Ruralite GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
JUNE 2026
INSIDE >>
Congrats, GVEA Scholarship Recipients Meet GVEA’s Lisa Newman 2026 Annual Meeting Recap and Interior Energy Challenges Board Chair Tom DeLong, left, and CEO Travis Million, right, present North Pole High School graduate Liam Wade with the 2026 Golden Valley Electric Association Academic Degree Scholarship. PHOTO COURTESY OF RED PHOTOGRAPHY
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Perfect for a Potluck With more than 200 recipes, this cookbook from our 2007 contest offers options for potlucks, family reunions or picnics. As a bonus, additional pages feature previously unpublished barbecue recipes from a 2006 contest. The 8½-by-11-inch indexed book is $10 (plus $3 shipping for any size order). TO 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
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.
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FROM THE PIONEER TEAM
Ruralite 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 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.
Ready for a New Stage 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
Taking the Show up the Road
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.
The Playmill’s longtime owners move theater company to Idaho
Up Close, Page 10
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Great Picture Hunt 22 Reader Exchange 24
Marketplace Before You Go
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Straight off the Cob In The Kitchen, Page 16
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GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
GVEA’s Commitment to Education 2026 Scholarship Recipients
By Kris Capps
Golden Valley Electric Association has announced ten scholarship recipients for the 2026-2027 academic year. These accomplished Interior residents convey energetic and thoughtful approaches to academics, volunteerism, sports and other activities.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
$16,000 Academic Degree Scholarship Liam Wade Planning ahead is something Liam Wade learned while growing up in North Pole. He was one person in a family of six, with a single income, and he learned early that mistakes carried real costs. Back in 2020, when Liam was in the sixth grade, food shipments into Alaska paused for close to two weeks. The state of Alaska holds about three days of food supply at a time. This confounded him, and he took those empty shelves and delivery delays personally. “I wanted to know why a state dependent on imports became vulnerable so fast,” he says in his application. He studied state reports on supply chains and food access. He spoke with farmers, freight workers and local business owners—all on his own time—wanting to see how policy choices shaped daily life in his town. He started growing food at home, starting with lettuce on a windowsill. He built small hydroponic systems, using simple materials. When early attempts failed, he adjusted his methods. By eighth grade, the system produced steady harvests for his family. In high school, Liam joined the National FFA Organization and enrolled in agricultural career and technical education courses. He helped revive the local FFA chapter, which had gone inactive. He accepted leadership roles and planned meetings, organized projects and kept things moving. “I spent evenings preparing resources and weekends caring for equipment,” he says. “I expanded my hydroponic work into a small facility.” By his sophomore year, production covered operating costs. At every harvest, he donated at least 30% of the yield to families in North Pole. More than 30 families benefited, and over time, those donations totaled hundreds of pounds of produce. Liam helped launch agricultural and natural resources pathways at his high school, which became the only program of its kind in the school district. “The result mattered because it opened hands-on learning tied to local needs,” he says. He took on other leadership roles as student representative on the local board of education and with Kids Voting on youth civic engagement. He discovered that trust in him grew, because he showed up and he followed through. That led to helping set policy. He testified before state legislators on agricultural education and food access. “In Washington, D.C., I met a legislator from my region who did not know agriculture existed here,” he says. He was able to share direct experience and clear details. Liam also began weekly tutoring, supporting elementary students with reading and writing for several years. He discovered that working with youth fulfilled him in a way he hadn’t expected.
He plans to study political science at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, with a minor in environmental policies. “I chose UAF because my work connects to Alaska food systems, energy need and governance,” he says. The university will provide practical tools he can apply to real problems in Alaska. Liam is also thinking ahead to after college. He plans to work in agricultural and environmental policy, focused on food access and resource management in Alaska. Rural communities depend on reliable energy, education pathways and local production. His goal is to contribute through policy development, community planning and service focused on preparation, accountability and long-term commitment.
