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Your 2026 Youth Tour and RYLA Winners
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>> Longtime employee retires after 30 years
>> Are you ready for spring storms?
FROM the TOP CEO ADDRESS
Earlier this year, we gathered to recognize the retirement of Joe Tarp, a longtime employee whose career reflects the kind of dedication that helped build this cooperative. Moments like that naturally invite reflection, not only on one career, but on the organization itself.
Our cooperative is approaching 90 years of service. Long before any of us arrived, employees were working to bring reliable electric service to our communities—a tradition that continued through Joe’s years and will carry on after us.
As CEO, I think of myself as a steward. Leadership carries responsibility, but stewardship offers perspective. None of us owns this cooperative; we are simply entrusted with caring for and strengthening it for those after us.
That perspective matters: progress relies on teamwork across generations. Decades of steady effort and shared commitment create lasting results. Every generation builds on what came before—standing on the shoulders of those who led, while preparing for others to follow.
Joe’s retirement is also a reminder of what truly sets this cooperative apart. Poles, wire and equipment are essential, but they are not unique. What makes this organization special is the people. From the board to our employees to you, our members and subscribers, people define who we are and how we serve.
That commitment shows up every day. It shows up in reliable service, thoughtful planning, and a genuine connection to the communities we serve. This is why this cooperative has endured for nearly nine decades and continues to move forward with purpose.
As Joe begins his next chapter, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication. Our shared responsibility is to strengthen this cooperative so it remains resilient for those who will follow.
Thank you for your part in shaping this cooperative’s legacy and for your continued trust.
The Quiet Standard
Joe Tarp retires after decades of steady leadership at Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
By JoMarie Ramsey
The trucks were lined up and ready before sunrise, engines idling as crews moved through their morning routines. Joe Tarp was already there, checking details and setting the pace before the day officially began.
Tarp’s steady presence defined his more than three decades at OEC, culminating in his role as manager of overhead construction. Upon retiring this year, he left not just completed projects, but a standard built on consistency, preparation, and leading by example.
Tarp joined OEC in September 1992, before GPS units and tablets became common. Directions came from maps and experience gained one job at a time. Even early on, colleagues saw Tarp's focus and discipline. He learned the system, noticed overlooked details, and carried himself with quiet confidence. 3226114004
“When I started here in 2004, Joe had only been here about 12 years, and he was already running a crew,” said Clint Mobley, vice president of operations. “I look at where I was after 12 years, and he was 30 miles ahead of me.”
That preparation shaped how Tarp led his crews. Jobs started on time. Equipment was ready. Expectations were clear without repetition. It wasn't about pressure or authority, coworkers say, but about example.
“He ran a tight ship,” Mobley said. “His truck was pulling out of the gate at 6:30. If you weren’t ready, you'd better know where he was going.”
Over time, his leadership shaped not just overhead construction but OEC’s broader culture. Crews knew that with Tarp involved, work would be organized, efficient and excellent. Leadership was demonstrated, not declared.
“He never had to tell you he was in charge,” Mobley said. “You just knew he was.”
His leadership style mattered most on the hardest days. Storm restoration brought long hours, harsh conditions and pressure. Tarp met those moments like he met everything: by showing up and working.
“There are always tough days, especially during storm breaks,” said Joe Torres, senior manager of outside plant and fiber technicians. “Joe was the guy who was going to be out in it and just do the job. He would never ask you to do something he wouldn’t do himself.”
That consistency earned trust across crews and departments. People followed Tarp because they believed in him and saw him doing the work he expected of others.
“It was his character and the way he worked,” Torres said. “People gravitated toward that. Everyone knew if Joe Tarp had something to do with it, it would get done right.”
Perhaps Tarp’s greatest impact is seen in the people he helped shape. Several of OEC’s current managers began their careers under his guidance. They learned not just technical skills but also how to carry responsibility.
“There are several of us in management today because of who he made us be,” Torres said. “We have those traits and characteristics because of him, and we pass that along as we lead.”
As Tarp retires, his legacy—preparation, accountability and respect for the work—remains central at OEC and endures in those he trained.
“Joe led by example every single day,” Mobley said. “He lived what he asked people to do.”
OEC CEO Patrick Grace said Tarp’s career reflects the cooperative values that have guided OEC since its earliest days.
“Joe represents what this cooperative stands for,” Grace said. “Showing up, doing the work the right way and taking care of the people who depend on us. His influence will continue through the leaders he helped develop and the standards he set.”
