“We are tickled about our new elevator. This is the � rst time I’ve seen the second � oor of my home! It’s like an early Christmas present.”

Stan W. US war veteran and retired professor

Revolutionary elevator can give you– and your home’s value– a li�

Can be placed virtually anywhere in your home.

Tired of struggling on the stairs?

Imagine the possibilities• No more climbing up stairs• No more falling down stairs• Plenty of room for groceries

or laundry• Perfect for people with

older pets• Ideal for Ranch houses

with basements

Introducing the A� ordable

Easy Climber® ElevatorHome Improvement

that actually improves your LIFE!

SAFEEquipped with weight, balance and obstruction sensors Works even in a power outage

VERSATILECan be placed almost anywhere in your homeQuick professional installation

CONVENIENT

Footprint is slightly larger than a washing machineCompact and Quiet

Rural Electric Nebraskan12

ach year member-systems ofthe Nebraska Rural ElectricAssociation accept applications

from high school students to attendthe NREA Youth Energy LeadershipCamp at the State 4-H Camp in theHalsey National Forest. The 2017Youth Energy Camp will be held July10 - 14. The popular week-long camp is setup to give young people a betterunderstanding of public power,electricity, power generation and therural electric program. Our goal is tooffer a program that challengesparticipants educationally,recreationally and socially. The NREA Youth EnergyLeadership Camp is established as anoperating power district and providesa “hands-on” approach to member-owned businesses. The students willjoin other high school students from

Nebraska and Wyoming, along withadult counselors and juniorcounselors. The adult counselors areemployees of rural electric systemswho donate their time and talents tothe camp. The junior counselors areselected by their peers to return tonext year’s camp. On the first day of camp, a board ofdirectors is elected to oversee theoperation of the newly formed electricpower district. The board then choosesa general manager to oversee thecommittee activities and act as aliaison between the counselors andcampers. Every participant has a role in theworkings of the camp. Students canparticipate in the Ambassadorcompetition or actively seek a positionon the Board of Directors. Eachstudent must also volunteer to serveon at least one of the committees

responsible for various aspects of thecamp activities. There is even a talentshow where the campers can show offtheir various talents. A highlight of the camp involves atour of the Kingsley Hydro Station atLake McConaughy and GeraldGentleman Station, a coal-fired powerplant at Sutherland, Neb. High school students who attendthe energy camp may compete for achance to participate in the NationalRural Electric CooperativeAssociation’s Youth Tour inWashington, D.C. with expenses paidby the Nebraska Rural ElectricAssociation. Three students arechosen as part of the Ambassadorcompetition held during camp. The competition involvessubmitting an application at camp,presenting a self-introduction speechand delivering a five-minute speech on

E

NREA

Attention High

School Students

Join us at the

Youth EnergyLeadership Camp

July 10 - 14, 2017

All Expenses Paid

13April 2017

an assigned topic. Each camper votesfor three candidates following thespeech with the top male, top femaleand person with the next highest votetotal becoming next year’sambassadors. The top six finalists areinvited to return to next year’s YouthEnergy Leadership Camp as juniorcounselors. Recreational activities includebasketball, volleyball and canoeing. Camp expenses and transportationare provided by each sponsoring ruralelectric system. High school freshmen,sophomores and juniors whosefamilies are customers of NREAmember-systems may apply. For more information aboutattending Youth Energy LeadershipCamp, send the form below to yourrural electric provider.

