POWERED BY YOU • FALL INTO ROUTINE • SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
LOCAL SIGNAL LOCAL VOICE
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By your side, from planning the future to spoiling the grandkids. A lot can change in 53 years. What matters is what stays true. Alpine Bank remains locally and employee owned, deeply committed to Colorado, and built around real relationships with the people and communities we serve. Alpine Bank. Not your everyday bank. Your bank for every day.
Volume 57 • Number 10 • October 2026
11
In This Issue 4
Viewpoint
5
Your Co-op News
9
From the Editor
10
At Home
11
12
16
16
18
Energy Expert
Seal your HVAC ducts before winter to increase efficiency and keep your home comfortable.
Feature Story Industry
Read how electric co-ops lean into cooperative principles to help the communities they serve.
Recipe
20 Marketplace 21
The Find
It’s tea time! Find your next favorite brew from a Colorado company.
22 Reader Photos
21 MAGAZINE STAFF Director of Communications Cassi Gloe cgloe@coloradocountrylife.org Editor Kylee Coleman kcoleman@coloradocountrylife.org Editorial Assistant Melinda Taylor mtaylor@coloradocountrylife.org EDITORIAL CORPORATE OFFICE 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226 info@coloradocountrylife.org, 303-455-4111 Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities, and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual. COPYRIGHT All content © 2026 Colorado Rural Electric Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited.
Colorado Country Life
COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE (USPS 469400/ISSN 1090-2503), Copyright © 2026 is published monthly by the Colorado Rural Electric Association, 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Business and Editorial Offices: 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Accounting and Circulation Offices: 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Call 303-455-4111 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Denver, Colorado. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Colorado Country Life at 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. SUBSCRIBERS Report change of address to your local cooperative. Do not send change of address to Colorado Country Life. Cost of subscription for members of participating electric cooperatives is 31 cents per month, paid from equity accruing to the member. For nonmembers, a subscription is $16 per year in state/$21 out of state.
ADVERTISING 720-407-0712 advertising@coloradocountrylife.org National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress St., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704 | 800-626-1181 ADVERTISING STANDARDS Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Call for reprint rights. View advertising and editorial policy terms and conditions online at coloradocountrylife.coop.
October 2026
3
VIEWPOINT
My Favorite Things About Fall
I
t’s tough to beat fall in Colorado. Like many of you, I love it when the weather turns cooler, and few things can match the beauty of fall foliage in the mountains. But there are a few all-American activities that really get my blood pumping this time of year. Baseball, our traditional national pastime, swings into the postseason on its way to crown a World Series champion. Colorado fans haven’t had a lot to cheer about in the baseball world in recent years, but thanks to a Broncos resurgence, it’s great when football — our de facto national sport — kicks into gear. Fun and games aside, there is one fall activity that’s been around longer than football and baseball and is even more ingrained into our American way of life. I’m talking about voting. While there are local elections and primary contests scattered across the calendar year, November elections grab the most headlines. And with early voting, you no longer have to wait as long to participate. No matter where you stand on ballot issues, you can’t deny that elections have consequences. That simple fact should motivate each and every voter to get out and vote. Voting is described as a privilege, a right, and a duty. To me it is all that and much more. I have spent most of my adult life working for electric cooperatives, where democratically elected board members are a critical part of our business model. Today, I spend considerable time and effort working with elected
4 October 2026
leaders in Denver and in Washington, D.C., advocating on behalf of CREA’s electric co-op members. I have seen the difference these leaders can make, so I do my best to stay engaged in the political process. Voting is important, but it is more than just filling out a ballot. Some would argue that casting an informed vote is even more important than voting. As the saying goes, “the best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” I concede that there may be some truth to this. That’s why, when the stakes are high, I encourage voters to be better than average. Don’t just rely on the barrage of vitriolic political ads to make up your mind. Read about the candidates and issues, go to town halls both in person and virtually, and ask friends you trust for their views. Doing these simple things doesn’t take a lot of time, but they will make you a better, more informed voter. If enough of us do this, it will result in better candidates being elected, and that should make us all better off. Whatever your political stripes, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunity that you have this fall and participate in our democratic process: Vote! Tom Walch is the executive director of the Colorado Rural Electric Association, the statewide organization supporting 21 electric distribution cooperatives and one generation and transmission cooperative.
Colorado Country Life
Photo by A_D_Gordon / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
By Tom Walch Executive Director
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Powered By You Local Voices Shape Local Solutions By Josh Dellinger General Manager
W
hen you hear the word “cooperative,” what comes to mind? As your local electric co-op, we hope you think of Empire Electric Association. Regardless of the services offered, all cooperatives have one thing in common: they’re led by the people they serve — and that simple idea makes a meaningful difference. Cooperatives come in all shapes and sizes, each created to meet a specific need. Credit unions help members save and borrow money. Producer cooperatives, like Ocean Spray and Land O’Lakes, help farmers bring their products to market. Retail cooperatives, like IFA and ACE Hardware, are owned by their shoppers or a membership of store owners. Housing cooperatives give residents a voice in managing their communities. And utility cooperatives — like EEA — provide reliable electricity to the communities they serve. Unlike many businesses that answer to outside investors or shareholders, cooperatives are built for their members. Their goal isn’t to earn a profit — it’s to provide value, meet unique local needs, and strengthen the communities they call home. That’s exactly what makes EEA different. Our story began in 1939 when neighbors in Dove Creek came together to bring electricity to their community when other utilities wouldn’t. While a lot has changed since then, our purpose has remained steady. We’re still here to provide reliable, affordable power and to make decisions with our community’s best interests in mind.
