Co-op Comments
Successful 86th Annual Meeting
REC's 86th Annual Meeting had 712 members who either drove through or came in-person to REC's Multi-Purpose Center. For members who drove through the MPC parking lot or came in-person on Saturday, each present member during registeration received a $25 bill credit, entered for the prize drawings, voted and received their registration gift.
Members who attended on Saturday, enjoyed entertainment from Zach Ray and learned more about the Cooperative from the different booths inside. During the business meeting, members heard from Board President, Gary Jones and CEO, Dusty Ricks about the overall wellbeing of the Cooperative and what the Cooperative is doing to keep costs affordable.
REC members approved the re-election of three Board of Trustees' during the registration process. Re-elected for a three-year term were: Gary Jones, District
One, Office One; Terri Hays, District Two, Office One and Randy Griswold, District Three, Office One. 951805
Winners for the 75, $75 gift certificates for electricity include: Katty Sims, William E. Large, Destini J. Doan, Gary W. Fritz, Mike Somers, Jacob Dudgeon, Keith O’Brien, Cleta I. McClure, Philip N. Chivers, William D. Walker, Cindy C. Horn, Larissa G. James, Jerry D. Tucker, Gary D. Johnson, Rick Utzig, Rodney Smith, Nadine Kennedy, Coy Talbott, Larry Winn, Leschen A. Nye, Meredith A. Beam, Gary E. House, Larry J. Tuck, William E. Mullendore, John Qualls, Joe C. Terrell, Hermelinda Colunga, Christopher C. Carnell, Janice C. Wilson, Terry D. Adams, Lynn Holt, John D. St. Martin, Tracey L. Nelson, Kent Moore, Rickey D. Billinglsey, Pam G. Adams, Gail Beam, Aaron A. Grooms, Donna K. Martin, HowLit Company, Linda E. McDaniel, Rodney
R. Woods, Teddy Davis, Ray F. Hart, Jerry G. Harrison, David R. Kennedy, Cletis E. James Jr., James A. Byrd, Eugene James, William A. Clift, Jay W. Earp, Michael R. Nelson, Earl Henderson, Ronnie Bridwell, Monica L. Kleinsasser, James M. Shelton, Steven E. Cruse, Bill L. Jordan, Marcia L. Gochenaur, Mike D. Etheridge, C.F. Reeves, Bonnie J. Roy, Michael K. Somers, Kathy D. Singleton, Michelle M. Perry, Molly E. Simonton, Bill L. Russell, Bert L. Fourier, Lindsay Two-Way, Charles Nelson, James B. Rego, Nannette J. Burrows, Kelly L. Robison, Tommy Jordan and Keri Joyce. The three grand prize winners of the $500 gift certificates for electricity include: Dan Teel, James R. McGee and James R. Cade. The 18 volt cordless portable leaf blower provided by Western Farmers Electric Cooperative went to Amanda Carroll. The two childrens' bikes went to: Harper Wilson from Purcell and Asher Todd from Lindsay.
The season of giving
As the holiday season approaches and the air turns crisp, we are reminded this truly is the season of giving. It is a time for gratitude, generosity and looking out for one another—and at Rural Electric, this is something we take to heart year-round.
You have probably heard us talk about our concern for community. It is not just a nice phrase—it is one of the core principles making electric cooperatives like ours different from other utilities. We are not just here to keep the lights on (though of course, we are always working hard to do so). We are here to make life better for the people we serve—our members, our neighbors and our friends.
Over the years, we have faced challenges together, and every time, our Co-op family has stepped up. We have come together to support those in need, to keep our community strong and to build something better for the future. The spirit of generosity is never more evident than during the holiday season.
Take our Operation Round-Up program, for example. Thanks to the generosity of
members like you who round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar, we are able to provide real help to local families who are struggling to make ends meet. Every little bit adds up—and it makes a big difference.
We are also proud to support local students through the Youth Tour program, where we send some of our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C., to see democracy in action and dream big about their futures. Also being able to send students to Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. As well as students to Energy Camp to learn more about cooperatives. In addition to providing scholarships to local high school seniors to help with continuing education expense. That is giving in the most meaningful way—by investing in tomorrow’s leaders. We believe knowledge is a gift—and we love sharing it.
You will also find our team out in the community beyond work—coaching youth sports, volunteering at local events, serving on non-profit boards, and partnering with our Chamber of Commerce to keep our local economy strong. When you are part of a co-op, giving back is not a requirement— it is just what you do.
While the holiday season is a festive time, we understand these can be tough times for many. If you need advice on saving energy to reduce your energy bills, want to explore payment plan options or you simply have questions—please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help, not just during the holiday season, but all year long.
At REC, we believe concern for community is more than a value—it is the heart of who we are. And during this season of giving, we are especially grateful to be part of such a caring, generous community.
From all of us at REC, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, safe and bright holiday season.
November 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
Darren Townley, CFO
Linda Ray, Manager of Staff Development
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
Classified Advertisement
MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE: Dresser, mirror and nightstand $120, china hutch $175. PH:405-222-8391.
Classified Ads
are FREE to REC members to post non-commercial items. Deadline for ads is the 8th of every month. Call the Member Services Dept. at 405-756-3104 ext. 238.
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
With the holiday season approaching and more time spent in the kitchen, consider ways to save energy in the heart of your home. When possible, cook meals with smaller, energy efficient appliances, such as toaster ovens, slow cookers and air fryers. When using the range, match the size of the pan to the heating element. Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean so they reflect heat more efficiently. After your holiday meals are complete, load the dishwasher fully before starting the wash cycle.
Learn more at www.energy.gov
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.