Rural Electric Nebraskan

November 2011

THE POWER BEHIND YOURLOCAL ELECTRIC CO-OP

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November 2011 3

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Volume 65, Number 11, November 2011

Features

Silent Sentinels 6

Nationwide, rural electric utilities own and maintain 2.5 millionmiles of line. Since there are generally 18 wood poles for everymile of distribution line, electric systems rely on more than 37million poles to safely and reliably deliver affordable power toyour home.

Nebraska’s Grand Army of the Republic 12

Only four of Nebraska’s Grand Army of the Republic halls stillexist, including the William Baumer Post 24 in Nebraska City.Built in 1894, the hall is the only one of the halls in the statethat has undergone restoration and development as a Civil Warand GAR museum.

Departments

On the cover

Many Nebraska communities were settled by veterans of the Civil War,such as the one depicted in Wayne Stroot's illustration "Grand Army ofthe Republic". See related article on Page 12.

Contents

EDITOR’S PAGE 4

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy 16

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by James Dulley 18

RECIPES 20

ADULT PEN PALS 21

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS 22

Staff

Editor

Wayne Price

Editorial Assistant

Kathy Barkmeier

Published by the

Visit us at www.nrea.org

General Manager

Jay Holmquist

President

Barry DeKay,

Niobrara Valley EMC

Vice President/Secretary

Gary Dill,

Roosevelt Public Power District

Treasurer

Randy Papenhausen,

Cedar-Knox Public Power District

Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural Electric

Association, 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 JacobNorth Companies, Box 82046, Lincoln, NE68501. Form 3579 should be sent to the RuralElectric Nebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE68501.

Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb. POST-MASTER: send address changes to the RuralElectric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box 82048,Lincoln, NE 68501.

Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 andISSN 0193-4937.

Rates: $10 for one year; $15 for two years; $20for three years, plus local and state tax.

hat do yard sale signs, basketballhoops, deer stands, satellite dishes,and birdhouses have in common?

Believe it or not, they’re often found illegallyattached to utility poles. Last month I noticed someone had put a

Halloween decoration on a pole near theirdriveway. It looked like a witch had crashedher broomstick into the pole. Whoever put itup there probably thought nothing about it.Unfortunately, safety issues caused by unap-proved pole attachments place the lives oflineworkers and the public in danger.It may seem inno-

cent, but a small nailpartially driven into apole can have deadlyresults around high-voltage electricity.Power poles are the

backbone of the elec-tric distribution sys-tem. Your local electricutility line crews climbthese poles at allhours of the day andnight, in the worst ofconditions. Anythingattached to utilitypoles can create seri-ous hazards for ourline personnel. Sharpobjects like nails,tacks, staples, orbarbed wire can punc-ture rubber gloves andother safety equip-ment, making linemenvulnerable to electro-cution.Linemen wear rubber gloves for protection

while working on power lines. A rip or tear,even a small one, in the glove can result in aserious risk of electrocution. Also boots orclimbing spikes may get caught or slip, caus-ing a fall. Lineworkers with Nebraska’s public power

districts and electric co-ops have reportedpoles used as community bulletin boards,satellite mounts, and even support legs fordeer stands, lights, and carports. Not only dothese attachments put line crews at risk,

anyone illegally placing these items on polescomes dangerously close to energized powerlines with thousands of volts of energy puls-ing overhead. It’s always wise to keep anystructure at least 10 feet away from utilitypoles. Unauthorized pole attachments violate the

National Electrical Safety Code, the accept-ed manual containing guidelines for safeelectrical engineering standards. Utilitiesstrictly follow this code that includes a sec-tion that reads, “Signs, posters, notices, andother attachments shall not be placed on

supporting structureswithout concurrenceof the owner (the util-ity is the owner of thepole). Supportingstructures should bekept free from otherclimbing hazardssuch as tacks, nails,vines, and throughbolts not properlytrimmed.”

Everyone shouldalso refrain fromlandscaping aroundthe bottom of poleswith flower boxes,paving stones or anyother lawn orna-ments. If a line work-er should happen tofall on these, he couldbe injured more seri-ously.Please help us keep

our linemen and ourcommunities safe.

Don’t attach any of these unauthorized anddangerous items to utility poles. Fixtures notbelonging to the public power district or elec-tric cooperative or another utility will beremoved by utility line personnel; the utilityis not responsible for any losses if an item isdamaged or destroyed during removal.Your utility's line workers assure you reli-

able, efficient, dependable electric service.Please show them you care and want them tostay safe. Don't use power poles for signs andposters.

Rural Electric Nebraskan4

EDITOR’S PAGE

by Wayne Price

Placing a sign on a utility pole could endanger a life

W

Have you ever considered

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Learn what it takes to wage an effective and winning campaign from proven campaign professionals

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Two Locations:November 17th -- LINCOLNNovember 18th -- NORTH PLATTE

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he path of power to your home is guardedby silent sentinels — utility poles that areunder constant attack by Mother Nature

and, sometimes, by people. “More than 94,000 miles of line, supported by

utility poles, keeps power flowing acrossNebraska,” explains Jay Holmquist, generalmanager of the Nebraska Rural ElectricAssociation.Nationwide, rural electric utilities own and

maintain 2.5 million miles of line stretchingacross three-quarters of the U.S. landmass.Some lines are buried, but more than 2 millionmiles of lines are above ground. Since there aregenerally 18 wood poles for every mile of distri-bution line, electric systems rely on more than37 million poles to safely and reliably deliveraffordable power to your home.

Pole PatternsUtility poles take several forms: concrete, steel,ductile iron, composite fiberglass, and — over-whelmingly — wood. Why do utilities prefertreated timber? Tried-and-true wood poles are more affordable

— steel and composite fiberglass poles often costat least twice as much, although these alterna-tives claim a longer lifespan (most have not beenin service long enough to verify the claims).

