Newsletter. County Lines. October is National Co-op Month. Finance and Accounting. Minnesota leads a proud American tradition.

Transcription

1 County Lines Newsletter A Touchstone Energy Cooperative October 2018 Volume 79 NO.10 October is National Co-op Month Finance and Accounting The professionals in this department have a tremendous responsibility for all things financial at Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. The daily activities these employees perform are critical to the efficient and cost-effective operation of your cooperative. Minnesota leads a proud American tradition. Minnesota was the first state to declare an official Co-op Month proclamation in Co-op Month has been a nationally recognized celebration since 1964, when U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman, a former Minnesota governor, proclaimed October Co-op Month. With the magnitude of Freeborn-Mower s operations, they perform a wide range of duties. A few of these include budgeting, forecasting and assisting with audits, maintaining accurate and timely financial reports, maintaining accurate plant asset records, reviewing income and analyzing expenses, coordinating employee payroll and benefits, accounts payable, capital credits, analyzing meter data and filing the many reports required by government and other agencies. Your Finance Team (l-r): Deb Kolling, Business Analyst Joanne Miller, Accounts Payable/Capital Credit Specialist Angie Kolker, Director of Finance Robyn Joel, Plant Accountant Judy Jensen, Benefits Administrator/HR Coordinator Electric Service That's Owned by Those We Serve A Touchstone Energy Cooperative #PowerOfMembership As of July 31, 2018, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services had total assets of $115,590,000!

2 MEMBERSHIP Jim Krueger, President & CEO Money back to you! Capital Credit Retirement Announced Our members may have the knowledge that they own Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services (FMCS), but it is always a pleasure to back that up by announcing the retirement of Capital Credits. For 2018, the board of directors has approved a healthy sum of approximately $769,594! I have to admit that giving back a huge amount of money like this is definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of my job! That s because the retirement of Capital Credits means our members are sharing in the cooperative s financial success. FMCS operates as a notfor-profit utility and in this business model, we refer to any profits made as margins. At the end of each year, margins are allocated to each member who purchased electricity. The amount of the individual allocation is in proportion to the amount of the member s patronage with FMCS. Assets of FMCS are owned collectively and held in common by all member-owners. From the year that margins are generated until they are retired (returned) to the members, the money is put to work within the cooperative to minimize debt financing and strengthen its financial position. The retirement of Capital Credits is determined annually by the Board of Directors. FMCS has been allocating Capital Credits since If you are eligible to receive Capital Credits, look on your October electric statement for a bill credit. Former cooperative members who no longer receive electric service will be mailed a Capital Credit check. LOOKING AHEAD Cooperatives See the Future. It s a very appropriate theme for Co-op Month 2018 since there are a lot of interesting things on the horizon for FMCS! Innovation and technologies continue to shape the electric utility landscape. A term now used across the electric utility industry is beneficial electrification. The concept is rooted in greening the grid and planning strategically to create a cleaner energy future. While the industry works to reduce carbon emissions there are simultaneous efforts to provide new opportunities to use electricity in ways that also benefit the environment. For instance, wind and solar power are contributing more to our nation s energy needs. At the same time, electric appliances like water heaters and heat pumps are more energy efficient, especially when coupled with load management and smart grid technologies. We also see advancements in electric vehicles and battery storage of electricity. As we move forward, you will see FMCS emphasizing beneficial electrification. Member account number four thousand thirty-six. The Goose Lake Solar Project is on schedule and will begin construction yet this year. The goal is to be in operation early in the new year. This is an exciting development for FMCS, capable of producing 1.5 MW of electricity for local consumption. The site will include much needed plots for pollinators. We strive to constantly improve and evolve with technology. For example, we are working to provide you with increased flexibility through our SmartHub app and online options to interact with the cooperative. Yes, indeed Cooperatives are seeing the future! Board Meeting The Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. at the cooperative headquarters. CoBank and FMCS Jointly Support United Way CoBank is a national cooperative bank serving vital industries, including electric cooperatives, that form the backbone of rural America. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a national network of cooperatively owned financial service providers dedicated to supporting rural communities and agriculture throughout America and Puerto Rico. 2 By focusing on our member s needs and working towards sustainable development of our local communities we are operating by Cooperative Principle #7 Concern for Community. We thank CoBank for assisting us in these goals. Ann Austin, Director of Freeborn County United Way, accepts a matching grant donation check from Angie Kolker, Director of Finance at Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. The United Way of Freeborn County and United Way of Mower County each received $1,000 through the CoBank Sharing Success program. Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services made a $1,000 donation to both agencies and the program matched the donation. United Way is working to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for everyone. We are so pleased that Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is taking part in this year s Sharing Success program, stated Tom Halverson, CoBank President & CEO, in a letter. Your generosity and commitment to community is commendable and we are delighted to join you in support of such a worthy cause.

