Ruralite, Wasco Electric Cooperative, April 2026

Ruralite WASCO ELECTRIC

APRIL 2026

Forged by Tradition, Guided by Science Mission Farrier School blends mustangs, horsemanship and community Page 4 Farrier school owner and operator Teddy Franke integrates mustangs into the school’s training program. PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSION FARRIER SCHOOL

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3/10/2026 12:01:37 PM

FROM THE PIONEER TEAM

Ruralite April 2026 • Volume 73, No. 4

CEO Michael Shepard SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble Sprayberry SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC ASSISTANT EDITORS David Herder, CCC; Sable Riley, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valeri Saldanha Rosa PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER Elizabeth Beatty SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Alyssa McDougle Ruralite (USPS 397-460) is published monthly for members for $5.73 per year, plus postage, by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 46 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and California. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2026 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to Ruralite, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6454 HOW TO CONTACT RURALITE Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $15 (U.S.) per year; $25 per year (foreign). Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Address Changes: Utility members, contact your local utility. Subscribers, call us at 503-357-2105, option 3, or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop. Back issues: Back issues and extra copies are $3. Prepayment required. Supply is limited. Be sure to identify edition, month and year. Call first if ordering back issues to check availability.

Don’t Wait for Perfect Two words from photographer Bee Bryne have stayed with me since I read this month’s Spotlight feature: Don’t wait. She was talking about pet photography, but the advice reaches further than that. Bee has watched too many people put off booking a session—telling themselves they have time, that it feels silly, that the dog isn’t perfect enough—only to call her in a panic after a difficult diagnosis. “You’ll never regret it,” she says, “but you’ll regret it if you don’t.” That quiet urgency is at the heart of The Tilly Project, an international network of photographers dedicated to capturing the bond between people and their animals before it’s too late. What began in 2021 with one woman’s act of kindness for a grieving friend has become something far larger: a community of photographers who show up, often for little or no pay, in some of life’s most tender moments. The images they make get framed. They get hung on walls. They get cried over, years later, by people who are deeply grateful someone thought to press the shutter. Read more on Page 12. The phrase “Don’t wait” also surfaces, in a

quieter way, in our Up Close story about Donnie Fowler. A Brookings, Oregon, resident approaching his 65th birthday, Donnie has spent decades making custom surfboards. He doesn’t do it to make a living but for the joy of it—for friends and family and the simple pleasure of riding something he built himself. What caught my attention isn’t his technique, though the boards he’s shaped are remarkable. It’s his refusal to hold anything back. “I don’t want to hoard what I know,” he says. “I want to help people.” That kind of generosity, freely offering what cost him years to learn, is its own form of not waiting. Read more on Page 10. Dave LaBelle invites us to slow down and find the visual music hiding in plain sight—in patterns, repetition and the rhythms we walk past every day without noticing. His reader challenge this month is worth accepting. What are you waiting to do, make or say? April seems like a good time to start. Reach me at editor@pioneer.coop.

Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director

Quest for the Perfect Surfboard

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.

A Brookings, Oregon, man learned to make it himself Up Close, Page 10

DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200

For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.

Treasured Memories The Tilly Project offers comfort to grieving pet owners Spotlight, Page 12 Reader Exchange 18 Adventure Awaits 20

Picture Hunt Before You Go

Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32

22 30

Root for Great Taste In the Kitchen, Page 16

APRIL 2026

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Forged by Tradition, Guided by Science Mission Farrier School blends mustangs, horsemanship and community By Andrew Cutler A lightning storm moved in fast during the 2025 Fiesta Cowboy Gathering, disrupting the cowboy poetry event at Tygh Valley Fairgrounds. Without missing a beat, organizers herded everyone into the hog barn. The poetry continued, and many agreed the unexpected venue created a unique ambiance. “It wasn’t planned, but many people agreed it created a really special atmosphere,” Teddy Franke says. That adaptability captures a distinct element about Teddy and the work he does in Tygh Valley. He owns and operates Mission Farrier School, training farriers in an eightweek comprehensive program that merges traditional horseshoeing with cutting-edge biomechanics and horsemanship. Teddy also co-owns Live Equestrian, which coordinates the annual Fiesta Cowboy Gathering. He competes in mustang adoption challenges, serves on the Wasco County Fair and Rodeo Board, trains horses, teaches clinics nationally and internationally, and somehow finds time to work as a farrier. It’s the kind of life that sometimes requires him to host cowboy poetry in a barn when the weather doesn’t cooperate. 4

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Mission Farrier School graduate Felecia Hardy works on a horse, demonstrating the advanced horsemanship skills she learned in the program. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MISSION FARRIER SCHOOL

A Calling, Not Just a Trade Mission Farrier School has existed since the late 1980s, but Teddy took ownership in 2021 after graduating from the program in 2015 and becoming an apprentice in 2019. The school was founded by Mark Plumlee, a farrier who wanted to be an educator of traditional horseshoeing while integrating updated biomechanics, hoof science and horsemanship. Mark was working within the horseshoeing program at Walla Walla Community College when guest teacher Gene Ovnicek arrived. Gene spent significant time studying feral mustangs and collecting data on how their feet functioned, completing several studies in the early 1990s. His approach was controversial. “Mark’s role was to accompany Gene to protect horses and clients—to essentially keep an eye on things,” Teddy says. Eventually, Gene’s understanding of biomechanics and willingness to challenge

convention won Mark over. “Mark already had a long shoeing career behind him, but as he tells it, ‘That’s when the learning really started,’ ” Teddy says. “Gene excelled at understanding the needs of the horse, while Mark’s true strength was education.” Gene inspired Mark to design a new kind of school based on what he learned from feral mustangs, combining expertise, biomechanics and horsemanship. That combination became the foundation of Mission Farrier School. Teddy first connected with Mark in 2002 while interning in a horse program in Washington. He was already teaching as a certified instructor through the Certified Horsemanship Association. The program he worked on hauled horses to Mission Farrier School for hoof care, and Teddy helped furnish horses for students to work on while Mark taught. Along the way, he learned basic hoof care and trimming practices. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY ARLENTA APOSTROPHE

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WASCO ELECTRIC that environment in our trims and shoeing, often we can set a horse to heal or function at a much higher level,” Teddy says. Nearly 80% of graduates go on to start and build successful hoof-care businesses.

Teddy Franke teaches students at the farrier’s facility in Tygh Valley. The program emphasizes a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Students spend time at the forge and in the round pen, and work through routine and pathological cases.

