Ruralite GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
OCTOBER 2026
INSIDE >>
Powered by You: Inside the Co-op Model Meet GVEA’s Alexis Ramirez GVEA’s New Member Assistance Program Nearly 1,000 runners, hikers and relay teams took on 26.2 miles of beautiful Fairbanks trails and roads at the Equinox Marathon and Relay. PHOTO BY TODD PARIS
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FROM THE PIONEER TEAM
Ruralite October 2026 • Volume 73, No. 10
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 $6 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.
What We Don’t Know What does it mean to keep going when you can’t be sure of the outcome? Penny Petrina had an answer—though I suspect she’d be the first to say she didn’t fully understand it until she was already miles down the trail. The Idaho nurse who spent four years planning a 3,000-mile horseback journey from the Mexican border to Canada didn’t set out with certainty. She set out with three wild mustangs, a quarter horse named Suzy Q, a goofy dog named Piglet and 160 pounds of freeze-dried food. What Penny found along the way couldn’t have been mapped in advance—the generosity of strangers, nights under the stars, and the particular loneliness and clarity that comes from living simply in wild places. “There was a lot of talking to God,” she says. “I learned a lot about myself, how to react to stress, be alone, emotional intelligence.” That’s not the kind of education you find in a classroom. It’s the kind that only arrives when you’ve committed so fully to something that turning back is no longer the easier choice. Cliff Barackman would recognize that feeling. He has spent more than 30 years searching for something he cannot prove exists—and he keeps going anyway.
Our Spotlight this month explores the world of Sasquatch research, which turns out to be far more layered than you might expect. Cliff ’s pursuit isn’t driven by a need for validation or a comfort with ridicule. It’s driven by genuine scientific curiosity and the conviction that enthusiastic, persistent inquiry has always been part of how human knowledge grows. “When you talk about Bigfoot for a living, you tend to be wrong a lot,” he says. “I think you just have to be comfortable with a lack of resolution in some ways.” That’s a harder thing to practice than it sounds. Most of us want to know how the story ends before we agree to be part of it. Cliff has made peace with never knowing—and built something meaningful in that space anyway. Two very different stories have one quiet truth connecting them: You don’t have to see the whole trail to take the next step. Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director
Got a story idea? We want to hear it. Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera or visit tinyurl.com/SendStoryIdeas.
Trip of a Lifetime
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.
Idaho equestrian rides from Mexico to Canada Up Close, Page 10
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.
Hiding in Plain Sight The search for Sasquatch goes deeper than footprints Spotlight, Page 12
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A Garden’s Last Hurrah Reader Exchange 18 Great Picture Hunt 22
Marketplace Before You Go
Utility Pages: 4-8, 25, 28-29, 32
26 30
Make the most of the season’s harvest In the Kitchen, Page 16 OCTOBER 2026
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GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
Powered by You: An Inside Look at the Golden Valley Electric Co-op Model
By Deb Hickok
“We are a not-for-profit company that exists to serve and be owned by the people we serve,” says Gary Newman, secretary of the Golden Valley Electric Association Board of Directors. As a cooperative, each person or organization who receives electricity from GVEA is a member-owner. Golden Valley is not an investor-owned utility which is driven by earning profits for outside shareholders. A lifelong Alaskan, Gary has been elected by members for a fourth three-year term on the board. He holds the seat designated for District 4, one of the seven geographical districts of the co-op’s service area. “Every director—even though we’re elected by district— represents the entirety of Golden Valley member-owners,” Gary says. The co-op welcomes member-owners to reach out to board members. “It requires some significant effort to understand the co-op model and what it means to serve as a board member, Gary says. Prior to running for the board seat, Gary attended GVEA meetings for 15 years. Since being elected, he’s had access to 4
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training opportunities offered by regional and national co-op associations. When talking about GVEA, Gary refers several times to the Seven Cooperative Principles. One co-op principle is Democratic Member Control. Each GVEA member-owner—whether a residential or commercial electricity user and regardless of how much electricity used— has one equal vote. In addition to electing the board, a vote by member-owners is the only way to change the co-op’s bylaws. Gary is a student of Golden Valley’s history. He uses the story of GVEA’s founding to illustrate the co-op model. Following World War II, farmers and homesteaders—many who were military Above: GVEA employees pitch in for a cleanup day in Healy. Right: FRA staff and clients posed in front of a newly accessible van. Thanks to a $15,000 Good¢ents grant, 50 participants in the Day Habilitation program continued receiving essential services with improved transportation. Far right: Julia Meany, Marketing & Development Specialist at the Breast Cancer Detection Center (BCDC). BCDC received $15,000 in Good¢ents funding toward the purchase of a new mammography unit. PHOTOS BY GRACE WILSON
veterans—lived and worked on rural lands. Being outside of the city of Fairbanks, they didn’t have access to electricity. They collaborated to form GVEA in 1946 to provide electricity to these more remote areas by taking advantage of funds available from the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. The federal program was established to help finance electricity to rural areas that investorowned companies didn’t find profitable enough to serve. In the intervening years, GVEA has grown in scope and responsibility well beyond the borders of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. “We’re spread so far, and we impact so many more people,” Gary says. The co-op now has more than 36,000 members within its service area that spans across 6,440 square miles. “The term ‘member-owner’ comes up in all the board meetings—we’re very aware of our responsibility to our members,” Gary says. “I really appreciate the co-op model where those we serve are the owners, rather than outside shareholders.” Serving Member-Owners Is a Priority “A co-op’s measure of success is how each member experiences the value of the services the co-op provides,” says Fairbanks native Mathew Mund, who chairs Golden Valley’s Member Advisory Committee. He is serving
his second three-year term on the MAC in the District 1 seat. The MAC is composed of 24 memberowners from the seven geographic districts. The committee provides another conduit for members to have a voice in the co-op. They get in-depth information on operations and have the opportunity to influence decision making. “I take the responsibility seriously as a member-owner, rather than just a customer,” Mathew says. He describes the co-op as more like an essential service, rather than a business. “The co-op can’t meet member expectations without input from its members,” Mathew says. He urges member-owners to take advantage of the comment periods during the various meetings. “Because GVEA is member owned, you are heard,” he says. “Members are the focus of the organization.” Direct participation is also an opportunity for members to learn more about the co-op model. “The more you learn about the co-op, the more you’ll hopefully gain some understanding about how complex it is to provide electricity in the remote region that we live in,” Mathew says. “To make power here is not an easy job.” Weighing the Fiscal Impacts and Benefits “We have to keep thinking about how our decisions will impact 20 to 30 years from now,”
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Gary says about explaining how the board makes budgetary and other decisions. In addition to learning about the technical and financial aspects of a co-op, board members also receive training on how to assess risk. “Even short-term solutions are looked at through a long-term lens,” elaborates GVEA Chief Executive Officer Travis Million says. “Reliability and safety go hand-in-hand.” For example, an important question in decision-making is: in the middle of winter, when it’s 40 degrees below zero, are our members going to have reliable power? “We try to operate as lean as possible or break even,” Travis says. The co-op plans a yearly budget with a small cushion— usually between 1% to 3% of the total revenue. But sometimes that cushion isn’t enough. “One bad storm can cost $2 to $3 million,” he says. Operating as a not-forprofit, GVEA allocates any 6
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margins to its member-owners. Rather than being distributed immediately, those margins may be retained by the co-op to strengthen the system, including paying down debt or investing in equipment, facilities and other projects. Over time, the allocated margins are returned to member-owners as capital credits. Golden Valley also looks for other ways to help member-owners. Mathew recently was an adviser in the development of the Member Assistance Program (MAP).
