Hay Springs, NE 69347

December 2015

Gordon ‘Gush’ Water Facility Up And Running It's been a long time coming, but the dream of his late father, with the help of Gordon Investment group, and a lot of planning and work from the many involved, "Gush' is up and running. Nebraska Water Properties, which was featured in the January insert this past year, had a few set backs and took a little longer than expected to get the plant into operation. The 250' x 50' steel structure that was still in the construction stage last December, is quite an impressive operation today. Nebraska Water Properties has the capability of mass producing 10 ounce to 20 ounce small bottles and five gallon bottles, all filled with pure and natural mineral water from an artesian source. Unlike most bottled water and other beverages including pop, the water is not filtered by reverse osmosis, which leaves the water stripped of most of its healthy attributes, in particularly, its minerals. "Our water is pumped from a 375' well that taps into the Ogalala Aquifer just north of the facility. The water passes thru two small filters, an activated charcoal filter and four more paper filters in addition to a U-V light in the procession. "We want to make sure it is pure and clean, but that the filtration system leaves the minerals in the water.

Gary Ruse of Gordon in front of two the large water filters in the new New Water Properties plant located southeast of Gordon.

Right, is the preform used to produce the smaller bottles like the one pictured here. The Gordon Harvest Festival octagon bottle was the first bottle introduced to the public in October. We wouldn't want anything to go wrong," said Gary Ruse, who has followed out his father, Duane Ruse's dream. Gush Water, Nebraska Water Properties in-house brand, has qualified to be sold as mineral water, with the latest total dissolved solids test coming in at 287 parts per million "It needs to be 250 or more to be qualified as mineral water," explained Ruse. The plastic bottles are molded in to shape in house from small blue or clear cylinders. The tubes are heated and placed into molds, and within 20 seconds a bottle is formed. The molds themselves weigh 1000 lbs. Nebraska Water Properties currently has four different sixteen-pointnine ounce capacity bottle molds -- an octagon, square, round and a slender bullet shape. Four bottles are produced at a time in the smaller mold and they are filled 18 at a time, capped, labeled and then, the bottles are shrink wrapped in cases of 6, 12 or 24 The individual bottles are made from 29 grams of plastic, making them a much sturdier bottle than often found used in other water or beverage bottles. The square shape is the bottle design that the "Gush" labeled bottles will be produced in. "We prefer the square bottles because they stack easier and have more space than the octagon shape for labeling information," said Ruse. Nebraska Water Properties is able to offer vendors the option of custom water bottle shapes such as animals, motorcycles (Continued on Page 2)

NORTHWEST RURAL FEATURE Nebraska Water Properties--

Above, employee Edgar Caballevoshows a finished five gallon bottle after it came out of the mold. Left, the finished bottle next to the “preform” . The transformation was completed with in a matter of less than a minute.

(Continued from Page 1) and even embossed bottles. Nebraska Water Properties can offer just about any bottle design, as long as the customer is interested in purchasing the mold, which is custom made in India. Approximately 100 five gallon bottles can be produced an hour in the semi-automatic operation. Ruse noted they realize they can't compete with Walmart or Sam's club, but says "We are marketing custom labels, that's our forte." Hay Springs graphic artist, Azure Summers, has been designing custom water bottle logos for casinos, schools and local events. One of the first

labels she designed was for the Gordon Oktoberfest in which the plant donated 1000 bottles of water to the event. One of the first big clients are the Santee Sioux Tribe casinos located in Niobrara, Neb. "We have produced seven different logo designs for the different divisions of the tribes," said Ruse. They are currently working on a few other large proposals for large companies and organizations. In addition to the standard labels they will offer special "hangtags," which can place over the necks of the bottles, and used to serve as additional advertising, or to offer coupons. Nebraska Water Properties is also excited to have teamed up with Lynn Bettelyoun and Wanble, LLC, a fivegallon bottled water distributor located in Oglala, South Dakota. Their water had previously been bottled in Rapid City, from a company water filtered by reverse osmosis, they have since begun using Gush water. Five gallon water dispensers are also available, which Nebraska Water Properties will service on site as needed. After all this water is bottled and packaged, it will need to be delivered. Nebraska Water Properties, which was constructed with two loading docks, is equipped to ship water using LTL carriers and other contracted semi's, 24 pallets at a time. In addition, they have their own delivery truck that will deliver water five-gallon bottled water and small bottles to local vendors and customers. In addition to producing new bottles, the company has the equipment to recycle the used bottles. Ruse said the five-gallon bottles are strong enough to be used for 15-20, making these a great eco-friendly option. The water plant, which now has 8 employees, includes Phil Shoop, who oversees the actual bottling operation. He has 22 years experience in the bottling business at another facility near Osmond, Neb. For more information about the Nebraska Water Property, contact Gary at 308-282-0015, 308-360-1296 or at [email protected]