Being locally owned means we have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to the communities we serve. That’s why no two electric cooperatives are exactly alike. Every community has different needs, and every cooperative reflects those priorities. This past summer, our service area experienced two large wildland fires, the Babylon and the Ferris fires. Our communities’ responses in supporting one another and working together to keep everyone safe showcased the power we have to positively impact our neighbors. We at EEA understand our responsibility to keep our communities safe. We are continuing to harden our system to prevent igniting wildland fires while adding flexibility that allows us to keep the power on during emergencies. You’ll also find the co-op difference beyond major emergencies: It’s the smaller things like linemen restoring power after a storm. The employees answering your questions when you call about your bill. The team members volunteering at community events. The board members — your neighbors — who help guide decisions for the future. We’re your neighbor and local energy partner, and we’re committed to serving you for generations to come. October is National Co-op Month and we invite you to join us in celebrating the cooperative difference, because this co-op belongs to you. Your membership is what makes our mission possible — and it’s what keeps us focused on serving the people and communities that matter most.
EMPIRE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC Empire Electric Association’s primary mission is to safely, responsibly, and reliably meet the electrical energy needs of our member-owners.
23999 Road L.4 Cortez, CO 81321 phone 970-565-4444 toll free 800-709-3726 pay by phone 833-923-1409 eea.coop
Office Hours Monday–Thursday — 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday — 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Colorado Country Life
Facebook.com/EEACortez @eeacortez
October 2026
5
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Focused On Safety and Reliability By Andy Carter Member Engagement Manager
C
priority-tier trees along 432 spans in 45 ontinued drought in our service days across EEA’s high fire danger areas. area has emphasized the need Third, EEA developed capability for for Empire Electric Association remote line inspection. EEA used grant to improve vegetation managefunds to purchase a drone with high resoment in order to minimize wildland fire lution thermal and visual imaging. The risk. Maintaining clear rights of way also funds were also used to acquire training decreases the number of outages our and certification for two employees who members experience. EEA was awarded a operate it. The certified employees began Colorado Advanced Grid Monitoring grant using the drone this spring to perform at the end of 2024 and has been using the inspections in difficult to reach areas. funds to transform its vegetation manageThese areas would have required an employee to hike ment program. the entire line segment in rough terrain to make the EEA’s Line Superintendent of Maintenance Brad required periodic inspections. The drones not only Dennison understands the importance of vegetation reduce the time required for inspections but also management and has been looking for a targeted and improve safety by not exposing employees to risks cost efficient way to address critical areas before they encountered hiking in rugged terrain. become a problem. Dennison explained “We have “The grant has been a game-changer for our traditionally used a methodical circuit by circuit trim vegetation management. It provided funds allowing cycle to keep areas clear. That gets the job done but us to quickly implement technology that makes a big isn’t efficient and doesn’t address areas that need impact on wildfire mitigation efforts and our commitmore frequent trimming. The grant funding gave us ment to reliable power,” said Dennison. “Members the opportunity to use new technology to maximize can also help by calling us at 970-565-4444 if they see our efforts without a big impact on rates.” something interfering with our lines so we can take Dennison chose a three prong approach to vegetacare of it.” tion management. First, EEA leveraged technology by contracting with a utility software provider that developed an app-based management program. It uses satellite imagery and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) to locate trees growing near EEA lines. The app prioritizes locations based on how close vegetation is to EEA lines and builds work orders to minimize travel time between locations. EEA’s system scans were completed in 2025 to prepare for work to begin after spring growth this year. Second, EEA contracted with a qualified vegetation management company capable of high-volume precision work. The contractor was given access to the app that provided detailed information on trees that needed to be trimmed while helping to organize workThese photos show Priority 1 trees identified by EEA’s new vegetation days efficiently to avoid unnecessary travel. management program as being too close to our high voltage lines. The contractor trimmed all first- and secondThe trees were scheduled for trimming or removal. EEA file photos
6 October 2026
Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
EEA Rates Effective January 1, 2027
E
mpire Electric Association tracks cost and performance data to objectively monitor our reliability and financial performance. We encourage employees to search for ways to improve our performance and keep rates affordable. Our latest financial forecast indicated an increase in base rates was needed to ensure we can continue to provide safe and reliable power. Our board approved a 4.72% increase to revenue that will be effective January 1, 2027. The rate tables below show individual rate component changes required to achieve the 4.72% overall increase. The increase is mostly in the Grid Access Charge. The GAC is designed to collect all expenses associated with being a member, plus about half of our operations and maintenance expenses. The remaining operations and maintenance expenses are collected in the Distribution Demand charge. If a rate does not have a
Distribution Demand charge the operations and maintenance expenses are collected in the energy charge. On Peak and Off Peak energy rates were also adjusted to compensate for recent changes to Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s demand and energy rates. The changes to the On and Off Peak energy charges are revenue neutral, meaning EEA’s collected revenue from these charges is intended to only cover purchased power expenses. There is no margin component included in these charges. Please keep in mind as you review the rate changes, the overall 4.72% increase represents the average overall bill increase and is not reflective of any single rate component. It also does not include any Power Cost Adjustment that may be included in 2027 to adjust for over or under-collected purchased power expenses in 2026 or an increase in Tri-State’s wholesale power rate.