Mathew says the development of MAP was an accelerated process because GVEA wanted to get the program in place before winter. Launched in September, MAP is designed to avoid shutoff of electricity by providing temporary financial relief for members in need. MAP does not affect member rates because it is underwritten by abandoned capital credits. Members can learn more about MAP, including eligibility and how to apply, at gvea.com/assistance. GVEA encourages members to share this resource with others in the community who may be in need of assistance. Contributing to the WellBeing of the Community “One of the cooperative principles is Concern for Community” GVEA Chief Administrative Officer Abby Dillard says. The electric co-op supports good causes within the region it serves. Every one of Golden Valley’s nearly 300 employees are allowed up to eight work
hours during the year for volunteerism. They use their time to provide physical labor or other support to charitable organizations in the area. Employees can also opt to participate in a workplace program, administered by United Way of Tanana Valley, to donate funds to support community nonprofits. Since 2011, Golden Valley’s Good¢ents program has provided quarterly grants to charitable organizations in the community. Thousands of Golden Valley members fund the program by opting to round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. Other community programs directly benefit youth in the region. GVEA awards scholarships annually to deserving local students to help financially support their higher education. The scholarships are funded by abandoned capital credits. At the Tanana Valley State Fair, Golden Valley partners with United Way on GVEA’s Bright Futures Fairbanks school supply drive. The GVEA-led initiative encourages fair goers to contribute school supplies which are distributed to students in need across Interior Alaska. Golden Valley recently reinstated a program to send a local high school sophomore or junior to a weeklong Youth Rally camp in Idaho. The teens in attendance learn leadership skills as well as gain knowledge about the electric co-op model.
Top Left: GVEA employees serve as safety sponsors during the Golden Days Parade. PHOTO BY GRACE WILSON
Bottom Left: GVEA employees collect school supplies during their School Supply Drive at the Tanana Valley State Fair. L-R: Grace Wilson, Travis Million, Sarah Villalon and Daniel Heckman. PHOTO BY GRACE WILSON Above: GVEA is the title sponsor of the annual Healy Heart Walk, which raises funds for the American Heart Association and supports local heart health initiatives and programs. L-R: Tina Graham, Grace Wilson and Nadia Carder. PHOTO BY KAMI MACIVER
Golden Valley Embraces the Seven Principles of a Co-op October is National Co-op Month when cooperatives celebrate operating according to seven shared core principles and values. For Golden Valley Electric Association—a not-for-profit electric cooperative—these tenets all speak to putting the needs of their members-owners first. The Seven Cooperative Principles of a co-op are: 1. Open and Voluntary Membership 2. Democratic Member Control 3. Members’ Economic Participation 4. Autonomy and Independence 5. Education, Training, and Information 6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives 7. Concern for Community The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, a national trade association that represents the interests of about 900 local electric cooperatives in the United States. For more details, go to electric.coop/seven-cooperative-principles.
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“All of these co-op programs are engagement opportunities that do not impact rates.” Abby says. “They use nonoperating revenues.” “It is important for us and our employees to be engaged in the community. We live here. We work here. We care about the community.” Communication Is Key to an Informed, Vocal Membership “We’re always looking at new ways to engage to meet our members where they’re at, as well as communicate with them,” Abby says. “We’re in a time of rapid change in how our members want to engage.” There are many ways for memberowners to interact with GVEA, be informed and provide feedback. Golden Valley employees show up at community events, such as the fair and the IABA Home Show. The co-op’s annual meeting, held in the spring, is another significant and fun event for members and their families to converse with employees and each other. Communication channels also include social media, emails, the GVEA website, and Ruralite. The co-op is also exploring expanded tools such as surveys and texting to connect with members. 8
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“For our communication engagement, we have significantly increased the transparency that we have provided to our members,” Abby says. “We have concurrently increased their ability to engage and provide feedback to Golden Valley.” “We have a responsibility to be as transparent as possible,” Gary says. He says that board meetings have been open to members since around 2010. Since the pandemic, Golden Valley has had virtual access to meetings Gary says that technological advances are not only improving communications, but are also opening up avenues for members to study their own electricity use. The co-op continues to pursue opportunities to help members use energy more efficiently.
“The more transparent we are, the more people can be informed, encouraged to engage and share their perspectives,” Gary says. He advocates for respectful discourse as an important component in productive dialogue. “Everyone is sincere in trying to do a good job,” he says. “There are a lot of opportunities to improve, and continuing to engage with members is really important.” n Top: GVEA lineman apprentice Vlad Didenko demonstrates electrical safety at Safety City during a community event. Bottom: GVEA employees lend a hand in the Stone Soup Café community garden. PHOTOS
BY GRACE WILSON
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UP CLOSE
Trip of a
Lifetime
Idaho equestrian rides from Mexico to Canada By Cheré Coen It all seemed like a great adventure. Collect three wild mustangs, a quarter horse and a dog for company and then ride 3,000 miles from the Mexican border to Canada on horseback. The application and execution for Patricia “Penny” Petrina, of Sandpoint, Idaho, however, was a different story—a tough monthslong ride full of terrain changes and challenges. It is an experience she will never forget. Planning the Ride Penny graduated from nursing school in 2021, one of the toughest times for those in the medical field. Her first job out of school was working in a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. “My first job was pretty rough,” she says. She had read a book about long-distance horseback riding and watched “Unbranded,” a documentary about four men riding 16 wild mustangs 3,000 miles through the American West. Her wheels began to turn, and Penny decided she wanted a “magical adventure with horses” while she was young. “More than anything, I wanted to see if I could do it,” Penny says. Penny owned a quarter horse named Suzy Q, but she considered buying wild mustangs, many of which are auctioned off by the Bureau of Land Management starting at only $124. Penny used savings to bid on the horses and was surprised when she won the auction, ending up with three wild mustangs. 10
“It was a whole thing at that point,” she says. By fall 2021, she started learning how to pack, studying routes from Mexico to Canada where she and her horses could ride through as many public lands as possible and access water and grass daily. Her horses needed 20 gallons of water a day, so water sources were essential. Penny packed the food for the journey—she carried 160 pounds of food for herself and two days of food for the horses—but finding natural feed for the horses would help lighten her load. She needed trails that were nationally established and allowed her to tackle a reasonable amount of mileage per day. Elevation gain and loss were also a consideration. It took her four years to plan it all, including spending eight months freezedrying 600-plus meals such as oatmeal and mac and cheese for her two-meal-per-day allowance. “I was hoping the meals would last the six months,” Penny says. Penny asked friends and relatives if they wanted to join her, but most couldn’t take months off from work. So, she enlisted a dog named Piglet to be her companion. “She was my compromise,” Penny says. “Having a companion really helped. She’s a goofy dog, so she was like comic relief.” After hauling her herd to the Mexican border in Southern Arizona, Penny made her way north in March 2025. She hoped to reach Montana and the Canadian border by fall.
The Ride Arizona offered trails on public lands, but traveling through other states included urban areas and highways. Most of the time, Penny camped at water sites so she could water the horses by night and again in the morning before heading off. For four nights, she slept out under the stars, including at the Grand Canyon and south of Bryce Canyon. “It was the most amazing experience to live outside,” Penny says. Even though she slept in a tent during most of her ride, a few times she acquired more conventional accommodations. In Jacob Lake, Arizona, for instance, she couldn’t find water for her horses. She spied a pond on private property and asked the owner for access. The owner agreed and sweetened the deal by letting her stay at his guest cabin.
