Co-op Comments
REC donates money to rural fire departments to assist with needs
In REC’s service area, there are 24 rural fire departments with over 350 men and women volunteering their time to help protect their families, neighbors and friends. Not only do these individuals fight fires, but they also help construct buildings to house equipment, perform maintenance and work fundraisers to have the necessary money to purchase fuel and equipment to protect homes and properties in their area. These services survive because of the dedication of volunteer firefighters.
For 35 years, firefighters in REC’s service area have gathered for recognition for their efforts in protecting lives and property.
This year 17 fire departments were in attendance at the banquet and REC presented each department with a check to assist in purchasing equipment and supplies. REC’s grant program awarded $18,350 to the area departments bringing the program’s total donated funds to $470,350.
“It is important to support our local rural fire departments as they are first responders protecting our lives, businesses and property,” CEO, Dusty Ricks said. “REC’s grant program is designed to assist these departments in being better equipped to handle fires in our rural areas. The service rural fire departments provide is invaluable and we cannot thank them enough for the work they do every day.” REC recognizes the importance of the tasks these men and women perform and the obstacles they must overcome to do their jobs.
Departments receiving grants include: Acme, Alex, Bailey, Bradley, Bray, Cox City, Dibble, Doyle, Elmore City, Farwell, Katie, Lindsay, Maysville, Naples, Ninnekah, Paoli, Payne, Pernell, Purcell, Rush Creek, Rush Springs, Washington, Wayne and Wynnewood.
Collectively, the 24 departments have 359 firefighters trained to fight wildfires as well as structure fires. During 2024, the departments went on 2,961 runs.
Recently, REC recognized the 24 rural fire departments within its service area with a banquet. Pictured from left to right, bottom row: Billy Simpson, Washington; Jordan Powell, Payne; Jesse Holman, Lindsay; Jamey Meadow, Elmore City; Richard McCarty, Rush Creek; James Warren, Paoli and Senator Kendal Sacchieri. Middle row,pictured from left to right: Earl Henderson, Doyle, Representative Cindy Roe; Jesse Bearce, Farwell; Austin Smith, Bailey; Troy Patterson, Cox City and Brent Balentine, Pernell. Top row pictured from left to right: Kathy Leveridge, Wayne; Brad England, Dibble; Jeremy Caldwell, Maysville; Braxton Stringfellow, Acme and Allan Hensley, Katie.
How summer temps can impact reliability
When outdoor temperatures soar, our electricity use increases. That is because our air conditioners are running longer and more often to counteract sweltering outdoor temperatures. Factor in the use electricity at the same times - in the morning and early evenings - which equals a lot of strain on our electric grid.
At REC, we work closely with Western Farmers, our local generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative for resource and infrastructure planning to ensure you have the power you need whenever you flip a switch, but the electric grid is much larger than your local Co-op and G&T.
In summer months, when even more electricity is being used simultaneously across the country, it is possible for electricity demand to exceed supply, especially if a prolonged heat wave occurs. If this happens, which is rare, the grid operator for our region of the country may call on consumers to actively reduce their energy use or initiate rolling power outages to relieve pressure on the grid. REC will always keep you informed about these situations.
To help keep the air conditioner running for you, your family and neighbors, here are a few things you can do to relieve pressure on the grid during times of extreme summer heat:
• Select the highest comfortable thermostat setting and turn it up several degrees whenever possible. Your cooling system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temp and the outdoor temp.
o Pro tip: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping.
• Run major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers when the demand for electricity is lower.
o Pro tip: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed.
• Use ceiling fans to make yourself feel a few degrees cooler. Remember, ceiling fans cool people (not rooms), so turn them off in unoccupied rooms.
o Pro tip: During summer months, set ceiling fan blades to rotate counterclockwise, which pushes cool air down for a windchill effect.
• Close blinds, curtains and shades during the hottest part of the day to block unwanted heat gain from sunlight.
o Pro tip: Consider blackout curtains with thermal backing or reflective lining to block heat and light.
• Use smaller appliances, such as slow cookers, air fryers and toaster ovens to cook meals.
o Pro tip: Studies have shown air fryers use about half the amount of electricity than a full-sized oven. Air fryers are smaller and use focused heat, which results in faster cooking times, less heat output and lower energy use.
Understanding the impact on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply. By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme heat, not only can you save money on your electric bills, but you can also contribute to the resilience of the grid, keeping our local community cool and connected.
