Ruralite, West Oregon Electric Cooperative, June 2026

U.S. zip codes turn up silver for residents

Sealed Vault Bags full of state silver bars are actually being handed over to the first U.S. residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication and call before the 21-day deadline to claim the bags full of pure silver

Operators at the National Silver Hotline are struggling to keep up with all the calls.

That’s because Silver Vault Bags loaded with pure .999 State Silver Bars are now being handed over to everyone who beats the order deadline.

“That’s why U.S. residents will be hoarding all the silver bars they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. This comes as no surprise after the standard State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury was dropped for everyone who gets the Silver Vault Bags making them a real steal,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, the emeritus (Ret.) 40th Treasurer of the United States of America.

“As executive advisor to the private Lincoln Treasury, I get paid to deliver breaking news. And here’s the best part. This is great news for U.S. residents because the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury is a real steal,” said Withrow.

The only thing residents need to do is find the first 2 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication. If their zip code is on the list, they just need to call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends.

And here’s the good news. Residents who do are getting the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $558 for each State Silver Vault Bag which is just over $55 for each pristine solid sil -

■ U.S. RESIDENTS CASH IN: Calls are pouring in from state residents who are trying to get their hands on the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags pictured above before the deadline ends. That’s because residents who find the first 2 digits of their zip code printed in today’s publication are cashing in on the reduced State Minimum price set by the Lincoln Treasury until the 21-day deadline expires.

ver one quarter ounce bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline at 1-877- 828 - 8990 before the deadline ends.

Phone lines open at precisely 8:30 A.M. this morning and are expected to be flooded by U.S. residents looking to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury to date. That’s why U.S. residents who find their zip code on the distribution list today are being urged to call.

Since this special advertising announcement can’t stop anyone from buying up all the new 2026 Edition U.S. State Silver Bars they can get their hands on, the Lincoln Treasury has not set a limit of how many

Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags residents can get – these are the bags pictured that contain 100 individual Silver Vault bars each. Everyone who gets these will be glad they did.

“Residents who want to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury better hurry. That’s because after the deadline ends, the State Minimum for these pristine quarter ounce U.S. State Silver Bars set by the Lincoln Treasury will go up to $84 per bar no matter how many bars people get,” Withrow said.

“We’re bracing for all the calls and doing the best we can, but with just hours left before the deadline ends, residents who find the first

2 digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication need to call the National Silver Hotline,” Withrow said.

■ SILVER IS SOARING: It’s good news for state residents who get the Silver Vault Bags each loaded with 10 Fractional Reserve one quarter ounce State Silver Bars. That’s because residents are getting the State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury as long as they call before the deadline ends.

Who gets the Silver Vault Bags: Listed below are the zip codes that get to claim the Silver Vault Bags. If you find the first two digits of your zip code below immediately call: 1-877-828-8990 DEPT. SQR482

