Website at www.clearwater-polk.com

CURRENTA C T I V I T I E S

Phone 218-694-6241 or toll free (888) 694-3833 DECEMBER 2016

–– OFFICE HOURS: 7:00 AM-4:30 PM, MONDAY-FRIDAY ––

From all of us at

Clearwater-Polk Electric Cooperative

Best Wishes for a happy holiday season.

OUR OFFICE WILL BE

CLOSED FOR

~ Christmas ~MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2016

~ AND ~

~ New Years ~ MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2017

If you experience an emergency or power outage, please call

1-877-881-7673

Electrical contractor continuing education sessions

set for January, February

Minnkota Power Cooperative and the associated systems will again provide an opportunity for area

electricians to obtain credits for license renewal by at-tending one of the six continuing education classes being offered throughout Minnkota’s service area.

This marks the 29th year of the successful program, which is aimed at providing area trade allies with the latest information on electrical code and practices.

The electrical workshops will be held Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. The training then moves to the Cambria Hotel & Suites in West Fargo, Jan. 24 and Jan. 25. The workshops continue with classes Feb. 7 at the Eagles Club in Bemidji, MN and Feb. 8 at the Bigwood Event Center in Fergus Falls, MN.

The registration fee is $75 for eight code credits. Taking the class on multiple days will not qualify for 16 code cred-its. Online registration is preferred through www.minnkota.com. Registration should be completed by Jan. 12.

For residential building contractor continuing educa-tion workshops, contact your local home builders as-sociation.

Looking for that perfect Holiday Gift?

How about a Clearwater-Polk Electric Gift Certificate?

It is the perfect gift for that person on your list who is so hard to buy for.

If you are interested, contact Clearwater-Polk Electric, 218-694-6241

Clearwater-Polk eleCtriC Newsletter, 2016 Page 2

Listed are unclaimed capital credits that were mailed out in 2013. If you know of a new address for any of these members, we would appreciate hearing from you. Our office phone number is (218) 694-6241 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

UNCLAIMED CAPITAL CREDIT CHECKS PAID IN DEC 2013 FOR 50% of 1983 and 30% of 2007NAME CITY ST ZIP CODEAasen, Alf M Clearbrook MN 56634Allen, Mark Clearbrook MN 56634Ames, Neil Bagley MN 56621Anderson Dairy Trail MN 56684 Anderson, Bryan P Bagley MN 56621 Anderson, Elaine J Clearbrook MN 56634 Anderson, Roberta Bagley MN 56621 Anderson, Rolf F Pueblo CO 81001 Aubuchon, Louis J Clearbrook MN 56634 Ball, Virginia Wala Wala WA 98362 Bear Creek Farms Bemidji MN 56601 Beaulieu, Violet Bagley MN 56621 Beckstrand, Tim A Thermopolis WY 82443 Beeraka, Prakash Florence SC 29505 Black, Robert Bagley MN 56621 Blocher, Del St Cloud MN 56301 Bohn, Peter Clearbrook MN 56634 Branden, Russell J Bagley MN 56621 Brown, Duane & Linda Thief River Falls MN 56701 Burdett, L Allen Bagley MN 56621 Calhoon, Orville Nisswa MN 56468 Clairmont, Tom A Becida MN 56625 Clearwater Valley Seeds Bemidji MN 56601 Colsen, Randy Bagley MN 56621 Corrigan-Norberg, Connie Grand Rapids MN 55744 Dahl, Eva Bagley MN 56621 Davies, David Bagley MN 56621 Dir of Church Edu&Reform Bagley MN 56621 Dodds, Wm K Clearbrook MN 56634 Doggett, Jerry Shevlin NMN 56676 Doman, Ivan Geming NM 88030 Edelman, Stanley Park Rapids MN 56470 Egge, Gerhard Seattle WA 98126 Erickson, Emil Leonard MN 56652 Erickson, Rodney Clearbrook MN 56634 Faith Chapel Parsonage Bagley MN 56621 Fisher, Ethel Clearbrook MN 56634 Fisher, Terrance c/o Floyd Clearbrook MN 56634 Flann, Carol C Aitkin MN 56431 Frigstad, Ordell Fosston MN 56542 Grenell, Timothy J Saint Paul MN 55119 Grieser, Henry E Greensboro NC 27455 Grue, Melvin Bagley MN 56621 Guinn Jr., Theodore Bagley MN 56621 Gustafson, Mrs F S Bella Vista AR 72714 Hagen, George Clearbrook MN 56634 Hamlin, Cynthia or Karl Park Rapids MN 56470 Hanson, Joel D East Grand Forks MN 56721 Hanson, Scott T Fosston MN 56542 Harr, Suzanne Gonvick MN 56644 Harrington, Dana L. Cummings ND 58223 Herberg, Lindy Crookston MN 56716 Higgins, Matthew Bemidji MN 56601 Holmes, Kenneth Virginia MN 55792 Howson, James Hatton ND 58240 Hutchison, M C Buena Park CA 90620 Iverson, Ernest Bagley MN 56621

