Co-op Comments
REC employees volunteer at the Special Olympics State Games
Recently, during the 2025 Special Olympics Oklahoma State Summer Games in Stillwater, REC sent three volunteers who helped with the event. REC’s employees joined 25 other Oklahoma electric cooperatives in sending 155 volunteers for this three-day event.
REC sent Senior Mechanic Jacob Trammell, Journeyman Line Worker Trey Schwabe and Journeyman Line Worker Grant Rogers. While they where volunteering their time, these employees helped on the track by keeping time for timed events, encouraging the participants and handing
out placements for the participants after the completion of their event.
This year there were more than 5,000 athletes participated in the summer games. Out of all the registered athletes 1,551 competed in track and field events.
Journeyman Line Worker, Grant Rogers (right), waits at the finish line to congratulate an athlete after completing their race.
Journeyman Line Worker, Trey Schwabe (left), high-fives an athlete after completing their race at the recent summer games.
Senior Mechanic, Jacob Trammell (left), recently volunteered at the 2025 Special Olympics Oklahoma State Summer Games.
Electric equipment responsibilities
As July rolls in with longer days and rising temperatures, it also brings the increased potential for severe weather. Summer storms can arrive quickly and hit hard, sometimes causing significant damage to essential electric equipment throughout our service territory.
Rural Electric is always prepared to respond swiftly to outages and restore power safely, but it is also important for homeowners to understand which parts of the electric system are their responsibility and which are maintained by us at the Co-op. Understanding these key differences can help speed up repairs and ensure everyone stays safe when the weather turns rough.
REC is responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment and lines running to your home, including utility poles, distribution power lines, electric meters and padmounted transformers.
REC members are responsible for the equipment located between the electric meter and their home or business, in-
cluding any underground service lines leading into the structure and the service panel. Members are also responsible for the weatherhead and service mast located outside the home.
If any equipment you (the homeowner) are responsible for is damaged, please call a licensed electrician to conduct the repairs. A professional has the experience and know-how to assess and manage these types of repairs.
When severe weather damages electrical equipment, it is important to note any necessary repairs to the homeowner’s equipment must be conducted before REC crews can restore power to your home or business. By understanding the equipment you are responsible for, the repair and restoration process will be smoother and faster.
Our community takes great pride in the beautiful trees and landscaping contributing to the natural beauty where we live, however, regular trimming is essential to ensure reliable electric service and minimize damage from severe weather. REC regularly trims trees throughout our service territory to improve service reliability. If you spot a tree limb obstructing a distribution power line outside your home, please call REC so we can trim those limbs and maintain those lines.
Any overgrown limbs or vegetation around the service line is the homeowner’s responsibility, and in these cases, please call a professional tree trimming service to assist.
By working together to understand the essential equipment powering your daily life, we can all be better prepared to start the repair and restoration process if severe weather impacts our community.
If you have any questions about your electrical equipment, we are here to help. Please contact REC at 405-756-3104 or 1-800-259-3504.
July 2025
Co-op Comments
Official publication of Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. CO-OP COMMENTS is owned, controlled and directed by Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. It is printed monthly and mailed to members in Garvin, McClain, Comanche, Stephens, Grady and Carter counties in Oklahoma.
Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. 13942 Highway 76 • P.O. Box 609
Lindsay, OK 73052
405-756-3104 • 800-259-3504
Outage Number: 855-399-2683 www.recok.coop
Board of Trustees
Gary Jones, President, District 1
Scott Christian, Vice President, District 1
Brent Bacon, Sec./Treasurer, District 1
Larry Anderson, District 2
Johnny Harrel, District 2
Terri Hays, District 2
Mark Finch, District 3
Randy Griswold, District 3
Sonny Harrison, District 3
Lisa Whitman, Attorney
Management and Staff
Dusty Ricks, Manager/CEO
Linda Ray, CFO
Kelli Lindsey, Administrative Assistant and Staff Coordinator
Elaine Gilreath, Manager of Customer Service and Data Processing
Jon Jones, Manager of Engineering
Mitch Gilreath, Manager of Information Technology Services
Eric Neill, Manager of Cyber Security and Special Projects
Megan Lawrence, Manager of Member Services and Marketing
Casey Henson, Manager of Safety and Loss Control/Facilities
Scott Henson, System Superintendent
Jason Mays, Operations Superintendent
CO-OP
Board Member Sonny Harrison earns Director Gold Credential
Recently, REC’s Board of Trustees member, Sonny Harrison received a certificate for completing his Director Gold Credential.
The Director Gold program was created to recognize directors committed to continuing their education beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate and who demonstrates their on-going commitment to advancing their knowledge.
All the director certificate programs are specifically designed to help electric cooperative directors, at every stage of their service, understand their roles and responsibilities. These programs help the directors stay-up-to-date on key issues and trends in the electric industry and prepare them to meet the challenges facing electric cooperatives today and in the future.
To earn this certificate, Harrison had to complete both the Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) and the Board Leader-
ship Certificate (BLD)and three additional credits from the BLC series of courses.
