Currents, Mohave Electric Cooperative, May 2023 by utilitypioneers

Currents MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

MAY 2023

Currents Magazine Member Survey Go to the back page to share your feedback.

DRONE PHOTO BY JARED WHITE/MEC

A Message from the CEO

We Want Your Feedback 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

Welcome to the May edition of Currents magazine. We have a lot going on at MEC (Mohave Electric Cooperative) and we are looking for input from our members. This is your magazine and we need your thoughts. Mohave Electric is considering making some changes to our Currents magazine. Our current magazine includes regional articles and five pages dedicated to MEC-specific articles. We would like to make Currents more beneficial for our residential and business members. With that in mind, please consider completing the survey on the back of this wrap. Your answers will help direct our next steps in making your Currents magazine the best it can be. Please take the time to fill out the survey on the back page and mail the postcard back to us. The postage is free. You may also scan the QR code and fill out the form online. The deadline to be included in the survey is June 2. In other news, two projects that are very important to me, and our community, are in process. Those are the Classroom Grants Program and the MEC scholarship program. The application date for both programs has already passed, so our Public Affairs department is combing through the submissions now. The grants and scholarships are paid for out of assigned patronage from the Capital Credits program. We have started a “drone” program here at MEC. It will help us increase reliability and perform more effective and timely inspections and repairs. Please turn to pages 4-5 to learn more. There is also a story on the pros and cons of burying the already existing overhead power lines and why it does not make sense financially. Please check that out. Finally, we have changed the MEC billing and payment phone number. The new number is 855-939-3789 Please update your information accordingly. As always, thank you to our members for your continued support of YOUR electric cooperative. Don’t forget to take the survey on the back page and drop it in the mail (postage is free) or scan the QR code and fill out your survey online. Thanks.

What’s Happening

h May 29 – Office Closed for Memorial Day

Scan the QR code to complete the survey online. More options are available on the back page of this magazine. MEC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER

Tyler Carlson

Currents MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

MAY 2023

Reaching New Heights at MEC Drone program helps improve reliability Page 4 ALSO INSIDE >>

Why Aren’t All Power Lines Underground? Page 25 MEC Wins Two Awards Page 32

DRONE PHOTO BY JARED WHITE/MEC

FROM THE PIONEER TEAM

Ruralite Currents May 2023 • Volume 58, No. 3 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

GRAND CANYON STATE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Hannah Capozzi

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-forprofit Oregon cooperative corporation— to serve the communication needs of four consumer-owned 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.

We Remember May provides us with happy and somber occasions to celebrate. Let’s start by calling attention to those who do a challenging job: teachers. May 2 is National Teacher Appreciation Day. Full disclosure, my wife is a secondgeneration teacher, and my daughter is studying education with plans to be a teacher. Education is the foundation on which strong communities are built. If you know a teacher, give them some well-deserved love. For all of you teachers out there, I know how hard your job is, and you are appreciated. I’m still in contact with two of my favorite teachers. My second grade teacher and I reconnected a few years ago when she went to work for her partner, who was my wife’s doctor. She recognized my name when reviewing my wife’s chart. She is now retired and traveling the country in an RV. I have enjoyed getting to know her all over again. Dave Labelle was my college photography instructor in the late 1980s. He now writes a

photography column and the occasional feature for this magazine. He continues to be a dear friend, colleague and mentor. For Memorial Day, Dave wrote a story to honor our fallen soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. A trio of veterans recently walked the entirety of Highway 20 from Boston to Newport, Oregon, to raise awareness of missing veterans. Dave spent time with them on their journey, documenting the trek. We bring you their story on page 10 and offer sincere gratitude to the families of fallen soldiers. Dave’s column on page 22, The Great Picture Hunt, pays homage to mothers and all they sacrifice for their children. I hope all the mothers reading this are treated to a wonderful Mother’s Day. You deserve it. May is also when those with green thumbs begin planning their gardens. If growing the biggest tomatoes in your neighborhood is your thing, check out our story on page 12 for tips. We will help you plan for the season, suggest varieties, and offer advice to fend off the pests and diseases that can ruin your plants. Happy growing! Mike Teegarden Editorial Director

Beyond the Call of Duty

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.