When Making Outage Calls To expedite service call 1-800-847-0492 or 6384445, 24 hours a day and please provide as much of the following information as you can: 1. Account Name 2. Account Number 3. Address 4. Telephone Number

2-A

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

Gary Ruse stands next to dozens of pallets with the five gallon water bottles ready for shipment. Your Touchstone Energy Partner

December 2015

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

Along The Garden Path Christmas Greenery Tis' the season for fresh greens! Whether it is a Christmas tree, garland, swag or a wreath for the door, we all enjoy the fresh evergreen smell that scents the house during the Holidays. As a child, I remember when our family joined together to find our Christmas tree. It was a time for sledding, hot cocoa and family fun AND yes, we went home with a tree. It wasn't always the prettiest tree and was always much bigger than we thought once we tried to put it into the house; but it was always the best one because it was ours. I hate to admit that now I bring down the box from the attic and put up my artificial tree. Although I have many artificial Christmas decorations, I do try to add a fresh swag or wreath and possibly a fresh table decoration so I can still enjoy the rich evergreen smells of Christmas. Whether you want the whole enchilada with greenery draped down the banisters and across mantles, a huge tree bedecked with candles, fresh wreaths, mistletoe and kissing balls - OR - a fresh green arrangement on the dining table will do; there are rules for keeping them fresh - AND GREEN. · When you choose your greenery; pine, cedar, or fir are excellent choices as they dry out more slowly and seem to keep several weeks if you keep them on the cool side. · For the freshest tree or greenery, cut it yourself. This can be at a tree farm or in the forest. Pat's family always groomed a tree for Christmas so, of course, it was watered, trimmed and really fresh when they brought it home. They would hunt for a suitable tree for hours until finally they would come upon the perfect tree. It wasn't until he was a teenager that he discovered that his dad had picked out the tree years before and groomed it for the Holidays. o Harvest the tree or greenery as close to when you plan to use them as possible. · If you buy a tree, give the needles the old Christmas tree test - bend them. It they are brown or they break, choose a different tree. Another trick in the tree lot is to lift the tree and then hit the base of the trunk on the ground. If you are showered in pine needles, choose another tree. o Christmas trees found in the tree lots are cut and shipped weeks before Christmas. In order to insure that the tree stays fresh, keep it outside in the cold until you need it. And don't plan to put the tree up until a week or two before

December 2015

Northwest Rural P.P.D

-by Karen Runkle, Master Gardener

Christmas. • Cut the tip of the trunk off of the tree before you bring it inside and put the tree in water for 12-24 hours. This allows the tree to absorb as much water as possible. • If you bring home branches to make your own swags, garlands and wreaths, re-cut the ends and pound them with a hammer so they will absorb more water. Then soak them overnight in the bathtub. If you make floral arrangements, keep the arrangement in the garage or outside when they are not on display. The cool temperatures will keep them fresh through the Holiday season. • When you put lights in your holiday arrangements or on your garland, make sure the lights are cool. The heat in lights can cause drying and death in your arrangement. • Mist your live greenery every couple of days. Don't forget to keep the water in the tree stand. • For best results, remember to keep your greens away from heat vents, fireplaces and even sunny windows. It seems like a lot of work for a little greenery; but if you put it all together with the expectancy of Christmas, the joy of friends and family as they celebrate the season, and the memories you carry with you throughout a lifetime, It IS WELL WORTH IT.

SMARTHUB It's hard not to be excited when you see all that SmarHub can do for you!