After more than 30 years of service, Joe Tarp set a high bar and fostered a culture of quiet excellence. The work continues: crews work, trucks roll out before daylight, all following habits he helped shape. For colleagues, that steady rhythm defines his legacy and the standard he established.
Are You Storm for Season? Ready
By Abby Berry
From emergency supplies to outage safety, a few practical steps can help you be better prepared for severe storms
Spring is on our doorstep and like many of you, we're looking forward to enjoying warmer weather and activities like cooking out with family and friends, gardening and slowing down to enjoy life.
Unfortunately, spring and summer can also create the perfect conditions for severe storms.
OEC crews are always prepared to respond should power outages occur in our area. When storms cause power disruptions, our line crews take all necessary precautions before they work on any downed lines.
We encourage you to practice safety and preparedness to protect your family during storms and outages.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the items below for storm and disaster preparedness. For additional resources, you can visit ready.gov.
• Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, including canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials
• Confirm you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer.
• Ensure your First Aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials. ake sure your prescriptions are current.
• Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV.
• Organize emergency supplies so they are easily accessible in one location.
In the event of a prolonged power outage, turn off major appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from potential power surges and prevent overloading circuits during power restoration. That said, make sure to leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.
If you plan to use a portable generator, ensure it can handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely.
Portable generators do not permanently attach to the home, and can power only the appliances plugged into the generator, so consider essential electrical needs when choosing. To avoid backfeed into the electrical system, the portable generator
should never be plugged directly into the home.
In the event of a prolonged power outage, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for storm and emergency information. Check okcoop.org/ OutageCenter or our Facebook page for restoration updates.
Severe storms can occasionally bring down power lines. If you see a downed line, always assume it’s energized and never approach it. If flooding occurs, never walk through areas where power lines could be submerged.
Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress caused by weather events and lessen the impact of the storm’s effects.
Sign up for NOAA emergency alerts and warnings. If you experience an outage, report it via your MyOEC mobile app, or visit okcoop.org/ OutageCenter or call our outage reporting number at (405) 321-2024—this is the fastest way to let us know if your power is out.
We hope we don’t experience severe storms over the next few months, but we can never predict Mother Nature’s plans. We recommend that you make a plan today––because storm preparedness is always our best defense.
OEC announces Youth Tour and RYLA winners at annual banquet
By JoMarie Ramsey
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative named the 2026 Youth Tour and RYLA winners at its Youth Tour banquet on January 15.
Judges selected four students to represent OEC on an all-expenses-paid Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. and honored three finalists by awarding them all-expenses-paid trips to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, known as RYLA.
Youth Tour winners Kaylee Lore of Newcastle High School, Raegan Boles of Verden High School, Taylor Meeks of Amber-Pocasset High School and Tia Peery of Lexington High School will spend June 13–19 in Washington, D.C., where they will tour national landmarks, meet with Oklahoma’s congressional delegation and participate in leadership development activities. 0424200201
Emily Hufhines of Epic Charter School, Ainsley Cook of Mount St. Mary Catholic High School and Sebastian Smith of Norman High School are this year’s RYLA recipients. Their experience at Camp RYLA, scheduled for June 15–19 at Goddard Youth Camp near Sulphur, will focus on leadership training that emphasizes service, teamwork and personal growth.
“This was one of the most competitive years we’ve had,” said Carrie Koesler, OEC community outreach associate.
“The students delivered thoughtful, confident speeches, and the judges were impressed by how well they communicated their leadership skills and personal connection to their electric cooperative.”
Students achieved finalist status through a competitive application process that required writing an essay on the theme “Powering My Day: How My Electric Cooperative Fuels My Life.” Finalists presented their essays as speeches at the banquet, where judges selected the Youth Tour delegates and RYLA recipients.
Youth Tour is a nationally recognized program sponsored by electric cooperatives that gives high school juniors the opportunity to experience the nation’s capital while learning about government, leadership and civic responsibility.
RYLA, sponsored by Rotary International’s Oklahoma clubs, is an intensive leadership program that brings together high school students from across the state for hands-on training and leadership development.
Since 1937, Oklahoma Electric Cooperative has provided reliable electric service and proudly supported leadership opportunities across our seven-county service area. Next year’s contest will open later this year. Visit okcoop.org/ youthtour for more information.
Log into your MyOEC account at okcoop.org or OECFiber.com, or by using your MyOEC mobile app, navigate to Settings > Manage Notifications.
Hi John! You used 10% more energy yesterday compared to your daily weekday average over the last month.
