After helping his contractor brother-in-law paint inLincoln over 20 years ago, Gary Caparoon thought“Hey I could do this around Chadron! So I came backand started advertising and off I went.

Reliable Painting, LLC was launched in 1997. Overthe years he has had several people help him out. “Mymain help is Brian Hawthorne, who also does construc-tion, so we help each other out, one thing nice aboutsmaller communities most of us in the constructionbusiness know each other and are willing to help eachother out,” said Caparoon.

“We have done several different projects from resi-dential to commercial, for example We just paintedSacker’s last summer and really changed the looks of itand had lots of compliments! Several houses in HaySprings and in the rural areas such as the Bingers, intown - Cale Anderson's and several others,” explainedCaparoon.

Reliable Painting does both interior and exterior,plus drywall and some construction. “...and if we can’tget to it we know who can,” said Caparoon.

“When we do a job the price of it includes labor,materials and some times some mileage unless thecustomer wants to get paint elsewhere. Estimates arefree,” said Caparoon.

Reliable Paintings does a lot of spraying and backbrushing or rolling. “Some times we will brush every-thing depending on the size of the job and what kind ofsiding. For interior we almost always roll and cut in,” heexplained.

August 2019Hay Springs, NE 69347

Public Power District

Chadron Men Spruce Up Area With Fresh Paint

Materials they use a little bit of everything, oil primer, latexpaint and sometimes oil paint depending what they are painting

His favorite part about his job is making something thatneeds work and making it look great. “Not having to answer tosomebody else except yourself helps too,” he added.

“One of my most memorable jobs was the Mc Donald's inChadron a few years ago, trying to paint the drive thru and hav-ing customers come through all day long and having to be socareful not to get paint on them or their cars, same thing with(Continued on Page 2)

Gary Caparoon (left), owner of Reliable Painting, andhis assistant Brian Hawthorne have been teaming up mak-ing homes and businesses great for about two decades.

Amazingbefore andafter pic-tures of theJungckfarmhouselocatedsouthwestof Rushville.The ownerssaid theydid a greatjob.

(Continued from Page 1)the pump and Pantry in Gordon and Rushville,” he said.

When asked if they ever have any encounters with ani-mals or snakes, he replied, “ We do run into animals at sev-eral places and lots of help from them, dogs mostly but weare animal lovers so usually no troubles, once in a while asnake will give us a startle though!,” he laughed. “We dofight the bugs, mosquitoes, wasps, etc.”

On average, an average house will take us about aweek to complete or an extra day or two depnds on the con-dition of the house.

Reliable Painting typicaly covers a 50 mile radius fromChadron, sometimes further if we need to. “I do chargesome mileage for 20 miles and over. We have to with theprice of fuel these days,” said Caparoon.

The Chadron native lives northeast of Chadron with hiswife, Kerri, and two children, Kade and Karsen. Kerri subsat daycares in and around Chadron plus has several clean-ing jobs and starting a home-based business, Xyngular.Kade, 17, will be a junior at Hay Springs and Karsen, 10, willbe a Fifth Grader also at Hay Springs.

When Gary is not busy painting, he enjoys movies, fish-

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

2-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner August 2019

Reliable Painting--

ing, camping, friends and relaxing. For more informationabout Reliable Painting, LLC, call him at (308) 430--2045,email him at gcap_1@hotmail.com for search RelaiblePainting on Facebook.

Lettering work repair at the ChadronMunicipal Airport which required a bucket

Rhonda & Ted BaseggioAlliance • 407 E. 3rd • 762-4505

Gordon • 113 N. Main • 282-1000Hay Springs • 123 Main • 638-4566

231 N. Main638-4416

Hay SpringsMember FDIC

CULTIVATINGRELATIONSHIPS

Homegrown is always better.Homegrown banking meanslocal decision making and abetter understanding of whatcustomers need and expectfrom their banks.

Let’s grow together.

CHECKING • SAVINGS • PERSONAL & BUSINESS LOANSCERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT • MORTGAGES • INSURANCE

A before and after picture of Sacker’s ConvenienceStore in Hay Springs.

Those Pesky WeedsRuth, my good friend and neighbor, has this sign in

her garden. It always brings a smile to my face…..BUT,sometimes it is just a little bit 'too true'. There are timesof the year when it feels like that is all I get done. Myweekly chore list lookssomething like this{Monday - kill weeds,Tuesday - Pull Weeds,Wednesday - Hoeweeds]. You get the idea!

