JUNE 2026
Page 4 ALSO INSIDE >>
A Legacy of Service Page 8
Cooperative Financials Page 28
CEO Message Page 32
June 2026 • Volume 73, No. 6
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS 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
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Some things travel with us no matter how far we move.
Roger and Heidi Merrill built four decades of their lives around The Playmill, a theater company born inside an abandoned drugstore in West Yellowstone, Montana.
This summer, they’re opening The Playmill’s brand-new home in Island Park, Idaho—a purpose-built theater with electronic stage backdrops, a trapdoor, a restaurant staffed by cast members and dormitories tucked beneath the stage. It is, by every measure, a spectacular leap forward.
Yet, the most memorable line in their story isn’t about any of that. When Roger reflects on leaving the old building, he says, “The Playmill isn’t a building. It’s not about the building. It’s about what we do there and how we make people feel when they come. And that’s all coming with us.”
That idea—that the essential item is never the container but what you put inside it—resonates far beyond a theater company’s move across a state line. It’s the kind of clarity most of us spend years trying to find.
This month’s Spotlight feature on sleep carries a parallel insight. Quoted experts are clear that quality rest isn’t primarily about the latest
gadgets or sleep trackers—it’s about something simpler, yet harder: consistency, intention and protecting the conditions that allow rest to happen.
June also brings one of summer’s great pleasures to the kitchen, fresh sweet corn. This month, Gertrude Treadaway takes the humble ear well beyond butter and salt, with recipes for Mexican street corn, sweet corn chowder, crispy corn fritters and mango corn salsa. They’re the kind of dishes that make you glad summer arrived.
Speaking of arrivals, photographer Dave LaBelle turns his lens this month toward weddings, offering advice for capturing the moments that happen before, during and after the vows. His reminder to watch for quiet, unguarded scenes is a lesson that applies well beyond wedding photography.
Finally, a reminder, the 2027 Ruralite Calendar Photo Contest deadline is June 30. Up to 13 winners each receive $100. Details are on Page 20. I can’t wait to see this year’s entries. Have a story idea from your community you think deserves to be told? I’d love to hear about it at editor@pioneer.coop.
Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director
The Playmill’s longtime owners move theater company to Idaho Up Close, Page 10
Straight off the Cob In The Kitchen, Page 16
Board elections for 2026 are now underway for District 1 & 2 (At-Large, Brookings/Harbor) and District 4 (Port Orford/ Langlois). This year’s ballot also includes eight proposed bylaw amendments and approval of the 2025 Annual Meeting minutes. Members may vote by mail or electronically.
Members who enrolled in electronic voting were emailed at 8 a.m. PT May 22 with simple instructions to access their online ballots. All other eligible members should have received a paper ballot by mail along with candidate and bylaw information to support an informed vote.
If you have any questions on the status of your ballot, reach out to Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) customer service
Cheryl McMahan
8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT Monday-Friday, excluding holidays, at 1-866-909-3549 or support@directvote.net.
Visit ccec.coop/contact-us for your local office’s contact information.
Ballots were mailed May 22. All completed ballots must be received by SBS at 5 p.m. Monday, June 22.
For more information about the election, visit ccec.coop/2026-election or scan the QR code.
Cheryl is a credentialed cooperative director, has a board leadership certificate, and more than 40 years of experience in the electric utility industry as a root cause engineer, auditor, manager, and board member. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Business Administration in strategic management. Cheryl has also developed and taught online graduate courses in finance, economics, and strategic management.
Dennis Bowman
I am applying for the Coos Curry Electric board, position number 4. I am 62 years old and went through the 2cj school system, graduating in 1981. Since then, I have lived and worked in Southern Coos and Northern Curry counties. My work experience started in ranching, cranberry farm management. I now own and operate a cranberry farm since 2003, manage 2 rentals, and have an event venue business that started in 2008.
Note: The candidates’ biographies are published as submitted.
I’m a third-generation lineman with 34 years serving a small rural cooperative. Being a lineman has given me firsthand experience with the responsibility of keeping the lights on and serving the community. My wife and I live on the Elk River. I believe my experience, willingness to learn, and commitment to the cooperative will allow me to contribute and be a valuable asset to the board and its members moving forward.
David Brock Smith is a 3rd generation resident and businessman with over two decades of public service to the members of CCEC. He has served for years in the Oregon Legislature as the Vice Chair of the House and Senate Committees on Energy and Environment. David would like to join the Board Team and use his in-depth knowledge on energy policy to help guide and protect CCEC, and keep rates low for its members.
I’m Lauriel Wentling and I have lived in Port Orford for 7 years. I recently retired from the local School District as the Food Service Kitchen Manager. I have 30 years of School District experience in various leadership positions. I have a BA in Sociology from University of California, Chico. I have 6 years of Board experience in a Water Company District and 9 years experience as a rural Fire Department EMT/responder, Board member volunteer.
In addition to the board election, members will vote on proposed amendments to CCEC’s bylaws. These updates are designed to improve member access, reflect how our cooperative operates today and maintain transparency.
The following is a plain-language summary of each proposed change. Full text is included in your ballot package and available at ccec.coop/2026-election. Members are encouraged to review the complete language before voting.
• Inclusive language. Gender-specific pronoun references throughout the bylaws have been replaced with gender-neutral language, reflecting our commitment to serving all members equitably.
• Meetings and voting. Language has been updated to reflect the informational nature of the annual meeting and allow special meetings to be held virtually, improving access for members across our service territory.
• Quorum. For election purposes, quorum is now based on ballots received rather than members physically present. This is consistent with how CCEC elections are conducted.
• Streamlined annual meeting agenda. Items addressed through the ballot process have been removed from the annual meeting agenda, focusing the meeting on election results, member reports and member input.
• Financial reporting. Members will receive a summary of annual financial statements and audit findings, reinforcing our commitment to financial transparency.
• Emergency powers. A new provision authorizes available directors to constitute a temporary quorum and take necessary action during a declared emergency when a full board cannot be convened. All such actions are subject to review and ratification by the full board upon reconvening.
• Board action by written consent. Directors may take action by unanimous written consent in lieu of a formal meeting, with all documentation retained in the official organizational record.
Election results will be announced at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 25, at the CCEC Annual Meeting. See Page 32 for information about attending the meeting.
Results will also be published at ccec.coop following the meeting and in the July edition of Ruralite.