Three veterans face extreme weather and dangerous traffic as they hike to honor fallen soldiers 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.

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Plugged In In the Kitchen

6 16

Photo Hunt Before You Go

22 30

Prep your soil and select your plants with care to grow spectacular tomatoes Spotlight, Page 12 Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 32 M AY 2 0 2 3

Reaching New Heights at MEC

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Drone program helps protect infrastructure and improve reliability Mohave Electric Cooperative has a new tool in its toolshed to help keep members’ costs low – an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), aka Drone. The new drone program is the next step in protecting MEC’s infrastructure and facilities to improve reliability. The drone will be used for a variety of things, but chiefly it will be instrumental in inspecting the lines, poles, crossarms and equipment – especially in the most remote areas - to catch any issues before they can cause an outage. “Implementation of the drone program will help with distribution, substation and power line inspections,” said Jerry Hardy, MEC Manager of Engineering and Operations. “These inspections will be crucial, helping MEC to find areas in need of attention and ultimately improving reliability within MEC’s electrical system.” Drones equipped with cameras and other sensors can be used to inspect power lines, transmission towers, and other infrastructure for signs of damage or wear. This can help utilities identify potential problems before they become serious. To fly the drone, MEC hired Jared White as MEC’s official UAV Pilot. White has strong local ties, having graduated from Mohave High School in Bullhead City in 2010 and former Director of Technology for the local school district. Also, having grown up as a child of a Naval F-18 mechanic, White was exposed to flying at an early age. “Through my adolescence, I was greatly intrigued by aviation. I began flying radio-controlled aircraft in 2010 as a hobby just after graduating from

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Mohave High school,” White said. White was hooked on his hobby, and he eventually went for his license. FAA regulations require anyone using drones for business to be certified UAS pilots, and in December 2022, White passed the test and gained his FAA Part 107 Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) license. “I am excited to be part of a great team at Mohave Electric Cooperative as we launch our Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) program for the purpose of improving and maintaining our electrical infrastructure,” White said. Inspections are just one thing that White and his drone are destined for. The program will also address: • Vegetation management: Drones can also survey vegetation near power lines and identify areas where trees or plants are growing too close to the lines and need pruning or removal to prevent outages caused by falling branches, etc. • Outage / Disaster response: Drones can survey storm damage to locate downed power lines or other infrastructure that may be difficult to access by ground. Knowing what infrastructure is down will allow linemen to assemble equipment to restore power prior to being onsite. • Asset management: Drones can create high-resolution maps of infrastructure, including power lines and substations. This can help utilities identify areas where maintenance or upgrades may be necessary and can also help with longterm planning and forecasting. • Media support: The drone program will support the Public Affairs department by providing photo and video materials, especially during outage situations.

PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELLINGSON/MEC

Drone footage can inform MEC staff and also be shared with members on outage restoration. White will work in the Information Technology department led by Chief Information Officer Heath Barker. “I’m thrilled about implementing UAV technology at MEC as it will give us an aerial perspective of our infrastructure, facilitating early detection of potential issues,” said Barker. “With the ability to conduct top-level inspections and respond promptly to disasters, UAVs will increase efficiency and safety.” So, if you see Jared White or MEC’s UAV, don’t be alarmed, instead wave, say hello, and know your electricity is

in good hands. As a friendly reminder, it is a federal offense for shooting down unmanned aircraft and drones, which carries stiff penalties including fines and prison time up to 20 years (18 U.S. Code § 32 - Destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities). n

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PLUGGED IN

Transform Your Ride

Make the most of electric bikes, scooters and UTVs in your own backyard

ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY PR_DE

By Nina Todea Have you considered buying an electric bike, scooter or utility task vehicle, but you’re unsure if these new products will match your lifestyle? Electric transportation may seem like an innovation exclusive to cities with lowmileage commutes and ample charging stations. However, expanding electric modes of transport are creating new options for commutes and recreation in rural and small-town areas. Research shows the number of electric vehicles on the road continues to grow. This rapid growth in EVs is part of a fundamental shift in transportation, but EV adoption still faces challenges, particularly in more rural areas. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the rate of EV adoption in rural areas is roughly 40% lower than in urban areas. Introducing EVs into daily life can be an intimidating commitment for consumers and electric utilities. Try starting smaller. Electric bikes, scooters and UTVs are a good 6

