Issuu

Currents MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

MARCH 2023

Talk About Solar Mohave Electric Cooperative is here to help members with questions about solar Page 4 ALSO INSIDE >>

Youth Tour Students Page 25 Rate Case Update Page 32 PHOTO BY JULIA GARRINGER/MEC

FROM THE PIONEER TEAM

Rural-

Currents March 2023 • Volume 58, No. 2 ANZA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Sherri Stafford

ARIZONA’S GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVES

Magen Howard

DUNCAN VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Steven Lunt

ELECTRICAL DISTRICT NO. 2

Roselyn Bever

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Heather Foreman

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Mike Teegarden EDITOR

Victoria Hampton Currents (USPS 030-520) is published bimonthly for members for $1.23 a year, plus postage by Pioneer Utility Resources, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of four consumerowned electric utilities in Arizona and California. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2023 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. TO CONTACT CURRENTS

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133-1306 Email: info@pioneer.coop Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $8 (U.S.) per year. Prepayment required. Identify local edition desired.

Is a Wild Ride

March just might be the busiest month of the year. Between spring break, the vernal equinox, March Madness, daylight saving time, Pi day and St. Patrick’s Day, who has time to work? I’m exhausted just thinking about trying to keep up with all of these special days. My favorite of the bunch is March Madness, with Pi Day a close second, and not because I like math. While I don’t have time to follow college hoops most of the season, come tournament time, I love to make my picks and test my guessing skills against my co-workers. I have a system—I’m not sharing—that usually keeps me in the running in the office pool. And for the record, we play for pride, not money. If college hoops is your thing, check out Before You Go on page 30 for interesting facts about March Madness. Some years, March weather can also be madness. I’ve seen T-shirt weather and snow on

spring break. For committed Northwest cyclists, March is often when road training season begins. If you enjoy touring on two wheels, you might enjoy our story on page 12. You will find handy resources for planning a cycling trip of your own. Spring is also a traditional time of renewal. For some, that could mean spring cleaning or evaluating your possessions to decide what to keep or toss. Before you discard that damaged appliance or pile of clothing taking up space in the garage, perhaps they can be fixed. While you might not have the skills to tinker, others do. On page 10, we have a story about repair cafés that might interest you. Repair cafés are community-driven events where fixers and those with things that need fixing collaborate to prolong the life of household items. Thank you to those who responded to my request. Keep the ideas coming! Mike Teegarden Editorial Director

Delivery Issues: Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Pioneer Utility Resources at mailingdept@pioneer.coop.

Don’t Throw It Away Community repair cafés match repair experts with broken items to help goods last Up Close, Page 10

Extra copies: $3 each, prepayment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Reprint permission: Direct all requests to info@pioneer.coop. Manuscripts and photographs: Query first. Do not send unsolicited materials.

Pedal Power

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Plugged In In the Kitchen

6 16

Photo Hunt Before You Go

22 30

Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 32 MARCH 2023

Solar Rate Journey

1 2 3

The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) determined MEC should use the Resource Comparison Proxy based on a five-year rolling weighted average of a utility’s solar purchased power agreements (PPA) to determine solar export rate. (2017)

The initial rate of $0.074171 per kWh would be adjusted and reduced annually by 8% per year until it reached the current $0.057 per kWh which brings the rate closer to Mohave Electric’s PPA rates.

Members receive the $0.057 export rate for solar overproduced by their solar systems called Distributed Generation Service which remains higher than MEC’s current PPA rates.

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Talking About

Solar We’re here to help members with information and questions about solar, whether you’re wondering if solar is right for you, or already have solar. More than 1,500 Mohave Electric members have a solar system at their home or business. And MEC continues to expand our own portfolio of renewable energy resources to serve members, with new solar facilities combined with battery storage expected to come online later this year which will help improve reliability.

MEC’s purchased power resources include utility-scale solar renewable energy Mohave Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit entity and strives to provide reliable and affordable power, from a variety of generation resources for all our member-owners. To provide this power, MEC has firm power contracts for bulk power and reserve power to meet a large portion of our members’ needs. These contracts help keep rates stable and assure reliability. MEC also monitors the price and availability of various resources, including solar, on the wholesale energy market on an hourly basis besides tracking market projections and costs for energy supplies over time. MEC shops hourly to pay the lowest cost for energy in order to keep rates as low as possible for our members. Cost of solar power Our present payment for solar purchased from bulk power providers

is less than 3.5 cents per kWh. This cost is important as we look at what members with solar systems are paid for the excess power their system may generate.

Residential and commercial member solar energy production and export energy While it’s not possible to exactly size a solar system to a member’s energy needs due to variances in weather conditions, living habits, and solar system performance, system size can be estimated based on previous annual kWh used. MEC follows the rules of the Arizona Corporation Commission and allows systems to be up-sized to 125% of usage history. Some members choose a solar system that provides a smaller portion of their expected usage primarily because of budget preferences for the cost of the system. Because a solar system only generates power when the sun is shining and does not provide power at night or when extra power is needed, a member is billed for additional power provided by MEC over the amount the solar is producing to ensure a member has power all the time, except in the event of an unplanned outage. A member’s excess solar power generated over the amount needed by the member location is referred to as export energy. The export energy is transported to the grid using MEC’s electric infrastructure and equipment at no cost to the member. The MEC meter at a solar

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE location keeps track of the kWh delivered by MEC to the member location and also records the amount of excess solar energy exported, if any. MEC’s meter does not track the member’s total solar production. Options to consider – Ask your contractor Solar Production Meter – Members may ask their solar contractor to install a production meter that keeps track of the actual kWh produced by their solar system. The solar production meter is separate from the MEC meter, and is not provided by MEC. Battery Storage – Another option is to install a battery system that stores any excess solar energy for later use, such as when solar is not producing energy. Depending on the setup, a battery can use a member’s stored solar energy during an outage. Backup Generator – Members may also install a generator that uses an alternative power source, other than solar or MEC electric power, to produce electricity when solar power is not available. MEC and a licensed electrical contractor can provide information on safety requirements for installing and operating a generator to avoid back-feeding into MEC’s system. A backup generator may be able to provide power during an MEC outage. The role of the Arizona Corporation Commission The Arizona Corporation Commission is the regulator authority responsible for approving energy rates for all regulated utilities. A decade ago, when the ACC decided to consider the solar tariff issue, there were several interested parties including solar providers, solar rate intervenors, and utilities. The ACC determined

what kWh amount was appropriate for MEC’s export energy and considered that the export rate paid to members should reflect to some degree the cost MEC pays for bulk solar energy and also the impact of an export rate that is subsidized by all members. In 2017 the ACC ruled MEC’s Distributed Generation Service Tariff would adjust annually until it reached the current 5.7 cents per kWh. The ACC in

any given year could reconsider this rate, if MEC submits a new tariff. Summing it up Under the provisions of MEC’s ACC-approved Distributed Generation Service Tariff, MEC members are paid 5.7 cents per kWh for export of excess solar energy compared to the less than 3.5 cents per kWh average cost MEC pays for other solar energy

resources, a net benefit of 2.2 cents per kWh to members with solar (paid for by other members). Instead of exporting excess solar, members may also invest in a battery storage system at their home or residence to retain any excess solar generation, and then use it later when needed. n For more information about solar, including rates and rebates for solar and battery storage, contact our Energy Management Specialist at 928-763-1100. MARCH 2023