As threats to the power grid grow more complex, public utilities are building layers of protection—and asking consumers to help
By Michael Leitman and Jennifer Paton
The North American power grid— comprised of multiple regional grids— is the backbone of modern life. Considered the world’s largest machine, the grid powers homes, businesses and institutions, including hospitals and other critical infrastructure. As the grid becomes more interconnected and digitized, it faces growing threats, ranging from cyberattacks to extreme weather events and wildfires. Keeping the grid reliable and resilient is essential. Public power utilities are actively involved in national efforts to stay secure.
Infrastructure Protection
Electric utilities and grid operators follow standards set by organizations, such as
the North American Electric Reliability Corp., that mandate protections for critical infrastructure, including:
Cybersecurity measures. Firewalls, encryption and multifactor authentication help prevent unauthorized access to control systems. Regular software updates and vulnerability scans reduce the risk of exploitation.
Physical security. Electric substations and control centers are protected with fencing, surveillance and restricted access. Physical breaches or attacks can be just as damaging as cyberattacks.
Redundancy and resilience. Backup systems and redundant lines ensure power can be rerouted during outages caused by natural events or deliberate attacks. This minimizes disruption and speeds recovery.
“Our grid security is protected by layered safeguards, including cyber, physical and operational security,” says John Luquette, information technology and facilities manager at Tillamook PUD, based in Tillamook, Oregon. “With that, it helps us reduce our risks, identify problems early and respond quickly to situations when conditions change.”
John says cyber- and physical security are treated as core safety functions at the utility, not just IT or facilities responsibilities. All employees play a role.
“The goal is to protect our system, our employees and the public while maintaining safe, reliable service,” he says. “A lot of this comes down to planning, training and coordination across teams and departments.”
As threats evolve, so do the tools to combat them. New tools—including drones, remote sensors and advanced controls—allow electric utilities to be more effective in monitoring and responding to a variety of grid threats.
“When it comes to newer technology, the biggest benefit for Tillamook PUD is greater awareness and faster response times,” John says. “Improvements in monitoring, automation and data analysis help us spot unusual conditions sooner and respond more quickly when something changes.”
One example is the PUD’s automatic meter reading system, which not only allows the utility to read meters but also provides insight into potential issues in the field.
“We have dedicated staff monitoring this system 24/7 and reviewing daily reports,” John says. “A meter with a single blink can be identified and investigated right away.”
Artificial intelligence can be a powerful technology to enhance these other tools, especially in sifting through large amounts of data or imagery to detect irregularities or patterns. To be effective, AI tools must be well designed, properly trained and incorporated into cybersecurity protections.
Electric utilities invest in hardening their local systems against the growing threat of wildfires, extreme weather events and
other natural hazards. These investments include identifying vulnerable parts of the grid, replacing wooden poles with metal or cement poles, burying lines or adding enhanced technologies that allow greater visibility and control to anticipate and respond to emergency conditions.
Planning for the unexpected is critical.
Utilities and government agencies conduct large-scale exercises to test their readiness for emergencies. One example is GridEx, a biennial event organized by NERC that simulates cyber- and physical attacks on the electric grid. Thousands of participants, from utilities to law enforcement, work together to identify weaknesses and improve coordination.
Scott Corwin, American Public Power Association president and CEO, has participated in these exercises.
“In our industry, exercises are an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to operating a reliable and resilient electric system,” he says. “Practicing our response to a cyber- or physical attack or a natural disaster gives us an opportunity to collaborate with our industry brethren and government partners to test processes and look for areas of improvement.”
These exercises also provide an opportunity to forge relationships with the people who would interact in the event of a reallife situation.
“This is something we stress to our
members,” Scott says. “It’s important to make these connections during ‘blue sky times’ rather than when a disaster strikes, and exercises are a perfect time to do this."
In terms of preparing their consumers for emergencies, public power utilities— particularly those in disaster-prone regions—take a multifaceted approach.
“They are active on social media, sharing tips, toolkits and information to help their customers prepare for—and live through—outage events,” Scott says. “They also cultivate relationships with the local media to quickly disseminate safety and restoration information.”
One of the best ways consumers can help ensure safe and reliable service is to stay engaged and informed. Keeping contact information up to date, paying attention to outage alerts or safety notices, and reporting issues such as downed lines or unusual conditions help utilities respond faster and more safely.
“During storms or outages, giving crews room to work and following safety guidance is also very important,” John says. “Tillamook PUD offers multiple communication methods for customers, and we make a point of staying active in our community at local events to share the latest information.”
It’s important to be aware of email, text and phone scams that target consumers. Scammers often try to create urgency around payments or service shutoffs to pressure people into acting quickly.
“We encourage our customers to be cautious about unexpected messages or phone calls and to verify requests by contacting our office through official phone numbers before sharing personal information or making payments,” John says.
A secure electric grid isn’t just about keeping the lights on. It’s about protecting public health, economic stability and national security in the communities served by public power utilities.
By combining robust industry standards, rigorous training, cutting-edge technology and consumer awareness, electric utilities help build a grid that is not only reliable but resilient today and in the future. n
Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative announces the retirement of Board Director Daryl C. Robison following the cooperative’s 88th Annual Meeting of the Members on June 25.
First elected to the board in 2006 to represent District 4, the Port Orford and Langlois areas, Robison concludes 20 years of board service, capping a relationship with the cooperative that stretches back more than five decades.
“Daryl’s fingerprints are on some of the most important decisions this cooperative has made in a generation,” CCEC Board President Daniel Loshbaugh says. “His financial acumen, his deep roots in this community and his commitment to the cooperative model have been extraordinary assets to this board and to our members. We are deeply grateful for his service.”
Daryl’s connection to rural electrification is not theoretical, it’s personal. He grew up in the Port Orford area working alongside his father on a 5-acre cranberry bog in the days before the farm had electricity, when frost control meant packing diesel fuel down a hill by hand just to prime a pump. He witnessed firsthand how access to electricity transformed agricultural operations and changed the quality of life for rural families along the Southern Oregon Coast.
After graduating from Portland State University with a business degree and completing four years of military service, he returned home and joined the cooperative he had grown up alongside. Beginning in 1970, Daryl was a work order accountant, then held various positions over 22 years of employment at CCEC before leaving in 1981 to follow in his father’s footsteps in the cranberry industry. There, he founded his own cranberry cooperative, a venture grounded in the same memberownership philosophy he would later bring
back to the CCEC board. As Daryl has said of cooperatives: Whatever is earned goes to those who contribute, whether a cranberry grower or an electric consumer.
Daryl was first elected to the CCEC board in 2006 and was most recently reelected in 2023 with nearly 64% of the member vote, a reflection of the trust members placed in his judgment and his record.
