Ruralite BENTON REA
JANUARY 2026
Looking Back,
Moving Forward In 2025, Benton REA made progress on many projects, paving the way for a successful future Page 4 ALSO INSIDE >>
Residential Base Charge Adjustment Page 8 c-07 pp01 January2026.indd 1
Programs to Manage Energy Costs Page 25
Working Together to Lower Demand Page 28 12/18/2025 11:05:34 AM
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FROM THE PIONEER TEAM
Ruralite January 2026 • Volume 73, No. 1
CEO Michael Shepard SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble Sprayberry SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC; Sable Riley, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valeri Saldanha Rosa PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER Elizabeth Beatty SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Alyssa McDougle Ruralite (USPS 397-460) is published monthly for members for $5.73 per year, plus postage, by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 46 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and California. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2026 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to Ruralite, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6454 HOW TO CONTACT RURALITE Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $15 (U.S.) per year; $25 per year (foreign). Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Address Changes: Utility members, contact your local utility. Subscribers, call us at 503-357-2105, option 3, or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop. Back issues: Back issues and extra copies are $3. Prepayment required. Supply is limited. Be sure to identify edition, month and year. Call first if ordering back issues to check availability.
Self-Made Excellence Some of the most valuable skills are the ones we teach ourselves. Amy Stirling learned to call bingo by practicing at home. Nobody assigned her this task—she simply decided she wanted to master it. Now, 15 years into her work at Avamere at Bethany, a retirement community in Oregon, Amy runs bingo three times a week with the confidence of someone who put in the practice. This kind of self-directed learning appears throughout this month’s issue. Cowboy poet Dick Warwick describes his writing process as “totally undisciplined”—scribbling lines while driving, jotting notes during chores and eventually assembling them into polished performances for the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. The gathering itself, now in its 41st year, began with Waddie Mitchell and other poets who taught themselves their craft through years of ranch work and recitation. What started as preserving traditional poems evolved into creating new work that captures contemporary Western life.
This year’s theme, A Cow Town State of Mind, celebrates the collaborative spirit these self-taught artists bring to their communities. Musicians Joni and Olivia Harms developed their songwriting skills through years of performing, with Olivia crediting her mother’s example: “She’s my best friend and everything I want to be like one day.” The common thread isn’t formal training or credentials—it’s people identifying what they want to learn and putting in the work to master it. Amy didn’t wait for permission to learn bingo. Dick doesn’t follow a prescribed writing method. Cowboy poets preserve tradition while innovating within it. As we start this new year, these examples offer a practical reminder: The skills we develop through deliberate practice—even when nobody’s watching—often become our most valuable contributions. Do you have a story about someone in your community who taught themselves a valuable skill? I’d love to hear about it at editor@pioneer.coop. Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director
Her Smile Never Wavers
To contact Ruralite: Ruralite magazine is published by Pioneer Utility Resources, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: info@pioneer.coop. For more information, visit pioneer.coop.
Up Close, Page 10
A Cow Town State of Mind
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For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering ambassador Waddie Mitchell shares timeless messages Spotlight, Page 12 Reader Exchange 18 Adventure Awaits 20
Picture Hunt Before You Go
Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32
22 30
Breakfast Is Ready In the Kitchen, Page 16
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BENTON REA
Looking Back,
Moving Forward In 2025, Benton REA made progress on many projects, paving the way for a successful future By Stacey Azure For Benton REA, 2025 was a year of planning, progress and member-focused improvements. From wildfire prevention to improved member service, Benton REA has made tremendous progress over the last year and are excited to share the highlights. Every project, every upgrade and every investment made in 2025 had one purpose: to strengthen your electric system and enhance the service we provide our members. Building a More Resilient Electric System Enhancing the reliability and resilience of Benton REA’s electric system—especially in areas with high wildfire risk—remains one of our highest priorities. Throughout the year, our engineering and operations teams have worked on strategic undergrounding of power lines, upgrading line protection fuses and system reclosers, and improved automation and communications across the grid. These improvements reduce the risk of wildfire ignition and help shorten outage duration when they do occur. Pursuing Funding to Keep Costs Down While system upgrades are essential, they can be expensive. To help offset project costs and reduce financial impacts to members, Benton REA has actively pursued state and federal grants. This year, Benton REA secured $4 million in grant funding to support system modernization and resilience initiatives across the cooperative’s service
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territory. This includes a $3 million federal grid resilience grant and a $1 million appropriation from the Washington State Legislature. Both are first-of-their-kind grant awards for Benton REA. In September, Benton REA’s Reliable Electric Advancement Project received approval from the U.S. Department of Energy and is currently in contract negotiations to finalize the award. “This project represents a major step forward in strengthening our electric system against wildfire risk while enhancing energy reliability for the communities we serve,” Benton REA CEO Ryan Redmond says. Smarter Outage Protection and Wildfire Mitigation One of the most significant system improvements this year has been the installation of additional reclosers. These devices act like smart reset switches for power lines. Much like a GFCI outlet in your home, reclosers automatically shut off power when they detect a fault, and then safely restore power. By dividing long circuits into smaller sections, Benton REA can limit outage size and speed up power restoration. For example, recent installations in the Benton City area cut one large circuit in half—meaning fewer members experience outages and patrol areas are reduced. Benton REA is also installing nonexpulsion fuses that limit sparks when a fuse blows, dramatically reducing wildfire risk in dry vegetation. More of these devices will be installed in high-risk areas throughout 2026.
Smarter Weather Monitoring Because Benton REA’s service area covers more than 620 square miles and conditions can vary widely, we are installing new weather-monitoring equipment to help detect localized fire-prone conditions and adjust system operations accordingly. These tools help Benton REA respond faster to weather conditions—such as red flag warnings—and take precautionary action when needed. Energy-Efficiency Savings for Members Benton REA again achieved strong results in energy efficiency this year, securing nearly $2 million in Bonneville Power Administration’s energy-efficiency funds to reinvest back to members. These funds resulted in more than 8.5 million kilowatt-hours of energy saved across residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial members, making it one of our most successful efficiency years to date. We also expanded income-qualified rebates from 12 members in 2022–23 to 32 members and $215,000 in rebates in 2024– 25, helping more households increase comfort and lower bills. A Better Member Experience This year, our Member Experience Department completed a major transformation. As a result of new technology and training, we improved first-contact resolution from below 35% to 86% while reducing missed calls and maintaining 90% caller satisfaction. Updated systems and improved outage communication mean members reach the right person faster and receive better support during outages and service needs.
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RIGHT: Benton REA Member Experience Representative Kendra Roberts has worked for the cooperative for 18 years. She was awarded Benton REA’s 2025 Member Service Award and has personally contributed to higher member satisfaction scores. MIDDLE: Lineworkers carried out numerous projects this year that improved reliability, automation and communications accross the grid. BELOW: In White Pass, lineworkers reconnect conductors after replacing a damaged pole.