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$3,500 Academic Degree Scholarships Wade Harry Wade Harry grew up in Fairbanks, and he plans to not only stay here, but help benefit the community in his goal as a future business owner. He will study business at the University of Alaska Fairbanks after graduating from North Star College. His roots are strong and have only grown stronger over the years. “Fairbanks will always have a place in my heart, and I’m becoming increasingly confident that I will stay here for many years to come,” he says in his application. “I recently took a road trip across the country, and no place felt like a more worthy home than Alaska. Fairbanks is just the right size for me.” Wade thinks being a business owner will allow him to maintain and control his income and time, while also allowing him to live his life to the fullest. He has already launched a photography business called Arctic Aerial Photography, specializing in drone photography. Now the restaurant business is calling to him, and yes, he has a specific special dish that he thinks will be a market niche in Fairbanks. “I know how powerful and beneficial a strong community can be,” Wade says. “I plan on being a business owner that gives back to the community.” Christopher Park Christopher Park has a deep connection to the environment and a fascination for diverse life, a product of living in Timor-Leste, Myanmar, Turkey and the Republic of Georgia before moving to Interior Alaska seven years ago. Two summers ago, he began sequencing soil microbial genomes, perhaps from the same kind of bacteria that killed his grandfather several years ago. That bacteria can cause a fatal disease that claims millions of lives annually. “We couldn’t save my grandfather, but maybe this research will save a life in the future,” he writes in his application. As an intern at the Alaska Songbird Institute last summer, Christopher monitored, banded and recorded data on declining migratory songbirds throughout breeding season. “I want people to see that we’re more like the creatures around us than we think,” he says. His plan is to major in biology and environmental science, and he has applied to seven universities on the East Coast. Christopher hopes the scientific research he pursues will focus on wildlife, climate or the environment and that it will help him preserve and protect the “beautiful land of Alaska.” 6
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His other passion is music, and he is an accomplished musician, active in the Lathrop High School Symphonic Band, Fairbanks Youth Orchestra, the Youth Symphony and the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra. He also provides lead vocals for his church’s youth group praise band, and he sings bass in AKappella, an acapella group. The group often performs around Fairbanks. Christopher is an active player in the Interior Youth Basketball League and on the Lathrop High School JV boys basketball team. For the past three summers he’s led the Park and Play Summer Camp, a basketball and STEM camp he founded for local elementary school students. Shaye Persinger Fairbanks is a small world, and it led Shaye Persinger to read books and “live a thousand lives” in other places. Yet Fairbanks is where she wants to place her focus. “Growing up in Fairbanks didn’t just shape how I see the world, it shaped what I want to do in it,” she says in her application. “Being from a small town, faces become familiar quickly. You notice when the neighbor down the street is too old to snowplow, so you do it for him. Going to the grocery store is like taking a trip with your elementary school teachers. Everyone is connected through one person or another, and everyone carries something worth understanding. “Perhaps I saw my sixth-grade math teacher one too many times at Fred Meyers, because I plan to pursue a degree in mathematics,” she says. That will happen at Lewis & Clark College. She’ll begin there as an upperclassman, already satisfying college credits through North Star College. Those credits include advanced math courses, teaching how complex systems can be simplified into understandable structures through logic and proof. Shaye is drawn to work that protects public health, analyzes data and contributes to research. What she values most is community, service and long-term impact. Specifically, she wants to study epidemiology, particularly within Alaskan communities. Her goal is to use data to study and better understand the challenges rural communities face in terms of health disparities, including higher instances of chronic disease and increased rates of injury-related deaths. Her hope is to learn enough to mitigate those risks. “Mathematics provides the tools to recognize patterns, evaluate systems and ask better questions about the world we live in,” Shaye says. She hopes her work will provide warmth, encourage connection and make a difference.
$3,000 Continuing Education Scholarships Rosie Frankowski Rosie Frankowski attends the University of Alaska Fairbanks, working toward a master’s degree in education in counseling, clinical mental health. A dry cabin and a frigid Interior winter were all it took for Rosie to decide Fairbanks is the community where she wants to invest her future. She came to Alaska in 2014 to pursue professional Nordic ski racing. That led to racing professionally and even competing in the 2018 Olympics, the 2019 World Championships and four seasons on the World Cup circuit. Retiring from professional sports required significant personal and professional transitions. Coping with those transitions led her to becoming a licensed professional counselor in the state of Alaska. “My long-term career goal is to establish a private counseling practice in Fairbanks,” she says. “Alaska faces a significant shortage of mental health providers, particularly in Interior and rural communities. “I intend to help address this gap by providing accessible, high-quality mental healthcare in Fairbanks and the Interior. My clinical interests include supporting individuals experiencing identity shifts, life transitions, career changes and stress related to athletic or high-performance environments.” Practicing independently would allow her the flexibility to pursue counseling and also coach, volunteer and partner with community organizations in need of mental health services. Rosie already works for the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks as program director for FXC masters and adult lessons, supporting adults learning how to ski/train with goal-setting motivation and confidence building. Her connection to community will continue. Isabella Guy Isabella Guy is studying to become a pediatric oncologist at Marquette University. She majors in biomedical science. She grew up in the small Yupik village of Marshall, so traveling thousands of miles away with no support system was not easy. It required her to step out of her comfort zone and develop a new community. “I have advocated for myself, solved problems, sought out resources when I needed help and created a new community,” she says in her application.