PLUGGED IN

New Connections Publicly owned utilities are breaking into the internet business By Drew Woolley It was no secret to the team at Glades Electric Cooperative in Moore Haven, Florida, that electric utilities across the country were getting into the broadband business. But it wasn’t until the utility conducted a survey of members in early 2022 that it realized just how pressing the need was in the local community. “We knew we had a significant number of members without any kind of access, and our suspicions were confirmed,” says Jennifer Koukos, Glades Electric Cooperative’s chief communications officer. “We found that 20% did not have internet in our area of any kind. Not just high-speed but no internet access, which we found hard to believe in this day and age.” Those numbers aren’t uncommon in rural communities across the country. The Federal Communications Commission defines broadband as a connection with minimum download speeds of 25 megabits per second and upload speeds of 3 Mbps. But according to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, more than a quarter of rural Americans nationwide lack access to internet at those speeds. That was the case with Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Port Orford, Oregon, where a 2018 survey showed 20% of its membership was underserved when it came to internet access. By creating its own fiber internet provider called Beacon Broadband, the utility could not only improve the quality of its electric service, but could continue the mission it started more than 80 years ago. “Back when Coos-Curry Electric was formed in 1939, rural residents there couldn’t get electric service to their homes,” says Shelly Yockey, Beacon Broadband’s director of corporate services. “The cooperative changed that. So, really what they wanted to explore was how to 6

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Eastex Telephone Technician Luis Galvez helps prepare an area to run fiber-optic cable. PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA GAINES AND EASTEX TELEPHONE

do the same thing with fiber internet.” Changing the Market To tackle these new projects, both utilities turned to Conexon for help. The internet consulting company would take the lead on engineering and construction, but each cooperative would ultimately own the finished fiber network on its electric system. For Glades Electric, the key was being able to offer fiber access to its consumers

and improve the infrastructure of its electric system without having to become an internet service provider itself. Instead, the utility will lease a portion of its fiber service to Conexon Connect, the internet provider arm of Conexon, which will offer service directly to members once construction is complete. “We didn’t want to learn the broadband business or set up an ISP,” Jennifer says. “It was like a lightbulb went off once we saw that opportunity. We realized we could

LEFT: A fiber technician splices together two cables to prepare them for installation. PHOTO COURTESY OF MELISSA GAINES AND EASTEX TELEPHONE RIGHT: Glades Electric Cooperative CEO Jeff Brewington announces the utility’s broadband partnership with Conexon Connect in front of the Glades County Courthouse. PHOTO BY JENNIFER KOUKOS

be the solution without having to be an internet company.” Coos-Curry Electric took a different approach, establishing Beacon Broadband as its own internet subsidiary. The project is still in its early stages, with several hundred customers connected. But Bill Gerski, vice president of sales and marketing, has already seen a response from other providers, such as Zipply Fiber and Spectrum. “The way we see it is a high tide lifts all boats,” he says. “Once these companies found out Beacon Broadband was going to start providing fiber, lo and behold, look who came in and built fiber in some of these areas. We think we’ve done a really good job of creating competition in the marketplace where we are now.” Bill still backs the product Beacon Broadband offers over any of its competitors. But he also recognizes the challenge of being an internet provider is different from anything the electric utility has faced. And it’s one he’s eager to tackle. “This is the fun part,” Bill says. “The difference between an electric co-op and us is that everybody takes the same electric service and you have one company. We now have three internet companies, and the member gets to choose between them. We have to do our

job and earn the right to be in that home.” New Beginnings For all the new challenges that come with bringing internet service to underserved areas, both electric utilities have been encouraged by the enthusiasm and support of their consumers. When Coos-Curry launched a preregistration program in the early days of its announcement, more than 2,000 people put down $50 to reserve service that was still years away. “The response from Glades Electric members has been overwhelming,” Jennifer says. “We’ve never had people reach out in extreme support the way they did with this. In fact, those letters of support were very helpful in some grant applications to express what it would mean to these residents that are not currently served.” It’s also an effort that takes the utility back to the roots of their mission. Just like their earliest members brought electricity to areas that were still in the dark, today they have the opportunity to do the same with high-speed internet. “We saw Zipply Fiber upgrade some of their infrastructure, but they’re still not going to serve those underserved areas,” Shelly says. “They’ve clearly said it’s not cost effective. So here we are, just like the co-op did back in 1939 and the

1940s, where we’re going to serve those underserved areas. We’ll find ways to make it cost effective because people in those areas deserve fast internet, too.” n

Clear Signal

Today, many people not only need a high-speed internet connection but expect it to connect without the hassle of cables. These best practices help get the most from high-speed internet. FREQUENCY. Most routers use 2.4 gigahertz and 5 GHz bands, but devices may only work with one or the other. Cellphones, tablets and PCs typically rely on 5 GHz, while smart doorbells and cameras tend to use 2.4 GHz. LOCATION. To get a strong signal to all devices, place the router on a shelf in a central location above furniture height. INTERFERENCE. Concrete or brick walls, metal surfaces, glass and mirrors can all block a Wi-Fi signal, so be aware of these when placing a router. ANTENNA. Many routers have removable antennae. To boost the signal, use a high-gain antenna and aim it in the desired direction. REPEAT. A wireless repeater can be plugged into any outlet to help boost the wireless signal on another floor or the other side of a building.

MARCH 2023

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UP CLOSE

Don’t Throw It Away; Fix It at a Repair Café By Lori Russell

Grandma’s tea cup with a broken handle. A favorite jacket with a bum zipper. A book with a torn binding. Many household items are easy to break—and easy to fix when you know how. At Repair Cafés, skilled volunteers not only mend broken items for free, they teach the owners how to do it themselves. “People bring in something they’ve had for years or something they’ve had a short time that they paid a lot of money for, and they want it to work,” says Jackie Carter, who coordinates a Repair Café for the Latah County Library District in Moscow, Idaho. “As we repair, we tell (the owners) what we’re doing and help them to do the hands-on work so they know what to do to fix it. If it needs a special part, we tell them how to order it and how to get on YouTube to watch a video and figure it out. It empowers them to do it themselves.” The first Repair Café was organized in

Sara Holder mends a tear in a stuffed unicorn for Ginevra Kannenberg, 4, at the Latah County Library District Repair Café.

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2009 in the Netherlands by Martine Postma to reduce waste, teach practical repair skills and encourage an appreciation for old possessions. As repair shops have closed and interest in DIY repairs has spiked, her movement has grown to more than 2,500 cafés in more than 35 countries worldwide. While Jackie’s original intention was to decrease the amount of stuff going into the local landfill, the cafés have evolved as a gathering place to share stories, encouragement and skills. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while they wait. There’s plenty of inspiration at a reading table where repair books can be enjoyed onsite or checked out. The library hosts cafés four times a year. Repair stations range from jewelry to bike repair. The most popular is small appliance repair, where volunteers see lots of lamps, mixers, vacuums and fans. The knife-sharpening station has seen such high demand, an extra volunteer has been added to help.