From Alaska to Tygh Valley Teddy was born and raised in Alaska, where his father directed a camp with a large and diverse horse program. He showed horses, joined 4-H and the Interior Horseman’s Association, competed in competitive trail riding, started colts and worked with harness teams. Right out of high school, Teddy spent a summer in Denali National Park working with draft horses, providing rides from Kantishna Roadhouse to Wonder Lake. He later attended Bible school and toiled in the Alaska oil fields before committing fully to a career in horsemanship. “At the time, most formal education options leaned toward equine science, but I was far more interested in applied horsemanship—hands-on training, teaching and real-world horse work,” Teddy says. In 2012, Teddy moved his family to South Wasco County to direct the horse program at Camp Morrow in Wamic. One steady challenge was finding consistent hoof care. While many of people donated their time and skills to help keep up on camp horses, more routine care was needed. In 2015, the camp allowed Teddy to go back to Mission Farrier School for more training. In 2019, Mark asked Teddy if he had considered becoming a farrier educator. “Mark believed my horsemanship

background could bring new life into that side of the program,” Teddy says. “He mentored me for several years, and in 2021, I officially took over the school and relocated it from Snohomish, Washington, to Tygh Valley.” Today, Mission Farrier School is licensed by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, approved as a training provider through Oregon WorkSource and authorized to accept GI Bill benefits. “To my knowledge, we are the only noncollege farrier school west of the Mississippi offering GI Bill access for veterans,” Teddy says. Learning From Mustangs Students attend eight-week sessions, with hands-on work every day. They spend time under horses, at the forge, in the round pen, and working through routine and pathological cases. “Students participate in halter breaking, trailering, handling feet and trimming untouched hooves,” Teddy says. “To be a good shoer, you must first be a good horseman.” Learning what happens in a natural environment helps students rehabilitate domestic horses. “For horses suffering from pathology, if we can re-create or mimic the function of

Celebrating the Horse Beyond the farrier school, Teddy devotes his time to co-owning Live Equestrian with Scott DePaolo and Wendy Hensley. The trio arranges the annual Fiesta Cowboy Gathering. “It’s an opportunity for friends, families and people who enjoy horses to get together to rope cattle, participate in stock horse events, and enjoy a big equestrian family campout,” Teddy says. Fiesta is held the weekend after Labor Day each year at Tygh Valley Fairgrounds. At its core, the event revolves around judged loop vaquero-style ranch roping, which differs from rodeo roping. “Instead of roping one animal at a time, competitors rope out of a herd of cattle,” Teddy says. “Riders are scored based on the type of loop they throw. Vaquero-style ranch roping also places a strong emphasis on stockmanship and horsemanship.” The event awards gear instead of cash prizes, including horse tack, handmade equipment and shop-built items, many donated by participants themselves. “This helps keep the event familyfriendly and discourages the kind of high-end competition that can intimidate beginners,” Teddy says. Youth can participate in ranch roping, stock horse competitions, and even cowboy poetry and music. Spectators are welcome. Teddy has been a member of the Wasco County Fair and Rodeo Board since April 2024, helping lead an effort to improve the horse arena and offer more events. “Beyond teaching the craft, I care deeply about mentoring students in life,” Teddy says. “I help them navigate big questions and transitions, and I openly incorporate my faith in Jesus into that mentoring process, along with an emphasis on integrity, responsibility and service. It’s about developing people—not just farriers or horsemen, but whole individuals.” n For more information, visit missionfarrierschool.com. APRIL 2026

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NORTHWEST GARDENING

Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents in Western Oregon. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY JBOSVERT

TEMPT HUMMINGBIRDS TO THE GARDEN Welcome these delicate birds with sources of nectar Hummingbirds are garden jewels, as beautiful as they are valuable. Each weighing less than a nickel, hummingbirds play an important role in the garden as pollinators and insect predators. There are two ways to attract hummingbirds to your garden—by growing nectarproducing flowers and by supplementing natural nectar with sugar-solution feeders. Hummingbirds need to eat a third to a half of their body weight daily to fuel their high-energy lifestyle, according to Nancy Allen, faculty member in fisheries and wildlife at Oregon State University. Their diet includes nectar for carbohydrates and insects for protein. Protein in their diets is especially important while they are feeding youngsters. Chances are, your garden already contains elements favored by hummingbirds, because they use a variety of trees, shrubs and vines as shelter and sources of food. Hummingbirds are especially attracted to the color red. Good choices are plants with red or orange tubular flowers, such as fuchsias, red-flowering currant, columbines, coral bells, salvias and penstemons. They also love bush and vine honeysuckles, hollyhocks, nasturtiums and petunias, as well as blossoms from black locust, 8

flowering crab apple and hawthorn. Provide a succession of nectar plants that will bloom from spring to fall, giving hummingbirds a continual source of food through the seasons. Their attraction to red can get hummingbirds into trouble with electric fences, Nancy says. If you have electric fences with red or orange insulators, she recommends you paint them black or white so they won’t lure hummingbirds to a possibly fatal shock. Another caution is with hummingbird feeders. It is important that feeders are clean, and the sugar solution is correctly made and always fresh. A hummingbird feeder solution should contain no more than one part sugar to four parts water, which is the highest sugar concentration of most natural flower nectars. Homemade solutions are more economical and safer than store-bought products. Mix 4 cups water with 1 cup sugar. Microwave or boil the mixture for at least 30 seconds to completely dissolve the sugar and to reduce the chances of fermentation and mold growth. Let the solution cool, then fill your feeder. Refrigerate any spare solution in a clean jar for up to three weeks.

Do not add food coloring to the solution. Red decorations on the feeder are enough to attract the birds. Do not use honey, as it encourages fungal growth and may contain botulism organisms that can kill hummingbirds. Do not use artificial sweeteners, which contain no real calories and may cause the active birds to starve. The feeder should be hung where it can be easily reached for filling and cleaning. Space multiple feeders as far apart as possible, as the birds tend to fight over feeders hung close together. Shady spots are best—they keep the sugar solution from spoiling. Change the syrup once every few weeks in cooler weather and every four to five days during the summer heat. Clean the feeder with hot water and a little vinegar, and rinse well every time you change the syrup. Have someone keep your feeder filled when you go on vacation, as hummingbirds depend on known sources of nectar. Keep feeders filled year-round. n For more information, including a list of preferred plants, see “Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden” at tinyurl.com/yfzh6ncu. Information courtesy of OSU Extension Service.

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e h t r o f t Quesf Per ect Surfboard A Brookings, Oregon, man learned to make it himself By Vicki Hillhouse There was no such thing as an internet tutorial when Donnie Fowler set out to build his first surfboard. His reference points came from examining his own board, riding waves and pushing a broomstick. The latter had nothing to do with shaping a surfboard, but it’s how he was introduced to a world of creative possibilities. More on that in a moment. Donnie didn’t know how to glass a board—the process of fiberglassing and sealing a foam blank. In one of his early but most memorable errors, he used hotcoat resin instead of a lamination coat. Anyone who works with resin can imagine how much sanding it took to correct that mistake after the resin quickly set.