TIME-OF-USE DEMAND RATES (TOUD)
ALL ENERGY RATES
CURRENT RATE
1/1/2027 RATE
$32.40
$37.91
On Peak kWh
$0.17027
$0.22903
Off Peak kWh
$0.04185
$0.03519
Demand (kW)
$2.74
$2.74
Residential Grid Access Charge (GAC)
1/1/2027 RATE
$45.00
$50.65
$0.09452
$0.11677
Residential
General Service 1-Phase GAC
CURRENT RATE
GAC kWh General Service 1-Phase GAC
$42.50
$49.45
kWh
$0.10599
$0.11893
$32.00
$39.84
On Peak kWh
$0.16607
$0.21255
GAC
$33.00
$38.18
Off Peak kWh
$0.04185
$0.03519
kWh
$0.11132
$0.11280
Demand (kW)
$6.92
$6.92
GAC
$48.90
$51.87
$54.32
kWh
$0.11247
No Longer Offered Transition to TOUD
CURRENT RATE
1/1/2027 RATE
GAC Distribution Demand
$231.15
$242.06
$10.25
$11.85
General Service 3-Phase GAC On Peak kWh
$0.15520
$0.20602
Off Peak kWh
$0.04185
$0.03519
Demand (kW)
$8.00
$9.48
Irrigation 1-Phase
Irrigation 1-Phase
Irrigation 3-Phase
LARGE POWER
$33.00
$40.66
Generation Demand
$16.01
TBD
On Peak kWh
$0.16383
$0.19011
Transmission Demand
$11.86
TBD
Off Peak kWh
$0.04185
$0.03519
kWh
$0.03361
TBD
Demand (kW)
$6.85
$6.85
1/1/2027 RATE
$50.92
TRANSMISSION SERVICE
CURRENT RATE
$48.90
GAC
Irrigation 3-Phase GAC On Peak kWh
$0.14019
$0.18815
$1,553.00
$0.04185
$0.03519
GAC Distribution Demand
$1,483.15
Off Peak kWh
$1.09
$1.09
Demand (kW)
$8.00
$9.48
Generation Demand
$16.01
TBD
Transmission Demand
$11.86
TBD
Meter Tampering Fee $250.00
Colorado Country Life
$350.00
kWh $0.03361 Large Power and Transmission Service Generation and Transmission Demand and Energy charges are set annually using a formula.
TBD
October 2026
7
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
MONTHLY CALENDAR AND CO-OP PHOTO CONTEST WINNER October 9 – EEA board meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at 23999 Road L.4, Cortez, CO. The agenda is posted 10 days in advance of the meeting at eea.coop. Members may attend in person or remotely. Instructions to attend remotely are included on the agenda. October 31 – Halloween
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AT THE STATE CAPITOL! As an Empire Electric Association member, your perspective is vital to shaping Colorado’s energy future. That’s why our statewide association, the Colorado Rural Electric Association, is launching Colorado Electric Co-op Advocates. CECA is our dedicated grassroots network that will provide an avenue for all Colorado electric co-op members to be heard at the State Capitol. When lawmakers consider issues like wildfire policy, affordability, or reliability, CECA can keep you informed with timely updates and easy to use action alerts. During this critical time for energy policy, it is more important than ever that legislators at the state Capital hear from co-op members like you. Ready to make your voice heard? Scan the QR code to join CECA today.
Fall in the San Juans Photo by Aiden Balfour
2026 Continuing Education Scholarship Winners
Samantha Abate
Jessica Alexander
Trista Barnett
Lilly Bell Fiqueroa
Sheldon Gardner
Atticus Keel
Sarah Knezek
Brooklyn Lee
Quinn Maness
Leopold Morey
Madilynn Ritter
8 October 2026
Cambree Chamberlain Sophie Eschallier
Keira LaRose
Avery Stiegelmeyer Colorado Country Life
Illustration by Shahid Abdullah / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
FROM THE EDITOR
City / Town
Call Sign
Frequency Station Name / Notes
Aspen
KAJX
91.5 FM
Aspen Public Radio
Boulder
KGNU
88.5 FM / 1390 AM
KGNU Community Radio (also serves Denver)
Carbondale
KDNK
88.1 FM
KDNK Community Radio
Colorado Springs
KEPC / KRCC
89.7 FM / 91.5 FM
KEPC College Radio& KRCC Public Radio
Cortez
KSJD
91.5 FM
Community Radio for the Four Corners
Crested Butte
KBUT
90.3 FM
KBUT Community Radio
Denver
KUVO
89.3 FM
KUVO Public Jazz & Community Radio
Fort Collins
KRFC
88.9 FM
Radio Fort Collins (Volunteer Community Radio)
Grand Junction
KAFM
88.1 FM
Grand Valley Community Radio
Ignacio
KSUT
91.3 FM
Southern Ute Tribal & Public Radio
Manitou Springs
KCME
88.7 FM
KCME Classical & Community Radio
Paonia
KVNF
90.9 FM
Mountain Community Radio
Parachute
KDBN
101.1 FM
KSUN Community Radio
Salida
KHEN
106.9 FM
KHEN Low-Power Community Radio
Silverton
KSJC-LP
92.5 FM
Silverton Community Radio
Telluride
KOTO
91.7 FM
Telluride Community Radio
Dialed inunity to Comm G By Kylee Coleman Editor
rowing up in a Front Range suburban community gave me access to only radio and television media that was commercialized. Before we had a car with a cassette tape player, the radio was always tuned to music, sports, or news. I have fond memories of listening to CU Buffs and Broncos football games on AM sports radio with my dad in the car or at home while he was tinkering in the garage. When Sharon Sullivan pitched a story about community radio, I had no idea that there were so many independent, noncommercial, and volunteer-driven radio stations across Colorado. Many are mentioned in her story on page 14, but due to space limitations, we couldn’t list them all. So, here is the full list of Colorado’s independent community radio stations. If you are not in one of these broadcasting areas, many of these stations offer a livestream online; check them out and find out what’s happening in some rural Colorado communities. Happy listening!