Name _________________________________________________

Age _______ Current Grade _______________________________

Address _______________________________________________

City __________________________ State _____ ZIP __________

Phone number (____)______________________________________

Name of parents _________________________________________

Sponsoring rural electric system :

______________________________________________________

2017 Youth Energy Leadership Camp RSVP Form

Rural Electric Nebraskan14

lectric vehicles are revving up!With over half a millionelectric cars on the road,

several companies are turning theirattention to a new market niche,electric buses. Several companies,including Proterra, GreenPower Bus,eBus and Lion Bus are actively sellingand manufacturing electric buseswhile others such as Tesla haveannounced plans to break into thismarket. Buses may seem like an odd choicefor innovation, but they make idealcandidates for electrification. First,buses have predictable, set routes.This means it’s easy to plan aroundtheir battery range limitations. Busesalso have long idle periods, typically atnight, that are perfect for re-charging.Next, even though electric vehicles aremore expensive to buy thancomparable fossil-fuel counterparts,they are less expensive to operatebecause kWhs are almost alwayscheaper than gallons of fuel on alevelized basis. Buses are frequentlyin use, allowing them to leverage theircheaper fuel source. Buses are also

able to take advantage of regenerativebraking, an electric vehicle featurethat converts kinetic energy (usuallylost while braking) back into useableenergy. Lastly, buses provide enoughsize for a truly immense battery pack.Proterra’s Catalyst E2 bus debutedlast year and can carry a 660 kWhbattery the size of a twin mattress,giving it a range of 350 miles. Forcomparison, the latest Tesla model Sonly gets 315 miles per charge of its100 kWh battery pack. On the consumer side, there are twoprimary benefits, health and noise.Electric buses run much cleaner thantheir diesel counterparts, though yourmileage will vary depending on howyour region generates electricity.Massachusetts estimates thatswitching from diesel to electric powerwill reduce vehicle CO2 emissions bymore than 70 percent. Even ifemissions aren’t completely erased, itdoes change where they are produced.Bus passengers, nearby pedestriansand motorists will have cleaner air asthey travel. This is an especiallyimportant benefit for children riding

electric school buses. The otherpositive of electric buses is that they’llrun quietly, contributing less noisepollution to the streets they travel. However, electric buses still have achallenging road in front of them.They currently cost about two to threetimes as much as a similarly sizeddiesel bus. The Proterra Catalyst E2bus unsubsidized retails for $799,000,while the electric school buses fromLion Bus cost between $200,000 and$300,000 (customized depending ontheir intended route and use). So when will you be riding to workor school in an elegant, whisper quiet,electric bus? Well, several citiesincluding Philadelphia, Los Angelesand Miami have already launchedpilot-programs, and Proterra isplanning to triple their production in2017 from 30 buses to 90. While thatmight not sound like much, batterycosts are falling rapidly, which willmake electric buses a viable transitchoice for more cities, towns andschool districts. The downside, ofcourse, is now you’ll have no excusenot to talk to your seatmate.

EAll aboard the electric bus

Rural Electric Nebraskan16

SAFETY BRIEFS

Keep kids safe as they head outdoors to playhen temperatures begin torise, outdoor areas begin tofill with both children and

adults enjoying the weather. It’s easyfor the electrical equipment that wesee every day to fade into thebackground, but it’s important toalways take safety precautionsaround it. Take time to explain toyour kids how to be safe aroundelectricity before they head outdoors. Safe Electricity provides thefollowing tips to share with kids whenhaving a conversation about how tostay safe around outdoor electricalequipment. • Always stress the importance ofsafety around electrical substations.Never enter an electrical substationfor any reason. Even if a pet hasentered inside or a ball goes over thefence, do not go in. Call the electricalutility for help. Substations shouldonly be entered by professionals. • Kites should only be flown duringgood weather conditions and in large,open areas like a park or a field.Always look up and check for thelocation of overhead power lines andother electrical equipment, so that

you can be sure to fly kites far awayfrom them. A kite string can conductelectricity from an overhead linedirectly to the person on the ground. • Before climbing a tree, check thatthe tree and its branches are notlocated near any overhead powerlines. Climbing a tree in contact witha power line can energize the treewith electricity and lead to electricshock or death. • Never throw objects at powerlines. • If you ever see downed electricalwires, stay far away. Call 911 to havethe utility notified. Downed lines donot have to be arcing or sparking to becarrying electricity and be dangerous. • Do not play with, tamper with, or