Jackie, who works on damaged books, remembers a woman who brought in her mother’s treasured copies of “The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. “They were pretty far gone, but I got them to the point where they were readable, and that’s all she wanted,” she says. Val Carter, also known as “the glue guy,” helps people stick their broken pieces back together. The senior instructor at the University of Idaho’s College of Art and Architecture—and Jackie’s husband—has volunteered since the program began more than four years ago. “As an artist and an educator, I teach people how to make and fix things, so it is a natural thing for me to do,” he says. “One of the wonderful things is that the person is sitting across the table from you. I talk with them as I problem solve, discuss it with them, show them how to fix it and how to maintain it after the repair.” Val has seen a lot of ceramic, glass and plastic items, from a sentimental keepsake

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Jake Turner, right, tries to repair a clock for Trish Hartzell. Volunteers work with community members seeking help to repair a host of items, including textiles, ceramics, appliances and electronics. Val Carter repairs a coffee pot for Elisabeth Brackney at the glue station. PHOTOS BY GEOFF CRIMMINS

to a utilitarian meat thermometer. His most challenging repair so far has been a jade dragon that arrived in hundreds of chunks and shards. “It took a half-hour to just get pieces back to where I could glue them back together,” he says. Sara Holder volunteers at the sewing and textile station repairing zippers, hemming pants and patching jeans so they can be worn again. The owner of Altered Ego—a local clothing alterations and repair shop—meets people who have never learned to sew or mend or don’t have access to a sewing machine. Those with poor vision or unsteady hands can find it impossible to sew on a button. “My favorite is fixing little kids’ toys,” she says, remembering a girl who brought

in a small stuffed unicorn with an open seam at the shoulder. “It’s really fun because they are scared, but they want it fixed. It’s very sweet.” Another volunteer teaches people how to darn socks and fix sweaters. “People are just so happy and grateful,” Sara says. “Moscow is such a great community. People are ecofriendly, want to keep things out of the landfill, and want to learn more to help their appliances, clothes and books have more longevity.” Jackie agrees. “This is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done outside of my own family,” she says. “I’m really proud of the program. I feel like we’re doing something positive.” n

Start Your Own Repair Café The Repair Café International Foundation offers a starter kit with everything needed to create a Repair Café, from finding local repair experts and the right location, to collecting the right tools, finding funding and promoting repair events. There are also templates for signs and posters to use at the café. The kit costs 49 euros (less than $60). Learn more at repaircafe.org/en. The Repair Café website also offers links to tens of thousands of free repair guides.

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g n i l c y c Bi Get Out and Explore Story and photos by MeLinda Schnyder The pandemic visual etched in my memory is of me and my husband riding our bicycles 6 miles from our home in east Wichita, Kansas, to the core of the city. Once there, we would ride to the tops of parking garages for an aerial view of the mostly deserted downtown district, take a bridge across the Arkansas River to peek through the gate of the newly constructed but quarantined minor league ballpark and ride down blocks we had never taken the time to explore. On the return trip to our house, we would cruise down the middle of the main thoroughfare just because we could. A few times, we even did this at 5 p.m. on a Friday when the streets would typically be crowded with commuters heading home in their cars and others driving downtown for happy hour. 12

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With a metropolitan statistical area population near 800,000 people, this is not a route I normally felt comfortable riding. I felt guilty that—for at least a few hours—I was able to ignore the reason we had the roads nearly to ourselves and enjoy seeing this city I had lived in for 25 years from a new perspective: on two wheels and not worried about getting run over by traffic. We were not alone. Though we rarely encountered other cyclists on these routes, we saw riders in our neighborhood and on the rail trail near our house. Stores couldn’t keep bikes in stock, and service departments were overwhelmed with demand. According to data gathered by bicycling advocacy group People For Bikes, cycling established itself as one of the pandemic’s most popular forms

of recreation and exercise by May 2020 after remaining static since 2009. Bicycling has been around for more than 200 years. Most of us rode as children, but it took a global pandemic to remind some of us of the benefits of riding a bicycle. I realized that while biking was something I did regularly when traveling for work or vacation, I didn’t always take advantage of the cycling resources in my own backyard. A Cycling Revival Some folks needed an alternate workout when their gyms closed. Others just needed an escape from the house during stay-at-home orders, especially if they were working from home and had children attending school virtually. A few likely rediscovered bicycles they forgot were in the garage until they used the shutdown to clean and declutter.

Industry groups say the cycling renaissance that started in spring 2020 across all demographics continues for numerous reasons. Year-end data compiled by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trails advocacy organization, shows nationwide trail use in 2022 was 45% higher than in 2019. While demand dipped 1.5% compared to 2020—the most significant year for trail use on record—it still grew 9.5% from 2021. “When trail use spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, people were flocking to the outdoors to find safe spaces to connect with each other, to find respite and to be active,” says Torsha Bhattacharya, research director at RTC. “It was hard to predict the long-term implications of surging trail use in 2020. Now, after several years of sustained demand for trails, it’s clear that this is a trend and that this infrastructure is essential to people across the U.S. These consistently high levels of trail use reinforce how critical this infrastructure is to our physical and mental health— as well as the well-being of our communities.” Beyond trail counters for the numerical data, RTC conducted an online survey about the perceptions of trails and active transportation. Respondents cited exercise, enjoying a bike ride or walk, spending time in nature, recreation and managing stress as the top reasons for using trails. Other explanations given by the bicycling community for the continued growth in interest include rising fuel prices, focus on self-care and more bicycling opportunities at destinations and attractions, from bike-share programs to guided tours. Riding Options for All Levels Every state has thousands of miles of roads and trails for bicyclists of every skill level. There are cycling opportunities for every type of rider and all riding styles. Whether you consider yourself a hobbyist, an enthusiast, a competitor or a commuter,

you can find events and routes that feature wide, tree-lined former railroad beds, paved roads and paths, rugged trails just wide enough for a single tire and gravel roads offering unspoiled scenery in remote areas. Rail-Trail Riding Railways converted to multiuse trails are among my favorite to ride, likely because I grew up able to ride the Missouri-KansasTexas railroad corridor in the early stages of it becoming a state park. I appreciate the even surface, places to stop along the routes, lack of vehicle traffic and the abundance of scenery often accessible only via the trail. Serious and casual cyclists come from around the world to experience Katy Trail State Park, the longest developed rail-trail in the United States at 237.7 miles east-west across the middle of Missouri. The park is about 100 feet wide with a 10-foot-wide crushed limestone trail stretching from the western terminus in Clinton through the Osage Plains until it crosses the Missouri River at Boonville and follows its path for 165 additional miles to Machens, just west of St. Louis. There are 26 trailheads, four fully restored railroad depots along the route, and many points of interest on and off the trail. Cyclists can find self-guided itineraries online or sign up for shuttle services, guided rides and other special event rides throughout the year. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy counts more than 2,000 rail trails covering 24,000-plus miles of rail trails on the ground across all 50 states. Visit www.railstotrails.org to find one near you. Road Cycling Cycling on paved roadways is one of the most accessible ways to ride. Serious road riders use lightweight bikes and are committed to long, sustained rides, whether on flat urban and rural roads or mountain road climbs. Many bike races happen on pavement, though commuting and

recreational riding can be considered road cycling, too. Most cycling publications and websites create annual lists of their favorite U.S. scenic road routes, including the Blue Ridge Parkway from North Carolina to Virginia, the Natchez Trace Parkway from Mississippi to Tennessee, and California’s Big Sur Coast, to name a few. For the recreational cyclist, the flat, 15-mile loop along the Shark Valley tram road within southern Florida’s Everglades National Park is epic for the alligators and other wildlife you will see up close. Or take the 8-mile spin around Michigan’s Mackinac Island so you can brag about having traveled on M-185, the only state highway closed to motor vehicles. My most recent ambitious road ride wasn’t as easy as I expected when I heard “Drive up, bike down” at Pikes Peak in Colorado. Adventures Out West led the trip they call the highest bike tour in the United States. The ride starts early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic on the 19.5mile summit road, so keep that in mind

Mountain biking in Washington is a gre at to experience area for way ests.