Award-Winning Communications Benton REA’s communications team received top regional honors at the Northwest Public Power Association’s Excellence in Communications Awards. Selected from 283 entries across 48 Northwest utilities, Benton REA earned recognition for excellence in publications, campaigns and member-focused communication. A Headquarters for the Future Construction of Benton REA’s new headquarters in West Richland is well underway. The building is scheduled to open in the first half of 2026. The new campus will open to the public for account inquiries and engineering services. It will house administrative staff, warehouse, fleet and lineworker facilities. Benton REA will continue to provide the service members in Prosser are used to with a payment office and line crews available 24/7 for service calls and outage response. Looking Ahead From wildfire mitigation and resiliency projects to improved call response and energy savings, this was a year of major progress. Whether we’re upgrading equipment, modernizing your grid or expanding member programs, everything Benton REA accomplishes is done with one goal in mind: to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity for the members we serve. Thank you for being part of Benton REA, and for another year of trust and partnership. n
ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY VECTOR ART
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PLUGGED IN
Smooth Streaming Tips for seamless entertainment
Whether it’s music, movies or games, streaming and interactive online content is a part of daily life for many. With a little care and planning, you can have the smoothest experience possible. Also, keep in mind the professionals with your service provider are always ready to support you, answering questions and offering information needed to make the right choices. Here are a few items to consider:
1.
Anticipate how you will use your streaming services. When assessing internet needs for
streaming, consider the number of people in your household and their activities. Will there be remote work, gaming or multiple streaming services involved? Once your internet use patterns are understood, make sure your internet plan matches your needs.
2.
Take into account the amount of devices.
Don’t overlook the number of devices connected to the Wi-Fi network. It’s common for households to have various smartphones, tablets and smart appliances online simultaneously. Remember, each connected device consumes bandwidth, which can affect the performance of all your devices.
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3.
Assess your Wi-Fi coverage. Slow streaming can sometimes be attributed to Wi-Fi issues rather than insufficient bandwidth. Evaluate the placement of your router, and consider investing in a mesh Wi-Fi system to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your home. This can significantly improve streaming performance, especially in larger homes or areas with signal dead zones.
4.
Understand streaming. Streaming involves the continuous transmission of media content from an online server to a digital device. It can include a wide range of content, from livestreams to recorded movies and TV shows. At times, it can seem like an endless stream of content possibilities. However, there are potential bottlenecks, so consider cataloging all the streaming services in use—including online gaming—to make sure you have the internet connection and Wi-Fi setup that’s right for you.
5.
Stay informed about advancements in technology. Streaming technology has rapidly
evolved, revolutionizing how we consume media. Stay informed about advancements in streaming services and internet technology to make informed decisions about your streaming setup. For example, image resolution for some movies is now much higher than just a few years ago and requires a faster connection to enjoy. n
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ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS BY DC STUDIO AND PROXIMA STUDIO, ILLUSTRATION BY ORAPUN
Use Caution With Cash Apps While mobile payment apps like PayPal or Venmo make it easy to send and receive money online or through an app on a phone, scammers are also waiting to take advantage. This service becomes an intermediary between your money and whoever is on the other end of a transaction, which can create an added layer of security. But if a scammer tricks you into sending money, it’s hard to get it back. The Federal Trade Commission notes the risks and offers tips for staying safe. X Don’t send a payment to claim a prize or collect sweepstakes winnings. X Never give your account credentials to anyone who contacts you. X Protect your account with multifactor authentication or a personal identification number. X Before paying, double-check the recipient’s information to make sure you’re sending money to the right person. X If you get an unexpected request for money from someone you recognize, speak with them directly to make sure the request is valid—and not a hacker who got access to their account. If you find unauthorized payments or think you paid a scammer, immediately report the transaction to the service providing the payment app. Instructions should be available on the service’s website. Also, report the scam to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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BENTON REA
New housing developments are going up in West Richland, including this one near Van Giesen and Paradise Way.
Upcoming Adjustment to the Residential Base Charge Beginning March 1, Benton REA will adjust the residential base charge from $25 to $29.95 per month. This change is necessary to continue providing the safe, reliable and affordable power members expect. The base charge is a fixed cost on each electric bill that helps cover essential services required to power homes such as maintaining lines, poles, substations, transformers, meters and member services. Even when electricity use is low, these costs remain constant so our system can operate at all times. Why is the change necessary? Like many utilities across the region and nation, Benton REA is experiencing rising costs related to wholesale power supply, maintaining aging infrastructure, and the materials and equipment required for system maintenance. Inflation and higher operational costs 8
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have outpaced current rates. Benton REA continues to deliver some of the lowest electric rates in the region, despite serving a vast and geographically challenging territory spanning rural portions of Benton, Lewis and Yakima counties, including the rugged terrain of the Cascade Mountains at White Pass. Among the nine utilities in the region, Benton REA maintains the fourth-lowest average bill, trailing only larger utilities that benefit from denser, more compact service areas. Adjusting the base charge ensures Benton REA can continue improving and maintaining the electric system that serves you every day—especially during storms and peak use periods. Our Commitment to Members Benton REA is a not-for-profit cooperative, and every dollar collected goes directly toward powering our communities and
keeping the system reliable. We carefully evaluate all utility costs and financial needs to limit the impact on members while supporting responsible financial planning and long-term system reliability. We know any increase matters to households, and Benton REA is committed to managing your cooperative’s finances prudently while working hard to keep rates as stable as possible.
Need help? We’re here. If you have questions about your bill or would like to learn about payment programs, energy assistance or income based discounts, Benton REA’s member experience representatives are available to help. Call 509-786-2913. Members also have access to in-house energy-efficiency advisors to guide you toward rebates and tools to manage electrical use throughout the year. Benton REA
12/17/25 2:37 PM
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A young woman becomes the heartbeat of a senior living facility and teaches others about commitment, love and showing up Story and photos by Dave LaBelle In an era when companies struggle to find workers—especially those willing to do tasks like cleaning or stocking shelves—a young lady with Down syndrome has been showing up for work with a smile for the past 15 years. Three days a week, Amy Stirling, 32, takes a bus from her group home and arrives ready for work at Avamere at Bethany, an independent living facility in Beaverton, Oregon. Once she arrives at work, a focused Amy is a perpetual motion machine, quickly attending to whatever needs to be done. “I help out with snacks and making coffee, when I am not cleaning or calling bingo,” Amy says.
Amy Stirling has a strong supporter in her father, Bob.