“It took me about a month or so to figure out all that,” Donnie says. “All I had were pictures of the surfboards I had to look at. Really, there was nobody to talk to about how to fix any of this. I had to do a lot of thinking.” In the more than three decades since, Donnie honed his style as a backyard shaper—often a couple of hours from the ocean. He lost count of the number of surfboards he’s finished long ago. It’s a giant feat in an industry dominated by mass production. Donnie, who now lives in Brooking, Oregon, makes boards for friends, family and anyone who find out he shapes, driven largely by the joy of creating a customized experience atop the waves of the Pacific. “I’ve tried doing it for a living, but you don’t make money at it,” he says. “It’s the big facade. Everybody thinks, ‘Oh, you’re a shaper. You make a lot of boards, so you must make money at it.’ ” Before his early retirement, Donnie worked at the wood products manufacturer Timber Products in Medford,

LEFT: Donnie Fowler started shaping his own surfboards more than 30 years ago, experimenting to find his own idea of the perfect board for nose riding. FAR LEFT: Donnie has made many surfboards, such as this one.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DONNIE FOWLER

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UP CLOSE Oregon. His career allowed him to finance his hobby and passion, perfecting the longboards he customizes for fast nose-riding. Donnie turns 65 this month, and he plans to continue making boards. But he also hopes to help others interested in learning the craft. “I don’t want to hoard what I know,” he says. “I want to help people.” Valuable Early Lessons Sharing ideas, resources and knowledge is a concept Donnie picked up at a young age, along with that aforementioned broomstick. His father made surfboards in Santa Cruz, California, in the 1960s and early ’70s. His surfboards were unusual and innovative—hollow boards meant to be light but ultimately ill-fated in the market. When Donnie was around 7, he’d go to the warehouse with his dad and make a little money cleaning. In the process of sweeping the floors, he’d hear the work buzz about designs, fins and pop outs from preformed molds. “All this information was coming in to me,” he says. “I had no clue about things. All I knew was I had plenty of surfboards.” The surfboard vision didn’t pan out, and the family moved north to Medford. Oregon held promise for the next thing, but beach time was not in Donnie’s immediate sights. “I remember my dad asked me if I wanted to take a bunch of surfboards,” he says. “It was like a 2 1/2-hour drive to the coast. I told him, ‘No way.’ ” Donnie didn’t surf regularly for a long time, until years later when his friends got an itch for the sport and pulled him back into it.

As is common in surfing, the wave riding took a toll on his boards. Stress cracks were increasingly common. He turned to his father for help with repairs until one day he was struck by the wisdom of a friend in the group: It’s a lot easier to make a surfboard than to fix one. Donnie sought guidance from other shapers, but finding others making the same kinds of boards he wanted to make and willing to share their techniques proved tough. So, he took what he could glean and got started. Discovering His Process “I found I really have to make the board in my head from the very beginning to the very end first,” Donnie says. “There are so many steps. If you skip a step, then you create more problems down the line.” He took detailed notes every inch of the way so he could refine the process. “You know, I didn’t have a lot of money at first,” he says. “I ended up making a lot of my own tools. I had to really think about how to go about making calipers. I tried to experiment with little jigs for making the right angles. It took a lot of learning.” Donnie attributes his innovative spirit to his father and those overheard conversations about bringing an idea to life. “I got the experimentation part of trying things from my dad,” he says. “That’s just been my whole life thinking outside the box.” Donnie’s garage became his work lab, where he experimented with additives to strengthen the polyurethane resin and played with ways to create drag or vary the concave surface of the boards. Scores of his boards are surfed in the region’s waters. Many are owned by his friends. For a while, it was hard to tell whether Donnie preferred shaping or surfing more. But in his retirement years,

Donnie’s wife, Coreen Clark, adds decoration to one of his custom boards. The couple moved to Brookings from Medford about a year ago and enjoy surfing together.

the answer is easy—surfing on one of his own boards. “I feel like they’re fast,” Donnie says. “They’re not like any other longboard. The nose has a really sharp edge, then with the chined rail, it creates more lift. “To me, I feel like my surfboards are alive. They have this comfortable feeling to them. They’re nice and smooth. They react well.” n Email Donnie at waveriderdwf@gmail.com.

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SPOTLIGHT LEFT: Sereana Scharapenko cradles her pug Timmy. BELOW: Timmy perches on a hill by a lake in Washington. Sereana and her husband, Josh, sought out photographer Bee Byrne to take end-life-photos of Timmy when they got his cancer diagnosis. PHOTOS BY BEE BRYNE OF TAILS & TRAILS PET PHOTOGRAPHY

Treasured Memories The Tilly Project photographers offer comfort to grieving pet owners

By Ginger Meurer In 2021, when a friend faced the impending death of a pet and asked where to find a nice urn, Lauren Kennedy offered her something different: an end-of-life photo session. Lauren knows the pain of losing a pet. In 1988, she was heartbroken when her cat, Tilly, died. With her friend’s permission, Lauren shared the photos on social media, and the response was overwhelming. She couldn’t handle the hundreds of requests pouring in from pet owners seeking similar sessions, so she created a Facebook page to mobilize other 12

photographers willing to help. That was the start of The Tilly Project, which has grown into an international network of photographers determined to capture the love between pets and their owners before it’s too late. Photographers can apply to join the project, and those approved are listed in a database at thetillyproject.org, where pet parents can search for someone nearby. The Pacific Northwest has dozens of participating photographers. Following are just a few: Dre McAuley, of McAuley Photography (mcauleyphotography.com) in Puyallup,

Washington, draws on personal and clinical experience in her Tilly Project sessions. Her inspiration began with the loss of her dog, Valkyrie. The Newfoundland was Dre’s shadow. When Valkyrie got sick, friends sent Dre to The Tilly Project website, which she says “ignited hope.” Seven days after Valkyrie died, Dre also lost her mother. She applied to graduate school to earn a license in mental health counseling, becoming the person she wishes she’d had to support her through grief. Today, Dre brings photography and emotional support skills to her Tilly Project sessions. She also provides grief coping fliers and helps people identify resources to navigate difficult moments. “Especially if they’re elderly or don’t have a lot of support,” she says. “Being, again, that person I thought I needed.” Dre has captured the final moments of a few pets. One was a 24-year-old horse. Another was a 19-year-old deaf and blind

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dog who couldn’t walk or even stand. Dre and the dog’s owner took her for one last visit to the beach. Then, inside the beach house, surrounded by family and friends, Dre captured the dog’s last moments. Dre navigated those experiences by using skills she learned as a counselor. Dre navigated those experiences by using skills she learned as a counselor, telling pet owners to take their space and feel what they need to. “But I needed to be the person that they needed at the time,” she says. Chelsea Smith, of Thistle & Rose Portraiture (unscriptedphotographers.com/ thistleandroseportraits) in Eugene, Oregon, found The Tilly Project by accident. She saw a social media post seeking help to fulfill a wish for the owner of a threelegged, cancer-diagnosed dog. End-of-life photography has always interested Chelsea, so she contacted the dog’s owner and offered her photography services. They set up a session for later that week. The next day, Chelsea received a cancer diagnosis for her own cat. The one-eyed feline had already survived cancer as a kitten. But this time, there was no reprieve. “I had to euthanize him that day,” she says. She wondered how she would get through the scheduled photo session. “I was like, ‘I’m going to be a mess,’” she says. ‘But I’m sure they’re going to understand. It will be fine. I’m just going to do it anyway, even though it’s going to be really raw for me.’ It was very emotional. We were all a mess.”