Power Outage Alert: OEC has detected an outage at account 1234567890. View outage map and updates at okcoop.org/ OutageCenter
AUTOS, PARTS & ACCESSORIES
• ‘96 Corvette 350 LT-1 automatic 127k miles white with black interior and has targa top $10,000 OBO. 226-4095.
• Towable Commercial Joy Brand Air Compressor 4-cylinder John Deere Diesel Motor For Sandblasting or Jackhammering etc Reduced Now $3000. 381-9096.
• Sale: Disability Van 2012 Toyota Sienna Full ramp, trunk, 2 bucket & back seat Excellent maintenance on both van and disability equipment $15,000. 412-6562.
• 1 owner 2011 Honda Ridgeline AWD, RTL, black with black leather, 297K highway miles, impeccably maintained, runs and drives great, everything works, $7900. 823-7310.
• ‘16 Chevrolet Camaro RS V6 Auto 13K original miles one owner nonsmoking excellent condition garage kept Loaded GPS $24900 Serious inquiries only. 921-9276.
FARM & EQUIPMENT
• Toro Timecutter sw5000 o-turn mower,241/2 hp, suspension seat, new tire, deck rebuilt winter 2024,always stored, 437 hr, runs great, $1200. 684-0350.
• I have a 350-gallon Polyethylene Water tank heavy duty, $124. 535-8863.
• Kubota SVL 97-2 Skid steer $70000, Grapple bucket $3000, Concrete breaker $3000, Grade bucket $1000, Grapple rake $600, Generator $500, $18,000. 850-525-2493.
• 16-foot gooseneck stock trailer for sale; new floor, lights work; not sure on date manufactured; $2750 OBO Cash or Cashier’s Check only. 834-6323.
HAY & FIREWOOD
• Firewood for Sale: Oak/ blackjack seasoned and split; Starting at $110 can deliver for a fee; in Lexington. 822-0125.
• Firewood oak Hackberry, Pecan; in Lexington $110 per Rick; delivery extra. 808-5568.
• Bermuda hay, horse quality, sprayed & fertilized; small square $10 per bale; round $60 per bale; Northwest Chickasha. 459-6543.
• Seasoned split oak firewood, two and one-half ricks for $200, you pick up. 292-7709.
• Small square bermuda grass horse hay in 21 bale bundles, sprayed and fertilized, located in East Norman. 850-1005.
• Firewood for sale: Oak/ Blackjack seasoned and split; only $115 00 rick, delivery extra. 693-0824.
LIVESTOCK & PETS
• 2 sugar gliders, cage, accessories $200. 496-8737.
• 22 sugar gliders, cage and accessories, elderly disabled lady unable to care for them properly, so daughter has been taking care of elderly mother and pets, our loss your gain. 496-8737.
• Havamalt Puppies (Havanese x Maltese), hypoallergenic & nonshedding, should mature under 10 lbs, wonderful dispositions, raised in our home, find us on Facebook at Joyful Havamalts, $1,000-$1,400; Lexington, OK. 740-9218.
• Yorkies F 2 Babies Small, Friendly, vet record, puppy package with pop up kennel, pad soft side carrier. 824-9674.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Masonry Work & Repair: brick, block, stone & repair, All size jobs: fireplaces, mailboxes, planters, tuck pointing, pavers, brick replacement due to erosion; 40yrs experience, competitive prices. 779-5362.
• Stump Grinding: competitive prices, shrubs & some tree removal, call Danny. 779-5362
• Private individual interested in buying small or very small oil & gas royalties or mineral rights in Oklahoma. 802-4227.
• I have several firearms, Inline Blackpower, 3030,3006,sks,22,can send list all in new like condition. 596-9970.
• BEEF for sale, we offer Custom packages, Ground Beef, 1/4s, 1/2s & Wholes, Quality, Taste & Convenience, located in West Norman. 850-6652 or 802-3327.
• Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 3 SxS lots, Space’s 1,2,3 Lot 638 Section 30; Garden Of Serenity, 3250K each sold separately or 9000K sold together, OBO, seller to pay transfer fees; (This is savings of over 4800K). 760-5883.
• Burn Barrel’s $10 each with or without the top cut out of them; Barrels with vent holes drilled $15 each; Blanchard area. 306-6974.
• Wool India Rug 12’ x 15’ Black / Beige, Good condition, heavy! New price was $7K; Location: Newcastle Asking $900 obo. 520-9480.
• Buzzaroud LX GB119 Luxury Travel Scooter; Used once; 375 lb weight capacity; up to 18 mile battery range; includes mobility carrier ramp with hitch; available is a swing out arm for more convenience with the ramp; Paid over $3000, will take $1000 cash for all. 406-3559.