I have found 5 strate-gies which should giveeveryone a better handleon this never-ending task.

Let's first understand that 'Mother Nature' does notlike bare ground. If you are not going to plant somethingin a bare spot, Mother Nature will plant it for you. Mostof the time, this comes up in the form of an easy-to-growweed.

Therefore, our first strategy is Plant something inyour bare spots. If you have no use for the ground, planta sturdy turf grass in the area so that it can be easilymowed. If you are making the area into a flower bed orgarden, mind the gaps between plants. Close plantspacing chokes out emerging weeds by shading the soilbetween plants. Plants come to us with a recommendedspacing. You can probably shave off about 25% of therecommended spacing to develop a denser garden.

The second strategy is for the gardener that wants toshow off each plant individually and therefore wants toplant them farther apart - MULCH, MULCH, MULCH. Irecently spent some time in a park in eastern Nebraskathat had beautiful shrubs and flowers spaced so youcould enjoy the full beauty of each plant. The beds wereheavily mulched with 5-6 inches of mulch surroundingeach of their shrubs or perennials. It created a beautifulweed-free garden. You can use old straw for your veg-etable garden which can be turned into the soil at the endof the year for better fertility. Wood chips come in a vari-ety of shapes and sizes that can decorate a flower gar-den and help it with fertility, keep it from drying out, andkeep weeds at bay. Whatever you use, cover the groundso Mother Nature doesn't feel the need to do it herself :.

Strategy number three says to Water the plants youwant, not the weeds you got. Our vegetable gardenshave water tapes along the rows so we water the vegeta-bles but leave the spaces between the rows dry. This isa great technique for weed control unless you have a

year like this one. Our beautiful rains every night do not dis-criminate between desired vegetables and pesky weeds.The fourth strategy - Let sleeping weeds lie. Every squareinch of your garden contains weed seeds, but only those inthe top inch or two of soil get enough light to trigger germina-tion. Digging and cultivating brings hidden weed seeds to thesurface. Therefore dig only when you need to and then plantthe disturbed spot with your desired plant or mulch.

Sometimes the weeds simply get too far ahead of me andI can't get them all pulled or cut down. Then it is time to applyStrategy number five…Lop off their heads. When you can'tremove weeds, the next best thing is to chop off their heads.With annual weeds, deadheading buys you a few weeks oftime before the weeds start raining down this year's harvestof weed seed. Chopping down weeds before they go to seedwill help keep them from spreading. As you do this task putthe heads in a bucket or wheelbarrow to be carried away toan area to be burned or composted. Don't make the mistakeof laying the seed heads on the ground and planting theseeds yourself.

There is a saying "Pull when wet; Hoe when dry"; whichis wise advice when facing down weeds. After a drenchingrain, equip yourself with gloves, a sitting pad, and a bucket forcollecting the corpses and pull the weeds. But when the con-ditions are dry; weeds sliced off just below the soil linepromptly shrivel up and die, especially if your hoe has a sharpedge.

Beyond the strategies mentioned above, enrich your soilwith organic matter every chance you get. Soil scientistsaren't sure how it works, but fewer weed seeds germinate insoil that contains fresh infusions of good compost or organicmatter. One theory makes good sense to me: When soil ishealthy and well fed, weed seeds sense that they are out of ajob and are less likely to appear.

~May your weeds be few and your harvest plentiful~

August 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner 3-A

Along The Garden Path -by Karen Runkle, Master Gardener

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

Before Selling or BuyingFarm, Ranch or Land, Call:

Phillip RosfeldBroker

Page 4-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner August 2019

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

On FarmTire

Repair!

WRECK-A-MENDEDBODY WORKS

Free Estimates • Custom Painting(308) 282-2005

Steve & Valli Petersen701 South Main • Gordon

OnThursday, June 20, 2019, chaper-ones from the Nebraska Rural ElectricAssociation (NREA), along with 17 highschool students from across Nebraskareturned from its annual Youth Tour of ourNation's Capital.