• "Bill & Pay" • "My Usage" • "District News" • "Contact Us" Go to Nrppd.com and look for the SmarHub link in the bottom right corner. Your Touchstone Energy Partner

Page 3-A

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

LED Lighting for Christmas This year, LED (light emitting diodes) lights will brighten Christmas displays throughout the country. LED lights now offer many different styles. Many colors and sizes are available as well. Are you tired of trying to find the burned out bulb in a set of Christmas lights? There are several advantages in the use of LED lights. The new LED lights have an extremely long life. Unlike standard Christmas lights, LED lights will dim toward the end of their life rather than burning out all at once. There are several advantages of LED lights. Some reports have stated the life of LED Christmas lights to be 100,000 hours. One of the biggest advantages is the LED

produces more light per watt than other types of lighting and are 90 percent more efficient than incandescent lights. One set of conventional 100 C( style Christmas lights will use 700 watts of electricity. The same light set replaced with the new LED light equivalent would use only 65 watts. The new LED lights could save $7.50 on the one set of 100 lights during the Christmas season. Over the life of the bulbs in comparison to conventional lights LED lights have become very popular because of decreased operating costs. The LED Christmas light offers enhanced decorating inside and outside of the home. LED lighting will give new joy to the Christmas season. Energy dollars can be used for more important joys that the season brings.

Carports • Buildings • Garages YOU DREAM IT WE BUILD IT! Starting at

Don’t know what to give?

595 12’x21’x5’

$

Dennis & Sharon Persons (308) 638-7453 Hay Springs

We’ve got the perfect solution!

Gift Certificates from

Northwest Rural Also, stop in and Register for a

$50 NRPPD Gift Drawing Apply towards your electric bill or an electric grill. (NRPPD Customers only) Page 4-A

For more information, stop by or call!

Northwest Rural Public Power District Cares About the Consumer 24-HOUR SERVICE

(308) 638-4445 or 1-800-847-0492 Northwest Rural P.P.D.

Rushville

(308) 327-3126

Hay Springs Lumber & Hardware Company 130 N. Main • (308) 638-4404 Complete Builders Supply, Sentry Hardware, Free Estimates

Your Touchstone Energy Partner

December 2015

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS Northwest Law Suit Finally Comes To Conclusion In the matter of NADC v. Skinner and Tlustos, regarding the complaint filed by Michael Van Buskirk in November, 2010, there has been a conclusion. The matter has had a long trip through the Nebraska administrative and judicial system. Briefly, that history is summarized below. Van Buskirk's initial complaint alleged that Northwest Rural Public Power District (NRPPD) employees Rolland Skinner and Les Tlustos violated Nebraska law [4914,101.02(2)] by utilizing public funds from NRPPD to "campaign" against Van Buskirk by running three specific radio ads in October 2010, the month preceding the election. Skinner, the general manager, approved the ads composed by Tlustos, the employees in charge of consumer relations. Skinner and Tlustos denied that the ads were campaign ads since the ads repeated information on NRPPD's website and were previously circulated to patrons of NRPPD in the newsletter and mailings months before the disputed radio ads. After an investigation by and a hearing before the NADC (Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission) on the complaint, Skinner and Tlustos were found by the Commission to have violated the law. This decision was appealed, alleging that the regulation of this type of speech was limited by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The appeal of the NADC's determination was to the District Court of Lincoln County, Nebraska, the County where the administrative hearing occurred. Skinner and Tlustos successfully argued that the radio ads and the speech complained of were protected by the First Amendment and that the law was impermissibly applied by the NADC in violation of the First Amendment. The interpretation applied by the NADC exceeded federal campaign regulation which only prohibits ads that directly mention the candidate or the election. The finding of the NADC was reversed. The NADC appealed this District Court decision. The District Court appeal was handled by the Nebraska Supreme Court, who removed it from the lower Nebraska Court of Appeals. The NADC successfully argued that the District Court's determination that the intent of the persons responsible for running the ads not being a consideration, was

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

Tractors, Truck, & Car Repair • Vehicle & Farm Tires • Batteries • Oil • Grease • Bolts SERVICE CALLS • HAULING