Tby Megan McKoy-Noe

Silent Sentinels

Electric poles remain the key tosafe, reliable, affordable power

Silent Sentinels

Combined with aproven service lifethan can span sev-eral decades,treated wood polesprovide the mostaffordable choicefor most coopera-tives.“Generally, utili-

ties turn to alter-native poles whennothing else willwork,” explainsHolmquist. “Ifyou’ve got a wood-pecker problem,wood simply won’tcut it. Utilities instorm-saturatedparts of the coun-try may turn tou n d e r g r o u n dlines, but more often than not theseutilities opt to ‘harden’ their lines byinstalling larger wood poles andshortening the span between polesto help the system weather stormsmore successfully.” For utilities battling copper crime,

ductile iron poles offer an interest-ing option — they eliminate theneed for copper grounding wiresrunning up the side of a pole. Butthese poles aren’t as easy to climb ina pinch, and could pose a problem ifnot easily accessible by buckettruck.“Electric utilities expect poles are

going to last at least 40 years in thefield, barring unpreventable stormdamage and other accidents,” stress-es Jim Carter, executive vice presi-dent for Wood Quality Control, Inc.(WQC), a subsidiary of the NationalRural Electric CooperativeAssociation. WQC estimates cooper-atives are responsible for between aquarter to a third of the nation’sannual wood pole production.Each year, public power districts

and electric co-ops spend roughly$300 million to purchase close to 1million wood poles and 2 millioncrossarms — amounting to a whop-ping 20 percent to 33 percent of autility’s annual materials budget.WQC, created in 1982, works closely

with both manufacturers and utili-ties to monitor pole constructionconditions and make sure utilitiesinvest in high-quality poles thatmeet strict federal Rural UtilitiesService (RUS) standards.

Double DutyNot only do poles support thenation’s power system; telecommu-nication companies often rent spaceon poles to attach telephone andcable wires. Each pole, averaging a height of

40 feet, breaks down into threezones. The supply space, which shut-tles electricity from generationplants and substations to homesand businesses, can be found at thetop of every pole. In most cases, acrossarm — a beam fixed horizon-tally across the top of the pole —divides the supply space from themiddle neutral space, called a safezone. The safe zone forms a barrierbetween lines carrying high-voltageelectricity and the area rented toother utilities, known as the com-munications space.

Hazardous MissionAffordable wood poles stand the testof time — each pole’s lifespanranges from 30 to 50 years, and inthe right conditions, a wood pole can

last much longer. Tolengthen a pole’s life,wood is pressure-treated with preser-vatives. But no mat-ter how strong a polemay be, both natureand people threatena pole’s ability toserve. Wood poles battle awide array of adver-saries: acidic soil inthe Midwest, heavymoisture in theSouth, and wood-peckers in the Mid-Atlantic. Utilitiesgenerally inspectpoles on a 10- to 12-year cycle to identifypotential problems.Poles age differently

depending on region, so RUS divid-ed the nation into five decay zones.Poles in Zone 1 — Idaho, Montana,Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado,Arizona, New Mexico, and portionsof Alaska, Nebraska, South Dakota,Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas facethe lowest risk of decay, while Zone5 poles in Louisiana, Florida,Hawaii, and the coastal regions ofAlabama, Mississippi, Georgia,South Carolina, and Virginia sus-tain the highest risk. Utilities gen-erally replace 2 to 3 percent of agingand decaying poles every year. Natural decay, storm damage, and

bird and bug attacks aren’t the onlyconcerns. People shorten a pole’slifespan, too.The National American Wood

Council estimates 5 percent of polesreplaced annually were broken bycar accidents. Attaching signs, bas-ketball hoops, clothes lines, bird-houses, satellite dishes, or otheritems to wood poles with staples ornails can also shorten a pole’s lifes-pan. Not only do these items createsafety hazards when lineworkersneed to climb a pole; the small incur-sions speed a pole’s decay.Sources: NRECA, Wood QualityControl, Inc., American WoodProtection Association, WesternWood Preservers Institute

November 2011 7

Public power districts and electric cooperatives own and maintain more

than 41 million utility poles across two-thirds of the U.S. landmass.

Photographs by Wayne Price


ith the holiday rush start-ing earlier and earlierevery year, get a jump-

start on your shopping wish list withsome great green gifts. Using the tipsbelow, you can have everythingwrapped up before the ho, ho, hoturns into go, go, go!

Why give efficiency? Green giving is thoughtful on manylevels. The person receiving the gifthas a new gadget to use that keeplong-term electric costs low year-round. “Choosing a green gift can be easy,”

says Brian Sloboda, senior programmanager for the CooperativeResearch Network (CRN). “Be awareof energy use. Look for any mentionof energy ratings on large appliances

and televisions, or select unpluggedgifts. Think solar, reusable, and recy-clable. Even something as small asthe packaging and wrapping canmake a difference.” Look for items with lightweight

packaging. And think about wrap-ping your gift in something like a fab-ric bag that can be reused or even anaccessory like a scarf to tie things up.

Green Gift Ideas• For Decorators: LED Christmas

lights ($15-$35) – These energy-effi-cient lights are becoming easier tofind. They save on high holiday elec-tric bills and stay cool to the touch.For a festive complete package, wrapin a decorative stocking.Although LEDs might be more

expensive than incandescent lightsat the time of purchase, energy sav-ings over their life make them a bigmoney saver. And prices continue tofall down as the technology becomesless expensive. At HomeDepot.com,you can get a 50-count strand ofwhite lights or multicolored lights foraround $12.Check at your local hardware store

for possible gift ideas. • For Gardeners: Solar garden

lights ($15-$50) - Available in endlesscolors, styles, and sizes, solar gardenlights can be a lovely addition to yourfavorite green thumb’s garden. To upthe green quotient, wrap in a burlapbag.• For Cooks: Toaster oven ($60 –

$140) – Especially great for theempty nester or those only cookingfor one or two, toaster ovens are agood choice to save energy as analternative to heating a large stan-dard oven. • For Movie Buffs or Sports Fans:

Energy Star-rated TV (price basedon size) – Televisions are getting big-ger and better. But before you givesomething that uses as much elec-tricity as a refrigerator, look for theEnergy Star label. It will offer thesmallest impact possible on yourelectric bills.• For Techies: Smart strip ($20 -

$40) – This new cutting-edge tech-nology is great for plugging in elec-tronic gadgets. Not your average

Giving

Efficiency

Giving

Efficiency

by Kelly Trapnell

W

November 2011 9

power strip, smart strips sport des-ignated outlets that make it easy topower down certain devices to saveenergy while not affecting othersplugged into the same strip.Solar cell phone charger ($55 -

$100+) – Help unplug energy-suck-ing chargers from the wall; solarchargers can be placed in a windowto charge a cell phone or otherdevices like a GPS unit or even MP3players anywhere the sun shines,even in a car on-the-go!There are many options when you

start looking for green gifts. Get cre-ative, and remember that what yougive impacts future electric bills. Sogive the green light for energy-smart gifts this year!Kelly Trapnell writes on safety and

energy efficiency issues for theNational Rural Electric CooperativeAssociation, the Arlington, Va.-basedservice arm of the nation’s 900-plusconsumer-owned, not-for-profit pub-lic power districts and electric coop-eratives.

