Ruralite, Wasco Electric Cooperative, July 2026

Ruralite WASCO ELECTRIC

JULY 2026

Building the Future South Wasco County schools transform students into problem solvers Page 4 From left, Team CogNation members Keith Moody, Dani Warren and Kylee Kunze modify their VEX robot before a tournament during the 2024-2025 season. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH WASCO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

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FROM THE PIONEER TEAM

Ruralite 250 Years and Still Flying July 2026 • Volume 73, No. 7

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.

Some anniversaries demand attention. The nation’s 250th is one of them—a milestone that’s worth more than a long weekend and a fireworks show. This month, the United States marks a quarter-millennium since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and we are taking stock of some of the people and traditions keeping that legacy alive. Our Sights & Sounds feature profiles three individuals whose work centers on America’s enduring symbols. Chris Garza, executive director of Troutdale Historical Society in Oregon, has spent decades gathering more than 300 flags, treating each one not as a collectible but as a primary document of American history. In Wabasha, Minnesota, Preston Cook’s dedication to the bald eagle resulted in a 40,000piece collection of eagle-themed items, a book and a push for the long-awaited official national bird designation by Congress in 2024. University of Michigan music historian Mark Clague, author of “O Say Can You Hear?,” makes a compelling case that the national anthem isn’t a passive ritual. It’s an active invitation to citizenship and democratic participation. That spirit of civic engagement runs through the rest of the issue as well. Dozens of states are contributing items to a

stainless steel time capsule being buried July 4 at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia—a deliberate act of confidence that there will be someone worth leaving something for. Dave LaBelle’s Great Picture Hunt column documents members of American Legion Post 656 in Farley, Iowa, conducting a flag retirement ceremony for 250 worn, unserviceable flags—the kind of quiet, practiced observance that holds things together without making much noise about it. One of the things worth noting about all these stories is how unremarkable the people in them look on paper: a historian, a collector, a music professor and Legion post members. No one appointed them stewards of the national symbols. They just showed up and kept doing the work. That, as much as any Independence Day parade, is what 250 years looks like in practice.

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.

Sights & Sounds

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.

The living expression of America’s most enduring symbols Spotlight, 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.

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South Wasco County High School students Jackalynn Poitra, left, and Pryor Romine modify their VEX robot before a tournament. The school has competed in VEX Robotics competitions for three years. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOUTH WASCO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Building the Future South Wasco County schools transform students into problem solvers By Andrew Cutler About twice a month, educators Jamie Sowell and Jorma Henson choose a clear night to bring a telescope onto the football field at South Wasco County High School. They’re not just stargazing. They’re hunting for trans-Neptunian objects— distant rocks orbiting beyond Neptune that occasionally blink out a star as they pass in front of it. The information they collect is sent to researchers across North America who use it to map the outer solar system. “I love that we are able to contribute to real science by collecting 4

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real data that will be used to figure out a little more about our universe,” says Jamie, the district’s director of technology and career and technical education teacher. “Over the years, we have had various students help with occultations as well.” The search for trans-Neptunian objects is the type of real-world science central to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics education at South Wasco County School District. The students in a town of fewer than 500 people secure access to opportunities that would make larger schools envious. From VEX Robotics competitions to computer numerical control machining and dualcredit computer science courses, the district has built a comprehensive STEAM and CTE program that’s altering student futures in Maupin, one of Oregon’s most remote communities.

“I find great value in people making things,” says Jorma, who teaches physics, chemistry, biology and CTE courses. “I have always been a maker myself. I see many students throughout our country, let alone within South Wasco County, that could benefit from an education that is rooted in practical application.” The program didn’t happen overnight. Nearly two decades of dedicated work— including grant writing, creative problemsolving and educators who refused to let geography limit what their students could achieve—played a key role in its success. Jamie arrived at South Wasco 18 years ago after teaching English in Japan, where

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WASCO ELECTRIC LEFT: South Wasco County High School’s VEX Robotics team poses with an inflatable dinosaur mascot at a competition in Salem during the 2024-2025 season. The team includes, from left, Jamie Sowell, Dani Warren, Kylee Kunze, Jackalynn Poitra, and Jorma Henson, suspended in the dinosaur’s mouth.

he learned teaching is part acting, part improvisation. After earning his master’s degree in advanced mathematics education from Oregon State University, he noticed something missing. In 2009, only about 65% of U.S. high schools offered computer science courses. The numbers were worse for small public schools in Oregon. From Math Class to Manufacturing So, Jamie taught himself. In 2011, he and colleague Jim Popchock founded CogNation, the district’s STEAM club. They competed in First Tech Challenge robotics, Gravity Games Soap Box Derby races and Wind Challenge. Over nine years, they secured more than $35,000 in grants. In 2018, Jamie became the district’s director of technology, allowing him to focus on offering computer science, video production and computer-aided design. In 2019, the CTE effort accelerated when Jorma arrived as the new science teacher. Jorma carried an unusual background for a rural educator. He worked in aerospace manufacturing, operated his own construction firm, and spent more than a decade in fields ranging from material selection to welding and machining. He also participated in the prestigious Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program during

his mechanical engineering studies at Oregon State University. “Transitioning to education made sense to me,” Jorma says. “This was my chance to give back to our community and make a difference for the youth coming after me.” Together, Jamie and Jorma started South Wasco’s manufacturing CTE program of study, opening the school to new classes and state funding. They’ve received two CTE Revitalization grants totaling $253,961, plus about $120,000 in additional grants over the past four years. Students Building Their Own Future Today, about 65 students at South Wasco High School participate in STEAM programs. The offerings include welding, computer numerical control machining, metal fabrication, woodworking, construction technology, automotive fabrication, electrical and mechanical engineering, product design, computer-aided design, computeraided manufacturing, computer science and agriculture. The school also has a makerspace with laser engravers, 3D printers, vinyl cutters and a freeze dryer.

Students don’t just use the equipment. They created the program itself. Using their construction, electrical and welding skills, they physically constructed classrooms, installed networks and computer labs, and built equipment. “Everything we do is student-built,” Jorma says. Jamie’s dual-credit Computer Science 160 course through Columbia Gorge Community College runs every other year. Jorma teaches Electrical Engineering Technology 111 through the college’s College Now dual credit program. The course has sent numerous students into electrical-related trades, from the electrical union and lineworker school to electrical engineering at Columbia Gorge Community College and Oregon State University. The welding program is gaining traction as well, with several students heading to such schools as Western Welding Academy after graduation. “I am not your science or shop teacher,” Jorma tells students. “I am your science coach. I am your construction coach. I am your welding coach. I can start with educating them, but the students have to go out and use the skills to solve problems, to compete, to drive change in their own lives. I cannot do it for them. They have to win at life with me cheering them on as they go.” The method works. After graduation, Katherine Popchock became an aviation engineer who works remotely from anywhere in the world. Madalyn Gragg is finishing a master’s degree and considering a PhD in engineering. Kylee Kunze graduated a year early and excels in Columbia Gorge Community Continues on Page 8 J U LY 2 0 2 6