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Patricia “Penny” Petrina, of Sandpoint, Idaho, traveled from Mexico to Canada with her adopted mustangs, a quarter horse named Suzy Q that she rode, and her faithful dog Piglet. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PENNY PETRINA
About once a week, if Penny was close to a town, she would stop at a feed store to restock. This also gave her a chance to eat something other than freeze-dried foods. “Sometimes we had a few walkthroughs in the drive-thrus,” she says with a laugh. “You definitely get some stares.” Penny averaged 18 to 20 miles a day, some of them crossing harsh terrain. One day, when her horse Findley was heavy with pounds of food, he stumbled, fell and was pulled down by the pack 150 feet off the trail. Another time, one horse developed colic. For assurance, family and friends tracked her progress by GPS. The satellite app she used updated Penny’s location every 30 minutes. If she disappeared off the app due to remote locations, her father texted to make sure she was all right.
Penny ended her ride at the Canadian border in September 2025 but then rode back to her hometown of Sandpoint, another 250 miles. She didn’t announce her arrival, but many friends, family
members and residents of the community met her as she rode into town. Penny insists the trek was “a pretty big adventure” but also a tough undertaking. “It was a very simple life but also very stressful,” she says. “I would never call it fun. Most of the trip was work, but it was a very satisfying feeling. “There was a lot of talking to God. I learned a lot about myself, how to react to stress, be alone, emotional intelligence. You live in the moment and then move on so you can keep going. But mostly it was a really cool trip.” Penny’s advice for anyone considering an adventure of this magnitude? “Don’t let the big picture stop you from trying or don’t listen to what people say,” she says. “It’s possible. I was blessed to be able to do this, and it was a once-in-alifetime experience.” n OCTOBER 2026
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Hiding in Plain Sight
The search for Sasquatch goes deeper than footprints By Drew Woolley Cliff Barackman’s fascination with Sasquatch didn’t start with an encounter in the woods or even a fuzzy video but, rather, in the library. While studying music at California State University, Long Beach, he came across a collection of scholarly articles on the cryptids. Growing up, Cliff was enamored with the weird and eccentric, reading about Atlantis, crystal skulls and the search for mysterious creatures. But the articles in the university library approached the subject from an anthropological angle. They drew throughlines from Indigenous stories of Sasquatch-like characters to ape research later pioneered by Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. A book by Grover Krantz, Ph.D., even argued that casts of reported Sasquatch footprints differed significantly from human footprints. 12
“Once I started being exposed to the actual scientific work and evidence that was available at the time on these animals, I started to piece together that, wow, they might actually be real,” Cliff says. That’s exactly what Cliff believes he is searching for—not a mythological individual or a supernatural species but an undiscovered animal somewhere between apes and humans. Already keen on camping and backpacking, he immediately took to local forests in hopes of collecting his own evidence. That journey led Cliff to a position as one of the hosts and investigators on the Animal Planet show “Finding Bigfoot” and later to establishing the North American Bigfoot Center in Boring, Oregon. But more than that, he saw an opportunity to be part of important scientific work.
“The most logical explanation for what I read was a biological reality behind all the mythology and hubbub,” Cliff says. “I thought, amateur astronomers are the ones who discover the vast majority of new comets. If professional anthropologists and primatologists are not taking this seriously, it might be up to enthusiastic nerds like me to do something about it.” Campfire Stories Cliff is just one of many Sasquatch researchers around the country hoping to find definitive proof of the elusive creatures. Driven by true believers, skeptics and gawkers alike, the ongoing hunt has produced hit TV shows like Cliff’s, museums and festivals that bring people together from every corner. Many of those enthusiasts draw on
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SPOTLIGHT
Cliff Barackman owns an
COURTESY OF CLIFF BAR
extensive collection of
ACKMAN
footprint casts. PHOTOS
These stories are how we can take something that is unknown and unknowable and still find ways to talk about it.”
— ROBERT DOBLER, PROFESSOR OF FOLKLORE AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY
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ADOBE STOCK AI IMAGE BY TINGTING/MODIFIED
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ABOVE: Jason Younker shares the Coquille story of Sasquatch during an event with University of Oregon students. LEFT: Leila Okahata, left, and Assistant Professor Danny Pimentel test the augmented-reality experience built around it. PHOTOS BY JEREMY HENKELMAN-PARKER
Indigenous stories as evidence. But Jason Younker, Ph.D., former chief of the Coquille Indian Tribe and assistant vice president at the University of Oregon, worries they are missing the point by removing those traditions from their cultural context. “We told all kinds of stories, whether they were about the seagulls, the clams, the otters or Sasquatch,” he says. “Sasquatch was the one that made the hair stand up on the back of your neck. He’s the one you heard in the distance but didn’t know where the sound came from. Adults told kids these stories so they wouldn’t stray too far from the fire.” There’s one story Jason loves to tell to Coquille kids around the fire at youth 14
camp. When Sasquatch grabs someone in the story, he throws myrtlewood leaves onto the flames, causing them to shoot up. He may even have people in the surrounding woods make noise or throw sticks at key points to keep his audience on edge. As those oral traditions fade with more Native people choosing to live off reservations, Jason has worked with University of Oregon students to preserve the Coquille story of Sasquatch using tools like augmented reality. But he still believes attempting to take those stories out of their original environment and apply them to sightings across the country is a fool’s errand. “It leads to people treating one story as more authentic than another, and it dilutes them,” Jason says. “When I see people going out into the woods and foreign places—places where they haven’t grown up—looking for something they’ve never seen, it makes me question whether they understood the intent of those traditional
stories. They’ve taken the character out of that story and are trying to find them.” For Robert Dobler, a professor of folklore at Indiana University, the lasting power of these stories is fundamentally human. “I think it’s human to need to think about things outside of the everyday or the mundane,” he says. “We’re interested in these creatures that exceed language as often as they exceed categories. These stories are how we can take something that is unknown and unknowable and still find ways to talk about it.” But that doesn’t mean they are entirely false. “A lot of skeptics think these claims are made for attention,” Robert says. “But the reality is most people know they are vulnerable and subjecting themselves to potential ridicule. They’re usually reluctant to talk about it and kind of careful about who they tell.” Living With Uncertainty As a television personality, Cliff has rarely had that luxury. “When you talk about Bigfoot for a living, you tend to be wrong a lot,” he says.
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“I think you just have to be comfortable with a lack of resolution in some ways.” When it comes to firsthand sightings, those unresolved moments are what he struggles with the most. More than 30 years into his search for Sasquatch, Cliff believes he has seen the creatures twice. Both are what the Bigfoot Field Research Organization would categorize as Class B sightings, ones where there is significant room for error. The first was in Washington in February 2011 while filming an episode of the show. Through thermal imaging, he spotted a figure walking on two legs that registered as a single color from head to toe, suggesting that it was not wearing any clothing, which would be unlikely for a person at that time of year. The second was while being driven through Tyler, Texas, in 2017. Even though he was traveling at speed, Cliff believes he spotted a figure covered in uniformly dark hair step out of the trees while swinging its arms for a couple of seconds. While you might expect those moments to be exciting for someone who has spent their life looking for Sasquatch, he says the brief glimpses are mostly frustrating. “They were bewildering,” Cliff says. “You basically have time to wonder ‘What am I looking at?’ and then it’s over. You’re stuck with the same question for the rest of your life, and that bugs me.” In fact, the moments that have brought him the most joy as a researcher are those that are less direct but last long enough to appreciate, such as vocalizations, tree knocks or even having rocks thrown at him. Many of those moments were captured on “Finding Bigfoot.” “Those trips were basically two nights to get something with a million people watching,” Cliff says. “It was a lot of pressure for the researchers and the production company. It probably worked 40% of the time, which is pretty good. If you’re batting that well in baseball, you’re a Hall of Famer, and finding Bigfoot is way harder than baseball.” Leaving Footprints Once “Finding Bigfoot” concluded in 2018, Cliff had time to consider what direction his research efforts should take
Making the Grade
The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization has been collecting reports of Bigfoot for more than 30 years. But not all sightings are equal. Class A—Clear sightings that occur in circumstances where misinterpretation or misidentification of other animals is unlikely. This can include documented footprints that can be confidently ruled out as another animal. Class B—Any incidents where a Bigfoot was observed at a great distance or in poor lighting, or was only heard. These are not considered less credible but do have a greater possibility of misidentification. Class C—Any second- or third-hand reports with untraceable sources. Because of the high potential for inaccuracy, the BFRO keeps archives of these reports but rarely includes them in the public database.