FOR THE TOUGHEST JOBS ON PLANET EARTH®

1-800-966-3458 Made in USA© 2011 Gorilla Glue Company

Give useful, energy-smart gifts like a

toaster oven. It requires less energy to

heat than a standard oven.

Photograph by Kelly Trapnell


robust agricultural economyhas shielded many ruralNebraskans from the worst

of the recession, and the NebraskaRural Poll shows a majority believethey’re better off today than fiveyears ago and many are confidentconditions in their lives will contin-ue to improve.The 16th annual University of

Nebraska-Lincoln poll, taken inMarch and April, details responsesfrom 2,490 households in the state’snonmetropolitan counties.Fifty-two percent of poll respon-

dents said they believe they are bet-ter off than they were five yearsago, up from 50 percent last yearand the second highest proportionin the poll's history. There also wasa slight decrease -- from 21 percentto 18 percent -- in the percentage ofpeople who believe they are worseoff than they were five years ago.A slight increase also was seen

this year in the percentage of peoplewho think they will be better off 10years from now -- from 42 percent in2010 to 45 percent this year. About20 percent said they expect to beworse off, down from 23 percent in2010.Sixty-nine percent of respondents

involved in agriculture said theywere better off or much better offthan they were five years ago, lead-ing the eight professional demo-graphic groups. Just 43 percent ofthose involved in construction,installation or maintenance feltthat way.As to the question about how they

expected to be doing 10 years fromnow, though, 45 percent of thoseinvolved in agriculture said theyexpected to be better off or muchbetter off. That compares to 58 per-cent of those involved in health caresupport, public safety and sales andoffice support.The 2011 poll also showed rural

Nebraskans consider themselvesentrepreneurial. Fifty-seven per-cent rated themselves somewhat orvery entrepreneurial. Thirty per-

cent said they were somewhat orvery non-entrepreneurial. Respondents in communities with

fewer than 500 people were morelikely than those in communitieswith populations of 1,000 to 4,999 toconsider themselves entrepreneur-ial -- 64 and 54 percent, respective-ly.

Connie Reimers-Hild, UNLExtension educator in entrepre-neurship and innovation, notedentrepreneurship is defined morebroadly than starting and runningone’s own business.“I think we tend to believe entre-

preneurs are more common inmetro areas,” she said. “But thereare other things happening outthere, and there's a lot of potentialout there.”“It goes beyond starting a busi-

ness to finding some creative solu-tions to doing some things new ordifferent in their communities,” shesaid.Following past years’ trends,

rural Nebraskans are most satisfiedwith their marriages, families,friends, religions/spirituality andthe outdoors. They remain less sat-

isfied with job opportunities, cur-rent income levels and financialsecurity during retirement.In the past year, though, there

was an increase in satisfaction withincome level, from 50 to 55 percent,the second highest percentage inthe poll’s 16-year history. And satis-faction with financial security dur-ing retirement increased from 32 to38 percent from 2010 to this year.However, satisfaction with jobopportunities decreased from 42 to38 percent.In another finding, 53 percent of

respondents said they are leaders intheir work/career. Twenty-five per-cent described themselves as lead-ers in social organizations andactivities, and 14 percent considerthemselves leaders in their localcommunity.Brad Lubben, UNL Extension

public policy specialist, noted atheme that ran through much of the2011 Rural Poll’s findings on a vari-ety of topics. Education is central tosatisfaction, economic development,and technology access. The RuralPoll team likes to describe this asthe project’s “stay in school” mes-sage.“Education affects everything in

your life,” said Randy Cantrell,rural sociologist with the NebraskaRural Initiative.The Rural Poll is the largest

annual poll of rural Nebraskans’perceptions on quality of life andpolicy issues. This year’s responserate was about 39 percent. The mar-gin of error is plus or minus 2 per-cent. Complete results are availableonline at ruralpoll.unl.edu.The university’s Center for

Applied Rural Innovation conductsthe poll in cooperation with theNebraska Rural Initiative withfunding from UNL Extension andthe Agricultural Research Divisionin the Institute of Agriculture andNatural Resources.Source: University of NebraskaInstitute of Agriculture andNatural Resources

Rural Poll: Majority believe they're better off than five years ago

A

he weather outside might befrightful, but inside, you canstill keep things delightful. This

winter, save money and stay warm.Considering that nearly half the ener-gy you use in the home goes towardskeeping things comfortable, often thereare huge energy-saving opportunitiesyou may not have considered. Keepyour energy bills low this winter bytaking a whole-house approach to heat-ing.

Seal it up!• Weatherstrip and caulk windows.

Check window frames for cracks andfill them with caulk that contains sili-con. Putty-like "rope caulk" can helpseal large cracks. • Replace any broken window panes

and repair any large holes in attics,crawlspaces or basements. • Close the fireplace damper and

seal the opening shut when not in use.• Keep doors and windows closed as

much as possible. That includes over-head doors on attached garages. Installfoam insulation gaskets behind electricoutlets and switch plate covers. • Seal exposed ductwork. Sealing

helps your heating system run moreefficiently and also ensures that heatedair gets to where it should go.

Open it!• During the heating season, keep

the draperies and shades on south fac-ing windows open during the day toallow sunlight to enter the home andclosed at night to reduce the chill fromcold windows.

Tune it up!• Get your furnace inspected and

tuned up by a heating professional. • Install a programmable thermostat

and set it to lower the temperature atnight and whenever the house is unoc-cupied. Lowering your thermostat by10 degrees at night and unoccupiedtimes can reduce heating bills by 10 to20 percent. Remember, a programma-ble thermostat only saves energy whenit is programmed! • Get a humidifier to add moisture to

the air. Moister air feels warmer, so ahumidifier can help you feel comfort-able even though your thermostat isset at a lower temperature.

Check it!• Check all exterior doors for air

leaks. A one-eighth-inch gap around adoor is equivalent to a 6-inch-squarehole in the side of your house and caus-es a lot of energy loss. Have someonestand on the other side of the door andshine a flashlight around the door'sperimeter. If you can see light throughthe cracks, your door needs sealing. • If you have a forced air furnace,

inspect filters at the beginning of theheating season and monthly during theseason. Clean or replace them if thereis significant dust build up.• Measure attic insulation. If it is

less than 7 inches deep or if it is lessthan R-38, consider upgrading withspray-foam or batt insulation.

November 2011 11

Don’t invite Old Man Winter into your home!

