July 2014 | Volume 76 | Issue 7
Weston’s Opry stars – ready for the big time
Cline’s Opry packs a lot of talent on this Weston stage. Left to right: Gary Milligan, dobro, steel guitar, electric guitar; Kevin Cline, comedy, acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle and vocals; Alan Lintner, sound man and vocals; Kirbi Cline, business manager, pie maker, ticket taker, wife and mom; Joe Selle, drums and vocals; Ted Cline, emcee, vocals, acoustic guitar and fiddle; Abby Cline, vocals, acoustic guitar, fiddle and daughter; Terry Brock, fiddle and vocals; Ann Brock, vocals and acoustic guitar; Caleb Cline, vocals, son; Mike Schelp, bass guitar and vocals; John Selle, piano, keyboard and vocals.
There are many people who will tell you, “I knew them when…,” and mean when four of the members of this group of talented musicians were honing their skills as children playing at the Union Mill Opry in Edgerton, Mo.
Brothers Ted and Kevin Cline joined the Boswell family who owned that opry, a year after it opened, in 1974.
The Boswells, including Ted and Kevin, even performed for a Platte- Clay annual meeting. When they were children. The Union Mill Opry was a great training ground for the regulars in this local group.
Ted and Kevin Cline, and husband and wife Terry and Ann Brock are graduates of the Union Mill Opry. In addition to Sunday singing and guitar duties, Ann Brock is the managing director of the St. Joseph Symphony.
After teaching for many years at Northwestern Missouri University (NMU), in Marysville, Terry, a “fiddlin’ champ” left that job to teach young students in the St. Joseph school system. “It’s more rewarding,” said Ted of Terry’s decision.
Now as adults they continue to play upbeat country music, classic rock, and some originals mixed with good, clean funny material. It’s a family show.
A member of an area car club attending the Opry brought fins and fender skirts, shown on this beautiful ‘58 Ford Fairlane.
Ted Cline’s Opry is a tight-knit group whose skills and talent mesh to the point they could easily move to prime time: they’re as good as any Branson show and three hours closer.
Right now prime time is Sunday evenings starting at 5, and it’s a fast-paced two-hour show playing in a purpose-built theater inside the New Deal Tobacco Warehouse on Hwy. 45, just east of Weston and a scenic four miles west of Hwy. 29.
Ted built the theater for his opry, which started three years ago.
Cline’s Opry draws guests from all over the world, in part because of the proximity of Ft. Leavenworth. And on the other hand, there are locals who come each week and have a reserved seat with their name on the back.
The homemade pie is as wonder-ful as the music, and the smell of popcorn wafts over the conversations of long-time friends.
There are tour buses, groups and clubs that make the Sunday evening entertainment the final stop of a scenic northwest or historic western Missouri tour.
It’s worth a special trip: these are experienced, polished performers.
Ted Cline spent time in Nashville seeking fame and fortune. He played and travelled extensively with many well-known groups. Then he met and married Kirbi, and being near home became more important. As a result, Cline’s Opry is a family show in more ways than one.
Kirbi welcomes guests, takes the cover charge and serves homemade pie to guests. She has even organized meals for visiting tour buses. Daughter Abby and son Caleb occasionally perform.
Opry regulars have reserved seats.
“It’s strictly professional entertainment,” said Ted. George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s daughter, Georgette, has performed with the Weston-based group, along with other top billing country and western talent and top-notch musicians.
He and Kevin write the skits; Kevin provides the slapstick, Ted is the straight man.
The Clines grew up in the area, Kirbi (McDevitt) in Rushville, Ted in Weston. Now they help support the community as an entertainment venue plus community fundraisers and a Farmer of the Year award.
After a leisurely drive through the country, Cline’s Opry is a fast-paced two hours of high-energy entertainment and a short hop back to I-29. It’s a great way to wrap up a weekend and to go home feeling good.
Hooray for summer
Mike Torres
From the CEO
I’m partial to July, I will admit. I like to be outdoors and I like to fish, so the long summer days for me are just about perfect. Sometimes a little hot, but it is summer and it’s good to enjoy the sunshine.