308-638-7443

5631 Hwy. 87 • Hay Springs [email protected]

December 2015

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

an error. The District Court had followed federal election law in deciding intent was not a consideration. The Nebraska Supreme Court followed California's approach to the analysis of whether an ad was impermissible public campaigning and allowed a review of intent based on the timing, the tenor and style of the challenged ad. Because intent was not considered by the District Court, the Supreme Court returned the case to the District Court for additional proceedings, specifying certain factors for consideration. After a second review of the evidence submitted at the initial hearing before the NADC, the District Court stated "the Appellants (Skinner and Tlustos) at no time intended to violate the laws of the State of Nebraska or the Rules and Regulations of the NADC, and that they placed the ads in question with a good faith belief that they were providing accurate information to the ratepayers of their district." Notwithstanding this finding, the Court found the Appellants had violated the act and affirmed the original NADC determination by applying the factors the Nebraska Supreme Court specified when it returned the case. The proximity of the ads to the election and the refusal to halt the ads were significant factors applied by the District Court. Since the case had now lasted over four years and another appeal would take at least another year, the parties discussed a resolution of the inconsistent findings of the District Court's second order. The NADC agreed to a reduced fine and waiver of costs in exchange for the agreement of Skinner and Tlustos not to appeal the second District Court order. This ended the dispute with the payment of the fines. No payment was made by NRPPD at any time during the dispute on any attorney's fees, costs or the fines imposed. With the conclusion of the dispute NRPPD began development of a policy related to distribution of information and the use of public funds to do so. The purpose of the policy is to potentially eliminate future infractions. The policy is expected to be adopted by the end of the year in time for implementation prior to the next election cycle.

BEGUIN PROPANE Propane Delivery Tank Rentals & Sales Ask About Our

“KEEP FULL PROGRAM” 3579 Robbie Beguin, Owner (308) 360-3 Hwy. 20 & 280th Lane - Gordon [email protected] Your Touchstone Energy Partner

Page 5-A

NRPPD Area School Activity Calendar Chadron

Tues., Dec. 1 Thurs., Dec. 3 Fri., Dec. 4

Mon., Dec. 7 Tues., Dec. 8

Thurs., Dec. 10

Fri., Dec. 11 Sat., Dec. 12

Mon., Dec. 14 Tues., Dec. 15 Thurs., Dec. 17 Dec. 18-19 Fri., Dec. 18

G BB (7th-8th) vs. Hot Springs, 4:30 & 6 p.m. G&B BB (V) Conf. Tournament vs. Mitchell, 5:30 & 7 p.m. G&B BB (v-C) Tournament continues, tbd WR (V) at Cozad Invite, tba WR (MS) at Torrington, tba WR (MS) at Mitchell, 1 p.m. G BB (8th) at Gering, 4 p.m. G BB (7th) vs. Gering, 4 p.m. G&B BB C Team vs. G-R, 5 & 6:30 p.m. G BB (8th) at Alliance, 4 p.m. G BB (7th) vs. Alliance, 4 p.m. WR (V) Tri at Val. (Gordon-Rush), 6 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Gordon-Rush, 5 & 6:30 p.m. Speech at Gering, tba Act Test at CSC WR (V) at Gordon-Rushville, 9 a.m. WR (MS) at Scottsbluff, 9 a.m. G&B BB (C-JV-V) vs. Torrington, C-1 p.m.; JV-2:30; V- 4 & 6 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Hot Springs, 4, 5:30 & 7 p.m. G&B BB (C-Team) vs. Mitchell, 4 & 5:30 p.m. Choir Concert at High School Aud., 7 p.m. WR (V) at Valentine Invite, 10 a.m. G&B BB (JV-V) at Scottsbluff, 4, 4, 5:30 & 7 p.m.

BAR J STEAKHOUSE Serving Certified Angus Beef Only

Open Thurs-Fri.-Sat. Nights 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

PRIME RIB SPECIAL - FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Lunch Served Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 4580 • Hay Springs 119 N. Main • (308) 638-4 Owners - Don & Mary Vannatta

WAHLSTROM FORD, INC. “The Value Store’’

John Coates Robert Wahlstrom Adam Smith Misty Hickstein Page 6-A

E. Hwy. 20 Chadron (308)432-5533

Sat., Dec. 19 Mon., Dec. 21 Tues., Dec. 22 Wed., Dec. 23 Dec. 29-30 Thurs., Jan. 7

G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Gering, 4, 4, 5:30 & 7 p.m. Elementary Vocal Concert, HS Aud., 7 p.m. Band Concert at HS Aud., 7 p.m. 1:30 Dismissal - Christmas Vacation G&B BB (V) Holiday Tourney at CSC (Hemingford, Valentine, Spearfish), tba WR (V) Dual at Alliance, 6 p.m.