Megan Akers-Washington, third from left, is so grateful that her former driver’s ed student Ember Trembly gifted her family a photo session before their dog Charlie, known formally as Charles Tobias, died. PHOTOS BY EMBER TREMBLEY OF AMARANTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

They made it through and even captured photos of the dog with its veterinarian on the trail. Chelsea shared photos in a virtual photography group, and someone recommended The Tilly Project. Within the week, Chelsea looked it up and joined. When the distance isn’t great, and she has the time, Chelsea doesn’t charge for sessions. She knows veterinary care and unplanned euthanasia can get expensive. “It just feels nice,” she says. “It’s a way I can give back. It’s a skill that I have, and I have a huge soft spot for animals. I’ve experienced a lot of loss, and there’s pets in my past I wish I had pictures of.” Ember Trembley, of Amarantine Photography (ember222.wixsite.com/ amarantine) in Woodland, Washington, offers Tilly Project customers a discount on a case-by-case basis, partly dependent on the amount of travel involved. “People are welcome to travel to me,” she says. “I live out in the woods. Five minutes away, it’s easy to find a beautiful spot.” But often Ember goes to her clients. “The most recent session I did, I went to a family’s home, and I didn’t say much of anything,” she says. “I just followed them while they took their dog on a last walk. The vet was coming right after I left. I was a fly on the wall in their home.” Ember gave a session to her former

driver’s education teacher, Megan AkersWashington. Megan’s dog Charlie, known formally as Charles Tobias, was diagnosed with bone cancer. “Honestly, I didn’t think the photos were going to mean as much as they did,” Megan says. “Of course, I’m going to choke up while I’m talking about this. We have several of them throughout our house, framed and blown up. He was just something. “There’s always that one dog that people talk about that they’ve had in their life that was something. And he was definitely that for our family. Taking those photos was such a bittersweet moment because Ember is wonderful. It was peaceful. It was serene. She just let us be around him. “At the time, I was like, ‘This is cool, thank you.’ And then I got those photos, and I was like, ‘What is this?’

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY MARIIA

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APRIL 2026

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FROM LEFT: Bee Bryne says she will never forget Oscar, the geriatric Yorkie, who sprang off a stump as if he were a pup, or Ramona, the dog who loved people more than other dogs. PHOTOS BY BEE BRYNE OF TAILS & TRAILS PET PHOTOGRAPHY Diamond’s owner, Antoinette Prado, says her cat’s passing was heartbreakingly painful. “But having her memory preserved through art and tenderness made the exerience beautiful for us.” PHOTO BY CHELSEA SMITH OF THISTLE & ROSE PORTRAITURE

They meant more to me than I ever thought they could. They have touched us in many ways. I’m not lying when I say I probably tear up about that dog once a week. He’s truly missed in our family still.” Ember says documenting the interactions between people and pets isn’t really ever sad. “I have had some people break down and start crying,” she says. “And I still photograph that because, even if they don’t want those pictures in the moment, those are always the ones that people come back and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so happy that I have this last picture even though I was emotional.’ But I’d say overall, it’s not really sad for me as a photographer. I look at it as a privilege.” Bee Bryne, of Tails & Trails Pet Photography (tailsntrailspetphotography. com), near Tacoma, Washington, specializes in adventure photography for animals out of a desire to be outside. “I live in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s so beautiful here,” she says. Early on, she was asked to consider excursions for senior dogs who can’t go on big hikes. She responded, “Absolutely.” She searched for tips on senior dog photography, discovered The Tilly Project and signed up right away. “It’s just been really wonderful the amount of work Lauren and her team put into making that available,” she says. 14

“It can be really challenging to find a photographer, especially if you live in a smaller town.” Many Tilly Project photographers work on a reduced rate, but Bee keeps the same rate for all clients. “They’re still getting that same level of care and time that you would for a full adventure session,” she says. “It just might look different depending on your pet and their specific needs. I spend a lot of time scouting locations that are stunning and look like you’ve done a huge hike and you’re out in the wilderness, and you’re not. You’re like three minutes from your car. I have a cart that I bring for dogs who need a little bit more help, even if it’s a short walk, to a stunning lake location.” Bee wishes more pet owners would consider photography when their animals are young. “There’s a lot of, ‘Oh, I have time. I don’t need to do this right now.’ Or, for some people, it sometimes feels silly to do a professional photo shoot with your pet. Who does that? Well, a lot of people, actually,” she says. “I think there’s a shift happening where people are realizing that their pets are family, especially for people who don’t have children. People get family portraits with their kids all the time, and they have these beautiful memories to look back on as their kids are growing up.

People who have pets deserve to have that same experience.” Many wait until their pets get a negative diagnosis. “A lot of people realize that they don’t have a lot of photos of them with their pet,” Bee says. “We all take millions of phone pictures, but how often are you in the photos with your dog or your cat?” Bee says the biggest worry she hears from clients is they’re afraid they will be sad the whole time. “There are tears a lot of the time,” she says. “But the majority of the time, the people and the dog, they’re so happy.” Bee says often, an older dog hasn’t been out for fun lately. Sullen moods can lift in the mountains. “So, their personality comes back a little bit,” she says. “And they get to have a great day, and their humans get to have a great day because their dog is so happy. It ends up being a lot more joyful than people anticipate.” One pet sticks out for Bee: A tiny Yorkie sprang off a stump he’d posed on. “Once we realized he was OK, we took a deep breath and couldn’t stop laughing at how ridiculous it was that he was this little old man, and he was just flying off a tree stump, acting like everything is fine,” she says. “He’s like, ‘I’m not sick. I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ It was one of those moments that was really joyful and silly.” Bee chooses locations where senior dogs can have fun and be safe.

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FROM LEFT: Leslie Barber cups her dog Ramona’s face. PHOTO BY BEE BRYNE Scottie Girl peeks up over a shoulder. Charlie gets kisses from his owners.

