Ruralite, Umatilla Electric Cooperative, October 2026

Ruralite UMATILLA ELECTRIC

OCTOBER 2026

As part of Member Appreciation Month, we’re taking a moment to celebrate and recognize the members who help make our community special. Page 4 Joe Taylor owns Taylor Pumpkin Patch in Boardman.

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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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26 30

Make the most of the season’s harvest In the Kitchen, Page 16 OCTOBER 2026

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UMATILLA ELECTRIC

Taylor Pumpkin Patch More Than Just Pumpkins.

At Taylor Pumpkin Patch in Boardman, a family farm becomes a place for neighbors to gather, children to play and fall memories to grow. As we kick off Member Appreciation Month, we’re taking the opportunity to spotlight one of our members who helps make our community special. This month, we are highlighting Joe and Emily Taylor of Taylor Pumpkin Patch, whose family farm has grown into a place where neighbors gather, families make memories and the community comes together each fall. On a crisp fall afternoon in Boardman, Ore., rows of pumpkins invite families to search for the one that will make its way home with them. But at Taylor Pumpkin Patch, the experience is about much more than finding the perfect pumpkin. For Joe and Emily Taylor, it is about opening their farm to the community and creating a place where families can make new fall traditions. Joe Taylor and his family grew up in Morrow County and are longtime farmers. For the Taylors, agriculture has always been about more than working the land. It has connected their family to the community by growing crops that provide food for local families and eventually make their way onto dinner tables. 4

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That same connection helped inspire what would eventually become Taylor Pumpkin Patch. Roughly six years ago, Joe decided to plant pumpkins on the farm. His daughter, Emily, saw an opportunity to turn the pumpkins into something the whole community could enjoy and suggested creating a pumpkin patch. With the help of their family, the idea came to life. What began as a small addition to the farm has continued to grow, and today, Joe and Emily run Taylor Pumpkin Patch together. Each year, the Taylors have found new ways to expand the experience while keeping its roots firmly connected to the farm. The patch now offers families a variety of activities, including a corn maze, pumpkin cannon, apple slingshots, corn buckets, a zip line, opportunities to visit horses and fire pits for those chilly afternoons. Visitors can also get a glimpse of what life on a working farm looks like. Guests can feed cattle and experience the agricultural setting firsthand, giving children a chance to see the connection between the

UMATILLA ELECTRIC

One of Taylor Pumpkin Patch’s photo spots, featuring repurposed farming equipment.

farm and the food they eat. A hayride around the property provides another opportunity to bring those two worlds together. As families travel around the farm, they can learn more about the pumpkin patch while also hearing about the Taylor family’s farming background and where food comes from. For Joe, sharing that connection is one of the most rewarding parts of opening the pumpkin patch. Along with the activities, pumpkins remain at the heart of the experience. Visitors can choose from just under 40 varieties, ranging from traditional carving pumpkins to smaller decorative pumpkins that bring a little bit of fall into the home. Even the look of the patch reflects the family’s farming roots. Much of the décor incorporates repurposed farming equipment, giving pieces of the family’s agricultural history a new purpose while adding to the character of the patch. But perhaps the most important part of Taylor Pumpkin Patch cannot be found in a corn maze or among the rows of pumpkins. It can be found in the familiar faces that return each year. As the pumpkin patch has grown, so has the support from the surrounding community. For the Taylors, seeing neighbors return, watching children grow and welcoming familiar families back to the patch has become an important part of the season. “I’m really grateful that we’re able to offer this to the community,” Joe said. “Seeing the support and familiar faces coming back each year is what this is all about.” The Taylors also work with local schools to host groups

on off days and donate pumpkins to community organizations. Through those efforts, the pumpkin patch has become more than a seasonal attraction. It has become another way for the Taylor family to connect with the people around them. And that may be what makes the patch feel most special. What started with a crop of pumpkins has grown into a gathering place for the community to create fall memories. Looking to take a visit? Taylor Pumpkin Patch officially opens Oct. 4 and runs through Oct. 31.

A Few More Local Fall Activities Harvest Festival: Boardman, Ore. Echo Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch: Echo, Ore. Treats on Main & Beyond: Hermiston, Ore. Middleton Fall Festival: Pasco, Wash.

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UMATILLA ELECTRIC

YOUR ENERGY,

Explained.