If you’re not sold on July, consider this: It’s National Ice Cream Month. It’s National Blueberry Month. It’s National Hot Dog Month. It’s National Pickle Month and National Picnic Month. Plus all of the fresh fruits and vegetables coming our way. All good things in my book and when combined, makes just about a perfect picnic and a perfect month.
July also is a great time to be outside and to take photos, and we’d like to encourage that. This year your co-op is going to do something a little different, and we would like for co-op members to be a part of it.
Each year we produce a caledar and give to members starting during the open house in December.
Platte-Clay Fuels customers Sam Still and his son, Carson, enjoy a hot dog and chips at the Kearney Platte- Clay Fuels event. Customers were notified by text and Facebook. Text PCEC to 72727 for text notifications.
New this year we’re going to produce a calendar using members’ photos selected by a committee of members. I encourage you to send in your digital pictures that you think reflects “rural living and sense of community.” That can mean something different from family to family so we will enjoy seeing your photos and sharing them with the rest of the membership. The deadline to submit photos is Aug. 15.
Look for more information on the Platte-Clay web site, pcec.coop
At the annual meeting, members passed a motion asking that the co-op provide an opportunity for members to share their opinions. We are finalizing guidelines and procedures so member opinions can be sent in and included in the pages of the Northland Connection. There is much to consider when setting this up to provide ample forum for all who want to express themselves. We plan to roll that out early this fall.
Enjoy your summer.
As always, if you have questions or concerns, please contact me.
EPA only one rural electric co-op concern
Missouri cooperatives have joined with others throughout the U.S. encouraging members to write their legislators and to join Action.coop, www.action.coop
Once a name is in the system, NRECA, the national organization will be able to act quickly on your behalf, contacting Missouri legislators as other issues come up.
Currently, about 150,000 co-op members will allow NRECA to speak on their behalf.
Closer to home, the state association is working closely with the Farm Bureau on Amendment 1, the Missouri Farming Rights Amendment.
Some of the other Missouri organizations working for the constitutional amendment include the Beef Industry Council, Cargill, Cattlemen’s Assoc., Conservation Federation, Corn Growers Assoc., Dairy Assoc., Dairy Farmers of America, Egg Council, Equine Council, Farm Bureau, Gebhards Grain, Hunte Corp., Lathrop & Gage, Levee & Drainage District Assoc., FCS Financial, MFA Inc., MFA Oil, Monsanto, Pork Assoc., Poultry Federation, Professional Pet Assoc., Rabo AgriFinance, Sheep Producers, Soybean Assoc., United Producers, Veterinary Medical Assoc., Vocational Ag Teachers Assoc., and the Whitetail Breeders & Hunting Ranch Assoc.
The primary election is Aug. 5. For voter info, visit www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri
Roundabouts are a smart traffic solution
Yield means be prepared to stop.
Although roundabouts are somewhat new in the Northland, they have been around since 1907, when one was built in Paris, at the Place de l’Etoile, now called Place Charles de Gaulle, followed by several others built in 1910. The roundabouts, then called a gyratory traffic scheme, were later renamed rotaries and traffic circles.
In addition to the names changing, the responsibility involving who has the right of way has evolved over the years, with Great Britain smoothing out the design for increased capacity, or cars-per-hour.
Today the law for roundabouts in all countries, including the U.S., gives drivers in the roundabout the right of way. It’s simpler and safer.
Drivers entering the roundabout must look left and wait for the vehicle in the roundabout to proceed, no matter how many lanes are available.
One way to remember about how to drive in a roundabout is to think about making a right turn on red: the driver making the right turn must look for traffic to the left and wait for the traffic coming from the left before proceeding.
In Kearney, that means that the vehicle in the roundabout has the right of way—for both lanes–as that car may plan to continue east or west on Hwy. 92 or go north on Sam Barr Drive.
Once in the roundabout the driver should continue around to the proper exit.
The Kearney roundabout helps manage the ever-increasing Hwy. 92 traffic, slowing it down because those drivers must yield to vehicles in the roundabout, including stopping to allow them to continue around the roundabout, thus allowing residents and Dogwood School students and guests as well as customers visiting businesses along Sam Barr drive easy on-and-off the Highway 92 access.