Monthly Giveaway Are you determined to get organized in 2027? Read Mary Peck’s advice on page 10 and enter to win this wire-bound paper planner. It has a weekly and monthly overview for January to December 2027. To enter our monthly contest, visit us online at coloradocountrylife.coop and navigate to the Monthly Giveaway page. Need another way to enter this giveaway? Send a postcard to 2027 Planner, 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, phone number, and the name of your electric cooperative. Contest ends October 20. Colorado Country Life
October 2026
9
AT HOME
Fall Into a Routine
F
all is in full swing! With activities and events, school, and year-end work projects filling our calendars now, the fall season is a natural time to hit the reset button and take charge of your schedule. Structuring your days can boost productivity, reduce stress, and actually free up more time by helping you set boundaries and focus on priorities.
METHODS AND TECHNIQUES There are countless methods and theories for managing time. Are you prone to procrastination? Try the Eat That Frog method of committing to finishing your toughest task before starting any others. The famous Pomodoro technique of focusing deeply on a single task for 25 minutes before taking a break also helps fight distraction and is especially good for students. A traditional time-blocking technique — dividing the day into chunks of time for one specific task at a time — can help you focus and fight the tendency to multitask. TOOLS AND RESOURCES Planners and organizers are essential tools for managing time and can deliver added benefits like enhanced mindfulness and goal tracking. Digital varieties are convenient and can sync across devices and can be quickly updated when plans change. Cloud-based calendars can be shared, allowing others to see appointments, and they’re good for collaboration, repeating tasks, and reminders. Paper planners are as popular as ever and offer a more tactile way to manage your time. Writing things
10 October 2026
down can make your plans feel more personal and easier to recall, and they can help you focus on tasks without digital distractions. Paper organizers come in a huge variety of styles, sizes, and layout options, including options that are fully customizable. A hybrid system combines the best of both. You might use a digital calendar to keep track of appointments, meetings, and reminders, for example, while using a paper planner to write down daily checklists, goals, or personal notes. THE BIGGER PICTURE It bears mentioning that among life’s many tasks and to-do lists, an intentional focus on how you choose to spend your very valuable time is an important part of time management. In his best-selling book Four Thousand Weeks, Oliver Burkeman offers a fresh take on the topic, noting that “the real measure of any time management technique is whether it helps you neglect the right things.” Time is a precious resource indeed; aligning yours with your priorities will help ensure it is well spent. Mary Peck connects Coloradans with practical tips, ideas, and information to help them prosper.
Colorado Country Life
Leaves photo by Yulia Toropina / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
By Mary Peck
ENERGY EXPERT
Seal Ductwork for Savings By Miranda Boutelle
A
round 20% to 30% of the air you pay to heat or cool is lost through leaks, holes, or poorly installed ductwork in the average home, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This results in wasted energy and uncomfortable homes, regardless of the thermostat setting. Properly sealing ducts can reduce wasted energy by delivering conditioned air where you want it inside the home. If you have a room that is cold in winter and hot in summer, the culprit might be a leaky or disconnected duct. Duct sealing also improves indoor air quality. Leaking return ducts can pull air from the spaces they run through, such as attics and crawl spaces. You don’t want to breathe in dirt, dust, and insulation. If you have gas appliances, such as a gas water heater, dryer, or furnace, leaking return ducts can inadvertently cause back draft, introducing combustion gases back into the home instead of outdoors where they belong. You can seal ducts yourself or hire a professional. For a do-it-yourself approach, start with a visual inspection to determine your duct type. Most homes have flexible or metal ducts. Metal ductwork comes in various shapes and sizes, including round and rectangular, and with various options for turns and connections. Ducts should be insulated when they run through unconditioned spaces, such as crawl spaces, attics, and garages. If your metal ducts are insulated, you must remove the insulation to properly seal them, then reinsulate. Flexible ducts typically have an inner and outer layer with insulation in between. The inner layer is made of bendable plastic reinforced with wire. The outer layer holds the insulation in place. The inner liner in flexible ducts can become brittle over time, cracking easily and causing leaks. If your inner liner is in bad shape, replace the flexible duct. Check for any obvious disconnections, gaps, extra bends, or sagging ducts. Improve airflow by using short, straight, taut runs. Metal ductwork should be fastened together at each joint using sheet metal screws. Make sure your ducts are properly supported to keep the joints from separating over time. For flexible ducts, use Panduit straps. These are heavy-duty nylon zip ties that offer long-term durability and a tensioning tool specifically designed to tighten them. Colorado Country Life
When it comes to sealing ducts, use products designed for the job. Seal every joint and seam using duct-sealing mastic — a thick paste that can be applied with a paintbrush or gloved hand. When it dries, mastic creates a flexible, airtight seal, eliminating duct leakage. Use mesh tape to bridge larger gaps before applying mastic. Remove register covers inside the home to seal the joints and seams there. You also want a good seal where the duct meets drywall or flooring.
A side-by-side comparison shows where to apply mesh tape and sealant to close gaps around metal ducts. Photo by Miranda Boutelle
In easier-to-reach areas, you can opt to use UL-listed foil-backed tape designed for ductwork. Do not use duct tape. Fluctuations in temperature cause the adhesive to fail. Duct sealing is messy, so make sure to protect yourself and your home. Use drop cloths to protect flooring. Metal tape and the edges of metal ducts are sharp, so put on coated work gloves underneath nitrile or latex disposable gloves. To protect your arms, wear a long-sleeve shirt tucked into your gloves. After air sealing, have an HVAC professional test the airflow during your next annual maintenance visit. If you don’t feel comfortable doing the work, hire a professional. Most companies that install ductwork or heating and cooling systems can also seal ducts. It takes a little elbow grease and some planning, but sealing your ductwork is worth the effort — it gives you peace of mind that your home is not wasting energy or introducing unhealthy air into your living space. Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company. She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home.