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PLUGGED IN

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When

Nature

Strikes

Public power utilities around the country are integrating new tools and shared resources ahead of extreme weather By Cathy Cash and David Herder

As storm season approaches, electric utilities around the country are working ahead to keep the lights on in the face of wildfires, monsoons, hurricanes and anything else Mother Nature throws at them. “Electric co-ops are experiencing more extreme weather events all across the country and are busy preparing, planning and forecasting differently than they have in the past,” says Jennah Denney, National 6

Rural Electric Cooperative Association senior program manager of technology integration. “Even co-ops who’ve yet to see unprecedented events are definitely trying to limit how much of their system goes down and to restore power as fast as they can using automation, technologies and outage data.” New sensors and weather-risk tools give utilities early warnings and situational awareness of threats like wildfires. Klickitat PUD in South-Central Washington

supports a local program that uses video cameras with software that quickly detects smoke and alerts responders. Other utilities are applying historical outage data to develop weather models to forecast potential crisis spots in their areas. Automated sensors, communications systems and data analytics allow utilities to monitor their generation, power lines and other vital equipment in real time. Drones are being equipped with cameras trained by artificial intelligence

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Line crews work to restore power to Glades Electric Cooperative’s lines after Hurricane Milton in 2024. PHOTO COURTESY

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OF GLADES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

FEMA Act Could Save Millions in Interest Klickitat PUD in South-Central Washington partners with local agencies to use cameras with software that detects smoke and alerts responders. PHOTO COURTESY OF KLICKITAT PUD

to scan power lines and utility equipment and spotlight potential weak spots if severe weather rolls in. Utilities are also updating their maintenance and vegetation management plans with the help of drone cameras or satellite imagery. Public power utilities continue to replace aging wooden poles with steel and bury power lines where it’s cost-effective and environmentally sound to combat destruction from wind, floods and wildfires. Glades Electric Cooperative in Moore Haven, Florida, faces hurricane season annually and has seen an uptick in the number of tornadoes in recent years. To stay prepared for the weather, the co-op has hardened its system by replacing wooden poles with those made of stronger ductile iron. “We actually have footage of a tornado going through lines that were held up by ductile iron poles, and it all stood,” says Glades Electric Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Koukos. “If that had been prior to those iron poles, that would not have been the case.” Glades Electric also acquires bids for storm response work before storm season so that when weather strikes, the response

runs quickly and smoothly. The state of Florida has urged utilities to restore more than 90% of their service within three days of a hurricane or other disaster. When more than half of a utility’s grid is without power—as happened to Glades Electric after Hurricane Milton in 2024—a huge response is required Fortunately, before each storm season arrives, Glades gathers bids from contractors and support staff, including a storm services company that can provide hundreds of contractors with lodging, laundry and food. In its Hurricane Milton response, Glades received help from more than 300 lineworkers, vegetation management crew members and other support staff, who in turn provided more than 30,000 hours of labor. Having plans and agreements in place ahead of time ensures electric utilities across the country have everything in place for lineworkers to restore power as quickly as possible after natural and human-made disasters. Whether it is working to resist damage or increasing response times, utilities are implementing new strategies to stay ahead of the weather. n

After needing to rebuild much of its electric system after 2024’s Hurricane Milton, Glades Electric Cooperative in Florida became eligible for disaster relief reimbursement funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. That reimbursement has not come yet, and it is costing the co-op $30,000 in interest each month. “We are advocating year-round with state and federal legislators for FEMA and for legislation that will streamline the reimbursement process and reimburse us for interest that we incur,” says Glades Electric Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Koukos. While federal funds are set aside for repairing electric grids ravaged by weather events, that money is not disbursed immediately. Utilities often need to take out loans to cover the huge costs, and these loans have interest. However, FEMA does not reimburse utilities for the interest accrued while waiting for FEMA funding. For Glades Electric, interest from the Hurricane Milton response is nearing $500,000. Utilities around the country are working with legislators to streamline FEMA’s reimbursement process to save utilities—and the people who ultimately pay for the electric service—significant amounts of money. The Fixing Emergency Management for Americans Act of 2025 is a sweeping, bipartisan bill introduced July 23, 2025, as H.R. 4669. If passed, it would overhaul how FEMA delivers disaster assistance, including modernizing internal systems, cutting red tape and moving money faster after major disasters. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved it in September, but the full House had not voted on it as of June. “We’ve been working hard for several years now to get that interest reimbursement component into law,” Jennifer says.

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WASCO ELECTRIC Building the Future Continued from Page 5

College’s renewable energy program. “Her mind thought in CAD and was able to design anything she could imagine,” Jamie says. Overcoming Rural Challenges Operating a wide-ranging STEAM program in a town this small requires persistent ingenuity. Jamie has been directly involved in securing about $220,000 in grants during his tenure, from small $2,000 awards from the Oregon Technology Outreach Program and Google to six-figure CTE Revitalization grants. Jamie says the biggest challenges are funding and time. “We spend time writing grants, plus if we want to run a meeting or have an activity, there are only a few of us to do it,” he says. When Jamie took the job, he wanted to teach for a few years in a rural setting, then move to a larger community where he could earn more and teach more advanced classes. “My thoughts were to move up to a larger district, but I realized I was happy teaching and raising my kids here,” Jamie says. “I felt like I could make more of a difference in the lives of students when they often do not have as much.” He stocks the STEAM club with mozzarella sticks, mini frozen pizzas, burritos and fresh fruit—spending much of his coaching stipend on snacks each year. “In this day and age, many students are happy doom scrolling on their phones for three to five hours a day,” Jamie says. “We have to have an alternative that is fun, exciting—and the food doesn’t hurt.” Community partnerships are critical. The Columbia Gorge STEAM Hub, High Desert Education Service District and Gorge Technology Alliance connect schools with industry. Columbia Gorge Community College instructors support 8

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Jorma Henson, right, works with student Jackalynn Poitra to compare and explain how a robotics piece functions. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH WASCO COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

South Wasco students. Oregon Science Teachers Association helps develop curriculum. Students trained in electrical engineering and the trades are well positioned to work for companies like Wasco Electric Cooperative. “Without reliable electricity to our school district, or the houses around us, we are not able to run our programs, let alone develop new amazing technology,” Jorma says about the importance of Wasco Electric Cooperative’s service. As a member-owned cooperative, WEC aligns with the program’s philosophy. “I love the idea of companies being member-owned,” Jamie says. “This allows decision-making to bring more focus to the community they serve instead of their stockholders somewhere.” Looking Ahead Both teachers dream bigger. They want South Wasco’s STEAM programs to operate as a small business where students improve the community, and to become a resource center where residents can prototype ideas and access equipment. “I would make our community a service center for people who don’t have access to equipment and materials that they need to achieve their goals,” Jorma says. “I would

make our school a true makerspace.” For now, the focus is on durable skills— leadership, communication, adaptability, teamwork and critical thinking. The men quote the late Louis Nizer, a prominent trial lawyer, author and artist: “A person who works with their hands is a laborer; a person who works with their hands and their brain is a craftsman; but a person who works with their hands and their brain and their heart is an artist.” “I want our students to be artists,” Jorma says. “I want our students to use their hands and their minds and their hearts to make this world a better place by solving problems and being problem solvers.” Jamie earned the 2024 Gorge Technology Alliance STEAM Educator of the Year award, bringing $1,000 to the STEAM club. Yet his favorite recognition comes from students. “The best compliments I would get from students during graduation was when they would say something like, ‘I still hate math, but I appreciate you and your class,’ ” Jamie says. n