• Matthews Solo Cam Compound Bow with Trophy Ridge Sights, complete with case, stabilizers, attachable Quiver, 17 Arrows, Broad Heads and Target Tips; 30” Draw Length, 70# Draw Weight, with a 93 5/8” String Length and 38 5/8” Cable Length; in Purcell, $450. e-mail crj1203@yahoo.com or text at 501-915-3517.
• KFOR FX 9rp, 2-17 round clips, nib, $475; 12x6 flatbed utility trailer, w ramp, good floor, spare, good tires, led lights,$1750. 620-5238.
• Tobacco Burst Gibson Les Paul Standard w Gibson Case & Fender Champion 600 All Tube Amp - Pristine Condition$1500. 641-7582.
• MC riding chaps, jacket with liner, $150 for both. 831-3766.
• Rifle, left hand action, Carl Gustaf 30-06, excellent condition, $475; chest waders, size 11 stout, 31/2mm neoprene, 400 grams thinsulate, used once, $100. 274-8420.
• Reclining manual wheelchair, lightly used but like new, $200 call or text. 308-6409.
• Mak90 AK-47 as New, w 900 rounds ammo, Comes w 3 magazines- All State & Federal Laws Observed - $2000 – text please. 641-7582.
• Burn Barrel’s $10 each with or without the top cut out of them Barrels with vent holes drilled $15 each Blanchard area. 306-6974.
MOBILE HOMES, RVS & BOATS
• ‘93 Stratos 250 Fishing Boat -Evinrude 48 Outboard, New MinnKota trolling motor, had 5-hour mechanic tune up, new batteries, new lights, new tags $3,850. 485-4340.
• ‘24 Pelican Bass 2-man boat, trolling motor, 2 batteries, anchor, 2 covers, 2 seats, 1 paddle, trailer, used once, I’m too old for this boat asking $1950. 226-6671.
• ‘09 Four Winns Fish/Ski 17ft 135HP Mercruise Trolling motor Bimini top $18,500. 642-8977.
REAL ESTATE
• Thinking of selling your home/ acreage? Contact Metro Brokers acreage specialist: To get started, OkRealtySolutions,com/ seller-services; Call/text Teri. 417-1849.
• Lexington, OK: 258 &180 MOL acres for sale Prime hunting, recreation, ranch land with timber, pasture, ponds, creek Near OKC Call Aaron with United Country. 229-2973.
• Cemetery plot 6916 Greenway Dr, Midwest City, Section 47, Lot 182, Space D $2500, buyer pays transfer fee. 501-4328.
WANTED
• Vintage Barbie dolls which include her family and friends, clothes and accessories, leave message if no answer leave a message and if possible, send pictures. 250-3394.
• Wanted rimfire rifle in 22lr, 17hmr, or 22 wmr If no answer please leave detailed message and I will return call. 546-9912.
• Younger ranching couple Iso ranch of any size to lease, partner on, or lease to purchase; Preferably within 2 hours of Bartlesville (918) 520-5208 or (918) 601-0780.
• Vintage Barbie dolls, includes family and friends, clothes, accessories, doll cases and playsets; Leave message if no answer and if possible, send pictures. 250-3394.
• Wanted: Ham Radio Gear: Radios/Amps/Antennas, Ect; text only. 641-7582.
• Looking to buy unwanted collections, cash for comics, toys new and old, collectables, sports cards, nonsports cards. 306-1462.
BUSINESS
• Handyman for Hire: off-duty fireman, remodel, painting, flooring (tile, laminates, etc), sheetrock, roofing, siding, fences, decks, carports, room additions, windows & doors, custom made bookcases, shelving, cabinets, etc General home repair; All types of construction, 37yrs exp; 2455502 or 381-2007.
• American Blinds & Shutters: Off-duty fireman, window treatments for home or business. Free estimates. 245-5502 or 381-2007.
• You dream it, and I can build it: Custom cedar swing sets, forts, playhouses, she sheds, backyard cottages with kitchen and bath, poolhouses, all types of furniture, bookcases, etc. Off duty fireman, 381-2007 or 245-5502.
• Construction & Fabrication: In shop or on site; welding, fabrication, Equipment building and repair; oilfield through New and existing construction, custom work; I’m also looking for used oilfield equipment, like pumps, generators, heat exchangers, air boosters, structural steel, derricks, sub structures, etc. 308-5742.
• Oilfield & Construction Equipment: Fabrication & machine shop equipment and machines, Diesel engines, Pump Drives, Transmissions, Pto’s, etc. 308-5742.