October 2026
11
FEATURE STORY
Photo by yanyong / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
ON AIR
Local Frequency, Local Voice Community, grassroots radio stations offer hyperlocal content, no commercials By Sharon Sullivan
Y
public affairs. Additionally, community stations often ou never know what you’ll find when you offer a wide variety of music genres and report local listen to KAFM Community Radio’s Kitchen news; although KAFM just plays music, and KAJX Sink program aired Fridays at noon. Listenairs only news, except in the summer when the station ers call in to the radio station seeking to sell, broadcasts the Sunday afternoon concert live each barter, or purchase items; promote yard sales; or talk week from the Aspen Music Festival. about special events and other matters. And while no At KVNF Mountain Grown Community Radio in one yet has offered up a kitchen sink, a set of kitchen Paonia, listeners tune in — dependcabinets have changed hands. ing on the hour and day — to “We incorporate everything — bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, roots, jazz, that’s why we call it the Kitchen punk rock, Americana, country, new Sink,” said co-host Suzi Radosevich age, or classical music. A children’s (known on air as Suzi Creme Cheeze). music and story time show, Pot of A few years ago, a man called in to Gold, is on Saturday mornings, and a say he was looking for a girlfriend, Native American music program airs Radosevich recalled. “We actually Sunday afternoons. had someone respond to that; she “Most content originates here called in later during the program,” and is run by volunteers,” said KVNF Radosevich said. “We exchanged their General Manager Ashley Krest. numbers. Two or three months later “That’s the community model we the couple called in to say they were operate on.” together and it was our fault.” They As the Worm Turns is a popular ended up marrying. Grand Junction’s KAFM Kitchen KVNF show hosted by Jill Spears, Colorado’s Western Slope is home Sink program co-host Suzi Radosevich talks with a listener. featuring local organic gardening to a number of locally owned and Photo courtesy of KAFM experts Lance Swigart and Lulu operated noncommercial community Volckhausen. The trio interviews radio stations — including KVNF in guests, shares stories, and answers call-in gardening Paonia, KOTO in Telluride, KSJD in Cortez, KHEN in questions. “We venture out of the studio and spend Salida, KAJX in Aspen, and KAFM in Grand Junctime with local farmers and gardeners touring their tion. Community radio stations also broadcast from Durango, Crested Butte, Ignacio, and elsewhere — and plots and land and then bring those sounds and conversations to the listeners,” Spears said. while there’s no formal definition of what makes a Swigart is known regionally for growing 90% of station “community radio,” they tend to be indepenhis food from seed he’s saved. He ruefully remembers dent, staffed with volunteer DJs, and focused on local
12 October 2026
Colorado Country Life
FEATURE STORY Unlike other community stations, Aspen Public advising listeners to talk to “old-time gardeners in your neighborhood” for gardening ideas, then realized, Radio, with primary FM frequencies of 91.5 KAJX in Aspen and 88.9 KCJX in Carbondale, does not “That’s us — we’re old-time gardeners.” typically broadcast music, only news and information. Since it began broadcasting 15 years ago, As the In addition to its daily award-winning local news Worm Turns has acquired a loyal following, with a service, the station launched a new group of listeners tuning in new initiative in March 2025, each year. “It keeps growing,” called Women’s Desk, to focus on Swigart said. The program airs women’s voices by “bringing their every Wednesday, from 5-6 p.m. perspectives and experiences to Music and other types of our local reporting efforts,” Richshows reflect the interests of ardson said. the volunteer programmers and In Paonia, KVNF’s award-winthe communities they serve. ning Regional Newscast is aired In Salida, at KHEN Free Range twice a day for 10 minutes. “It’s Radio, a local woman with a not long, but it’s certainly importpassion for tango dancing curates ant to people; it’s an anchor to a show featuring tango music. A what’s happening,” said Krest. program titled Bacon, Lubbock “Otherwise we’re in a news and Tomato Sandwich is inspired desert for daily news that’s not by the music originating from television.” Lubbock, Texas — songs by While volunteer DJs play the legendary late singer-songPaonia’s KVNF “As the Worm Turns” program host Jill Spears (center) with music throughout the week, writer Guy Clark, for example. local organic gardening experts Lance KSJD radio in Cortez employs Another volunteer DJ plays Swigart and Lulu Volckhausen. a full-time news director and recordings of live music perforPhoto courtesy of KVNF. a half-time reporter to cover mances in Salida. municipal government, elections, crime, and other A Salida resident who’s originally from Kurdisissues. Its Farm News and Views program has aired for tan hosts a program featuring Kurdish music. Before 20 years, with host Bob Bragg spotlighting the local ag he became a volunteer programmer — DJ Rama — KHEN staff had interviewed him for its We Are Chaffee community as a lens for exploring important ag issues like food systems, land use, water, and drought, said podcast. Rama talked about growing up in Turkey Tom Yoder, executive director of KSJD. “It’s an inforwhere Kurdish music was banned, recalled KHEN mative way for people to learn what’s going on locally Executive Director Lisa Ledwith. “We’re here for and globally,” he said. anyone in Chaffee County,” Ledwith said. In the tiny town of Telluride, KOTO has prioritized its local news coverage since day one, said KOTO HYPERLOCAL NEWS Executive Director Cara Pallone. Reporting on school board and city council meetings KOTO was also the main hub for information plus other local happenings is a priority for most during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were considered Colorado community radio