Alabama 35, 36

Alaska 99

Arizona 85, 86

Arkansas 71, 72

California

91

Colorado 80, 81

Connecticut 06

Delaware 19

Florida 32, 33, 34

Georgia 30, 31, 39

Hawaii 96

Idaho 83

Illinois 60, 61 62

Indiana 46, 47

Iowa 50, 51, 52

Kansas 66, 67

Kentucky 40, 41, 42

Louisiana 70, 71

Maine 03, 04

Maryland 20, 21

Massachusetts 01, 02, 05

Michigan 48, 49

Minnesota 55, 56

Mississippi 38, 39

Missouri 63, 64, 65

Montana 59

Nebraska 68, 69

Nevada 88, 89

New Hampshire 03

New Jersey 07, 08

New Mexico 87, 88

New York 00, 10, 11, 12 13, 14

North Carolina 27, 28

North Dakota 58

Ohio 41, 43, 44, 45

Oklahoma 73, 74

Oregon 97

Pennsylvania 15, 16, 17 18, 19

Rhode Island 02

South Carolina 29

South Dakota 57

Tennessee 37, 38

Texas 75, 76, 77 78, 79, 88

Utah 84

Vermont 05

Virginia 20, 22, 23, 24

Washington 98, 99

West Virginia 24, 25, 26

Wyoming 82, 83

I keep calling and can’t get through: Keep trying. Right now everyone’s looking to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury. In fact, we won’t be surprised if thousands of residents order up as many Silver Vault Bags as they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury has been reduced to just over $55 for each solid silver one quarter ounce bar for everyone who gets the vault bags. And since each Silver Vault Bag contains 10 pristine State Silver Bars for just $558 we’re guessing state residents will be claiming two or more bags while they’re up for grabs. But all those who really want to cash in are taking the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags containing 100 State Silver Bars before the deadline ends and the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury goes up to $840 per Vault Bag. In fact the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury is reduced even further for those getting the Jumbo Bags so just be sure to ask the National Silver Hotline operator for your discount. So if lines are busy keep trying.

How much are the Silver Vault Bags worth: It’s hard to tell how much these Silver Vault Bags could be worth since they are in pristine condition, but those who get in on this now will be glad they did. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury goes up to $840 per bag after the deadline ends. So you better believe that at just $558 the Silver Vault bags are a real steal for everyone who beats the 21-day order deadline.

Can I buy one State Silver Bar: Yes. But, the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just over $55 per bar applies only to residents who purchase a Silver Vault Bag(s). That means only those residents who order a Silver Vault Bag(s) or a Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bag get the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury. All single bar purchases, orders placed after the deadline and all non-state residents must pay the normal state minimum of $84 per silver bar.

Why is the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury so low now: Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to get the silver at the reduced State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury. Now all residents who find their zip code on the Distribution List above are getting the Silver Vault Bags for themselves and all the solid .999 pure State Silver Bars found inside. The price for each Silver Vault Bag after the deadline ends is set to the normal state minimum of $840 which is $84 per bar. But residents who beat the deadline only cover the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $558 for each Silver Bar Vault Bag which is just over $55 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends at: 1-877-828-8990 DEPT. SQR482 Hotlines open at 8:30 A.M. or go to LincolnTreasury.com/State and enter: SQR482 at the secure checkout

All States listed above are available - States not listed are already sold out ***

DATE NUMBERED IN WHICH THE STATE RATIFIED THE CONSTITUTION AND WAS ADMITTED INTO UNION FRONT

Ruralite Calendar Photo Contest 2027

It is time to share your favorite photos for a chance to appear in our 2027 Ruralite calendar. Up to 13 winners are selected, and each receives $100. Photos must be submitted by June 30, 2026. The contest is open to recipients of Ruralite and Currents magazines. Each person may submit up to two photos. Each submission must include:

• Photographer’s name, address and electric utility.

• A short description—otherwise known as a caption—of what is shown.

• Photographer’s email address and phone number.

• JPEG file photos only. Photos must be horizontal (landscape) format and at least 300 dpi at 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Vertical photos and any photos created or altered by AI are not accepted. Enter today by visiting tinyurl.com/ruralitecalendar or use the QR code on this page.

Winning Tips

• Use the highest resolution setting on your camera.

• Photograph beautiful places and wildlife.

• Capture scenes full of vivid color.

• Reflect the seasons.

• Make us feel something—awe, joy, etc.

Seniors born before 1964 get big boost

■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.

■ FLYING OUT THE DOOR: Trucks are being loaded with the new medical alert devices called FastHelp. They are now being delivered to lucky seniors who call the National Rebate Center Hotline at 1-800-833-6408 DEPT. FSTH161 today. Everyone is calling to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available.

■ SENIORS SNAP UP NEW MEDICAL ALERT DEVICE : Instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever. Nothing to hook up. You don’t need a land line or cell phone. It’s ready to use right out of the box. Comes with new cellular embedded technology that works at home or anywhere you go so you are never alone.

Seniors get new medical alert device

Instantly connects with no contracts, no deposits, and no monthly bills

Seniors born before 1964 get new medical alert device

Demand for new Medical Alert Device soars

The phone lines are ringing off the hook.

That’s because for seniors born before 1964, it’s a deal too good to pass up.