ADOBE STOCK PHOT O BY OPENRANGESTOCK

MARCH 2023

FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD The League of American Bicyclists’ five rules of the road prepare you for safe and fun bicycling no matter where you’re riding.

Follow the Law You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.

Be Predictable Make your intentions clear to everyone on the road. Ride in a straight line, and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes.

Be Conspicuous Ride where people can see you, and wear bright clothing. Use a front white light, red rear light and reflectors when visibility is poor. Make eye contact with others, and don’t ride on sidewalks.

Think Ahead Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians and other people on bikes will do next. Watch for turning vehicles, and ride outside the door zone of parked cars. Look out for debris, potholes and other road hazards. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.

Ride Ready Ensure your tires are sufficiently inflated, brakes are working, the chain runs smoothly and quickrelease levers are closed. Carry tools and supplies appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet.

Source: The League of American Bicyclists

MARCH 2023

and wear layers for the day. They loan you a parka and The Shark Valle gift you a neck National Park y Everglades gaiter—accept in place to explor Florida is a great e on wheels. them and use them. The drive up in an openair Jeep is chilly, and the temperature during the first portion of the descent from 14,115 feet is near freezing. Surprisingly, the ride is not completely unpaved roads across the country, downhill. There are a few spots that according to the U.S. Department of require some work. Fortunately, the guide Transportation. The industry considers stops along the way to keep the group anything that is unpaved as gravel. The together, take a break and offer tips for ideal equipment falls between a mountain the next section. A support vehicle follows bike and a road bike. the group to help manage vehicle traffic “We don’t have to construct anything— coming down the mountain. The ride is the roads are already here,” says LeLan exhilarating, and the sweeping views of Dains, cyclist and owner of Gravel City the Colorado Rockies make the effort Adventure & Supply Co. in Emporia, worthwhile. Kansas. LeLan is a former co-owner and race Mountain Biking director for Unbound Gravel, a race Mountain biking is one style that through the Flint Hills, Kansas, rugged intimidates me, especially after trying out landscape of hilly roads dotted with sharp a few trails that required technical skills limestone rock and soil filled with even I didn’t have. That means I limit myself harder chert, or flint. The event started in to hiking when visiting destinations with 2006 with 34 riders and now draws 4,000 worthy mountain biking trails. competing at distances ranging from 25 to The Northwest Arkansas region 350 miles. built a 5-mile trail in 2007 and has “Unbound Gravel was not the first gravel been aggressively building its bicycling cycling event, but I would say that it was community since then. The OZ Trails the event that made gravel world famous,” network boasts more than 300 miles of he says. routes of varying difficulty for mountain Kansas isn’t the only state with tens bikers and gravel riders, as well as the of thousands of unpaved public county 40-mile, multiuse paved Razorback roads, but LeLan believes the quality and Regional Greenway connecting the area’s diversity of the topography of these roads major cities. In the middle is Bentonville, make for interesting, unexpected rides for where you can access two trail systems just first-time visitors. off the town square. While the epic rides get the publicity, What caught my attention is the Women there are plenty of leisurely gravel rides to of OZ organization offering programming start with. Choose a beginner route with to connect women riders of all abilities. less mileage, fewer feet of climbing and It offers a ride the first Saturday of every less intense topography. Most bikes can month that includes a free fundamental be used on gravel, but talk to an expert skills clinic, followed by guided rides for about appropriate tires and ask for tips for beginners to advanced riders. handling loose gravel. If you missed the pandemic bicycling Gravel Grinding surge, it’s not too late to hop on. Use these There is an easy explanation for why gravel resources for ideas on getting out and biking is the fastest-growing style of riding: exploring by bike, whether staying close to There are more than 2 million miles of home or traveling afield. n

BICYCLING RESOURCES League of American Bicyclists, bikeleague.org Use the map feature to find local resources, including bike clubs, bicycling advocacy organizations and Smart Cycling classes. The league also shares safety information and tips for bicycle commuting.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, railstotrails.org Find information about trails and their initiatives in all 50 states. One initiative, the Great American Rail-Trail, aims to create a multiuse trail that stretches more than 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C., and Washington state.

Riders explore near bluffs along the Missouri River at Katy Trail State Park in Missouri.

People For Bikes, peopleforbikes.org The mission of this bicycling advocacy group is to make bike riding better for everyone. Its Ride Spot app makes it easier to access rides via a platform that integrates stories, images, routes and a social network.

TrailLink, traillink.com Find trail maps, walking and biking directions to local trails, contact information for local trail managers, and status updates about trail facilities for more than 40,000 miles of trails nationwide using this searchable database. Though the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy manages it, the database includes all types of trails. There is a free version and an annual subscription with additional features.

These riders participated in the Pikes Peak Jeep Up Bike Down experience.

MTB Project, mtbproject.com This website/app is dedicated to helping mountain bikers discover and enjoy trails—the data is ridersubmitted. AllTrails, Bikemap, Google Maps, Komoot, Ride with GPS and Strava are just a few apps available to find routes and plan rides for all types of riding.

Local Bike Shops Most local bike shops offer state bicycle maps and information on local rides.

Tourism Agencies Check with city, regional and state tourism agencies for information on bicycling where you live or visit.

An E-bike sits in front of The Tremont House hotel in Galveston, Texas.

IN THE KITCHEN

MARCH MADNESS

Munchies Jalapeño Poppers

5 fresh jalapeños 4 ounces cream cheese, softened ½ cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1⁄8 teaspoon black pepper ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon butter, melted Ranch dressing

Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Scoop out all the seeds and membranes. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, garlic powder, salt and pepper until fully combined. Spoon the mixture into the peppers, about 1 tablespoon per pepper. In another small dish, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Mix to coat the crumbs evenly with the butter. Dip the top part of the pepper into the crumbs. Coat evenly. Lay the peppers in an air fryer in an even layer. Cook at 375 F for 5 to 7 minutes. If using an oven, bake at 425 F for 12 minutes. Serve with ranch dressing. 16

MARCH 2023

Slow-Cooker Meatballs and Smokies 32-ounce bag frozen Italian-style meatballs 16-ounce bag cocktail smokies

20 ounces grape jelly 24 ounces chili sauce

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook for 2½ to 3 hours on high or 4 to 5 hours on low. Stir occasionally. Add water if sauce gets too thick. Serve with toothpicks.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites 1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into small tenders Bacon slices

2⁄3 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon chili powder

Heat oven to 375 F. In a shallow dish, combine brown sugar and chili powder. Wrap each chicken tender with one slice of bacon. Trim bacon to size of tender. Coat bacon-wrapped chicken with the brown sugar and chili powder mixture. Place on baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through.

Crispy Buffalo Wings 3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons garlic powder ¼ cup butter, melted

¼ cup hot sauce or buffalo sauce 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Dipping sauces of choice Celery

Heat oven to 450 F. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack over the pan. Combine baking powder, salt and garlic powder in a large plastic bag. Add chicken. Close the bag and shake to combine. Arrange chicken on the wire rack. Bake for 25 minutes. Flip over chicken. Bake for another 25 minutes, or until crisp and cooked through. In a large bowl, combine sauce ingredients. Remove chicken from the baking sheet and place in the bowl. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and celery.