SEARCHING FOR BIGFOOT
Ready to track down your own sighting? The Bigfoot Mapping Project has you covered. The website tracks reported encounters all over the country, with filters for locations where footprints, vocalizations and tree knocks are part of the accounts. Visit bigfootmap.com to find the location of your next adventure.
next. Speaking with friends who run the Expedition: Bigfoot museum in Georgia and the International Cryptozoology Museum in Maine, he was surprised to learn the Pacific Northwest did not have a similar museum of its own. The idea of having a place to teach others about the creatures that have captured his imagination immediately appealed to Cliff. In 2019, he opened the North American Bigfoot Center. His goal is to educate the public on the evidence for Sasquatches, continue to support field research and preserve the collections of past researchers. Ultimately, Cliff sees that last objective as the most important. “I think, after the recognition of the species, we’re going to have a lot to learn from our mistakes and our successes,” he
says. “Once the academics get involved, all of this prediscovery history is going to be of great historical interest, and only a few people seem to care.” When that moment comes, Cliff believes it will vindicate him and his fellow researchers and demystify the subject of Sasquatch for hobbyists and hardcore researchers alike. It may even give a new perspective of the world. “The big thing for me is that Sasquatches are a perfectly normal species of animal,” he says. “They’re here, and they’re already real, whether it turns out that we discover them or not. Their reality doesn’t need to change anything for us, except perhaps realizing we share the planet with an animal so much like us. It could, ironically, help us leave a smaller footprint.” n OCTOBER 2026
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9/23/2026 12:20:12 PM
IN THE KITCHEN
A Garden's Last Hurrah MAKE THE MOST OF THE SEASON'S HARVEST
Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles 12 pickling cucumbers 4 cups water 2 cups white vinegar 2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon sugar
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY OLEG
16
1 bunch fresh dill 1 head garlic, skins removed, cloves smashed 1 tablespoon peppercorn kernels
Sanitize three quart-size mason jars or 4 to 6 pint-size Mason jars by running them through the dishwasher. Thoroughly wash pickling cucumbers. Slice them into 1/4-inch-thick slices or spears. Set aside. Separate dill from thick stems. To make the brine, combine water, white vinegar, salt and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir the contents to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove the pan from heat and cool to room temperature. Evenly divide the cucumbers, dill, garlic and peppercorn kernels into the Mason jars. Do not pack them super tight to leave room for the brine. Finish by adding enough brine to cover the cucumbers. Seal with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator. The flavor is best if cucumbers are stored for at least one week, but they can be eaten at any time. Pickles should be good for at least 4-6 weeks after that.
O C T O B E R 2026
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9/22/2026 8:29:15 PM
Tomato Peach Salad With Creamy Basil Sauce Creamy Cucumber Salad 4 English cucumbers, thinly sliced 2 small red onions, thinly sliced in half rounds Kosher salt 1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar 1/2 cup minced fresh dill 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
Mix cucumbers, onions and 11/2 tablespoons salt in a bowl. Pour mixture into a colander and suspend it over a bowl. Wrap bowl and colander with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to drain for at least 4 hours. Discard liquid that collects in the bowl. When cucumbers are ready, roll them up in paper towels or a kitchen towel. Press towel lightly to remove most of the liquid. Place cucumbers in a large bowl with sour cream, vinegar, dill, 2 teaspoons salt and 11/2 teaspoons pepper. Toss well. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow flavors to blend. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Serve chilled.
Pasta With Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce
1 ounce (about 1 cup) fresh 1 pound dry pasta basil leaves, roughly Kosher salt chopped 4 medium cloves garlic, Freshly ground black pepper thinly sliced Parmesan cheese, 6 tablespoons extra-virgin for serving olive oil, divided 11/2 pounds cherry tomatoes
Place pasta in a large skillet or saute pan. Cover with water and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions recommend. Meanwhile, heat garlic and 4 tablespoons olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until garlic is softened but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add tomatoes. Cook, stirring, until tomatoes begin to burst, about 10 minutes. Help them along by pressing on them with the back of a wooden spoon as they soften. Continue to cook until sauce is rich and creamy, about 5 minutes more. Stir in basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. When pasta is cooked, drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Add pasta to sauce and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring and tossing constantly and adding reserved pasta water as necessary to reach desired consistency. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and top with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
2 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges 1 cup peaches, sliced thin 1 cup corn kernels
1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, slivered
Sauce 1 medium clove garlic, cut into several pieces 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
1 cup mayonnaise ½ teaspoon fine salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
In a bowl, combine tomatoes, peaches, corn, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss lightly. Set the bowl aside. Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth. Spread a generous amount of basil sauce onto a serving plate. Top the sauce with salad, and garnish with basil leaves before serving.
Zucchini Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided 1 yellow onion, chopped 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste 2 green onions, sliced 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for serving 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cups chicken stock 11/2 cups whole milk 1 pound bite-sized pasta 2 zucchini or yellow summer squash, sliced 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 11/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided Fresh basil, slivered, for serving
Heat oven to 425 F. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Add remaining butter, green onions, thyme, paprika, garlic powder and cayenne. Cook until chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F, about 6-8 minutes. Add stock and milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add pasta and squash, and season with salt and pepper. Stir frequently until pasta is al dente and broth has been absorbed, about 8 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and 1 cup Monterey Jack. Transfer everything to an oven-safe casserole dish. Scatter remaining cheese over top of the casserole. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Serve warm, with additional thyme and fresh basil garnish. OCTOBER 2026
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9/22/2026 8:29:17 PM
READER EXCHANGE Crafts/Hobbies I am looking for whimsical (cute, funny) frog designs for counted cross-stitch, willing to purchase. Thank you. Betty Mercado 820 E. 10th St. The Dalles, OR 97058 bettym@centurylink.net
I’m decorating scrapbooks for family pictures. I’m putting them together for my grandchildren. If you have used or new unwanted scrapbook supplies, I would appreciate them. Thank you. P.L. Mazzi 315 W. Johnson St. Burns, OR 97720
I recently read a Reader Exchange about someone needing broken jewelry parts for projects. I couldn’t help them then, but I can now and would like to. If the person contacts me, I can send them these parts free of charge. Kathleen Kenna 117 Winding Canyon Lane Folsom, CA 95630 kamkmom@yahoo.com
Milestones My uncle, Gary, is celebrating his 82nd birthday at the end of this month. He is a veteran who proudly served our country. He spent 24 of his 28 years of Army service in Germany. He was awarded many medals, but he is most proud of his “Meritorious Medal.” He would love to hear any stories you are willing to share. Please help us celebrate his birthday by sending cards to Gary Cavender, 941 River Mist Path, Twin Falls, ID 83301. Annie and Kevin Patterson West Richland, Washington
Our mom, Joan Anderson, will be 90 years young at the end of this month. She enjoys hanging out with family and her dog, Shadow. She also enjoys beating all of us at pinochle. I know she would be thrilled and appreciate any birthday wishes that come her way. Please send them to Joan Anderson, 1601 3rd St., Umatilla, OR 97882. Thank you. Diana Picard Umatilla, Oregon
The children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of my mom, Erma Larson, are looking forward to celebrating her milestone 90th birthday at the beginning of November. She and my dad, a retired pastor, have servant hearts and are always looking for a way to help someone. Mom is one of eight children, and my dad had 12 siblings. They have spent their lives loving families, especially babies. Mom ran an in-home daycare for years, and besides raising their own four, they have been foster parents to many children. A few months ago, they relocated to a retirement home and are adjusting to that lifestyle. Mom has joined a cornhole team called The Monarchs and has made many friends. We would love it if the community would surprise her with 90 birthday cards. Please mail them to Erma Larson, 605 Broadway St., Apt. 264, Longview, WA 98632. Lorrie Leno Walla Walla, Washington
Thanks I would like to thank everyone who sent a card to my father-inlaw, Elisardo “Alex” Camarillo. He received more than 120 cards for his 100th birthday. He could not believe people would send him cards when they don’t even know him. He said he received cards from places he has never heard of or been to. From Oregon to Tennessee, from Alaska to California, from Idaho to Arizona and Utah, he really enjoyed reading them all. Sharon Camarillo Heppner, Oregon
Thank you so much to all 441 of you thoughtful reader exchange folks who sent me a birthday card. I was so surprised and overwhelmed by the love and care shown to me. It gave me muchneeded encouragement. Special thanks for the laughter and happy tears. Adelia Anderson Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Happy Halloween!