MEMBERSHIP AT EVERY SCALE COOPERATIVE 101: You’re More Than A Customer When you flip on a light, charge your phone or turn up the thermostat, you probably aren’t thinking about UEC or how we make decisions. But behind every switch is a complicated balancing act. How much power should we buy? Where should we invest in infrastructure? How do we keep rates as reasonable as possible while making sure the system can meet tomorrow’s needs? What happens when a major new industry wants to connect to the grid and what are the risks? And how do we make decisions that benefit one member without creating costs or risks for thousands of others? At Umatilla Electric Cooperative, those questions are answered through a model that is fundamentally different from an investor-owned utility.

You aren’t simply a customer. You’re a member-owner. That’s the idea behind UEC’s new information series, Your Energy, Explained: Membership at Every Scale. Each month, we’ll explain one part of how your cooperative works and why it matters to you.

Board members live in the communities UEC serves and receive ongoing training to help guide decisions about finances, rates, power supply, investments and the cooperative’s future. There are no outside shareholders expecting a return on their investment. Instead, the cooperative’s purpose is to provide electric service to its members while maintaining the financial strength necessary to keep the system operating and prepared for the future. That doesn’t mean finances don’t matter. They matter tremendously. UEC still has equipment to maintain, power to purchase, infrastructure to build, emergencies to prepare for and employees to pay. The cooperative must earn enough revenue to cover those expenses and maintain a healthy financial position. But the objective isn’t to collect excessive profit for outside owners or members. The objective is to balance the needs of the membership with the long-term financial health of the cooperative.

That’s where the cooperative model gets interesting.

So, what exactly is a cooperative? Think of UEC less like a company selling you a product and more like a business that exists to serve the people who own it. UEC is a nonprofit electric cooperative governed by a locally elected Board of Directors. 6

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The Balancing Act

Electric utilities are constantly balancing competing priorities. Members want rates that are as reasonable as possible. They also expect the lights to stay on. Businesses need dependable electricity to operate and grow. Communities need infrastructure. The electric system needs to be maintained and strengthened before problems occur, not after. Those priorities can sometimes pull in different directions. Investing in a new substation, transmission line or wildfire mitigation project can cost millions of dollars. Not making the investment could create greater costs or reliability problems later. Buying power at the lowest possible price today may not always be the best strategy for protecting members from future market volatility.

UEC’s continuously considers those tradeoffs from a long-term perspective. That is one of the unique advantages of local leadership. Decisions can be made with a specific region and its members in mind rather than applying a one-size-fitsall approach designed for a service territory spanning multiple states. And “local” means more than where UEC’s headquarters are located. It means understanding the industries, communities, farms, irrigation districts and economic development opportunities that make this region unique.

Planning For More Than Tomorrow’s Power Bill Electric infrastructure has a long life. A decision made today can affect members for decades. That means UEC’s planning isn’t limited to asking, “What does the system need this year?” It also asks, “What will this region need five, 10 or 20 years from now?” That can mean working with irrigation districts whose operations are critical to agriculture. It can mean planning infrastructure that allows existing businesses to expand or new businesses to locate here. It can mean preparing the electric system for changing technologies, increasing demand and new types of energy use. Economic development and electric infrastructure are closely connected. Businesses need power to grow, and communities need economic activity to thrive. At the same time, growth has to be managed in a way that makes financial and operational sense for the entire membership.

That is why major new loads, including data centers, receive careful consideration. UEC evaluates large-load requests just as it would evaluate other significant industrial development: What will it take to serve the load? What infrastructure is required? Who should pay those costs? What are the impacts on the existing system? And how can UEC pursue opportunities for regional growth without shifting inappropriate costs or risks onto other members?

The cooperative model gives UEC’s locally elected Board the ability to weigh those questions in the context of this particular region and this particular membership.

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OCTOBER 2026

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UMATILLA ELECTRIC

ONE COOPERATIVE. MANY MEMBERS.

DIFFERENT NEEDS. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

“Member” can mean a homeowner using electricity to heat a house, a farmer powering irrigation equipment, a small business operating on Main Street or a major industrial customer with a very different load profile. Their electricity needs aren’t the same. A cooperative’s job is not to pretend they are. Instead, UEC works to develop a system and a financial structure that recognizes those differences while maintaining fairness across the membership. That’s why UEC has different rate schedules for different types of electric service. The rate schedules you see on our website are designed around the distinct ways members use electricity and the costs associated with serving those different types of loads. That also helps explain why the words we use at UEC matter.

REVENUE ISN’T THE SAME THING AS PROFIT. Revenue is the money the cooperative receives for providing electric service. Expenses are the costs of operating the system. What remains after expenses are accounted for contributes to the cooperative’s margins and financial strength.

CAPITAL CREDITS AREN’T A DISCOUNT ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL.