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& The living expression of America’s most enduring symbols By Drew Woolley

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Every nation tells stories about itself. In the United States, those narratives are often woven into symbols we encounter every day just as much as they are spoken out loud. It might be a flag folded at a funeral, an eagle stamped onto an official seal or a song sung before a ballgame. As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, historians, collectors and scholars are all taking a closer look at the symbols we adopted and the meanings they still carry today. For the Love of Old Glory The American flag has always had a special family connection for Chris Garza. Half of his family members can trace their lineage to Maryland’s founders, and almost every

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one of them has served in the military. But watching his grandfathers as a child had a particular impact on him. “I kind of idolized them, and they both did their own daily routines of raising and lowering the flag,” Chris says. “They were fun, outgoing guys. But every day, they became very serious when they handled the flag. That really showed me how important it was as a symbol.” When he was 8, Chris saw an old 13-star flag at a yard sale and had to have it. Looking back now, he suspects he was trying to impress his grandfathers. But it also proved to be the first step in a lifelong obsession. Now the executive director of Troutdale Historical Society in Oregon, Chris has overseen three museums and collected more than 300 American flags in the past 35 years.

The most precious to him is the flag with which one of his grandfathers was meant to be buried. At the last second, his grandmother pulled the flag from the casket and gave it to Chris, who has held it dear ever since. Another favorite is an early flag that represented the southern region of Texas, where much of Chris’ Indigenous family comes from, before the state adopted the design it uses today. While the American flag’s design has evolved over time, Chris is particularly drawn to the idea that it has served as a unifying image throughout history. “To me, it is the only thing capable of binding us all together,” he says. “It’s the one thing that is bigger than our differences of religion, politics or race.” As a historian, Chris also hopes the flag reminds everyone in the United

SPOTLIGHT States why the country formed and what it took to get there. It will always be a symbol of freedom. But, for him, it is also a call to earn that freedom. “It’s a symbol of when oppression becomes so strong and rampant that it forces people to step back and reevaluate— to look at life, our government and our communities,” he says. “Sometimes, those things need to change. That’s what the flag means to me, working to change for the better.” A Living Symbol While the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, many Americans may be surprised to learn this is only the second year that one of its most recognizable symbols has been official. In researching his 2019 book, “American Eagle: A Visual History of Our National Emblem,” Preston Cook was shocked to learn the United States had never actually named a national bird. “We had no national bird for 248 years,” he says. “It seemed like I was the only person in the country who knew, because it was such a surprise to everyone I talked to.” It was an especially

upsetting revelation for someone who had dedicated much of his life to collecting depictions of the American icon, going back to 1966 when he was drafted into the Army. “I was issued a uniform that had buttons with the Great Seal on my dress uniform,” Preston says. “Two years later, when I exited the Army, I cut off those buttons with the eagles on them and wear them to this day on my blue blazers. I’ve been wearing them now for 60 years.” His acquisitions expanded first with postcards and stamps, then later with the help of eBay and a team of pickers around the country who sent him items of interest. Today, Preston’s collection of more than

THE BETSY ROSS FLAG

TOP RIGHT: Preston Cook was stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona after joining the Army, where he received his first eagle keepsake: the buttons on his uniform. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRESTON COOK

RIGHT: Preston still sews his original uniform buttons onto his blazers today. OPPOSITE PAGE: Chris Garza’s flag collection ranges from personal keepsakes to historical designs that fell out of fashion. PHOTO COURTESY OF

While lore holds that Betsy Ross designed the first American flag, there is no hard evidence pointing to any single designer. But, as the first seamstress to stitch the flag together, Historian Chris Garza says she may have influenced some of its details. One of Chris’ favorite stories is when George Washington, a Freemason, approached Ross about making the flag, he suggested the stars have six points, as is common in masonic symbolism. Ross quickly noted that if they wanted to mass-produce the flag, fivepointed stars were much more efficient. To prove it, she pulled out a small square of fabric, made a few quick folds and one simple cut, and handed him a perfect star. Washington was convinced, and the stars on the flag have had five points ever since.

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Raising and lowering the flag continues to be a cherished tradition for Chris Garza. PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGNA STUDIO

FLY YOUR FLAG As a flag historian and restorer, Chris Garza, executive director of Troutdale Historical Society in Oregon, regularly encounters misconceptions about flag etiquette. A common one he shared as a child was that the flag must be destroyed if it touches the ground. He can still remember dropping the flag once while lowering it for his grandfather. “I thought it was the end of my life,” Chris says. “But he pulled me aside and explained that as long as it isn’t tattered, it can always be cleaned and reflown. That moment of relief really stuck with me.” Another common mistake is flying the flag at night. To maintain respect and visibility, the flag should either be illuminated at night or taken down at sunset and raised again in the morning.

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40,000 eagle-themed items is on display at National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. It includes historical artifacts, including buttons worn by George Washington and a Civil War knife, as well as pop culture objects, such as sports memorabilia and an Andy Warhol print. The eagle’s symbolic appeal in so many different settings has always been one of its most interesting features for Preston. “It’s a symbol people turn to in times of both peace and distress,” he says. “The image of it on the Great Seal has changed from being kind of scrawny and chickenlegged to more of a full-fledged eagle. Around the 1820s, it was first used by political campaigns to show patriotism. So, it has changed over the years, but it’s remained constant throughout our history.” For centuries, that presence has led many Americans to identify the bald eagle as the country’s national bird. Once his book was complete, Preston turned his attention to putting a bill in front of Congress that would finally make official what everyone had always assumed. He sent a draft to U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad, whose district includes Wabasha, as well as Sen. Amy Klobuchar. The two coordinated on the bill, which unanimously passed in both houses of Congress before President Joe Biden signed it into law in 2024. Preston has no doubt the work was worth it. It permanently enshrines what many Americans have long felt about the bald eagle. “For many years, it was our only living symbol,” Preston says. “If you see one flying or fishing, it’s such an amazing bird. It means so much to so many people. It means freedom and liberty and power and independence and family. People just don’t get tired of seeing it, and I don’t think there’s any other symbol of America that has that kind of enthusiasm.” The Call to Citizenship If the eagle is the American symbol that generates the most excitement, Mark Clague believes the national anthem is the most dynamic. As a musician and musical

