Rockwell City, IA 50579 • (712) 297-7112 • (800) 821-4879

Current ConneCtionwww.calhounrec.coop Calhoun County REC

February 2017

Do You Have Plans for College? Calhoun County REC is offering up to three $500 scholarships Any graduating high school senior, whose parents or guardians are members

of the Cooperative, is eligible for the Calhoun County REC scholarship. The applicant must be a student who is enrolled or planning to enroll, in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited college, university or vocational/technical school in the fall of 2017. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

How Do You Apply? Applications are available at your area high school guidance counselor’s office or at the REC office in Rockwell

City. Applications can also be downloaded on Calhoun County REC’s website at www.calhounrec.coop. Return completed application to our office on or before April 7, 2017, by 4:30 p.m. with the following:

1. Letter of recommendation from a teacher, advisor or counselor2. Essay (minimum 250 words) subject is: How can cooperative members make a

difference regarding political decisions that directly affect Calhoun County REC and its membership?

Mail to Calhoun County REC, 1015 Tonawanda, PO Box 312, Rockwell City, IA 50579.

Linemen Assist in Storm RecoveryOne of your Cooperative’s seven core principle values is, “Cooperation among Cooperatives” so when

Lake Region Electric Cooperative in South Dakota contacted IAEC requesting assistance in restoring power, your linemen didn’t hesitate. Fourteen cooperatives and several contractors assisted in this storm recovery the caused power outages to nearly 10,000 members over the holiday season. This region experienced 2 inch ice which coated power lines and broke poles. Not only was ice an issue but blowing snow made visibility impossible and made the power restoration process take much longer than usual. 18W22FA

(l to r) First Class Linemen Jared Kuhlers and Doug LeMonds assisted with the South Dakota ice storm restoration.South Dakota’s ice storm resulted in many broken poles.

Thick ice blanketed electrical lines in South Dakota.

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Youth Tour Opportunity!Calhoun County REC will be

offering high school sophomores and juniors an opportunity to be selected for a trip to Washington D.C. in June 2017. Students must submit an application including 250-500 word essay explaining their interest in the political process and why it is important for our local Co-op to stay involved in the political process. The top three applicants will also participate in a personal interview process. The first place winner will represent Calhoun County REC in the 2017 Iowa Youth Tour and be awarded a $500 scholarship. Second and third place winners will each receive a $250 scholarship. This contest is available to students in the local area school districts. For more information contact Keaton Hildreth, khildreth@calhounrec.coop or at the office 712-297-7112. 06C16JA

Tree Trimming helps with ReliabilityThe majority of the Calhoun County REC’s vegetation management

program is completed during the months of January –April by your linemen. In 2017 all areas of our service territory is scheduled for vegetation management which consists of ground cut, trim and chemical treatment. Tree trimming is essential in providing safe and reliable electric service. Trees or branches that could rub against and damage a home’s electric service line must be pruned or removed to alleviate safety hazards and improve service reliability.

We prune only what is necessary for electric safety and reliability. Tall growing trees should be planted at least 20 feet away from electric lines.

Contact us at any time with questions you might have on this process. Or perhaps, you would like to let us know about a tree or other vegetation that you think could be too close to power lines or important electrical equipment.

RECare Members helping Members

RECare Consumer Authorization Form• I will contribute $_________per month. I understand this amount will

be automatically added to my monthly electric bill.• I will make a one-time contribution of $ _____ to RECare. My check is enclosed.

Name ________________________________________

Address _______________________________________

City ____________________ State ______Zip ________

Account Number ________________________________ Return to:

Calhoun County REC1015 Tonawanda • PO Box 312 • Rockwell City, Iowa

Calhoun County REC has always extended a helping hand to those needing it. In response to actions by the Iowa General Assembly, your REC has established RECare, a program of members helping members. RECare will provide funds to be distributed by local community action agencies to help pay winter heating bills and to assist in weatherization of homes of low-income consumers. You may make a one-time contribution or a monthly pledge that will be automatically added onto your monthly electric bill. Even a dollar a month pledge will help others.

REMINDER:Due on or before February 14th

If you or a member of your family plans to attend college or technical school next fall, don’t forget to contact your electric cooperative for scholarship opportunities.

We are taking applications for a $1,000 Basin scholarship available from Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

Contact Lonnie at712-297-7112

It’s A Boy!!On December 30, 2016 Member Service Representative Keaton

Hildreth and his wife Emily became the proud parents of a baby boy. Kadrian was born weighing in at 7 lbs 9 oz and was 21 inches long. Big brother Carson was very excited to meet his little brother. Congratulations Keaton and Emily!!