Her goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist and returning to Alaska has only deepened. “I do not just want to treat patients with care and compassion,” she says. “I want to create communities and support systems in Alaska for both them and their families. “With every challenge that I face at Marquette, I become closer to reaching my end goal and being able to provide the care and support that children in Alaska deserve.” Cassidy Morrison Cassidy Morrison is a student at University of Massachusetts-Boston, where she is studying business management. She is also an NCAA hockey player, which takes up a lot of time outside of academics. Commitment to hockey took precedence in high school over extracurricular activities, varsity sports and other school events. But she was active volunteering in the community—everything from spring cleanup to shifts at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. She began helping with USA Hockey’s Try Hockey For Free events. Her most meaningful volunteering was at E.A.S.T. Camp, a summer STEM-based program for at-risk students in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Her dedication, after several years, led to being offered a paid position. She continues to push herself on and off the ice with high grades, leading the team in points and making an effort to get more involved in campus and community organizations. In 2025, she launched “The Even Ice Project” to advocate for better opportunities for girls, women and minorities in the world of hockey. “Hockey is a great game, and it has been a big part of my life,” she says in her application. “I want to make sure girls and more minorities like me know that there is a place for them in the world of hockey.” While her time in Boston has been invaluable, Fairbanks is calling to her. “It’s my home, and being away from Alaska just makes you realize how much it’s a part of who you are,” she says. She’ll be looking for opportunities to give back in her hometown. “It’s my hope that I’d be able to mentor others in our community and make an impact on their lives just as so many have positively impacted my life.” she says.
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$3,500 Career & Technical Education Scholarship Kiara Michel Kiara Michel of Nulato attends Nenana City Kiara already has a PA school picked out, a two-year program in Anchorage. School and plans to attend University of “I want to be involved in the healthcare field no matter what Alaska Fairbanks Community & Technical I am doing,” she says. “Whether that is direct patient care or College to study medical assisting. advocating for patient care on the administrative side of things. After a difficult childhood, she “I want to help combat health disparities seen throughout decided she wants to be an inspiration Alaska and provide efficient and exceptional care for to young Alaskan Native children, “an Alaskan Natives.” example of how you can become whatever you want to be; no She would even like to host pop-up clinics in villages for matter the odds you are dealt or the background you come from.” childcare check routines or flu shots. Education has always been her number one priority. She wants “I have the next five years of my life planned, and I am to graduate high school, obtain associate, bachelor’s and master’s committed to achieving every single one of my goals,” degrees, become a physician assistant and serve communities in the she says. Tanana Chief Conference regions.
2026 Idaho Youth Rally Leadership Camp Scholarships Ean Hernandez Ean Hernandez is a junior at Hutchison High School. He is active in student government and other school activities. His involvement, he says, is to “gain a further head start on any career path that I may choose and make myself stand out more to potential employers, while studying for an engineering degree at UAF.” A strong leader can communicate and coordinate effectively, making rational decisions under stress, has time management skills to achieve goals while staying on track and admits mistakes, he says in his application. He believes a strong leader should be open to constructive criticism, which helps with personal growth and becoming a better role model. These are lessons he is already learning as student body president and a team player accomplishing common goals, Ean says. “I have been able to exemplify my communication and time management skills while maintaining accountability with much success,” he says. He excels at forming connections during events and potentially forming bonds that will hold beyond the event itself.
Interested in applying for a future scholarship or leadership camp? Visit gvea.com/scholarships for more information. 8
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Mars Lai Mars Lai is a junior at Hutchison High School. He is active in school activities and was a member of the Hutchison Academic Decathlon (2024-2025, 20252026) that competed nationally and received a gold medal in mathematics. He has a number of additional academic
achievements as well. “One of my future career goals is advancing the education of problem-solving mathematics and science,” he says. “I want to give as many students as possible the opportunity to explore and succeed in STEM-related fields.” Mars will pursue a degree in mathematics or similar field of technology. An active member of the Hutchison High School student council, he thinks strong leaders have the ability to effectively collaborate, communicate and work as a team. They also are openminded and resilient, even in the face of continued failure. His background in mathematics and science should help at the Youth Rally leadership camp, considering the camp’s emphasis on energy and electricity, he says. One of his biggest personal accomplishments, he says, is overcoming a fear of public speaking. He made that a new personal goal. “Today, while my public speaking skills still have room for improvement, they are substantially better than they were just two years ago,” he says.
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Taking the Show The Playmill’s longtime owners move theater company to Idaho By Ginger Meurer The Playmill in West Yellowstone, Montana, has been at the center of Roger and Heidi Merrill’s lives for more than four decades. This summer, they’re packing the 62-year-old theater company up for the move into its brand new home in Island Park, Idaho. 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 owners locked up and walked away. Setting the Stage 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 flocked to summer stock productions of musicals and plays featuring casts of college theater students. The actors didn’t just
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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. Love for—and at—the Theater 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.”