SYSTEM HARDENING MEANS MAKING THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM BETTER.

They represent each member’s share of the cooperative’s allocated margins and may be returned to members when the cooperative’s financial position and Board decisions allow.

It means making the system better able to withstand hazards and recover when problems occur, whether through stronger infrastructure, vegetation management, wildfire mitigation, technology or other improvements.

These may sound like utility terms, but they have real consequences for members. Understanding them helps explain where the money on an electric bill goes, why UEC makes certain investments and how today’s decisions can affect tomorrow’s system.

MEMBERSHIP AT EVERY SCALE

As UEC’s region continues to grow, those decisions are becoming increasingly complex. The cooperative has to think about the member sitting at the kitchen table, the farmer preparing for another planting season, the business considering an expansion and the infrastructure needed to serve the region decades from now. That’s what makes cooperative membership different. The people making the decisions live here. The infrastructure is built around the needs of this region. And the benefits and responsibilities of the cooperative ultimately belong to the membership. Your Energy, Explained: Membership at Every Scale will explore that model one topic at a time. 8

We’ll explain how UEC plans for growth, purchases power, invests in reliability, evaluates new large loads, works with regional partners and manages the cooperative’s finances. We’ll also unpack some of the terminology that can make the electric industry feel more complicated than it needs to be. Because understanding your electric cooperative means understanding more than your monthly bill. It means understanding your ownership, your voice and the role UEC plays in powering the community we all share.

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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

a Cliff has

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“Sasqu r with a

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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

UMATILLA ELECTRIC ALL-MEMBER SURVEY RECAP | 2026

What We Heard Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our all-member survey. Below is a summary of the key feedback we received during the survey period, which ran from Aug. 10 through Sept. 10. THE BIG TAKEAWAY

Members emphasized the importance of staying informed about large loads and their potential effects on our communities. Overall, the survey reflects a membership that is engaged, invested, and interested in its cooperatives future. Members emphasized the importance of clear, timely communication about future projects, large-load impacts, and other obstacles that may affect our region. KEY THEMES FROM THE FEEDBACK

COMMUNITY & CONNECTION

WHAT OUR MEMBERS VALUE

CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION: YOUR ENERGY, EXPLAINED

Our members care about their community and region.

Proactive, clear, and timely communication in projects and large-load development.

Based on our members’ feedback, Umatilla Electric is launching a new campaign, “Your Energy, Explained.” Beginning on pages 6 and 7 of this issue and continuing over the next few months, the campaign will provide members with clear, data-driven information to help make large-load impacts within our region easier to understand.

SURVEY PARTICIPATION | 639 member responses | Aug. 10 - Sept. 10 | Online Survey (anonymous) O CTO B E R 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.

26

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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9/23/2026 12:19:55 PM

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.

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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

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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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UMATILLA ELECTRIC

MonthlyNEWS Together, We Wear Pink

October gives us an opportunity to pause, recognize the impact breast cancer has on individuals and families, and take meaningful action in our community. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, aside from skin cancers. In 2026, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 321,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, along with approximately 2,670 men. Overall, about 1 in 8 women will face an invasive breast cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Behind those numbers are people we know; friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. Early detection and advances in treatment have helped improve outcomes, but access to screening, care, and support remains an important part of the fight. At UEC, our employees have made a difference year after year by turning awareness into action. Through

fundraising and other activities, UEC staff have helped provide valuable support for breast cancer screening and treatment in our local community. The generosity shown by our employees has also inspired the UEC Board of Directors to contribute additional support to this important cause. This October, we’re continuing that tradition. From wearing pink to taking part in special activities and fundraising efforts, UEC staff will come together to show our support for those affected by breast cancer and help strengthen access to care close to home. Every contribution matters. Every conversation can raise awareness. And every act of support can help make a difference.

Fall into Energy Savings As temperatures begin to drop, a few simple changes around the house can help keep your home comfortable while managing energy use. Fall is a great time to give your home a seasonal checkup and make sure everything is ready for the colder months ahead. Start with your heating system. Scheduling an HVAC tune-up before you need it regularly can help identify potential problems, improve performance, and reduce the chance of an unexpected breakdown on a chilly day. Replacing dirty or clogged filters is another easy way to help your system operate efficiently while supporting better indoor air quality. You can also put the sun to work. Open blinds and curtains on sunny days to let natural light and warmth into your home, then close them in the evening to help keep that heat inside. Looking for more ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency? UEC’s energy efficiency team can help. Members 28

O C T O B E R 2026

can receive a free home energy assessment to identify opportunities to save energy and make their homes more comfortable. To schedule your assessment, call (541) 5676414 or visit UEC Free Home Energy Audit online. A little preparation now can go a long way toward a warmer, more efficient home this fall.