His combination of a business education, 22 years of hands-on cooperative employment, and nearly two decades of board-level oversight gave him a depth of institutional and financial knowledge unmatched by others at CCEC. His ability to scrutinize budgets, rate structures, wholesale power contracts, and long-range financial plans made him an invaluable voice at the board table.
Daryl holds three electric cooperative industry credentials: Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership Certificate, and the prestigious NRECA Director Gold Certificate, the highest level of director education offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. These credentials reflect a sustained commitment to governance excellence and professional development throughout his board tenure.
Among the most significant chapters of Daryl’s board tenure was his steadfast support for Beacon Broadband, CCEC’s fiber broadband subsidiary. Recognizing that high-speed internet access is the rural electrification issue of today’s era, he understood that bringing reliable broadband to underserved communities in
Coos and Curry counties was a natural extension of the cooperative’s founding mission to deliver essential services. His support helped lay the governance foundation for an initiative that is now delivering fiber connectivity across the Southern Oregon Coast.
In many ways, Daryl’s story mirrors that of Coos-Curry Electric itself, rooted in the land, forged by hard work and guided by the belief that people in rural communities deserve the same quality of life as those in more populated areas.
“Daryl’s legacy of wise governance and selfless service leaves a lasting impact for good,” CCEC CEO Brent Bischoff says. “His voice at the boardroom table is well respected, always standing for the interests of the members. I appreciate his insight and example.”
The vacated District 4 seat will be filled through the cooperative’s established election process. n
By Ginger Meurer
This summer, they’re packing the 62-year-old theater company up for the move into its brand
The original building was never meant to be a theater, Roger says. It started out as a drugstore, bingo parlor and post office. After the 1959 earthquake shook the town, the drugstore’s
In 1964, Lynn Benson and his wife, Fern, were looking for a spot to put on shows near Yellowstone National Park. Seeing promise in the abandoned drugstore, they shoveled out the rubble, set up some chairs and started a theater.
Tourists and nearby residents
productions of musicals and plays featuring casts of college theater students. The actors didn’t just
sing and dance, they served as ushers and sold sodas, popcorn and homemade fudge during intermissions.
John and Trudy Bidwell helped the Bensons run the place, and they bought the theater company from them in 1989. The Merrills bought it in 2005.
Even before they owned the theater, Roger and Heidi were dedicated stage veterans. Roger’s first season at The Playmill was in 1985. Heidi started a year later.
The Merrills were students at Brigham Young University’s Idaho campus and met there, but their relationship didn’t spark until the summer season Heidi joined the theater. They started the season dating other people.
“Through the course of the summer the other relationships kind of fizzled away, and we started hanging out together,” Heidi says. “By the end of June, we were a thing.”
Heidi was 20, Roger was 22, and they’ve been at The Playmill every year since.
“What made us stay?” Heidi asks. “Initially the reason that anybody stays there is they just love it so much.
My first summer, ’86, was the best summer of my life. I absolutely loved it, and when Roger and I started dating, it just seemed natural to audition again, and we did.”
That’s not to say it was easy.
“There were so many summers that we said, ‘Do we need to move on?’ It was hard, really hard raising little kids and on not very much money,” Heidi says.
Roger says plenty of matches are made at The Playmill. All four of their children found spouses there, too.
“It’s a pretty intense environment up there, and you spend a lot of time together as cast members in rehearsals and performances and living in the same complex,” he says.
In addition to his work at The Playmill, Roger served full time as a theater professor at BYU-Idaho for 25 years and only recently retired to get the new Playmill location launched. All four Merrill children and their spouses help direct, choreograph, keep the books, handle marketing duties and more.
The Merrills have been planning the move for years. Outgrowing the old building and with new parking ordinances, there just wasn’t anyplace in downtown West Yellowstone big enough to accommodate their dreams.
But 20 minutes away, Island Park was booming with room to grow. Between rental cabins, resorts and a new hotel, Island Park hosts as many as 10,000 visitors a night. The Merrills bought land and planned to break ground for a new Playmill building in spring 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed their plans, but they’re on track to kick off the summer season July 1.
The Merrills are excited about the new space, which will feature everything audiences loved about the old theater, plus a few new bells and whistles.
When the cast isn’t at work, they won’t be far away. They’ll be housed in dormitories beneath the stage.
More than 600 actors from 47 states plus Puerto Rico, Canada and Denmark auditioned online for the roughly 30 cast spots available. The Merrills were surprised to find students from top-tier musical theater programs at New York University and the Boston Conservatory among the hopefuls. Some of The Playmill’s alumni have gone on to take roles on Broadway, in national tours and at major regional theaters.
So far, audiences seem ready to make the move. The Playmill has already sold more advance tickets than ever before. For the first time, the Merrills are selling season tickets and even VIP Club 64 memberships.
Audience members are loyal, and the Merrills sometimes get celebrity treatment, like the time a woman spotted Roger outside a show in Times Square and shouted, “Oh, my gosh, it’s that guy! He’s famous!” He looked around to see who she was talking about and realized it was him. Or there was the time a convenience store clerk told them her son’s last wish when he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor was to go to The Playmill. They’ll never forget the family from Holland who came so often the Merrills call them “our Dutch grandparents.”
“It’s kind of a responsibility,” Heidi says. “And sometimes it’s a little, wow! That’s been the drive to keep this thing going.”
The Playmill’s future is exciting. But Heidi says leaving the old building was still challenging.
Audiences will still enjoy the intimacy and immersive experience of a thrust-theater setup, but with new perks, including better sight lines, a trapdoor and a second story on stage, which will give actors two levels to make shows like “Newsies” more dynamic. Set backgrounds will be displayed on two giant electronic screens, and productions will be enhanced by new sound systems and lighting. There is also a dedicated “cry room,” where parents can keep tabs on the show while young children who find it hard to keep their seats for the entire length of the show can play dress-up on a tiny stage.
Speaking of stages, guests will find another one inside Steakhouse 64, The Playmill’s restaurant. Named for the year the theater opened, the eatery will be staffed by cast members who provide entertainment as they wait tables. A gift shop and oldfashioned ice cream fountain will round out the offerings.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Roger says.
OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM LEFT: Heidi Merrill takes the stage in a 2010 production at The Playmill. Theater is a family affair for the Merrills and their children and grandchildren. Heidi and Roger take on plenty of acting roles. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROGER AND HEIDI MERRILL
“It was like leaving a sacred space, leaving our home,” she says. “And our kids really struggled the day we walked out the door. It was really hard. It feels just as much like home as our house.” Roger is convinced that sense of home will come with them.
