March 2010Vol. 59, No. 3

News for Members of Adams Electric Cooperative, Camp Point, Illinois

Pages 8 & 9

Adams Outlet

Is Adams Electric Cooperative associated with the proposed wind farm in Adams County?

Global Wind Harvest has proposed a 100 turbine wind farm in eastern Adams County. Adams Electric Cooperative has no ownership in the proposed project. Adams Electric Cooperative owns one wind turbine in Payson, Illinois, called the Pigeon Creek Wind Turbine. The Cooperative is planning a second wind turbine in Brown County.

St. Peter Lutheran Church of Lost Prairie is thankful for the $500 Penny Power Grant we received toward repairs for our church. This grant has helped us reach our goal. Thanks again and God bless.Sincerely,Elaine Simon, Church TreasurerSt. Peter Lutheran Church of Lost Prairie

Thank you so much for your generous donation to the Community for Christ Assistance Center. Thefilecabinetsyoudonatedarewonderful!Theyare so much easier to use than the old cabinets and certainlymakemyfilingworkgomuchmoresmoothly.Iknow the whole CFCAC Board is very thankful for your generous gift. Your thoughtfulness and willingness to give is very much appreciated. Thank you and may God bless.Jessica Barnes, Director Community For Christ Assistance Center

2 • Adams Outlet • March 2010March 2010 • Adams Outlet • 3

by Jim Thompson PEGeneral ManagerBack in August 2009, our state association randomly selected members from Adams Electric Cooperative to receive a Member Satisfaction survey which consisted of 58

questions. The questions were designed to obtain feedback on the quality of service, participation in cooperatives and desire for additional services along with demographic information. The last survey members completed was 2007. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) is used to gauge the progress of electric cooperatives nationally. The results of the survey shows Adams Electric improving its ACSI score from 83 in 2007 to 85 out of a possible 100 points in 2009. A jump in two points is significant. The average score for Illinois electric cooperatives is 81 with the top score being 85. The national cooperative average is 82. For member satisfaction, 96.7% of the respondents felt either positive or very positive about Adams Electric. Again, this rating is up from a 93.4% rating in 2007 and is the Cooperative’s highest rating since the first Statewide Survey that was conducted in 1992.

For service satisfaction, Adams Electric’s rating of 97% was up slightly from 2007. Ratings for prompt and courteous service were very high. Members felt the price of electricity through the Cooperative was about in line compared to that of other household goods. The survey also indicated that Adams Electric is the leader in promoting geothermal technology.

Communication with members is very important. Frequent readership of the Adams Outlet among respondents increased from 59.8% in 2007 to 75.7% in 2009. The Cooperative included four custom questions for our members to answer. One of those questions was regarding renewable energy. 94.3% felt it was either somewhat or very important to invest in renewable energy. We are glad to see such positive results from our members and appreciate you taking time to complete the survey. The survey provides us with valuable information on how we are performing and where we can improve to provide even better member service. The employees of Adams Electric take great pride in serving the membership and want to exceed the expectations of those we serve.

Board of Directors:PresidentJim Benz ..............................QuincyVice PresidentAlan Acheson .................. RushvilleSecretaryLyle Waner ......................... LoraineTreasurerBob Willis ................... Mt. SterlingDirectorRichard King .................. HuntsvilleDirectorJohn Kestner ........................ Payson DirectorGeorge Schneider ................LibertyDirectorRebecca Barlow ................. ClaytonDirectorRoger Busen .....................TimewellGeneral ManagerJim Thompson PE ...............QuincyAttorneyCharles Burton ................ Rushville

Member Satisfaction Survey Results

Adams Electric Cooperative provides safe, reliable service to over 8,400 members in Adams, Brown, Schuyler, Pike, Hancock, McDonough, and Fulton counties. Adams Electric is member-owned, not-for-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership.

ADAMS OUTLET (USPS 005-220)Published monthly for $2.00 per year by:

700 E. Wood, Camp Point, Illinois 62320. Periodical postage paid at Camp Point, Il-linois and additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Adams Outlet, P.O. Box 247, Camp Point, Illinois 62320.

Editor:Laura Dotson

www.adamselectric.coop

Office hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

To report an outage:1-800-232-4797

Local calls dial direct:217-593-7701

Mission Statement:“Adams Electric Cooperative

is committed to exceedingthe expectations

of those we serve!”

How much wind is being generated in Illinois?

Illinois wind energy has grown from 50 MW in 2003 to over 1,000 MW in 2009.

What factors have contributed to the growth of wind power in Illinois?

Federal & State policies, energy costs, environ-mental benefits, and economic development opportunities have all contributed to growth.