UMATILLA ELECTRIC

Featuring: Accountant II

Milo Weaver For Milo Weaver, financial information provides more than a record of numbers. It offers insight into Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s (UEC) current position, future direction, and the potential impact of financial decisions. As an Accountant II, Weaver uses budgeting, reporting, financial analysis, and compliance to provide information that supports decision-making throughout the cooperative. Weaver’s path to accounting developed through experience and a willingness to learn. Before joining UEC, he explored several career fields, including property management and insurance, before spending two years at Threemile Canyon Farms. His experience there provided an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of accounting and financial operations. Although his degree was not originally focused on accounting, Weaver gained much of his knowledge through hands-on experience. A mentor and manager at Threemile Canyon Farms helped him develop skills in financial processes, reporting, and analysis. This experience provided him with a strong foundation for his accounting career. As Weaver’s interest in finance grew, he continued his education while working at the farm. In 2022, he joined the UEC team. The opportunity brought him closer to home and introduced him to a cooperative connected to its members, community, and environment. He continued his education through Colorado State University’s online program and

earned an MBA in Finance during his first few years at UEC. Today, Weaver is responsible for several financial functions. He prepares monthly financial statements, analyzes trends, and provides executives, managers, and the Board of Directors with information to support informed decisions. He develops annual and monthly budgets, tracks spending, assists departments with financial planning, and supports government reporting, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting. One area of his work that requires particular attention is power supply tracking. As UEC’s largest expense, power supply costs can significantly affect the cooperative’s finances. Weaver monitors changes in usage, costs, and trends and communicates their financial impacts to leadership. As UEC takes on new projects and expands its operations, Weaver adapts processes and finds efficient ways to track information. “When you install a new process, you find the holes,” Weaver said. “You have to be positive, flexible and understand that’s the atmosphere we’re in.” For Weaver, learning is one of the most rewarding parts of his work. “I like learning because it allows me to teach other people,” he said. Through financial analysis, reporting, and planning, Weaver helps provide the information UEC needs to make informed decisions and prepare for the future.

OCTOBER 2026

29

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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9/17/2026 5:04:41 PM

Offices 750 W. Elm Ave. Hermiston, OR 97838

OR-8

400 N.E. Eldrige Drive Boardman, OR 97818

Thank You for Being Part of UEC

Hours

October is National Cooperative Month, and it gives us a chance to pause and recognize the people who make Umatilla Electric Cooperative what it is: our members. This month, our team will visit Mission, Boardman and Hermiston to celebrate with you. These events are always one of my favorite times of year because they give our employees an opportunity to step away from their day-today work, share a meal and, most importantly, spend time with the people we serve. A cooperative is different because it belongs to the people who use it. Every member has a connection to UEC, whether you’ve been with us for generations or recently joined the cooperative. Your membership is what makes it possible for us to serve our communities, invest in our system and plan for the future.

7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday (541) 567-6414

Report An Outage

(888) 465-5701 day or night

Directors Jeff Wenholz, Chair Steve Platt, Vice Chair Phil Hamm, Secretary-Treasurer Lee Docken Tyler (TJ) Hansell John Otis Bryan Wolfe

Management

Robert Echenrode, President / CEO Josh Lankford, Executive Vice President / COO Lisanne Currin, CFO Cole Bode, Vice President Engineering Joshua Burns, Vice President Operations Lisa McMeen, Vice President Administration Blake Weathers, Vice President Power Supply

But membership is about more than the electric service we provide. It is about being part of something local and working together to strengthen the communities we call home. We are grateful for the trust you place in UEC and for the many ways you participate in your cooperative. Whether you attend an annual meeting, vote in a Board election, talk with one of our employees or simply go about your day knowing we are here when you need us, you are an important part of UEC. On behalf of our employees and Board of Directors, thank you for being a memberowner. We look forward to seeing many of you this month and celebrating the cooperative we share.

Robert Echenrode President / CEO

JULY GROUNDS July Grounds Lane Pendleton

Oct. 15

Our Mission

Umatilla Electric Cooperative is a member-owned business that sells energy and invests in and supports other services to improve the quality of life in our communities.

www.umatillaelectric.com 32

OCTOBER 2026

Oct. 8

Oct. 1

SAGE CENTER 101 Olson Road Boardman

UEC HEADQUARTERS 750 W Elm Ave Hermiston

Join Us For Lunch! 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.