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High School Volunteer “It’s a retirement home, and she helps out the activities director,” says Amy’s father, Bob. “She enjoys it. Actually, that started when she was in high school. After a couple of years of volunteering, they said, ‘You know, we need to put you on the payroll here, Amy.’ They appreciate her, and she loves them—a mutual love of one another.” For a while, Amy had two jobs. “She was wrapping napkins at a restaurant until COVID shut everything down,” Bob says. “And we still go back there occasionally to have meals. They haven’t gotten back to a full force, so to speak, so they haven’t brought her back on board. But they remember her. They said, ‘We still consider her an employee.’ ” “I did forks and knives,” Amy says. Amy is the youngest of four children—she has two sisters and a brother. Her mother died in 2019 of cancer. “We were very blessed that her family sought out a volunteer opportunity for her with us,” says Livia Thompson, senior life enrichment director at Avamere. “She’s fantastic,” says Livia, who has worked with Amy for 15 years. “She actually taught herself how to call bingo because she used to help. And she started practicing at home on her own. She became confident enough, so she runs bingo three times a week. She also helps with our dietary operation, the organization of things, puts stuff away and cleans. She works about 12 hours weekly.”
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UP CLOSE
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Amy loves to golf and is on the local Oregon Special Olympics team. Amy taught herself how to call bingo at home and now leads the game at the Avamere at Bethany facility. She says it is her favorite part of work. Amy affectionately pats a resident on the back after lunch.
Residents Love Her “Amy is a character and has her own way of presenting herself and working with staff and residents in our bingo games,” says Avamere resident Carol Hutchinson. “She is just downright lovable. She visits Anna a lot. Anna is in the cottages and broke her back. Amy likes to come off the bus and spend time with her for a little bit before starting work. “She repeatedly tortures all of us with her pretending to shuffle the bingo cards more times, and we want to get moving, so we have a lot of going back and forth with that,” Carol adds. “And she plays the game every time.” Life Outside of Work Golf is Amy’s favorite sport. During the season, she says she practices at least once a week at a nearby course. As a member of
the local Oregon Special Olympics team, she likes the competition and doesn’t get nervous before she competes. “I have four trophies,” she says. “The best one was second place.” “Amy is not one of my athletes that is loud or needs a lot of attention or any of that stuff,” says Katie Bomberger, local team coordinator for Oregon Special Olympics and one of Amy’s coaches. “She is quiet. She practices and practices and then goes home. I feel very blessed to work with her and have her as a friend, and it’s been a great pleasure to see her develop and grow over the years.” When she is not working or golfing, Amy enjoys attending church and singing. She says her favorite song is “Jesus Loves Me.” After living at home all her young life, Amy and her family decided it was time to become more independent. “Just a few months ago, I got her into a group home, which has just been wonderful,” Bob says. “She’s, of course, pretty special.” n JA N UA RY 2 0 2 6
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‘A Cow Town St National Cowboy Poetry Gathering ambassador Waddie Mitchell shares timeless messages By Dianna Troyer Acclaimed humorist and cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell has a hard habit to break this winter. Every January for four decades, the award-winning author and buckaroo bard has performed at the world-renowned National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a weeklong festival he helped establish in Elko, Nevada, in 1985 to celebrate ranching lifestyle and culture. During last year’s event, Waddie announced his retirement. Posting on social media, his followers said he certainly deserved a rest but lamented his absence in the gathering’s lineup.
Waddie Mitchell has made audiences laugh for four decades. An award-winning author, he has published several poetry books and is the face of cowboy poetry on national television shows.
PHOTOS BY SYDNEY MARTINEZ/ TRAVEL NEVADA
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SPOTLIGHT
State of Mind’ The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering offers mic time for youngsters as well as adults.
“I’ve been sharing my poems there for more than half my life,” says Waddie, 75. “It’s always been on the calendar and something I looked forward to, like a reunion with an extended family that stretches around the world. “I guess you could say going there was ingrained in me, kind of like cattle coming off the range for the winter. I’ll sure miss it this year, but it was time to cut back on my schedule so I have time to focus on finishing another book of poems. I’ll still do a few private events.” Preserving Pieces of History Waddie, along with a few other poets and folklorists, founded the gathering to share traditional cowboy poems and songs, basing it at Elko’s Western Folklife Center during winter when ranchers have a lull in their work. The first event of its kind, it became a model for other gatherings, and Waddie has been its informal ambassador. With his characteristic cadences, irrepressible humor and kindness, Waddie charmed audiences and taught listeners about the rural West. His 1986 appearance on the “Tonight Show” helped popularize cowboy poetry. He won hearts through television and magazine interviews, appearances at festivals, albums, books and his website, waddiemitchell.com.
The more Waddie performed his poems, the more the gatherings’ attendance grew. About 8,000 people make an annual pilgrimage to Elko from the around the world for performances and hands-on workshops with poets, musicians, saddlemakers, silversmiths, rawhide braiders, cooks, dancers and more. This year’s 41st gathering, Jan. 26-31, has the theme of “A Cow Town State of Mind” to honor the collaborative spirit of agricultural communities and their roles in keeping rural lands and communities thriving. Waddie embodies what the gathering is all about—camaraderie, continual learning, insightful and humorous commentary on life, and an appreciation for agricultural producers. “I love hearing an audience laugh, but I also hope people stop and think,” he says. “Some poems apply to all of us, not just cowboys. I encourage people to persevere and remember a no-quit attitude is the essence and promise and crown of humankind. “Find ways to better yourself, then your community and finally the world. I hope people who come and aren’t from a ranching background gain a better understanding and appreciation of our food supply, the toil that goes into a good burger and steak and other crops.”
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ABOVE: Dick Warwick, a cowboy poet, runs his family farm near Oakesdale in Eastern Washington on the vast fertile Palouse grasslands. PHOTO COURTESY OF DICK WARWICK LEFT: Joni Harms, seated, and her daughter, Olivia, write and perform country and western songs about working on the Harms family ranch—homesteaded in 1872 near Canby in Western Oregon. PHOTO COURTESY OF JONI HARMS
Blazing a New Trail Waddie says he may make a guest appearance at a future gathering, but probably not this winter. “We’re not sure where we’ll be in January,” he says. “Someplace warm.” He and his wife, Lisa Hackett, have new options with his newfound time. “We’re trying to learn to have fun now that I’m not on the road about 200 days a year,” he says. Waddie’s idea of fun means roping ideas for poems and wrestling them onto the page “for what will probably be my last book,” he says. The working title is “The Not Near Complete Works of Waddie Mitchell.” “It was odd at first having more time to write, but I’m getting used to it,” he says. “I start at about 7 a.m., then I get obsessive and focused to get all those words just right. For me, writing is about 10% inspiration and 90% editing. Before I know it, it’s 7 and sometimes even 10 at night.” Waddie says it’s human nature to find comfort from the past. He still laughs about memories of poems he learned as a child. At age 10, he began reciting traditional cowboy poems while working on ranches with his father, who nicknamed him Waddie, a term for a cowboy. “Those traditional poems were accepted, but when I was a young adult, it was a time when you never told guys you wrote poetry, and you would never even think of reciting a poem in public,” he says.