How does Illinois rank in wind energy potential?

Illinois is ranked 16th in wind energy potential.

Why is Illinois wind generation developing so rapidly?

Illinois has a great combination of demand, wind speed, and a strong transmission network. Wind resources are better in western states; however, these states have a limited transmission network and lower demand. A strong transmission network is necessary to carry the electricity from the wind generator to the load (i. e. populated areas). The large population in Illinois along with other factors such as weather contribute to Illinois’ demand.

What are some of the benefits of wind development?

Clean energy, job creation, property tax revenue for schools and the area, and public road upgrades are some of the major benefits.

Illinois Wind

Pictured above is the wind turbine owned by Adams Electric Cooperative.

March 2010 • Adams Outlet • 5 4 • Adams Outlet • March 2010

2010 Tree Trimming Adams Electric’s tree trimming crew and a tree trimming contractor will be trimming trees in areas served by the Kellerville, Rushville and Sugar Grove substations. Areas include: Ripley, Rushville, Littleton, Ray, Pleasant View, and the area west of Frederick.

2010 Spraying A spraying contractor for Adams Electric will be working on the Adams and Ursa substations. Areas include: Adams, Payson, Plainville, Richfield, Bloomfield, Kingston, Fowler, Mendon, Ursa, Lima, Marcelline, Loraine, and west Ursa bottoms.

2010 Pole Inspection A contractor for Adams Electric Cooperative will be inspecting poles on the south circuit of the Ursa substation and the Mt. Sterling substation. Areas include: Fowler, Mendon, Bloomfield, Mt. Sterling, Versailles, Cooperstown, Ripley, and Fargo.

Adams Electric Cooperative maintains an annual schedule for tree trimming, spraying, and pole inspections. The contract crews have magnetic signs on the sides of their vehicles that indicate they are contractors for Adams Electric Cooperative. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Steve Fanning, Joyce Bockhold or Tim Brecht at the Cooperative at (217) 593-7701 or (800) 232-4797.

Tree Trimming

Spraying

Pole Inspection

Tree Trimming and Spraying Schedule

2010

March 2010 • Adams Outlet • 76 • Adams Outlet • March 2010

Kraig Street Promoted to Lead ForesterKraig Street has been offered and accepted the Lead Forester position vacated by Lyle For-sythe who retired in January. Kraig received his Arborist Certification in January and began his duties immediately. Kraig started working for Adams Electric

Cooperative on September 25, 2000 as a Service Technician in the Member Service Department. In July 2001, he transferred to the Engineering & Operations Department becoming an Apprentice Lineman. In June 2002, Kraig accepted the position of Forestry Assistant. The Cooperative congratulates Kraig as he starts another phase of his career with Adams Electric Cooperative!

New Directors Attend TrainingRural electric cooperative directors were at the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives in Springfield on January 7 to at-tend the course “Board Roles and Relationships”. The success of the cooperative is based on its ability to nurture and maintain effective relationships with members, com-munity leaders, media, public officials and others. This course is designed to educate directors on how the board plays a role in maintaining these relationships. Pat Mangan, left, with the National Rural Electric Coopera-tive Association, was the instructor. Attending the course from Adams Electric Cooperative were Rebecca Barlow, center, and Roger Busen, right. Directors Rebecca Barlow and Roger Busen received credit toward their Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate for attending this course.

Penny Power ProgramSurpasses

$150,000in Grants

Adams Electric Cooperative’s Penny Power program provides grants to worthy groups in or near Adams’ service territory. Participating members have their electric bills rounded up each month. Since the first grant in September 2005, donations to date total $153,504.19. Penny Power grants have impacted communities across Adams Electric Cooperative’s service area. This year, with the first grant cycle, Penny Power is bringing change to six area groups/organizations. A grant for $2,000 will provide a renewable energy resource kit and support materials for Adams County Farm Bureau Foundation. Boy Scout Troop 35 of Rushville will purchase a barbecue grill and gear inventory for a cargo trailer with a grant for $800 from Penny Power. Trinity Lutheran Church of Golden will use a $700 grant for a family ministry puppet program. A $2,000 grant to the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area will help pay for online grant applica-tion and review software. St. Peters Lutheran Church of Coatsburg is in need of tuck pointing on the church and bell tower. Penny Power will provide $1,500 toward this project. CSE Track Task Force will use a $1,000 grant toward the construction of an all-weather track at Central High School. The next deadline to apply for a Penny Power grant is April 5, 2010. For more information about Adams Electric Cooperative’s Penny Power Program, or to request a grant application, contact Bill Stalder, Manager of Marketing and Member Services at (217) 593-7701 or toll-free at (800) 232-4797.