T


by Wayne Price

he Grand Army ofthe Republicformed in 1866 out

of the aftermath of the“War of the Rebellion” asUnion veterans searchedfor camaraderie and polit-ical power. It was foundedin Decatur, Illinois onApril 6, 1866. Membershipwas limited to honorablydischarged veterans of theUnion Army, Navy,Marine Corps or theRevenue Cutter Servicewho had served betweenApril 12, 1861 and April 9,1865.In Nebraska, 365 towns organized GAR posts, the first

in 1867 in Omaha.This was helped by the large number ofCivil War veterans that settled in Nebraska in the 1860sand 1870s. Many were taking advantage of special provi-sions of the Homestead Act of 1862.The community level organization was called a “Post”

and each was numbered consecutively within eachDepartment. Most Posts also had a name and the rules fornaming Posts included the requirement that the honoredperson be deceased and that no two Posts within the sameDepartment could have the same name.Of the 365 individual Posts started in Nebraska, only

100 of those built a permanent structure for gatheringsand activities. Many met in churches or member’s homes.Only four of Nebraska’s GAR halls still exist, includingthe William Baumer Post 24 in Nebraska City. Built in1894, the hall is the only one of the halls in the state thathas undergone restoration and development as a CivilWar and GAR museum. Itis the largest Civil WarMuseum in the Midwest.Tim Engel serves as

President on the Board ofDirectors of the Civil WarVeterans Museum.“The Hall is a reminder

to us and to our children ofthe presence of Civil Warveterans in Nebraska Cityand the role they played inthe growth of the commu-nity, state and nation afterthe war,” Engel said.William Baumer Post

24, Nebraska City, wasmustered on August 2,1879. The Post was namedfor one of Nebraska’snative Civil War veterans. Colonel Baumer commandedthe 1st Nebraska Infantry in which over 200 Nebraska

Grand Army

of the

Republic

A look at Nebraska’s

Above: A portrait of William

Baumer hangs in the Hall.

Left: The Post flag is on

display at the museum.

Confederate money is on

display at the museum.

T

November 2011 13

City volunteers served. Construction of the

Nebraska City GAR hallbegan in 1894 and it wasdedicated in March, 1895.The Post served as a meet-ing place for the GAR andthe William BaumerWoman's Relief Corps No.107 (WRC) as well as acommunity gatheringplace. Many groups, bothpolitical and social, wereallowed to use the build-ing. Youth groups, temper-ance meetings, and vari-ous woman's groups metin the hall, Engel said.“The GAR was a frater-

nal organization but theywere also a civic organiza-tion,” said Engel. “Theygave assistance to veter-an’s wives, widows andorphans. The post wouldpay for the burial of someof its members.”In the political arena,

the GAR was a mightyforce. It founded soldiers'homes, was active in reliefwork and in pension legis-lation. Five members wereelected President of theUnited States and, for atime, it was impossible tobe nominated on theRepublican ticket without the endorsement of the GARvoting block.

In 1868, Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan issuedGeneral Order No. 11 calling for all Departments andPosts to set aside the 30th of May as a day for remember-

ing the sacrifices of fallencomrades, beginning thecelebration of MemorialDay.Membership would neverbe expanded or opened toany others, not even wives,mothers or sons. If youwore the badge of theGAR, it meant the wearerhad served his countryduring the war, haddefended the Union. But,this also meant that whenthe last Union Civil Warveteran died, the organiza-tion would die with him.Post 24 closed in 1935,when the last local Postmember, William Balfour,died. The Departmentwould not close until 1948,when Nebraska's last CivilWar veteran, MichaelBondell, died in Beatrice.Even after the Post andDepartments closed, thehall continued to serve thecommunity as a communi-ty meeting site.The final Encampment ofthe Grand Army of theRepublic was held inIndianapolis, Indiana in1949 and the last member,Albert Woolson died in1956 at the age of 109

years.In 1991, the GAR Hall, Inc., a non-profit Nebraska cor-

poration, was formed to preserve and restore the buildingto its original condition. Nebraska City resident BrianVolkmer was instrumental in organizing the NebraskaCity Museum Association. The main room of the buildingcontains memorabilia and artifacts of the GAR and CivilWar history. Many of the artifacts were donated by fami-lies of Civil War veterans, including a surgeon’s kit andmany rifles. The Ralph Kruger Research Library, named for a

Nebraska City native instrumental in the preservation ofthe Hall, contains books, magazines, and videos to assistvisitors wanting to learn more about the history of theCivil War and the GAR, or to explore genealogical ties toveterans.The museum is located at 910 First Corso and is open

from Noon to 4 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday -from April through October. Engel encourages schools andstudent groups to visit and learn about Nebraska’s role inthe Civil War.

Above: Tim Engel holds a rifle from the Civil War.

Below: A photograph from a celebration in the GAR Hall in

1898.


taying comfortable at homeoften means turning up theheat or air conditioning. But

comfort can be costly if your home isnot properly sealed from the ele-ments. Roughly half of the energy used by

a home powers heating and cooling.In a poorly insulated home, condi-tioned air slips outside. Sometimes air leaks are obvious. If

you pass by a window or door and feela change in temperature, somethingis wrong. Some folks think it meansthey need new windows, and thatcould be the case. But for most,spending a few minutes and a fewdollars to seal a home adds up to bigsavings. Cold air enters a home through

small openings. To find problemareas, use a lit incense stick or arecently extinguished match andmove it around the edge of closedwindows and doors. Here are a fewremedies to fix the problem:• Add weather stripping to the

edges of windows and doors.Stripping typically uses sticky tape toadhere to the side of the window andfill gaps.• If your home uses single pane

windows, consider adding storm win-dows as added insulation.• Replace old cracked caulking.

Make sure you use caulking designedfor the application. There are differ-ent types of caulk for exterior, interi-or, and bathroom applications; don’tuse bathroom caulk on the outside ofyour home. Also, make sure the caulkcan be painted if you want it to blendin with the rest of your home. • Use insulated curtains to prevent

further heat loss. • Remove window air conditioning

units when summer ends. A quick walk around the outside of

your home reveals other prime candi-dates for quick and easy repairs.Anytime a hole is drilled into a home,it creates potential for energy loss.Check pipe and wire penetrations —they should be sealed on both exteri-or and interior walls. This not only

helps prevent energy loss, but alsokeeps critters from taking up resi-dence. The ductwork of a forced air fur-

nace, central AC unit, or heat pump isanother source of energy loss.According to Energy Star, sealing andinsulting ducts improves system effi-ciency by as much as 20 percent.Of course, this requires effort and

time. First, focus on ducts runningthrough unconditioned crawl spaces,garages, and attics. Seal ducts using aspecial duct sealant or metal tape

that can be found at most homeimprovement stores. Despite thename, don’t use duct tape — it does-n’t last as long as sealant or metaltape. Once ducts are sealed, check con-