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He reluctantly let folklorists persuade him and others to start the gathering as a way to preserve an aspect of cowboy culture. “I wondered why anyone would want to come to the middle of nowhere in the middle of winter to hear people read poems and play music,” Waddie says. “During my 26 years as a buckaroo, we went to town to have wild times at the bars. It made no sense to me, but we all planned to have a fun weekend anyway.” On the first day of the inaugural gathering, Waddie helped set up folding chairs, wondering how many were needed. “We didn’t want to put out too many because then it would look bad if hardly anyone came and we had a room with empty chairs,” he says. “When we opened the doors, people just kept coming. The rest of that day, we kept putting out more and more chairs, opening more and more rooms. I couldn’t believe it—2,000 people came.” Waddie says one of the best aspects of the gathering’s growth is “when we interact with so many others, the quality of our art steps up a notch as we all share ideas, whether it’s saddlemaking or singing.” Considering he won’t be interacting this year, he offers advice for those who will miss him. “I remember when I broke my leg, and we couldn’t go to a roping in Portland,” he says. “I let down my family and my roping partner. We were all disappointed. But you know what? Everyone lived through it. The gathering has a good foundation and will keep bringing people together. It’ll be OK without me there.” n A schedule of performances, workshops and tickets are available at nationalcowboypoetrygathering.com. Performances are also posted at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering’s YouTube channel.
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More Than Songs and Poems Annual gathering celebrates rural Western lifestyle By Dianna Troyer Joni and Olivia Harms share a musical mission Performing at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, is as cherished by award-winning country and western singer/songwriter Joni Harms as performing at the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall. “The gathering in Elko is the granddaddy of them all,” says Joni, who lives in Canby, Oregon. “I’m always so proud and blessed to be invited. It’s a weeklong immersion of sharing what our Western lifestyle is all about—the hardships and humor.” This year will be special for Joni as she shares the Gathering stage with her daughter, Olivia, for the first time. “We’re as much friends and collaborators as mother and daughter,” Joni says. “Audiences in Europe, Australia and New Zealand really embrace our country music.” Their repertoire is extensive. During her four-decade career, Joni recorded 14 albums with many songs inspired by working on the ranch her great-great-grandfather established in 1872. Olivia, 29, has three albums of her own and lives on a ranch in Northern California with her husband. “Performing music has always energized me since I first sang in public at age 5,” Joni says. “I’m doing what I was put on this earth to do—offering people a better frame of mind, giving them hope. It’s gratifying when people tell me that a song of mine has touched them or helped them through a tough situation. I love writing songs honoring our ranching heritage, too.” After concerts, she often signs her CDs with the phrase “Cowboy Up” to encourage people to persevere. It’s the title of a song she co-wrote with Wood Newton. “You gotta cowboy up, When you get throwed down, Get right back in the saddle, As soon as you hit the ground.” Olivia’s songwriting and singing earned her a slot on a new television series, “The Road,” produced by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton. She credits her mother for her love of music. “She’s my best friend and everything I want to be like one day,” Olivia says. “I’ve got some big boots to fill, and I thank God every day I get to call her Momma.” Joni says Olivia “was literally born into the music business and was on stage when she was only 2 days old.” Knowing she was scheduled to perform with Clint Black and others, Joni persuaded her obstetrician to induce labor.
“Olivia was born on the 13th of June in room 13 at 13:13 military time,” Joni says. “Thirteen is our lucky number.” In 2020, Joni’s “Lucky 13” album received the Academy of Western Artists Western Album of the Year. Dick Warwick refines his cowboy poet skills A self-described “barnyard yarnbard,” semiretired Oakesdale, Washington, farmer and rancher Dick Warwick faces a tough crowd when he rehearses his cowboy poems in anticipation of his performances at the Elko gathering. “The geese are unappreciative and self-absorbed, always honking about something,” he says, laughing. “The chickens interrupt or cackle at the wrong times, never at the punchlines.” Dick, 79, made his first appearance at the gathering in 1991. “This will be my ninth appearance,” he says. “It’s such a pleasure performing for an appreciative audience and seeing so much talent you never hear about in the mainstream media. It’s refreshing and energizing to laugh and be around those who share similar values—having a stewardship and love for land to raise crops and feed people.” Dick performs at poetry and folk festivals, special events, conferences and celebrations. He selects poems from his books, “Poet for Hire,” “Fence Lines,” “Out West to Outback and Beyond,” “Cowboy Poetry Lite” and “Cowboy Poetry Plus.” Dick says raising cattle and crops on his family’s farm and ranch on the fertile Palouse grasslands provides plenty of poetic material. “I’ve been writing poetry most of my life,” he says. “As an adult, I began realizing how humor offers a true perspective of us and our place in the web of life, considering the foolishness and self-importance of our human nature and character. When we take ourselves too seriously, we’re prone to folly and incongruity between what we think and reality.” He describes his writing routine as “totally undisciplined.” “I scribble lines on scraps of paper while I’m driving, then realize later they’re illegible,” he says. “Or, I’ll jot down something when I’m doing chores and eventually even paper clip all the scraps together and stuff them in an envelope. Then I put them in a drawer and forget them.” His self-deprecating humor inspired him to write “The Brutal Boss” about a demanding employer who allows no time off. “You ask — why don’t I just resign From such a boss, if he’s such a swine? Well, that’s what has me so annoyed — I can’t — you see, I’m self-employed.”
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IN THE KITCHEN
Breakfast Is Ready START YOUR MORNINGS DELICIOUSLY
Caramel French Toast 6 slices white bread, halved 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon corn syrup 3 eggs
PHOTO COURTESY OF CULINARY.NET
3/4 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt Powdered sugar, optional
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to boil, stirring frequently. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish. Arrange bread slices over caramel mixture. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Pour over bread slices. Cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate overnight. Remove dish from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Remove foil. Heat oven to 350 F. Bake 25 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving. Source: Culinary.net
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12/9/2025 3:03:07 PM
y
w
Overnight Oats
1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats ½ cup low-fat milk ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons mixed dried fruit 1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped
In a bowl or jar, combine oats, milk and vanilla extract. Cover. Refrigerate overnight. Before serving, stir in honey, dried fruit and walnuts.
Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie ½ cup rolled oats 1 cup milk 14 frozen strawberries
1 banana ½ teaspoon vanilla extract 1½ teaspoons sugar
Use blender to grind up oats. Add milk, strawberries, banana, vanilla extract and sugar. Blend until smooth. Pour and serve. Source: culinary.net
Source: culinary.net
Sweet Potato Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Pastry Brunch Cups 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 1½ cups milk 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 sheets puff pastry 18 eggs 2 cups diced ham Chopped fresh green onions
Heat oven to 375 F. In small saucepan, melt butter. Whisk flour with butter. Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously. Bring to simmer, whisking until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat, and stir in Swiss cheese. Set aside. Use a rolling pin to thin out puff pastry sheets. Cut each into nine squares. Line pastry squares in muffin cups, pressing bottoms down firmly and moving pastries up sides for edges to come up just over muffin tins. Fill each cup with 1 teaspoon cheese sauce. Crack one egg into each cup, and sprinkle each with diced ham. Bake 10 to 15 minutes until eggs set. Sprinkle with onions.