historian teaching at the University of Michigan for the past 20 years, he has often led an introductory class on American music. His favorite way to kick it off is with Jimi Hendrix’s 1969 performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock. “It brings you immediately into some of the complexities around the anthem,” Mark says. “Is there a single, appropriate way to play it? Is it a protest or burning the flag through music? Hendrix was also a member of the 101st Airborne, and aspects of the performance are quite patriotic, so is it saying something more textured?” Those questions led him down a rabbit hole that culminated in his 2022 book, “O Say Can You Hear?: A Cultural Biography of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ ” Francis Scott Key’s lyrics, written after the bombardment of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, go on for four verses. Only the first is typically sung for the anthem, building to the final line, “O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave/O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?” While it is often performed with an exclamation point at the end, Mark considers the question it asks to be crucial. At the time the anthem was penned, the country had faced some of its worst defeats. Key’s vision of a bold and proud nation wasn’t something he was seeing but a hope for the future. “Today, I think that question asks us if we are brave enough to live up to that vision,” Mark says. “Do we have the courage to be a country that celebrates liberty and justice for all? I think it has the potential to make the anthem something urgent and contemporary. It’s a verb, rather than a noun.” When President Herbert Hoover officially signed an act of Congress making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the U.S. national anthem in 1931, it—much like the eagle—was a recognition of something that had already been true for many Americans. The song was used as a recruiting tune for the Union Army in the Civil War and was often treated as a de facto national anthem during the

In some ways, the song is sort of democracy in action. We made the anthem by using it. — Mark Clague Spanish-American War and World War I. “I think that makes it powerful,” Mark says. “In some ways, the song is sort of democracy in action. We made the anthem by using it. And for the same reason, changing it would be really hard. You could change the law, but it wouldn’t change how people feel.” The music itself requires the performer to sing the anthem to life with dramatic highs and lows that take the same commitment the lyrics demand. Mark’s hope is that when people hear it, the

anthem won’t just serve as a celebration but also a call to action. “It feels like the anthem is especially urgent right now,” he says. “U.S. democracy has really been built on people getting involved. Voting, sure, but also being informed, volunteering and lifting a hand to help your neighbor. Being patriotic is something you have to do and earn, rather than just something you have. And I think that call to citizenship is one of the coolest things about the anthem.” n

STAR-SPANGLED SPINOFFS While the roots of the national anthem’s lyrics are decidedly American, the music originated with Anacreontic Society, a musicians’ club in London. Since the tune struck a chord in the United States, Mark Clague, a music historian teaching at the University of Michigan, estimates there have been more than 600 sets of lyrics applied to that melody, on subjects as varied as farm work, unionization and women’s suffrage. “It’s interesting to see how many different words fit the melody,” he says. “It really supports the notion that ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ is not just one iconic thing but kind of a conversation about American life.”

ABOVE: The University of Michigan’s library is home to the first sheet music edition of the song to use the “The Star-Spangled Banner” title. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WILLIAM L. CLEMENTS LIBRARY LEFT: Mark Clague conducts the anthem at a University of Michigan home football game. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK CLAGUE

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Anniversary Celebrations States showcase their unique contributions By Dianna Troyer In honor of the United States Semiquincentennial—a fancy name for the nation’s 250th anniversary—each state is contributing to the legacy and future of the country through national and statewide initiatives. Some states are contributing to a stainless steel time capsule that will be buried July 4 at Independence National

Historical Park in Philadelphia, between the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Others will have booths at the Great American State Fair, scheduled for June 25 to July 10 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Within each state, an America250 Commission has organized events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

According to the America250 Commission’s website, “The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future.” For the time capsule, state commissions feature their residents’ artistry and ideals with the constraint that the objects have to fit into an archival box measuring 6-by-5-by-2 inches.

Here’s a preview of how some states are highlighting their unique contributions to our nation: ALASKA

A print of a flag designed by a member of the Indigenous people of the Aleutian Islands represents Alaska. In 1927, Benny Benson, a 14-year-old Unangax orphan, won Benny Benson’s drawing of a a contest to design the flag for the flag won a territorial flag then-territory of Alaska. contest in 1927. PHOTOS “The blue field is for the Alaskan COURTESY OF AMERICA250 STATE sky and the forget-me-not, an COMMISSIONS Alaskan flower,” he wrote. “The North Star is for the future state of Alaska, the most northerly state in the union. The dipper is for the great bear, symbolizing strength.” A copy of an 1875 map of New Archangel is also included. After Russia sold the Alaska territory to the United States, the town was renamed Sitka.

ARIZONA

Arizonans provided three coins, two letters and a commemorative copper ingot featuring a stamped Arizona America250 logo for the time capsule. With laser nano-etching, a stainless steel coin preserves the full text and Arizona contributed signatures of the Declaration of three coins and a Independence and the U.S. Constitution, copper ingot. including all amendments. “It represents both America’s foundational democratic principles and modern efforts to preserve them for future generations,” according to America250 Arizona Commission. An Arizona quarter, minted in 2008, depicts the Grand Canyon 14

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and a saguaro cactus. A steel America250 commemorative coin features symbolic imagery reflecting freedom, time and civic responsibility. An archival letter lists the names of the members of the Arizona America250 Commission. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes also wrote a letter reflecting on Arizona’s civic values, democratic institutions and responsibilities.

CALIFORNIA

On July 4, a family-friendly concert is planned in Los Angeles with major artists and a livestream audience. America250 planners encourage residents to build community by participating in America’s Potluck on July 5, an opportunity for neighbors to join one another to share a communal meal.

FLORIDA

At the Great American State Fair, the Florida250 Commission plans to create an old Spanish Fort with coquina brick walls, authentic sounds and cannon fire. Within the state, the Florida Freedom Tour is traveling in two 18-wheeler trucks hauling the America250FL exhibits from the Museum of Florida History. One exhibit covers the state’s biggest battle during the Revolutionary War, the Siege of Pensacola, a two-month battle in 1781 when the Spanish prevented the British from gaining control of Western Florida.

IDAHO

Idaho’s state gemstone, the star garnet, “represents Idaho’s natural richness and geological heritage. Its distinctive starlike reflection makes it a fitting and

Idaho’s state gem is its contribution to the time capsule.

LOUISIANA

The Historic New Orleans Collection, at 520 Royal St., will have interactive 3D reconstructions of the defining moments of the American Revolution. Events include the Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, victory at Yorktown and treaty signing in Versailles.

MONTANA

Karis Jackson depicted Montana’s unique traits in beaded artwork shaped like the state. The Browning artist incorporated the colors of the state flag, the Artist Karis Jackson created mountains and prairies that define Montana’s contribution to the state’s landscapes, the state the time capsule. flower—the bitterroot—and the state bird—the western meadowlark. In the center of the design, Karis, an Apsáalooke/Arikara/ Hidatsa artist, beaded a bison. She says it’s “an animal of enduring significance to the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial.”