"The Director Gold Credential certificate is geared towards directors who are committed to continuing their education beyond CCD and BLC and who desire a tangible credential reinforcing their stature as part of an experienced and educated group of directors," said Dusty Ricks, CEO.
"Director Gold status demonstrates to coop members directors' ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability."
For Harrison to maintain his Director Gold certificate he will continue education requirements including earning three credits of approved course work and/or attend conferences every two years.
“I am continually encouraged by our Board's desire to learn and seek additional knowledge about the electric industry
which only makes our Cooperative better,” concludes Ricks.
Five tips everyone can use to help reduce the risks of wildfires
Wildfires are no longer confined to the western United States. Traditionally associated with dry, fire-prone regions like California, wildfires are now affecting areas in the Midwest and even parts of the Southeast.
This shift is driven by rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and changing weather patterns, which are creating conditions ripe for fires in regions that historically saw fewer of them. As a result, more communities are now facing growing threats from wildfires, prompting a need for broader awareness and preparedness nationwide. 1524300
REC is working to reduce the risk of wildfires throughout our service territory. Through regular vegetation management and grid maintenance and hardening practices, we are proactively working to
reduce risks and improve the reliability of our local system.
As a member of REC, there are steps you can take to prevent wildfires.
1. Properly extinguish campfires. Always douse your campfire with water, stir the ashes and ensure everything is cool to the touch before leaving the area.
2. Do not burn on windy days. Avoid outdoor burning when it is windy or dry, as embers can easily spread and ignite surrounding areas.
3. Clear vegetation and debris. Maintain a defensible space around your home by removing dry leaves, dead branches and other flammable materials.
4. Use equipment safely. Tools like lawnmowers or chainsaws can spark
fires. Use them during cooler times of the day and keep them in good working condition.
5. Follow local fire regulations. Always check for burn bans or restrictions in your area before burning anything or using open flames outdoors.
For more information on wildfire prevention and preparedness, visit www. redcross.org.
Sonny Harrison
Classified Advertisement
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE: 18 ft race car hauling trailer,
Account number worth $10 bill credit
Locate your account number in an article of this issue; it will be good for a $10 credit on your electric bill. To claim the prize, you must locate the account number - if the number is yours, contact REC by the 10th of the month and we will credit your account. Only the member assigned that number is eligible for the prize. If you don’t know your account number, it can be located on your electric bill.
Account Information Is your REC up-to-date?
Have you changed your phone number or email address lately? Notify REC, so we can update our information. Call our office at 405-756-3104 and make sure we have your current phone numbers and email address. When we have the most up-to-date contact information it allows us to better inform you, our members, about what is happening at REC.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
During summer months, run large appliances emitting heat such as clothes dryers and dishwashers during the evening when the outdoor temperature is lower. Running heat-emitting appliances in the evening will reduce indoor heat gain during the day when outdoor temperatures are highest and ultimately keep your air conditioner from working harder than necessary.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
purchased from Terry’s Trailer, bumper pull, wood floor with side boards, barely
used, garage kept, located in the Ratliff City area, $3,200. PH: 580-736-0893.
David Crull retires after 44 years of service
After 44 years of service, David Crull retired. Crull started in May of 1981 in REC’s line crew. Crull started as the Groundman
David Crull
and worked to become the Operations Superintendent. He served as REC’s Operations Superintendent for 19 years.
Crull is looking forward to being able to spend more time with his wife, Della of 41 years, and his family, especially his grandchildren.
“I am looking forward to being able to spend more time with my grandkids and have more time to do the activities we like to do,” adds Crull. “While I miss seeing my coworkers, I am ready for the next chapter of my life.”
Crull has seen many changes throughout his career, there is one remaining constant, the people.
“REC has a great group of people,” says Crull. “I will always remember the memories of working with all the employees throughout the years and the stories we shared together.”
Local Co-op Connection Card Deals
A-U-Store It, Purcell -
$5 off first month rent
Backroads Boutique, Lindsay5% off everything excluding special order and sale items
Best Western, Chickasha15% Off Regular Room Rate
Blue Moose Portable and Septic Services, LLC, Elmore City5% Off Septic Tank Pumping, Tent Rental and Special Event Toilet Rentals
Chickasha Diesel Services, Chickasha$50 off any big diesel oil change
Edwards Canvas, Pauls Valley - 5% Off
Jenny’s Pics Photography, Lindsay10% Off $50 or More Purchase of Pictures
Lindsay Tire and Lube, Lindsay$5 Off Any Full Service Oil Change
M & M Furniture, Chickasha10% Off Any Purchase
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery, Purcell10% Off Purchase
Photos by Ginger, Pauls Valley1 Free 8x10 Print With First Order of $25 Pharmacy Discounts -
Check out the discounts available using your Co-op Connections Card at participating pharmacies throughout our area. For a complete list of pharmacies, visit REC’s website to see if your pharmacy is offering discounts to Co-op Connections Card holders.