3 Avoid Winter Disconnection October 15 April 15 Minnesota has a cold weather rule that regulates residential electric service disconnections between October 15 and April 15 if disconnection would affect the primary heat source. To be protected by the cold weather rule these guidelines MUST be followed. Account Status as of October 15: You must be current in paying your bill or have already entered into a payment arrangement and are current with payments under the arrangement. Completed Application: You must complete the MN Cold Weather Rule Application provided by Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. Along with the application, you must provide income verification. Income Verification: Your TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME must be less than 50% of the state median income and/or you have received energy assistance for this heating season. If you do mot meet the above conditions, you do not qualify for winter shut-off protection. If you are unable to pay your bill by the due date you must call our office to arrange a payment schedule. If you do not respond to the disconnect notice your electric service may be disconnected, even in mid-winter. Member account number one hundred fifty-three. As of April 15, your account must be current or have a mutually agreed upon payment arrangement with the cooperative. Failure to comply could result in disconnection of service. ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROVIDERS Freeborn County Dept. of Human Services (507) Mower County Human Services (507) Minnesota Valley Action Council (507) or (800) Minnesota Prairie County Alliance (888) Faribault County Human Services (507) Faribault County Minnesota Valley Action Council (507) or (800) Fillmore County Social Services (507) North Iowa Community Action Organization (800) SEMCAC (800) or (507) NEWSLETTER MAILING NOTICE We are required to file and print a Statement of Ownership once a year for our publication of the County Lines Newsletter. 1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number 3. Filing Date County Lines _ /12/18 4. Issue Frequency 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6. Annual Subscription Price 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4 ) 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer) 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank) Publisher (Name and complete mailing address) Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address) 10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.) Full Name 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities. If none, check box Full Name Monthly Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) PO Box East Main Street, Albert Lea MN PO Box East Main Street, Albert Lea MN Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services - Jim Krueger, PO Box 611, Albert Lea MN Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services - Bonnie Peterson, PO Box 611, Albert Lea MN Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services - Jim Krueger, PO Box 611, Albert Lea MN Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services USDA Rural Utilities Services National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation PS Form 3526, July 2014 [Page 1 of 4 (see instructions page 4)] PSN: Complete Mailing Address None Complete Mailing Address 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: X Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement) 13. Publication Title 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run) b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail) d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail) (1) (2) (3) (4) (1) (2) (3) 12 Contact Person Telephone (Include area code) PRIVACY NOTICE: See our privacy policy on 0 Dawn Schroeder PO Box East Main Street Albert Lea MN th & Independence Ave SW, Washington DC Woodland Park, 2201 Cooperative Way Herndon VA Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser s proof copies, and exchange copies) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser s proof copies, and exchange copies) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail ) c. Total Paid Distribution [Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)] e. f. g. h. i. Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541 Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541 Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail) (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)) Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3)) Total (Sum of 15f and g) Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100) PS Form 3526, July 2014 (Page 2 of 4) If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below County Lines 10/02/2018 Monthly Publication Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months * If you are claiming electronic copies, go to line 16 on page 3. If you are not claiming electronic copies, skip to line 17 on page Electronic Copy Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months a. Paid Electronic Copies b. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) c. Total Print Distribution (Line 15f) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a) No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date 16,926 16,926 16,901 16,901 16,901 16, ,996 16, ,021 17,021 Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation 99 (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 99 d. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c Í 100) x I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price. 17. Publication of Statement of Ownership October in the issue of this publication. 18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner Date No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date 2,684 2,684 19,585 19,585 19,680 19, Publication not required. 09/12/2018 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). 3