Daylight Saving Time BeginsMarch 14 at 2 a.m.Remember to set your clocks forward one hour. This is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms!

8 • Adams Outlet • March 2010March 2010 • Adams Outlet • 9

Leisha Kelly Leisha Kelly, of Clayton has had a love of books her whole life. “I began writing very young. I wrote poems and short stories as a child and began my first novel-length project as a teenager.” Leisha had a few poems and essays published but didn’t seek publication for any of her novel-length stories until after she was a wife and mother. Leisha says the inspiration for her books comes from God. “I have never had a shortage of ideas, only of time (or energy, or will) to put them on paper.” She adds, “Both of my parents were avid

readers and my mother (retired Camp Point librarian Ellen Scheuermann) instilled in me a great love of books. My paternal grandmother (Mattie Scheuermann from the Carthage area) also wrote poems and short stories. And I was blessed to have the instruction and encouragement of a wonderful English teacher in high school (Peggy Anderson of Camp Point Central).” Ideas come to Leisha at unexpected moments. “I really think they’re handed to me to develop. Writing each story feels not so much like inventing a path as it does finding the path that is already there.” Julia’s Hope was Leisha’s first book. It took about eight months to complete. “More time would have been nice but I had an interested editor waiting to see the completed manuscript.” Julia’s Hope was the first of a series of seven books set in the Great Depression years through the 1940’s. “They are about faith, family, and God’s provision in hardship,” explains Leisha. These books include: Julia’s Hope, Emma’s Gift, Katie’s Dream, Til Morning is Nigh, Rorey’s Secret, Rachel’s Prayer, and Sarah’s Promise. Her next journey in writing began with Tahn, followed by Return to Alastair and The Scarlet Trefoil. “This trilogy is set in the middle ages and is by compari-son a much more intense and perilous adventure (good vs. evil),” says Leisha. The House on Malcolm Street is coming this fall. Leisha describes it as “a historical novel set in 1920 about a grieving young widow’s struggle to make a way for herself and her daughter in a strange town.” Leisha expects more books to follow. “I have many ideas to explore,” she says. Interested readers can learn more about Leisha Kelly (also known as

L.A. Kelly) at her website, leishakelly.com. Leisha is avail-able for book signings. She can be reached at (217) 894-6373.

Where to buy these and other great books by local authors:Locally at:The Good Book119 W. Washington, Rushville(217) 322-6886Great Debate Books535 Maine, Quincy(217) 221-9673Mustard Seed3246 Quincy Mall(217) 224-1616Online at:amazon.comrevellbooks.comchristianbook.comwalmart.comtarget.comAnd, anywhere books are sold!Ifit’snotontheshelf,it can be ordered.

Ruth Deters Ruth Deters, of Quincy, never planned to write a book. It was all part of a lifelong process which began around 1960.

Ruth’s son, Rich, was 8 or 9 years old at the time, when he was found hiding from the babysitter in a chamber behind the fireplace, a chamber that could only be accessed from the second floor. This hiding spot held the secrets of the past, a story about anti-slavery, and a mystery that Ruth and her family would unfold over the next 50 years. Ruth’s home was built in 1838 as part of the Underground Railroad. Ruth knew there was a story behind the house; she had no idea how fascinating it would become. With the help of Father Landry, of Quincy College, Ruth dug deeper and researched her home’s builder and former owner, Dr. David Nelson. “I was asked to tell the story of the Underground Railroad for the sesquicenten-nial celebration in Quincy. I knew there had to be more to the story than just my home,” Ruth explains. As she researched, each answer brought another question, another name, another home, another connection. The story spiraled. Ruth found herself doing slide presentations and telling

the story over and over. Her family insisted she put it in writing. “They told me I had to get it down,” laughs Ruth. Ruth’s book, The Underground Railroad Ran Through My House is a collection of historical information, numerous pictures, quotes from letters, journals and old newspapers. It’s a book about the incredible acts of bravery and the unimaginable reality of the Underground Railroad in this region. Ruth Deters and her daughter, Ellen Waters, are available for book signings and presentations. You can contact Ellen, by email at: watersl@adams.net.

Michelle Tournear Michelle Tournear is a Christian romance novelist and a school teacher from Payson. One summer night, in July 2005, Michelle woke from a dead sleep. She says, “I felt God calling and needed to write.” Michelle started her book immediately and finished by Thanksgiving. Her first book, Promise of the Heart, is a historical Christian romance. A 17-year-old boy confesses his love to a 15-year-old girl just before she moves away. She returns six years later to begin their romance. It’s a glimpse at the treasured values and traditional courting and purity of the past. Promise of the Heart was published in February 2007. In June 2009, Michelle published a second book, Aqua Blue, which is a contemporary Chris-tian romance. Michelle describes it as a good wholesome love story. “I knew I wanted to be a wife, mother and school teacher. Writing was just not in my plan,” says Michelle. “Ideas just come to me while driv-ing along or from a dream. I jot down ideas and stretch them out.”