Gordon-Rushville Tues., Dec. 1

Thurs., Dec. 3 Fri., Dec. 4

Sat., Dec. 5

Mon., Dec. 7 Tues., Dec. 8 Thurs., Dec. 10

Fri., Dec. 11 Sat., Dec. 12 Mon., Dec. 14 Tues., Dec. 15 Wed., Dec. 16 Thurs., Dec. 17

Fri., Dec. 18

Sat., Dec. 19 Mon., Dec. 21 Dec. 29-30 Mon., Jan. Tues., Jan. Thurs., Jan. Fri., Jan. 8

WR (MS) at Bayard, 9: a.m. G BB (MS) at Valentine, 4 p.m. G BB vs. Hemingford, p.m. K-2 Christmas Program/GES, 6:30 p.m. One-Act Play Performance for GRHS Students, 8 a.m. G&B BB (JV-V) at Hemingford, 2 p.m. WR (V) at Crawford, 3 p.m. District One Acts at Chadron Speech at Gering, tba G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Ainsworth, tba HS Concert, 7 p.m. G&B BB at Chadron, 5 p.m. G BB (MS) at Crawford, 4 p.m. WR (JV-V) at Valentine Tri. (Chadron), tba RES Christmas Program, 6:30 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) at Chadron, 5 p.m. WR G-R Invite, 8 a.m. Christmas Concert, 7 p.m. G&B BB (V) at Hyannis, 4 p.m. GRPS School Board Meeting, 6 p.m. End of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester RES Christmas Store for Students RES Turn in BoxTops Day!!! WR (JV-V) at Hemingford Tri w/Bridgeport, 6 p.m. Teacher In-service WR (V) at Valentine, 2 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Bennett Co., 3 p.m. WR (V) at Valentine, 9 a.m. G&B BB (JV-V) Mullen, 2 p.m. No School - Christmas Vacation begins G&B (V) BB Holiday Tourney at Alliance, tba No School-Teacher Inservice School Resumes WR (V) WTC at Kimball G&B BB (JV-V) at Valentine, 5 p.m.

JAMIE ROES • JERRY TURMAN • JERRY PIERCE 920 E. Third - Chadron Toll Free: 1-888-363-3636 • 432-3636 www.tommyscarlot.com [email protected]

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

Your Touchstone Energy Partner

December 2015

Sat., Jan. 9

Crawford Tue., Dec. 1 Thurs., Dec. 3 Dec. 4-5 Fri., Dec. 4 Service Tues., Dec. 8 Thurs., Dec. 10

Sat., Dec. 12

Dec. 21-22 Tues., Jan. 5 Thurs., Jan. 7 Fri., Jan. 8 Sat., Jan. 9

Hemingford Tues., Dec. 1 Wed., Dec. 2 Thurs., Dec. 3 Fri., Dec. 4 Sat., Dec. 5 Mon., Dec. 7 Tues., Dec. 8 Wed., Dec. 9 Thurs., Dec. 10

Speech at Scottsbluff, tba WR (V) at Ogallala, 9 a.m. G&B BB (JV-V) at Bayard, 1 p.m. WR (JH) at Bayard Invite, 9 a.m. G&B BB (JV-V) at Sioux County, 3:30 p.m. G&B BB (V) at Bayard Tournament 1:15 p.m. Early Dismissal: Teacher InWR Crawford Invite, 2 p.m. G BB (JH) vs. Hemingford, 5 p.m. G&B BB (JV/V) at Hay Springs, 4 p.m. WR Triangular at home (Hemingford & Hay Springs, 6 p.m. WR (V) at Banner County, 9:30 a.m. G BB (JH) vs.Hay Springs,10 a.m. G&B BB (JV-V) vs.Garden County, 3 p.m. G&B BB (V) at Sioux County Tournament @ G BB (JV/V) vs.Hemingford, 6 p.m. G&B (BB JV/V) vs. Edgemont, 4 p.m. G&B BB (JV/V) at Lingle Ft. Laramie,4 p.m. WR (V) at Garden County, 9 a.m. WR (JH) at Bayard Invite Progress Reports Sent Home G BB (JH) vs. Gord./Rush. at Rushville, 5 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Gord./Rush., 2 p.m. WR at Crawford Invite, 3 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) at Hyannis, 1 p.m. G BB (JH) at Alliance St. Agnes, 4:30 p.m. G BB (JH) at Crawford, 5 p.m. FCCLA Big Brother/Sister, 2:30 p.m. G BB (JH) at Bridgeport, 4 p.m.