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introduction to the evolving electric market and might meet your needs. They’re also outpacing EV sales. More than 880,000 e-bikes were imported into the United States in 2021, according to the Light Electric Vehicle Association. If you’re considering buying or renting an electric bike, scooter or UTV, you should first know some basics. E-bikes Electric bicycles don’t look much different from traditional bikes at a glance. If you look closer, you’ll notice a small electric motor, battery and control panel on the frame. E-bikes can be as much as 20 pounds heavier than regular bicycles, though weights continue to drop with improvements. The industry has three standard classes of e-bikes. Class 1 has a motor that can gently assist as you pedal. It maxes out at 20 miles per hour. Class 1 e-bikes are the most commonly available for rent or bikesharing. Class 2 bikes also reach 20 mph but have a throttle-powered mode that does not require pedaling. Class 3 bikes

are pedal-assist only, but they can reach 28 mph. Batteries, riding ranges and features vary among brands and models. Decide in what situations you plan to use an e-bike. Electric bikes can offer a boost on hills and when off-roading or enable you to commute longer distances without breaking a sweat. Assess your ability and the type of ride you’re planning to determine which level of assistance is best suited for your needs. Follow the same safety precautions as with a traditional bicycle. Be aware that with increased speeds comes increased precaution. You’ll need to research where you’re allowed to ride an e-bike. Regulations vary in every state. Keep in mind the rules are regularly changing as more e-bikes enter the market. Entry-level e-bikes start at around $1,000. While upfront costs can be two to three times the price of a traditional bike, e-bikes can save on gas when used for commutes. E-bikes run on batteries, typically reaching full charge within a few hours. A

well-maintained e-bike battery lasts three to five years. E-scooters Think of the electric scooter as the younger sibling to e-bikes. Electric scooters offer many of the same benefits as e-bikes. They allow you to cut down on expenses, be more environmentally conscious, improve fitness and assist in your daily commute. What sets scooters apart, however, is their portability. While e-bikes weigh as much as 20 pounds heavier than regular bicycles, the average electric scooter weighs 25 to 40 pounds. Consider lighter-weight, folding scooters made of carbon fiber, and you have handheld, portable transportation. One side effect of increased portability is decreased performance. Scooters aren’t always built to handle rough terrain. If you plan to take a scooter off-road or uphill, you’ll need a model with a powerful battery and motor. Electric scooters average $300 to $500 for budget-friendly, mid-range performance options. E-UTVs Perhaps a more popular and practical electric choice for large properties and recreation is the electric utility vehicle. Electric

UTVs bring to life many of the same features as gas-powered UTVs—without the noise or emissions. E-UTVs have a level of versatility that e-bikes and scooters don’t offer. Their distinct advantages include the ability to carry passengers; handle rough terrain, including snow; and assist in farm work and hunting. Electrified, the e-UTV adds to those advantages. Gone are oil changes, gas fillups and cost-heavy maintenance. For the popular Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic, maintenance costs are estimated to be 70% less than those of gas UTVs. With an e-UTV, riders have a more cost-effective experience, but e-UTVs still have performance setbacks. Gas UTVs are praised for their steady level of performance. With e-UTVs, the battery drains the longer you drive it, reducing the torque and horsepower it produces before its next full charge. E-UTVs can take six to 12 hours to charge fully, so plan accordingly. Electric UTVs have a higher upfront price tag than e-bikes and e-scooters, so if you can, consider renting before buying. E-bikes, scooters and UTVs are available at local retailers and online. If you’re looking for an alternative to your usual commute and recreation vehicles, electric bikes, scooters and UTVs offer new possibilities. n

Electric school buses are one way Beneficial Electrification League is helping improve local economies while achieving environmental goals across the country. PHOTO COURTESY OF BENEFICIAL ELECTRIFICATION LEAGUE