Starting at precisely 8:30am today the PreStore Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“It’s not like old style help buttons that make you talk to a call center, only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or anywhere and everywhere cell service is available whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians.

“We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, today’s instant rebate practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.

FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever. ■

HOW TO GET IT

BORN BEFORE 1964:

Use the rebate coupon below and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-833-6408

EXT. FSTH161

BORN AFTER 1964:

You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-885-1424

EXT. ADFH0626

BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. With the instant FastHelp rebate, it is a real steal at just $149 and shipping. There are no monthly bills ever.

PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal a must have. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.

CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1964 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.

Hurricane Help

“We had two hurricanes recently. I had no electricity for 6 days. I fell, so I pushed the button, and they came right out and picked me up off the floor. I tell many of my friends they need to get FastHelp!” - Virginia, FL

LIFESAVER

“When I got my FastHelp I never thought I’d have to use it, but when I fell and broke my hip it saved my life.” - Harold, OH

Very appreciative of having FastHelp

“I did have an emergency. Help RESPONDED quickly and came in a few minutes.” - Irving, PA

WE LOVE THE PRODUCT

“We bought it outright with no bills ever.” - Rosemary, NY

Safe anywhere

“This little FastHelp device is my guardian angel. I’m so glad my daughter-in-law got it for me.” - Pete, FL

A+ Rating: These are unsolicited consumer feedback from satisfied customers as reported to Universal Physicians.

Looking Beyond

Story and photo by Dave LaBelle

‘I

Wedding bells are ringing, and June is a popular months for couples to tie the knot

For many photographers—professional and amateur—weddings are a time they are called to make those pictures that forever preserve a couple’s special day.

I’ve photographed many weddings, perhaps too many, in my lifetime. While I have captured some beautiful moments, I have never considered myself a wedding photographer.

When I do get talked into photographing one of these sacred happenings, I agree only if I can make candid pictures and leave group photos and traditional pictures to the wedding photographer. I do what I do, they do what they do and I am careful not to interfere.

When my wife and I photographed weddings together we sometimes alternated duties. One would capture the action while the other did the portraits, like having a play-by-play announcer and a color commentator. At my best, I am the color commentator. I watch for subtle, yet

Do’

storytelling moments most don’t see or look for—usually before or after the vows.

Photographing weddings is not unlike covering sporting or political events.

It’s important, if not critical, to know the lay of the land. When possible, attend any rehearsals to scout the best angles to capture the most important (or storytelling) pictures. Often the best pictures from any event happen beforehand, when people are relaxed.

Watch for emotions after the actual event, after the nervousness and stresses of planning are over. As I often remind my students, “BAD is good!” BAD is an acronym for before, after and during an event.

Also, it’s important—if a wedding photographer has been hired—not to overshoot or get in their way. Talk to them first and assure them you’re not there to compete but augment. And finally, don’t miss the kiss. You can miss everything else, but if the couple is counting on you to capture the moment their lips meet, and you miss that photo, it will be hard to live with the disappointment. n

Watching through a small door window, I noticed Lindsey Sabrizio performing double duty—busily ironing her daughter’s wedding dress while watching one of her seven children. Though lacking in technical quality, this real, spontaneous moment captures an important part of the wedding most never see.

Internationally renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. He has shared photo tips and life perspectives with readers since 2009. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

READER EXCHANGE

Crafts/Hobbies

I am making a huge pin cushion in a large glass salad bowl. I would like to have about an inch of thimbles in the bottom of the bowl but do not have enough for a single layer. If you have any used thimbles you could donate to my project, I will send you a thank-you letter and a photo of the finished project.

Lori Sharpe P.O. Box 185 Trout Lake, WA 98650

Milestones

My father, Chuck Feehely, turns 90 this month. He is a veteran, loves our country and feels very honored to have served with those who fought for the freedoms we are blessed with here in America. He cannot listen to our national anthem without getting choked up. A stroke paralyzed his right side, and his daily activities are limited. His mind is sharp, and he would enjoy listening to (and sharing with the other residents) stories from people around the world of your military adventures or of people you know. You can send your stories and cards to Chuck Feehely, c/o Post Falls Veterans Home, 590 S. Pleasant View, Room 2114, Post Falls, ID 83854. Thank you.