Submitting Requests Is Free
Send your request—no attachments, please—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. Marketplace 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 published if 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. 18
O C T O B E R 2026
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9/22/2026 11:15:17 AM
This Stone of the Century Is Quickly Disappearing 1,000 times rarer than diamonds! “Tanzanite is the most beautiful blue stone to be discovered in 2,000 years.” —Henry Platt, President of Tiffany & Co.
St
Impo auer s Was sible Price $599 , Now ®
99 T
his exquisite necklace features over 8 carats of vivid tanzanite, a gemstone so rare and breathtaking that Henry Platt, former president of Tiffany & Co., hailed it as the “stone of the century.” Discovered only in 1967 near Mount Kilimanjaro, tanzanite is found in a single location on Earth — just a few square kilometers in Tanzania. Already 1,000 times rarer than diamonds, experts warn that the mines are rapidly depleting, making tanzanite one of the most finite gemstones in the world. Its mesmerizing violetblue hue places it alongside diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds as one of the five truly precious gemstones. This necklace isn’t just a stunning accessory — it’s a piece of geological history and a treasure whose rarity grows with each passing year. As one of the world’s leading tanzanite experts, Stauer is uniquely positioned to offer this extraordinary piece at a remarkable value.
A modern marvel, destined to become tomorrow’s heirloom. Backed by our satisfaction guarantee, you can revel in its beauty risk-free for 30 days. Should it fail to dazzle, return it for a full refund of the item price.
Jewelry Specifications:
• 8-1/2 carats total weight • Rhodium-finished, silver-clad setting • 43 oval 3 x 4 mm tanzanite • 18.5" necklace w/2.5" extender and lobster clasp
Tanzanite Lariat Necklace (8 ctw) $599 $99* + S&P Save $500
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: TLN144-01
14091 Southcross Drive W. | Dept. TLN144-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 | www.stauer.com
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY®
pp19 October2026.indd 4
9/17/2026 4:59:21 PM
ADVENTURE AWAITS
See a mountain jut a mile into the sky in Southeast Oregon at
Steens Mountain
Drive Steens Loop
What Is It? Like a steep cliff, Steens Mountain in Southeast Oregon rises more than a mile above Alvord Desert. The mountain peaks at 9,738 feet and has many beautiful valleys carved out by glaciers. 20
One of the best ways to take in Steens Mountain is Steens Mountain Loop Road, a nearly 60-mile road trip that typically takes 3 to 5 hours. The loop starts west of the mountain in Frenchglen and climbs the mountain’s gentle slope. On the way up, visitors can stop at Kiger Gorge, a half-mile-deep glacial valley. The road is the highest road in Oregon, peaking at more than 9,700 feet. The road is typically open July through mid-to-late October.
Why Does It Look Like That? Steens Mountain is a fault-block mountain more than 30 miles long. Millions of years ago, layers of basalt volcanic rock accumulated. The area then went through geologic stress, expanding and compressing, with some areas sinking and creating the high desert’s basins. This is why the east face of the mountain is very steep, while the west is a softer slope.
Alvord Desert If you head just east of Steens Mountain, you can visit Alvord Desert and its cracked salt flats. The 12-by-7mile desert is a playa—a dry lake bed—that averages just 7 inches of rain a year. With very little light pollution in the desert, it is a popular stargazing location. The desert is made of fine clay sediment, so do not drive anywhere that looks even slightly wet, as it can quickly turn to mud, and vehicles can easily get stuck.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY CAVAN
More Information Steens Mountain and Alvord Desert are very remote, with limited cell service, and the nearest gas station is many miles away. Bring a full tank of gas, as well as extra water and other supplies. For more information or to start planning your trip, visit tinyurl.com/SMCMPA.
O C T O B E R 2026
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9/23/2026 9:04:32 AM
Upper Class Just Got Lower Priced Finally, luxury built for value— not for false status
U
ntil Stauer came along, you needed an inheritance to buy a timepiece with class and refinement. Not any more. The Stauer Magnificat II embodies the impeccable quality and engineering once found only in the watch collections of the idle rich. Today, it can be on your wrist. The Magnificat II has the kind of thoughtful design that harkens back to those rare, 150-year-old moon phases that once could only be found under glass in a collector’s trophy room. Powered by 27 jewels, the Magnificat II is wound by the movement of your body. An exhibition back reveals the genius of the engineering and lets you witness the automatic rotor that enables you to wind the watch with a simple flick of your wrist. It took three years of development and $26 million in advanced Swiss-built watch-making machinery to create the Magnificat II. When we took the watch to renowned watchmaker and watch historian George Thomas, he disassembled it and studied the escapement, balance wheel and the rotor. He remarked on the detailed guilloche face, gilt winding crown, and the crocodile-embossed leather band. He was intrigued by the three interior dials for day, date, and 24-hour moon phases. He estimated that this fine timepiece would cost over $2,500. We all smiled and told him that the Stauer price was less than $100. A truly magnificent watch at a truly magnificent price! Try the Magnificat II for 30 days and if you are not receiving compliments, please return the watch for a full refund of the purchase price. The precision-built movement carries a 2 year warranty against defect. If you trust your own good taste, the Magnificat II is built for you.
The Stauer Magnificat II is powered by your own movement
Stauer Magnificat II Timepiece $399* Offer Code Price
$99 + S&P SAVE $300!
You must use the offer code to get our special price.
1-800-333-2045
Your Offer Code: MAG692-08
Stauer
Rating of A+
14091 Southcross Drive W.,
® Dept. MAG692-08
Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com † Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.
pp21 October2026.indd 4
• Luxurious gold-finished case with exposition back • 27-jeweled automatic movement • Croc-embossed band fits wrists 6¾"–8½" • Water-resistant to 3 ATM
Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®
9/17/2026 5:00:57 PM
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT Mary White Henderson, a cousin of Louis J. Nacke II, closes her eyes and folds her hands in prayer during a moment of silence Sept. 11 at the 25th anniversary observance at Flight 93 National Memorial. Louis was among the 40 passengers and crew members killed when hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 crashed on Sept. 11, 2001, near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
NIKON D810 | 300mm lens ISO: 200 | f/5 at 1/500
Reader Challenge
Search for memorials in your area or state. This is a chance for you to make a photograph that honors those for whom the memorial was created and maybe its designer as well. The events of 9/11 affected the whole nation. Because of that day, we have been forever changed. Also, Veterans Day is coming up, offering opportunities to photograph those who have served and are serving our country. As always, consider time of day and direction of light.