Electric School Buses Are ‘Intro to Electrification’ Alma, Kansas, population 800, recently became the first city in the state to have an electric school bus in operation. “For many rural towns like Alma, electric school buses are going to be an introduction to electrification,” says Keith Dennis, Beneficial Electrification League president. Beneficial Electrification League is a nonprofit organization that promotes electrification projects that benefit local economies. In 2022, BEL’s five-year electric school bus program started. It follows funding passed by Congress to pay for new electric school buses, known as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program. BEL’s program aims to bring together school districts and electric utilities in rural and small-town communities to access funding for electric school buses and infrastructure. “We asked cooperatives and public power utilities if they would be willing or interested in assisting schools,” Keith says. “Within a few weeks, we had participation from utilities that collectively represent over 350 distribution cooperatives across more than 32 states.” Electric school buses can perform better on rural roads, especially mountain roads, because of their torque. They have a smoother, quieter ride, which bus drivers say makes them safer. They don’t emit fumes as they’re idling or moving. They are also cheaper to operate. One disadvantage is the higher upfront cost, which range from $236,000 to $371,000. Research from June 2022 also shows the cost over the lifetime of an electric school bus is $121,000 more than for a diesel equivalent—a gap easily covered by the EPA rebate. BEL has advocated that the EPA allow additional grant funding for electric infrastructure upgrades needed to support the buses. The next round of grant funding for electric school buses will be available later this spring. Anyone interested in BEL’s Electric School Bus initiative can visit be-league.org/buses or contact Tracy Warren at Tracy@be-league.org. M AY 2 0 2 3

M AY 2023

FEELING GREAT WITH CBD Everyone feels the hurt as you age, but CBD can help you deal with it By: Beth Giles

Life really does fly by. Before I knew it, my 60s had arrived, and with them came some new gifts from dear ol’ Mother Nature—frequent knee pain, stress, low energy and sleeplessness. Now, I’m a realist about these things, I knew I wasn’t going to be young and springy forever. But still, with “golden years” nearly on my doorstep, I couldn’t help but feel a little cheated. That is until I found my own secret weapon. Another gift from Mother Nature. It began a few months back when I was complaining about my aches and pains to my marathon-running granddaughter, Jen. She casually mentioned how she uses CBD rub to help with her joint pain. She said that CBD gave her more focus and clarity throughout the day and that her lingering muscle and joint discomfort no longer bothered her. She even felt comfortable signing up for back-to-back marathons two weekends in a row this year. That made even this self-proclaimed skeptic take notice. But I still had some concerns. According to one study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 70% of CBD products didn’t contain the amount of CBD stated on their labels. And, as a consumer, that’s terrifying! If I was going to try CBD, I needed to trust the source through and through. My two-fold research process naturally led me to Zebra CBD. First, I started calling my family and friends. Call me old fashioned but I wanted to know if there were people whom I trusted (more than

anonymous testimonials) who’ve had success using CBD besides my granddaughter. Secondly, I wanted cold hard facts. Diving deep into the world of CBD research and clinical studies, I came across Emily Gray M.D., a physician at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Medical School and medical advisor to Zebra CBD who is researching the effects of CBD. Dr. Gray wrote “early results with CBD have been promising and we have a lot of research underway now. I’ve had several patients using CBD with good success. It’s important that you know your source of CBD and how to use it properly.” After hearing it from the doctor’s mouth, I returned to my research, asking more people and was amazed by the number of close friends and family who were already on the CBD train. Apparently, I was the only one without a clue! And funny enough, a couple of friends who commented were using the same brand as my granddaughter—Zebra CBD. There was no consensus as to why they were using CBD, but the top reasons given were for muscle & joint discomfort, mood support, sleep support, stress and headaches, as well as supporting overall health & wellness. Eventually, even the most skeptical of the bunch can be won over. With a trusted CBD source in mind, I decided to give it a go. When I viewed Zebra CBD’s selection online, I was impressed by its array of products, including CBD oils called tinctures, topicals, chewable