Iverson, Leonard Bagley MN 56621 J & W Ranches Leonard MN 56652 Judnick, Barbara Minneapolis MN 55408 Kentner, Robert Davenport NE 68335 Kingbird, Darlene Clearbrook MN 56634 Kjolhaug, Mark Carbonadle IL 62901 Klasse, Donald Park Rapids MN 56470 Kovacic, Luke Bagley MN 56621 Kriz, Terri Lee Gonvick MN 56644 Kuepers, Charles M Clearbrook MN 56634 Larson, Eugene A Bemidji MN 56601 Larson, Sandra Bemidji MN 56601 Loeffler, Gladys Red Lake Falls MN 56750 Luschen, Sibyl M Duluth MN 55803 Lynch, Jerry Longville MN 56655 M & R Sheet Metal Bagley MN 56621 Martin Sr, Charles G Red Lake MN 56671 Martin, Beverly Channing TX 79018 Martine, John Bagley MN 56621 Mathews, Dorothy Laporte MN 56470 McCauley, Paul W Bemidji MN 56619 McFarland, Charles Gully MN 56646 McKensie, Susan M St Cloud MN 56304 Meehl, Allan R APO AE 9330 Melby, Alice Gonvick MN 56644 Meyer, Hartman Bagley MN 56621 Miller, H Garth Bagley MN 56621 Moline, Eric Bemidji MN 56601 Nattrass, Judy East Grand Forks MN 56721 Nederbo, Dorothy Clearbrook MN 56634 Neeland, Rita Bagley MN 56621 Ness, Diane Fargo ND 58103 Newland, Garnett L Fargo ND 58103 Nielson, Darrel Bemidji MN 56601 Norton, Ann M Solway MN 56678 Olson, G Joan Apache Junction AZ 85119 Olson, Rodney Gonvick MN 56644 Ophus, Curtis Oklahoma City OK 73159 Ous, Garrett V Bagley MN 56621 Paul, Ray S Fargo ND 58102 Perkins, Stanley W Bagley MN 56621 Pfannenstein, Kari & Jade Cokata MN 55321 Pihlgren, Robert Ogema MN 56569 Rausch, Nick Delano MN 55328 Reep, Josh H Fosston MN 56542 Roberts, Dale R Bemidji MN 56619 Saari, Grace Columbia Heights MN 55421 Samson, Enoch Gully MN 56646 Savig, Wayne Gonvick MN 56644 Saxton, Megan/Novotny, R Bemidji MN 56601 Selix, Tracy L Shevlin MN 56676 Shelquist, Ernest Clearbrook MN 56634 Shereck, Minnie Bagley MN 56621 Shipp, Margaret G Clearbrook MN 56634 Skime, Kevin Gonvick MN 56644