Roundabouts are safer because if there are accidents, they are at a lower speed, plus there’s really no good reason for an accident in a roundabout: if there’s a car in the roundabout, wait. If not, go.
The drivers in the roundabout have the right away for both lanes, and other drivers on Hwy. 92 may not crowd roundabout vehicles into one lane or the other.
Don’t bug me
Natural remedies can help
After being cooped up in the winter with the house closed, it’s finally warm enough to enjoy being outside. Here are some tips on how to stretch and enjoy our summer days.
Mosquitos and ticks tend to lead the pack in both annoyance and itchiness.
Mosquitos are attracted to heat and some of the chemicals in sweat, including lactic acid and the carbon dioxide we give off by breathing.
Perfumes that contain pheromones, airborne molecules to trigger a response from the opposite sex, also attract mosquitos.
Think of a roadside diner sign flashing “Eat Here” to mosquitos. Here are some suggestions for home-based solutions which will help dim the sign “Eat Here” while we’re enjoying the summer weather. Another benefit: we may have some of these plants growing in our garden.
A trip to a natural foods aisle or vitamin and supplements store will provide these ingredients; a mix of essential oils gets high marks from many.
The essential oils that will help keep mosquitos away include bergamot, cinnamon, citronella, clove, cedar wood, eucalyptus, eucalyptus-lemon, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, myrrh, nutmeg, patchouli, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary, thyme and tea tree. Make certain the essential oils are 100 percent pure, therapeutic grade which should be diluted with carrier oils or water, depending on use.
To relieve the itching, chamomile, lavender or tea tree essential oil will help.
The Aromatherapy Contessa has this recipe for her Bug Away Blend.
- 4 oz. of distilled water, witch hazel or aloe vera gel to use as a base
- 10 drops of these essential oils: eucalyptus-lemon, citronella and lavender
- 5 drops of these essential oils: lemongrass and peppermint
- 4 oz. spray bottle with a fine mist sprayer
Mix the essential oils and put into the 4 oz. spray bottle. Slowly add the base to the spray bottle, leaving room at the top for the sprayer. Shake well and spritz on clothing and exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. Shake each time before using and spray frequently. Some recommend a refresher every 45 minutes to an hour.
Cook being served to mosquitos? Put some rosemary on the coals to give off a mosquito-repelling aroma.
Some of the plants from which the mosquito-preventing essential oils are made can be grown here and help provide a mosquito barrier.
Scientists say that the plants provide only a minimum amount of protection, as it is the volatile oils in the plants that when crushed and rubbed on our skin, will keep the buzzing mozzies away.
We can find many of these plants in friends’ gardens or at local nurseries—basil, catnip, garlic, lavender, lemon thyme and rosemary. What we don’t use on our skin, we can use in our recipes.
Catnip to the cats, of course.
Before using any of these deterrents, check on possible reactions, especially on children.
Try the essential oil mix or crush the leaves of plants and rub inside one elbow of the child.
Leave the area alone for 24 hours. If there is no irritation, itching or rash, the plant is safe for general use for children over three years old.
One other recommended remedy: spraying with the original Listerine mouth wash is reported to keep mosquitos away. Some of us are ready to try anything, and if nothing else, it’s good entertainment. Good luck.
Platte-Clay calendar photo contest July 1-Aug. 15
Each year Platte-Clay produces a calendar and beginning with the holiday open house, gives them to members who stop by the office (while supplies last).
This year Platte-Clay would like to feature co-op member photos on the calendar. Photos will be selected via a contest that runs July 1 – Aug. 15.
The theme for the 2015 calendar is “Rural Living and Sense of Community.”
Entries must be a minimum of 300 dpi, so they can be easily enlarged and maintain quality. Photos will be for the four seasons, spring, summer, fall and winter. No watermarks or borders on contest photos, please.
Calendar photos entries must have been taken by a Platte-Clay Electric Co-op member and the member must have or own the usage rights.
Members must upload the photos to the co-op’s SmugMug account, and must include complete information, including the co-op member number, found on the monthly bill. The upload links, contest rules and additional information are on the co-op web site, https://pcec.coop/calendar-photo-contest/
Winning photos will appear on the 2015 calendar and may be used on other print and electronic collateral and other materials.