open outdoor electrical boxes. Theycontain electrical equipment forunderground service to homes andbusinesses. • Check the forecast before goingoutside. Do not plan outdoor activitiesif a thunderstorm is expected becausethere is no safe place from lightningwhen you are outside. It is importantto follow the advice of the NationalWeather Service, “When thunderroars, go indoors.” There are also steps parents andcaregivers can take to help ensuresafe outdoor play. • Make sure all outdoor outlets areequipped with ground fault circuitinterrupters (GFCIs) to help preventelectric shock. • Keep all long handled tools out ofreach of children so they will not betempted to reach for or accidentallyhit an overhead power line. • Pay attention to trees and powerlines. Do not plant trees near them,and if there is a tree that has growninto a power line, make sure to call aprofessional to trim the tree. For more information on electricalsafety, visit SafeElectricity.org.

W

Rural Electric Nebraskan18

: I have a central air conditionerin my home that is at least 15

years old – it is not very efficient, butstill works. Should I look intoreplacing it now, or wait until it fails?

: Replacing an inefficient airconditioner (AC) with a more

efficient model could significantlyreduce your electric bill. A new ACunit is 20 to 40 percent more efficientthan one from the 1990s – andEnergy Star-certified systems areeven more efficient. Replacing anaging system now, before summerstarts, could help you avoid delays orprice premiums. How much money you save byreplacing your current AC unitdepends on how often your AC runsand your electric rate. If you are in ahot climate and you keep yourhome’s temperature in the low 70s,your cost of cooling will besubstantial and so will the potentialsavings from replacing your old airconditioner with an efficient newone. The best way to determine possiblesavings is to have an in-homeassessment conducted by a qualifiedheating, ventilating and airconditioning (HVAC) professional ora certified energy auditor. Publicpower districts and electric co-opsare often interested in reducing peaksummer loads and sometimes offerinformation, rebates or a list ofqualified professionals. It’s a plus ifthe contractor has North AmericanTechnician Excellence (NATE)certification. Contractors should beknowledgeable about energy efficientsystems and have good references. Your contractor needs to size the

system to your home. A unit that istoo small will not cool your home tothe levels you want. If it is too large,it may not dehumidify your home

sufficiently, and it will cycle on andoff more frequently, which canincrease wear and tear on the systemand shorten its life significantly. In order to size the system, thecontractor will need to look at theefficiency of the home by checkinginsulation levels. If you addinsulation where it’s most needed,you may be able to install a smallerAC unit, and you should enjoygreater comfort and lower coolingcosts. The HVAC contractor you hireshould also assess your ductwork,which is often poorly designed, leakyor inadequately insulated. As you talk to your contractor, it’s

good to know there are several airconditioning options suited todifferent situations. It may or maynot be practical to change to adifferent type of system. • Central air conditioning isgenerally one of two types: eithersplit or packaged. A split system,which has the cold coils inside thehome and an outside unit exhaustingheat, is the most common. Packagedsystems, which are sometimesinstalled because of spaceconstraints, combine these functionsinto one box located outside thehome. • A heat pump can provide coolingand heating in homes with orwithout ducts. If you are currentlyusing propane or natural gas as yourfuel source, this may be a goodoption. • A ductless mini-split heat pumpcan be an efficient way to cool up tofour zones inside the home. If yourexisting ductwork is in bad shape orpoorly designed, this could be a goodsolution. • Window units are much lessefficient than other options, but theycan still be effective for cooling asingle room. It’s worth paying a littlemore for a new Energy Star-compliant unit, rather than thedusty $80 unit from the yard sale orauction that wheezes its waythrough the summer. • Evaporative (or “swamp”) coolersare an alternative in very dryclimates. While they use a quarterthe energy and are less expensive toinstall than central air conditioning,they also require more frequentmaintenance. Replacing an aging air conditioneris a great way to improve comfort,cut energy costs and reduce peakenergy demand. Your rural electricutility may be able to help, and youcan learn a lot from the informationresources available on our websiteand on the Energy Star andenergy.gov websites.