WE NEED YOUR HELP

––– CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 –––

NAME CITY ST ZIP CODE

Clearwater-Polk eleCtriC Newsletter, 2016 Page 3

MAP OF DISTRICT 1, DISTRICT 2 & DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 1:

Vernon HamnesGary Mathis

DISTRICT 2:

Robert JohnsonLeroy Riewer

Harlan Highberg

DISTRICT 3:

Greg SpauldingKeith DeMaris

PETITION FOR NOMINATIONThe following members wish to nominate (insert name) _____________________________________________, for the

three-year (insert District 1 or District 2) ___________________________________director position, and to place such name on the ballot for the April 12, 2017 election, at the annual meeting of the Clearwater-Polk Electric Cooperative, in accordance with Article III, Section 8, of the bylaws.

Printed Name Signature Account Number

1. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ 2. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ 3. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ 4. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ 5. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ 6. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ 7. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ 8. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ 9. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________10. ______________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________

The Cooperative must receive the completed petition no later than close of business January 29, 2017. At the annual meeting scheduled for April 12, 2017, elections will be held for the following districts where Director’s terms are expiring:

Any 10 or more members who reside in the district, up for election, may nominate an eligible member for a director’s position. No member may be elected to a director position unless nominated in this manner. In the event of a joint membership, only the signature of one member shall be acceptable.

District 1 District 2 Gary Mathis

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF A DIRECTOR?The bylaws of Clearwater-Polk Electric Cooperative establish certain quali-

fications that must be met in order to become a director. These are:1. Be a member in good standing of the Cooperative, receiving electric service

at the member’s primary residence in the district from which the director is elected prior to being nominated for director; provided, further that “primary residence” is defined as the residence that is the chief or main residence of the person and where the person actually lives for the most substantial portion of the year;

2. Not be, nor within three (3) years preceding a director candidate’s nomina-tion have been, an employee of the Cooperative;

3. Not be, become, nor shall have been at any time during the five (5) years preceding a director candidate’s nomination, employed by a labor union which represents, or has represented, or has endeavored to represent any employee of the Cooperative;

4. Not be a close relative of an employee or director, where as found in these bylaws “close relative” means any individual who is, either by blood, law, or marriage, including half, step, foster, and adoptive relations, a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling, or principally resides in the same residence;

5. Not be employed by, materially affiliated with, or have a material financial interest in, any director, individual or entity which either is:(i) directly or substantially competing with the Cooperative; or(ii) selling goods and services in substantial quantity to the Cooperative; or(iii) possessing a substantial conflict of interest with the Cooperative.For purposes of this section, the terms “material” or “substantially” shall be interpreted as constituting a minimum of 5% of a member’s total hours of employment, sales, or income on an annual basis;

6. Not be or become the full-time employee or agent of, or be or become the full-time employer or principal or, another director;

7. Not be absent, without being excused by the board, from three (3) or more regular meetings of the board of directors during any twelve (12) month period;

8. Be only one, and not more than one, member of a joint membership; pro-vided, however, that none shall be eligible to become or remain a director or to hold a position of trust in the Cooperative unless all shall meet the qualifications hereinabove set forth;

9. If a representative or agent of a member is not a natural person, i.e. a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or similar, then the representative or agent designated as a nominee for director shall be an individual residing within the external boundaries of the district from which (s)he is nominated; and

10. Never have been convicted of a felony.

S A M P L E

Clearwater-Polk eleCtriC Newsletter, 2016 Page 4

SWAP SHOP

RULES: Ads for Clearwater-Polk Electric members only.Ads received after the 15th of each month will be held over for the following month. Ads may be run consecutively for two months. Limit your ads to two items. No commercial ads, please.