Ham Delight Sliders 12 Hawaiian dinner rolls 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 12 slices deli ham 6 slices Swiss cheese ¾ stick of butter, melted, plus extra for greasing the dish

1 teaspoon onion powder 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 1 to 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Heat oven to 350 F. Butter a 9-by-13 baking dish. Keeping rolls connected, slice them in half horizontally using a large bread knife. Once sliced, remove the top section and place on a cutting board. Add the bottom section of the rolls to the baking dish. Spread mayonnaise on both sections. Place a slice of folded ham and cheese on each roll in the bottom section. Add the top to the baking dish and align with the bottom. In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, onion powder, poppy seeds, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Pour evenly over the rolls. Cover sliders with foil. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Uncover and cook an additional 2 minutes to brown the top of the rolls. Separate individual rolls with a knife. Serve warm.

Slow-Cooker Sausage Queso Dip 16 ounces white processed cheese, cubed 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilis

1 pound ground pork 2 teaspoons Adobo or taco seasoning, to taste Tortilla chips

Add cheese to a slow cooker set to low. Pour diced tomatoes over top. In a separate pan, brown meat with seasoning. Drain grease. Add meat to slow cooker. Cook on low for one hour, or until cheese is melted. Turn slow cooker to low to keep dip warm. Serve with tortilla chips. Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX

MARCH 2023

READER EXCHANGE Crafts/Hobbies Does anyone have fabric from the 1920s through the 1950s? I am finishing my grandmother’s quilt and have been searching for fabric in shades of blue for the binding. I can help with or will cover the shipping cost. Thank you in advance. Lynn Cole 70060 Cayuse Drive Sisters, OR 97759

I would like to collect used store register receipts for an arts and crafts project. Please black out any personal information on the receipts before sending. Many thanks. Bob Pagani P.O. Box 686 Pacific City, OR 97135

I’ve recently retired, and I am doing crafts to keep me busy and to sell for extra income. Please send wooden clothes pins— old or new. Thank you for your kindness. SM Nice 218 NE Anderson Circle Boardman, OR 97818

The cancer center I go to for treatment accepts donations of necessary items for cancer patients. I sew and have been making items from fleece fabric for donations. If you have fleece scraps, I can use them. I’m unable to help with postage due to a limited income but will put your gift to good use. You can send to my address below, or if you are in the area, drop off at Grand Coulee Senior Center, c/o Liz Marcolin, Grand Coulee, Washington. Thanks from all of us being helped by your generous gift. Sharon Cox P.O. Box 174 Coulee Dam, WA 99116

Looking for yarn balls—any color or amount—to make gifts for a family project. I will reimburse postage if necessary. Thanks in advance. Linda Stokes 97241 Homestead Way Gold Beach, OR 97444

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 18

MARCH 2023

I am 15 years old and would really appreciate any spare 35mm film canisters. They are perfect for organizing my tackle box. Thank you. Jonah Higdon 9575 Meda Loop Road Cloverdale, OR 97112

Milestones My mother turns 93 in March and loves to go to the post office to greet friends and get the mail. It is the highlight of her day. She loves to read, make art, visit with people and learn about the world. She would love to learn a little bit about your corner of the world and you. You can send birthday wishes to: Judy Nelson, P.O. Box 337, Dixon, NM 87527.

Recipes I would appreciate cookie cutters of any kind that anyone is willing to give me. I am also looking for a pizzelle iron and recipes for pizzelle cookies. I will reimburse reasonable postage. Thank you. Connie Hicks P.O. Box 267 Eureka, NV 89316

Thanks I wish to express my deep gratitude to all who responded to my ad asking for postage stamps. I was so overwhelmed and deeply moved by your kindness. Every package, card and note has meant more than you know. Thank you all so much.

Leslie Feltman Stanley, Idaho

Meg Bertrand Ely, Nevada

My father-in-law turns 100 in early March. He was dedicated to his loving wife, who passed away in 2007. They raised four children on their family ranch, in the most nurturing way. He loved fishing and hunting, and he loves watching the cattle and the alfalfa fields at home. A birthday wish would be appreciated. Gaylon Mortensen, 19434 County Road Y.5, Sanford, CO 81151.

I would like to thank everyone who took a moment out of their day to send a card to my parents, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September. We did not expect such an outpouring of thoughtfulness. My parents have been truly tickled to open a mailbox of greetings covering the West Coast from Alaska to Texas.

Kathy Mortensen Bullhead City, Arizona

Sarah Becker Seattle, Washington

Submitting Requests Is Free

Send your request—no attachments, please—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. Submissions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and 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. Marketplace pricing applies. When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers will not be published. Email addresses will be published if part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Request also must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.

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ADVENTURE AWAITS

See teams race across the Alaskan wilderness at the

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

Iditarod Trail Starting the Race What Is It? Watch mushers—as dogsled drivers are known—sled roughly 1,000 miles through Alaska in the 2023 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This year, the famed race will begin March 4 in Anchorage, and the teams will race west to Nome, a city on the coast. 20

MARCH 2023

Historically, dog teams were used in Alaska for transportation and work. In the ’60s, snowmobiles began replacing dogs. Races were seen as a potential way to continue the legacy and lore of mushing, and after a few shorter, 56-mile races in ’67 and ’69, the first 1,000 mile trek to Nome was held in 1973.

The race’s path has roots dating back to the gold rush. Boom towns like Nome and Iditarod—which sits around the trails midway point—needed supplies yearround, and boats could not reach Nome when rivers froze over in winter. Starting in 1908, the federal government surveyed and constructed a sled trail to deliver supplies west from railroad terminations near Anchorage.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY TROY

Race Rules Mushers must start the Iditarod with between 12 and 14 dogs in their team. Mushers must have a sled that can haul all equipment and food, as well as injured dogs. Required equipment includes an axe, snowshoes, a sleeping bag and an operational cooker.

More Information Even if you don’t watch the race, you can visit the Iditarod Museum in Wasilla year round. The museum address is 2100 S. Knik-Goose Bay Rd., Wasilla. To start planning your visit , call 907-3765155, ext. 108 or visit iditarod.com.

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THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT

Nikon D800, 180mm lens ISO 2200, f/2.8 at 1/250

What Love Looks Like Spring is the rebirth season, the season of hope. The resting earth awakens, soil warms, birds begin nesting, baby animals are born and baseball returns.

Though we have just passed Valentine’s Day—the commercial season for celebrating love—I was reminded recently while covering a countrywestern dance—with a band that has been together for 50 years—that love is often celebrated quietly beyond the red 22

MARCH 2023

boxes of Valentine’s Day chocolates and pink ribbons. As I watched couples— most in their late 70s or early 80s—move across the dance floor, one pair caught my attention. Their connection was unmistakable. Bill Feltes, 83, and his wife, Marlene, 85, said they met at a dance 65 years ago and have been dancing together ever since. They danced every dance, looking into each other’s eyes as if teenagers on their first date. Bill told me he doesn’t dance with anybody else.

So, while we celebrate new birth and rebirth this time of year and look forward to the new baseball season and basketball’s March Madness, perhaps we need a time or season to celebrate long-lasting love— a holiday that observes what true love looks like. n Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

Marlene and Bill Feltes met at a dance 65 years ago. They are still in love and still dancing together. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE

Reader Challenge Find a couple who have been together at least 50 years. Ask what they do together and their secret for staying in love. See if you can make a photograph, preferably candid, of the pair enjoying each other. Some couples fish, walk or hike, or go to church, movies or dances together. It doesn’t have to be an anniversary day. After a half-century together, every day together is a special day.