Butter, oil or nonstick cooking spray 2 cups uncooked rolled or old-fashioned oats 2 teaspoons cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1½ cups 1% milk
2 large eggs 1 cup mashed sweet potato 11/2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/3 cup maple syrup, plus more for drizzling 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2/3 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
Heat oven to 350 F. Coat inside of 2-quart baking dish with butter, oil or nonstick cooking spray. Mix oats, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Beat in milk, eggs, sweet potato, butter, 1/3 cup syrup and vanilla extract. Mix, saving blueberries for last to prevent staining or crushing. Spread inside dish. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until oats are tender and moisture is absorbed. Drizzle with maple syrup, to taste. Source: North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
Source: culinary.net
Egg Tot Muffins
Butter 36 thawed Tater Tots 10 eggs 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Sticky Cinnamon Bacon Rollups 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 21/2 ounces bacon pieces Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste
Nonstick cooking spray 12 slices bacon, divided 2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ cup sugar
¼ cup melted butter 4 8-inch flour tortillas 2 tablespoons applesauce, divided
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease muffin tin with butter. Place three tots in each cup, and smash down. In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and bacon. Season with salt and pepper. Fill each muffin hole with mixture. Place cookie sheet under muffin tin to contain messes. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.
Heat oven to 375 F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Cook bacon, then drain. Combine cinnamon and sugar. Mix well. Brush melted butter on both sides of each tortilla. Coat both sides with cinnamon sugar. Place three slices bacon and 2 teaspoons applesauce on one edge of tortilla. Roll up and place seam-side down in prepared pan. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Bake 12 to 16 minutes until sugar mixture is bubbly. Cut tortilla rollups in half before serving. Serve warm.
Source: culinary.net
Source: Farmland
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12/9/2025 3:03:08 PM
READER EXCHANGE Books/Magazines I’ve started a collection of the original, hardcover “Betsy-Tacy” books by Maud Hart Lovelace. If you have any copies you are willing to sell, contact with a price that includes postage. Karla Stover 115 E. 115th St. Tacoma, WA 98445 karla.stover@gmail.com
My 83-year-old dad lives with my husband and me. He has Parkinson’s and dementia, and the only thing he enjoys reading anymore is Reader’s Digest. He has a subscription, but he reads through them in a day or two, then reads back issues repeatedly. Wondering if anyone might have some older issues (pre-2023) they might be willing to share with him? Thank you. Lisa Wooley 6509 Shale St. West Richland, WA 99353 lisawooley2000@yahoo.com
Crafts/Hobbies In need of large and medium flat, “sew-through” buttons. They’re to be used on CD cardholders to be donated to children. Single buttons are great. Thanks.
Nancy Hummel 725 Manchester Loop Fairbanks, Alaska 99712
To keep busy in retirement, I like to do crafts with vintage hankies. If you have decorative hankies you don’t need, I would love to put them to good use. I can help with postage. Thanks. Heidi Rich 223 Memory Lane Brookings, OR 97415
Milestones Our cousins celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this month. They are the type of people you can’t help but smile when you talk about them, and feel lighter and brighter when you spend time with them. They always say they want nothing, but we think anniversary cards would be an overwhelming surprise. Their anniversary is Jan. 28. Please help us celebrate this milestone for two amazing people. Send cards to Ralph and Gloria Heun, 17765 W. Saturn Drive, New Berlin, WI 53146. Thank you. Terry Kozlowski and Kim Leaver McGill, Nevada
Happy New Year! 18
My mom, Jerry, turns 100 years young this month. She has lived through the depression, two pandemics and multiple wars. She is a widow but continues to have an active life, including many fraternal organizations and church on Sundays (she just quit driving in June). She believes in service to others and has instilled this value in all four of us children. She has 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Mom is an avid reader and would love to read cards celebrating her 100th birthday. Please help us commemorate this milestone by sending cards to Jerry Jones, 3846 Terra Vista Way, Sacramento, CA 95821. Thanks. Trish Walker Brookings, Oregon
My mom will be 94 this year. She is a very active PEO member and likes to crochet items to sell at the annual PEO boutique in Brookings, Oregon. She walks her dogs daily at one of several local beaches, goes to water aerobics twice a week, works on jigsaw puzzles, reads books and does Sudoku puzzles. She is also a great seamstress and is frequently sewing lots of things and has been making handbags and purses. She loves to bake. She has traveled to multiple countries throughout her life and is always up for new adventures. Please send her a birthday card and include your favorite place to visit or a favorite recipe for her to try out. Any new crochet ideas would be fun, too. Please send to Marcella Oneida, 98126 W. Benham Lane #31, Brookings, OR 97415. Bob Oneida Brookings, Oregon
Submitting Requests Is Free
Send your request (no attachments) to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates. If replying to a reader submission, please only send what is requested. Submissions are handled first-come, first-served as space allows. We cannot honor every request. Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information. We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad (pricing applies). When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers are not published. Email addresses are if they are part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
JA N U A RY 2026
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12/18/2025 1:39:06 PM
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pp19 January2026.indd 4
12/18/2025 1:33:50 PM
ADVENTURE AWAITS
See pillars of stone in Arizona at
Chiricahua
National Monument
What to Do Take a Ride
What Is It? At Chiricahua National Monument, pinnacles of rock rise high— sometimes hundreds of feet—and loom over visitors. The Southeastern Arizona monument is a great place to see unique geology and gaze deep into the galaxies at night. 20
Roughly 27 million years ago, a massive volcanic eruption—about 1,000 times greater than the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens— occurred just south of the park. This rained down huge amounts of ash and molten debris, which compacted over time into rock called rhyolite tuff. This rock has eroded over time, leaving the massive pillars of Chiricahua.
Visitors in cars can take the 8-mile Bonita Canyon Drive. This paved road has great views of the area as it leads to Massai Point, which has some of the monument’s best views. For visitors to explore on foot, the 3.4-mile Echo Canyon Loop Trail is popular. While it is moderately difficult, the trail—constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps—wanders through the rock formations.
Dark Skies Chiricahua National Monument is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it is an ideal place for stargazing. The best viewing spots are at the Faraway Ranch and Echo Canyon parking lots. Plan ahead to avoid a full moon for even darker skies, and visit the National Park Service’s website to see if any stargazing events are planned.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY JOHN CHEDSEY
More Information The monument is open 24/7, yearround, and entry is free. To start planning your trip, call 520-824-3560, or visit nps.gov/chir.
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12/18/2025 8:24:15 AM
Blades of a Feather A 12-inch knife of distinction at ONLY $49!
A
s one of the largest purveyors of collectible knives in the country, you can trust Stauer to give you the best knife for your money. Case in point: The Blades of a Feather Knife –– a remarkable hunting and adventure knife with an even more remarkable price. This is the kind of knife people flock to. This stick tang knife boasts a stainless steel blade with a scalloped edge that gives it a distinct feathered appearance. This “feathered” edge is more than a striking aesthetic touch; it enhances the knife’s performance by creating air pockets in the spaces. These air pockets prevent shredding and allow for a cleaner, smoother cut. Consider it your edge up.