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Choosing the right air conditioner

by Pat Keegan

Q

A

An HVAC contractor or energyauditor can test ductwork and makesure it is properly sealed, which canreduce energy costs and improvecomfort. Photograh by UnitedCooperative Service

Call today and receive exclusive savings of

$1500 OFFFOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Call Toll-Free 1-800-563-3737

www.TheSafeStepTub.com1-800-563-3737For your FREE information kit and DVD, and our Senior

Discounts, Call Today Toll-Free

Call today and receive exclusive savings of

$1500 OFFFOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Call Toll-Free 1-800-563-3737

Presenting the all new Safe Step Walk-In Tub featuring MicroSoothe® – an air system that oxygenates, softens and exfoliates skin, turning your bath into a spa-like experience. Constructed and built right here in America for safety and durability from the ground up, and with more standard features than any other tub.

Heated seat providing warmth from beginning to end Carefully engineered hydro-massage jets strategically placed to target sore muscles and joints

High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub

Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price

MAD

E IN THE U.S.A.

WITH PRIDE

Financing available with approved credit

NORTH AMERICA’S

#1 SellingWalk-In TubPresenting the all new Safe Step Walk-In Tub featuring MicroSoothe® – an air system that oxygenates, softens and exfoliates skin, turning your bath into a spa-like

Presenting the all new Safe Step Walk-In Tub

Walk-In Tub

Advanced Air System–

Introducing MicroSoothe!

877-201-8883 DRchipper.com

TOLL-FREE

9570

1X ©

201

7

Call for FREE DVD and Catalog!

FREE SHIPPING 6 MONTH TRIALSOME LIMITATIONS APPLY

All New DR® CHIPPERS Larger Capacity, Lower Prices!

Starting at just

$79999

PTO MODELS TOO!

LOWESTPRICES EVER!• Chip big branches up to 5.75"

thick!

• Self-feeding models available.No more force-feeding!

• Powerful engines spin big flywheels (up to 62 lbs.), generating massive chipping force!

• Models that shred yard and garden waste as well as CHIP branches.

Rural Electric Nebraskan20

ules may vary from one eventto the next, but whether yourfavorite team kicks it, runs it

or dunks it, sports fans and foodalways provide a winning combo. A lineup filled with starters is justthe ticket for a game day watch partyor tailgate. Offering a series of fingerfoods and lighter fare lets your fellowfans grab a quick bite before the gameor during a commercial break andcontinue snacking through the game. Make no mistake, serving up alighter menu doesn’t mean you needto skimp on quality – just theopposite, in fact. Make every bitecount by using exceptionalingredients and introducingunexpected flavors such as thedistinctive taste of Jarlsberg BrandCheese, which has a rich, 60-yearNorwegian heritage. Best known as aclassic wedge, this mild, mellow andnutty cheese can also be served sliced,shredded and cubed. Quesadillas are always a hit, andthis version combines the best ofgooey, melted cheese with bacon anda deliciously tangy salsa for a livelyburst of fresh flavor. Then keep themouthwatering cheese and baconcombos coming with a whole newtake on grilled kebabs. Find more ideas to liven up yourgame day menu at jarlsberg.com.

Down Home Recipes

Apps and starters perfect for game day

R

18 slices bacon2 1/2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, cubed 18 pearl onions 12 long skewers

Relish: 1/4 cup roasted bell peppers

1 1/3 tablespoons capers2 2/3 tablespoons olives 1/4 cup cucumber3 1/3 ounces olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice and grated zest salt pepper

Cut bacon slices in half and wraparound cheese cubes. Place cheesecubes and pearl onions on eachskewer, alternating ingredients.Roast in pan or on grill 2-3 minuteson each side. To make relish, chop peppers,capers, olives and cucumber, and mixwith olive oil, lemon juice and zest.Season with salt and pepper.