“What we’ve come to learn over the years is that The Playmill isn’t a building,” he says. “It’s not about the building. It’s about what we do there and how we make people feel when they come. And that’s all coming with us.” n
The Playmill’s 2026 season at its new home is set to include summer performances of Disney’s “Frozen,” “Les Misérables” and “Newsies.” “The Foreigner” is slated for fall 2026, followed by “A Very Playmill Christmas.”
The theater is at 4111 S. Big Springs Loop Road, Island Park, Idaho. For ticket information, visit playmill.com.
By Miguel Rios
Most days, Daniel Lofland is up before the sun. He showers, makes coffee and enjoys a rare quiet hour before helping his two children get ready for school. As an Oklahoma Electric Cooperative employee, Daniel’s workdays can vary wildly. By midmorning, he might be verifying energyefficiency rebates. By afternoon, he could be answering member questions, prepping a safety demonstration trailer or recording an episode of his electric cooperative’s podcast.
It’s a full day, but the routine is predictable. That predictability, Daniel says, helps him protect his sleep.
“I wake up early, so I try to be in bed by 10 p.m.,” he says.
Daniel, an energy-efficiency and solutions specialist, spent nearly a decade as a lineworker. In the electric utility world, being alert matters, especially when daily tasks include driving rural roads, responding to outages or making decisions around live power.
“We prioritize sleep in our house, especially since we’ve got kids,” Daniel says. “In order to be successful in your day, you’ve got to be rested.”
But across America, intentional approaches to sleep are increasingly hard to find. Shift work, long commutes, caregiving responsibilities, on-call schedules and screen time are quietly eroding sleep.
For Curtis Chlouber, an electric cooperative construction foreman, routine is also important for quality sleep, especially in a line of work where safety is crucial.
“When you’re dragging the day after not getting good sleep, you miss little things,” he says. “Every day is a little different, so you have to be ready to adapt and be alert even if it’s something you’ve done a hundred times.”
Curtis wakes at 5:30 a.m. and is on the job by 7 a.m. Some weeks, he has long drives to distant parts of the utility’s service territory before the real work fully begins. After finishing his workday around 4:30 p.m., he heads straight to the gym, then home to help with dinner, baths, homework and bedtime for his three young children. Most nights, he’s in bed by 9 or 10 p.m. Once a week, he’s also on call, which can disrupt his routine.
“The hardest thing is getting called in the middle of the night after you’ve been sleeping for a few hours,” Curtis says. “I take precautions and don’t hesitate to pull over just to walk laps around my car and wake myself up.”
Mikala Jordan, sleep lab supervisor for Mercy Health, says that kind of disruption is common in many occupations, and it interrupts the body’s natural sleep rhythm.
“The main issue with shift workers is they’re not getting that natural sunlight at the normal hours of the day,” she says. “As a shift worker, you might be jumping back and forth between schedules. Or, if you’re on your last shift of the week and you come home, instead of going to sleep, you make yourself stay awake to spend time with family or do other things. But having a set schedule and sticking to it is super helpful to avoid negative long-term effects.”
Taryn Edwards is an executive assistant for Great Plains Sleep Specialist and a sleep lab supervisor. She says sleep disorders are often underdiagnosed in rural areas.
“People just don’t realize that their symptoms are medical issues, or they might not have access to sleep specialists,” she says.
Experts warn the cost of poor sleep is high. Over time, chronic sleep loss is linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, obesity and cognitive decline, according to the National Institutes of Health. Harvard Medical School research also found it raises the likelihood of workplace errors—leading to injuries and motor vehicle accidents.
Taryn says lack of sleep affects people mentally and emotionally, and they may not realize sleep is part of the problem.
“People might be more irritable, forgetful, they can’t think straight or focus,” she says. “Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a basic health need. When sleep disorders go untreated, they also affect someone’s family, workplace or school and even other people on the road.
“Thankfully, sleep disorders are very treatable,” Taryn says. “They just rarely get better on their own, so the earlier people address them, the better the outcome.”
Mikala emphasizes simple ways to improve sleep without resorting to expensive or unrealistic measures. Small, practical changes can make a measurable difference.
• Protect the schedule. One of the biggest ways to improve sleep quality is to stick to a schedule as much as possible. Consistency matters, so going to bed and waking up at roughly the same times each day helps reset the body’s internal clock. If an on-call schedule results in unexpected sleep disruptions, Mikala recommends returning to the normal routine as soon as possible.
• Mind the lighting. Bright, cool-toned bulbs and screens in the evening signal the brain to stay alert, so avoid them if possible. Ideally, that means no TV or phone time 30-60 minutes before bed.
• Create a sleep sanctuary. To improve sleep, keep the bedroom dark and cool, and have a comfortable mattress and pillow. Mikala recommends using some sort of white noise—such as a fan or an app that simulates rain or other soothing noises— and sleeping only in the bedroom. That means you’re not watching TV in bed.
“Your circadian rhythm takes awhile to reset,” Mikala says. “If you’re consistent with the changes, I’d say give it about a week before you might start to notice improvements. If you’re still experiencing a lot of sleep issues after making consistent changes, I would definitely seek additional help to make sure there’s not any underlying issues.”
Sometimes, sleep problems aren’t just about habits. Underlying conditions could include narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome. One of the most prevalent sleep disorders is sleep apnea. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep
apnea affects nearly 30 million Americans, and an estimated 80% of cases go undiagnosed.
“Sleep apnea is incredibly common, especially among men,” Mikala says. “Many people put off testing because they don’t want to deal with a CPAP machine, which is the gold standard for treatment.”
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. The machine helps keep a person’s airway open during sleep.
Ignoring a potential sleep disorder can lead to worse health outcomes down the road. Today, testing options are more accessible than ever. Some patients can complete a sleep study at home, picking up a small device to wear overnight and returning it the next day. Follow-up care and monitoring may be available through telehealth.
“If something feels off, talk to your primary care provider,” Mikala says. “Write symptoms down. Bring a partner who’s noticed changes. Your doctor is there to help, not judge.”
At home, Daniel and his wife are intentional about sleep, especially for their children. That decision grew out of her time as a substitute teacher, when she realized how much students’ days and attitudes were affected by nights of poor sleep.
“Getting a good night’s sleep became priority No. 1,” Daniel says. “It sets us up for the next day. When we’re rested, we can stay focused and stay on task.”