4 CLASSIFIED Marketplace for sale Farm: JD SOYBEAN DRILL. 30. Call (507) INTERNATIONAL 60 SHRED- DER (STALK CHOPPER). Small 1000 rpm, 4 wheels, 15 wide, 6 row 30. Asking $1,400. Call (507) Household: 2 MATCHING LIGHTED CURIO CABINETS. 75 ½ x 30 ½ x 13 ¼. Glass shelves, mirrored backs. $65 each OBO. Call (507) GLASS DINING ROOM TABLE W/4 CHAIRS. Cream colored fabric. Call (507) BEAUTIFUL HOMEMADE GUN CABINET. Will deliver. Call (507) or (507) , will send picture. 2 FEATHER PILLOWS. Med size, cleaned & new ticking. $30 for pair OBO. Call (507) MISC: KURZWEIL DIGITAL PIANO. $500 OBO. Call (507) ROOFTOP VENTILATORS. White, each 6 long. $50 OBO. Call (641) OAK FIREWOOD. Split, dry, stored under cover. $85 per pickup load. You haul. Call or text (507) LAWN CHAIRS. White plastic. In good condition. $5 each. Call (507) , leave message. CANVAS STORAGE SHED. 12 x 12, 1 year old. In excellent condition. $125. Call (507) CUB CADET 1912 SUPER GARDEN TRACTOR. 50 deck or 45 snowblower. Call (507) ARCTIC CAT ATV 4X4. Low miles. Call (507) LP TANKS. 20lb. Call (507) ELECTRIC MOTORS. 2 ½ horse & 1 ¾ horse. Call (507) GUITAR. Nice, acoustic, classical guitar with case. $75. Call (507) EGGS. Chicken & duck eggs. Chicken - pullets $2.00 & regular $3.00/dozen. Duck - $4.00/dozen. Call (507) wanted USED GOLF CART. Call (507) FRENCH FRY CUTTER. Call (507) JUNK CARS & TRUCKS. Call (641) CALF or HOG HUT. In good condition. Call (507) free TWIN BOX SPRING & FRAME. Call and leave message (507) OLD TV S. Call (507) Electric Home Heating Tax Exemption Electricity used as a primary source of residential heat is exempt from Minnesota s state sales tax for the months of October through March. The tax exemption is applicable for anyone using electricity as their primary source of heat (50% or more). If you have a separate meter for your electric heat, you do not need to complete a form as this usage is tax exempt during the winter months. If you have already completed a form within the last year, you do not need to complete another form. If you do not have the electric heat metered separately, you will need to complete a certificate. Please request the form from our billing department at (507) or (800) We ask that you return the form prior to December 31, Please notify us if you have changed your primary source of heating to something other than electricity. Receiving a tax exemption for electric heat if electricity is not your primary source of heat is a violation of the state sales tax law. Do you work from home? Planned Outages We continually work to maintain and improve our electrical system. Occasionally that work involves a planned outage. Member account number four thousand thirty-six. We always make an effort to contact our members prior to a planned outage, via the contact information in our system or by a lineman knocking on your door. When possible, we coordinate these outages or give advance notice to our members that fall into specific categories, such as home-based business, working from home, operating a day-care, etc. Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services needs to know this information ahead of time, so we can identify your account before a planned outage occurs. If you have a home-based business that would be affected by a power outage, we have a form that we d like you to complete. The form is available from our office or online ( coop) under the tabs: Operations/Outages. The form asks for information pertaining to your home-based business. Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services is awarding sixteen scholarships to members who are attending Riverland Community College during the Fall Semester. Each student received a $500 scholarship. Scholarships are funded by unclaimed Capital Credits in accordance with state statute. Member account number twenty two thousand two hundred forty. For more information on Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services scholarship programs, visit under the community tab. Justin Arndorfer, LeRoy Martha Berryman, Myrtle Eve Berryman, Myrtle Ethan Burgett, Emmons Sarah Flugum, Albert Lea Jasmine Frahm, Hollandale Samuel Jacobs, Alden Landon Johnson, Geneva We congratulate: Lindsay Kramer, Albert Lea Sean Lohuis, LeRoy Carl Mueller, Adams Kylie Pruett, Austin Sadie Saldia, Glenville Chloey Silva, Albert Lea Katherine Sime-Engen, Albert Lea Benjamin Stiernagle, Albert Lea 4

5 Make the Most of Your Energy Dollars Energy Service Directions Mike Murtaugh Director of Energy Services (800) or (507) ext. #5011 Efficiency Economic Development Key Accounts Renewable Energy Rebates FMCS & Minnesota Energy Resources Teaming Up for Energy Audits in Albert Lea Energy efficiency can be confusing and expensive. This audit can help you figure out what makes sense for your home. This service is valued at more than $300, but you pay only $50 and Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and Minnesota Energy Resources pay the rest! Minnesota Energy Resources and FreebornMower Cooperative Services are scheduling appointments in Albert Lea on November 6 8, for in-home energy-saving audits. Call to schedule an audit or do so online at What you get: A comprehensive audit of your home s energy use, both gas and electric. Member account number one hundred fifty-three. Information on what energy-efficient improvements make the most sense for your home. A blower door test to determine leaks in your home. Safety tests: combustion safety, depressurization and carbon monoxide detection. If insulation is suggested, we can direct you to authorized insulation contractors who can help with your next steps and ensure that you are eligible for our generous insulation rebates. Are Vampires Sucking Energy in your Home? Modern homes hold numerous appliances and electronics. Did you realize that many of them aren t truly off when you might think they are? Anything with an instant on feature is actually drawing electricity although the device is not in use. The list of vampires includes cell phone chargers, MP3 players, coffee pots, some cable/satellite TV boxes, video game consoles and anything that can be turned on via remote control. Look around. You may find several energy vampires lurking in your home! How to save energy: If you use the device infrequently, simply unplug it until needed. Power strips make it easy to cut the power without having to unplug each device. Additionally, many computers have an energy-savings sleep mode. 5