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If your tired, achy legs and feet are preventing you from moving easily...

Now, a prickly herb has been discovered to….

BOOST BLOOD FLOW TO YOUR LEGS, FEET, AND HANDS WITH A 95% SUCCESS RATE VERIFIED BY CLINICAL STUDY A re-discovery from the 1600s is causing a frenzy within the medical system. A weird herb has been shown in six clinical studies (and by thousands of users) to be very effective for leg and feet pain, burning and numbness – with no side effects – at low cost – and with no doctor visit or prescription needed. This weird herb comes from a 12-foot tall tree that grows in Greece and other countries in Europe. In the old days, people noticed that when their horses who had leg and feet problems ate this herb – it was almost like magic how quickly their problems got much better. They called it the “horse herb”. Then somehow with Europe’s ongoing wars, this herbal secret got lost in time. “It works for people who’ve tried many other treatments before with little or no success. Other doctors and I are shocked at how effective it is. It has created a lot of excitement” says Dr. Ryan Shelton, M.D. Its active ingredient has been put into pill form and improved. It is being offered in the United States under the brand name Neuro�lo.

WHY ALL THIS EXCITEMENT?

Researchers have found an herb originally from Greece that has been shown in six placebocontrolled medical studies (543 participants) to be effective and safe. This natural compound strengthens blood vessel walls and reduces swelling to stop the pain and suffering. Poor blood �low in the legs and feet is one of the common problems that develops

95% Reduction in LEG SWELLING, Veri�ied in Clinical Study Says Dove Medical Press & Development and Therapy

... meaning, discomfort, water retention, leg swelling, tiredness and circulation improved in 95% of test subjects

Swollen legs are a warning sign. They mean blood and ﬂuid is forced out of the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. This causes non-stop pain. This is where Neuroﬂo’s active ingredient is such a big help.

as we age. Millions of Americans suffer from neuropathy and chronic venous insuf�iciency (CVI), edema, and other leg/ feet problems – millions have these but are undiagnosed. Today’s treatments don’t work for a high percentage of people – and they have side effects that make them hard to tolerate or that people do not want to risk. This includes prescription drugs, over the counter pain pills, surgery and compression.

HOW IT WORKS

Here’s why you have pain now: Your arteries have weakened. Your arteries can’t carry enough blood, nutrients and oxygen down to your legs and feet. This damages your nerves and causes your burning, tingling and numbness. The herbs in the pill Neuro�lo strengthen your arteries that carry blood, nutrients and oxygen to your feet and legs. It improves your circulation so oxygenated blood goes to the nerves and repairs them. This makes your nerves grow stronger so your pain fades away and your legs and feet feel much younger again. Katerina King from Murrieta, California says, “I had hands and feet tingling and snapping and burning feeling. It made my life very uncomfortable. I had a hard time walking, my legs felt like they each weighed 50 pounds. Once I got in my car and my feet felt so heavy I couldn’t even drive the car. With Neuro�lo I have no more tingling, cold or burning painful legs and feet. It went away.”

WHAT DOCTORS ARE SAYING

“Now I �inally have a natural solution I can recommend to my patients who suffer from leg and feet problems and pain. I’m delighted because previous treatments were not effective, but Neuro�lo has worked for every one of my patients with no side effects” says Dr. Eric Wood, N.D. Dr. Ryan Shelton, M.D. says “This is new and different. It works for people who’ve tried many other things before. It is natural with no side effects. Don’t give up hope for your leg and feet pain, burning, tingling and numbing. This pill is working for countless people after other treatments have failed them. I highly recommend it.” “Neuro�lo is a terri�ic choice for people with leg and feet issues. The clinical trials in support of this herb show it is very effective for safe and fast relief,” said Dr. Wood, a Harvard trained doctor who has appeared on award winning TV shows.

WORKS IN AMAZING WAY: A prickly plant was used in Europe in the 1600s to revitalize ailing legs. Lost over the centuries, it is now making a comeback as US doctors rediscover its impressive results – sending relief to thousands of users with: • Burning, Tingling, • Painful Legs Numbness & Feet • Swollen, Achy Feet • Varicose Veins Now you can get a good night’s sleep peaceful, restful sleep – with no pain, tingling, zinging, itching or zapping. Improve your balance and coordination. No side effects – safe to take with other medications. Enjoy your favorite activities and hobbies again. Be more active, have more fun, enjoy life more. Don’t risk irreversible damage to your feet and hands. Don’t get worse and wind up in the hospital or a nursing home. Neuro�lo is GUARANTEED to work for you – or you will get full refund with a 90-day unconditional money-back guarantee. It is NOT sold in stores or online. No prescription or doctor visit is required.

50% OFF FOR THE NEXT 10 DAYS

This is the of�icial release of NeuroFlo for readers of Ruralite. Therefore, everyone who calls within the next 10 days will receive 50% OFF their �irst order. A toll-free hotline number has been set up for local readers to call for this 50% OFF savings. The number will be open starting at 7:00 am today and only for the next 10 days. All you have to do is CALL TOLL FREE 1-877-594-8133 and provide the operator with the special 50% OFF discount approval code: NEF158. Important: Due to Neuro�lo’s popularity and recent media exposure on ABC, CBS and FOX NEWS, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not get through immediately, please be patient and call back. Those who miss the 10 day deadline for 50% OFF will have to pay more for Neuro�lo.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results based upon averages. Models are used in all photos to protect privacy.

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

(L to R) – Savanah Furr, Amira Ramadan, Judge Dave Lipinski, Naomi Beck, Judge Forrest Taylor, Rachel Barton, Judge Jody Colianno Howick, Judge Dominick Dragone. PHOTO BY JOHN C. PYNAKKER/ MEC

FOUR STUDENTS SELECTED FOR mEC’S WaSHINGTON YOUTH TOUR The evening of December 13, 2022 was an exciting night for four Bullhead City, AZ eleventh grade students. The students, whose parents, or guardians are Mohave Electric Cooperative members, were selected to represent MEC in the annual Washington Youth Tour. The week-long excursion allows the students to interact with others from all over the country, visit our Capitol’s landmarks, and learn about our country’s extensive history. The annual Youth Tour takes place June 2023 in Washington, D.C. and is funded by assigned capital credits, at no cost to MEC members. MEC selects participants from applicants through a competitive process that includes an essay and presentation before a panel of judges. All applicants must be high school juniors whose parents are MEC members and receive parental or guardian permission to apply. This year’s volunteer judges were Dominick Dragone from Murphy Broadcasting, David Lipinski from Mohave High School, Jody Colianno Howick from Little Scooters Daycare, and Chief

Forrest Taylor from the Bullhead City Fire Department. MEC thanks those judges that volunteered their time to help select the winning students. MEC would like to formally congratulate 2023 Washington Youth Tour winners Rachel Barton, Amira Ramadan, Savanah Furr, and Naomi Beck for presenting in front of the judges and practicing their public speaking skills. We encourage all 2023 junior class students to apply for the 2024 Washington Youth Tour. Details about this program can be found on our website at www.mohaveelectric.com. Application process begins in October 2023. Founded in 1946, Mohave Electric Cooperative is a not-forprofit utility providing reliable, cost-effective power to 36,700 members, 44,133 meters, with more than 1,555 miles of line spanning areas from Bullhead City to Topock on the west, Hualapai to Burro Creek to the south, and Nelson to the east. MEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. n