FOR SALE: John Deere R, runs good, new tires, no reasonable offer refused. 218-776-3177 or 218-368-7717.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 2013 fish house, 20’ w/V-front, 8 holes w/catch covers, beds, gen. hookup, inverter, 18000 BTU vented furnace, gas alarm, LED battery indicator, 12V ceiling fan, stereo, DVD player, TV mount, 2 burner stove, microwave, lots of storage, excellent condi-tion. Selling to get larger one for grandkids! $8,500.00. 218-760-1248.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Dog house, 4’1”x 3’1”x 39” high, $125.00. 218-766-3223.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 2004 Jayco JayFeather 29 ft travel trailer, good condition, clean. 218-368-3606.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 93 Pontiac Formula Firebird, 85,000 miles. 218-556-5166.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––WANTED TO BUY: Conversion van. 218-556-5166.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Older Sears model table saw, cast iron with belt drive, with stand, $300.00. 218-280-0529.

FOR SALE: 1995 Polaris 250 Trail Boss 4-wheel-er, very good condition; 1996 Ski-doo Tour-ing E snowmobile, very good condition, $1,200.00. 218-407-4636.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 1st cutting hay, $25.00 for 4’x5’ bale. 218-776-2018.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 1994 Ford pickup, $1,200.00. 218-556-8548.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Blizzak 8 (2 sets) Bridgestone snow & ice tires, 70R15, $15.00 each. 218-785-2452.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 1997 Oldsmobile ’98 Regency, runs good but some rust underneath, $500.00. 218-785-2452.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 1994 Oldsmobile ’98 Regency, runs good but some rust underneath, $500.00; Bridgestone tires with less than one thousand miles. 218-785-2452.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Small hay bales, no rain, $3.00 each. 218-266-3396.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––WANTED: Wood stove; wood cook stove; Willys or Renegade Jeep. 218-766-8176.

FOR SALE: 1966 4020 John Deere diesel trac-tor, good tires, cab, heat, 3 pt. with 158 John Deere loader, $10,000.00. 218-776-3177 or 218-368-7717.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 1994 Toyota pickup, 2 WD, 4 cyl, with topper, 116,000 miles, $3,000.00 OBO. 218-776-3952.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––WANTED: Men’s size 11-12 XC ski boots. 218-766-8125.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 26” Snow Devil 2 stage gas snow thrower, elec start, 4 fwd & 2 reverse speeds, never used; Peoplounger sofa & swivel glider recliner set, sofa/reclining ends, w/tray & drawer, marble color, good condition, make offer. 218-766-8922.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Board edger for saw mill, $2,800.00. 218-467-3360.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: 2003 Ford Taurus, runs great, no leaks, $1,700.00. 218-280-2118.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: John Deere 630 with loader, over-hauled, good rubber. 218-776-3284.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Girls size 2 figure skates, pink/white in color, in very nice shape, $20.00. 218-694-6956 after 4:30 pm.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––FOR SALE: Perfect Christmas Gift for Ice Fisherman Jiffy 4G Lite Gas Powered 8” Ice Auger. New in box. Retails for $400 will sell for $300. 218-694-2825.

As the nation prepares to welcome a new Congress and Administration, America’s

electric cooperatives are ready to welcome back old friends and introduce ourselves to newcomers.

The co-ops’ message to elected officials, both old and new, Republican and Demo-crat, will be the same: we all need to work together to protect consumer access to safe, reliable and affordable electric service.

We have reason to believe this message will be well-received. After all, co-ops speak for more than 42 million electric consumers nationwide, a sizeable constituency by any measure.

Moreover, whatever you thought of the 2016 campaign, one message came through loud and clear: many, many people don’t believe their concerns are being heard. For member-owned cooperatives, listening to people is at the heart of our business model. And we carry our members’ concerns to public officials every day.

As co-ops reach out to engage with elected officials, they will build on the strength of Co-ops Vote, the grassroots initiative to reverse declining voter turnout in rural areas.

Co-ops Vote did more than register

voters. This initiative sent a strong message to the country’s elected officials that rural electric consumers matter.