Michelle’s daughter says it best, “Jesus helps Mommy write her books.” Michelle adds “God uses us in ways that are extraordinary.” Promise of the Heart is the first of a trilogy. The next two books are completed in manu-script form. “Writing goes fast,” she adds, “Then comes the intense year-long process of editing.” Her advice to other local authors is “Don’t give up. If it’s something you feel strongly for, there are a lot of writing groups, help and support. It’s an awesome opportunity to allow other people to read and enjoy your book,” says Michelle. Michelle is available for book signings and enjoys speaking at women’s groups and other organizations. If you’re interested in having Michelle as a guest speaker, you can contact Michelle at: mtourn@adams.net or (217) 656-4436.

10 • Adams Outlet • March 2010 March 2010 • Adams Outlet • 11

Listen to Doug Rye’s live radio program “Home Remedies” on WTAD every Saturday morning at 9:06 a.m. Doug Rye, a licensed architect living in Saline County works as a consultant for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas to promoteenergyefficiencytocooperativemembersstatewide.ToorderDoug’svideooraskenergyefficiency-relatedquestions,callDougat1-501-653-7931.Moreenergy-efficiencytips,aswellasDoug’scolumns,canalsobefoundatwww.ecark.org. Source: Rural Arkansas Magazine

For years I have been touting the importance of having an efficient water heater. The reason is simple – water heaters use significant amounts of energy, second only to the energy used to heat and cool a home. Until now, the most efficient water heater on the market was the Marathon and I have sung thisproduct’s praises for many years. Arkansas’ electric cooperatives have sold the Marathon for years and continue to do so. It is a top-notch product. Now, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas have teamed up with General Electric to offer yet another excellent water heater – the General Electric Hybrid Water Heater. This revolutionary product uses 62 percent less energy than standard electric units and exceeds Energy Star standards with an incredible Energy Factor of 2.35 or 235 percent efficiency. This unit costsaround $1,125, with credits (see below), but it will save around $320 a year based upon a three-personhousehold. Do the math and you will see there isn’t a long payback.

The Hybrid uses advanced heat pump technology and onboard intelligence in conjunction with traditional electric elements. The heat pump is the main way the water is heated, but the traditional elements will activate if the water is used up faster than the heat pump mode can replace it. Other features include an eHeat mode to maximize savings. Then there is the High Demand mode for when you have guests who need lots of hot water. When you leavefor vacation, you can set the heaterto turn off while you are gone andthen turn back on before your return. This is one “smart” water heater. Although the Hybrid is very different from standard water heaters,it is easy to install. It fits into a similar footprint as a 50-gallon water heater and uses existing water and electrical connections. I realize this water heater is more costly up-front than the Marathon and certainly more than a standard one.But, the good news is that it qualifies for the federal tax credit of 30 percent on the purchase and installationprice. Visit www.energystar.gov. In addition, a $75 rebate for replacing

a gas water heater with an electric water heater is available from Adams Electric. (Editor’s Note: Adams Electric does not sell these water heaters. As more information becomes available about the availability of these water heaters in our area, we will publish it in future issues of the Adams Outlet.) For more information, you can visit www.ecark.org/energy_efficiency. See you next month.

Arkansas Cooperatives add Hybrid waterheater to offerings

EnergyEfficiencyTipsbyDougRye,the“DoctorofEnergyEfficiency-theKingofCaulkandTalk”

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for: geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems, and fuel cells. Tax credits are also available at 30% of cost, up to $1,500 in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for: windows & doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, water heaters (non-solar), and biomass stoves.Not all homes and products qualify for a tax credit. Tax credits are available for a number of products which typically cost more than standard products. Please consult your tax professional for details. More information can be found at energystar.gov, dsireusa.org, and energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm

Don’t forget your

Federal Tax Credits

Important Safety Message for Members with Portable Generators:

If you have or are considering a backup generator, it is vital to follow proper procedures. If used incorrectly, a portable generator can cause serious harm or even death to our line crew. It is the Member’s responsibility to prevent backfeed onto the distribution system. All generators shall be installed according to the National Electrical Code, NEC® Article 702. The key component to make sure backfeed is prevented is the transfer switch. Transfer equipment shall operate such that one source of power supply is disconnected before another source is connected. Transfer equipment must be used when connecting the generator to the home/farm’s electrical wiring system. The transfer switch is designed to keep the generator from backfeeding onto the utility line where it could injure or kill the lineman working the line. It also prevents utility power from feeding into the generator once power is restored. For the safety of everyone involved, contact Tim Brecht, Manager of Engineering and Operations for details on properly installing a generator.