Each year the NREA hosts the Tourproviding rural high school students, repre-senting their public power districts and elec-tric cooperatives, the opportunity to see thesites of our Nation's Capital first-hand.While on the Tour, students visitedGettysburg Battlefield, Mount Vernon,Arlington National Cemetery, and numer-ous historical sites and monuments aroundWashington, D.C. Participating studentsalso met with members of the NebraskaCongressional delegation and came

together with 1,800 other rural high school students from across Americafor the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Day where theylearned about political engagement, leadership, and the pressing issuesfacing the electric industry today.

James Dukesherer, Youth Tour Director, stated: "Most of the rural stu-dents that we take on the Youth Tour have never been to Washington,D.C. and would not have had an opportunity like this if not for the NREAYouth Tour program and the sponsorship of the participating electriccooperatives and public power districts. Youth Tour is a unique opportu-nity for these students to see first-hand our democratic government inaction while at the same time visiting some of our Nation's most historicsites."

Northwest Rural Public Power sponsored Jaiden Anderson, aHay Springs junior. She is seated third from the left in the front row.Jaiden noted, “This week was one of a life time! I was given the oppor-tunity to go explore Washington DC with some of the most amazingpeople. I want to thank Northwest Rural Public Power District andNebraska Rural Electric Association for the opportunity.”

Nebraska Rural Electric Hosts Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

Jaiden Anderson of Hay Springs

August 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner 5-A

NRPPD AREA NEWS

Rasmussen Grain ServicesRoger Rasmussen - Toby Rasmussen

Owners & Operators

MOBILE GRAIN CLEANING& TREATING

(308) 430-1926 or (308) 207-5423Hay Springs

Tri-State Board to Place Cooperative under FERC Rate Regulation(July 9, 2019 – Westminster, Colo.) The board of directors of

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a wholesalepower supply cooperative serving wholesale power to memberelectric cooperatives and public power districts in four states,took action at its July meeting that will place the cooperativeunder wholesale rate regulation by the Federal Energy RegulatoryCommission (FERC).

“Tri-State is rapidly changing to increase flexibility for ourmembers and develop an ever cleaner and greener resource port-folio,” said Tri-State Chairman Rick Gordon. “As we transition,our cooperative will benefit from lower costs and greater efficien-cy by having a single, consistent rate regulator across all thestates in which we operate.”

Public utilities subject to FERC regulation must charge ratesthat are “just and reasonable” and “not unduly discriminatory orpreferential.” FERC regulation of Tri-State would eliminateinconsistent rate treatment across the states. Historically,Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming did not exerciserate-regulation over Tri-State. In recent years both Colorado andNew Mexico have exercised rate jurisdiction, which resulted inincreased costs, unrecovered revenue and inconsistent rates to itsmembers.

FERC regulates all wholesale electric service andtransmission providers with few exceptions

Under the Federal Power Act, FERC regulates the rates ofalmost all wholesale electric service and transmission providers.The board’s action aligns the regulation of Tri-State’s wholesalerates with the rate regulation of other wholesale power suppliers.Regionally, the FERC regulates the wholesale rates of XcelEnergy/Public Service Company of Colorado, Public Service ofNew Mexico, PacifiCorp/Rocky Mountain Power, Black HillsEnergy, Southwestern Public Service and El Paso Energy. Acrossthe nation, other generation and transmission cooperatives thatare subject to active regulation in multiple states are also FERCregulated.

Under the Federal Power Act, Tri-State had been exemptfrom FERC rate regulation of its wholesale rates because it waspreviously a Rural Utilities Service (RUS) borrower or because itwas wholly-owned by small electric cooperatives. In 2014, Tri-

State repaid its RUS debt. At its July 2019 board meeting, Tri-State’s board voted to add new members to the wholesale coop-erative, which eliminates the Federal Power Act exception.

Tri-State will become fully rate regulated for the first timeFollowing the board’s action, Tri-State will file a wholesale ratetariff with the FERC. The rate is expected to become effectivesixty days after filing.

For the first time, Tri-State will be fully rate regulated. Tri-State would be required to file proposed rates with FERC, andFERC would establish just and reasonable rates through itsregular rate setting process.

Any Tri-State member would have the right to participatein that process, including any hearings. In addition, any singlemember or customer would have the right to file a complaint atFERC over any Tri-State rate or proposed rate.