Patti Luchte Lenore, Idaho

Our mom turns 90 this month. She and Dad loved and supported four children and numerous related and nonrelated grandchildren in the small town of Vernonia, Oregon. They attended almost every sports event their children and grandchildren competed in. Mom now watches her great-grandchildren in their endeavors whenever possible. She had season tickets to Portland Blazers games in her younger years and is still an ardent fan, watching games on TV. She loves to receive mail and is a good correspondent, keeping in touch with loved ones over the years. It would be a wonderful surprise for her to receive birthday wishes. Please send to Kathleen Gwin, P.O. Box 294, Vernonia, OR 97064.

Stephanie Gwin La Pine, Oregon

Maxine Huntsucker, of Baker City, Oregon, is celebrating her 90th birthday this month. Her family would love to help make this milestone extra special by surprising her with birthday cards from friends and readers. Maxine enjoys the simple pleasures of life. She loves visiting the Oregon Coast, watching the deer and squirrels in her yard, and spending time around flowers. She also enjoys collecting painted rocks and appreciates homemade and handcrafted items. If you would like to help brighten her day, please consider sending a card, letter, painted rock or a small, handcrafted piece of art. Cards may be sent to Maxine Huntsucker, P.O. Box 3383, La Grande, OR 97850.

Shannon White Baker City, Oregon

Odds

Can anyone use unused stamps from nonprofit request envelopes?

Elaine Fuchigami

8252 N.W. Oxbow Drive Corvallis, OR 97330-2835 lareifu@gmail.com

I would love information on the author of the poem “The Valley of the Kootenai,” by Margaret Woodland Everest. She talks in two of her poems about Hall Mountain in Bonners Ferry and “cottonwoods where my old log cabin stood.” I would love more information about the author and where she lived in Bonners Ferry as a child. Thank you.

Linda Becker 4924 Highway 1 Bonners Ferry, ID 83805

Thanks

Thank you for an outpouring of birthday wishes for my mother. Going to my mailbox every day became an adventure, and I had debated more than a couple of times about taking the garden cart. My mother was so tickled when she saw all the birthday greetings. These acts of kindness will always be held dearly in our hearts.

Lee Ann Hough Fairbanks, Alaska

Submitting Requests Is Free

Send your request (no attachments) to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange.

Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates. If replying to a reader submission, please only send what is requested.

Submissions are handled first-come, first-served as space allows. We cannot honor every request.

Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information. We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad (pricing applies).

When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone.

Phone numbers are not published. Email addresses are if they are part of the ad, but you must include a postal address.

Requests must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.

Low- and No-Cost Ways to Save

By Miranda Boutelle

Saving energy doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or get the newest technology. There are several steps to reduce your energy use, even on a tight budget.

Here are some low- and no-cost ways to save energy around your home.

Adjusting the thermostat is an easy way to save. Nudge the thermostat a few degrees closer to the outside temperature, especially on extreme weather days. I often hear people say, “I didn’t change anything, and my bill is higher.” On the hottest and coldest days, your HVAC system works much harder and uses more energy to maintain the same temperature. Add an extra layer of clothes or some cozy slippers in the winter and wear lighter layers in summer.

Fix any hot water leaks or dripping faucets. Those tiny drips can add up to big energy waste, not to mention water waste. If you need to hire a pro to fix it, turn the shutoff valve under the sink to stop the leak until you can get it repaired.

Wash clothes in cold water to avoid using the energy required to heat it. Washing on hot or warm settings can really add up, especially if you have a top-load or older washing machine that uses more water.

Adjusting the temperature on your water heater can save energy and money. Depending on the water heater, this can be an easy adjustment or something that requires removing access panels. If you don’t know how, consult a professional.

Air sealing is a do-it-yourself, beginner-friendly project that improves comfort and reduces energy waste. For about $20 and a couple of hours of time, you can fill gaps, cracks and holes to prevent air from leaking in and out of the home. From the inside of the home, seal trim on windows and exterior doors with caulk for $4 a tube. Buy paintable caulk so you can touch it up when it dries, if needed.