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ow up the Road
UP CLOSE
A New Home 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. 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.
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.” A Glance Back The Playmill’s future is exciting. But Heidi says leaving the old building was still challenging. “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
Inaugural Idaho Season
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.
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 JUNE 2026
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ADOBE STOCK IMAGES BY IRHAM
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.
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Get into a rhythm that ensures quality rest By Miguel Rios
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY LATEGAN/PEOPLEIMAGES.COM
5/21/2026 3:02:26 PM
SPOTLIGHT 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. Sleep Under Pressure 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. The Cost of Poor Sleep 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.” AI ILLUSTRATION BY BRANDON POMRENKE
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JUNE 2026
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Experts recommend sleeping only in your bedroom during a sleep reset. PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS
Experts recommend going to bed and waking up at roughly the same times each day to help reset the body’s internal clock. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY AUREMAR
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A Sleep Reset 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.” When and How to Ask for Help 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
JUNE 2026
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5/21/2026 3:02:32 PM
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.” Rest Is a Community Resource 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
Sleep Better and Use Less Energy 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. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY HOME-STOCK
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JUNE 2026
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5/21/2026 3:02:33 PM
ws
IN THE KITCHEN
Straight off the Cob ELEVATE CORN BEYOND BUTTER AND SALT
Mexican Street Corn 4 ears of corn, husked 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sour cream 1/2 teaspoon salt
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY HARDVICORE
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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.
JUNE 2026
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5/12/2026 8:44:56 AM
ws
Sweet Corn Skillet Cornbread Unsalted butter 11/2 cups buttermilk 2 large eggs 1/4 cup vegetable oil 11/2 cups all-purpose flour 11/2 cups cornmeal 1 cup sugar
11/2 tablespoons baking powder ½ teaspoon kosher salt 11/2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen Honey, optional
Heat oven to 350 F. 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.
Mango Corn Salsa
2 ears corn 1 large ripe mango, diced 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced ½ 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.
Summer Corn and Tomato Salad 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 ½ 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.
Crispy Corn Fritters
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 ½ 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.
Fresh Sweet Corn Chowder 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 ½ 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.
JUNE 2026
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5/12/2026 8:44:58 AM
— ADVERTISEMENT —
U.S. zip codes turn up silver for residents Sealed Vault Bags full of state silver bars are actually being handed over to the first U.S. residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication and call before the 21-day deadline to claim the bags full of pure silver Operators at the National Silver Hotline are struggling to keep up with all the calls. That’s because Silver Vault Bags loaded with pure .999 State Silver Bars are now being handed over to everyone who beats the order deadline. “That’s why U.S. residents will be hoarding all the silver bars they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. This comes as no surprise after the standard State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury was dropped for everyone who gets the Silver Vault Bags making them a real steal,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, the emeritus (Ret.) 40th Treasurer of the United States of America. “As executive advisor to the private Lincoln Treasury, I get paid to deliver breaking news. And here’s the best part. This is great news for U.S. residents because the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury is a real steal,” said Withrow. The only thing residents need to do is find the first 2 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication. If their zip code is on the list, they just need to call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends. And here’s the good news. Residents who do are getting the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $558 for each State Silver Vault Bag which is just over $55 for each pristine solid sil-
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■ U.S. RESIDENTS CASH IN: Calls are pouring in from state residents who are trying to get their hands on the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags pictured above before the deadline ends. That’s because residents who find the first 2 digits of their zip code printed in today’s publication are cashing in on the reduced State Minimum price set by the Lincoln Treasury until the 21-day deadline expires.
ver one quarter ounce bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline at 1-877-828-8990 before the deadline ends. Phone lines open at precisely 8:30 A.M. this morning and are expected to be flooded by U.S. residents looking to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury to date. That’s why U.S. residents who find their zip code on the distribution list today are being urged to call. Since this special advertising announcement can’t stop anyone from buying up all the new 2026 Edition U.S. State Silver Bars they can get their hands on, the Lincoln Treasury has not set a limit of how many
Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags residents can get – these are the bags pictured that contain 100 individual Silver Vault bars each. Everyone who gets these will be glad they did. “Residents who want to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury better hurry. That’s because after the deadline ends, the State Minimum for these pristine quarter ounce U.S. State Silver Bars set by the Lincoln Treasury will go up to $84 per bar no matter how many bars people get,” Withrow said. “We’re bracing for all the calls and doing the best we can, but with just hours left before the deadline ends, residents who find the first
2 digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication need to call the National Silver Hotline,” Withrow said.