6 Elections for Director will be held in three Districts in These are Districts 2, 5 and 8. Application materials are available from our office. If you reside in one of these districts and are interested in being a nominee for Director, please contact our office.. If you are unsure of the Director District in which you live we ll be pleased to provide that information to you. Applications will be due by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, December 17, After applications have been returned, members in each District holding an election will be notified of those who have filed as nominees. After the filing application has expired, persons may still be nominated by filing a petition form (available from our office). To become a nominee by petition requires fifteen (15) members from the District to sign in support of a particular nominee on the form which is submitted to the cooperative office. Should only one nominee come forward before the final deadline, that applicant will be deemed elected as Director for that district. Should more than one nominee come forth by the petition deadline, either by direct nomination or petition, a biography of each nominee and a mail ballot will be sent to all members in the District on January 30, Returned ballots will be due on February 20, The elected Directors will be seated during the annual meeting on Saturday, March 30, Qualifications for Directorship: According to our Cooperative Bylaws, no person shall be eligible to become or remain a Director of the Cooperative who: 1) is not a natural person and a member of the Cooperative, receiving service at the member s primary residence in the District from which the Director is elected; 2) within five (5) years preceding a Director candidate s nomination was or during service on the Board of Directors is finally adjudged to be guilty of a felony; 3) is an employee of the Cooperative or a grandparent, parent, spouse, co-inhabitant, child, or grandchild of an employee of the Cooperative; Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services Service Territory and Director District Map 4) is a person that is a grandparent, parent, spouse, co-habitant, child, or grandchild of an incumbent Director whose District seat is not up for re-election at that time; 5) is in any way employed by or substantially financially interested in an enterprise competing with the Cooperative or any Cooperative-affiliated business; 6) is or becomes the full-time employee or agent of, or who is or becomes the full-time employer or principal of, another Director; 7) is engaged in conduct that is a violation of law or violation of a Cooperative policy or policies, or whenever a Director has materially failed to satisfy his/her duties as a Director, including the duty to regularly attend meetings of the Board of Directors; or 8) is employed by, materially affiliated with, or has a financial interest in, any individual or entity possessing a material or substantial conflict of interest with the Cooperative or a Cooperative subsidiary. Reminder: Any member meeting the Bylaw Qualifications who has a desire to become a Director of the Cooperative may apply for open board positions. This includes minorities, women, and individuals with a disability. Recordatorio: Cualquier miembro que cumpla con los requisitos de los reglamentos internos y que tenga interes en ser director/a de la cooperative puede aplicar para puestos vacantes en la mesa directiva. Esto inlcluye miembros de grupos que son minorias, mujeres, y personas con discapacidades. Local Control: Peer-Elected Directors The Freeborn-Mower service territory is divided into nine Director Districts, each with a similar number of members. Directors serve a rotating, three-year term and must live in the District which they represent. Directors are elected by their fellow cooperative members residing in the District. Directors are elected by their fellow FMCS members. They use the services of the cooperative, just like you. 6