A can of spray foam is about $5 and seals gaps around plumbing lines. It’s great for sealing gaps around pipes under sinks and in the crawlspace or basement. Cold air can travel through those spaces, causing drafts and wasting energy. Air sealing these areas gets bonus points for stopping insects and rodents from using these gaps to enter your home.

Spray foam is messy and nearly impossible to get off whatever it touches, so wear disposable gloves and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and use drop cloths to protect finished floors. Be careful if you’re working with spray foam overhead. If you get it in your hair, it’s not coming out with anything less than a haircut. Move any items and clean surfaces of dust and debris in areas you intend to seal before cracking open a can. Put the can in a cardboard box to carry throughout the house so you don’t leave a trail of spray foam.

For $10 to $15, you can buy weatherstripping to improve the seal on exterior doors. If you can see light around doors or feel a draft between the door and the door jam when the door is closed, weatherstripping will help.

Try these easy, low- and no-cost improvements to reduce energy waste and improve comfort in your home.

MARKETPLACE

Agriculture

Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft.). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 45 years in business. btlliners.com; 541-447-0712. 0427

Seeking summer pasture for 20-80 cow-calf pairs. Call 541-519-7068 or 208-880-2518. ID to Eastern OR. 0626

Antiques and Collectibles

Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com.

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

Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0926

Buying older baseball cards, collections, from the 1950s and older. Will pay cash or by PayPal. budandvicky@msn.com; 541-430-6900.

Automotive

Classic 1999 Chevy Suburban LT 2WD, immaculate condition, always garaged, maintenance records, original owner, photos available, $12K. tedsbaseball@gmail.com; 503-354-2051. 0626

1966 Corvette coupe, BB. Beautiful, not for everyday driving. $70K. Carl, 509-420-6200.

Books, Magazines, Videos

Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. 775-537-7066; salacanstudio@gmail.com. 0626

I have 12 Etude magazines, 1926-27; some covers are missing. Free. I will mail to you. 541-475-6656. Leave your contact information.

Community Events

La Pine Rhubarb Festival. June 20-21. Free community event featuring more than 140 vendors/food trucks, live music, adult beverages, kids zone and granny rhubarb pies. La Pine Senior Activity Center. More information: 541-536-6237. 0626

Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad

„ Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word.

„ Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing.

„ Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop.

„ Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing.

„ Closing deadlines (in our office): August issue—June 30

„ If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite.

„ We accept credit card payments for ads submitted to info@pioneer.coop. Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit card. Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.

June 5-27: “Earth Verse” Broadside Exhibit (Nick Neely, curator). Art Center East in La Grande, OR. Through June: Ceramics open exhibit and solo exhibit by Jason Hogge. artcentereast.org. 0626

Main Street Union, Oregon, is hosting our annual Family Roots, Blues and Brews from 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 26 and July 31 in our beautiful Union, Oregon, city park. Music by Wasteland Kings and Elwood. There will be vendors and beer available. For more information, call Jana at 541-786-5129.

Education

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

Farm Equipment

2007 Deere Gator. 600 hours. Power lift. Cosmetically very nice. Needs carburetor or engine work. Bob, 541-444-7421 or srjhuck@gmail.com. $3.1K, as is. 0626

Miscellaneous.

Attention, landowners. Grants available now. Wildland fire fuel reduction service. Steep ground, remote, rocky, small lot, big acreage … no problem. Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. 509-3993473 or Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126

Olympia Steel garage/shed, 15’x30’, still in shipping crates, with engineering plans. Rustic red with white trim. $6.9K, price from Olympia was $17.5K. 310-384-5008; jwk20251@outlook.com. 0626

Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; highdesertmemorials.com. 0626

Old, clear glass telephone insulators. 150 Hemingray #42, 40 Hemingray #9. Make offer if interested. Mark, Gold Beach, OR. 541-373-9185. 0626

Tygh Valley Fire District, Wasco County, OR. Seeking materials, funds. Needed for firehouse water tender bay addition. Mail: TVRFPD, P.O. Box 213, Tygh Valley, OR 97063. Pools/Spas

2010 Artesian Swim Spa for sale. 7’x14’. Been inside all the time; excellent condition. $5K. 541-954-3884. 0626

Real Estate

Boyers Cash Store & Keylock. Monument, OR. Thriving turnkey business. $500K. 4 Rivers Realty Inc., 541-987-2363 or ddwr@ortelco.net.