stations. Many stations essential workers and we stayed on the air,” Pallone also carry syndicated national and international said. “We had the most up-to-date information from news from organizations like National Public Radio city and state officials. We were the crisis communicaand the BBC. Additionally, community radio serves as an import- tions headquarters for COVID. We are, at our core, an emergency alert system.” ant source for emergency alerts and up-to-date inforTelluride is renowned for its various music festimation regarding road closures, bear sightings, and vals held in Town Park. KOTO simulcasts Telluride’s wildfire evacuation notices. annual bluegrass and jazz music festivals on site so “Emergency preparedness is a huge part of our that residents can listen to the concerts from home. service,” said Breeze Richardson, executive director “We look at it as a service to those who have to work of Aspen Public Radio, an independently owned and or can’t afford the tickets,” Pallone said. “People can operated station serving the Roaring Fork Valley. “We listen from their porches from anywhere in the world can stay on-air during fire evacuations via generators [by streaming]. It’s an amazing service.” and propane tanks.” continued on page 14 Colorado Country Life
October 2026
13
FEATURE STORY continued from page 13
Community radio stations also share regional NO COMMERCIALS stories with one another. Rocky Mountain CommuNonprofit radio stations fund their operations through nity Radio is a volunteer collaborative coalition of grants, membership drives, and underwriting by local 21 noncommercial radio stations in Colorado, New businesses. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming (17 are in Colorado), was defunded last year, so community and public which has been sharing content for more than stations lost a significant portion of their funding. 40 years. Each station reflects the unique and Community stations in Colorado are hoping to make diverse nature of their own commuup some of that loss through nity through local reporting, increased listenership and underculturally relevant music, and public writing from local businesses. affairs programming, according to “Business underwriting signals its website. to listeners that this local business “We [RMCR] employ a managsupports the mission of community ing editor and share content with broadcasting,” said Serah Mead, one another,” said Richardson, director of member engagement who, in addition to directing Aspen with the National Federation of Public Radio, is president of the Community Broadcasters. “Some coalition. “We jointly employ a fullcompanies underwrite simply time climate reporter.” because they care about commuGrand Junction’s KAFM chose nity radio; others recognize a lot of CMU’s Haley Hahn (left) interviews not to broadcast news programs, people listen and they want them to Julia Crocetto, Lecturer of Art and Design at Colorado Mesa focusing instead on music and learn about their business.” University for a segment aired on promoting local nonprofits, when it In May, Colorado lawmakers KAFM community radio. was established in 1999, said KAFM passed a state budget that included Photo by Tanya Marchun Executive Director Betty Ries. “It a footnote requiring state agencies was mostly to set themselves apart,” since syndithat receive appropriations for marketing, advertising, cated news programs like NPR — for which stations and public outreach prioritize spending the appropripay to subscribe — were already available at other ated money with Colorado media outlets, which could stations, she said. help bolster local radio stations. “Music tends to bring us all together,” she said. “Less and less media is locally based, or only Ries previously worked at a Denver network that publishes once a week,” Yoder said. “We have supplied country music and oldies programming to that amazing ability to get on the air waves — at a various radio stations. After moving to Grand Juncmoment’s notice — to talk about evacuation notices, tion, she was fascinated to discover KAFM’s programa road closure, wildfires. One of the biggest values of ming model, which emphasizes new artists and a wide community radio is that it’s locally produced, owned, range of music. and operated. We keep our eyes and ears open on “Most [commercial] stations play one genre,” Ries what’s going on in the community.” said. “Here, it’s different all the time. I had not seen Tune in to a community station near you or that before. It’s what I imagined radio was supposed stream from anywhere in the world to find out what’s to be. KAFM is the only radio station in Grand Junchappening in Colorado. tion where you can listen to jazz or Celtic music plus Sharon Sullivan is an award-winning Grand Junction-based journalist. other genres depending on the time of day.” Her work has appeared in Colorado Newsline, The Colorado Sun, The Colorado Mesa University Community Relations and Communications Manager Haley Hahn (right) interviews CMU colleagues Carl Smith (middle left) and Mathias Mulumba (left) during a segment produced by KAFM’s Jeff “Coach” Schuldener (middle right). Photo by Tanya Marchun
14 October 2026
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, Cornerpost.org, and other publications.
Colorado Country Life
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INDUSTRY
Concern for Community in Action By Jim Hight
L
ast month, we looked at the basic structure of an electric cooperative, a not-for-profit utility owned by its members and governed by a member-elected board. We explored how this governance model — reflecting the Democratic Member Control principle — shapes every aspect of a co-op’s operations. And we looked at how the Cooperation Among Cooperatives principle is put into action by co-ops when they mobilize to help a sister co-op recover from a fire or other disaster. This month — which happens to be National Co-op Month — we’ll dig into how co-ops breathe life into other cooperative principles: Education, Training, and Information and Concern for Community.