PHOTOS BY DRE MCAULEY

“Because I have senior dogs, too, I understand,” she says. “It’s not just a job for me. I genuinely care about my clients, and I want to help them have a beautiful experience with their pet and have these memories to look back on when they say goodbye, which sometimes is six months later and sometimes is the next day.” Travel nurse Sereana ScharapenkoTaylor and her husband, Josh, a cybersecurity nomad, move every three to six months. They travel light but schedule photo sessions with their pugs every year. When the couple’s dog, Tim, was diagnosed with an oral carcinoma, they worried he wouldn’t make it to the next year. So, they searched the web and found Bee. Sereana suggested a session a few weeks away. Bee encouraged them to come that weekend, and Tim died less than 10 days later. “Had we picked the date I suggested, we never would have made it,” Sereana says. Tim had been slowing down and didn’t have much of an appetite, but Bee had sardine treats he adored. “He was just gobbling them up,” Sereana says. “She ended up giving us the whole bag. And she was just so good with him. And he was actually pretty energetic for the shoot.” Sereana says Bee checked in on them. “Especially being from out of state, it meant a lot to us,” she says. “We didn’t

have a lot of people.” Seattle fiber artist Leslie Barber had long considered getting studio photos with her dog, Ramona, but was anxious about having her inside. When the vet suggested the growth on Ramona’s heart looked cancerous, Leslie searched for a photographer and “stumbled upon Bee’s diamond of a website and just instantly knew I wanted her to do our photos,” she says. “It’s quite impossible to describe Ramona without crying,” Leslie says. “She was just such a sweet girl. We used to— and continue to—joke that she used to love people more than she loved other dogs. She would sometimes give such long eye contact that made you feel so seen. She was so incredibly playful and smart and brought such immense joy into our lives.” Bee encourages people to hire a professional, and she hires one herself once a year so she can be in the photos. Even if you can’t afford a session, Bee says get in the photos with your pets. She believes all pets deserve photos. “A lot of people are like, ‘Oh my dog’s not perfect. They’re hyper, or they bark a lot or they won’t sit still.’ And I like to remind them your dog, your pet, your cat, your horse, they’re perfect the way they are,” Bee says. “Animals are going to be animals, and the best part about having a photo experience with them is you get to capture their personalities—silly, sweet, naughty, all the above. Pets don’t need to be perfect to deserve beautiful photos. Just like humans don’t

Diablo gets a chin cuddle. PHOTO BY DRE MCAULEY

need to be perfect to deserve beautiful photographs. Just be in the photos. Have the experience. You’ll never regret it, but you’ll regret it if you don’t.” Photographing pets at the end of their lives is a heartbreaking job, “but it’s also the honor of my life to get to capture these last moments with people and their pets,” Bee says. “And it’s a job that I take very seriously. I would want that with my own animals. My pets are my babies.” n APRIL 2026

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IN THE KITCHEN

Root for Great Taste

TURN SWEET POTATOES INTO THE HEADLINER

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY EVON J

1 tablespoon avocado or extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 yellow onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 jalapeno, minced 2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 24-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 teaspoons salt 3 cups spinach, chopped 2 cups cooked brown or white rice, prepared to package instructions 1/3 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Warm oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add onions, garlic and jalapeno. Saute for 3-5 minutes or until onions have softened. Add beans and 1 cup of water. Stir until well combined. Stir in diced tomatoes, sweet potato, cumin, chili powder and salt. Cook for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in spinach. Cook for another 5 minutes. Season chili to taste. Serve over rice, and garnish with cilantro. 16

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Chorizo and Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into half-inch chunks 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided Sea salt, plus more for seasoning Freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 4 precooked chorizo links, diced into ½-inch pieces 4 cups kale, roughly chopped 10-ounce bag frozen cauliflower rice 4 large eggs 1 avocado thinly sliced Cilantro, for garnish Fresh lime juice, to taste

Heat oven to 450 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place potatoes in a large bowl. Toss with one tablespoon oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. Roast potatoes for 25 minutes or until browned and crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. While potatoes cook, prepare remaining components. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and add a tablespoon of oil. Add chorizo to skillet. Cook, stirring, until thoroughly browned. Remove to a plate, and cover to keep warm. Lower heat to medium. Add kale. Saute and season with salt and pepper, then add to plate with chorizo. Saute cauliflower rice until just softened. Set aside. Add remaining oil to skillet. Cook eggs to preference, and season with salt and pepper. To assemble bowls, arrange layers of potatoes, chorizo, kale and rice. Top with avocado, lime juice and eggs. Garnish with cilantro.

Sweet Potato Taco Bowl 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika 1 tablespoon ground cumin 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1- to 2-inch cubes

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 pound extra-lean ground beef 14-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup corn Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, lime slices

Heat oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, oregano, garlic power, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Toss potatoes with vegetable oil and half the seasoning mixture from the small bowl, about 2 tablespoons. Bake for 15-20 minutes until tender and cooked through. Meanwhile, cook beef over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. If necessary, drain any large quantities of fat from skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add beans, corn, tomatoes and remaining seasoning mixture. Toss to fully coat beans and beef with seasoning. Continue to cook until beans and corn are heated through. To serve, place a layer of potatoes in a bowl. Add beef, bean and corn mixture. Top with desired garnishes.

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Sweet Potato Chowder 3 ounces thinly sliced pancetta 5 tablespoons butter, divided 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped carrot 1/2 cup chopped celery 2 garlic cloves, minced 21/2 pounds medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes 5 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup half-and-half, warmed 3 cups chopped fresh kale Roasted pepitas Minced fresh sage

Heat a Dutch oven to medium heat. Cook pancetta until browned and crisp, 4-5 minutes. Remove to a paper towellined plate. Add 2 tablespoons butter, onion, carrot and celery to pot. Cook, stirring often, until softened and lightly browned, 9-10 minutes. Add garlic. Cook until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Transfer mixture to a bowl, and set aside. Add remaining butter to pot. Stir in potatoes. Cook until slightly soft, 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in broth, salt, sage, thyme, paprika, red pepper, black pepper, cooked vegetable mixture and 2 tablespoons pancetta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Whisk about 1/4 cup of hot broth into half-and-half. Slowly add mixture to soup, stirring constantly. Stir in kale. Simmer until wilted, 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat. Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with remaining pancetta, pepitas and sage. Serve immediately.

Sweet Potato Parsnip Bisque 2 cups sweet potato cubes 2 medium parsnips, peeled and chopped 3 tablespoons grapeseed or coconut oil, divided 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ginger, minced 14-ounce can cannellini beans

2½ cups coconut milk 2 cups water 1 bouillon cube 1 teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper Fresh arugula, cilantro or parsley for garnish

Heat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss potatoes and parsnips with 1½ tablespoons oil. Spread evenly on baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, until tender. Once vegetables are cooked, heat remaining oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add garlic and ginger. Saute until garlic turns slightly golden. Add roasted vegetables and beans, reserving a handful for garnish. Stir in coconut milk and water. Bring to a boil, then stir in bouillon. Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat. Stir in black and cayenne peppers. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Alternatively, allow soup to cool before transferring it to a blender and blending smooth. Serve bisque garnished with herbs and reserved beans.