Tri-State will continue to work constructively with stateleaders on resource planning,renewable energy and environmental issues

FERC regulation will not affect resource planning, carbonreduction or renewable energy regulation in the states in whichTri-State operates.(Continued on Page 10)

6-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner August 2019

Northwest Rural School Activity Calendar

JAMIE ROESJERRY PIERCE

920 E. Third - ChadronToll Free: 1-888-363-3636 • 432-3636

www.tommyscarlot.comtommyscarlot@hotmail.com

Tractor & Farm Equipment RepairSpecializing in John Deere

Roller Chain • Baler Belting - Guards & Sickle SectionsNathan Davis, Owner

212 N. Scott • Hay Springs • (308) 430-2615

D A V I SR e p a i r

308-282-1088220 N. Main • Gordon

facebook.com/fuelgrillOpen: Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-12 a.m.;

Fri-Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Closed SundaysMarlin Sandoz - Owner

Hemingford • Hay Springs • Gordon308-487-3317 - www.farmcoop.com

• Feed• Grain• Fertilizer• Chemical& AnimalHealth Care

Arena/Grandstand5 p.m. – Free Barbecue, Sponsored by Chamber of Commerce

Ag Committee, Bauerkempers and the Dawes County AgSociety, Grandstand

5 p.m. – Youth Rodeo, Arena5-7 p.m. – 4-H Creative Chefs Silent Auction, 4-H Building5:30 p.m. – Free popsicles, Farmers State Bank, Grandstand5:30 p.m. – Free Watermelon, First National Bank North Platte,

Grandstand5:30 p.m. – 3D Archery Shoot, East end of race track7 p.m. – 4-H Static Exhibits Open, 4-H Building7 p.m. – 4-H Static Exhibit Silent Auction Open, 4-H BuildingTUESDAY, JULY 308-9 a.m. – 4-H Companion Animal Show Check-in, Vetter

Building9:30 a.m. – 4-H Companion Animal Show, Vetter Building, fol-

lowed by 4-H Exotic Animal Show and 4-H Rabbit ShowLunch Break, followed by 4-H Poultry Show, Vetter Building4:30 p.m. – 4-H Static Award Photos for Champions/State Fair,

4-H Building5:30-6:30 p.m. – Small Animal Education Hour, Earl’s Park5 p.m. – Ranch Rodeo Cowboy Auction, Grandstand5 p.m. – Hay Auction, Grandstand6 p.m. – Ranch Rodeo and Bronc Match, GrandstandWEDNESDAY, JULY 318-10 a.m. – 4-H Swine Weigh-in and Check-in, North side of

the Event Center10-11 a.m. – 4-H Goat and Sheep Weigh-in and Check-in,

North side of the Event Center11 a.m. – Noon – 4-H Beef Weigh-in and Check-in, North side

of the Event Center

Dawes County Fair & Rodeo*Open class halls open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless otherwise stated*4-H Static Exhibits open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through FridayFRIDAY, JULY 268 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Open Class Check-in, Dixie Eaton/Henkens

Roberts Building8 a.m. – 4-H Cat Show Check-in (Show starts at 8:30 a.m.),

Vetter Building12:30 p.m. – 4-H Dog Show, (Show starts at 1 p.m.), Vetter

BuildingSATURDAY, JULY 277 a.m. – Breakfast for horse show participants.7:30 a.m. – 4-H Working Ranch & Performance Horse Show

Check-in (Show starts at 8 a.m.), Arena5 p.m. – Dawes County Fair Board Hog Wrestling and Pig

Wrangler Auction, ArenaSUNDAY, JULY 282 p.m. – Dawes County Hall of Fame, Pioneer Farm & Good

Neighbor Awards, Grandstand3 p.m. – Lawn Mower Association Races, North 40 Track3 p.m. – Tractor Weigh-in, Grandstand4 p.m. – Antique Tractor Pull, Grandstand4 p.m. – Hall of Fame Awards Reception, 4-H Dining HallMONDAY, JULY 298:30 a.m. – Doors open for 4-H Exhibit Check-in, 4-H Building9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – 4-H Static Exhibit Interview Judging, 4-H Bldg2-4 p.m. – 4-H Decorated Cakes Judging, 4-H Building2:30-4 p.m. – Stick Horse Races, Age 6 and under,

FIRSTNATIONAL

BANKMember FDIC

Your Local Ag Loan SpecialistPart of Your Past, Part of Your Future.

~Independent and Strong~

(308) 282-0050 • Gordon • 134 N. Main

August 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner 7-A

WahlstromFord, Inc.