CO-OP DIRECTORS VALUE EDUCATION AND TRAINING Running an electric cooperative is a complex endeavor where the stakes are often high, and the challenges are constantly evolving. “The electricity business is complicated, and major shifts are going on now, such as the transition from fossil fuels and the growth of electric vehicles,” said former Sangre de Cristo Electric Association board member Jeff Fiedler. (Fiedler now works as associate director for regulatory policy for the Colorado Energy Office, but he spoke to Colorado Country Life as a private citizen, not representing his employer.) “As board members, we need to understand what’s going on in the larger realm of the electric power world, including policies from the Colorado legislature and federal government,” echoed Bryan Ehrlich, a
16 October 2026
A Mountain View Electric Association linecrew and board member Jim Riggins (second from left) bring electricity to a home on Navajo Nation as part of Light Up Navajo. Photo courtesy of MVEA
board member of Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association since 2018. And in addition to the power grid’s complexity and shifting state and federal policies, co-ops are contending with growing risks, especially in cybersecurity. “There’s a real need to invest more in robust cybersecurity,” said Jim Riggins, a director of Mountain View Electric Association. “We’ve seen small rural co-ops hacked by nation-states, so we know this is not theoretical.” Co-op directors receive extensive training on issues like this as well as their everyday operational, financial, and management responsibilities. “I was amazed by the level of training I received as a board member,” said Fiedler, crediting the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Colorado Rural Electric Association, and Tri-State Generation and Transmission for providing rigorous training. But if co-op directors had a wish list, at or near the top would be more engagement and participation from their member-consumers. “I wish more of our members had a better understanding of what it takes to deliver electricity to them,” said Ehrlich. “Educated and engaged members make the co-op stronger.” To foster more member engagement, PVREA and other co-ops get creative with public events and outreach. San Isabel Electric Association hauls its own food trailer to various locations throughout its Colorado Country Life
INDUSTRY service territory to serve free hot dogs to members. “The free hot dog days create informal opportunities for members to ask questions and share feedback about their electric service in a relaxed atmosphere,” board president Jacque Sikes said. Morgan County REA holds a member appreciation picnic every June, with staff cooking and hosting. A main attraction at this event and others hosted by MCREA is the show put on by linemen using the co-op’s electric safety demonstration trailer. “They’ll draw an arc flash from the energized wire, showing how powerful electricity is,” said Maddie Pollart, manager of member services. “It’s very loud and bright, capturing the attention of the audience. It really is shocking, so to speak, driving home messages about avoiding downed power lines and never tampering with electric equipment.” RATE CHANGES RAMP UP NEED FOR EDUCATION For many cooperatives, education priorities encompass more than teaching people how to stay safe around electricity. Several Colorado co-ops have implemented or are implementing new rate structures that adjust costs to their consumer-members depending on when they use electricity. While these changes are the result of careful studies and in-depth discussion by co-op leaders, they can be hard for members to understand and adapt to. “To make this as easy as possible for members, our staff began a major education and outreach effort many months ago,” Riggins said. Outreach includes a series of town hall meetings, articles in this magazine, a smartphone app, and other methods. “We want members to feel they’re empowered to have more control over what they’re spending on electricity, and education is key to that,” Riggins commented. CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY — NEAR AND FAR Aside from serving consumer-members with reliable, affordable electricity, co-ops also serve their communities with scholarship funds, community donations, space for public meetings, and many other ways — all putting the Concern for Community principle to work. Mountain View Electric, for example, offers Operation Round Up, a co-op program in which members opt in to have their bill rounded up to fund a giving program. A member’s contribution “comes out to about $9 or $10 a year at the most,” said Joe Martin, an MVEA board member for almost 40 years. “In addition to local nonprofits, the independent Round Up board also donates to individuals in need.” Scholarship programs are also common at co-ops. Grand Valley Power, for example, uses unclaimed capital credits (explained next month in part three of this series) to help fund scholarships for students pursuing college, technical education, or lineworker training. For one longtime scholarship committee member, giving is as rewarding as receiving. “It helps me feel more a part of the community,” said Ruby McCall, a retired educator who has worked on GVP’s scholarship committee for 11 years. Concern for community can also extend far beyond a co-op’s own service territory. For the past three years, MVEA has sent volunteer linecrews to participate in Light Up Navajo, an effort by electric power utilities to extend electricity to homes on Navajo Nation. MVEA board member Jim Riggins and four MVEA linemen were deeply moved last summer when they watched an 80-year-old Navajo couple cry with joy as they turned on an electric light in their home for the first time. “Our rough-and-rugged linemen also started tearing up when they witnessed the results of their work,” Riggins said. And that work was anything but sentimental. Temperatures reached 102 degrees. Some pole holes took more than three hours to drill through solid rock. Crews worked 13-hour days. Yet they kept going. “We’re going to finish this job,” Riggins recalled the linemen saying.
A Morgan County REA lineman performs a high-voltage demonstration at the co-op’s member picnic. Photo courtesy of MCREA
San Isabel Electric Association’s food truck serves free hot dogs to members.
A Navajo Nation resident gets electricity at home for the first time. Photo courtesy of MVEA
Jim Hight is a writer, research analyst, and consultant based in Buena Vista. Colorado Country Life
October 2026
17
RECIPE
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Recipe courtesy of Cookin’ Savvy
O
n those nights when you’re too busy to think about cooking, let a one-pan dish do the work for you. Customize this cheesy spinach chicken bake to your family’s liking and use broccoli or cauliflower in place of spinach, if desired. After a quick prep, let it bake while finishing homework with the kids or wrapping up a load of laundry.
INGREDIENTS 2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken 10 oz frozen spinach (or broccoli or cauliflower), thawed and drained 15 oz ricotta cheese 2 cups mozzarella cheese 1 cup Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp Italian seasoning 1 tbsp garlic powder 1 tbsp onion powder 1 tbsp lemon thyme
INSTRUCTIONS Heat oven to 375°F. Cut rotisserie chicken and spinach into bite-sized pieces. In a 9″× 13″ baking dish, mix chicken and spinach with ricotta cheese. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon thyme. Mix well then bake for 30 minutes. Servings: 4-6
18 October 2026
Colorado Country Life
Spirituality
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COOPERATIVE
STUDENT ART CONTEST LAST CHANCE TO ENTER!
Your artwork could appear in an issue of Colorado Country Life magazine and you could win up to $200! ELIGIBILITY • Colorado public, private, or homeschooled students in kindergarten through 12th grade during the 2026–2027 school year are eligible to participate.