Your Panhandle Area Bee Keeper “Proudly Serving the Sheridan County area for Over 20 Years”

Bees • Honey Pollination Hay Springs

State One-Act at Norfolk WR Tri at Crawford (Hay Springs) 6 p.m. FFA Meeting/Christmas Party, 6:30 p.m. WR at Banner County Invite, 9:30 a.m. G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Mitchell, 1 p.m. Speech at Gering ACT Test Date G BB (JH) PanCo at Hay Springs, tba School Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Staff Morning Christmas Gathering, 7:30 a.m. EL & HS Christmas Concert, 6 p.m. WR Tri at Hem. (G/R Bridg), 6 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) vs Bridgeport, 2 p.m. 1 p.m. Dismissal - Christmas Break WR at Bridgeport/Sidney Invite in B-port, 9a.m. G&B BB (JV-V) at Leyton in Dalton, 1 p.m. G&B BB (V) at Chadron Rotary Classic

Fri., Dec. 11 Sat., Dec. 12

Mon., Dec. 14 Tues., Dec. 15 Thurs., Dec. 17 Fri., Dec. 18 Sat., Dec. 19 Dec. 29-30

Hay Springs Fri., Dec. 4 Sat., Dec. 5 Thurs., Dec. 10

Sat., Dec. 12

Mon., Dec. 14 Tues., Dec. 15 Dec. 18-19 Sat., Jan. 2

G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Cody-Kilgore, 3 p.m. WR (V) at Crawford Invite, 3 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) at Arthur County, 12 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) vs. Crawford, 4 p.m. WR at Hemingford Dual, 6 p.m. G BB (JH) vs. Morrill, 4 p.m. G&B BB (JV-V) at Mullen, 2 p.m. WR (V) at Gordon-Rushville, 8 a.m. G BB (JH) at Crawford, 10 a.m. G BB (JH) PanCo at Home G&B BB (JV-V) at Morrill, 4 p.m. WR at Hot Springs Invite, Fri.: 12 p.m.; Sat: 9 a.m. G&B BB (V only) vs. McPherson, 4 p.m. WR (V) at Neuman Grove, 9 a.m.

Your Local Ag Loan Specialist Part of Your Past, Part of Your Future. ~Independent and Strong~

FIRST NATIONAL BANK Member FDIC

308-638-7535

(308) 282-0050 • Gordon • 134 N. Main

Strong Insurance, Inc. “All Forms of Insurance’’ 224 Main Street Gordon, NE 69343 (308) 282-0560

December 2015

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

HAIL REPAIR • Paintless Dent Removal • Paint Chip & Scratch Repair • Headlamp Restoration • Glass Chip & Scratch Repair

Tim Kicker • (308) 430-2650 • Chadron A Touchstone Energy Partner

Page 7-A

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

Save Energy With Your Kitchen Range What’s for dinner? Around most homes, it’s the most frequently asked question. If you plan on cooking, you likely have an opportunity to save energy while making a meal! Webster’s Dictionary defines “range” as the combination of a stovetop and an oven into one kitchen appliance. Even if you have a separate cooktop and oven, you still have the same opportunities to make your meal in an energy-efficient manner. Consider the following tips. Match the amount of food to pan and element size: Using a pan capable of holding much larger quantities of food ends up requiring more energy than necessary to cook the food. Also, using a burner or cooking element larger than the selected pan also wastes energy. As an example, a 6-inch pan on an 8-inch burner will waste over 40 percent of the heat produced. Select durable, flat-bottomed cookware: The best cookware

Christi’s Creative Scents 129 N. Main • Hay Springs

308-430-0123

soyscentedcandles.com cchilliker.scentsy.us youravon.com/chilliker

has a slightly concave bottom, which when heated, expands and the bottom flattens out. An electric element or burner is significantly less efficient if the pan does not have good contact. For instance, boiling water for pasta could use 50 percent more energy on a cheap, warped-bottom pan compared to a flat-bottom pan. Choose highly conductive materials: Some materials transfer heat more evenly than others and usually result in more evenly cooked food. Note that cooper-bottom and stainless steel pans heat up faster than aluminum or tin pans. In the oven, glass or ceramic pans and typically better than metal. This allows the oven temperature to be set about 25 degrees F lower and cook food just as quickly. Keep stovetop clean and shiny: When burner pans become blackened or the surface of cooking elements become tarnish, they can absorb a lot of heat and reduce burner efficiency. Clean and shiny reflects more heat up to the cookware. Reduce cooking time: Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator before cooking. This will often improve “doneness” consistency in the prepared food. (Continued on Page 9)

Christi Hilliker, Owner

“Satisfaction Guaranteed”