Electric utilities are built on the idea that shared resources strengthen communities. Sleep works in a similar way. Well-rested lineworkers respond more safely and efficiently to outages. Alert drivers make roads much safer. Focused parents and caregivers strengthen families. And focused individuals help communities thrive. n
Lower the thermostat at night. Temperatures at 68 degrees or lower support better sleep.
Use fans. Ceiling or box fans improve air circulation and lower the need for air conditioning. In cooler months, remember to reverse ceiling fans’ direction to distribute warm air.
Dim the lights. Dimming the lights after sunset supports natural sleep rhythms and reduces electricity use. Warm-toned bulbs are also better for supporting sleep.
Keep it dark. A dark, cool bedroom is ideal for better sleep, often meaning fewer lights, appliances and devices running overnight.
Block disruptions. Blackout curtains or thick shades keep outdoor light out and help regulate room temperature, keeping bedrooms darker, cooler and more comfortable.
Mexican Street Corn
4 ears of corn, husked
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled
1 teaspoon chili powder, divided
1 lime
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Heat grill to medium-high. Grill corn, turning every 2 to 3 minutes until lightly charred all over.
Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, salt and ½ teaspoon chili powder in a small bowl. Brush each ear generously with the sauce. Sprinkle with cotija cheese, remaining chili powder and cilantro. Squeeze lime over the top. Serve immediately.
Unsalted butter
11/2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup vegetable oil
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
11/2 cups cornmeal
1 cup sugar
Heat oven to 350 F.
11/2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
11/2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
Honey, optional
Grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with butter.
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and vegetable oil. Add flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Mix just until combined, then stir in the corn kernels.
Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cornbread to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve topped with honey, if desired.
2 ears corn
1 large ripe mango, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
¼ red onion, finely diced
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 limes, juiced
1 teaspoon salt
Grill ears of corn until kernels have some color. Cut off kernels, and let cool.
Combine corn kernels, mango, jalapeno, red bell pepper, red onion and cilantro. Add lime juice and salt. Toss well. Let sit for at least 15 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve with tortilla chips, in tacos or over grilled fish or chicken.
4 ears corn, kernels cut off
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 English cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely diced
Fresh basil, torn
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add corn kernels. Cook dry, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add cooled corn, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and basil to the bowl. Toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
3 ears corn, kernels cut off
2 large eggs
2 ounces all-purpose flour
2 ounces Parmesan, grated
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
Sour cream, for serving
Hot sauce, for serving Lime, for serving
In a large bowl, combine corn, eggs, flour, Parmesan, green onions, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Stir until a thick batter forms.
Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the pan, flattening slightly. Cook in batches, being sure not to crowd the pan.
Cook fritters for about 3 minutes per side until deep golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with sour cream, hot sauce or a squeeze of lime.
6 ears corn
3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium potatoes, diced
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup heavy cream
4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, sliced
Cut kernels off ears of corn. Run the back of a knife down the cobs to extract milky liquid. Reserve kernels and liquid. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Saute onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, and cook 1 more minute.
Add potatoes, broth, salt and paprika. Bring to boil. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes.
Add corn kernels and their liquid. Stir in heavy cream, and simmer 5 more minutes. For a creamier texture, blend 2 cups of soup, and stir back in.
Ladle soup into bowls. Top with bacon and green onions.
By Christina Sawyer
As summer arrives in June, backyard chefs across the nation fire up their grills, embracing the heat and spirit of grilling season. Marked by the tantalizing aromas of sizzling meats, vegetables and innovative recipes, grilling transforms mundane meals into culinary adventures and fosters a sense of community and tradition.
The backyard barbecue traces its roots back to the mid-20th century, coinciding with the rise of suburban culture and the outdoor dining phenomenon. What began as simple family cookouts has evolved into a nationwide festivity, celebrating the art and joy of grilling. From the smoky flavors of charcoal to the convenience of gas grills and the sophisticated technology of modern electric grills, the methods may vary, but the love for grilled food remains universal.
Grilling is more than just cooking; it’s an experience that brings people together. Families and friends gather in backyards, at parks and in patios,
sharing laughter and stories over perfectly seared steaks, juicy burgers and colorful vegetable skewers.
The versatility of the grill also allows for a wide range of dishes, catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Add a Side of Energy Savings, Please
Cooking outdoors doesn’t only enhance the flavor of your meals. It also offers significant energy savings, particularly during the hot summer months.
Indoor cooking can increase the temperature in your kitchen by up to 10 degrees, causing your air-conditioning system to work harder and consume more electricity. Grilling keeps your home cooler and often allows for faster cooking times compared to some traditional indoor cooking methods, all of which contribute to overall energy efficiency.
Building Community One Grill at a Time
Another aspect of grilling is its ability to bring people together. The simple act of inviting neighbors, friends and family
Outdoor games, music and conversations around the grill add to the enjoyment and create memorable moments for everyone involved.
If you’re hosting, encourage guests to bring their favorite side dishes or drinks. This not only diversifies the menu but also involves everyone in the meal preparation, enhancing the communal spirit.
Today’s grilling is not just about the traditional burger and brat. Modern grilling trends reflect broader culinary movements, including plant-based grilling, global flavors and grilling gadgets.
With the rise of vegetarian and vegan diets, plant-based grilling has become a highlight. Think grilled portobello mushrooms, tofu and a variety of vegetable medleys. Grilling has embraced global influences, with dishes like Korean barbecue, Mexican street corn and Mediterranean kebabs gaining popularity.
From wireless meat thermometers to rotisserie kits, the latest gadgets also enhance the grilling experience.
Savor the simple pleasures of summer, the
joy of outdoor cooking and the rich flavors of grilled cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner, this summer presents the perfect opportunity to explore new recipes, hone your techniques and create lasting memories with family and friends—and as a bonus, grilling outdoors happens to be a smart choice for your wallet and the environment, for a celebration everyone can get behind.
So, dust off your grill, gather your favorite ingredients and join the outdoor celebration. Let the flames and festivities begin. n
Every great grilling session starts with preparation. Here are some expert tips to elevate your grilling game this summer.
Choose Your Fuel Wisely: Whether you prefer the deep, smoky flavor infused from charcoal or the convenience of gas, knowing your fuel can significantly impact the taste and texture of your food.