“The Value Store’’E. Hwy. 20

A.J. Huffman ChadronWaymann Wild (308)432-5533Cesar Barraza

NRPPD AREA ACTIVITIESHay Springs Friendly Festival

Friday, Aug. 236 p.m. Tug of War, east of Ball Field,

Noah’s Ark Nacho Fundraiser duringTug of War

History of Mirage Flats, Heritage Museum, 5 p.m. - ?? Food in the Silver Dollar Beer Garden

Blue Street Band, 9 p.m.-1 a.m., Silver Dollar Beer Garden - No Minors

Saturday, Aug. 24Softball Tournament

7-9:30 a.m. Fly-in Breakfast, HS Airport, free will dona-tion on display8:30 a.m. - ? Bloody Mary Bar, Silver Dollar8 a.m. Young Eagles - irplane rides for ages 8-17,

if planes available/weather permiting10 a.m. 92nd Annual Festival Parade,

Theme: Glory Days, Registration 9 a.m.7:30 a.m. 5K Run-Walk, Security First Bank,

registration at 7:30 a.m.7:30 a.m. Robotics Breakfast Burritos & Caramel

Rolls, in front of Security First7-9:30 a.m. Fly-in Breakfast, HS Airport, free will

donations, planes on display10:30-? Grilling in the Silver Dollar Beer Garden

Saturday Following the Parade:Until 2 p.m. Blue Bonnet Garden Club Flower Show,

Bar J Restaurant building11 a.m.-3 p.m. Grilling at the Silver Dollar

Beer Garden11 a.m.-until gone Indian Tacos at the Senior Centeruntil 4 p.m. Quilt Show, St. Columbkille’s Church, 1-5 p.m. Free Swimming & activities1 p.m. Horseshoes, Sunset Park,1:30 p.m. Tractor Pull at Young’s Repair, thru 7 p.m. Vendor Market: Food, Retail, Info & more,

south end of Post Streetthru 5 p.m. 70’ Long, 30’ Tall Water slide and Bouncy

Houses, far West Side of ParkFollowing Parade Corn Hole Tournament, Tent in Park

Wildcat Hills Nature Center (Animal Viewingand More), time & location tba

Mini BNSF Train Rides, tbauntil 4 p.m. Quilt Show, St. Columbkille’s Church1-5 p.m. Free Swimming & activities1-1:50 p.m. Family Magic & Ventriloquist Show, starring

Jared Fernau, Park Stage1-2 p.m. Kids Tractor Pull (Ages 2-6 years old),

North End of Post Street2-3 p.m. Old Fashioned Family Games & Cow

Calling Contest, Starting near Main Stage3:15-3:45 p.m. The History of Trick Roping and the Wild

West Show, Main Stage in Park4 - 5 p.m. Up the Cattle Drive Trail and Songs of

the West Show Main Stage in ParkSponsored by Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the State of Nebraska

5 p.m. Free Family Hog Roast, Under the Tentin Park

5:30 p.m. Parade winners announced/other announcements, Main Stage in Park

6:30 p.m. Band - Loaded Dice, Main Stage in Park8-12 p.m. Tanner John’s Band, Silver Dollar

Sunday, Aug. 277:30-9 a.m. 3-Person Golf Scramble,

Tee off 7:30-9 a.m. Chairperson: Tod Dorshorst 430-1830

9:30 a.m. Church Services, Sunset Park. Chair: UMC. Bring your lawn chairs.

1-5 p.m. Free Swimming

8-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner August 2019

NRPPD AREA SAFETY

BEGUIN PROPANEPropane Delivery

Tank Rentals & SalesAsk About Our

“KEEP FULL PROGRAM”

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

beguinpropane @gpcom.net

D&SAuto Center

Car Sales & Dreams CarportsDennis & Sharon Persons

308-638-7453W. Hwy. 20 • Hay Springs, NE 69347

Christi’s CreativeScents

129 N. Main • Hay Springs308-430-0123

soyscentedcandles.comcchilliker.scentsy.us

youravon.com/chillikerLandstrom’s • Gift Baskets

Christi Hilliker - Owner

As harvest season gets under way, Northwest RuralPublic Power District, has issued a reminder to farm workersand operators to "look up and out" for power lines. As farmoperators begin using tall equipment back to the fields towork the harvest season, there's a higher risk of hitting powerlines, it warns.