320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. Reduced price: $145K. For maps: 541-659-1573; thejugglingman3@gmail.com. 0626

For sale/rent: 20-acre developed land, 3,600-sqft. shop with “barndominium” potential. Weddings/events, horse property, RV hookups, creek, views. $575K. Seller financing. Goldendale, WA. 509-378-5886. 0626

For sale in Rosarito Beach, Baja, Mexico. 2 lots. 2,153 sqft. each. Valles del Mar. Security, paved streets, lights, utilities ready. $33K, negotiable. 323-386-3613. 0626

$15K, Christmas Valley, OR, townsite. Block 7, lot 6. 1.14 acres, surveyed, photo, street aerial plot; opposite lot on Pine Street. One block long quarter horse race strip. Golf course two blocks away. 503-366-4424. 0626

2014 Fleetwood single-wide MH. 784 sqft. 14’x56”. 2 bd., 1 ba. Open concept kitchen/ living room. $30K. Must have proof of site to purchase. 541-444-1394. 0626

Local cash buyer for all real estate and homes. Any condition or situation. No agents, no repairs, no waiting. Ready with serious offers. AJ, 509-530-1182. 1126

Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Deschutes Canyon Mountain views, 118 acres, Riverfront. $11.9M. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land and Wildlife brokerage. 0626

Recreational Rentals

Ocean view Maui vacation rental. For the months of May-Oct. $210/now $185. One-time cleaning $150, 2 TVs, king-size bed, queen-size sofa bed. Beach chairs and umbrellas. Great view. 503-812-6689. 0626

Sunshine and sand—Book your summer dreams at WaveCatcher for 2026. Oceanfront cottage with direct beach access, on the spectacular Central Oregon Coast. Sleeps 6. Pet friendly. All house amenities. Winter closure Nov.-March. Reservations, information: text, 541-740-2846 or email, relax@wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. 0626

Recreational Vehicles

1999 Newmar Dutch Star 38-ft. RV. Diesel. 3126B Catepillar engine. Freightliner chassis. One slide. 95K miles. $10K. 530-616-0388. 0626

Services

Sheidler Bookkeeping. Wrangling those books so you don’t have to. QuickBooks and Xero certified. Contact Valia at 541-519-9005 or sheidlerbookkeeping@gmail.com for a free consultation. 0726

Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC Wildfire Fuel Reduction: clearing brush, thinning trees, animal habitat enhancement. Expert service. Grant money available: OR, WA, ID. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; 509-399-3473; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126

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

Old West Coffins. Simple, dignified, traditional. Pine coffins, made-to-measure in the USA. Live the cowboy way … leave the cowboy way. oldwestcoffins.com. 530-640-1940. 0826

Mel’s Furniture Restoration. Repair, rebuild and restore. Rescuing family heirlooms. Serving OR from Bend since 1975. Contact Frank, mfrankspiecker@gmail.com; 541-382-8316.

Situations Wanted

Attractive, active 60-year-old Christian gentleman in Umpqua, OR. Business owner. Loves hot rods, smooth jazz, beach. Seeks financially stable, adventurous woman, 40-60. grailgolf@hotmail.com. 0626

Want to Buy

Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0826

Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 45 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1026

Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 0626

The Modern Substation

Keeping communities powered is an evolving investment

By Jeffrey Groenewold and Nina Todea

Electric substations sit at the center of power grids and are essential to keeping the lights on across the country. These tall, fenced-in areas filled with metal structures, wires and heavy equipment are found in all communities.

They may not look flashy, but substations are one of the most important behind-the-scenes components of the grid, and electric utility employees continually work to maintain and improve them.

How Substations Have Evolved Substations began as simple switching points that handled basic voltage changes.

Substations take power from highvoltage transmission lines and convert it to the lower voltages distributed on the last-mile power lines you see every day. These lines provide power to homes, farms and businesses. Every light switch, well pump and electronic device depends on a substation doing its job without interruption.