Marinate for Magic: Marinating not only enhances flavor but also tenderizes meat. A good marinade should include acid—like vinegar or citrus—oil and
Always preheat your grill and clean the grates to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Different cuts of meat require different cooking times and temperatures. Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfect doneness. Allow grilled meats to rest before slicing to retain juices
It is time to share your favorite photos for a chance to appear in our 2027 Ruralite calendar. Up to 13 winners are selected, and each receives $100. Photos must be submitted by June 30, 2026. The contest is open to recipients of Ruralite and Currents magazines. Each person may submit up to two photos. Each submission must include:
• Photographer’s name, address and electric utility.
• A short description—otherwise known as a caption—of what is shown.
• Photographer’s email address and phone number.
• JPEG file photos only. Photos must be horizontal (landscape) format and at least 300 dpi at 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Vertical photos and any photos created or altered by AI are not accepted. Enter today by visiting tinyurl.com/ruralitecalendar or use the QR code on this page.
Winning Tips
• Use the highest resolution setting on your camera.
• Photograph beautiful places and wildlife.
• Capture scenes full of vivid color.
• Reflect the seasons.
• Make us feel something—awe, joy, etc.
■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.
■ FLYING OUT THE DOOR: Trucks are being loaded with the new medical alert devices called FastHelp. They are now being delivered to lucky seniors who call the National Rebate Center Hotline at 1-800-833-6408 DEPT. FSTH161 today. Everyone is calling to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available.
■ SENIORS SNAP UP NEW MEDICAL ALERT DEVICE : Instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever. Nothing to hook up. You don’t need a land line or cell phone. It’s ready to use right out of the box. Comes with new cellular embedded technology that works at home or anywhere you go so you are never alone.
BORN BEFORE 1964:
The phone lines are ringing off the hook.
That’s because for seniors born before 1964, it’s a deal too good to pass up.
Starting at precisely 8:30am today the PreStore Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“It’s not like old style help buttons that make you talk to a call center, only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or anywhere and everywhere cell service is available whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians.
“We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, today’s instant rebate practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.
FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever. ■
Use the rebate coupon below and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-833-6408
EXT. FSTH161
BORN AFTER 1964:
You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-885-1424
EXT. ADFH0626
BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. With the instant FastHelp rebate, it is a real steal at just $149 and shipping. There are no monthly bills ever.
PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal a must have. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.
CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1964 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.
Hurricane Help
“We had two hurricanes recently. I had no electricity for 6 days. I fell, so I pushed the button, and they came right out and picked me up off the floor. I tell many of my friends they need to get FastHelp!” - Virginia, FL
LIFESAVER
“When I got my FastHelp I never thought I’d have to use it, but when I fell and broke my hip it saved my life.” - Harold, OH
Very appreciative of having FastHelp
“I did have an emergency. Help RESPONDED quickly and came in a few minutes.” - Irving, PA
WE LOVE THE PRODUCT
“We bought it outright with no bills ever.” - Rosemary, NY
Safe anywhere
“This little FastHelp device is my guardian angel. I’m so glad my daughter-in-law got it for me.” - Pete, FL
A+ Rating: These are unsolicited consumer feedback from satisfied customers as reported to Universal
NIKON D810 | 70mm lens ISO 2000 | f/3.2 at 1/160
Story and photo by Dave LaBelle
‘I
Wedding bells are ringing, and June is a popular months for couples to tie the knot
For many photographers—professional and amateur—weddings are a time they are called to make those pictures that forever preserve a couple’s special day.
I’ve photographed many weddings, perhaps too many, in my lifetime. While I have captured some beautiful moments, I have never considered myself a wedding photographer.
When I do get talked into photographing one of these sacred happenings, I agree only if I can make candid pictures and leave group photos and traditional pictures to the wedding photographer. I do what I do, they do what they do and I am careful not to interfere.
When my wife and I photographed weddings together we sometimes alternated duties. One would capture the action while the other did the portraits, like having a play-by-play announcer and a color commentator. At my best, I am the color commentator. I watch for subtle, yet
storytelling moments most don’t see or look for—usually before or after the vows.
Photographing weddings is not unlike covering sporting or political events.
It’s important, if not critical, to know the lay of the land. When possible, attend any rehearsals to scout the best angles to capture the most important (or storytelling) pictures. Often the best pictures from any event happen beforehand, when people are relaxed.
Watch for emotions after the actual event, after the nervousness and stresses of planning are over. As I often remind my students, “BAD is good!” BAD is an acronym for before, after and during an event.
Also, it’s important—if a wedding photographer has been hired—not to overshoot or get in their way. Talk to them first and assure them you’re not there to compete but augment. And finally, don’t miss the kiss. You can miss everything else, but if the couple is counting on you to capture the moment their lips meet, and you miss that photo, it will be hard to live with the disappointment. n
Watching through a small door window, I noticed Lindsey Sabrizio performing double duty—busily ironing her daughter’s wedding dress while watching one of her seven children. Though lacking in technical quality, this real, spontaneous moment captures an important part of the wedding most never see.
Internationally renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. He has shared photo tips and life perspectives with readers since 2009. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
I am making a huge pin cushion in a large glass salad bowl. I would like to have about an inch of thimbles in the bottom of the bowl but do not have enough for a single layer. If you have any used thimbles you could donate to my project, I will send you a thank-you letter and a photo of the finished project.
Lori Sharpe P.O. Box 185 Trout Lake, WA 98650
My father, Chuck Feehely, turns 90 this month. He is a veteran, loves our country and feels very honored to have served with those who fought for the freedoms we are blessed with here in America. He cannot listen to our national anthem without getting choked up. A stroke paralyzed his right side, and his daily activities are limited. His mind is sharp, and he would enjoy listening to (and sharing with the other residents) stories from people around the world of your military adventures or of people you know. You can send your stories and cards to Chuck Feehely, c/o Post Falls Veterans Home, 590 S. Pleasant View, Room 2114, Post Falls, ID 83854. Thank you.
Patti Luchte Lenore, Idaho
Our mom turns 90 this month. She and Dad loved and supported four children and numerous related and nonrelated grandchildren in the small town of Vernonia, Oregon. They attended almost every sports event their children and grandchildren competed in. Mom now watches her great-grandchildren in their endeavors whenever possible. She had season tickets to Portland Blazers games in her younger years and is still an ardent fan, watching games on TV. She loves to receive mail and is a good correspondent, keeping in touch with loved ones over the years. It would be a wonderful surprise for her to receive birthday wishes. Please send to Kathleen Gwin, P.O. Box 294, Vernonia, OR 97064.