Equipment can get caught in power lines if operators arenot aware of their surroundings. Even coming too close to apower line can cause electricity to arc to your equipment.

Contact with power lines can cause serious or fatal acci-dents. The best way to remain safe is to avoid contact withpower lines, but if contact does happen, it's critical to remaininside the farm equipment until assistance arrives. If forced toleave the farm vehicle, workers should jump—not step—withboth feet landing on the ground simultaneously. Workersmust jump clear of the equipment rather than stepping out,and begin shuffling their feet on the ground to safety. Thevehicle and the ground should not be touched at the sametime.

Calling for help is important in avoiding injuries. If a lineis not de-energized by a public power utility crew, steppingout of the vehicle could cause your body to become the pathand electrocution could occur. Even if the power line is rest-ing on the ground nearby, that surrounding area could poten-tially be energized.

The following safety precaution recommendations for

farmers during harvest operations:Each day, review all farm activities and work practices that

will take place around power lines and remind all workers totake precautions. Start each morning by planning the day'swork during a tailgate safety meeting. Know what jobs willhappen near power lines and have a plan to keep the assignedworkers safe.

Know the location of power lines and, when setting up thefarm equipment, be at least 20 feet away from them. ContactNorthwest Rural if you feel this distance cannot be achieved.

Use caution when raising augers or the bed of a grain truckor wagon. It can be difficult to estimate distance, and some-times a power line is closer than it looks. When moving largeequipment or high loads near a power line, always use a spot-ter to make certain the equipment stays a safe distance fromthe line.

Always adjust portable augers or elevators to their lowestpossible level – under 14 feet – before moving or transportingthem. Variables such as wind, uneven ground, shifting weight,or other conditions can combine to create an unexpected result.

Be aware of increased height when loading and transportinglarger modern tractors with higher antennas.

Never attempt to raise or move a power line to clear a path.If power lines near your property have sagged over time, callyour public power utility to repair them.

As in any outdoor work, be careful not to raise any equip-ment such as ladders, poles, or rods near or into power lines.Non-metallic materials such as lumber, tree limbs, tires, ropes,and hay will conduct electricity depending on dampness anddust and dirt contamination.

‘Look Up and Out’ For Power Lines During Harvest

August 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner Page 9-A

NRPPD ENTERTAINMENT

CORNER

Recipe

Bacon Pea Salad• 4 slices bacon• 3/4 cup mayonnaise• 1 tablespoon honey• 1 tablespoon white sugar• salt and ground black pepper to taste

• 1 (20 ounce) package fresh green peas• 2 stalks celery, chopped• 1/2 cup cubed Cheddar cheese• 1/3 cup chopped onion

Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-highheat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and crumble.Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease.

Whisk mayonnaise, reserved bacon grease, honey, sugar,salt, and black pepper together in a bowl until dressing issmooth.

Mix bacon, peas, celery, Cheddar cheese, and oniontogether in a bowl. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss tocoat. Refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

* * * * *Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard• 1/4 cup honey• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon steak sauce• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Preheat the grill for medium heat.In a shallow bowl, mix the mustard, honey, mayonnaise,

and steak sauce. Set aside a small amount of the honey mus-tard sauce for basting, and dip the chicken into the remainingsauce to coat.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken over indirect heat for18 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, or until juices run clear.Baste occasionally with the reserved sauce during the last 10minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning!

* * * * *

‘Best Steak Marinade in Existence’• 1/3 cup soy sauce• 1/2 cup olive oil• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder

• 3 tablespoons dried basil• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)• 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic (optional)

Place the soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershiresauce, garlic powder, basil, parsley, and pepper in a blender.Add hot pepper sauce and garlic, if desired. Blend on highspeed for 30 seconds until thoroughly mixed.

Pour marinade over desired type of meat. Cover, and refrig-erate for up to 8 hours. Cook meat as desired.

* * * * *Spinach Brownies• 1 (10 ounce) package spinach, rinsed and chopped• 1 cup all-purpose flour• 1 teaspoon salt• 1 teaspoon baking powder• 2 eggs

• 1 cup milk• 1/2 cup butter, melted• 1 onion, chopped• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inchbaking dish.

Place spinach in a medium saucepan with enough water tocover. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to simmer and cook untilspinach is limp, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, andset aside.