nections at bends and air registers tomake sure everything is tight. Oncefinished, wrap ducts with insulation.Since this may be a dirty and time-consuming job, many homeownersask a HVAC company to perform thiswork. Another dirty job involves adding

insulation to the attic and floorsexposed to crawl spaces or unheatedareas. The amount of insulation need-

ed varies depending on your home’slocation. R-values reflect the ability of insu-

lation to resist the transfer of heat.Higher R-values indicate more effec-tive insulation. The typical home willneed anywhere from R-38 to R-49 inan attic and R-25 in floors. You canget advice on how much insulationyou need at your local hardwarestore. In an ideal world, wall insula-tion should also be increased, but thisgenerally is not practical. Remember, no amount of insulation

will help if doors or windows are leftopen. A rush of cold outside air cancause your heating unit to fire up,

especially if the door isn’t closed rightaway. Create a jar and charge repeatoffenders $1 each time a door is leftopen when someone leaves or entersthe home. Use that money to buycaulking and weather stripping toseal up windows and other cracks. Sealing your home can even into a

fun activity. Have each member of thefamily explore the house and identifyproblem areas. Whoever finds themost areas to fix gets to be the fore-man while the rest of the family fixesthe problems. It’s a fun and simpleway to get the entire family engagedas you work together to seal yourhome and your wallet!

SSeal your home (and wallet)

Since there are several different types of caulk, make sure you pick the one

that’s right for the job. Photograph provided by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives

ost homes, vehicles, andbusinesses are poweredusing electricity or a fossil

fuel such as natural gas, gasoline,diesel, propane, or fuel oil. Now, anew option is beginning to emerge:fuel cells.Public power districts and electric

cooperatives have a long history ofexploring the potential of fuel celltechnology. Through the Arlington,Va.-based Cooperative ResearchNetwork (CRN), rural electric utili-ties have been investigating differ-ent types of fuel cells for more than adecade. While the technology isevolving, the cost is still hefty.Studies recently conducted by CRNaround the country found that whilefuel cells (using PEM technology)designed for residential use do work,they carry a huge price tag— pro-ducing electricity for a whopping 85cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).Comparatively, the average price ofelectricity in the U.S. is 11.5 centsper kWh.A fuel cell works like a battery

that is constantly charged by puttinga fuel into its negative terminal. Itcreates a chemical reaction, mostoften involving hydrogen formingwith oxygen, but another commonfuel is natural gas. One of the mainbyproducts of the chemical reactionis water, making the process gener-ally pollution free. Normally, fuelcells generate only a small amountof electricity and must be combinedinto larger stacks to produce enoughpower for homes, cars, and work-places. Currently, five main types of fuel

cells exist: polymer electrolyte mem-brane (PEM), alkaline, phosphoricacid, molten carbonate, and solidoxide. Each uses a different elec-trolyte and comes with advantagesand disadvantages. One solid oxide-based fuel cell,

called the Bloom Box, has received asignificant amount of media atten-tion early in 2010. The device burstonto the scene with endorsements byluminaries like as Gen. Colin Powell,then- California Governor ArnoldSchwarzenegger, and New York CityMayor Michael Bloomberg. Theproduct was even featured on 60Minutes and has been installed atmajor Internet-based firms such asGoogle and eBay.Analysis of the Bloom Box shows

that those costs can be lowered—theunit can generate electricity for 8

cents to 10 cents per kWh, but onlywith hefty federal and state renew-able energy subsidies tossed in. Andthe Bloom Box can’t maintain consis-tent output day-in, day-out for yearslike a typical baseload power plant.In fact, a 100-kilowatt solid oxide fuelcell like the Bloom Box, running onnatural gas at a 48 percent efficiencyrate, carries a unit price of about$7,000 to $8,000 per kilowatt—aboutthe same as a nuclear power plant.To be successful over the long term,

fuel cell efficiency will need toincrease from the 40 percent to 60percent typically found. And givenpressures on federal and state budg-ets, fuel cells will need to operate eco-nomically without relying on govern-ment incentives to stay competitivewith more traditional generationsources. Public power district and electric

cooperatives will be at the forefrontof educating members on the advan-tages and disadvantages of the tech-nology.

November 2011 15

For a FREE color brochure send the ad couponor call toll free 800-658-7076 or fax 507-462-3211.

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Could fuel cells be the future?

MThe Bloom Box is a high-profile fuel

cell type that received much media

attention in 2010. Photograph pro-

vided by Bloom Energy

by Brian Sloboda


SAFETY BRIEFS

arvest season is one of thebusiest times of year forfarmers – and among the

most dangerous. Before taking tothe fields, Nebraska Public PowerDistrict and its wholesale pub-lic power partners urge farmworkers to be aware of over-head power lines and to keepequipment and extensions faraway from them.“Electrical equipment

around the fields, such aspower lines in the end rowareas, may get overlooked dur-ing this busy time of year,” saysJohn Humphrey, NPPD’stransmission and distributionmanager. “However, failure tonotice overhead power linescan be a deadly oversight. As a ruleof thumb, we ask that farm workerslook up and look out for overheadpower lines.”NPPD urges farm workers to heed

these safety measures:• Each day, review all farm activi-

ties and work practices that willtake place around power lines andremind all workers to take precau-tions.• Know the location of power lines

and when setting up the farm equip-ment, be at least 20 feet away fromthem. Contact your local powerprovider if you feel this distancecannot be achieved.

• Use care when raising augers orthe bed of a grain truck. It can bedifficult to estimate distance, andsometimes a power line is closerthan it looks. When moving largeequipment or high loads near apower line, always use a spotter tomake certain that contact is notmade with a line.• Always lower portable augers or

elevators to their lowest possiblelevel - under 14 feet - before moving

or transporting them. Variables likewind, uneven ground, shiftingweight, or other conditions can com-bine to create an unexpected result.• Be aware of increased height

when loading and transport-ing larger modern tractorswith higher antennas.• Never attempt to raise ormove a power line to clear apath!• As in any outdoor work, becareful not to raise anyequipment such as ladders,poles, or rods into powerlines. Remember, non-metal-lic materials such as lumber,tree limbs, tires, ropes, andhay will conduct electricitydepending on dampness and

dust and dirt contamination.Humphrey added that everyone

involved in harvesting work shouldunderstand that any contact withpower lines carries the potential fora serious or even a fatal accident,and should understand that elec-tricity can arc to the equipment if itcomes close to the line. “With good planning, looking up

and looking out, we can all have asafe harvest season,” he added.

HLook up and look out for overhead power lines

November 2011 17

ebraska hunters should beaware of the possibility ofencountering the following

deer diseases when afield this fall:chronic wasting disease (CWD), brainworm and deer lice.None of these diseases is known to

be harmful to humans, according tothe Nebraska Game and ParksCommission.