NEVADA

In Nevada, residents and tribal members are recording oral histories for a podcast and public archive, according to Nevada250 planners.

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico’s pavilion at the Great American State Fair, “will present New Mexico as an intersection of cultures, history, landscape and creativity,” says Daniel Zillman, New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs communications director.

OREGON

Lillian Pitt, a Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama artist, made a ceramic pin depicting a tribal petroglyph and pictograph, a well-known LEFT: Lillian Pitt made a ceramic representation of a petroglyph along the Columbia River called She Who Watches or Tsagaglalal.

image high on a mountain along the Columbia River. “Under the oral traditions of tribes along the river, She Who Watches represents Tsagaglalal, a wise and powerful chief who was transformed to stone and continues to keep vigil over her people and the river,” according to the America 250 Oregon Commission.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Among The Charleston Museum artifacts are a .75-caliber “Brown Bess” musket used during the revolution.

Several special exhibits celebrate South Carolina’s role in the American Revolution. A new exhibit, “Ringleaders of Rebellion,” is at The Charleston Museum, the first museum in the Colonies founded Jan. 12, 1773. Among the artifacts are a .75-caliber Brown Bess musket used during the Revolutionary War. An immersive Revolutionary War exhibition at the state fair will remain up for several years. A display emphasizes that South Carolina was the first colony to protest tea taxation on Dec. 3, 1773, 13 days before the infamous Boston Tea Party.

TENNESSEE

Knoxville-based designer Justin Helton created a poster entitled “Original Frontier.” “From Tennessee’s rich agricultural history to its iconic musical contributions to its role in westward expansion, the Civil Rights Movement and women’s suffrage, the poster represents Tennessee’s part in shaping American culture, economy, and democracy,” according to Tennessee America 250 planners. ABOVE: The poster “Original Frontier” showcases Tennessee’s music, agriculture and westward expansion.

WASHINGTON

Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proclamation and Lt. Gov. Denny Heck’s letter will be put in the capsule. The governor wrote about the mission of the Washington State Historical Society. Heck wrote about democracy and finding common ground between Washingtonians. n For more information about national, state and local celebrations, visit america250.org.

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ADOBE STOCK IMAGES BY VALERYBROZHINSKY, RUMI KHAN

enduring symbol of the state’s rugged landscape and connection to the land,” according to America250 in Idaho planners. Along with the gemstone, Gov. Brad Little wrote a letter to future generations, reflecting on Idaho’s history and values.

IN THE KITCHEN

Taste the Pastabilities STAY COOL WITH SUMMER SALADS

Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad 1 pound small pasta shells 2 cups cucumber, sliced ¼ cup green onion, chopped 1 cup sour cream ½ cup milk 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh dill weed

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MICROTECH

16

1 tablespoon white vinegar ½ teaspoon granulated garlic ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper ½ teaspoon salt Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Cook pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente. Drain, and rinse in cold water. Transfer pasta to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, milk, dill, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper. Set dressing aside. Mix cucumbers and onions into the pasta. Pour in dressing, and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Stir just before serving.

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Greek Pasta Salad Salad

8 ounces bow tie pasta 1/2 English cucumber, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

1 to 2 shallots, chopped 1 cup chopped, fresh parsley 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Pinch kosher salt Pinch black pepper ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain, then set aside briefly to cool. To make dressing, add lemon juice, zest, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper to a large bowl. Whisk to combine. While whisking, drizzle in olive oil. To the bowl with dressing, add pasta, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, shallots, parsley, capers and olives. Toss to coat. Add feta, and toss again gently. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours. Give salad a final toss before serving.

Creamy Summer Pasta Salad Kosher salt 16 ounces rotini 1 large carrot, shredded 1 celery rib, sliced thinly 8 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed 10-ounce bag frozen peas, thawed

½ cup cooked bacon, chopped 11/2 cups mayonnaise 1/8 cup sugar 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper

Boil pasta in salted water to al dente. Drain, then run under cold water until cooled. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add pasta and remaining ingredients. Mix well. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Italian Pasta Salad Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Salad

1 tablespoon salt 2 cups mini bow tie pasta 3 cups frozen corn, cooked and cooled 3 green onions, finely diced 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely diced

1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeno 1/3 cup cotija cheese 1 large avocado, diced 1/2 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed

1/2 cup mayo 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon Sriracha

2 large limes, zested and juiced ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Dressing

Boil 12 cups water in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water for 15 seconds, shake off excess water, and let dry completely. To make the dressing, whisk together mayo, chili powder, paprika, cumin, Sriracha, ¼ teaspoon lime zest and 3 tablespoons lime juice in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper. Chill until ready to use. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cooled corn, avocado, onions, cilantro, jalapenos and cheese. Drizzle with dressing, and gently toss. Serve immediately.

Salad

Kosher salt 12 ounces pasta 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1 bell pepper, cored and chopped 1 shallot, chopped 6 ounces marinated artichoke hearts 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives

6 pepperoncini, chopped 6 to 8 ounces salami, cut into bite-size pieces 6 ounces mozzarella cheese balls 1/2 packed cup chopped, fresh parsley 1/2 packed cup chopped, fresh basil leaves

Dressing 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Kosher salt, to taste Black pepper, to taste

Boil a large pot of water over high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients to combine. Set aside. Generously salt boiling water, then add pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, and add to a large mixing bowl. To the bowl with pasta, add tomatoes, bell pepper, shallot, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, parsley and basil. Pour dressing over pasta, and toss to coat. Serve immediately, or let sit for 30 minutes to soak up flavor.

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6/2/2026 12:53:27 PM

READER EXCHANGE

Books/Magazines I have Mother Earth News magazines, 1979-86, plus four specials. Just pay shipping. Leave message or text with contact information. Rick Jaszkowiak rickjaszkowiak@gmail.com Challis, Idaho

Crafts/Hobbies I make quilts and give them to the care center here in my county. It’s a passion of mine to give back to my community. If any fellow quilter has quilt scraps that I could piece together for lap-size and baby-size quilts, I would greatly appreciate it. I have lots of tops ready to hand quilt but could use help with the batting. Thank you. Kimberly Cody 298 Basham Lane Troy, MT 59935

I’m in search of a pattern for recliners/lift chair covers. I have a dear friend with health issues and would like to make chair covers for them. If you have a pattern, I would appreciate hearing from you. Thank you. Pat Moss P.O. Box 61155 Fairbanks, AK

Milestones We have a request for our family member who was recently diagnosed with cancer and has his 84th birthday in early August. We are requesting prayers and support for him as he undergoes chemo treatment. We believe that providing him with birthday cards and words of encouragement would offer valuable reading material during his three-hour treatment. He loves old cars and collecting coins. His wife could also use some encouragement, prayers and support. Thank you and God bless. Send to Dennis and Patricia White, 2108 Verdinal Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89146-3047. Dawn Lund Rachel, Nevada