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt and baking powder. Stir ineggs, milk and butter. Mix in spinach, onion and mozzarellacheese.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake in thepreheated oven 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick insertedin the center comes out clean. Cool before serving.

NOTICEWe can only process a maximum

of $7,000 on a single credit card transaction.

Sorry for the inconvenience, pleaseplan accordingly.

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

10-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner August 2019

Central Office218 S. GibsonHay Springs

1-800-752-9584(308) 638-4432

www.westplainsco.com L.L.C.

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

Young’s Repair, Inc.Major to Minor Mechanical Work

Tractors, Truck & Car Repair• Vehicle & Farm Tires • Batteries

• Oil • Grease • BoltsSERVICE CALLS • HAULING

308-638-74435631 Hwy. 87 • Hay Springs

youngsrepairinc@gpcom.net

Quality Custom Made Hats & AccessoriesGARY & JOAN WAUGH

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

Gordon, Nebraska

“Satisfaction Guaranteed”

Grain BinsHarvesting Safely

As rewarding as it maybe, farming is an extremelydifficult job -- and ranksamong the top 10 most dan-gerous professions in theUnited States. At NorthwestRural, safety is a top priority for all -- our employeesand our consumers.

Our farmers work hard to get the job done, andsometimes it’s easy to forget all the necessary stepsto take when practicing safe operations. Grain binsare siloed spaces built for storing grain and fermentfeed known as silage. These bins play an integralrole in efficiency and profitability of farm and ranchoperations, and safety regulations should always beconsidered when working around these structures.

Whether you’re purchasing new grain bins orremodeling areas that contain existing ones, proxim-ity to overhead power lines must be a consideredfactor.

(Continued from Page 5)“We look forward to continued engagement with the

Governors, legislative leadership, commissions and stakehold-ers to achieve our shared goals,” said Tri-State CEO DuaneHighley. “Tri-State is committed to reducing emissions,expanding renewables, lowering costs to our members and cre-ating opportunities in all the states we serve.”

Tri-State has long considered federal rate regulationThe board has discussed potential FERC jurisdiction for

years, prompted by the assertion of rate regulation in NewMexico and Colorado. In 2012, the New Mexico PublicRegulation Commission suspended Tri-State’s rates fromgoing into effect, resulting in New Mexico members payingdifferent rates than members in other states. In 2013, theColorado Public Utilities Commission also asserted jurisdic-tion regarding a rate complaint from three members.

Tri-State is a not-for-profit cooperative wholesale powersupplier to 43 electric cooperatives and public power districtsthat collectively serve 1.3 million consumers across four statesand nearly 200,000 square miles of the west. Tri-State isowned and governed by its members.Contact:Lee Boughey, Tri-State303-254-3555lboughey@tristategt.orgfe

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

24-Hours-A-Day638-4445 or 1-800-847-0492

WWoorrkkiinngg wwiitthh yyoouu ttoo ssttaayy ssaaffee..

Tri-State--

August 2019 Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner Page 11-A

NRPPD ENERGY SAVINGS

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

Complete Builders Supply,Sentry HardwareFree Estimates

Simple ways to save energy and money at home

1.Set your air conditioner thermostatas high as comfortable – we rec-ommend 78º or higher when you'rehome. Use a smart thermostat toautomatically adjust the tempera-ture.

2. Have your central air conditionertuned up and clean or replace fil-ters monthly for efficient operation.

3. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day. Openwindows during cooler evening hours.

4. Use ceiling and portable fans to stay comfortable.5. Minimize indoor heat in the afternoon: run the dryer and

dishwasher at night on hot days and let your dishes airdry. Use a microwave, toaster oven or outdoor grillinstead of the oven.

6. Set your water heaterto 120º and use effi-cient showerheads.

7. Wash clothes in coldwater and clean thelint filter in the dryerafter every use.

8. Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Tomake it easier, plug home electronics, such as TVs, DVD

Top 10 Summer Energy-Saving Tipsplayers and computers into advanced power strips.

9. Remove, or unplug, extra freezers or refrigerators ifyou can, especially if they spend the summer out-doors or in a garage.

10. If you have a pool, consider upgrading to a variablespeed pool pump to save on energy costs. Also besure to keep the intake grates clear of debris.