Wreck-A-Mended Body Works Free Estimates • Custom Painting

(308) 282-2005 Steve & Valli Petersen 701 South Main • Gordon www.brucehillchadron.com Page 8-A

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

Your Touchstone Energy Partner

December 2015

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS Save Energy on Range--

Space Heater Safety

(Continued from Page 8) Minimize preheat time: All too often, cooks turn their ovens on to preheat to a specific temperature, and the oven reached that temperature long before food is ready to place in the oven. The additional “unoccupied - at temperature” time results in wasted energy. Keep racks clear: Don’t lay foil over the top of the oven racks as this restrict air flow and increase cooking time. For the same reason, stagger pans on the racks to improve air flow. No Peeking! There is a logical reason as to why move ovens today have interior lights and a window in the door. Every time the oven door is opened, 25-50 degrees F is lost. Leftovers, please! By cooking double portions, all you have to do is reheat prepared food. If you have a microwave oven available, even great energy savings can be achieved. Reduce food size: Preparing individual servings when possible enables you to reduce cooking time. As an example, cooking a meatloaf in a full-sized pan takes 90 minutes, while cooking individually sized meatloaf portions in a muffin tin requires only 30 minutes of cooking time. Note that cutting up foods prepared on the stovetop benefit the same way if pieces are cut to bite-sized as opposed to whole foods.

Do’s • For heating purposes, use only equipment that is made for home heating. Use all types of heaters, carefully and follow all directions for safe use. • Place the heater on a level, hard, nonflammable surge, such as a ceramic tile floor. • Keep the heater at least three feet away from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials.

Don’ts: • Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep. • Don’t use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use. • Never use your oven, grill or clothes dryer to heat your home. This could cause a fire or dangerous carbon monoxide gas. • Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater, as even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire.

HILLS TIRE & SUPPLY On Farm Tire Repair Exhaust • Brake Repair Wheel Alignment • Shock Absorbers Mike Waugh - Manager 1072 W. 6th St.•

(308) 432-3850 • Chadron

Central Office 218 S. Gibson Hay Springs

1-800-752-9584 (308) 638-4432 www.westplainsco.com

December 2015

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

A Touchstone Energy Partner

GRAIN L.L.C. Page 9-A

NORTHWEST RURAL NEWS

Reecippe Corneer • • • • • • • • •

Cornish Game Hens with Garlic & Rosemary

4 Cornish game hens salt and pepper to taste 1 lemon, quartered 4 sprigs fresh rosemary 3 tablespoons olive oil 24 cloves garlic 1/3 cup white wine 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, for garnish Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Rub hens with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Lightly season hens with salt and pepper. Place 1 lemon wedge and 1 sprig rosemary in cavity of each hen. Arrange in a large, heavy roasting pan, and arrange garlic cloves around hens. Roast in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together wine, chicken broth, and remaining 2 tablespoons of oil; pour over hens. Continue roasting about 25 minutes longer, or until hens are golden brown and juices run clear. Baste with pan juices every 10 minutes. Transfer hens to a platter, pouring any cavity juices into the roasting pan. Tent hens with aluminum foil to keep warm. Transfer pan juices and garlic cloves to a medium saucepan and boil until liquids reduce to a sauce consistency, about 6 minutes. Cut hens in half lengthwise and arrange on plates. Spoon sauce and garlic around hens. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, and serve. * * * * *

Chocolate Brittle Surprise • • • •

35 unsalted soda crackers 1 cup butter 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

e The Sertvic tha

Matters 432-4889 • Chadron 130 Horseshoe Drive

(888) 432-4889

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover cookie sheet with foil. Spray foil with cooking oil spray. Place crackers on foil in 5 x 7 inch rows. Microwave butter on high for 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and stir. Microwave on high for 2 more minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Pour over crackers. Bake 17 - 20 minutes (should bubble but not burn). Sprinkle chocolate chips over hot crackers. Spread after 2 minutes (chips have softened). Sprinkle nuts on top. Refrigerate 1 hour. Break into pieces. Can be frozen.