June 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
REC hosts art calendar contest
Recently, REC held its annual art calendar contest for students within REC’s service territory. The winning artwork submitted will be used in the calendar given to the members at REC’s 86th Annual Meeting.
Students from four schools: Dibble, Lindsay, Pauls Valley and Veritas Scholars Academy submitted 84 entries. REC received submissions from students in seventh grade through 12th.
Entries needed to include a rural electricity theme and contain the letters REC. Students were allowed to use their desired medium on an 8 ½ x 11 inch paper.
REC had local artists:Valerie Beck and Jacquelyn Knapp anonymously select the winners for the contest. Beck is a former art teacher and artist from Lindsay and Knapp is a Professor of Art and Coordinator of the Art Department at USAO in
Chickasha. The judges selected the front cover art winner along with each month's winners. The cover art winner won $100 while the individual month winners won $50 each.
The front cover art winner is Sally McPherson from Veritas Scholars Academy. Monthly calendar winners include: Zaine Cline from Lindsay, Chyanna Sparks from Pauls Valley, Bayleigh Stockwell from Lindsay, L'rae Pearson from Pauls Valley, Keira Kinney from Lindsay, Idana Navarro from Pauls Valley, Denise Spivey from Pauls Valley, Kiara Phakousonh from
Pauls Valley, Makayla Celest Cotoio from Pauls Valley, Ruby Meave from Pauls Valley, Wyatt Bratt from Pauls Valley, Isabella Hernadez from Lindsay and Mauricio Villalobos from Pauls Valley.
Sally McPherson, from Veritas Scholars Academy, is the cover art winner.
Zaine Cline, from Lindsay, is a month winner.
Lindsay art winners pictured from left to right: Isabella Hernadez, Makayla Cotoio, Keira Kinney and Bayleigh Stockwell.
Pauls Valley art winners pictured from left to right, back row: Mauricio Villalobos, Wyatt Bratt and Kiara Phakousonh. Front row: Idana Navarro, L’rae Pearson, Ruby Meave and Denise Spivey. Not pictured is Chyanna Sparks.
REC hires Kaylee Marcum
Recently, REC hired Kaylee Marcum as a Customer Service Representative. Marcum graduated from Lindsay High School in 2022 and graduated from Eastern Oklahoma State College with a degree in Animal Science and Agricultural Business.
Marcum grew up in Lindsay with her older brother and her twin brother and still lives in Lindsay today. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, being outdoors and has a small business making jewelry for the past two years.
Marcum is excited to have an opportunity to learn more about REC and help assist the members.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month
Take advantage of the warmer weather to reduce home energy use. Avoid using your oven and use a grill instead. Not only will cooking outdoors eliminate the electricity used to power the stove, but it will also avoid raising the temperature inside your home, reducing the need for additional air conditioning. You can also avoid using the oven with tasty no-bake recipes. Get creative in the kitchen and explore new ways to save energy.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
“The people and the atmosphere of REC is what drew me to want to work here,” explained Marcum. “I am excited to be at
a place where the employees have a shared since of morals and a family like feel.”
Nominating Committee will meet in June
The 2025 Nominating Committee will meet in June to select candidates for Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees. As defined in the Bylaws, the Nominating Committee will select at least three members: one from each district, as candidates for the Board of Trustees. These candidates names will appear on the official voting ballot for REC's members to vote on during Annual Meeting. 76200
The Nominating Committee is made up of three members from each of REC’s three board districts. A minimum of one representative from each district must be in attendance at the meeting to constitute a quorum and conduct business.
Guidelines for nominations and election of trustees are contained in Article Three (3), Section Seven (7) of REC’s Bylaws. Copies of Bylaws are available upon request at REC’s headquarters.
Candidates for the Board of Trustees are voted on at REC’s 86th Annual Meeting Saturday, October 4, 2025. The meeting will be held in REC’s Multi Purpose Center located north of Lindsay on State Highway 76.
Additional nominations may be submitted by petition with any 50 or more members of the Cooperative, acting together, in writing over their signatures. Any such nomination shall list the candidate’s name with necessary signatures and be filed with the Cooperative at least 120 days prior to the Annual Meeting of the Membership.
A list of candidates nominated by the Nominating Committee and by petition shall be filed in the office of the Cooperative and posted at the main entrance of the Cooperative’s headquarters in Lindsay, Oklahoma at least 90 days prior to the Annual Meeting.
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.
Kaylee Marcum