Chronic Wasting DiseaseThis disease, discovered in westernNebraska in 2000, is always fatal todeer when contracted. Deer withCWD can range in appearance fromhealthy looking to thin and roughlooking. CWD occurs primarily in thePanhandle, but it now extends acrossthe western half of the state.Biologists last year sampled 3,645

deer from check stations during theNovember firearm season, with 51new CWD positives confirmed. This

brings the total number of deer sam-pled since testing began to 45,887with 257 confirmed positive for CWD.

Brain wormThis is caused by a parasitic wormthat lives in the brain of white-tailed deer without harming them.When this worm is eaten by muledeer, it may make them sick andmay lead to death. Mule deer withbrain worm may be found walkingin tight circles, unafraid of humanswhen approached, throwing theirheads or displaying other neurologi-cal symptoms.In areas where mule deer and

white-tailed deer populations over-lap, eight deer have been confirmedwith brain worm in 2011.

Deer liceThese exotic chewing lice havebegun to infest mule deer in western

Nebraska.Chewing lice infest mule deer, cre-

ating an allergic reaction that leadsto the deer scratching and rubbingto relieve itching. Deer with lice mayrub hair off, creating a rough look toentire patches of hair missing. Deereventually may become sick and diefrom hypothermia because of theloss of their hair coat. Deer sick withlice may appear lethargic, unafraidof humans and in poor condition.Deer lice may be found in largenumbers under the legs of infestedanimals.There have been six confirmed

cases of deer mortality caused bythese lice in 2011.Hunters discovering deer with

symptoms for brain worm or deerlice should report them to their localdistrict Game and Parks office.Source: Nebraska Game & ParksCommission

NHunters need to be aware of deer diseases

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: I used my masonry fireplaceoften during winter to cut my

utility bills. The draft seemed to begetting weaker. What chimney prob-lems should I look for when I inspectit and how can I reduce creosote?

: Tens of thousands of chimneyfires occur every year due to cre-

osote buildup and other problemswith chimneys. In many cases, theentire house ends up burning downand many lives are lost. These thou-sands of chimney fires result in asmuch as $200 million in propertylosses each year.Since you have noticed reduced

draft up the chimney, schedule anappointment with a professionalchimney cleaner. If you are lucky as Iwas when my fireplace demonstratedthe same draft problems, the screen-ing in the chimney cap was justclogged with soot. This blocked the airflow up the chimney. Just tapping thescreening with a rubber mallet wasenough to knock the soot loose. I laterreplaced the chimney cap with onewith a more open mesh.If you are not as lucky, there may

have already been a creosote fireinside your chimney. The heat fromthe fire can cause the tile liner tocrack and fall from the masonry wall.When this happens, the broken tilemay restrict the air flow up the chim-ney reducing the draft. You should beable to see a broken loose tile whenlooking down the chimney with abright light.A chimney fire can also cause the

creosote to puff up. It expands andfeels somewhat like plastic coolerfoam. If you can run a brush down thechimney, some of this puffed creosotemay fall down into the firebox. If youfind either a broken tile or puffed cre-osote, your chimney will definitely

need a professional cleaning andinspection with a camera.If repairs are needed, get estimates

from several chimney maintenancecompanies. In my own case, one chim-ney company found puffed creosoteand claimed the tiles were also loose.They gave me a quote of $7,000 torepair my chimney. Another companycleaned and inspected the chimney

with a camera, but found no brokentiles. For $200 total, they also sealedthe chimney crown and my fireplacehas worked fine for years now.There are some things you can do to

reduce creosote buildup. First, usewell-seasoned wood and do not try tochoke off the combustion air too muchto extend the burn time.Special fireplace logs are available

which contain chemicals to reducecreosote formation in the chimney.Using these periodically can helpkeep the chimney clean.SaverSystems, (800) 860-6327,www.saversystems.com, offers aspray to use on regular wood logs andother cleaners to minimize creosote. Inow use this spray.

You can clean the chimney yourselfon occasion if you do not mind gettinga little dirty. This does not eliminatethe need for a professional inspection.A local chimney supply store shouldcarry a brush to fit your chimney.Always wear a high-quality breath-

ing mask so you do not inhale the finedust particles. Seal the fireplaceopening into the room with plasticfilm and duct tape. Also, put a largedrop cloth on the floor in front of thehearth. No matter how well you try toseal it, some black dust seems toalways get through.Go up on the roof and run the chim-

ney brush up and down many times.Wear a safety harness and tie your-self to the chimney when on the roofand always have someone nearby tocall for help if needed. It might beoverkill, but I always wear my bicyclehelmet and a mountain climbing har-ness so I can lower myself down slow-ly if I lose my footing.Much of the hazardous damage to

chimneys is caused by moistureentering from outside. This moisturecan migrate through the brick andthe mortar joints into the chimney.This is bad everywhere, but particu-larly so in cold climates with a repeat-ed freeze/thaw cycles during winter.Use a water- or solvent-based sealeron the chimney bricks and mortar.The crown of the chimney is anoth-

er location for moisture to enter. Tapon it lightly with a hammer to locateany loose areas and brush them away.If the crown is still in good condition,coat it with a special elastomer crownrepair compound. If you have a prob-lem during winter, SaverSystemsoffers a special crown sealer thatcures below freezing temperatures.Check the condition of the mortar

joints. Where you find loose mortar,fill in the gaps with an elastomer con-crete-colored sealer.

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

Maintain a clean fireplace for winter safety

by James Dulley

Q

A

Send inquiries to James Dulley, RuralElectric Nebraskan, 6906 RoyalgreenDr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visitwww.dulley.com.