MARCH 2023

MARKETPLACE Agriculture

Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (35 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width & length. Truck tarps & more. High puncture & tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 41 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0423 Unigreen vineyard 80-gal mist sprayer; Italy-made Toscana Inox 200L SS vessel, and Italy Marchisio 100L SS vessel with floating lids, gaskets. Five 55-gal food-grade barrels. Richland, Washington. sandra99352butch@gmail.com. 0323 4x5 round bales, Meadow Foxtail Orchard Grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002. nas@cpcinternet.com. 1223 Antiques and Collectibles 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. tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0323 Colorful, collectible Al Capp “Lil’ Abner/Daisy Mae” lithograph personally signed, numbered and dated 1974. Rare, printed on linen (22x30). Please contact trpledave@aol.com. 0323 2 authentic Navajo rugs, $600 each. Rustic diamond pattern 21x27” red, black and gray. Toadlena 26x29” black, brown, white, tan, apricot. Email me to request pictures. Rj.summers@gmail.com. 0323 Rural collector buying old antique 1860-1915 clothes, hats, shoes, parasols, undergarments, old diaries and photo albums. Any condition. Thank you. Call 971-404-8332. Dl_pappas@yahoo.com. 0323 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. 0323AR Business Opportunities 2023 could be a challenging year. Are you ready for the recession? Save money on gas and groceries, and make money working from home. If you want to save money by shopping at our online shopping club, text me at 208-400-0013. See my website: www.earthandfamilywellness.net. Computer skills necessary and serious inquiries only. 0323AR

MARCH 2023

Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad

Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An extended ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information. Ads are for customers of member co-ops, PUDs 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): May issue—March 31, 2023. 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 by email. Send ad 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.

Community Events

Miscellaneous

Starting 4/1, 10 a.m., new tai chi, qi gong, chair yoga on Friday 12:30 for 8 weeks in Veneta, OR. $5 a class. Call 541-799-7164. 0323

Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch gourmet canned tuna on internet September-June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original flavor sold out until fall; jalapeno and garlic flavors (not spicy) still available. 206-799-1082; twofisherstuna.com. 0523

Anis Mojgani (Oregon poet laureate) reading at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Art Center East in La Grande, Oregon. artcentereast.org. 0323 Equipment/Tools Water treatment equipment—12-year-old plant used sparingly. Includes: Flex2 fiberglass tank, 50-gal alum tank, Mixmaster mixing tank, Stenner mixing pump, McDonnell flow switch, (2) Pentair filters w/extra washable socks, 40 lbs alum, hardward. $1,500 fob Eugene, Oregon. Ted Brown. 541-556-0517. 0323 Free Items Free materials—church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only. TBS, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. 888-211-1715; tbsmads@yahoo.com. 0723AR

Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. Please call Joe at 541-815-8906 for more info. www.highdesertmemorials.com, hdmemorials@bendbroadband.com. 0423 Pets, Supplies Border Collie/McNab/Carter puppies. The best dog you will ever have. Males and females, $400 each. Colton, Oregon. 503-341-0145. 0323 Stud service for mini Australian shepherd. Photos available. Crescent Lake, Oregon. Liz Sanders, 360-901-1291. 0423 AKC-registered Airedales. Fort Sage Kennels, Patricia Sharp, P.O. Box 246, Doyle, CA 96109; 530-827-2271. 0323

Your ad could be here in May. See instructions above for details.

Real Estate

For sale: Oregon, 5 acres, off grid, 2 bd, 1 bath, unfinished. Well, septic, pasture, garden, trees. Protected land. Buyer = due diligence with county. Info: nmct4@peak.org. No Realtors. 0323 Recreational Rentals

Don’t leave $$MONEY$$ on the table. Buying or selling, I am your negotiation expert that will put money on your side. See OregonRiverRealty.com or text 541-480-0212.

Wavecatcher: Oceanfront. Central Oregon coast. $140/night mid-Oct to mid-May; $175/ night mid-May to mid-Oct (plus cleaning/tax). Three rooms w/double beds. Pets welcome. Website: wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. Reservations: 541-740-9953. 0423AR Bend country cabin. Very clean & fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 0423 Lincoln City, Oregon. Beautiful ocean views. Slps 12. 4bdr (2 w/king), 3 full baths, Wi-Fi, cable, frplc, W/D, dishwasher, 2nd kitchen upstairs. Info/pics: VRBO.com/693193. Call for special prices. fbeckwithfamily@gmail.com; 503-720-6144. 0723

74-acre ranch on beautiful Texas Ridge in Deary, ID. 5,500sqft, 6-bed, 2-bath home built in 2012. 80x40 shop, 30x60 hay barn, 50x60 animal barn, 8-ft garden fence (1/4-acre), with chicken coop, 1,400-ft grass runway, 11 acres of trees, 50gpm well, 3,900-gallon water storage. The most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen. Asking $1.2 million. For more information, call Doug 509-727-4557 or 509-727-0013. 0323 Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm & recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, ranch owner. For sale Umpqua River Front 5.9 ac w/MH $475k. John Gill, johngill@landandwildlife.com; 541-480-9161. Land And Wildlife brokerage 0323 3900sqft. house and 1200sqft. shop on 7 acres. Breathtaking views of the Yakima Valley, Mt. Rainier and Cascades from a perch above the Yakima River. Adjoining 35-acre parcel also available. Contact brian@virtualbird.net. 0323 For sale in Boardman, Oregon: 7.6 acres with water rights and sprinkler system in place. Contact: 541-720-8119. 0323 Dayville Cafe, highly reputable & established. Prime opportunity to be your own boss. Near John Day Fossil Bed National Monuments. $259,000. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363, ddwr@ortelco.net. 0323 Dreaming of a warm climate & four-month hunting season? Beautiful treed lot includes a lot with a “sold as-is” house. Historic Franklin, LA. 541-519-8221. 0423

Want to Buy Cash paid for old gas station and oil company signs, pumps, globes, metal oil cans. Good condition. Discreet cash settlement. Clifton Jones, collector. 512-413-4459. 0523 Buying old California Indian baskets, Navajo blankets and rugs & old jewelry, old beadwork, etc. Also, signed paintings of the American West & abstract artists. One piece or collections. ’60s muscle car or ?, send photos. 760-409-3117; amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0323

Comfort Foods

Sometimes, the best cure for what ails you is food that provides emotional comfort. From pasta and casseroles to treats and desserts, readers submitted their favorite comfort foods in our 2017 contest. The perfectbound book is $11 (includes postage).

TO ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to: Ruralite Cookbooks P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133 TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.