And co-ops will be reinforcing this mes-sage with a request that policymakers keep the needs of consumers front and center. Needs such as funding for infrastructure––especially transmission lines and access to natural gas. Increasing the efficiency of the electric system. Determining the future of coal, hydropower and nuclear energy. Elected officials will be making decisions af-fecting every aspect of the electric system.

Advocating for these issues is nothing new. In fact, we’ve been doing it for years. And we’re ready to continue the fight on your behalf.

The time is now to reach out to all elected officials, new and returning.

Here at Clearwater-Polk, we will be reaching out to local, state and federal of-ficials. In initial conversations with our newly elected officials, we will be explaining the unique member-owned, not-for-profit co-op business model. And we will be reminding long-time politicians of our co-op’s commit-ment to its members.

In Washington, D.C., our national trade association, the National Rural Electric

Cooperative Association, will be conduct-ing similar introductions, speaking with key agencies and departments within the new Administration. It is likely many of these new policymakers will know little or nothing of the co-op model.

Forging an energy future that serves rural consumers, and protecting access to safe, reliable and affordable electric power will be a bipartisan effort. Electric co-ops are optimistic. As we work with our elected lead-ers, we hope to renew a spirit of cooperation in the nation’s Capital and in statehouses across the country.

After all, cooperation is what co-ops do best!

E LECTRIC COOPERATIVES ARE READY TOWORK WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS

ENERGY TIPElectric bills increase during the winter

for a variety of reasons -- holiday gather-ings, houseguests, and shorter days and longer nights. (Larry Walker) Small mea-sures, like turning down your thermostat, replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs and washing clothes in cold water can help control energy costs.

Clearwater-Polk eleCtriC Newsletter, 2016 Page 5

Bruce Bjerke

YOU GET THE CREDIT

Electric cooperatives aren’t like other utilities—you own a portion of

the business. And one benefit of that membership involves the allocation of excess revenue, called margins, in the form of capital credits.

Electric co-ops operate at cost—collecting enough revenue to run and expand the business but with no need to raise rates to generate profits for distant shareholders. When Clearwater-Polk has money left over, it’s allocated back to you and other members as capital credits. Members are annually allocated capital credits based on the amount of electricity they consumed during a year. When the co-op’s financial position permits, the co-op retires, or pays out capital credits.

It’s time for you to get the credit —capital credits, that is―for helping build, sustain, and grow your local electric cooperative. During our Oc-tober board meeting, your Board of Directors approved the retirement of over $200,000 to our members. Cur-rent members who were receiving electric service in 1984 and/or 2009 will see their share of the capital credit retirement in the form of a credit on your electric bill. Former members will receive their capital credits by check through the mail. This credit reflects your contribution of capital to, and ownership of, the cooperative during those years.

Giving Back is the Co-op WayAs some of you might know, coop-

eratives across the globe adhere to the same Seven Cooperative Principles that guide all of our decisions––from how we run the co-op, to how we engage with our local communities. Concern for com-munity is the seventh principle, and it is one that all employees of Clearwater-Polk value year round. During the holiday season, concern for community seems especially important.

Electric cooperatives have a proud history of giving back. Clearwater-Polk members help us give back, too. Through the Operation Round Up program, 78% of our members who belong to this pro-gram round up their energy bills to the next dollar amount. The extra change goes toward helping those right here in our community.

This month our Operation Round Up Trust Board, Larry Blazing, Glenn Rett-mann and Mary Tronerud will meet again to go through applications for funds in the Trust. This year, nearly $20,000 will be given to local community organizations that benefit many people in our area. Thank you to all our members who make a small sacrifice to make a much larger impact.

Our concern and commitment is also global. Clearwater-Polk has donated equipment and sent lineworkers over-seas. They have helped bring power to thousands of people who had never experienced the benefits of elec-tricity.