My mother will be 94 this month. She survived the death of my father—her one and only love­—eight years ago. She raised six children, five girls and one boy. She still manages to sew, which is her passion. My dad even built her a sewing room to accommodate her multitude of different machines. She has a tuxedo cat named Mimi. I know she would absolutely love getting cards for her birthday. Send to Millie Graham, 277 NE Conifer Blvd., No. 6, Corvallis, OR 97330. Teena Graham Alsea, Oregon

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My mom, Jean, turns 80 later this month, and she’d love to hear from you. She shines with kindness and is always sending mail to loved ones and strangers. Now it’s her turn. She loves laughing, silliness and flowers. Any birthday cards would be joyfully enjoyed. Send to Jean Ridle, 702 Kitchen-Dick Road, Sequim, WA 98382. Thank you. Erin Ridle La Grande, Oregon

School/Labels We are looking for items or advice for homeschool topics on dinosaurs, American history, chemistry and botany. This is for a homeschooled high school student, Oliver (age 14). Also, we are looking to start a silver coin collection for Sterling (17) and Oliver. Advice on where to buy coupons or even a coin would be great. Thank you. Hannah, Sterling and Oliver Mills 479663 Highway 95 Sandpoint, ID 83864

Thanks Thank you for honoring our dear father, Hugh Whitbread. Three hundred wonderful cards and stories from all over. There were many people thanking him for his service. You gave us all a lot of hope and reminded our family of the good people everywhere. The Whitbread Family Adams, Oregon

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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6/18/2026 5:03:59 PM

ADVENTURE AWAITS

See an ocean of ice atop fjords and mountains in Southeast Alaska at

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

How to See It? What Is It? One of the world’s largest nonpolar ice fields sits in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Southeast Alaska. Huge glaciers cover mountains and have scraped out fjords, showing the power of nature. As the glaciers have retreated, visitors can study how plants and other life reclaim the newly exposed terrain. 20

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Many visitors start in Bartlett Cove— the only developed area in the park. This is where the visitor center and many services are, along with the start of several trails. Most visitors also take in the park by boat, heading out into the water to see more of the coastline. Visit the National Park Service website or other travel sites to learn about the various tour boats.

How Did It Form? Glacier Bay sits at the collision point of the North American and Pacific crustal plates, which led to the formation of the bay’s tall, coastal mountains. The summits foster and form glaciers that, in turn, carve a rugged landscape. Retreating glaciers have left room for a young temperate rainforest to grow.

Freezing in a Rainforest Glacier Bay is at the northern end of one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests. The Tongass National Forest covers more than 17 million acres across Southeast Alaska. The area gets 70 to 80 inches of precipitation each year, with an average of 228 days of precipitation.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MARIDAV

More Information The Glacier Bay visitor center is open daily from May to September. To start planning your trip, call 907-6972230 or go online to www.nps.gov/glba.

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6/10/2026 8:43:41 AM

THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT

Honoring Old Glory Story and photo by Dave LaBelle

There are photographs when published that initiate diverse emotional reactions. I recall a photograph made of a young man with Down syndrome during a finger-painting class, his hands and face splattered with paint. One of my favorite images of the year, and it was a picture of unrehearsed joy. After publication an angry reader called, livid the paper was cruel and insensitive to print such a photograph. I called the reader and patiently listened as she referred to the photograph as “disgusting” and “ugly.” Growing impatient, I explained I saw only joy, beauty and innocence. I suggested she take a look into her own heart. Controversy often rises because an image strikes a nerve, delighting, angering or repulsing us. Photographs can make us uncomfortable, especially graphic war images. Images of violence and killing hurt me deeply, as they should. I am reminded, for better or worse, each of us brings our past, our unique experiences to photographs we view. “We nourish images with the intellectual baggage we carry,” the late French photographer Henri 22

Cartier-Bresson said. When we are moved emotionally by an image, it’s critical to know the context in which the image is made and shared, and evaluate why it strikes us. Few things are more sacred or evoke deeper emotion than our flag, our symbol of American sacrifice, loyalty and freedom. Here, members of American Legion Post 656 in Farley, Iowa, burn discarded weather-torn, unserviceable American flags in a solemn and patriotic ceremony opened with prayer. Veterans handle and stack the discarded flags with reverent care before torching them in a barrel. Witnessing the flames curling around the colored cloth, stirred me emotionally in a way that’s difficult to explain. I felt sadness and patriotism, considering those who have given their lives. By the way, this is a real photograph, not a fantasy image created by artificial intelligence. n

Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing tips and life perspectives. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog, bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

NIKON D810 32mm lens ISO 100 f/8 at 1/320 American Legion Post 656 members hold a patriotic ceremony for the disposal of 250 unserviceable flags May 14, 2024, in Farley, Iowa.

Reader Challenge See if you can use your camera to capture—not artificially create with AI—a photograph of our beloved stars and stripes. Challenge yourself to capture an image that speaks to how you feel about this sacred emblem. 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.

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6/1/2026 6:07:29 PM

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NORTHWEST GARDENING

Slime mold may look gross, but it’s eating decaying garden material. PHOTO BY NEIL BELL

WEIRD VISITOR DOESN’T STICK AROUND

Slime mold looks like a horror-show blob that slithered into the garden The gross-looking substance known as slime mold shows up on mulch and lawns, but it’s harmless to plants. It feeds on decaying matter, fungi or bacteria, according to Neil Bell, a horticulturist for Oregon State University Extension Service. “Slime mold is not harming the grass or plants in the mulch,” he says. “It appears suddenly, seemingly overnight. It occurs after rainfall in summer.” Slime mold—a primitive organism in a family by itself—ranges in size from several inches to 2 feet or more in diameter and shows up in many colors, ranging from bright yellow or orange to white and shiny black. As conditions change, the substance dries, turns brown and produces spores that float away. While active, slime mold can “flow” across mulch for several feet, eating dead matter as it goes. It may appear to grow on plants during this stage, but it is only devouring organic mulch, such as bark dust or compost. “People are surprised to see it and want to do something,” Neil says. “You can rake it out to speed up drying.”