■ SILVER IS SOARING: It’s good news for state residents who get the Silver Vault Bags each loaded with 10 Fractional Reserve one quarter ounce State Silver Bars. That’s because residents are getting the State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury as long as they call before the deadline ends.
5/19/2026 12:09:18 PM
— ADVERTISEMENT —
Who gets the Silver Vault Bags: Listed below are the zip codes that get to claim the Silver Vault Bags. If you find the first two digits of your zip code below immediately call: 1-877-828-8990 DEPT. SQR482 Alabama 35, 36 Alaska 99 Arizona 85, 86 Arkansas 71, 72 California 91 Colorado 80, 81 Connecticut 06
Delaware 19 Florida 32, 33, 34 Georgia 30, 31, 39 Hawaii 96 Idaho 83 Illinois 60, 61 62 Indiana 46, 47
Iowa 50, 51, 52 Kansas 66, 67 Kentucky 40, 41, 42 Louisiana 70, 71 Maine 03, 04 Maryland 20, 21 Massachusetts 01, 02, 05
Michigan 48, 49 Minnesota 55, 56 Mississippi 38, 39 Missouri 63, 64, 65 Montana 59 Nebraska 68, 69 Nevada 88, 89
New Hampshire 03 New Jersey 07, 08 New Mexico 87, 88 New York 00, 10, 11, 12 13, 14 North Carolina 27, 28 North Dakota 58 Ohio 41, 43, 44, 45
Oklahoma 73, 74 Oregon 97 Pennsylvania 15, 16, 17 18, 19 Rhode Island 02 South Carolina 29 South Dakota 57 Tennessee 37, 38
Texas 75, 76, 77 78, 79, 88 Utah 84 Vermont 05 Virginia 20, 22, 23, 24 Washington 98, 99 West Virginia 24, 25, 26 Wyoming 82, 83
I keep calling and can’t get through: Keep trying. Right now everyone’s looking to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury. In fact, we won’t be surprised if thousands of residents order up as many Silver Vault Bags as they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury has been reduced to just over $55 for each solid silver one quarter ounce bar for everyone who gets the vault bags. And since each Silver Vault Bag contains 10 pristine State Silver Bars for just $558 we’re guessing state residents will be claiming two or more bags while they’re up for grabs. But all those who really want to cash in are taking the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags containing 100 State Silver Bars before the deadline ends and the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury goes up to $840 per Vault Bag. In fact the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury is reduced even further for those getting the Jumbo Bags so just be sure to ask the National Silver Hotline operator for your discount. So if lines are busy keep trying. How much are the Silver Vault Bags worth: It’s hard to tell how much these Silver Vault Bags could be worth since they are in pristine condition, but those who get in on this now will be glad they did. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury goes up to $840 per bag after the deadline ends. So you better believe that at just $558 the Silver Vault bags are a real steal for everyone who beats the 21-day order deadline. Can I buy one State Silver Bar: Yes. But, the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just over $55 per bar applies only to residents who purchase a Silver Vault Bag(s). That means only those residents who order a Silver Vault Bag(s) or a Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bag get the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury. All single bar purchases, orders placed after the deadline and all non-state residents must pay the normal state minimum of $84 per silver bar. Why is the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury so low now: Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to get the silver at the reduced State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury. Now all residents who find their zip code on the Distribution List above are getting the Silver Vault Bags for themselves and all the solid .999 pure State Silver Bars found inside. The price for each Silver Vault Bag after the deadline ends is set to the normal state minimum of $840 which is $84 per bar. But residents who beat the deadline only cover the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $558 for each Silver Bar Vault Bag which is just over $55 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends at: 1-877-828-8990 DEPT. SQR482. Hotlines open at 8:30 A.M. or go to LincolnTreasury.com/State and enter: SQR482 at the secure checkout
*** All States listed above are available - States not listed are already sold out ***
ALASKA
DATE NUMBERED IN WHICH THE STATE RATIFIED THE CONSTITUTION AND WAS ADMITTED INTO UNION
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ONE QUARTER OUNCE SOLID .999 FINE SILVER
BACK FRONT ARIZONA
THESE SILVER BARS BECOME A PART OF YOUR FAMILY LEGACY WITH YOUR LAST NAME INSCRIBED ON THESE .999 FINE SILVER BARS
NEVADA
OFFICIAL STATE ABBREVIATION CERTIFIED SOLID .999 FINE SILVER OREGON