Stephanie Gwin La Pine, Oregon
Maxine Huntsucker, of Baker City, Oregon, is celebrating her 90th birthday this month. Her family would love to help make this milestone extra special by surprising her with birthday cards from friends and readers. Maxine enjoys the simple pleasures of life. She loves visiting the Oregon Coast, watching the deer and squirrels in her yard, and spending time around flowers. She also enjoys collecting painted rocks and appreciates homemade and handcrafted items. If you would like to help brighten her day, please consider sending a card, letter, painted rock or a small, handcrafted piece of art. Cards may be sent to Maxine Huntsucker, P.O. Box 3383, La Grande, OR 97850.
Shannon White Baker City, Oregon
Can anyone use unused stamps from nonprofit request envelopes?
Elaine Fuchigami
8252 N.W. Oxbow Drive
Corvallis, OR 97330-2835 lareifu@gmail.com
I would love information on the author of the poem “The Valley of the Kootenai,” by Margaret Woodland Everest. She talks in two of her poems about Hall Mountain in Bonners Ferry and “cottonwoods where my old log cabin stood.” I would love more information about the author and where she lived in Bonners Ferry as a child. Thank you.
Linda Becker 4924 Highway 1 Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Thank you for an outpouring of birthday wishes for my mother. Going to my mailbox every day became an adventure, and I had debated more than a couple of times about taking the garden cart. My mother was so tickled when she saw all the birthday greetings. These acts of kindness will always be held dearly in our hearts.
Lee Ann Hough Fairbanks, Alaska
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.
The 87th Annual Meeting of the Members of Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CCEC) was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Board President Jim Kolen on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in the conference room at the CCEC headquarters building in Port Orford, Oregon. There were 30 members present; 1 in the Coquille office, 14 in the Port Orford office, 3 in the Gold Beach office, 8 in the Brookings office, and 4 members attended virtually via Webex video conferencing. There was a total of 1,315 qualified ballots returned by mail and submitted electronically for the 2025 election of directors, meeting the quorum requirement for the vote.
President Kolen asked Secretary Herzog for a roll call. The following CCEC Directors were present: Georgia Cockerham, John Herzog, Jim Kolen, Daniel Loshbaugh, Cheryl McMahan, Pete Radabaugh and Daryl Robison. Also present were General Manager/Chief Executive Officer (GM/CEO) Brent Bischoff, Legal Counsel Tyler Pepple, Chief Financial Officer Paul Keeler, Marketing & Member Services Manager Keith Buchhalter and Executive Assistant Marie Coleman.
The President called upon Legal Counsel Tyler Pepple to read the Notice of Annual Meeting of the Members, which he did.
President Kolen asked Legal Counsel Pepple to announce the election results from the mail and electronic ballot count. Mr. Pepple announced the results as follows:
Director elections results directors elected and re-elected:
• District #1 & 2 John “Wes” Bruning
• District #3-4-5 At Large Daniel Loshbaugh
• District #5 Pete Radabaugh
The Annual Meeting Minutes were approved and the reading of the minutes was waived by majority vote from the ballots received.
The President thanked Mr. Pepple for the announcement, dispensed with the reading of the minutes and declared the 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes of June 27, 2024 approved.
Chief Executive Officer Brent Bischoff addressed the membership with the annual state of the cooperative. At the conclusion of the presentation GM/CEO Bischoff read aloud questions submitted prior to the annual meeting by member Mark Nast and provided the answers to submitted questions. GM/CEO Bischoff then answered additional questions and concluded his report.
The President presented a crystal award to outgoing Director Cockerham for her 12 years of service as a CCEC Director and thanked her for her contributions to the cooperative.
Chief Financial Officer Paul Keeler presented the results of the annual audit and the financial highlights of CCEC’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ending December 31, 2024.
PNGC Power President and CEO Jessica Matlock spoke on Wholesale Power Issues in the Northwest.
The President stated there was no unfinished business.
The President stated there was no new business.
President Kolen asked if there were any member questions or comments.
• Member Mark Nast asked if the 2025 draft annual meeting minutes will include the actual number of members who voted. GM/CEO Bischoff responded that all election results will be available on the back page of the July Ruralite, including statistics for votes and percentages voted where there were competitive elections.
• Mr. Nast asked if the draft annual meeting minutes will break down the number of members who attended in the satellite offices and virtually, and Legal Counsel Tyler Pepple responded that details will be provided in the 2025 draft annual meeting minutes.
• Member Mari Lochlaas, President of the Port Orford Rural Fire District Board shared they now have fiber broadband connectivity to their Elk River Hall including phone service. This will positively impact their fire department and she thanked CCEC and BBI.
• Director Herzog noted that annual meetings have been conducted since 1939 and continue to this day, with members remaining the top priority. He emphasized that the directors are present to serve the membership.
The 87th Annual Meeting of Members of Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative, Inc. adjourned at 11:37 a.m.
John Herzog, Secretary
ATTEST: Jim Kolen, President
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 45 years in business. btlliners.com; 541-447-0712. 0427
Seeking summer pasture for 20-80 cow-calf pairs. Call 541-519-7068 or 208-880-2518. ID to Eastern OR. 0626
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.
WC Collectibles. We buy comic books. Local to Inland Northwest. Willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835.
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. 0926
Buying older baseball cards, collections, from the 1950s and older. Will pay cash or by PayPal. budandvicky@msn.com; 541-430-6900.
Classic 1999 Chevy Suburban LT 2WD, immaculate condition, always garaged, maintenance records, original owner, photos available, $12K. tedsbaseball@gmail.com; 503-354-2051. 0626
1966 Corvette coupe, BB. Beautiful, not for everyday driving. $70K. Carl, 509-420-6200.
Books, Magazines, Videos
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. 0626
I have 12 Etude magazines, 1926-27; some covers are missing. Free. I will mail to you. 541-475-6656. Leave your contact information.
La Pine Rhubarb Festival. June 20-21. Free community event featuring more than 140 vendors/food trucks, live music, adult beverages, kids zone and granny rhubarb pies. La Pine Senior Activity Center. More information: 541-536-6237. 0626
Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An 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.
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): August issue—June 30
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 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.
June 5-27: “Earth Verse” Broadside Exhibit (Nick Neely, curator). Art Center East in La Grande, OR. Through June: Ceramics open exhibit and solo exhibit by Jason Hogge. artcentereast.org. 0626
Main Street Union, Oregon, is hosting our annual Family Roots, Blues and Brews from 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 26 and July 31 in our beautiful Union, Oregon, city park. Music by Wasteland Kings and Elwood. There will be vendors and beer available. For more information, call Jana at 541-786-5129.