It’s OK to put slime mold in the compost pile, mix it into the mulch or spray it off with a blast of water. Do not apply a pesticide, as slime mold will disappear on its own, Neil says. The Importance of Mulch While it might be disturbing to see slime mold in your mulch, don’t assume it’s detrimental and skip the mulch. Organic matter is essential for soil and plant health. Multiple materials are used as mulch, but what usually comes to mind are bark (also known as bark dust) or dust mulch, which is applied to the surface of the soil for multiple reasons—holding moisture, reducing evaporation, cooling soil, controlling erosion, protecting against compaction and adding nutrients. Weed control, though, may be the biggest reason to use a mulch. “Bark mulch is high in carbon and low in nitrogen, so weed seeds don’t tend to grow on it,” Neil says. “It’s particularly effective on annual weeds. One thing you can count on, if you leave soil bare, it won’t be bare long, as the weeds will find it.” In the long term, bark mulch breaks

down, compacts and needs to be fluffed up. It disappears in a year or two, eaten by billions of microbes in the soil. To provide permanent weed control, mulch needs to be reapplied every one to two years. Composted yard debris is another common material for mulching. Like bark dust, it is readily available, relatively inexpensive and easy to spread. It breaks down and adds nutrients to the soil faster than bark mulch. “A compost-like yard debris is a lot richer as a growing environment than bark mulch,” Neil says. “It’s not as effective as a weed control as a result. It’s better used as a soil amendment.” Neil recommends applying 2 to 4 inches of bark mulch in spring and fluffing it up with a pitchfork or other implement in fall to freshen it and counteract the tendency to pack down and repel moisture. n To learn more about mulch, refer to the Extension publication “Mulching Wood Ornamentals With Organic Materials.” Visit tinyurl.com/mulching-ornamentals. Information courtesy of OSU Extension Service. J U LY 2 0 2 6

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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 Antiques and Collectibles Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. WC Collectibles. We buy comic books. Local to Inland Northwest. Willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835. Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0926 2 large boxes of Swarovski crystals. Bought from 1980-90. Passed down to me. Make offer, 541-815-8201. Redmond, OR. 0726 Automotive 1966 Corvette coupe, BB. Beautiful, not for everyday driving. $70K. Carl, 509-420-6200. Classic 1990 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4x4. Always kept inside. $6.5K. 503-502-8828. 0726 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. 0726 “Earth’s Little Secret,” by AH Miller. Find it on Amazon books. Possibly one of the most important books on staying healthy you will ever read. 0726 Community Events Main Street Union, OR, is hosting our annual Family Roots, Blues and Brews from 5:308:30 p.m. July 31 in our beautiful Union, OR, city park. Music by Wasteland Kings and Elwood. There will be vendors and beer available. For more information, call Jana at 541-786-5129. 0726 New works: solo exhibits by OR artists Tess Cahill and Ray Guse. July 10Aug. 29 at Art Center East in La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 0726

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Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad

Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word. Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing. Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop. Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing. Closing deadlines (in our office): September issue—July 31 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.

Education

Real Estate

Long Creek Virtual Learning Acellus Academy. Free in OR, online, accredited, K-12 education. Contact Long Creek School for information and to sign up. longcreekschool.com; 541-508-9164. 1226

Bucks Lake, Plumas County, CA. Five cabin/ vacation home sites located in the gated Norton Meadows Subdivision. The lots range in size from .94 to 1.53 acres and are priced from $47,500 to $84,000. Electricity is available and underground. Septic/well needs to be privately constructed. Walking distance to the Haskins Store, the lake and Bucks Marina. Accessible in the winter using snow machines. Seller will provide financing to qualified buyers. Reasonably priced, an opportunity to build your dream vacation home. Joann (Realtor), 530-864-5337. 0726

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 or 509-399-3473; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126 Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; highdesertmemorials.com. 0726 Pets

Private 20-acre retreat with mature timber, a custom 2019 home, guest quarters, garage, orchard and view. Price reduced to $990K. Bordering timberland, this OR Coast property offers comfort, privacy and country living. Call 541-961-1889. 0726

Havanese puppies in Rainier, OR. Hypoallergenic, great for all ages. Raised by our family as quality pets for you. www.happeninhavanese.com or Rebecca, 503-728-6241. 0926 Pools/Spas

Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm & 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. 0726

Stay warm and healthy this winter. Custom outdoor saunas built and delivered to you from La Grande, OR. saunahublg.com; 541-805-1318. 0726

Thriving turnkey all-inclusive business in Seneca, OR. Bear Valley Store. $410K. 4 Rivers Realty Inc., 541-987-2363; ddwr@ortelco.net. 0726

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CUP approved March 21, 2025. Nonfarm dwelling. ODOT driveway approach construction application permit #100223. Fremont Hwy 31, photos. Silver Lake rural fire protection district. Surveyed, photographs, 4.47 acres, tax lot 19487. Backs BLM. 503-366-4424. 0826 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 10.69-acre Bridge, OR, property featuring a remodeled manufactured home, usable ground, mature trees, generator backup, storage and Middle Fork Coquille River frontage across the road. Quiet rural living near Myrtle Point and Coquille with fishing, privacy, and small-town convenience for getaway or full-time country living. USLANDCO, Dan Amos, broker, 541-430-2668. 0726 Recreational Rentals Ocean view Maui vacation rental. For the months of May-Oct. $210/now $185. One-time cleaning $150, 2 TVs, king-size bed, queen-size sofa bed. Beach chairs and umbrellas. Great view. 503-812-6689. 0826

Sporting/Exercise Treadmill, brand ECHANFIT. Like new, with manual. Works great. Folds to save space. 541-965-1324, The Dalles, OR. 0726 Want to Buy Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0826 Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 45 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1026 Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 0726

100% Guaranteed Protective Sleeves

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, information: text, 541-740-2846 or email relax@wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. 0726

With more than 200 recipes, this cookbook from our 2007 contest offers options for potlucks, family reunions or picnics. As a bonus, extra pages feature previously unpublished barbecue recipes from a 2006 contest. The 8½-by-11-inch indexed book is $10 (plus $3 shipping for any size order).

Services Sheidler Bookkeeping. Wrangling those books so you don’t have to. QuickBooks and Xero certified. Contact Valia at 541-519-9005 or sheidlerbookkeeping@gmail.com for a free consultation. 0726 Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC Wildfire Fuel Reduction: clearing brush, thinning trees, animal habitat enhancement. Expert service. Grant money available: OR, WA, ID. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; 509-399-3473; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126 Old West Coffins. Simple, dignified, traditional. Pine coffins, made-to-measure in the USA. Live the cowboy way … leave the cowboy way. oldwestcoffins.com. 530-640-1940. 0826 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 Shop woodworkingspecialties.com for handcrafted OR charcuterie boards, bowls and custom functional art. Bring timeless, familycrafted beauty into your home today. Explore our collections. 0726

Perfect for a Potluck

•Prevents Cuts & Scratches •Durable Soft Leather •Adjustable Air-Flow

a r m c ha p s. c om 6 5 1- 492-483 0

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.