7 Board of Directors Holds Legislative Discussion The electric utility industry is constantly changing, which makes building solid relationships with area legislators and public officials critical. Guests to the August Directors meeting were State Representative Jeanne Poppe, State Representative Peggy Bennett, and State Senator Dan Sparks. Also participating were Jenny Glumack and Joyce Peppin from Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) and Kenric Scheevel, Senior Government Relations Representative with Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC). Kenric Scheevel opened the discussion with an overview of Dairyland Power Cooperative and the generation and transmission (G & T) utility s plan to build a more balanced generation portfolio. Dairyland is one of six G & Ts that serve Minnesota. Headquartered in La Crosse, Wis., DPC provides wholesale electricity to 24 member cooperative systems, including Freeborn- Mower Cooperative Services and 17 municipalities. This equates to nearly 600,000 people. He spoke about this being an era of rapid change which includes electric generation by wind and solar, as well as new consumer-owned generation, battery storage and electric cars. In 2005, Dairyland Power s generation portfolio consisted of 90% coal, 8% gas and 2% renewables. In contrast, by 2025, Dairyland expects 25% of their generation portfolio to be renewable energy, 25% to be renewable-enabling natural gas generation, and 50% to be baseload coalfired generation. He outlined the Goose Lake Solar Project to be built in Freeborn- Mower s service territory and completed in late 2018 or early Member account number twenty two thousand two hundred forty. Wind and solar projects diversify our portfolio and improve sustainability at a competitive price, noted Scheevel. Natural gas power plants have the ability to vary their electric output quickly to compensate for the intermittency of renewable energy resources. He also highlighted the rapid growth in the number of consumer-owned solar and wind generation facilities, from 44 in 2007 to 1,311 in 2017, the majority of which are solar. Dairyland has retired five of its oldest coal fired generation units and significantly upgraded power plants located in Alma and Genoa, Wis. It is also building a new natural gas fired power plant that s needed to serve new load. Enhancements are also underway to the regional electric transmission grid. Traditional central station baseload power plants (coal and nuclear) are being retired and replaced by renewables which are often located in areas away from population centers. Additional transmission capacity must be built to move the electricity produced, mostly wind-generated, from these rural areas to consumers. Joyce Peppin recently joined MREA as Director of Government Affairs and General Counsel, after previously serving as Minnesota s House Majority Leader. "I am excited to work in the electric energy industry and with rural electric cooperatives," Peppin said in a statement. "I will be serving as a legal advisor and representing the association in legal proceedings." Jenny Glumack, MREA Government & Public Affairs Representative, provided insight into the association s priorities for the next legislative session which includes modernizing the state s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP). The legislators gave their perspectives on the upcoming state legislative session. Representative Peggy Bennett said she is committed to helping spearhead cooperative initiatives while keeping a balance with environmental concerns. Keeping informed by Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services and legislative representatives is helpful and assists with focusing on the larger picture, she stated. (l to r): Front row: Frank Fryer, Rep. Jeanne Poppe, Rep. Peggy Bennett, Sen. Dan Sparks, Jenny Glumack Middle row: Joyce Peppin, Burt Magnuson, Dennis Anderson, Jack Korman, Steve Garbisch, Joe Pacovsky, Jim Krueger Back row: Bill Trygstad, Roger Weness, Kenric Scheevel 7

8 USPS ISSN Periodicals Postage Paid at Albert Lea, MN and other locations. Postmaster: Send address corrections to: County Lines P.O. Box 611, Albert Lea, MN County Lines is published monthly, except for the Annual Report edition issued in March, by Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, 2501 Main Street East, Albert Lea, MN This monthly publication is designed to provide information about the cooperative to the member-owners of Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services. President: Jim Krueger, President & CEO Telephone: (507) SPOT YOUR NUMBER $25 Bill Credit To reward our faithful readers, three member account numbers have been selected at random to be spelled out each two times within the newsletter. If you spot your account number, call the cooperative by the 15th of the current month to claim your $25 bill credit. Find your account number on your electric bill and exclude the last two digits when searching for your account number in the newsletter. Good luck! Congratulations to Ali Weisert! She spotted her account number to claim a $25 bill credit. There are three member account numbers hidden in this issue. WATCH FOR YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER! RECIPE Italian Tomato Pepper Salad Karen Osmundson What s Cooking? Y um! 1 C. grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes, cut in half) 1 C. mozzarella cheese, cubed ½ onion, sliced in rings ½ each red, yellow and green peppers, cut in 1 chunks 1 C. mushrooms, cut in half ½ C. Italian dressing ½ tsp. sugar (optional) Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. (Can be stored for two days but the mushrooms will become soggy. If you anticipate leftovers, consider adding the mushrooms just before serving). Heartland Security (Medical and Home Security) (888) Northland Connect (Exede Satellite Internet) (866) Gopher State One-Call 811 or (800) for all underground cable locations. 48-hour notice is required. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Mission Statement Provide reliable, innovative energy in a responsible manner by utilizing technology and our highly skilled workforce. Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services 2501 Main Street East PO Box 611 Albert Lea, MN or us: memberservices@fmcs.coop Office Hours Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm 24/7 call center available after-hours at same phone numbers above. Hey, high school juniors and seniors! Don t miss your opportunity for an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June You could earn a spot representing Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services as part of the Minnesota Youth Tour delegation. The Youth Tour, arranged by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about government and cooperatives, make new friends, visit monuments and memorials, and create memories! For an application or more information, contact Dawn Schroeder at Washington, D.C. youth tour! June 15-20, 2019