3/13/2026 11:11:48 AM

READER EXCHANGE Crafts/Hobbies Greetings from Northeast Oregon. My family loves to spread Christmas joy, so we participate in a service project called Operation Christmas Child. It involves packing shoeboxes with simple gifts and sending them to children around the world. Thanks to readers and church friends, we were able to pack more than 600 last year. We’re already gearing up for our 2026 boxes, so we’re accepting donations of brand-new, child-friendly items for 2to 14-year-olds. Items include toys, school supplies, clothing, hats, etc. Please send any new donated items to the address below by Nov. 1. Used items are not permitted because they can cause issues at customs. Thank you. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/HargroveShoeboxPacking. Brittany Hargrove 704 Foster St. Cove, OR 97824 hargroveshoeboxpacking@gmail.com

Milestones Please join us in wishing our mom a happy 94th birthday this month. She is a mom of five, grandma of nine, great-grandma to 27 and great-great-grandma to eight. You may know her from Orchard Lanes/Strike & Spare, where she worked for more than 40 years, or maybe you know her from when she and her husband owned the old stock car racetrack in north Lewiston. She’s always a positive person and is one of the best friends you could ask for. We all feel turning 94 is a great accomplishment and hope you can spare a moment to send her a card. Thank you in advance for all the happy tears she’ll shed opening her mailbox. Dorothy Anderson, 1407 Birch Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501. Terri Sinclair Weippe, Idaho

Our gram, Leita, will be 94 this month. We think she is still a “spunky spring chick.” She grew up on a farm with more than 5,000 chickens and still has a little coop. She enjoys loving on her family, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She enjoys baking and sharing all sorts of goodies. She has outdoor flowers, a garden and a fish pond. Please send her a card with well wishes and a bit about yourself to Leita H., 16340 Lower Harbor Road, STE 1 PMB 525, Brookings, OR 97415. Ralph Gonzales and Loved Ones Brookings, Oregon

My sister, Marilyn, turns 90 this month. I’d love to see her mailbox stuffed with cards from readers. As the baby of the family, I can tell you she is the best­­—a role model and loving individual. Send cards to Marilyn Lloyd, 360 E. 35th Ave., Spokane, WA 99223. Gini Cunningham Winnemucca, Nevada

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My mom is celebrating her 95th birthday this month. She came from Scotland in 1951 and moved in 1960 to Vancouver, Washington, where she has been ever since. She would enjoy hearing from others as her five children, 10 grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren and one great-great-grandson celebrate her. Please send cards to Joy Chamberlain, 14904 NE 24th St., Vancouver, WA 98684. Donna Spraycar Eugene, Oregon

Odds I recently found a chainsaw on Jan. 20 close to Jones Creek off Highway 6. If someone has lost a chainsaw matching that time and area, they can contact me with a complete description. I will see they get it back. Jim Lippert 344 SE Boulevard Way Estacada, OR 97023 lippertjim@gmail.com

Would anyone be able to identify people in a photo of Paulouse, Washington, high school students? I believe it is the 1926 senior class. Phyllis Strong 1020 Strong Lane Potlatch, ID 83855

Submitting Requests Is Free

Send your request (no attachments) to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates. If replying to a reader submission, please only send what is requested. Submissions are handled first-come, first-served as space allows. We cannot honor every request. Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information. We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad (pricing applies). When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers are not published. Email addresses are if they are part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.

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Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

C

enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

B.

On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise

ONLY $99

We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99. C.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

A.

The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today! Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 Complete Set** $747 * $249 +s&p Save $498 **Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings. Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code SDT179-01

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

Rating of A+

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

*Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. SDT179-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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St a u e r… A ffo r d t h e E xtr aor dinar y.®

3/10/2026 12:00:44 PM

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Visit forest waterfalls at Southern Oregon’s

Barr Creek Falls

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY JEREMY JANUS

Avenue of the Boulders Falling Water

What Is It? A road trip through Southern Oregon offers much of nature’s best, including forests, a caldera and waterfalls. When near Prospect, Oregon, or heading toward Crater Lake National Park, consider visiting Barr Creek Falls. A three-tier waterfall totaling more than 240 feet tall, it is one of Oregon’s tallest waterfalls. 20

Spring and early summer can be the best time to visit Barr Creek Falls, as it is when water flows are highest. To visit the falls, visit the Mill and Barr Creek falls trailhead at Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint. The easy hike is about 1.5 miles round trip. On their way, hikers pass Mill Creek Falls, a second waterfall more than 170 feet tall.

Barr Creek Falls is just southwest of what was once a cluster of volcanoes known as Mount Mazama. Roughly 7,700 years ago, Mazama had an explosion large enough it caused the summit to collapse on itself, creating a caldera. Just a few hundred feet from the Mill and Barr Creek falls trailhead, visitors can visit Avenue of the Boulders and see ancient, car-sized boulders from the eruption.

Crater Lake When in the area, visit Oregon’s only official national park: Crater Lake. No rivers flow into or out of the 4,000-feetdeep Mazama Caldera. Over time, it collected water reaching depths of almost 2,000 feet and forming Crater Lake. It is the deepest lake in the United States. In part because the water is so pure—fed only by rain and snow—the lake is known for its visibility, where visitors can often see 100 feet deep.

More Information Be sure to check weather reports before heading out for hikes. If you’re visiting Crater Lake, checking the weather is extra important. Crater Lake’s Rim Village has an elevation of more than 7,000 feet, and weather is often significantly different than it is in surrounding areas.

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The sun rises on wind turbines harnessing power in Palm Springs, California. The wind farm in the San Bernadino Mountains started as part of the wind rush of the 1980s and remains one of the most visible wind farms in the state. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE

Reader Challenge

Slow down, make time to notice the patterns around you, from designs found in nature to human-made structures. See if you can capture an image that produces a visual harmony. Email your best image—just one—with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels. 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.

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TO ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to: Ruralite Cookbooks P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133 TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.

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Everybody’s Favorites Nothing brings family together like food, but what are our readers’ favorite dishes? Check out nearly 300 recipes for appetizers, drinks, main dishes and desserts from our 2013 contest. The book is $10 (plus $3 shipping for any size order). TO ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to: Ruralite Cookbooks P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133

TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com.

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Class of 2026 — This One’s for You! Scholarships for Local High School Seniors Deadline: Friday, April 17, 2026 Graduation is just the beginning. Whether you're headed to a trade school or college, your community is ready to support your next step. Wasco Electric will award: One $5,000 Trade School Scholarship One $5,000 Education Scholarship These scholarships are available to high school seniors within the Cooperative service territory who are preparing to continue their education. Eligibility Requirements To apply: You must be a graduating high school senior Your family must be a full-time residential member of the cooperative You must plan to attend a trade school, college, or other post-secondary program If your family is part of our cooperative, this opportunity is for you. Why We Invest in Seniors Local students are the future of our workforce and our communities — from skilled trades and technical careers to education, healthcare, and beyond. When we invest in you, we strengthen our entire community. Apply Today Go to www.wascoelectric.com now for your application and full details. Submit your completed application by Friday, April 17, 2026. Powering P owering Your Future Starts Here

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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 43 years in business. btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0426 Strong and dependable 20-year-old female ag. graduate (May 2026) of Feather River College seeking ranch hand employment, preferably with cattle. Lilly, 916-717-9981. 0426 Antiques and Collectibles Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0926 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. 0526

Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad

Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word. Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing. Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop. Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing. Closing deadlines (in our office): June issue—April 30 If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite. We accept credit card payments for ads submitted to info@pioneer.coop. Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit card.

Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.

Buying older baseball cards, collections, from the 1960s and older. Will pay cash or via Paypal. budandvicky@msn.com; 541-430-6900. 0626

New exhibits. Annual EOU Student Exhibit and Inaugural Ceramics Open Exhibit. Opening April 3 at Art Center East in La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 0426

WC Collectibles. We buy comic books. Local to Inland Northwest. Willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835. Automotive

Education

1970 GMC fleetside short box, new built 383 stroker. Saginaw 4-speed. $18K. Tri city-WA area. 509-830-2511. 0426 1991 HD-FXRSLR 80 cubic inches. Immaculate. Brandywine, cream. Leather saddlebags. Windshield. 13,650 original miles. $6K. 541-263-1009 (leave message); himtns@gmail.com. 0426 1990 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4x4. One owner, well cared for. $7.5K. LaGrande, OR. 541-963-2585. 0426 Books, Magazines, Videos Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. 775-537-7066; salacanstudio@gmail.com. 0426 Community Events Long Creek, OR, Emergency Services Appreciation Dinner, April 25. Live auction items include fire engine, flat utility trailer, Hamley saddle and firewood. Dinner reservations 541-421-3601. Visit cityoflongcreek.org for more info. 0426 26

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

The Wheat Lands Communities’ Fair in Ritzville, WA, is currently seeking a reliable and responsible summer groundskeeper/ camp host. Responsibilities include mowing, watering, general maintenance, overseeing the campground and other duties as needed. Would ideally be onsite by early May through late September. Full hookup provided and end-of-season stipend paid. Interested people can contact Dan at 360-521-2495. 0426

Farm Equipment

Livestock, Supplies

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.

Live bees by Dick Turanski. New large supplier of 5 frame nucs in nuc box. Available 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Nucs with your choice of queens as follows: Italians, Carniolans or Buckfast (Buckfast is NEW, starting with a limit of 2 nucs per customer). Introductory low price of $200 per nuc or more than 10 at $195 per nuc. Order via email, to dick.turanski@glorybee.com. Mail checks to RPT & Associates, P.O. Box 41294, Eugene, OR 97404. Deadline for checks must be postdated April 30, 2026. Pick up location in the gravel yard next to GloryBee’s Distribution Center, 29548 B Airport Road, Eugene (directly off Hwy 99). Stop by the pop-up tent to check in. 0426

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. Free Items Free materials—church/government unite. National Sunday Law. TBSM, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. tbsmads@yahoo.com; 1-888-211-1715. 0426AR Help Wanted Camp hosts/caretakers wanted for the Tucannon River RV Park, a small (33 sites), modern RV Park in rural SE WA on the lower Tucannon River. Prefer active retired couple able to meet and greet, take reservations, pull hoses, mow, general maintenance. RV required, with full hookup provided, plus stipend. 509-382-2759. 0426

Miscellaneous Attention, landowners. Grants available now. Wildland fire fuel reduction service. Steep ground, remote, rocky, small lot, big acreage … no problem. Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; bluemountainbrush.com; 509-399-3473. 1126

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Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906, highdesertmemorials.com. 0426 Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch of preserved freshness by blast freezing at sea, gourmet canned tuna on internet. Sept.June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original, jalapeno and garlic flavors available. To order: twofisherstuna.com or 206-799-1082. 0526 Nuisance trapper retiring. Selling cage and solid traps for raccoon, skunk, bobcat, squirrel, bird, fox, otter. Also, single and multi-catch mouse traps. Louise, 541-399-4593. 0426 Pets, Supplies Havanese puppies in Rainier, OR. Hypoallergenic, great for all ages. Raised by our family as quality pets for you. Visit www.happeninhavanese.com or call Rebecca, 503-728-6241. 0426

For sale by owner in Baker City, OR. 2- to 3-bd. home, move-in ready. Many new upgrades. Well on the property. Fruit trees. Mountain view of Elkhorns. Call 307-321-1232 for appointment. Recreational Rentals Enjoy your ideal Maui getaway. This updated 2-bd., 2-ba. condo sleeps 4 and features a charming “surf shack” design. Just half a block from a beautiful beach, it’s perfect for morning strolls and sunsets. Plus, you’re steps away from shops and restaurants at Azeka Plaza. tinyurl.com/MauiGetaway. 0526 Ocean view Maui vacation rental. For the months of May-Oct. $210/now $185. One time cleaning $150, 2 TVs, king-size bed, queen-size sofa bed. Beach chairs and umbrellas. Great view. 503-812-6689. 0626

Thriving turnkey all-inclusive business in Seneca, OR. Bear Valley Store. $425K. Duke Warner Realty, ddwr@ortelco.net, 541-987-2363. 0426

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. Pet friendly. All house amenities. Winter closure Nov.-March. Reservations, info: relax@wavecatcherbeachrentals.com or text 541-740-2846.

320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. Reduced price: $145K. For maps: 541-659-1573; thejugglingman3@gmail.com. 0426

2004 Fleetwood Flair, 34 ft., like new, 2 slideouts, Triton V-10, 5500 Onan, 2 AC. Garaged except when traveling since 3/09. $22.95K. tlhayward@bendbroadband.com. 0426

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; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0426 Mobiles to mansions. Cabins to castles. Brookings, OR, area Principal Broker Pat Piper, Century 21 Agate Realty. Helpful. Educated. Caring. 28 years of area experience. 541-251-2152; patpiperbroker@gmail.com. 20 acres for sale in northeastern NV, 10 miles east of Montello. Includes 26-ft. camp trailer, 20-ft. Conex, tools and equipment. $16K. geopup58@gmail.com. 0526 For sale/rent: 20 acres developed land, 3,600sqft. shop with “barndominium” potential. Weddings/events, horse property, RV hookups, creek, views. $575K. Seller financing. Goldendale, WA. 509-378-5886. 0426 “Tiny home,” 2014 Fleetwood single-wide MH. 784 sqft. 14’x56”. 2 bd., 1 ba. Open concept kitchen/living room, partially furnished. Garage included. $30K. 541-444-1394. 0426 Private 10-acre wild tree farm near Sandpoint, ID, with older 3-bd. mobile home, county maintained road, good building sites. $395K. Steve, 208-290-6505. 0526