PRIZES • A first and second place artist will be selected for four grade divisions: K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th, and 9th-12th. • A Best of Show will be selected from among the winners and will be awarded an additional $100.
DETAILS AND DEADLINE • A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available online at coloradocountrylife.coop. • Artwork must be postmarked by October 23, 2026.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION Publication Title: COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE; Publication No.: 469-400; Filing Date: September 23, 2026; Issue Frequency: Monthly; No. of Issues Published Annually: 12; Annual Subscription Price: $7.27; Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor Publisher: Thomas Walch, 455 S. Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 802263453; Editor: Kylee Coleman, 455 S. Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80226-3453; Managing editor: Not applicable; 10. Owner Full Name: Colorado Rural Electric Association; Complete Mailing Address: 455 S. Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80226-3453; Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has not changed during preceding 12 months. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). Cassi Gloe, Director of Communications 09/23/2026
20 October 2026
Extent and nature of circulation A.
Total number of copies printed (net press run)
B.
Paid and/or requested circulation 1. Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions
Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date
183,625
184,187
182,847
183,389
2. Paid in-county mail subscriptions
0
0
3. Other non-USPS paid distribution
556
543
4. Other classes mailed through USPS C.
Total paid circulation (total B1 through B4)
D.
Free or nominal rate distribution by mail
E.
Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months
0
0
183,403
183,932 85
1. Outside-county copies
83
2. In-county copies
0
0
3. Other classes mailed through USPS
0
0
4. Other classes mailed outside USPS
139
170
Total free or nominal rate distribution (sum of D1 through D4)
222
255
183,625
184,187
F.
Total distribution (sum of C & E)
G.
Copies not distributed
H. I.
Total (sum of F & G) — should equal net press run shown in A Percent paid circulation
J.
Electronic copy circulation a. Paid electronic copies b. Total paid print copies + paid electronic copies
0
0
183,625
184,187
99.88%
99.86%
0
0
183,403
183,932
c. Total print distribution + paid electronic copies
183,625
184,187
d. Percent paid (both print and electronic copies)
99.88%
99.86%
Colorado Country Life
THE FIND
Local Teas for a Cozy Morning By Jacey Blue Renner
F
Product photos courtesy of each tea company. Heading photo courtesy of Shannon Ullmann, Elevation Mountain Grown Herbal Tea.
rom family room to campsite, tea always has a place. Warming by the hearth, steeping by the kettle, or sharing with neighbors and friends, tea has been central to friendships and wellness for centuries. Whether it’s an afternoon high tea you’re after or a daily morning ritual, as October ushers in autumn, reach teas from these local makers to warm even the coldest Colorado moments. From Hotchkiss to Alamosa, Crawford to Basalt, find your perfect flavor to pair with a favorite book, a dear friend, or enjoy as you watch the colorful fall foliage.
NORDIC FOX FARM – CRAWFORD Founded by homesteaders Mike and Sara Neil, the off-grid 42-acre Nordic Fox Farm creates seasonal small-batch products. Try the Green Spiral Tea for allergy relief, Winter Wellness, a perfect staple for cold and flu season, or the Empress Tarot Tea, infused with florals and peach, elevating the grayest of days. Stop by their farm shop in Hotchkiss, find them at the Ridgway and Palisade Farmers Markets, or shop nordicfoxfarm.com to find your perfect tea-match. Bonus: consider listening to an episode of their Tending Seeds Podcast. Colorado Country Life
ELEVATION MOUNTAIN GROWN HERBAL TEA – HOTCHKISS TWO LEAVES AND A BUD – BASALT Two Leaves and a Bud, despite sourcing their teas from around the world, has long had Colorado roots. Founded in 2003 by Richard Rosenfeld and headquartered in Basalt, Two Leaves offers extensive varieties of organic teas in compostable sachets. Try their signature herbal blend Alpine Berry, the Organic Mountain High Chai, or a classic Organic Earl Grey. Build your tea wish list at twoleavestea.com.
Owner Shannon Ullmann founded Elevation Mountain Grown Herbal Tea Farm in 2015 in Colorado’s West Elk Mountains to give more time back to her family. The farm grows both memories and herbs, offering teas, you-pick flower and berry days, and annual events. Try the Filoha Meadows Blend if you love a lavender infusion or the Grizzly Creek Blend when carving out calmer moments. Consider a visit to the farm or visit elevationherbaltea.com for the full catalog of teas.
October 2026
21
READER PHOTOS
Southeast Colorado Power Association members Rich and Linda Jensen take CCL with them on an Alaskan cruise tour and snap a shot at McKinley Princess Lodge.
Sangre de Cristo Electric members Judi Hurley and Todd Rodas take time to read their copy of CCL during a bike trip around Mackinac Island, Michigan.
The Compton family, San Isabel Electric members, tour the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, with their Colorado Country Life magazine.
Mountain View Electric Association member Jean Foran brings CCL to admire the use of electricity in Versailles.
Randy and Tena McElvain, Mountain View Electric Association members, bring the magazine to cheer on the Rockies playing the Cardinals in St. Louis.
PACK. Show us your SNAP. adventures with the magazine SHARE. for a chance
WIN!
Daniel and Anita Fernandez, Empire Electric Association members, stop in Nome, Alaska, and snap a photo with their magazine. Alaska is Dan’s 50th state visited during his lifetime.
to win $25.
Upload your photo with CCL at coloradocountrylife.coop. Find more reader photos on Facebook @COCountryLife and Instagram @cocountrylife.
Grand Valley Power member Roger McWilliams snaps a photo with his copy of CCL at Tinto Hill in Scotland.
22 October 2026
Larry Painter, a Mountain View Electric Association member, visits Golden Falls with his copy of CCL while touring Iceland. Colorado Country Life
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