Watts News
 Published for the members of North Itasca Electric Cooperative
VOL. 12 NO. 7  -  JULY 2009

Annual meeting: facing challenges ahead 

by Amanda Nesheim

On June 13, 2009 North Itasca Electric Co-op members came into town and had breakfast before the 69th annual meeting. Pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage were served along with bananas and beverages.

About 250 co-op members were in attendance and were treated to the voices of the Blandin Male Choir and four guest speakers: David Saggau, CEO of Great River Energy (GRE), Sen. Tom Saxhaug, Rep. Tom Anzelc, and Operation Round-Up board member Mr. Tom Boland.

Continued...

Jan Maggert’s innovative design  

by Gerald Loney, energy management specialist

Mr. Maggert installed a geothermal heat pump with a twist. With his innovation and wit, he managed to heat his home from November 2008 through May 14, 2009 for $506.54.

Usually there is not a reduced rate for geothermal heat pumps because backup heating systems aren’t normally installed for load control. Jan does have a backup heating system for load control and therefore qualifies for the dual fuel rate of 4.8 cents per kWh.

Continued...

Over-the-Air Digital TV  

By Friday, June 12 all full power television stations in the U.S. stopped broadcasting in analog mode and converted to digital. The reason: digital broadcasting will provide a clearer picture and more programming options, and free up air waves for other uses, such as Emergency Services.

Now that full power stations have made the move to digital, it is time for translator owners to convert their equipment to digital. Northern Minnesota is served by a number of translators, and some of the owners have already decided to invest in digital equipment. The new digital signal will be available to viewers who use an antenna, compliments of the stations and translator owners.

Continued...

JULY EVENTS:
BIGFORK VALLEY HEALTH EXPO, NORTHSTAR STAMPEDE, WHITE OAK RENDEZVOUS 

Health Expo, Bigfork Valley
Sat. July 18, 1-4 p.m.

It’s the fourth annual Health Expo at the Bigfork Valley campus on Saturday, July 18 from 1-4 p.m.

Interested in chatting informally with a surgeon about leading techniques in joint replacement or chronic pain management? Want to see what an air ambulance looks like? Want to try putting out a fire with a fire extinguisher all by yourself?

Continued...

July 2009 Calendar of Events 

1 Naturalist program at Cut Foot Sioux. "What maps tell us" Design your own map.
1 Naturalist program at Discovery Center. "Who's been tromping through our woods?" Animal tracks; make a plaster cast to take home.
1 Smoking cessation class and support group every other Weds. through July, 6:30 p.m. at Bigfork Valley. Free and open to the public.
1 First Week Boutique consignment shop opens in Squaw Lake Community Center. Open the first week of the month, year around.
2 "Story Telling Evening," 6:30 p.m. at the Marcell Town Hall. All ages are welcome, coffee and goodies are served.
2 Northome American Legion Post hosts bar bingo at the Crow Bar in Squaw Lake each Thursday at 7 p.m.
3 North Itasca Electric headquarters CLOSED to celebrate Independence Day
3 Opening Reception for Art on the Edge, Edge Center Gallery, 5 to 7 p.m. Voting for the People's Choice award, award ceremony 6:30 p.m. Exhibit July 2-Aug. 1. Gallery open Thurs., Fri., Sat. 4-7 p.m.

Continued...