Recreational Vehicles

RV FOUR-A.C.E. 29.2. Immaculate, very livable. Low milage. $25K. New tires. $15K, safety upgrades. Stabilizer/etc. Towing package. Queen walk-around bed. Shower. Oven/microwave. $45.5K. 360-370-5292. Rvtrader.com. 0426

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. 0426 Situations Wanted Attractive, active 60-year-old Christian gentleman in Umpqua, OR. Business owner, loves hot rods, smooth jazz, beach. Seeks financially stable, adventurous woman, 40–60. grailgolf@hotmail.com. 0626 Elderly gentleman 6’3”, 175 lbs., seeks educated male 55 to early 60s for companionship in the Gold Beach/Brookings/ Coos-Curry area. No smoking or drinking. I’m open-minded and liberal. I love classical music, art and sci-fi. David, 29917 Harbor Way #742, Gold Beach, OR 97444-9700. 0426 Want to Buy 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 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. Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009; 971-666-0659. 0426 Any older Corvette 1953-63 any condition, cash. Call or text 702-296-2289 or a62vette@yahoo.com. Even if you’re thinking about selling or just talk. 0426

Services Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com; 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License #245760 bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 0526 Sheidler Bookkeeping. Wrangling those books so you don’t have to. QuickBooks and Xero certified. Valia, 541-519-9005; sheidlerbookkeeping@gmail.com for free consultation. 0726 Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC Wildfire Fuel Reduction: clearing brush, thinning trees, animal habitat enhancement. Expert service. Grant money available OR, WA, ID. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; 509-399-3473; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126 Forest Management and Logging consulting, also do logging jobs too small for larger operators, 50 years of experience in forestry, log marketing and logging management, references available, free on-site estimates. 541-430-6900; budandvicky@msn.com. 0626

Contact us at: findwwp.org

©2013 Wounded Warrior Project, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Into Energy Savings Spring is a season of renewal—and a great time to refresh your energy habits, too! As temperatures begin to warm and daily routines shift, a few small changes around your home can add up to meaningful energy savings. Wasco Electric Cooperative is committed to helping our members use energy wisely while keeping homes comfortable year-round. Spring is the perfect time to schedule maintenance for your heating and cooling system. Spring and fall checkups conducted by a licensed professional can help ensure your system is running efficiently, safely and reliably before the peak seasons begin. A wellmaintained unit uses less energy, lasts longer and helps prevent costly breakdowns when you need it most. If you’re looking for a simple place to start saving, look no further than ceiling fans. Fans don’t actually cool or heat the air, but they help you feel more comfortable by moving it. During warmer months, make sure your ceiling fan blades are set to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a downward breeze that makes you feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. In cooler months, reverse the direction of fan blades clockwise to help push warm air down from the ceiling, improving efficiency when your heating system is running. Speaking of thermostats, adjusting the temperature just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference on your energy bill. As spring arrives, try setting your thermostat slightly higher when cooling or slightly lower when heating. Even a two- or three-degree adjustment can reduce energy use while still keeping your home comfortable—especially when combined with ceiling fans or open windows on mild, pleasant days. 28

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Hot water use is another area where simple habits matter. Taking shorter showers can help reduce the amount of energy used to heat water, which makes up a significant portion of most energy bills. Cutting just a few minutes off each shower not only saves energy but also conserves water. Wasco Electric Cooperative is here to help every season, every step of the way. We offer complimentary energy efficiency audits and resources designed to help you lower energy use for your home or business and manage costs. If you have questions or want to learn more about energy efficiency offerings and programs, visit www.wascoelectric.com/rebates-energy-efficiency/.

NRECA is the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.

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BEFORE YOU GO

Mostly Clear Skies

Hudson Hargrave, 15, captures the only cloud formation in the sky above West Oregon Electric Cooperative’s office on an October day in 2024 in Vernonia, Oregon. PHOTO BY HUDSON HARGRAVE

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OR-9

105 E. Fourth St. The Dalles, OR 97058 Office phone: 541-296-2740 wascoelectric.com info@wascoelectric.com Office Hours:

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Board of Directors Michael Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Stacy Eakin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President Lissa Biehn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary Mathew Clausen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer Jerry Duling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Shawn Sorensen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Ron Holmes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Larry McNamee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Al Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director

Board meetings are generally held at 2 p.m. the fourth Thursday of the month at the co-op office.

Leadership Team Lindsay Forepaugh. . . . . . . General Manager Jennifer Lindsey . . . . . . . Executive Assistant Traci Brock. . Manager of Business Services Paul Titus. . . . . . . . . Manager of Engineering

Mission Statement Providing our members cost-effective energy. • Safety • Service • Reliability

Protecting Reliable Hydropower While Supporting Fish Recovery

For generations, the Columbia and Snake river hydropower system has been the backbone of the Pacific Northwest. It provides millions of homes and businesses with affordable, reliable, carbon-free electricity while also supporting navigation, irrigation and flood control. Today, the management of this vital system is once again the subject of litigation. Current court proceedings are focused on whether federal dams should be required to spill more water—directing it over spillways to assist fish passage rather than through turbines to generate electricity—and whether reservoirs should be drawn down in ways that reduce the flexibility of the hydroelectric system. A Federal District Court in Oregon has issued an order requiring additional spill, though how that order will ultimately be implemented remains uncertain. Protecting salmon runs remains a regional priority. However, proposals to dramatically increase spill have not been scientifically proven to significantly improve fish survival. What is far more certain are the economic and operational consequences. Analyses from the Bonneville Power Administration, Northwest Requirements Utilities and the Public Power Council estimate that increased spill requirements could raise regional power costs by as much as $140 million. BPA estimates this could translate into approximately a 6% rate increase for the community-owned utilities it serves—including rural electric cooperatives like Wasco Electric Cooperative. Reducing hydropower generation also removes critical flexibility from the Northwest power system. Because the hydro system is closely tied to the region’s transmission grid, lost generating capacity increases the likelihood of transmission emergencies and raises the risk of power shortages during periods of high demand. These concerns come at a time when the North American Electric Reliability Corp. is warning of tightening power supplies across the Western United States. In this environment, the flexibility of hydropower is more important than ever. At Wasco Electric Cooperative, our mission is to provide reliable and affordable power to the members we serve across North Central Oregon. That is why we continue working with regional partners—including Northwest Requirements Utilities, Northwest Public Power Association, Northwest RiverPartners, Northern Irrigation Utilities and the Public Power Council—to ensure decisions about the river system consider both fish recovery and the energy needs of the communities that depend on it. The Northwest deserves a balanced path forward—one that protects fish while preserving the reliable hydropower that powers our homes, farms and local economies. WEC Office Remains Open During Cherry Festival Last month, I shared that our office would be closed to in-person visits during Cherry Festival due to anticipated street closures around our building. Since then, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce has moved the festival to a new location. That means our office will remain open and ready to welcome members as usual. We look forward to continuing to serve you in person. General Manager Lindsay Forepaugh

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