.999 STATE SILVER BAR PHOTO ENLARGEMENT SHOWS DETAIL OF THE SOLID ONE QUARTER OUNCE PERSONALIZED SOLID SILVER BARS MEASURING TWO INCHES HIGH AND ONE AND A QUARTER INCHES ACROSS
P7505 OF24423R-1
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: PLEASE USE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH NO TRANSACTION FEE. ALL OTHER PAYMENT FORMS HAVE A THREE PERCENT SERVICE FEE. FLUCTUATIONS OF MARKET SUPPLIES MAY RESULT IN EXTENDED SHIPPING DATES BEYOND THE EIGHT-WEEK ORDER FULFILLMENT PROCESS, SUBSTITUTION, OR REVOCATION OF THE ORDER AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF LINCOLN TREASURY. LINCOLN TREASURY LLC. IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. THE COLLECTIBLE VALUE OF LINCOLN TREASURY PRODUCTS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY INCREASE IN FUTURE VALUE. LINCOLN TREASURY OFFERS AN IRON-CLAD MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH YOUR PURCHASE, RETURN THE ENTIRE PRODUCT AND PACKAGING FOR A REFUND, LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. ORDER CANCELLATIONS PRIOR TO SHIPPING WILL RESULT IN A REFUND OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT, INCLUDING THE SERVICE FEE. SHIPPED ORDERS QUALIFY FOR TOTAL AMOUNT LESS SERVICE FEE. LINCOLN TREASURY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST SHIPMENTS. THE HONORABLE MARY ELLEN WITHROW, ADMIRAL JAMES G. FOGGO, US NAVY (RET.), AND BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES MOORE, US ARMY (RET.) ARE EXECUTIVE ADVISORS TO LINCOLN TREASURY AND COMPENSATED FOR THEIR COUNSEL AND CONTRIBUTIONS. ©LINCOLN TREASURY 2026.
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5/19/2026 12:10:27 PM
2027
Ruralite Calendar Photo Contest
BY RANDY HARVEY, WASHINGTON— COLUMBIA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION
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.
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4/23/2026 1:47:30 PM
— ADVERTISEMENT —
Seniors born before 1964 get big boost
Free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button with no contracts, no deposits, and no monthly bills
■ 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.
Seniors get new medical alert device Instantly connects with no contracts, no deposits, and no monthly bills Seniors born before 1964 get new medical alert device Nationwide: Demand for new Medical Alert Device soars 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. ■
pp21 June2026.indd 4
HOW TO GET IT BORN BEFORE 1964: 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
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.
EXT. ADFH0626
REBATE COUPON
VALID FOR USE
21 DAYS ONLY
Amount of Rebate (AOR)
1P
$150.00 OFF
2Y
RE: FSTH161 DLVY: ML2077R1
1 OF 1
Five Star Customer Reviews
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 Physicians.
PLEASE USE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER WITH NO TRANSACTION FEE. ALL OTHER PAYMENT FORMS HAVE A THREE PERCENT TRANSACTION FEE. FASTHELP IS COVERED BY A 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE LESS SHIPPING AND A 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. FASTHELP IS A 4G CELLULAR DEVICE. FASTHELP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE 911 CALLS WHEN CELLULAR SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE SUCH AS IN REMOTE AREAS. FASTHELP USES GPS TRIANGULATIONS TO APPROXIMATE YOUR LOCATION WHEN YOUR DEVICE IS TURNED ON. DR. HOWREN IS A COMPENSATED MEDICAL ADVISOR. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. UNIVERSAL PHYSICIANS 7747 SUPREME AVE, NORTH CANTON, OH 44720. P7506 OF24424R-1
5/19/2026 12:15:41 PM
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
Looking Beyond Story and photo by Dave LaBelle
‘I Do’
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 22
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
NIKON D810 | 70mm lens ISO 2000 | f/3.2 at 1/160 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.
JUNE 2026
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5/8/2026 10:15:24 AM
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READER EXCHANGE
Crafts/Hobbies
Odds
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.
Can anyone use unused stamps from nonprofit request envelopes?
Lori Sharpe P.O. Box 185 Trout Lake, WA 98650
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.
Milestones 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
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Elaine Fuchigami 8252 N.W. Oxbow Drive Corvallis, OR 97330-2835 lareifu@gmail.com
Linda Becker 4924 Highway 1 Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
Thanks 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
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.