Impossi ble Price
49
Recalling the days of the great American frontier, this knife’s artisan handle is crafted of natural bone, redwood and brown Pakkawood. It’s a great addition to your collection, and will prove a trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures from hunting and fishing to camping and hiking. It also makes one heck of a letter opener. Plus, by making the call today, you are guaranteed to receive a genuine leather sheath in the deal. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. We invite you to join the hundreds of thousands of Stauer knife collectors who appreciate a fine blade along with a fine deal. We assure you, you’ll be in good company. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives
BONUS!
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“This knife is beautiful!” — J., La Crescent, MN
Knife Specifications: • Stainless steel stick tang blade; 12” overall length • Natural bone, redwood & brown Pakkawood handle Blades of a Feather Knife $249 $49* + S&P Save $200 California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product. *Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: BFK159-02
“The feel of this knife is unbelievable... this is an incredibly fine instrument.” — H., Arvada, CO
Join the over
322,000 sharp people who own Stauer knives
Stauer, 14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. BFK159-02, Burnsville, MN 55337 | www.stauer.com
Stauer | A F F O R D T H E E X T R A O R D I N A R Y ®
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®
12/18/2025 1:34:42 PM
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
L
AYERED
Reality
By Dave LaBelle I have visited dozens of photo shows and must confess: Few have left me inspired or wanting a second look. In fact, there have been few photographs I can look at for very long. Occasionally, though, an image stops me, beckoning me to look deeper. Usually, the image or painting that stops me is something that catches my compositional eye while also stirring and challenging my curiosity, inviting a closer examination. Such images are rarely straightforward, one-dimensional photographs, where information is communicated quickly, like a sports action or news picture. I have often written how I am drawn to art that reveals what something looks like or how someone feels over what they look like or are doing—images more closely aligned with surrealism than literal reality. Photographs with obvious yet subtle truths with unexpected juxtapositions can surprise us and stir our imagination. Just as good books often share subtle layers of information or foreshadowing, photographs that hold my attention are often rich with layers of information and yet are veiled with questions and mystery. These layers are created by light and shadow, size relationship and focus. n 22
While trying to keep my balance on a crowded bus, I captured a variety of people traveling in Italy between Prato and Florence, a region with many refugees and immigrants from various countries looking for safety and work. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
NIKON D800 | 85mm lens | ISO 1000 | f/2.8 at 1/125 See if you can make a layered photograph that incorporates foreground, middle and background to create depth in a single image. Maybe even challenge yourself and your camera to create a surreal image that addresses a dream you’ve had. See if you can use layers of information—such as light and shadow, size relationship and focus. Email your best image—just one—with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
JA N U A RY 2026
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12/11/2025 5:43:19 PM
Which Winter Cooking Personality Are You?
Mix and Match our Ruralite Cookbooks
Take a 30-second quiz to find your recipe match. Select the answer that sounds most like you: 1. Your ideal Friday night involves: A. A cozy blanket and steaming bowl of something savory. B. Flour on your face and the smell of yeast in the air.
Soups, Stews & Chowders: $10
Chili: $10
C. A crowded table with enough food to feed the neighborhood. 2. What is your “kitchen superpower?” A. Stocking up the pantry in case you can’t get to the store. B. Turning whatever is on hand into a one-pan wonder. C. Having the perfect go-to dish for potlucks and parties. 3. It’s 10 degrees outside. What are you craving? A. Something spicy that clears sinuses and warms the soul. B. A hearty dish topped with melted cheese. C. A classic broth that feels like a hug from grandma.
Best Breads: $10
Comfort Foods: $13
The Results: Find Your Recipe Match • Mostly A’s: The Soul Warmer. You live for the deep flavors of Soups and Chili. Perfect for those who want maximum comfort with minimum cleanup. • Mostly B’s: The Home Baker. You know nothing beats the magic of Bread. Pair it with our Comfort Foods collection. • Mostly C’s: The Entertainer. You’re the hero of the Potluck and master of Casseroles. You never show up emptyhanded, and you always leave with an empty dish.
Discover all 13 of our cookbooks at ruralite.com. Each measures 8.5-by-11 inches. Prices shown include postage and tax. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.
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Potluck: $10
ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to: Ruralite Cookbooks P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133
Casseroles: $8
PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. ORDER ONLINE: Visit ruralite.com and find Store.
12/18/2025 7:37:56 AM
CONTACT THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE
Do you want to get out of the life?
Are you being forced to work against your will? Or threatened or tricked by your boss? Do you know someone who may be?
CALL
1-888-373-7888
TEXT
“BeFree” (233733)
9 Get help. 9 Rep ort a t ip. 9 Find service s. 9 Lear n abou t your o ptions .
LIVE CHAT
HumanTraffickingHotline.org 24/7 • Toll free • Confidential • 200+ languages Polaris received $1.75 million through competitive funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant #90ZV0134-01-00. The project will be financed with 43.75% of federal funds and 56.25% ($2.25 million) by non-governmental sources. The contents of this flyer are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
pp24 January2026.indd 4
O PE R ATE D B Y
12/18/2025 1:35:35 PM
BENTON REA
SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY STOCKPHOTODIRECTORS
Helping Members Manage Energy Costs At Benton REA, we understand managing household expenses can be challenging, particularly for members on fixed or limited incomes. That’s why we offer programs designed to provide financial relief, predictability and peace of mind. From income-qualified discounts to levelized billing to payment assistance, these programs reflect our cooperative commitment to caring for our members. Income-Qualified Discounts for Seniors and Members with Disabilities Benton REA offers a monthly $33 bill discount for income-qualified seniors or members with disabilities. This program is designed to help those who may be most affected by rising costs while living on fixed incomes. Eligibility requirements include: • Applicants must be 62 years of age or older, or provide proof of disability. • Annual combined household gross income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline for a twomember household, currently $42,300. Household income includes spouses or co-tenants. Applicants are asked to provide documentation to verify eligibility, and participation must be renewed every three years to ensure continued qualification. Members may apply for a discount by visiting the Benton REA website at bentonrea.org/payments-services. Levelized Billing: Predictable Payments All Year Long For members looking for consistency in their monthly bills, Benton REA offers Levelized Budget Billing. This program averages your
electricity use over the past 12 months to calculate your monthly payment amount. With levelized billing: • You receive a bill every month showing your actual use. • Your bill includes the levelized payment amount and any balance on your account. • Seasonal highs and lows are smoothed out, helping avoid large winter or summer bill spikes. Members can request levelized billing at any time throughout the year. To enroll or learn more, call Benton REA’s member experience department at 509-786-2913 or email billing@bentonrea.org. Power to Care: Extra Help When It’s Needed Most Benton REA’s Power to Care program provides direct payment assistance to income-qualified members who are experiencing difficulty paying their electric bill. • Assistance amounts vary based on family size, household income and the amount due on the account. • Eligible households may receive assistance once per calendar year. Members may apply for Power to Care by visiting the Benton REA website at bentonrea.org/payments-services. A Cooperative Commitment to Our Members As a member-owned cooperative, Benton REA is committed to more than just delivering reliable electricity—we’re here to support our members. If you or someone you know may benefit from one of these programs, we encourage you to contact us. We’re here to help.