Cheese and Bacon Kebabs

Wanted: Main Dish recipesThe Reward: $25 for every one we publish! We will pay $25 to any reader who submits a recipe selected forpublication in the magazine. Be sure to include a mailing address forpayment purposes and a phone number in case we need to contact you.Recipes will not be returned and not all recipes will be used. Mail: Nebraska Rural Electric Association, Rural Electric NebraskanRecipes, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.E-mail: Tina Schweitzer at tschweitzer@nrea.org.

April 2017 21

Reader Submitted Recipes

4 slices thick slab bacon 1 small chili pepper 4 medium tomatoes 1 small shallot 1 clove garlic 1 tablespoon coriander or cumin salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 small lime (juice and zest) 6 slices Jarlsberg Original or Hickory Smoked cheese 2 large tortillas

Fry bacon, drain and chop. To make salsa, remove seeds fromchili pepper and finely dice. Choptomatoes then dice shallot and garlicclove. Combine pepper, tomatoes,shallot and garlic with lime juice,coriander, salt and pepper, to taste. Divide cheese slices and bacon onone half of each tortilla, top with 1/4cup salsa and fold tortilla over,pressing down to close. In medium-hot, lightly oiled pan, toast tortillasabout 1 minute on each side. Cut each tortilla in half and servewith remaining salsa on the side, orcombine salsa with black beans andfresh chopped cilantro to make a sidesalad.

Bacon & CheeseQuesadillas

Pea Salad

1/2 cup sour cream 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 4 teaspoons milk1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 package (10 oz.) frozen peas, thawed 1/4 cup thickly sliced green onions 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Mershon Franssen, Amelia, Nebraska

Creamy Corn Soup

3 potatoes, diced and boiled 1 onion, diced and browned in bacon grease 6 slices bacon, crumbled into small pieces 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chicken broth or make your own 1 can whole corn 1 can creamed corn

1/2 of 12 oz. can evaporated milk 1/2 cup milk 1 stalk celery, chopped 2 tablespoons cornstarch Dash of salt 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Pepper to taste

Arlene Miller, St. Paul, Nebraska

In small bowl, mix sour cream, vinegar, milk, sugar, salt, garlic powder:chill. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl; add chilled dressingand toss lightly. Yields 6 servings.

Moist Angel Food Cake

1 cup cake flour1 1/2 cup powdered sugar1 1/2 cup egg whites (12 egg whites)1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla1 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup or small box Jello 2/3 cup granulated sugar

Wilma Schock, Norfolk, Nebraska

Measure and sift together flour and powdered sugar. Sift granulated sugarand Jello together. Beat egg whites till peaks can be formed. Add cream oftartar, salt and vanilla. Fold in granulated sugar and Jello mixture, then flourand powdered sugar mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 – 50 minutes inangel food cake pan. Use different flavors of Jello for the holiday: Easter –lemon, watermelon or grape, July 4th – berry blue or cherry, Halloween –orange or peach, Christmas – lime or strawberry, etc.

Fry bacon, then brown onion and celery in bacon grease. Mix 2 tablespoonsof cornstarch with a little water, to make a roux, cooking until almost boiling.Then add all other ingredients, except corn and bacon, cook thoroughly.Finally add corn and bacon. Simmer for 5 or so minutes, then serve.

Rural Electric Nebraskan22

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS

See what a difference itmakes...

Advertise in Rural Electric Nebraskan ClassifiedsCall 402/475-4988

CHASE, WHEAT BELT PPDMETERS: 5,000

DISTRIBUTION LINE: 158 MILESSERVICE AREA: 3,600 SQUARE MILES

NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAYAPRIL 10, 2017

#ThankALinemanMust be some kind of hero

You know the kind

WWW.TRISTATE.COOP

H1001 Lavender Christmas Cactus - A delightful indoor or patio plant with large flowers and rich color.

Shipping & Processing $_______SUBTOTAL $_______

IL Residents add 6.25% Sales Tax $_______TOTAL ENCLOSED OR CHARGED $_______

5.99

Please indicate the items to send below.