March 2010 • Adams Outlet • 1312 • Adams Outlet • March 2010

Tangy Barbecue Sandwiches

Submitted by Darlene Prather3 cups celery1 cup chopped onion1 cup ketchup1 cup barbecue sauce1 cup water2 Tbsp. vinegar2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce2 Tbsp. brown sugar1 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. pepper1/2 tsp. garlic powder1 tsp. chili powder1 boneless chuck roast (3-4 lbs.), trimmed14-18 hamburger bunsIn a slow cooker, combine the first 12 ingredients; mix well. Add roast. Cover and cook on high for 6-7 hours or until tender. Remove roast; cool. Shred meat and return to sauce; heat through. Use slotted spoon to serve on buns. Yield 14-18 servings.

Crock Pot Corn MacSubmitted by Lisa Fundel

2 sticks butter2 cans creamy corn2 cans regular corn1 box Velveeta cheese1 box elbow macaroni (med. box), cookedMix all ingredients in crockpot. Turn on high. Stir periodically for 1 hour. Serves 16. Note: A great dish to take to family get-togethers or cookouts.

Easy Crockpot LasagnaSubmitted by Julia Barry

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef1 (16 oz.) box lasagna noodles or bow-tie pasta6 Tbsp. margarine1 (16 oz.) box Velveeta cheese (small chunks)1 (8 oz.) pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese1 jar spaghetti sauceBrown ground beef; drain. Cook noodles according to package directions. Add margarine to hot noodles; stir to melt. In crockpot, layer 1/3 of noodles, cheeses, ground beef and sauce; repeat for 2 more layers. Cover and cook on low for approximately 4 hours.

Baked PotatoesSubmitted by Julia Barry

6-12 potatoesPrick potatoes with a fork and wrap in foil. Fill crockpot with 6-12 potatoes. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours (or on high for 2 1/2 to 4 hours). Do not add water.

Crockpot Tapioca PuddingSubmitted by Marian Shrader

1/3 cup small pearl or granulated tapioca2 eggs1/2 cup sugar (or substitute)1/2 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. flavoring (vanilla, lemon, maple, or almond)3 cups milkCombine all ingredients, except milk in a 1 quart (or larger) crockpot. Stir until blended. Add milk. Cover. Cook for 2 1/2-3 hours, stirring 2-3 times, until thickened. Do not overcook, as it will separate. Serve warm or chilled. May add fruit. Makes 4 cups. Note: For lighter, fluffy pudding, reserve egg whites, beat stiff, fold into hot cooked pudding.

Crockpot Apple Butter

Submitted by Judith Fisher

2 quarts apple pulp (Wash & core apples. Slice into about 6 pieces. Put in blender or processor until smooth.)4 cups sugar1 1/2 - 2 tsp. cinnamon1/4 - 1/2 tsp. clovesMix well. Cook on high 1 hour, then on medium or low for 7-9

hours more.

Is your organization selling a cookbook? We’ll feature it for free with space-permitting. Send details, a contact phone number and three sample recipes to:Adams Electric CooperativeCountry KitchenP. O. Box 247Camp Point, IL 62320 Save Energy

At only 200 watts, a crockpot uses very little electricity compared to most other cookingoptions. You could use a crockpot for 8 hours a day, once per week for a month and it would only cost a total of $0.67.

Save on GroceriesYour crockpot can transform tough cuts of meat into tender pieces of meat. Chances are, these cuts are the least expensive cuts of meat from your butcher.

Save TimeIn a short amount of time, many crockpot recipes can be thrown together. Then, when you’re home after a hard day’s work, your supper is ready and waiting for you. Most of today’s models hold from six to eight quarts. Often, that’s enough for two meals!

3 Reasons to use a Crockpot1

2

3A Complete Count:The Importance of Census Data• Every year, the federal government allocates more than $400 billion to states and communities based, in part, on census data.• Census data are used to determine locations for retail stores, schools, hospitals, new housing developments and other community facilities.• Census data determine boundaries for state and local legislative and congressional districts.

The 2010 Census questionnaire will be mailed or delivered to your household February - March 2010. Make sure you’recounted! It’s in our hands!

Have a recipe you’d like to share? Send us an email at: ldotson@adams.net or include it with your electric bill payment!

March 2010 • Adams Outlet • 15

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