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TO ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to:

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TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit ruralite.com. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery. J U LY 2 0 2 6

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ENERGY MATTERS

How Hydropower Works Each hydropower project is unique. Its equipment and design reflect when it was built, the landscape and the geologic character of the location. By Foundation for Water and Energy Education Similar to our homes, hydropower projects are updated to reflect modern equipment and designs. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested since the 1990s to replace turbines and rewind generators. These investments help projects generate more power, use less water to generate the same amount of power, improve water quality and increase juvenile fish passage downstream. From a power generation perspective, one of the biggest differences between projects is whether they are run-of-theriver or storage projects. Run-of-the-river projects allow water to pass through a facility at about the same rate the river naturally flows. Storage projects have a reservoir, sometimes called a lake,

STORAGE VS. RUN-OF-THE-RIVER

Storage Project

behind the dam. By storing water, operators can adjust the river’s natural flow to meet one or more needs. These can include releasing water when more electricity is needed, capturing runoff to assist with flood control and supporting irrigation. Storage between May and July also helps equalize river runoff over the course of the year. In fact, 60% of runoff in the Northwest occurs during this period. Stored water in U.S. and Canadian reservoirs can be released for power, irrigation and other needs when supply is less plentiful during the late summer, fall and winter months. n Foundation for Water and Energy Education seeks to empower Northwest communities to ensure a resilient clean energy future through hydropower education. For educational resources, upcoming events and hydropower news, visit fwee.org.

Take a Walk Through a Hydroelectric Project WATER from a river or reservoir flows into a penstock.

The SHAFT connects the turbine to the generator, turning at the same speed as the turbine.

The PENSTOCK, a large pipe above or below ground, is commonly used to direct water flow to the turbine.

Inside the GENERATOR, the spinning shaft turns electromagnets, called a rotor, inside a stationary ring of copper coils, called a stator, moving electrons to produce electricity.

Run-of-the-River Project

In the Northwest, 60% of runoff occurs from May through July. Storage projects allow water to be released when supply is less plentiful during the late summer, fall and winter months. Spring water is helpful in meeting needs for fish flows, irrigation and flood control. It also enables intermittent resources, such as wind and solar, to support the power grid. Run-of-the-river projects allow water to pass through at about the same rate the river naturally flows. Some run-of-the-river dams have flexibility to reserve some river flows for release during hours when power is most needed. This hydropower flexibility provides critical support to wind, solar and other variable energy sources that are becoming more prominent on the power grid.

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TURBINE BLADES are pushed by the force of water exiting the penstock, causing them to transfer the energy of falling water to rotate the shaft.

STEP-UP TRANSFORMERS increase the voltage of electricity produced by the generator.

TRANSMISSION LINES carry highvoltage electricity to substations in our communities. At SUBSTATIONS, which house step-down transformers, the voltage is decreased. Electricity is then distributed to homes and businesses. WATER FLOW used to turn the turbines returns to the river. SPILLWAYS release water downstream that is not directed to the turbines to generate electricity. ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY OF FOUNDATION FOR WATER AND ENERGY EDUCATION

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BEFORE YOU GO

Celebrating 100 To all the dear Ruralite readers, I can’t begin to tell you how overwhelmed and overjoyed me and my family have been with the outpouring of 100th birthday wishes, blessings and special gifts! The handmade cards are so beautiful and the cards from the “little hands” at Raft River Elementary in Malta, Idaho, and Camas Valley Charter School in Roseburg, Oregon, are just precious—good job teachers! My deepest thanks to each and every one of you for taking the time to celebrate someone you have never met. And you ALL spelled Gwiazdon right! I hope you get this message of sincere gratitude and appreciation for your random acts of kindness that I will cherish for my next 100 years! With love and blessings, Elizabeth “Betty” Gwiazdon

Elizabeth “Betty” Gwiazdon received hundreds of birthday cards from Ruralite readers in response to daughter Michele Skupic’s Reader Exchange request in the March edition. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHELE SKUPIC

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. 30

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5/12/2026 10:15:09 AM

Urgent: Special Summer Driving Notice

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lens technology was first discovered when NASA scientists looked to nature for a means to superior eye protection— specifically, by studying the eyes of eagles, known for their extreme visual acuity. This discovery resulted in what is now known as Eagle Eyes®. The Only Sunglass Technology Certified by the Space Foundation for UV and BlueLight Eye Protection. Eagle Eyes® features the most advanced eye protection technology ever created. The TriLenium ® Lens Technology offers triple-filter polarization to block 99.9% UVA and UVB—plus the added benefit of blue-light eye protection. Eagle Eyes® is the only optic technology that has earned official recognition from the Space Certification Program for this remarkable technology. Now, that’s proven science-based protection. The finest optics: And buy one, get one FREE! Eagle Eyes® has the highest customer satisfaction of any item in our 20 year history. We are so excited for you to try the Eagle Eyes® breakthrough technology that we will give you a second pair of Eagle Eyes® Navigator™ Sunglasses FREE––a $59.95 value! That’s two pairs to protect your eyes with the best technology available for less than the price of one pair of traditional sunglasses. You get a pair of Navigators with stainless steel black frames and the other with stainless steel gold, plus one hard zipper case and one micro-fiber drawstring cleaning pouch are included. Keep one pair in your pocket and one in your car. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you are not astounded with the Eagle Eyes® technology, enjoying clearer, sharper and more glare-free vision, simply return one pair within 30 days for a full refund of the purchase price. The other pair is yours to keep. No one else has such confidence in their optic technology. Don’t leave your eyes in the hands of fashion designers, entrust them to the best scientific minds on earth. Wear your Eagle Eyes® Navigators with absolute

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6/18/2026 5:08:08 PM

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

Changes to Articles Need Member Input Later this fall, Wasco Electric Cooperative members will be asked to vote on an important governance update: a restatement of our articles of association. While this may sound technical, it is an important and responsible governance process that helps ensure your cooperative continues to operate effectively, transparently and in alignment with current laws and best practices. The articles of association are one of the foundational documents for Wasco Electric. Along with our bylaws, they establish how your cooperative is organized, how it conducts business and how it serves its members. Over time, laws change, industry standards evolve and operational practices are refined. When those changes occur, it is important to review and update governing documents so they remain accurate, relevant and defensible. The restatement of our articles does not change our core purpose or member ownership structure. Instead, it provides an opportunity to modernize language, remove outdated provisions and ensure consistency with Oregon statutes and national cooperative governance standards. As part of this effort, members will see updates that clarify governance provisions, align terminology with current law, streamline outdated references and improve the overall readability of the document. Just as importantly, the restatement reinforces your rights as a member-owner. Electric cooperatives are governed locally, and major changes to foundational documents require member approval. Your vote ensures these updates are made with your knowledge and consent, maintaining the democratic principles that define the cooperative business model. Member participation is critical to this process. Unlike investor-owned utilities, Wasco Electric is owned by the members it serves, and your vote is how you exercise that ownership. Approval of the restated articles requires member support, and strong participation helps ensure the outcome reflects the collective voice of the membership. Your engagement not only fulfills this responsibility but also strengthens the cooperative’s accountability and long-term governance. In early August, we encourage you to visit our website, wascoelectric.com, where you will find additional information about the proposed updates, including a summary of key changes and answers to frequently asked questions. These resources are intended to help you better understand what is being proposed and why it matters. We encourage you to participate in the voting process in November. Your engagement is essential to maintaining a strong, responsive cooperative that continues to serve our communities for years to come. Thank you for your continued support of Wasco Electric Cooperative. General Manager Lindsay Forepaugh

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6/18/2026 4:42:35 PM