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Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 43 yrs in retail store. Baker City, Oregon. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. Will travel. 1023 Wanted: vintage wristwatches, pocket watches, watch collections, watchmakers’ estates, etc. Call 541-760-1050. Please leave a message if I don’t answer. Will travel. Thank you. 0323 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. 0323 Wanted: muscle cars ’66 to ’70 Camaros, Chevelles, etc. Running or not, project cars. Please contact Brian, 203-496-6297. Will handle all shipping. brtservicesllc@gmail.com. 0423 Wanted: C1 Corvette. ’58-’62. Finished car, no projects. Prefer manual transmission. Will pay for quality. Call or text Randy, 503-544-3807. 0323

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MARCH 2023

From the Cooperative

TO THE CAPITOL Co-ops advocate for consumers at Arizona’s statehouse By Magen Howard and J.D. Wallace Electric cooperative leaders from across the Grand Canyon State converged on the statehouse in late January with one mission: Educate legislators, veterans and rookies alike about electric co-ops’ unique and critical role in our communities. With more than 40 new members, nearly half of the 56th Arizona Legislature’s roster comes to Phoenix without prior state legislative experience. That means co-op leaders had plenty of opportunities to explain what makes them different from other utilities and develop relationships that can last far into the future. “When legislators hear that we are democratic, not-forprofit organizations that do not have shareholders or investors to back us up financially, they quickly understand that when we invest in new technology, we have a responsibility to our member-owners to get it right,” says Patrick Ledger, CEO of Arizona Generation and Transmission Cooperatives, which provides power and other energy services to co-ops and public power utilities in Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico. “We are not focused on getting a return on investment; we are focused on making sound investments that keep costs as low as possible while also ensuring reliable and responsible power delivery.” The co-op leaders came together as part of the Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association’s annual legislative rally. The trade group supporting Arizona’s electric co-ops organizes the visits to ensure co-op consumer-members’ voices are heard at the state and federal levels. “Electric co-ops are

MARCH 2023

ARIZONA G&T COOPERATIVES

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Senator David Gowan, LD 19, left, stands next to Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative Director Judy McKinley and shakes hands with Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association CEO Dave Lock. Rep. Gail Griffin, LD 19, left, poses with Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative CEO Jason Bowling and Rep. Lupe Diaz, LD 19. Dave Lock moderates a roundtable with newly elected Arizona Corporation Commissioners Nick Myers, middle, and Kevin Thompson. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARIZONA G&T COOPERATIVES

governed by boards composed of consumer-members who are elected by consumer-members, so when our directors and co-op managers go to the statehouse, they’re speaking directly for their consumers—their rate-payers,” says Casey Ratlief, GCSECA’s director of government relations and grassroots advocacy. Co-op representatives don’t exclude visits with legislators from the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, even though most co-ops serve rural parts of the state. “We want to make sure that as many new legislators as possible hear the cooperative story and can understand how, as democratic, not-for-profit utilities, our needs and issues can be different for the predominantly rural areas that we serve,” Ratlief says. Co-op leaders also visited with Arizona Corporation Commissioners. The ACC’s role is primarily to approve rate adjustments and infrastructure construction for most utilities in the state, including electric co-ops. “It’s critical that our commissioners know how co-ops are different from investor-owned utilities—that we’re democratically governed and we speak directly for

consumer-owners, not shareholders,” says Ben Engelby, general counsel for Arizona G&T Cooperatives. “Our rural service territories and cooperative business model set us apart, and we want to make sure our commissioners understand us because they govern many aspects of our operations.” But the co-ops don’t go to Phoenix just to advocate for their consumer-members or to educate newcomers. “This is an opportunity for many of our members to hear from their legislators and to thank them for the leadership they’ve provided in the legislature in the past,” GCSECA CEO Dave Lock says. “The appreciation goes both ways—our legislators want to hear from us, and we appreciate their time.” The cooperatives have always emphasized they are nonpartisan. Co-ops support any candidate who supports the cooperatives’ mission, regardless of political party. Right now, the balance of power between the two parties in the legislature is so close that one vote can determine if a bill passes or fails. How the cooperatives navigate this landscape could contribute to the success of meeting their goals during this session and those to come. n

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY RARRARORRO MARCH 2023

BEFORE YOU GO

Let’s Play a Game of ‘Did You Know?’

He was writing about the frenzy around his state’s boys basketball tourney. The phrase stuck. Did you know the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament also began in 1939

with Oregon defeating Ohio State? It was hardly madness, with just eight teams and no wall-to-wall coverage. Did you know it wasn’t until the early 1980s that the NCAA Tournament became associated with March Madness after CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger began using the phrase to describe the crazy action? The former Chicago sports writer, of course, knew the phrase from his Illinois days. Did you know today’s average worker

spends six hours watching NCAA March Madness games, resulting in some $13.8 billion in corporate losses due to unproductive employees? Did you know that if you are in an office pool, like millions of others, your odds of filling out a perfect bracket are lower than the odds of winning the lottery? That said, the clock is ticking on filling out your bracket. The First Four games are March 14-15. As the Illinois basketball official said in a follow-up poem in 1942: “The Madness of March is running.” n

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Did you know “March Madness” first came into common use in 1939? An Illinois high school basketball official coined the phrase in an essay titled “March Madness,” writing, “A little March madness may complement and contribute to sanity and help keep society on an even keel.”

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AZ Mueller Strong Beautiful 14005.indd 1

1/27/23 2:38 PM

AZ-146 Postmaster: Send address changes to Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124 P.O. Box 22530 Bullhead City, AZ 86439 Member Services: 928-763-1100 Outage Reporting: Toll free 844-632-2667 or text “outage” to 55050 from the phone number linked to your MEC account. mohaveelectric.com

Mohave Electric Cooperative Board of Directors President Joe Anderson Vice President Deborah Johnson Secretary Toni Barbaro Treasurer Rich Tempelman Michael Bartelt Cindy Christy John Nelssen Kevin Nestrick Jose “Joe” Solar

CEO

Tyler Carlson

A Message from the CEO

Rate Case Update In June 2022, I wrote to all members that Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) had submitted an expedited rate case change to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Specifically, MEC requested to raise the Customer Charge while decreasing the energy rates. The ACC staff recommended an approval of our rate case and the Commissioners approved the rates at their regular scheduled meeting on February 22. I, on behalf of the Board of Directors, would like to thank you for supporting the need for a rate change, and thank you for realizing that Tyler Carlson for most of our members this will result in cost savings. A survey that we commissioned last year showed that over 90% of MEC members had a “favorable” opinion of MEC. There were a variety of reasons, but cost was one of the top reasons. MEC requested a change to the Customer Charge to bring some of the fixed expenses, including system equipment, maintenance, and operations, out of the energy charges and into the Customer Charge where they belong. This resulted in the Customer Charge rising, while the energy charge dropped. Although we will be increasing the standard residential customer charge by $5.56, we will be concurrently decreasing energy rates as much as 10% per kwh. We held four “Town Halls” to explain why this was necessary as well as how it would positively affect a majority of our members. We hoped the explanation would be enough to reassure members that MEC has their best interests at hand, and are good stewards of the member-owned utility. The new rates will be reflected in members’ March 2023 billing cycles. While MEC has been able to keep member rates low, over the past ten years we have also invested nearly $45 million in capital improvements and maintenance for load growth and reliability. An additional $2.9 million has been spent during that time on cyber security to protect members’ personal information. Mohave Electric Cooperative’s tiered rates give residential members more control over their energy costs and reward members who use less electricity. Using energy wisely can lower monthly electric bills. New Rates: • Tier 1: First 400 kilowatt hours $.080249/kwh (previously $.089204) • Tier 2: Next 600 kilowatt hours $.095249/kwh (previously $.104204) • Tier 3: Over 1,000 kilowatt hours $.110249/kwh (previously $.119204) For any questions on these new rates and what this means for your bill, please contact our Member Service Office between 8am and 5pm, Monday – Friday at 928-763-1100.

What’s Happening

h March 10 – 12 – Join MEC at the Tri-State Home & Garden Show h March 16 – Join MEC at the Winter Expo h March 17 – Classroom Grants Application Deadline h April 28 – MEC Scholarship Application Deadline MEC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER

MARCH 2023