Early designs used bulky equipment and manual controls. Today’s substations use advanced sensors, automated controls and digital communication systems, allowing electric utilities to better manage the grid. These tools help electric utilities respond faster to outages, monitor equipment health and manage energy with more precision.

Substation technicians at Mt. Wheeler Power, based in Ely, Nevada, perform infrared thermal scans using handheld thermal imaging cameras that detect heat variations in substation equipment while it’s energized and operating under normal load. These scans allow the utility to safely inspect connections, breakers, transformers and other critical components without taking them offline.

“During a scan, technicians are looking for abnormal temperature differences— what we call hot spots—that could indicate loose connections, overloaded components or failing equipment,” Mt. Wheeler Power Operations Manager Bill Ricci says. “Electrical equipment often shows signs of

distress through heat long before it fails.”

Scans are typically performed as part of a scheduled maintenance program, but crews also conduct scans during peak load periods, such as during higher summer temperatures, when issues are more likely to appear.

“If a potential problem is identified, it’s documented and evaluated based on severity,” Bill says. “Minor issues may be monitored over time, while more significant concerns are prioritized for repair. In cases where there is an immediate risk of failure, we can take corrective action quickly—often before it results in an outage.”

When a substation faces a major issue— such as storm damage or equipment failure—the impact is immediate.

Communities lose power and Wi-Fi, businesses stall, farms lose time-sensitive operations and emergency service communications can face added strain.

“It’s also worth noting that in the event of a major equipment failure, replacement timelines have changed significantly in recent years,” Bill says. “What used to take a few months can now take a year or more, depending on the equipment.”

These events are a reminder of how central substations and proactive monitoring are to modern life.

“For the communities we serve—many of them rural and spread across a large geographic area—reliability is critical,” Bill says. “Outages can have a significant impact, especially during extreme weather conditions. Preventative maintenance practices, like infrared scanning, help ensure power is delivered consistently and safely, even in challenging environments.”

Addressing Demand

Many communities add new homes, businesses, irrigation systems and commercial buildings every year. Each addition increases the load on the grid, and electric utilities must build new substations or upgrade older ones to keep pace with growth, technology changes and safety concerns.

Across the country, many substations are reaching or exceeding their intended lifespans. Like many of its neighboring

utilities, Mt. Wheeler Power is mindful of aging infrastructure and challenges that come with it.

“We incorporate modern design standards and technologies into new construction and upgrades, which improves efficiency, safety and long-term reliability,” Bill says.

Modern substation designs use equipment that requires less strenuous maintenance while improving system protection. Smart-enabled protection devices reduce the time needed to identify and isolate electric faults. These advanced monitoring tools give electric utilities better visibility into real-time grid conditions.

Mt. Wheeler Power is in the process of implementing a supervisory control and data acquisition system, what Bill refers to as a “significant step forward” for the utility.

“Once fully implemented, SCADA will provide greater visibility into system conditions such as voltage levels, load and equipment status,” he says.

For the community, these investments lead to quicker response times and improved reliability with fewer outages, better resiliency and steadier voltage.

Modern substations also help electric utilities manage costs. Instead of building miles of new line, a well-placed substation can support growing neighborhoods or rural industries with less construction and lower long-term investment.

In a changing energy landscape, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and electrified commercial and industrial operations need modern control points. Modern substations allow electric utilities to integrate these resources without sacrificing reliability. They help manage energy across widespread areas and keep the grid balanced during peak conditions.

Substations serve as the quiet backbone of the electric system. When they operate well, communities thrive. When they falter, everything from daily chores to essential services feel the impact.

While advanced tools make the process easier, Bill emphasizes the basics still matter.

“Good maintenance practices, experienced crews and knowing your

Stay Safe Around Substations

An electrical substation converts electricity to a lower voltage so it can be safely routed and delivered to your home. Because highvoltage power runs through substation equipment, substations are fenced off to keep people a safe distance away. Keep the following safety tips in mind:

X Never release Mylar balloons near substations. If they get caught in the equipment or lines, they can cause power outages.