This patch system repairs and seals

the flashing around the base of the

chimney. A piece of mesh is covered

with tough a polymer material that

adheres well. Photograph provided

by SaverSystems

issan makes electric cars.General Electric makeschargers. So it’s easy to see

why they’re partnering to get moreAmericans to drive an electric caroff the lot.The companies signed a two-year

agreement to work together, with afocus on developing charging infra-structure.The research will zero in on two

areas: integrating the cars withhomes and other buildings, and theimpact that millions of such carswill eventually have on the grid.Nissan has sold more than 7,000

of its all-electric Leafs in the U.S.this year. All have been imported,but the automaker plans to buildthem in Tennessee beginning nextyear.Even before the agreement was

announced Sept. 30, the companieswere already looking into ways theLeaf can be incorporated into GE’sSmart Home concept. That involvesa home energy monitoring systemwhich communicates with appli-ances, so that they run when elec-tricity is cheapest and the impacton the grid is lessened.Mark Little, senior vice president

and director of GE Global Research,noted that electric cars are prompt-ing automakers to form newalliances.“One of the biggest connections

being made,” Little said, “is withcompanies that generate and pro-vide electricity.”Source: Electric Co-op Today

N

Nissan, GE partneron electric cars

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DOWN HOMERECIPES

Non-stick cooking spray1 Pound Turkey Breast Cutlets,

pounded to an even thickness2 Teaspoons lemon pepper season-

ings2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed

lemon juice1 Tablespoon Worcestershire

sauce1 Teaspoon Dijon mustard1 Teaspoon fresh parsley, choppedLemon wedges for garnish

Coat a large skillet with cookingspray and heat pan over mediumheat for 30 seconds.Sprinkle both sides of turkey cut-

lets with lemon pepper. Place turkeyin hot skillet and saute for 3 to 5minutes on each side until brownedand no longer pink in the center.Combine remaining ingredients in

a small mixing bowl, mixing well.Add to pan and cook until heatedthrough.Garnish with lemon wedges and

parsley.

Turkey Breast Diane

Recipe provided by theNational TurkeyFederation

Turkey Casserole

Cranberry Sauce Salad

Harvest Sweet Potato Pie

Debra Gaedke, North Platte, Nebraska

Sauté celery, green pepper & onion in margarine until tender. In largebowl, combine sautéed vegetables and all remaining ingredients & mixwell. Pour into buttered 2-quart baking dish, top with desired amount ofadditional Monterey Jack cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 375degree oven.

Eva Hartman, Hayes Center, Nebraska

Dissolve gelatin in hot water. Add the cranberry sauce to the hot mixtureto dissolve it. Use a fine potato masher to help dissolve the cranberrysauce. When cool add the celery and apple. Refrigerate until ready toserve.

Margaret Trojan, Beaver Crossing, Nebraska

Boil sweet potatoes or yams in jackets and peel. Mash potatoes and mixall ingredients together. Pour into 2 unbaked pie crusts. Mix toppingingredients and sprinkle over potatoes. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 min-utes. Recipe can easily be cut into half for one pie.

2 cups turkey, cooked and diced2 tablespoons margarine1 cup chopped celery1/2 cup chopped green pepper1/3 cup slice green onions1 (20 oz.) can pineapple tidbits,drain

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jackcheese1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chilies4 cups cooked white rice1/2 cup sour cream1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 can jellied cranberry sauce1 cup hot water1 pkg (3 oz) red cherry gelatin1 cup finely chopped raw apple1/2 cup finely chopped celery

2 unbaked pie crust8 sweet potatoes (3 cups)3/4 cup sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla1/2 stick margarine1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup milkTopping:1/2 stick margarine1 cup chopped pecans1 cup flour1 cup brown sugar

November 2011 21

To appear in print

The Rural Electric NebraskanAdult Pen Pal Service is exclusivelyfor member-readers ages 18 and over.To be considered for use, submissionsmust: (1) Identify rural electric sys-tem providing magazine; (2) Include$6 to cover mail forwarding costs; (3)Be 25 words or fewer; (4) Include fullname and mailing address (will notbe used in magazine); and (5) Be firstperson, submitted directly by personto receive responses. Acceptance,editing and issue scheduling is at edi-tor’s discretion.Address all submissions to Rural

Electric Nebraskan Adult Pen PalService, P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE68501. All responses received by theAdult Pen Pal Service are routeddirectly, postage paid, to the responsenumber assigned to each submission.

To write

To respond to one of the adult penpal requests, write letter, place inenvelope, seal and affix first classpostage. Address to full, correctresponse #, c/o Rural ElectricNebraskan Adult Pen Pal Service,P.O. Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.Your letter will be forwardedunopened. Do not send money oradditional postage; forwarding is pre-paid. Enclose your full mailingaddress for return correspondence.Once again . . . it is very important

that all responses carry the fullresponse number—both month andnumber—to be properly forwarded.

Abbreviation CodeC — Christian; C/W — Country-western;D — Divorced; F — Female; M — Male; NS — Non-Smoker; ND — Non-Drinker;

R&R — Rock and roll; S — Single;W — White; Wid — Widowed

NOV - 1: Christian widow in north-east central Nebraska town. Whereare you? Would like NS/ND with nopets, 75-85. Please send church,phone, & photo. Will answer for penpal & friendship.

NOV - 2: DWM, 51, 5’8”, 160 lbs.,honest, hardworking person with astable career from the Panhandlelooking for companionship. I enjoythe outdoors, cooking, gardening,going out to dinner, and movies.

NOV - 3: 54, CDM, 54, NS, live onfarm in eastern Nebraska. Enjoyrural way of life, value family andfriends, like traveling, C/W concerts,rodeos, and fairs. Looking for ayoung at heart lady, 45-55, who isfun-loving, easy to talk to, enjoysrural life, to share time & activities.Be best friends and work to seriousrelationship. Send phone numberand let’s talk.

NOV - 4: SWCF, NS/ND, from east-ern Nebraska. Enjoys cooking,board games, movies, eating out,travel, church and country movies.Looking for compatible Christianmale 65-75 who shares similarinterests.

NOV - 5: DWF, 61, would like tomeet caring, honest man to enjoylife with. I have a variety of inter-ests. I am family oriented. Write andtell me about yourself and yourinterests. Photo would be appreciat-ed. Will answer all.

NOV - 6: DWF, 50-ish, NS, darkhair & eyes, 5’8”, 155 lbs, farmersdaughter from central Nebraska.

Enjoys camping, horses, trail riding,rodeos, country fair, C/W music, anddancing. Looking for a 50s-60s, NS,fit & fun man to share good times.Photo & phone number appreciated.

NOV - 7: DWF, NS/ND, 62, 5’6”young at heart lady from centralNebraska looking for male compan-ionship. Just someone to talk to, goto a movie with, out to eat, or acountry drive.