• C&B Paint Co: 15yrs experience, insured, interior/ exterior painting, popcorn ceiling removal, custom textures & drywall repairs. Cnbpainting. com or call Cody for a reasonable yet fair price. 431-9601.
• Annie & Lloyd Tree & Landscape LLC: Certified arborist Tree trimming, planting, removal, landscaping. 314-3607.
• Jim’s Painting & Remodeling:interior & exterior wallpaper, popcorn ceiling removal, sheetrock repairs, texture, power washing, deck and fence staining, free estimates, quality work, 20yrs exp erience & insured. 366-0722.
• JL Painting: Commercial & residential sheetrock, wood repairs, custom texturing, interior/exterior, insured, free estimates. 314-0755.
• Sunshine Realty LLC: Rhonda Simmons Broker/Owner, Residential, Commercial, Foreclosures, Short Sales, Property Management, Service buyers/sellers throughout Oklahoma, Active OK Licenses, call/text Rhonda (405) 808-0705, #142160 & #175498 or Cody Simmons, 405-203-2449, #183016, www. sunshinerealty.realtor.
• Masonry Work & Repair: brick, block, stone & repair. All size jobs: fireplaces, mailboxes, planters, tuck pointing, pavers, brick replacement due to erosion. 40yrs experience, competitive prices. Danny, 779-5362.
• Alfredo Medina III Construction: All types of quality concrete work at an affordable price, no job too large or small; satisfaction guaranteed, free estimates, 405-664-9820.
• Bowman’s Welding Service: Fences, corrals, entryways, alleyways, ornamental fence, any type of welding, shop or portable. 360-8091 or 990-1084.
• Weld Up Steel Buildings: 30x30x12= 25,836.00, 40x50= 44,920.00, 40x100= 81428.00, Pricing includes concrete one walk dr, and garage dr, 872-0338.
• Bargain Barns: 18x21 stell carport = 1395.00, 12x31 rv cover = 2505.00, 24x31 steel garage = 7710.00, Delivery and installation included, call 872-0338.
• Portable buildings: 8x10 mini barn = 2410.00, 10x16 lofted barn = 4425.00, 12x28 garage = 8710.00, 872-0338.
• Argo Siding & Windows: Windows, doors, siding, patio rooms, carports, remodeling, room additions, tile, painting, roofing, we also do skirting and repair siding on mobile homes. 255-5553, leave message.
phone
• Small Excavator: Small tree removal, trenches, stump removal. Call for free estimate. 761-3764.
• Clint’s Lawn Care: mowing, weed trimming and edging; 1 to 5 acres. Service area includes Newcastle, Blanchard and Bridge Creek; I’ll treat your lawn just like it’s mine; Veteran owned. Call or text for free quote 229-1046.
• Hetrick Family Dentistry: we’re accepting new patients, we provide service to Chickasaw Tribal members and accept private insurance, call today for an appointment and let our team join you on your journey to a Happy Health Smile. 632-2273.
• Landscape & Outdoor Projects: Pergolas, decks, outdoor kitchens, pavilions, cedar fencing, landscape design, landscape lighting, pizza ovens, outdoor fireplaces and firepits, landscape lighting, patio extensions, pergola staining, she sheds, 30 years serving rural Oklahoma, free estimates. 834-3411.
• HOA is looking for a Handyman for cleaning out bar ditch: Loaded with wood, metal, mulch and tires: Will need truck and trailer to hauled off to dump: Contact 436-0884 for location and a written quote must be provided.
• Protect Your Memories: Four Leaf Memories can digitize & preserve your photos, photo books, scrapbooks, slides, DVDs/video, memorabilia, recipes and more. Local pickup and dropoff, no sending in the mail. Also offering photo book and slide show creation services for special occasions, yearly review, memorials, pets and more. Call 635-5613 or visit fourleafmemories.com.
• Estate Cleanup: Clean Up & Haul Off Trash, Storm & Other Debris from properties & building interiors; tree removal; Call Jerry Richardson 405-8500577 for a Neatly Completed Professional job; Insured; References.
• Christian Land Services: Offduty firefighter offering Tractor work, Brush hogging, grapple work, tilling, dirt/gravel grading, backhoe work. Gage Christian. 420-5646.
• Tractor Work: Brush hogging, gravel drives, dirt work, garden tilling, holes drilled, tree trimming & removal. 808-8202.
• Hometown Paving: An asphalt company located in Chickasha OK for all of your asphalt paving & maintenance 892-9075 www. hometownpaving.com.
• Shaklee Products: (40) years as shaklee ambassadors. Keith patton. 219-9359.
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