X Kites, drones or other toys should not be played with near a substation. If you lose a personal item inside the fence, do not attempt to retrieve it. Contact the utility to retrieve it for you.

X Teach children to stay away from electrical substations and never climb their fences.

You can play an active role in keeping the community safe. If you see something, say something. Report suspicious people or objects that do not look like they belong there.

system—especially in a rural service territory like ours—aren’t going anywhere,” he says. “The technology is a tool, but it doesn’t replace boots on the ground.”

Electric utilities continue to invest in these facilities to support safe, reliable and affordable service for everyone. n

Spring Smiles

Mike Osuna’s granddaughter, Autumn, visits her grandparents in Janesville, California in the spring as nature begins sprouting again. Mike says he keeps this photo of Autumn on his destop so it’s the first image he sees when he logs on in the morning. “She always makes me smile,” he says. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE OSUNA

To submit your photo, email a JPEG to photos@pioneer.coop. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line and share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.

Salad Cookbook

Want a fresh take on salads? More than 250 readerrecommended recipes are listed in an 8½-by-11-inch indexed book for $8, plus $3 shipping for any size order. To order by mail, send payment and number of cookbooks wanted along with your name and address to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133.

To pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover card or American Express, call 503-357-2105.

To order online, visit www.ruralite.org. Allow two to three weeks for delivery.

652 Rose Ave.

P.O. Box 69

Vernonia, OR 97064

503-429-3021

Toll free 800-777-1276

westoregon.org

Office Hours:

7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Closed for lunch from 11 a.m. to noon

Monday through Thursday

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Patricia Jordan (District 1 – Jewell, Elsie, Hamlet)

Vice President Jim Buxton (District 3 – Vernonia, Keasey)

Secretary/Treasurer Mark Ludeman (District 7 – Manning, Hagg Lake, Yamhill County)

Paul Seamons

(District 2 – Mist, Apiary, Birkenfeld)

Brett Costley

(District 4 – Vernonia)

Ray Taber

(District 5 – Timber, Buxton)

Jolene Jonas

(District 6 – Chapman, Scappoose)

GENERAL MANAGER

Billi Kohler

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Daniel Huggett

ENGINEERING & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Andrew Larson

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES MANAGER/HR

Laura Hein

Board meetings are at 5 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month. Members are welcome.

Bringing Local Power to Washington, D.C.

Dear Members,

Summer is here, bringing with it often unpredictable weather.

In the past few years, Oregon has experienced heat domes that bring triple-digit temperatures and create ripe conditions for catastrophic wildfires. How West Oregon Electric Co-op responds to extreme weather may ultimately depend on policymakers in our nation’s capital.

That reality took 18 Oregon electric cooperative leaders to Washington, D.C., recently to meet with members of Congress and talk directly about the federal policies shaping reliability, safety and affordability for the communities we serve.

Those conversations highlighted the significant investments co-ops are making in wildfire mitigation—from vegetation management to system hardening—and the barriers that can slow that work. We emphasized the need for common sense federal land management reforms, including provisions in the Fix Our Forests Act, which allow utilities to mitigate wildfire risk more quickly and safely.

Over the past several years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been vitally important to Oregon’s electric co-ops. While in Washington, D.C., we emphasized the value of the FEMA Reform Act of 2025, which allows co-ops to recover faster, rebuild stronger and restore power without shouldering years of reimbursement delays.

Finally, we also outlined the serious implications of Oregon’s ongoing anti-hydropower litigation. We have seen how critical the Federal Columbia River Power System is not only in keeping your rates affordable but also in ramping up and helping keep the lights on during extreme temperatures when demand is high. The state of Oregon’s actions will raise electricity rates and increase the likelihood of blackouts.

As summer temperatures rise and wildfire season intensifies, the stakes for reliable and affordable electricity have never been higher. The decisions made in Washington, D.C., may feel far away, but they have real consequences here at home. They affect how quickly we can respond to emergencies, strengthen our system and keep power flowing when our communities need it most. That’s why we will continue advocating for practical policies that protect the reliability, affordability and safety our members depend on all year long.

Thank you, General

Manager Billi Kohler