Many fami l ies struggle to make ends meet on a dai-ly basis. This struggle can be especially hard during the holi-day season. There are many ways you can give back to the community that go beyond dollar donat ions . Take some time to go

Manager’s Message

Smith, Alvin D Shevlin MN 56676 Smith, Rex Bemidji MN 56619 Stevens, Winfield Bagley MN 56621 Stong, Pam Rapid City SD 57701 Streiber, Randy D Bemidji MN 56601 Thom, Jerald E Lengby MN 56651 Thompson, Daniel S Bagley MN 56621 Tjolsen, Alf Bagley MN 56621 Tronnes, Albert Leonard MN 56652 Valley, Lloyd J Crookston MN 56716 Walker, Vicki Bagley MN 56621 Walters, Elmer Channahon MN 60410 Warford, Alice McIntosh MN 56556 Whitener, Bonnie & Joseph Bagley MN 56621 Zemcik, Joseph Bolivar MN 65613

WE NEED... continued from page 2

through your closets and find clothes that no longer fit or have lost their use. Bag those items up and take them to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill or church clothing drive. Volunteer for a local food or toy drive, deliver meals to the sick and the elderly or simply make a meal for a neighbor in need.

No matter how great or small the act, every time we give back, we strengthen our community. So take the time to give back this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did.

It’s hard to believe 2016 is already drawing to an end. Thanksgiving has passed with a remembrance of how much we have to be thankful for. On behalf of your Board of Directors and Employees at Clearwater-Polk, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your support. We look forward to serving you in 2017. May you all have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! A special thank you to our veterans, troops serving today and their families for the sacrifices they make to ensure our freedom. Let’s remember them in our thoughts and prayers as we cel-ebrate this special Christmas season with family and friends.

–Bruce

Clearwater-Polk eleCtriC Newsletter, 2016 Page 6

WW

DURING OFFICE HOURS 7:00 am-4:30 pm, Mon.-Fri.

CALL 694-6241 or 1-888-694-3833

** AFTER HOURS CALL

Cell # 1-877-881-7673** For after hour outages,

please contact the above cell #.

TR CO AU LB LL SE

To reward our faithful read-ers, one member’s name will be drawn at random each month and placed somewhere in the news-letter. If you should find your

name, let us know before the 15th and win $25 off your next bill.

YOU COULD WIN$25

If you have a favorite recipe you wouldlike to share with Clearwater-Polk Electric members, please send to:

CLEARWATER-POLK ELECTRIC COOP.P.O. BOX 0

BAGLEY, MN 56621

DIRECTIONS1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205

degrees C).2. Line cookie sheet with saltine crackers in

single layer.3. In a saucepan combine the sugar and the

butter. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Im-mediately pour over saltines and spread to cover crackers completely.

4. Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes. Spread melted chocolate and top with chopped nuts. Cool completely and break into pieces.

SALTINE TOFFEE COOKIES

4 ounces saltine crackers1 cup butter2 cups semisweet chocolate chips3/4 cup chopped pecans1 cup dark brown sugar

INGREDIENTS

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

SCHEDULED BOARD MEETING The December meeting will be held at the

Clearwater-Polk Electric board room at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30.

Leroy Riewer, President ....................... BagleyVernon Hamnes, Vice President .......GonvickRobert Johnson, Secretary ................. BagleyHarlan Highberg, Treasurer ................. BagleyGary Mathis .........................................GonvickGreg Spaulding .................................... BagleyKeith DeMaris ........................................ Shevlin

Bruce Bjerke ............. General Manager

SIGN UP FOR AUTO-PAY AND YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN $25.00

EACH MONTH WE DRAW TWO MEMBER’S NAMES THAT HAVECHOSEN TO PAY BY AUTO-PAY. THEY WILL RECEIVE A

$25.00 CREDIT TOWARDS THEIR ELECTRIC BILL.DECEMBER WINNERS: JIM KVAM • DAN SYVERSON