12-A Northwest Rural P.P.D. Your Touchstone Energy Partner August 2019

OFFICERS• President: Bruce Troester, Marsland• Vice President: Christopher Garrett,

Chadron• Secretary: Lee Ahrens, Chadron• Treasurer: Marcus Sandberg,

Hay Springs• Terry Terrell, Hay Springs• Lucas Bear, Gordon• Tri-State Director: Gary Fuchser, Gordon

Manager: CHANCE BRISCOE Office Manager: Arlene Lahaye

Office (308) 638-4445Fax 638-4448

Consumer/MarketingDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Les TlustosPublisher/EditorAdvertising Rep. . . . . . . . .Cindy Peters

Hip-Hop (308) 638-7132or E-mail hiphop@gpcom.net

___________

Office Hours:8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Monday- Friday

Service CallsAfter Hours:

Please call 800-847-0492 ifyour call is long dis-tance or 638-4445for the local HaySprings area at alltimes.

We have ananswering servicethat answers thesenumbers on a 24-hour basis - afterhours, Saturday,Sundays and holi-days. Please statelegal description,account number ormeter numberwhere the outage isand your phonenumber when youcall.

Public Power DistrictSouth on Hwy. 87 • P.O. Box 249

Hay Springs, NE 69347

web page: http://www.nrppd.com

Bits ‘n Pieces...

Call or E-mail for more information

Karen Runkle at 232-4474or 308-763-1843

Fresh from the Earth!E-mail:

lilladybug7@hotmail.comor visit

LittleLadybugGardens.com

Lil LadybugGreenhouse & Garden

NRPPD ENTERTAINMENT

10 Undying Habits That Prove You Can NeverTake Nebraska Out Of The Nebraskan

It’s a sad fact of life that a lot of Nebraskans will end upmoving away at some point. But living in the Cornhusker Statechanges you in a lot of ways that don’t go away once you leavethe state. No matter how long you’ve been gone, trueNebraskans will probably find that these habits die hard.

1. Being prepared for any type of weather.You go ahead and wear your shorts and t-shirt...we'll bringlong pants, boots, and a coat just in case. Because in Nebraskayou never can tell when that sunny day is going to morph intoa surprise snowstorm.

2. Likewise being prepared for any potential car situ-ation. No matter where we go, we'll have jumper cables, ablanket, a first aid kit, spare tire, emergency hazard trian-gles, and some kitty litter in the trunk (and, if we're reallyprepared, an empty gas can). 3. Gorging ourselves on fresh produce when it's in season.Everyone knows that the best fruits and veggies come fromthe gardens of friends and family...but the second best placeto get them is from a stranger on the side of the road who'sselling them out of a pickup bed. In a pinch we'll go to a farm-ers market. But no matter where it comes from, fresh produceis a staple of our summer diets.4. Standing outside to watch severe weather.When people in other states are running inside to take shel-ter, we're running outside to catch pictures of the hail or

drink a few beers while we speculate on just how bad thisstorm will turn out to be.5. Cheering for the Huskers no matter what. Did you moveto a state with a pro football team? Or perhaps one with ahighly-regarded college team? Doesn't matter. Once a Huskerfan, always a Husker fan.6. Always feeling a nostalgic camaraderie with otherHuskers fans. Make no mistake about it - we will not hesitateto YELL "Go Big Red!" at a complete stranger if they happento be out on game day in a red shirt.7. Forever craving Runza. Once you get a taste of thatbready, meaty, cheesy goodness and then move to wherethere are no Runza restaurants...well, spending a bunch ofmoney to have a dozen frozen ones shipped to you suddenlydoesn't seem so crazy.8. And don't forget the chili and cinnamon rolls.There has been some controversy in the comments of previ-ous articles where this combo is mentioned. It seems likemost people remember it from school lunches, other peoplehave never heard of it, and still others swear that everystate eats these foods together. 9. Enjoying the great outdoors, no matter what theweather's like. If we get the urge to grill out when thereare two feet of snow on the ground, we're gonna grill out.Don't worry - the heat from the grill will keep you warm!10. Stocking up on...well, everything. Nebraskans havethriftiness built into our genes. Many of our parents andgrandparents survived some pretty lean times as farmers orranchers, and they taught us the value of spending wisely andpreparing for anything.

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Cling FreePeaches

COMING AUG. 17Call 308-763-1843 or

email: lil’ladybug7@hotmail.com