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Spot Your number

* Location numbers are located on billing statements. *

Jerry Black called in and received a $10 credit for spotting his location number in last month’s newsletter. Doug Bartels and Rachel Bawden missed their opportunity to receive a $10 electric bill credit.

Don’t forget to read the newsletter and check for your location number. If your location number is spotted, call Calhoun County REC by the 15th of the month and receive a $10 credit on your next electric bill.

Recipe of the MonthSlow Cooker beef taCoS

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:In a 5-quart slow-cooker, combine chuck roast, onion, garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Pour over chicken broth. Cover and let cook on low, 8 hours.When ready to shred, add roast and onions to a large bowl and shred with two forks. Pour over enough juice so it’s nicely marinated.Char tortillas over burner, then top with beef and serve with sour cream, scallions, chopped red onion, and limes.

1 small beef chuck roast (about 3 to 4 pounds)1 large onion, diced4 cloves garlic, choppedJuice of 3 limes1 tbsp. chili powder1 tbsp. ground cumin1 tbsp. dried oregano4 c. low-sodium chicken broth20 small corn tortillasSour cream, scallions, red onion, and lime wedges for serving

Let us know about life support

Calhoun County REC keeps a list of those members who depend on electricity for life support equipment. Those persons have priority during an outage or are notified when a planned maintenance outage is to occur.

If you, or someone in your family, is on life support just call the Calhoun County REC office and we will put you on our list.

Utilit-e OnlineHas Launched!

Go to www.calhounrec.coop for further information and to register your account if you are interested in this payment option. If you currently pay your statement through some other method, you’ll be able to continue doing so. Please call the office at 712-297-7112 if you have any questions.

If your outlets are warm, crackedor sparking, your home is sending you a message.

Don’t ignore the warning signs of a serious electrical problem. Shut the outlet or switch off at the circuit breaker, and contact an electrician to make repairs.

Learn more at

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Calhoun County REC

-- Directors --Jim Miller, President FondaTerry Finley, V. President AuburnJason McKenney, Secretary SomersJohn Wahl, Treasurer Rockwell CityLaVerne Arndt Sac CityBeryl Birkland GowrieRon Hanson Pomeroy

-- Office Hours --Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Telephone: 712-297-7112 or

Toll Free: 800-821-4879Fax: 712-297-7211

e-mail:info@calhounrec.coopwww.calhounrec.coop

After 4:30 p.m. call 800-821-4879 or 712-297-7112

for outages and emergencies only.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Electric cooperatives discuss importantissues at reception

Over 150 directors, managers and staff members from Iowa’s electric cooperatives discussed priorities with 100 state legislators on January 10th during the annual Welcome Back Legislative Reception at the State Historical Building in downtown Des Moines. Other guests of honor included: Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Secretary of State Paul Pate, Iowa Utilities Board Member Nick Wagner and Iowa Department of Economic Development Director Debi Durham. The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, in conjunction with the Iowa Biotechnology Association, the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, the Iowa Communications Alliance and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa, hosted the annual reception. 12C27FA

Electric cooperative representatives from all parts of the state will come to the state capitol in the next couple of months, where they will be able to visit with their legislators once again. The annual REC Day on the Hill will be held on March 22, 2017, at the Capitol.

Coop Connection Card offers Savings!

Whether you’re enjoying dinner at your favorite restaurant or buying materials for your home improvement project, it’s never been easier to save on your purchases. All you have to do is show your Co-op Connections® membership card. And now, you get the added benefit of saving 10-60% off prescriptions at participating pharmacies. It’s just one more way you benefit from being a member of a Touchstone Energy® Cooperative. For more information go to www.calhounrec.coop

Pharmacy discounts are Not Insurance, and are Not Intended as a Substitute for Insurance.

Mike TerwilligerLine

Superintendent

(l to r) Senator Kraayenbrink, REC Director Terry Finley and Representative Sexton

By the Numbers: 2016 OperationsTHE NUMBERS ARE IN AFTER ANOTHER

YEAR OF construction and maintenance on Calhoun County REC’s 758 miles of line. In 2016 Calhoun County REC built service for:

• 4 new homes • 3 grain bins

• 1 ag building • 13 hog confinements

28: System improvements 13.2: Miles of line rebuilt