Education
Long Creek Virtual Learning Acellus Academy. Free in OR, online, accredited, K-12 education. Contact Long Creek School for information and to sign up. longcreekschool.com; 541-508-9164.
Farm Equipment
2007 Deere Gator. 600 hours. Power lift. Cosmetically very nice. Needs carburetor or engine work. Bob, 541-444-7421 or srjhuck@gmail.com. $3.1K, as is. 0626
Miscellaneous.
Attention, landowners. Grants available now. Wildland fire fuel reduction service. Steep ground, remote, rocky, small lot, big acreage … no problem. Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. 509-3993473 or Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126
Olympia Steel garage/shed, 15’x30’, still in shipping crates, with engineering plans. Rustic red with white trim. $6.9K, price from Olympia was $17.5K. 310-384-5008; jwk20251@outlook.com. 0626
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; highdesertmemorials.com. 0626
Old, clear glass telephone insulators. 150 Hemingray #42, 40 Hemingray #9. Make offer if interested. Mark, Gold Beach, OR. 541-373-9185. 0626
Tygh Valley Fire District, Wasco County, OR. Seeking materials, funds. Needed for firehouse water tender bay addition. Mail: TVRFPD, P.O. Box 213, Tygh Valley, OR 97063. Pools/Spas
2010 Artesian Swim Spa for sale. 7’x14’. Been inside all the time; excellent condition. $5K. 541-954-3884. 0626
Real Estate
Boyers Cash Store & Keylock. Monument, OR. Thriving turnkey business. $500K. 4 Rivers Realty Inc., 541-987-2363 or ddwr@ortelco.net.
320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. Reduced price: $145K. For maps: 541-659-1573; thejugglingman3@gmail.com. 0626
For sale/rent: 20-acre developed land, 3,600-sqft. shop with “barndominium” potential. Weddings/events, horse property, RV hookups, creek, views. $575K. Seller financing. Goldendale, WA. 509-378-5886. 0626
For sale in Rosarito Beach, Baja, Mexico. 2 lots. 2,153 sqft. each. Valles del Mar. Security, paved streets, lights, utilities ready. $33K, negotiable. 323-386-3613. 0626
$15K, Christmas Valley, OR, townsite. Block 7, lot 6. 1.14 acres, surveyed, photo, street aerial plot; opposite lot on Pine Street. One block long quarter horse race strip. Golf course two blocks away. 503-366-4424. 0626
2014 Fleetwood single-wide MH. 784 sqft. 14’x56”. 2 bd., 1 ba. Open concept kitchen/ living room. $30K. Must have proof of site to purchase. 541-444-1394. 0626
Local cash buyer for all real estate and homes. Any condition or situation. No agents, no repairs, no waiting. Ready with serious offers. AJ, 509-530-1182. 1126
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Deschutes Canyon Mountain views, 118 acres, Riverfront. $11.9M. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land and Wildlife brokerage. 0626
Recreational Rentals
Ocean view Maui vacation rental. For the months of May-Oct. $210/now $185. One-time cleaning $150, 2 TVs, king-size bed, queen-size sofa bed. Beach chairs and umbrellas. Great view. 503-812-6689. 0626
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. Pet friendly. All house amenities. Winter closure Nov.-March. Reservations, information: text, 541-740-2846 or email, relax@wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. 0626
Recreational Vehicles
1999 Newmar Dutch Star 38-ft. RV. Diesel. 3126B Catepillar engine. Freightliner chassis. One slide. 95K miles. $10K. 530-616-0388. 0626
Sheidler Bookkeeping. Wrangling those books so you don’t have to. QuickBooks and Xero certified. Contact Valia at 541-519-9005 or sheidlerbookkeeping@gmail.com for a free consultation. 0726
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
Forest management and logging consulting, also do logging jobs too small for larger operators. 50 years of experience in forestry, log marketing and logging management, references available. Free on-site estimates. 541-430-6900; budandvicky@msn.com. 0626
Old West Coffins. Simple, dignified, traditional. Pine coffins, made-to-measure in the USA. Live the cowboy way … leave the cowboy way. oldwestcoffins.com. 530-640-1940. 0826
Mel’s Furniture Restoration. Repair, rebuild and restore. Rescuing family heirlooms. Serving OR from Bend since 1975. Contact Frank, mfrankspiecker@gmail.com; 541-382-8316.
Attractive, active 60-year-old Christian gentleman in Umpqua, OR. Business owner. Loves hot rods, smooth jazz, beach. Seeks financially stable, adventurous woman, 40-60. grailgolf@hotmail.com. 0626
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. 0826
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
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 or 971-666-0659. 0626
Coos-Curry Electric
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consolidated financial statements as of and for years ended Dec. 31, 2025 and 2024
Mike Osuna’s granddaughter, Autumn, visits her grandparents in Janesville, California in the spring as nature begins sprouting again. Mike says he keeps this photo of Autumn on his destop so it’s the first image he sees when he logs on in the morning. “She always makes me smile,” he says. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE OSUNA
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.
Want a fresh take on salads? More than 250 readerrecommended recipes are listed in an 8½-by-11-inch indexed book for $8, plus $3 shipping for any size order. To order 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. To pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover card or American Express, call 503-357-2105. To order online, visit www.ruralite.org. Allow two to three weeks for
Dan Loshbaugh, President
Cheryl McMahan, Vice President
John Herzog, Secretary/Treasurer
Wes Bruning
Jim Kolen
Peter Radabaugh
Daryl Robison
Management Team
Brent Bischoff, GM/CEO
Paul Keeler, CFO
Matt Mjelde, Engineering Manager
Scott Adams, Operations Manager
Keith Buchhalter, Marketing & Member Services Manager
Breanne Valliere, Human Resources Director
Marie Coleman, Executive Assistant
Billing Mailing Address
P.O. Box 4279
Brookings, OR 97415
Corporate Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1268 Port Orford, OR 97465
Office Hours
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Thursday
Phone Number
541-332-3931
24/7 Outage Hotline
866-352-9044
ccec.coop
Find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @cooscurryelectric.
Interested in fiber internet service? Visit beaconbroadband.com or call 541-254-9265.
Dear Member,
The official 88th Annual Meeting of the Members of Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative is 10 a.m. Thursday, June 25.
The meeting is at the CCEC headquarters, 43050 Hwy 101 in Port Orford.
Election results will be announced at this meeting.
The meeting can be attended in person at the Port Orford office and also will be available for remote viewing at CCEC office locations in Brookings, Gold Beach and Coquille.
For full meeting details and remote viewing instructions, visit ccec.coop/annual-meeting.