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12/18/25 1:39 PM
MARKETPLACE Agriculture
Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 44 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0426 Antiques and Collectibles Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0326 Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0226 1950s Monarch piano. Good condition, dark finish. Upright, 45x56x24”. Call Becky, 541-676-5342 or evanslive@hotmail.com. 0126 Automotive 2005 Ford F-150 pickup; auto; 6-cylinder; 6’ box; Good condition; $3K OBO. 541-517-9867; dalekamrath@yahoo.com. 0226 2010 GMC #2500; 2WD; 8-cylinder.; Auto; 8’ utility box w/lumber rack; runs great; $12.5K, OBO. dalekamrath@yahoo.com; 541-517-9867. 0226 1986 Chevy ¾ ton Pickup; 8-cylinder; auto; 4WD; runs good, needs body love; 8’ box; $3.5K OBO. dalekamrath@yahoo.com; 541-517-9867. 2003 #2500 extended cab-pickup; auto; 8-cylinder. 400; 4WD. Runs great, good condition; 8’ box; $10K OBO. 541-517-9867; dalekamrath@yahoo.com. Books, Magazines, Videos
Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad
Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An extended ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word. Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information. Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop. Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing. Closing deadlines (in our office): March issue—Feb. 2, 2026. If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite. We accept credit card payments for ads submitted by email. Send ad to info@pioneer.coop.
Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit card. Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.
Building Supplies New steel building, 6,400sqft. 20’ high, with slope ceiling of 14- 50’ wide, 128’ long, full plans, metal roof and siding, no doors. Engineered, purchased price $200K, asking $75K. Text for photos and more info. Kent, 541-610-2084. Business Opportunities For sale: quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $129K. Community Events
Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. 775-537-7066; salacanstudio@gmail.com. 0126AR
“The Big:” Art Center East’s annual Open Exhibit. La Grande, OR. Dec. 5, 2025-Jan. 31, 2026. Artists from the greater NW and beyond. artcentereast.org. 0126
More “Montello Remembered” novels available. I’m also liquidating my NV history collection. Many rare and hard-to-find books now available. pruitt2010@frontier.com; 775-753-3254. 0126
Free materials—Church/government unite. National Sunday Law. TBSM, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. tbsmads@yahoo.com; 1-888-211-1715. 0126AR
Free Items
Miscellaneous Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; highdesertmemorials.com. Attention landowners: Grants available now. Wildland fire fuel reduction service. Steep ground, remote, rocky, small lots, big acreage … no problem. Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; 509-399-3473; Bluemountainbrush.com. 1126 Tulsa 3-stage gear reduction. Good for building 4’ tunnel digger, as track drive for Link Belt, or P&H 100-ton crane. $10K firm, FOB. Ted, 458-910-3727. 0126 Pets, Supplies 3 Australian shepherd puppies in John Day, OR. Born Sept. 21 ready for new homes. One female blue merle, one male red merle and one male red tri. Mother is mini-Australian shepherd, father is full size. Must go to a good home. I want to interview possible owners. Call Sherry Dress, 541-620-1372. 0126
Your ad could be here in March. See instructions above for details. 26
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Real Estate 615 remote acres with views, cabin, fenced, creek, spring. $560K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363 or ddwr@ortelco.net. 0126 320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beatys Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. $147K. Quick sale, due to injury. For maps: 541-659-1573; thejugglingman3@gmail.com. Mobiles to mansions. Cabins to castles. Brookings, OR, area Principal Broker Pat Piper, Century 21 Agate Realty. Helpful. Educated. Caring. 28 years local experience. 541-251-2152; patpiperbroker@gmail.com. Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm & recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale; Deschutes Canyon Mountain views 118 acres Riverfront. $14.9M. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0126 2-story home for sale. Built in 1880s, 5-bd. Original stain glass windows, newer metal roof, garage. Granite, OR. $395K. 541-755-5016. Private 10-acre wild tree farm near Sandpoint, ID, with older 3-bd mobile home, countymaintained road, good building sites, $395K. Steve, 208-290-6505. 0126 Recreational Rentals Sunshine and sand—book your summer dreams at WaveCatcher for 2026. Oceanfront cottage with direct beach access, on the spectacular Central Oregon Coast. Sleeps 6. All house amenities. Winter closure November-March. Reservations, information email relax@wavecatcherbeachrentals.com, or text 541-740-2846 or 541-740-9953. 0126
Want to Buy
Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. Grandpa looking for old, beat-up wooden canoes that might not float. 503-507-3688. 0126 Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009; 971-666-0659. 0126
Soup, Stews and Chowders Get more than 220 recipes in a perfect-bound 8½-by-11-inch indexed book for $10, postage included.
BY MAIL: Send payment and number of cookbooks wanted, along with your name and address, to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 to pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover card or American Express.
Services Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com; 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License #245760 bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 0226
Comfort Foods
Sometimes, the best cure for what ails you is food that provides emotional comfort. From pasta and casseroles to treats and desserts, readers submitted their favorite comfort foods in our 2017 contest. The perfect-bound book is $13 (includes postage). TO ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to:
Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC Wildfire Fuel Reduction: clearing brush, thinning trees, animal habitat enhancement. Expert service. Grant money available OR, WA, ID. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; 509-399-3473; Bluemountainbrush.com. 1126 Attention, rural property owners: Are you looking out at large, leaning, aging, or damaged trees on your property? In rural settings, a single failing tree can pose a significant danger to your home, cabin and outbuildings. Don’t wait for a storm to create a disaster—be proactive. Call Blue Mountain Defensible Space for a free hazard tree estimate. Bluemountainbrush.com; 509-399-3473. OR, ID, WA. 0226
PHOTO BY MIKE TEEGARDEN
Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 45 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1026
Ruralite Cookbooks P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133
Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/Ruralite
TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.