Memorials for the Living Story and photo by Dave LaBelle I’ve written about photographing monuments and memorials in the past. However, after returning from Shanksville, Pennsylvania, for the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, crash of United Airlines Flight 93, I felt it was important to revisit the subject. On Sept. 11, 2001, as the photography editor for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, I directed the newspaper’s visual coverage, primarily for the Flight 93 crash. That spot, that event and those people will forever be part of who I am today. My direction began in the first days after the unfathomable crash, when the Boeing 757 jet dove into the earth at more than 500 mph, leaving a blackened crater nearly 35 feet deep. I remember the crude memorials erected in the following days—pictures stapled to sticks, fastened to fences and hay bales. I can 22
still hear the whimpers and occasional wailing as the wind carried the painful sounds of grieving family, friends and strangers across the fields. Now, 25 years later, thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of so many, the beautiful Flight 93 National Memorial stands at the site. Whether a pile of stones or an elaborate structure of metal, memorials remind us that something remarkable happened, something we should never forget. After all, memorials are for the living, to remind us and teach us. In fact, most memorials are testaments to the worst and best of mankind, where ambition, cruelty and hatred are answered by courage, bravery and uncommon love. Nearly 3,000 souls left this life Sept. 11, 2001—passengers, crew, first responders and strangers sacrificing their lives to try to save others. As with many disasters, 9/11 brought out the worst and best of humankind. n
Email your best image—just one— with caption information and an explanation of how it affects you to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
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.
O C T O B E R 2026
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9/14/2026 3:16:38 PM
This Necklace is NOT for Sale … It’s yours for FREE* NEVER
Imposs ib Buy NO le Price W, pay
*
No kidding. Only Stauer can give you 200 carats of genuine amethyst for NOTHING.
Y
ou may think you understood the concept of “priceless” jewelry. For years, “priceless” meant “astronomically expensive.” That is, until now ... Stauer smashes the luxury status quo with the release of our FREE* 200-Carat Lusso Amethyst Necklace. That’s right, we said FREE ... as in “priceless.” No charge.* ZERO dollars.* Call now and we’ll send you this impressive helping of genuine amethyst (independently appraised at $295) for FREE. We cut the price 100%. You only pay $24.95, our regular charge for shipping and processing. We’ll even pay you back with a $30 discount certificate –– that’s our Better Than Free Shipping!
A collection of purple perfection. Your Lusso Amethyst Necklace is a 200-carat symphony of smooth purple genuine gemstones. Each gemstone’s shape and translucence ignites the velvety, violet hues. The polished amethysts are hand-strung on double-knotted jeweler’s thread, and the stunning 18" necklace (with 2" extender) secures with a gold-finished lobster clasp. Too good to pass up. Too good to last long. Amethyst is one of the world’s most coveted gemstones and our supply is extremely limited. We can only offer such an outrageous deal for a short time every few years. Over 30,000 thrilled customers were lucky enough to get this promotion last time.
200 carats of pure luxury independently appraised at $295† ... yours FREE!*
“This necklace is beautiful. I could not believe my eyes ... GREAT!”
We only have about 2,500 left in stock. Act now! Necklace Specifications: • 200 ctw of genuine amethyst • Gold-finished spacers • 18" + 2" length necklace
— Bonnie from Longs, SC
Lusso Amethyst Necklace: Lusso Amethyst Necklace (200 ctw) $249** FREE*
FREE amethyst necklace limited to just the first 2,500 responders to this ad!
*Pay only shipping & processing of $24.95. Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: LAN631-05
* This offer is valid in the United States (and Puerto Rico) except in TX, FL, CO, OK, RI, NH, WV, OR, SC, VA, CA and ID. These state residents will be charged one cent ($.01) + shipping & processing for the item. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Offer subject to state and local regulations. Not valid with any other offers and only while supplies last. This offer is limited to one item per shipping address. ** Free is only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code. † For more information concerning the appraisal, visit www.stauer.com/appraisedvalues.asp.
Stauer, 14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. LAN631-05, Burnsville, MN 55337 | www.stauer.com
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY
pp23 October2026.indd 4
9/17/2026 5:03:06 PM
Got a Story Idea? We Want to Hear It.
Ruralite is a magazine about the people, places and moments that make the region home, and nobody knows those stories better than you. Whether it’s a hidden gem in your community, a local hero worth celebrating or an organization doing great work in your area—we’re listening. Scan the QR code or visit the link to submit your story idea. Our editors read every submission. Thanks for reading.
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O C T O B E R 2026
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Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera or visit tinyurl.com/SendStoryIdeas.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MDURSON
9/22/2026 5:40:05 PM
GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
GVEA Employee Spotlight:
Alexis Ramirez
Making accounting and budgets relatable to everyone By Rachael Kvapil Finance and accounting run in Alexis Ramirez’s blood. For several generations, her family has founded and/or operated financial institutions and managed business financial departments. As Alexis pursued her degree at Texas A&M, she realized she had a knack for numbers and could explain what they meant so everyone could understand. “No one in my family was a certified public accountant, but I did have a banking background in my family,” Alexis says. Alexis has only worked as GVEA’s treasury manager for two months, but she has over a decade of professional experience in finance and accounting. Before moving to Alaska, Alexis worked at Ernst & Young LLC right out of college. She later joined Radiation Business Solutions and RBS Evolution LLC, where she worked with clients in Soldotna and Juneau and learned about Alaska’s healthcare industry. Then the chance came to move to Alaska. “My husband is in the military and in the process of choosing his final assignment,” Alexis says. “Alaska was one of the options. And since I was familiar with the area after working with doctors in the state, we came here.” She admits moving in 2020, during the height of the COVID19 pandemic, made things difficult. Determined to secure employment, Alexis submitted her resume everywhere, including GVEA. However, Northern Star Resources Limited responded first, and Alexis started working at Pogo Mine. She says she received an offer from GVEA at the time for a different position, but she had already accepted the offer from Pogo Mine. “They told me that they hoped I would apply to GVEA someday in the future,” Alexis says. Fast-forward six years. Alexis’ life is in a new stage. She and her husband are now raising a toddler, and Alexis needed more flexibility in her career. A friend who works at GVEA encouraged her to apply for the treasury manager position. In her current position, she supports the chief financial officer and leadership team with strategic initiatives, cash management, long-term financial planning and operational financial sustainability. She leads the treasury and budgeting process to optimize financial performance and manage risk. Most importantly, she puts financial information into context, giving leadership the insight they need to evaluate opportunities and make decisions that support GVEA and its members. “I’ve been told that I’m not quiet or introverted like most accountants,” Alexis says. “I have a knack for putting the numbers
PHOTO BY GRACE WILSON
into context and translating them so that others see the connections.” Alexis says she appreciates GVEA’s work culture that encourages staff to focus on enjoying life as much as their careers. In her free time, she enjoys downhill and cross-country skiing with her family (toddler included), snow machining and traveling. She is currently training for the Frosty Feet Half Marathon, formerly the HooDoo Half, her first half-marathon, and raced in the Midnight Sun Run earlier this year. She also dedicated several years to participating in the American Heart Association Heart Walk, volunteering with a group that organized outdoor opportunities for military families and donating to other local organizations. She feels supporting small businesses is important and loves working at a job that supports local organizations as well. n OCTOBER 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 Organic frozen blueberries. Call for price and delivery possibilities. Sold in 1-gallon bags. 503-314-0145. 1026 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. 0327 Metal Chevrolet cars approximately 3x5.” 20 cars, some out of original display box. $200 for all. 208-882-7842. Moscow, ID. 1026 Boats 18-ft. handmade cedar canoe. Photos available. $2K, firm. Excellent condition. Contact Jim, jimdeArrieTa@gmail.com or 775-721-0390. 1026 Community Events “The Things I Create Between Naps,” by Tom Novak; “My Journey,” by Aaron Akers. Through Oct. 24. Art Center East, La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 1026 Fill Your Pantry Corvallis, OR. Preorder in bulk from local farmers 10/17-11/1; pick up and shop 11/15, Benton County Fairgrounds. tenriversmarketplace.com. 1026 Education Long Creek Virtual Learning Acellus Academy. Free in OR, online, accredited, K-12 education. Contact Long Creek School for info and to sign up. longcreekschool.com; 541-508-9164. 1226 Farm Equipment Water trailer. Around 400 gallons, Homelite pump, on heavy-duty, ex-military trailer. Photos, no title. Pump not started since before COVID-19. Near Dayton, WA. 208-284-5073.