Amazingly Good Eggnog • • • • • • • • • • •

4 cups milk 5 whole cloves 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 12 egg yolks 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 1/2 cups light rum 4 cups light cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Add all ingredients to list

Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan, and heat over lowest setting for 5 minutes. Slowly bring milk mixture to a boil. In a large bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Whisk together until fluffy. Whisk hot milk mixture slowly into the eggs. Pour mixture into saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes, or until thick. Do not allow mixture to boil. Strain to remove cloves, and let cool for about an hour. Stir in rum, cream, 2 teaspoon vanilla, and nutmeg. Refrigerate overnight before serving. *

• Carpet & Furniture • Walls • Drapes • Wood & Tile Floors • Smoke & Water Restoration • Pet Odor Removal • Duct Cleaning • Air Mold Sampling

FREE ESTIMATES ••• Larry & Audrey Sloan

Page 10-A

• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

*

*

*

*

Farm, Ranch & Land * Qualified Buyers If you are considering selling please contact Philip Rosfeld, Broker (308) 432-6828 Day or (308) 430-5151 Evening www.WesternViewRealEstate.com A Touchstone Energy Partner

December 2015

There is no more appropriate time for us to say Thank You and to wish you a Happy Holiday Season!

from the Board of Directors and Employees at

Northwest Rural Public Power District Cale Anderson Kelli Anderson Matt Anderson Trampas Belknap Chance Briscoe Kelsey DeField Darren Drabbels Wade Hanks Vicky Henwood John Hessler Tony Hindman December 2015

Ron Housh Brad Johnson Terry Knapp Arlene Lahaye Ron Olson Erik Persons Tyler Potts LJ Prosser Russ Reichenberg Les Tlustos

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

Kelly Troester Abe Young Directors Lee Ahrens Wayne Cobb Gary Fuchser Robert Rickenbach Terry Terrell Bruce Troester Mike Van Buskirk

A Touchstone Energy Partner

Page 11-A

NORTHWEST RURAL ENTERTAINMENT

Bits ‘n Pieces... All I Needed to Know About Life I learned from Santa:

• • • • • • • • •

Encourage people to believe in you. Always remember who's naughty and who's nice. Don't pout. It's as much fun to give as it is to receive. Some days it's ok to feel a little chubby. Make your presents known. Always ask for a little bit more than what you really want. Bright red can make anyone look good. Wear a wide belt and no-one will notice how many pounds you've gained. • If you only show up once a year, everyone will think you're very important. • Whenever you're at a loss for words, say: "HO, HO, HO!" * * * * *

Sung To the Tune of "Deck The Halls" Deck the malls this Christmas season, fa la la la la, la la la la Blow your cash for no good reason, fa la la la la, la la la la Push your charge card to its limit fa la la, la la la, la la la Your check book now has nothing in it. fa la la la la, la la la la.

~and~

Garden Crafts in time for the Holidays. ______________

Merry Christmas! Lil Ladybug

Greenhouse & Garden

E-mail: [email protected] Or visit www.LittleLadybugGardens.com

12-A

Having a place to go -- is a home. Having someone to love - is a family. Having both -- is a blessing. --Donna Hedges * * * * * As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we worth the same --Donald E. Westlake * * * * * Sharing the holiday with other people, and feeling that you’re giving of yourself, gets you past all the commercialism. --Caroline Kennedy * * * * *

Merry Christmas!

Available Now! Jams & Jellies

Fresh from the Earth!

* * * * * At no time is a poker face more advantageous than when you are seeing a pack relatives off who have overstayed their visit. * * * * * Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves. --Eric Sevareid

Call or E-mail for more information. Karen Runkle at 232-4474 or

308-763-1843 4283 460th Road Hay Springs, NE 69347

Northwest Rural P.P.D.

___________ Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday- Friday Service Calls After Hours: Please call 800-847-0492 if your call is long distance or 638-4445 for the local Hay Springs area at all times. We have an answering service that answers these numbers on a 24hour basis - after hours, Saturday, Sundays and holidays. Please state legal description, account number or meter number where the outage is and your phone number when you call.

Public Power District South on Hwy. 87 • P.O. Box 249 Hay Springs, NE 69347 web page: http://www.nrppd.com OFFICERS President: Lee Ahrens, Marsland Vice President: Wayne Cobb, Merriman Secretary: Bruce Troester, Marsland Treasurer: Robert Rickenbach, Chadron Tri-State Director: Gary Fuchser, Gordon Board Members: Mike Van Buskirk, Hay Springs Terry Terrell, Hay Springs Manager: CHANCE BRISCOE Office Manager: Arlene Lahaye Office (308) 638-4445 Fax 638-4448 Consumer/Marketing Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Les Tlustos Publisher/Editor Advertising Rep. . . . . . . . .Cindy Peters Hip-Hop (308) 638-7132

Your Touchstone Energy Partner

November 2015