Powerline Press CELEBRATION NEW BUILDING
Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC) and its subsidiary, Lake Region Technology & Communications (LRTC), celebrated the grand opening of our expanded Hulbert headquarters on Friday, January 30, 2026. The milestone was marked with a triple ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the Fort Gibson, Tahlequah, and Wagoner Chambers of Commerce. Board members, employees, state and local officials, community leaders, cooperative partners, and members gathered to commemorate the investment in Lake Region’s future.
Originally built in 1968 and expanded in 1997, LREC’s former headquarters served the cooperative for decades. Continued growth in electric membership, fiber internet subscriptions, and staffing made a larger facility necessary. The new expansion, constructed on the existing Hulbert property, was designed with members in mind to support long-term service reliability.
Construction began in October 2023 and was completed toward the end of 2025. The facility features upgraded technology, improved security, and expanded workspaces that enhance collaboration and operational efficiency for both electric and fiber services.
Key features include a dedicated fiber tech support call center, expanded board and meeting spaces, larger offices and mailroom, a hardened data room, several new offices, and an event center with an industrial kitchen to support outage restoration, mutual aid efforts, and training needs.
Serving Adair, Cherokee, Mayes, Muskogee, Rogers, Sequoyah, and Wagoner counties, Lake Region supports 26,650 active electric meters and more than 14,500 fiber subscribers. At its inception in 1949, the cooperative only served 1,700 member-consumers. Today, Lake Region employs 124 full-time employees who maintain 3,211 miles of electric line, continuing a legacy of growth and commitment to the communities we serve.
LREC Advocates for Rural Communities
Advocacy is a cornerstone of Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s mission, ensuring our members’ voices are heard at every level of government. As the 60th Oklahoma Legislature convened last month, LREC joined electric cooperatives from across the state at the annual Out of the Gate reception in Oklahoma City.
The event brought together 93 state legislators, key officials, and more than 300 total attendees to discuss issues impacting rural Oklahoma, including reliable energy, broadband expansion, and the future of local communities. Representing LREC were Board President Scott Manes, LREC Trustee Gary Cooper, Chief Executive Officer Glen Clark, Director of Marketing Larry Mattes, and Student Ambassador Easton Graalfs, a senior at Hulbert Public Schools.
LREC’s advocacy efforts extend well beyond the Capitol. Throughout the year, the cooperative participates in town hall meetings, hosts office visits, and connects with lawmakers through community events. These grassroots efforts help build strong relationships and ensure LREC continues advocating for policies that strengthen our members and the rural communities we proudly serve.
Pictured left to right: Scott Manes; Gary Cooper; Dr. Julie McIntosh; Katherine Russell; Chris Sneed; and Larry Mattes.
Co-ops Helping Co-ops
LREC Sends Crews to Mississippi
LREC linemen loaded up, left their homes and families, and answered a mutual aid request from Mississippi to assist Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association in northwest Mississippi after severe ice accumulation from Winter Storm Fern in late January. Ice is one of the greatest threats to electric systems, capable of snapping power lines and poles, damaging surrounding vegetation, and creating dangerous working and driving conditions for crews.
Tallahatchie Valley Electric reported damage to nearly 90% of its electric grid, leaving crews with the enormous task of rebuilding essential electrical infrastructure that took decades to construct to be rebuilt in the days and weeks ahead. This effort reflects Cooperative Principle 6, Cooperation Among Cooperatives, which is simply stated as co-ops
help co-ops. We are grateful for the times others have come to our aid, and we are proud to return that support when it is needed. 1325306
with Operation Round-Up Helping Organizations and Individuals
Operation Round-Up is a charitable program funded entirely by LREC members and LRTC fiber customers for the benefit of our communities and fellow members. Participants can choose to round up their electric or fiber bill each month to the nearest dollar, with the extra cents going into a charitable fund. While the individual contribution may seem small, the impact is anything but. With 11,393 electric members and 3,239 fiber customers participating, those small amounts add up to thousands of dollars each month and tens of thousands of dollars each year. Small change, big impact.
All funds collected through Operation Round-Up are reinvested directly into our local communities. In 2025, the program awarded $80,756 to support members and organizations through medical expenses, food banks, school programs, shelters, and community projects.
An independent foundation oversees the program, with a nine-member volunteer board representing communities across LREC’s service territory. The board meets quarterly
January 2026 Grant Awards.
to review applications and award grants, ensuring every penny stays local and serves those within our service area.
If you would like to round up your electric or fiber account, call us at 918-772-2526, and our team will be happy to help you get set up. Thank you to everyone who chooses to round up their bills and support families and organizations in
Applications and deadlines are available online at www.lrecok.coop/operation-round-up
Operation Round-Up Awarded $80,756 in Grants for 2025
Hulbert Youth Wrestling-Singlets and Wrestling Supplies - $2,000
Kelly B Todd Cerebral Palsy & Neuro-Muscular Foundation, Inc. - Parking Improvement Project - $5,000
Peggs Public Schools - Promethean Board and Books - $2,095
Rider Air - Competition Expenses - $2,000
THS Robotics (Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah) - Competition Expenses - $1,000
Tahlequah Public Schools Gifted & Talented Education Program - Art Show - $1,500
Wagoner Public Schools - SPED Dept - Welch Allyn Spot Vision Camera - $4,000
WSA South Soccer Club (Navy Team) Girls 2014 - Equipment - $2,000
Linemen pictured left to right, are Cory Bloxsom, Gavin Henson, David Killebrew, Layne Marshall, Cale Orman, and Levi Carson.
Lineman Appreciation Day is next month, and it’s the perfect time to say thank you to the men who work day and night to keep your lights on—often in the toughest conditions. Our line crews are always there when our members need them most. We invite you to take a moment to write a letter of appreciation and help us show our linemen just how much their hard work, dedication, and service are valued.
Your Board of Trustees
Scott Manes.......................................President
Lynn Lamons..............................Vice-President
Randall Shankle ..... ............Secretary -Treasurer
Jack Teague..............Asst. Secretary-Treasurer
James Walls ........................................ Trustee
Gary Cooper ..........................................Trustee
Dianna Mayfield.....................................Trustee
Tina
Glen
Leisa Walker.........Director of
Jerry Latty.....................Director
Jarrod Welch.....................Director of
Larry Mattes