We hope you’ll participate and showcase our communities, scenery, families and friends. We look forward to seeing your photos. Good luck.
MGE and Platte-Clay customer?
You may be eligible for up to $1,200 in rebates for making your home more energy efficient
It’s not often that two competitors decide to work together and do what’s best for their members, in the case of a co-op, or customer in the case of other businesses.
But that’s exactly what’s happening with this joint, nationally-recognized energy efficiency program.
The Home Performance with Energy Star® is sponsored by the Missouri Department of National Resources’ Energy Center. The program trains and certifies energy auditors who are used in this program.
Once a co-op member who uses MGE for natural gas decides to make energy efficiency a priority, here’s what to do.
Check Platte-Clay’s web site, pcec.coop, for a list of certified energy auditors.
Schedule a Home Performance assessment with one of the certified auditors who will provide members with a “to do” list to make your home energy efficient.
The co-op member will select and make the improvements.
The next step is to verify the energy savings through the auditor, then submit the rebate application form the auditor will provide.
Then, by turning off lights and keeping the thermostat adjusted, you can start bragging about how low your energy bills are.
The natural gas company offers a $200 bill credit when customers purchase and install an Energy Star-rated natural gas heating system.
Platte-Clay offers a $750 per ton rebate for new geothermal installations and a $150 per ton rebate for replacement units.
Your co-op provides a $150 per ton rebate for dual fuel heat pumps with a minimum SEER of 16.5 with fossil fuel backup.
Both heating and cooling rebates require an electric storage water heater.
And to help out, Platte-Clay offers special pricing on the highly efficient Marathon water heaters, which requires a three-year service agreement. For more information, visit https://pcec.coop/energy/energy-services/
Classified Ads
To submit an ad, complete the ad form, use the website, pcec.coop, or send in a brief nine-word description of the item you wish to advertise no later than the 15th of the month, to Platte-Clay Electric Co-op, PO Box 100, Kearney, MO 64060, Attn. Northland Connection.
Ads run on a first come, first served basis.
Ads should be about 10 words or less and include a phone number. Please indicate the category, i.e., for sale, giveaway, wanted, and the topic, such as car or boat.
Please type or print your ad. If your ad does not appear, you may resubmit it for the next available edition. Ads are for Platte-Clay members only. No business or commercial ads. If your ad is time sensitive, we suggest using one of the local ad-supported publications.
Members may pick up an ad form at the PCEC office in Kearney or Platte City or use the website, pcec.coop. Click on Classified Ad or send directly to mail@pcec.coop
The area code is 816 unless otherwise noted.
For Sale
Propane tank good; girls pink play tent, $55. Call 532-4243.
Horse: Registered TW gelding. 16 years old, 16 H, beautiful. Shots, trails. 628-6063.
Tractor tire: 13×5 x 28, 95% tread, like new. $225. 729-4286.
Tires: 2 used, P255/70/R17 M&S, $35.00 ea. 2 used P235/70/ R16 M&S, $15 ea. 637-3279.
Tractor: 1990 case IH 485, 53 hp diesel, ROPs and steel canopy. 2112 hrs. $6500. 628-5808.
Services
Tree trimming, removal & stump grinding. Kearney, Ex. Spgs, Lawson. 590-6977.
Piano tuning & repair. 721-3966.
Carpet cleaning: 3 rooms, $110. 628-4801
Bounce house: Castle Moonwalk, Rent for parties. 769-2931.
Free
Firewood, multiple lengths and sizes. You haul. 260-0608.
Crib, older, has roll-down sides. 628-4921.
Wanted
Hide-a-bed in good condition. Please call 591-0588.
Always call before you dig.
1-800-344-7483
It’s the law. And it could save your life.
Planting trees? Plant away from the electric lines.
For an outage, customer or emergency service, call Platte-Clay at 816-628-3121 24/7/365. Visit pcec.coop for info and account service.
The Northland Connection is published monthly by Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc., 1000 W. 92 Highway, Kearney, MO 64060. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: Northland Connection, PO Box 100, Kearney, MO 64060 or mail@pcec.coop.
Platte-Clay is an equal opportunity employer.