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PRESIDENT/CEOSOUTHERN PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT

GRAND ISLAND, NEBSouthern Public Power District is

seeking qualified candidates to inter-view for the position ofPresident/CEO. Candidates shouldhave a successful career in publicpower in a management role and beable to demonstrate leadership in per-sonnel management, finance, rates,budgeting, power supply, legislativeaction, customer relations as well ashave a broad understanding of all ele-ments of public utility operation. Thedistrict has a long history as a standalone entity in power supply contracts,legislative activity, and other servicesmore commonly provided by associa-tions and contractors.Southern is headquartered in GrandIsland, Nebraska and serves approxi-mately 25,000 customers with 7,000miles of line. There is a good balance ofindustrial, commercial, irrigation andresidential revenue that makes up the$80 million in annual revenue. The 7county service area is located along I-80 and the Platte River containingsome of best irrigated farm ground inthe state. The district is currently in astrong financial position. The districtprovides an excellent benefit packageand salary would be commensuratewith experience. Further informationon this position and the District maybe found at www.southernpd.comThis position is open March 1st and

interviews for successful candidateswill be scheduled in January 2012.Application packages should include aresume, cover letter, recent salary his-tory, and a minimum of 2 personal andprofessional letters of recommenda-tion. Please submit applications bymail, marked “personal and confiden-tial” not later than December 1, 2011-attention: Administrative Assistant,Barbara Bydalek, P.O Box 1687,Grand Island, Nebraska 68802.

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HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 5This valuable coupon is good anywhere you shop Harbor Freight Tools (retail stores, online, or 800 number). Cannot be used with any other discount or coupon. Coupon not valid on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase date with receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Coupon cannot be bought, sold, or transferred. Original coupon must be presented in-store, or with your order form, or entered online in order to receive the coupon discount. Valid through 3/5/12. Limit one coupon per customer and one coupon per day.











HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 1 Use this coupon to save 20% on any one single item purchased when you shop at a Harbor Freight Tools store. *Cannot be used with any other discount or coupon. Coupon not valid on any of the following: gift cards, Inside Track Club membership, extended service plans, Compressors, Generators, Tool Cabinets, Welders, Floor Jacks, Campbell Hausfeld products, open box items, Parking Lot Sale items, Blowout Sale items, Day After Thanksgiving Sale items, Tent Sale items, 800 number orders or online orders. Coupon not valid on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase date with original receipt. Coupon cannot be bought, sold, or transferred. Original coupon must be presented in-store in order to receive the offer. Valid through 3/5/12. Limit one coupon per customer and one coupon per day.

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS - LIMIT 1 Free item only available with qualifying minimum purchase (excluding price of free gift item). Cannot be used with any other discount or coupon. Coupon not valid on prior purchases. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if free item not picked up in-store. Coupon cannot be bought, sold or transferred. Original coupon must be presented in-store, or with your order form, or entered online in order to receive the offer. Valid through 3/5/12. Limit one coupon per customer and one coupon per day.

SAVE 46%

SAVE 50%

LOT NO. 68303/67256 /68861

OSCILLATING MULTIFUNCTION POWER TOOL

REG. PRICE

$59 .99 $1999

SAVE 66%

SAVE 46%

SUPER

COUPON!

3 GALLON, 100 PSI OILLESS PANCAKE AIR COMPRESSOR

LOT NO. 95275

REG. PRICE $74.99

$3999

SAVE 50%

SUPER

COUPON!

REG. PRICE $59 .99 $2999

LOT NO. 66783

10/2/55 AMP, 6/12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER/

ENGINE STARTER

REG. PRICE

$19.99 $999

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER

Grinding wheel sold separately.

LOT NO. 95578

SAVE 50%

SAVE $150

7 FT. 4" x 9 FT. 6" ALL PURPOSE WEATHER

RESISTANT TARP

REG. PRICE $6 .99 $349

LOT NO. 877

8 Functions: Sanding, Cut Flooring, Cut Metal, Scrape Concrete, Remove Grout, Cut Plastic, Scrape Flooring, Plunge Cut $199

12" RATCHET BAR CLAMP/SPREADER

LOT NO. 46807

REG. PRICE $8 .99

SAVE 77%

11 DRAWER ROLLER CABINET

$14999

LOT NO. 67421

REG. PRICE

$299 .99

INCLUDES:6 Drawer Top Chest• 2 Drawer Middle Section• 3 Drawer Roller Cabinet•

SAVE 40%

4-1/4" GRINDING WHEEL INCLUDED

$2999

ELECTRIC CHAIN SAW SHARPENER

REG. PRICE $49 .99

LOT NO. 68221/93213

SAVE $60

$8999 REG. PRICE $149.99

800 RATED WATTS/900 MAX. WATTS

PORTABLE GENERATOR

LOT NO. 66619

3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHTNINE LED ALUMINUM

FLASHLIGHT

REG. PRICE $6.99ITEM 65020

MOVER'S DOLLY

LOT NO. 93888

$799

1000 LB. CAPACITY

REG. PRICE

$14.99

REG. PRICE

$29.99

WIRELESS DRIVEWAY

ALERT SYSTEM

Requires one 9 volt and three C batteries (sold separately).

SAVE 53%

$1399

LOT NO. 93068

Order Online at HarborFreight.com and We'll Ship Your Order370 Stores Nationwide

Item 68303 shown

Item 68221 shown

HIGH-SPEED INTERNET NOW AVAILABLE

Everyday price guarantee valid only on the following packages: DishFAMILY, America’s Top 120, America’s Top 120 Plus, America’s Top 200, America’s Top 250, DISH America, DISH America Silver, DISH America Gold. BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass (1 disc at a time): New qualifying DISH Network service activated between 10/01/11 and 1/31/12 will include 3-month bundle. If you activate with a 24-month agreement and minimum of America’s Top 200 programming package, 12-month bundle included. At end of your promotional period, bundle discounts ($5 on BLOCKBUSTER Movie Pass and $5 on programming package) will end, and you will be charged then-current prices on each component. Requires the following: online DISH Network account for discs by mail; broadband Internet to stream content; HD DVR to stream to TV; HD equipment to receive full range of channels. You can exchange online rentals for free in-store movie rentals at participating BLOCKBUSTER stores. Offer not available in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands. BLOCKBUSTER name, design and related marks are trademarks of Blockbuster L.L.C. © 2011 Blockbuster L.L.C. Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. Cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies if service is terminated before end of agreement. After 12 months of programming credits, then-current price will apply. $10/mo HD add-on fee waived for life of current account; requires 24-month agreement, continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. 3-month premium movie offer value is $99; after 3 free months then-current price applies unless you downgrade. Free Standard Professional Installation only. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; upfront and monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. Prices, packages, programming and offers subject to change without notice. Offer available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer ends 1/31/12. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. STARZ and related channels and service marks are property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. $25 Visa® gift card requires activation and $2.95 shipping and handling fee. You will receive a claim voucher within 3-4 weeks and the voucher must be returned within 30 days. Your Visa® gift card will arrive in approximately 6-8 weeks. InfinityDISH charges a one-time $49.95 non-refundable processing fee. Indiana C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S. 10-1006. *Certain restrictions apply. Based on the availability in your area.

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Rural Electric Nebraskan

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