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Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad
Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 per month. An ad of up to 35 words is $50 per 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 deadline (in our office): December issue—Oct. 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 a 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.
1940s Caterpillar D-2, hydraulic blade up/ down, full canopy, many photos. My late father’s. Diesel engine stuck so asking only $3.5K, OBO. Near Dayton, WA. 208-284-5073. For Rent, Lease New, large 3-bd, 2-ba home. $1.9K. Large lot, large two-car garage. All amenities and state-of-the-art appliances. Text or call 619-890-8068. Miscellaneous Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; highdesertmemorials.com. Attention, landowners. Grants available now. Wildland fire fuel reduction service. Steep ground, remote, rocky, small lot, big acreage—no problem. Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. 509-399-3473 or Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126 Pets American Eskimo/mini-husky stud available. White. Photos available. No puppies available. Central OR. Contact Liz, 360-901-1291. 1026
Pools Stay warm and healthy this winter. Custom outdoor saunas built and delivered to you from La Grande, OR. saunahublg.com; 541-805-1318. 1026 Real Estate 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 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land and Wildlife brokerage. 1026 Seven solid well-built homes on 10 acres on the Coast Range of OR. Private country setting, off road, gated, paved road system and parking. Great spring water, good sun, perfect garden community. Homes are 3 bd, 1.5 ba, with garage or carport. Good fishing, hunting, hiking. Near the small town of Alsea, OR. Bargain at $1.7M. 541-456-4481 or 541456-4461. 1026 Incredible panoramic views. Custom home on 162 acres. 6 bd, 3 ba, shop, guest home. $1.49M. 4 Rivers Realty, Inc. 541-987-2363; ddwr@ortelco.net. 1026
Your ad could be here in November. See instructions above for details.
O C T O B E R 2 026
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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 Private 20-acre retreat with mature timber, a custom 2019 home, guest quarters, garage, orchard and view. Price reduced to $990K. Bordering timberland, this Siletz, OR, property offers comfort, privacy and country living. 541-961-1889. 1026
Crosscut saws. Please donate/sell your old crosscut saws so they can be restored and sharpened for hardworking wilderness trail crews. Angela, cowcreekcrosscuts@gmail.com.
100% Guaranteed Protective Sleeves
SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY BRENT HOFACKER
San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. I have 3 lots for sale. Each 12x24 meters. Titles free and clear. Owner, Barry Jay: 702-339-1602. 1026 Recreational Rentals Sunshine and sand—book your summer dreams at WaveCatcher for 2026. Oceanfront cottage with direct beach access, on the spectacular Central OR Coast. Sleeps 6. Petfriendly. All house amenities. Winter closure November-March. Reservations, information: email relax@wavecatcherbeachrentals.com or text 541-740-2846. 1026 Thanksgiving week at Eagle Crest, Canyon Rim. Nov. 20-27. Contact Jerry, jerry.sunfurn@gmail.com. 1026 Services 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 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. 1126 Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com; 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License #245760, bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 1226 Mel’s Furniture Restoration. Repair, rebuild and restore. Rescuing family heirlooms. Serving OR from Bend since 1975. Frank, 541-382-8316; mfrankspiecker@gmail.com. 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; send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 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, spokeshaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 1026
Holiday Favorites
More than 300 recipes are featured in this 2004 contest cookbook—from tried-and-true family favorites passed down through generations to tempting new recipes to add flavor to the holidays. 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
•Prevents Cuts & Scratches •Durable Soft Leather •Adjustable Air-Flow
a r m c ha p s. c o m 6 5 1- 492-4830
Soup, Stews and Chowders
Get more than 220 recipes in a bound 8½-by-11-inch indexed book for $10, plus $3 shipping for any size 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. BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 to pay with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. ONLINE: Visit ruralite.com.
TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit ruralite.com. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery. OCTOBER 2026
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GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
Check out GVEA’s budget billing and assistance programs ILLUSTRATION BY FLASHVECTOR
Levelized and Rolling Average Billing
GVEA’s New Member Assistance Program
Levelized Billing Levelized Billing is designed to eliminate extremely high or low bills by charging members a fixed monthly amount that is reevaluated periodically throughout the year and each April. During the reevaluation period, GVEA will compare actual bills with budget payments, and the fixed monthly amount may be raised or lowered if the review reveals a variation of 10% or more from anticipated seasonally adjusted billings. If the annual review in April reveals that a member has a balance (over/ under), the balance will be added to or subtracted from the average monthly bill in 12 equal installments. Once enrolled, members will automatically be reenrolled into the Levelized Budget Billing Plan each April. All residential GVEA members who are current on their bills and have been received service at the same location for at least one year are eligible to participate in the Levelized Budget Billing Plan.
Supporting the Members We Serve GVEA’s Member Assistance Program, or MAP, provides up to $750 in assistance to eligible members with delinquent GVEA accounts.
Rolling Average Billing Members can also enroll in Rolling Average Billing at any time. This budget billing option helps smooth out the dramatic changes in monthly bills. Rolling Average Billing is designed to provide more consistent and predictable monthly bills by managing the impact of seasonal energy use and fuel price variations. This option allows members to pay an average amount each month, not a fixed amount. Once enrolled, members will remain in the Rolling Average Billing program until they close their account or notify GVEA that they no longer wish to continue. All residential members are eligible to participate in the Rolling Budget Billing Plan. 28
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Two Ways to Qualify You only need to qualify through one pathway, income or hardship. • Income based: You may qualify if your household income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, based on household size. • Hardship based: You may qualify if you are experiencing a significant financial hardship, even if your income is above the guidelines. Who Can Apply? You must be the GVEA account holder and have a delinquent GVEA account at the time of application. Need Help Applying? Aging and Disability Resource Center North processes MAP applications and determines eligibility based on the program guidelines. Apply online or complete a printable application. For questions about eligibility or assistance completing the application, contact ADRC North at 907-452-2551. MAP is funded through abandoned capital credits and does not affect GVEA member rates. Learn more and apply online at gvea.com/assistance.
6-Plus Tips to Save Energy
One step at a time, you can begin to reduce your energy use in winter. Below are GVEA Energy Management Specialist Dillon Gillespie’s practical recommendations to address problem areas. 1. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Twenty percent of your home’s surfaces—windows, doors and attics—may account for 80% of heat loss. Heat rises, so start improving insulation from the attic and work your way down. 2. Minimize drafts. Repair weatherstripping and install sweeps for doors. Caulk windows and hang thermal curtains. Add area rugs to cold floors. Use draft stoppers or rolled towels under doorways. 3. Reduce hot water heater expenses. Water heaters account for about 18% of home energy costs. Ideally, set your water heater to 120 F. Every 10-degree reduction can save 3% to 5% in energy costs. • Following manufacturer guidelines, wrap older water heaters in an insulating blanket. • To reduce heat loss, insulate hot water pipes, especially those within 3 feet of the tank. • Perform regular maintenance by flushing the tank annually and checking the anode rod every few years. • If your heater is more than 10 to 15 years old, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient water heater. 4. Small tweaks can save hot water use. Try a little behavior modification by shortening showers a few minutes or turning off hot water while shaving or brushing teeth.