HOWMANY Item #

❒ Check or Money Order enclosed.❒ Mastercard ❒ VISA

Credit Card # ____________________________________Expiration Date __________________________________Signature _______________________________________

1804 Hamilton Rd., DEPT. 903-9075 Bloomington, Illinois 61704-9609

Name __________________________________________Address ________________________________________City _____________________________ State _________ Zip ______________ Phone ________________________Email __________________________________________

ITEM NAME COST

N4083 Ozark Beauty Strawberry - Continuous crops of large, juicy ber-ries all summer! Heavy producer.

Award Winner!10 FOR$5.00

1 FOR$5.00

N4083 Ozark Beauty Strawberry - N4083 Ozark Beauty Strawberry - N4083 Ozark Beauty Strawberry -

10 FOR$5.00

4 FOR$5.00

N7820 Eye of Tiger Iris - Dramatic two-tone dutch iris. Multiplies rapidly.

N7302 Double Hollyhocks - Huge powder puffs bloom July to Sep-tember. Grows 5-7′ tall. Our choice of color.

N6201 Butterfly Bush - From July until frost, 8-10″ fragrant flowers attract butterflies. Grows 3-8′ tall in full sun. Our choice of colors.

N6772 Rhubarb - Our Victoria Rhubarb is a vigorous grower, pro-ducing giant stalks up to 2′ long.

N6212 Royal Purple Smoke Tree - Amazing tree grows 9-10’ tall with rich, purple foliage and lavender cloud-like blooms.

N6212 Royal Purple Smoke Tree - N6212 Royal Purple Smoke Tree - N6212 Royal Purple Smoke Tree -

3 FOR$5.00

N6772 Rhubarb - N6772 Rhubarb - N6772 Rhubarb -

5 FOR$5.00

N6201 Butterfly Bush - From July From July

2 FOR$5.00

H1001 Lavender Christmas Cactus -H1001 Lavender Christmas Cactus -H1001 Lavender Christmas Cactus -

1 FOR$5.00

N6566 Golden Sundrops - You’ll have 2-3″ blooms galore for garden beauty and bouquets too. Sub-zero hardy everywhere.

FREE ($5 Value)

Thank You

for Your Order!

N7751 Walk On Me - This crim-son carpet grows almost anywhere! Features flowers in summer and ev-ergreen leaves. Grows 3″ tall. Plant 6-12″ apart.

N6492 Hybrid Lilies - Tall, elegant Hybrid Lilies are hardy, easy to grow, and become more beautiful every year.

N6208 Blue Spruce - A shining blue, northern-grown spectacular tree which will add an interesting contrast to your landscape.

N7588 3-IN-1 Rose of Sharon - Huge blooms in 3 colors from July to September.

A shining A shining

3 FOR$5.00

N7751 Walk On Me - N7751 Walk On Me - N7751 Walk On Me -

3 FOR$5.00

N7588 3-IN-1 Rose of Sharon - N7588 3-IN-1 Rose of Sharon - N7588 3-IN-1 Rose of Sharon -

1 FOR$5.00

H1001 Lavender Christmas Cactus -Tall, elegant H1001 Lavender Christmas Cactus -Tall, elegant H1001 Lavender Christmas Cactus -Tall, elegant

10 FOR$5.00

Choose any one of these

$5 Specials for FREE

with a $10 minimum order.Fill out the row next to “FREE” in the order form to claim your

FREE $5 Special!www.HoneycreekNurseries.com/QuickOrder.asp

Enter Dept. 903-9075Cannot be combined

with other offersLimit 1 Free $5 Special

per household.Offer Expires 7/1/2017

HONEYCREEK NURSERIES

H

oneycreek

Nurseries

k

N

$5.00SPECIALS$5.00 Free Gift!$5.00 Free Gift!Pick Your Own

$5.00 Free Gift!$5.00 Free Gift!Which will you

choose?