JUNE 2026
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GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
GVEA Employee Spotlight:
Lisa Newman
Making the numbers add up for GVEA employees By Rachael Kvapil Early on in life, Lisa Newman remembers her dad telling her that if she got a job at Golden Valley Electric Association and worked hard, she would have a job for life. So, when the opportunity to apply for a payroll specialist position opened in 2017, she followed his advice. Although her father never worked at GVEA, he viewed it as a reputable company that took care of its employees, provided stable careers, and played a vital role in keeping Interior Alaska powered and connected. Lisa has spent her career in accounting and finance. She has previously worked in finance departments for the Internal Revenue Service and the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Her passion for accounting is driven by a deep interest in numbers and the processes behind them. “People depend on their paychecks,” Lisa says. “And they depend on me to make sure they’re correct. Accuracy is the key.” Lisa manages multiple payrolls at GVEA, which means staying knowledgeable about federal and state policies and six different union contracts. She says the finance department is constantly reviewing the layers of rules as they protect employees and GVEA. As a payroll specialist, Lisa considers GVEA employees as her primary customers. She takes pride in her role supporting her co-workers by ensuring their paychecks are accurate. This allows them to feel more secure in their professional and personal lives. “I want to make sure employees have few questions and little fear when they look at their paychecks,” Lisa says. “That helps keep their job going smoothly.” “The finance department prides itself on the accuracy of its reporting,” Lisa says. “No matter if we’re reporting on wages or a million-dollar piece of equipment, we strive to ensure its correctness so we, as a company, can provide power in the most efficient and affordable way possible.” As a lifelong Fairbanksan, Lisa is an active volunteer in the community. She contributes time and donations to the United Way of the Tanana Valley and volunteers with hospice. Prior to that, Lisa and her husband, Kurt, served 10 years on the board of the Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre. They were involved in Girl
PHOTO BY GRACE WILSON
Scouts and soccer while their daughter was young. “I think it’s important to have a strong foundation of volunteering and doing things in the community,” Lisa says. “This is how we make a community a home.” In addition to volunteering, Lisa loves gardening, painting, and other arts and crafts. She recently started creating stained glass artworks and sees it as a potential new gig when she retires. “I find arts and crafts very calming and soul-searching,” Lisa says. “I can spend more time picking out the colors of something than actually building it, imagining how it’s going to look once it’s together.” n
JUNE 2026
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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 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 Antiques and Collectibles 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. Automotive 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. Community Events 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
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Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad
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
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
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.
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
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
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
J U N E 2026
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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
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
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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. Situations Wanted 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
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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
Recreational Vehicles 1999 Newmar Dutch Star 38-ft. RV. Diesel. 3126B Catepillar engine. Freightliner chassis. One slide. 95K miles. $10K. 530-616-0388. 0626 Services 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
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JUNE 2026
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GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
2026 GVEA Annual Members’ Meeting By Kris Capps 28
JUNE 2026
We’re all in this together. That was the message Golden Valley Electric Association shared with about 800 people who showed up at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks for GVEA’s annual meeting in May. People wanted to hear more about their locally owned cooperative, especially as energy costs and bills continue to climb. Embracing what it calls a new era of transparency, GVEA shared all the challenges it’s faced in the recent past and what is expected into the future. “We’re not shielding members anymore from hard times,” CEO Travis Million said. Everyone is feeling the pinch of high energy prices. “Forty-two percent of all Alaskans are struggling to pay their energy costs,” Travis told the large crowd. “Electricity and home heating. This is a real number. “This is something everyone on the Golden Valley team thinks about every single day and is part of every single decision we make.” That team, he pointed out, is made up of everyone’s friends, neighbors and even family members. GVEA is focused on improving reliability of infrastructure and systems already in place. “It’s going to be a challenging couple of years,” he said. “But we are laser focused and locked on that path forward.” Despite the rise in energy costs, GVEA had a couple of wins during the past year. 2025 saw the highest reliability since 2017. Safety improvements resulted in a 60% reduction in accidents company wide, which has a direct effect on costs, as fewer work-related accidents means less expenses for the co-op. GVEA renegotiated coal and fuel contracts to keep costs down and recently received $14 million in grant funding for transmission upgrades already on the wish list. This past winter was a tough one, particularly when temperatures dropped to 40 and 50 below zero for days, sometimes weeks, on end. During this time, GVEA burned 250,000 gallons of fuel a day, up from the usual 80,000 gallons that time of year. This meant fuel had to be trucked up from Valdez. Older turbines had to kick in to help meet the need. At the same time, the Iran War spiked oil prices and bills continue to rise. “We are using less-efficient units with moreexpensive fuel,” Travis said. It wasn’t just the cold. The demand for power is growing, an 8% increase in 2025 alone. GVEA, he said, is making plans to ensure reliability, to increase efficiency, and speed up timelines of investments, all of which will be recommended to the board of directors for final approval.