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BENTON REA
SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY PEOPLEIMAGES
Working Together to Lower Demand
When outdoor temperatures drop, electricity use rises. Colder weather drives us indoors, where we rely more heavily on home heating systems, lighting and household appliances. Heating systems run longer and more frequently to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Moreover, most people use electricity at the same times—typically in the mornings and early evenings—resulting in significant pressure on our electric grid. Benton REA plans for seasonal weather patterns and changes to ensure you have reliable power every day of the year. However, it’s important to remember our local system is part of a larger regional electric grid. During the winter months, when 28
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homes and businesses across the region are simultaneously using more electricity, overall demand can approach available supply. This is especially true during severe weather events, sudden temperature drops and equipment malfunctions that reduce generation capacity. In rare cases when demand threatens to outpace supply, the regional grid operator may call for temporary, controlled outages—often referred to as rolling blackouts—to prevent broader system failures. If such a situation arises, Benton REA will provide timely updates and information to members. To prepare for these scenarios and minimize risks, Benton REA takes proactive measures to strengthen reliability
year-round. These include routine system maintenance, investments in grid modernization, tree trimming and comprehensive disaster response planning. Proactive steps are designed to ensure our portion of the grid remains resilient even under extreme conditions. Yet, maintaining a reliable electric system requires a collective effort—and every member plays an important role in lowering demand when the grid is under stress. You can help by taking simple actions during periods of high electricity use, especially on the coldest days of winter: • Lower your thermostat slightly. Reducing the temperature by a few degrees can lead to savings on your energy bill. Benton REA
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SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY OLIVIER LE MOAL
SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY DMYTRO ZINKEVYCH
Making small adjustments at home—like lowering your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting and using delay-start features so appliances run overnight— help balance energy demand, maintain system reliability and save you a few dollars on your bill.
•
•
Delay using large appliances during peak hours, which are between 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Run dishwashers, washing machines and dryers during offpeak hours—typically midday or late evening. Adjust your water heater. Lowering it to 120 degrees and spacing out showers helps conserve energy and
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hot water. Unplug unnecessary devices. Power used for lighting and electronics adds up and accounts for a significant portion of home energy use. Disconnect unused items to reduce energy waste. Understanding how winter weather impacts electricity demand is key to maintaining system reliability. By •
practicing simple energy conservation habits at home, you not only save money on your monthly bill—you also help strengthen the resilience of the grid that powers our community. Together, through small actions and shared awareness, we can ensure our homes remain warm, our lights stay on and our local grid continues to serve us reliably throughout the season.
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BEFORE YOU GO
Resting at Red Rock Nature surprises us through sunsets, picturesque landscapes and even by friendly wildlife visits to our backyards. While on a recent hike in Las Vegas, Kristine Johnson stopped to catch her breath while taking in Red Rock Canyon. To submit your photo, email a JPEG to photos@pioneer.coop. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line and share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo. n The Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas offers beautiful views. PHOTO BY KRISTINE JOHNSON
Survive Just About Anything for Under $30 Regularly sold for $99, we’re offering this collection of survival essentials to you for less than ONE THIRD OF THE NORMAL PRICE! Why? Because we’ve had an incredible year and we feel like giving back to our valued customers. But we can only extend this offer while supplies last. Of our initial run, more than half have already sold.
Imp o Enti ssible P rice re B o LES S THx For AN
30
Includes flashlight, watch and multitool with wire cutters, knife, bottle opener, file, screwdrivers, pliers and more!
Survival Box Specifications: • Multitool: 3 ¼" x 1" folded • Flashlight: 3 ½" x 1", 260 lumens, takes AA batteries (not included), three LED light modes: strong, medium and caution flashing • Watch: 2 ¾" x 1", battery type SR626SW (included) Survival Box $99 $29* + S+P Save $70 *You must use Insider Offer Code: SVB324-02 to get this price.
California residents please call regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: SVB324-02 30
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY
Stauer, 14091 Southcross Drive W. Dept. SVB324-02 Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com
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Spirituality
Meets Artistry
“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”
S
Impo tauer ssible Only Price
$59
— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals
I
n a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. The opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them. Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. The shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony. This breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of only
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®
930 pieces, making it a rare and treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Plus, when you order today, you’ll receive the gold-finished sterling silver chain—a $69 value—absolutely free! Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive tribute to timeless elegance and meaningful symbolism. Necklace Specifications: • 2 1/2 ctw. Kyocera lab opals and DiamondAura® accents • Yellow gold-finished .925 sterling silver setting • 18" gold-clad .925 sterling silver chain
Opal Spirit Cross Pendant plus FREE Chain $499 $59* + S & P Save $440
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: OCR321-01
Stauer
®
14091 Southcross Drive W. Dept. OCR321-01, Burnsville, MN 55337
www.stauer.com
12/18/2025 1:36:25 PM
WA-07
Prosser Office
West Richland Office
402 7th St. Prosser, WA 99350 509-786-2913
6095 W. Van Giesen St. West Richland, WA 99353 509-786-2913
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1150 Prosser, WA 99350
Report an Outage: Contact the Office: Website:
509-786-2913 509-786-2913 www.BentonREA.org
Board of Trustees Scott Fisher, President, District 6 Mike Freepons, Vice President, District 2 Bill Shibley, Secretary/Treasurer, District 8 Dan Plung, District 1 Vacant Position, District 3 Connie Krull, District 4 Tim Grow, District 5 Ted Wallace, District 7 Ronald Hall, District 9 Board Meetings, Agendas & Minutes The board of trustees meet the last Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. unless otherwise scheduled. The board agenda for the upcoming meeting is available to members upon request no earlier than six days prior to the board meeting. Minutes of prior board meetings are available to members upon request. To request board agendas or minutes, visit a Benton REA office, call 509-781-6719 or email priorityrequests@bentonrea.org.
Management Staff Ryan J. Redmond, CEO Troy L. Berglund, Deputy General Manager and VP of Member Experience Andrew Gould, VP of Engineering/COO Justin Waldron, VP of Support Services/CFO
Building a Stronger Future, Together As we put a year behind us and look ahead, I want to take a moment to reflect on everything we’ve accomplished together. From wildfire prevention to improved member service, Benton REA has made tremendous progress, and every bit of it was done with you in mind. Every project, every system upgrade and every investment focused on one purpose: strengthening your electric system and enhancing the service we provide our members. One of our most important areas of work has been improving the resilience of our electric system, especially in areas threatened by wildfire. Through strategic undergrounding of power lines, system automation upgrades and additional wildfire-mitigation equipment we’re not only reducing outage impacts—we’re helping reduce wildfire risk throughout our service area. We also worked hard to secure outside funding to help keep future costs down. Benton REA was awarded more than $4 million in state and federal grant funding this year, including a first-ever federal grid resilience grant. This support allows us to continue making critical system improvements without placing the full burden on our members. At the same time, we expanded energy-efficiency benefits, helped more income-qualified families complete upgrades in their homes and delivered one of the highest levels of energy savings in our history. Through new technology, training and a dedication to service, our Member Experience Department significantly improved call response, outage communication and member support. Construction of our new headquarters in West Richland is well underway. When completed, it will strengthen operations, improve service and support future growth while keeping the same level of service, and 24/7 response our members in Prosser have always relied on. Looking back, it was a remarkable year—but it doesn’t stop here. As we begin 2026, we remain focused on our strategic plan to build a more resilient system, deliver outstanding service, and offer programs that support our members and communities. I feel incredibly blessed to serve as CEO of a cooperative that works so hard for those we serve. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, your continued support and most of all for being a member of Benton REA.
Ryan J. Redmond, CEO
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