• Use the eco mode on dishwashers and washing machines. • Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce water use without sacrificing pressure. • Wash clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot. • Run dishwashers and laundry machines only when full. 5. Use timers. Plugging in your car all night wastes electricity. A timer can cut use by up to 70%. If using an outdoor timer, choose one rated for cold weather that’s at least 15 amps and has multiple on/off settings or smart plugs. • Homeowners frequently install heat tapes to prevent frozen pipes or ice dams. Monitor it and turn it off when not needed. • Alternatively, on longer runs, use a self-regulating heat trace with a timer or built-in thermometer to avoid 24/7 operation. • For electric water heaters, install a timer to turn it off during hours you don’t need hot water, like overnight or while at work. 6. Thoughtfully use space heaters. Space heaters are notorious energy users. For example, a 1,500-watt portable heater running eight hours a day could cost more than $90 per month. If you have to use one, only employ it as supplemental heating in a well-insulated room. Match the heater to the room size, typically 10 watts per square foot. Select an energy-efficient model, such as ceramic heaters, infrared heaters or those with thermostat controls and timers. Choose models with safety features, such as tip-over protection, overheat shut-off and cooltouch exteriors. n
elenabs
ILLUSTRATION BY ELENABS
OCTOBER 2026
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BEFORE YOU GO
Captured and Cherished
The sun sets over a bean field on Randy Munn’s farm just north of Paterson, Washington. “I rushed home to grab my camera and was lucky enough to capture a remarkable sunset, resulting in one of my favorite farm photos,” he says. PHOTO BY RANDY MUNN
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.
Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Required by 39 USC 3685 Filed with the USPS on 9-18-26 Ruralite (publication number 397-460) is published monthly at 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Twelve issues are published annually with a subscription price of $9.89 paid by utility members in their electric bills. The name and complete mailing address of the publisher are: Pioneer Utility Resources, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. The name and complete mailing address of the editor are: Chasity Anderson, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. The owner is Pioneer Utility Resources (PUR). There are no known bondholders or other security holders. PUR is a nonprofit organization mailing under DMM Section 423.12. Its purpose, function and nonprofit status for federal income tax purposes have not changed in the preceding 12 months. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months a. Total No. Copies (net press run) ................................................. 327,826 a. Total No. Copies (net press run) ................................................. 322,242 b. Paid Circulation b. Paid Circulation (1) Outside County.......................................................................320,299 (1) Outside County....................................................................325,944 (2) In-County ................................................................................... -0(2) In-County .................................................................................... -0(3) Sales Through Dealers ............................................................ 1,635 (3) Sales Through Dealers ..............................................................1,559 (4) Other Classes .............................................................................-0(4) Other Classes ..............................................................................-0c. Total Paid Circulation c. Total Paid Circulation (Sum of 15b(1) through 15b(4)) ...............................................321,934 (Sum of 15b(1) through 15b(4)) ................................................327,503 d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (1) Outside County ...........................................................................-0(1) Outside County ............................................................................-0(2) In-County .................................................................................... -0(2) In-County ...................................................................................... -0(3) Other Classes ..............................................................................-0(3) Other Classes ...............................................................................-0(4) Outside the Mail ......................................................................... -0(4) Outside the Mail ........................................................................... -0e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d(1) through 15d(4)) ...................................................... -0(Sum of 15d(1) through 15d(4)) ....................................................... -0f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) .................................... 321,934 f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e) .....................................327,503 g. Copies Not Distributed ....................................................................308 g. Copies Not Distributed .....................................................................323 h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g) ........................................................ 327,826 h. Total (Sum of 15f and 15g) ........................................................322,242 i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100) ................................... 100% i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100) .................................. 100% I certify the statements made by me are correct and complete. Chasity Anderson, Editorial Director 30
O C T O B E R 2026
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9/23/2026 1:30:07 PM
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* This offer is valid for homeowners over 18 years of age. The following persons are not eligible for this offer: employees of Leafguard or affiliated companies or entities, their immediate family members, previous participants in a Company in-home consultation within the past 12 months and all current and former Company customers. Previous/future purchases are not eligible for a discount or sale price adjustment. Sales tax does not qualify for discount. This offer cannot be combined with any other sale, promotion, discount, code, coupon or offer. This promotion has no cash value. Leafguard reserves the right to end any promotion at any time without notice. Expires 11/30/26. ** Plan 2531. Subject to credit approval. Interest rates range from 17.99% - 29.99%. Loan amount and rate will vary based on your income and creditworthiness. 18-month promotional period (“Promo Period”) during which interest is billed but will be waived if the amount financed is paid in full before Promo Period expires. Monthly payments are not required during the Promo Period. Any unpaid balance and the amounts owed after Promo Period will be paid over 84 monthly payments. Appointment must be scheduled by 12/31/26, to take advantage of offer. Leafguard operates under license numbers AL 40237, AR 0452570326, CA 1146954, CT HIC.0631661, DC 420214000016, DE 2011604370, GA GCCO006870, ID RCE-65654, IN GL1100049, KS 2025-0011734, LA 890597, MD 132308, MA 191456, MI 272000011, MN BC781015, MS 26284-MC, MO CLCL 10049092-01-2022, NE 85279-25,NJ 13VH06165800, Rockland County-NY H-22396-21, NC 71281, OH HIC03284, OR 234836, PA 76686, TN 75071, TX LIC-RBC-LIC23-17200851, UT 12271411-5501, VA 2705157137, WA GREATDI799DJ, WV WV051266, and WI 012000102-DC.
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Owned By Those We Serve BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Messier, Chair, District 1 Krista Zappone, Vice Chair, District 7 Rick Solie, Treasurer, District 3 Gary Newman, Secretary, District 4 John Sloan, District 6 Bradley Swope, District 5 Philip Wight, District 2
AK-37
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
Are You the One?
Consider running for the GVEA Board of Directors Nominating committees in Golden Valley Electric Association’s Districts 4 and 7 are seeking board of directors applicants. If you live in one of these districts and are interested in serving your electric cooperative, find everything you need at gvea.com/elections, including • Candidate application • Policy outlining directors’ qualifications • Application checklist Directors attend monthly board meetings and frequent committee meetings. Some travel and national certification are required. On average, directors can expect to spend 500 hours a year on GVEArelated business. Board members are paid meeting fees, plus standard mileage rates for travel. Health insurance is available. n ILLUSTRATION BY GOOD_STOCK
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O C T O B E R 2026
District 4 Includes downtown Fairbanks, north of Airport Way and east of Peger Road up to the Chena River; the subdivisions of Island Homes, Hamilton Acres, Shannon Park and Birchwood Homes; all areas east of the Steese Highway heading north out of Fairbanks and south of Goldstream Road, including Chena Hot Springs Road; and Secluded Acres Subdivision, located east of Fort Wainwright and north of the Chena River. District 7 Includes the areas of Nenana, Clear, Anderson, Healy, McKinley Village and Cantwell.
Application deadline: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 Applications must be submitted online.
Applications and maps of each district are available at gvea.com/elections. If you have questions, call 907-458-4518 or email pr@gvea.com.