“If we just try to wait it out, we will not be able to turn the lights on in the wintertime,” Travis said. “I’m not saying this to cause fear. This is the reality.” Travis decided it was time to share all those hard challenges and decisions with the members, instead of trying to solve these issues behind the scenes. “My commitment to you is real, honest communication,” Million said. “You will hear more directly from me. We will pursue every possible avenue for lower costs and also offer ways to help members who are truly hurting trying to pay their energy bills.” A new financial assistance program, approved by the board at its April meeting, will help those who need it the most. The program will be funded by abandoned capital credits with no impact on rates or the long-term financial stability of the cooperative. GVEA staff and the GVEA Member Advisory Committee are currently working on program guidelines and implementation details, with plans to launch the program in late fall or early winter 2026. In the future, the challenge of power generation will need to be met head-on by the brightest minds, Travis said. “That’s why we invest in students,” he added. GVEA has distributed more than $700,000 in student scholarships since 2002 and introduced the 2026 scholarship winners at the annual meeting. This year, GVEA received a total
of 106 applications across its scholarship programs, including the new Youth Rally leadership opportunity for high school students. Like the new financial assistance program, GVEA’s scholarship and Youth Rally programs are funded through abandoned capital credits, with no impact on member’s rates. The meeting closed with member questions and discussion, reflecting the high level of engagement from cooperative members. Members lined up and one-by-one had a short, face-toface conversation with Travis for an hour and a half following the one-hour business meeting. As always, topics vary. There was support and opposition to the proposed natural gas line. “We have a need for diversified power,” Sarah Furman said. “I hope we can find ways to increase our reliability, resilience and stop pretending that this LNG pipeline is going to get us there.” Several members expressed strong support for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind. When one member suggested GVEA develop a community solar farm, he learned that is already in the works. “Everything is on the table,” Travis said. n Photos from GVEA’s 2026 Annual Members Meeting, held May 1 at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. PHOTOS BY RED PHOTOGRAPHY
JUNE 2026
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BEFORE YOU GO
Spring Smiles 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.
Salad Cookbook 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.
Salads Ruralite readers share their favorite salad recipes
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.
Recipes submitted by Ruralite Readers for October 1998 Contest
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 delivery.
30
JUNE 2026
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Owned By Those We Serve BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tom DeLong, Chair, District 2 Rick Solie, Vice Chair, District 3 David Messier, Treasurer, District 1 Gary Newman, Secretary, District 4 John Sloan, District 6 Bradley Swope, District 5 Krista Zappone, District 7 Corporate Headquarters 758 Illinois St. P.O. Box 71249 Fairbanks, AK 99707-1249 907-452-1151 800-770-GVEA (4832) Fax: 907-458-6365 Delta Junction Office 1681 Richardson Highway Delta Junction, AK 99737 907-452-1151 800-770-GVEA (4832) Fax: 907-895-5472 Report Outages: 907-452-1151 800-770-GVEA (4832) Select: Option 1, Option 1 View Outage Map: gvea.com/outages gvea.com
AK-37
To our members,
Thank you to everyone who joined us for GVEA’s 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting, whether in person or online. Member participation and engagement are an important part of what makes our cooperative strong, and we appreciate everyone who took the time to attend, ask questions and stay informed. This year’s meeting focused heavily on the realities facing our cooperative, decisions being made to maintain reliability and steps we are taking to support members through a difficult period for energy costs. During the meeting, we reviewed GVEA’s financial report, including the rising costs associated with fuel, generation reliability, infrastructure investments and the changing energy landscape across the Railbelt. We also discussed the operational and financial challenges created by the loss of Cook Inlet natural gas supply and the increasing need to rely on alternative generation resources to maintain reliable service. In my CEO report, I also shared updates on several important board actions, cooperative initiatives and what members should expect in the near future, including: • Crucial investments in GVEA’s existing infrastructure and generation. • The unfortunate reality that members will see an increase to the Fuel & Purchased Power charge in June, due to the skyrocketing cost of fuel used to generate electricity. • The board’s approval of a new financial assistance program designed to provide direct relief to qualifying members experiencing financial hardship. The financial assistance program is an important step toward helping members facing affordability challenges. The program will provide meaningful support to members who are in need of assistance while also protecting the long-term financial stability of the cooperative. We also congratulated this year’s scholarship recipients at the annual meeting. I encourage you to read about each of these phenomenal students on Pages 4-8. If you missed the meeting, the full recording is available on GVEA’s YouTube page. The 2025 Annual Report also provides a detailed look at GVEA’s financial position, strategic priorities, margins, capital credits and long-term planning efforts. It is available at: gvea.com/annual. As a cooperative, we know trust is built through communication, accountability and transparency. While we cannot promise immediate solutions to every challenge facing our industry, we are committed to continuing the difficult work of strengthening reliability, managing costs responsibly and improving how we serve our members. Thank you for being part of GVEA and for continuing to stay engaged in your cooperative. Sincerely, Travis Million GVEA CEO
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PHOTO BY KELLY REYNOLDS