tablets, mints and gummies. After reading on their website that all their products are made with organically-grown hemp, I ordered... and it arrived within 2 days! The first product I tried was the Rub. Now this stuff was strong. Immediately after rubbing it on my knee, the soothing effects kicked in. It had that familiar menthol cooling effect, which I personally find very relieving. And the best part is, after two weeks of using it, my knee pain no longer affected my daily mobility. The Zebra Sleep Gummies, on the other hand, had a different but equally positive effect on my body. To take it, the instructions suggest chewing thoroughly. This was simple enough, and the taste was, well, lemony. After about 15 minutes, a sense of calm came over my body. It's hard to describe exactly; it's definitely not a "high" feeling. It's more like an overall sense of relaxation—and then I was out. Needless to say, I slept great and woke up refreshed. I haven’t slept like that in a long time. While it hasn’t been a catch-all fix to every one of my health issues, it has eased the level and frequency of my aches. And it sure doesn’t seem like a coincidence how rejuvenated I feel. All-in-all, CBD is one of those things that you have to try for yourself. Although I was skeptical at first, I can safely say that I’m now a Zebra CBD fan and that I highly recommend their products. Also, I managed to speak with a Zebra CBD spokesperson willing to provide an exclusive. If you order this month, you’ll receive $10 off your first order by using promo code “CM10” at checkout. Plus, the company offers a 100% No-Hassle, Money-Back Guarantee. You can try it yourself and order Zebra CBD at ZebraCBD.com/CM or at 1-888-762-2699.

UP CLOSE

Beyond the Call of Duty By Dave LaBelle

In “Travels with Charley: In Search of America,” John Steinbeck said, “A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” Three retired Marines determined to see North America and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice set out on a journey in mid-2022. Like Steinbeck, they wanted to see North America up close. Theirs, too, became a journey of discovery. “We’ve all driven across the states and flown over them, but when you are walking it, you really see the different change in the dynamic more than when you are driving,” Justin “J.D.” Lehew says. He set out June 6, 2022, with

Coleman “Rocky” Kinzer. Both men are highly decorated Marine combat veterans. They began at the USS Constitution in Boston Harbor, with the goal of walking historic U.S. Highway 20 to its end: 3,365 miles away in Newport, Oregon. J.D. and Rocky are members of History Flight, a nonprofit dedicated to researching, recovering and repatriating U.S. service members. Since 2003, the organization has helped recover, identify and return the remains of more than 160 service members killed in wars in Europe and the Pacific. In August 2022, fellow decorated combat Marine Ray “Shino” Shinohara, joined the men in Illinois. In a Facebook post, Shino wrote, “I’ve realized serving this great country for 11 years; I finally get to see the freedom we fought for and how it is very much THRIVING.”

Harsh Challenges of The Long Road Their epic walk, known as “The Long Road,” involved the scorching sun, stifling humidity, raging wind, stinging rain, blowing snow and cutting ice. There was also sickness, blisters and close calls with vehicles. Each man carried a 40-pound rucksack. Video posts show them navigating ice-covered roads as vehicles come dangerously close. J.D. says they felt more concerned about getting “carbit than dog-bit.” “Roads aren’t made for people to walk on,” he says. “This isn’t the Appalachian Trail or anything like that. This was some grueling stuff.” Early in their walk, J.D. became ill. “I walked for a week with about 105-degree temperature,” he says. “Finally, Rocky just looked at me and said, ‘You are going to the hospital.’ So, I went to the hospital in Cooperstown,

New York, with a 105-degree temperature. I was there seven days, and finally the doctor got that under control.” Shino endured painful blisters the first 100 miles and suffered sickness several times, but he remembers the mental part being the most challenging. Rocky ran into some physical obstacles. “Rocky has got a lot of boneon-bone with his knees and his hips,” J.D. says. “That took kind of a toll on him. You are not going to go 3,365 miles and get out of it scot-free.”

Interest in the Mission Grew With increasing social media posts, and television and newspaper interviews, support grew, and donations poured in to History Flight. The total has reached $250,000, and donations are still coming. Supporters paid for meals or motel stays, and towns launched welcome parties with Challenging weather made for dangerous conditions for J.D. and Shino between Burns and Bend, Oregon, as they neared the end of their trip. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE

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LEFT: J.D., Shino and Rocky celebrate reaching the Continental Divide. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE RIGHT: The trio celebrates completing their trip in Newport, Oregon, with a group photo. PHOTO BY BEN KING

people lining the streets. Some gave names of the missing, telling the men, “This may be the missing connection that finds my loved one.” Halfway through their journey, J.D. posted to Facebook: “What started as a couple of quiet professionals and friends walking across the nation in obscurity in the hopes of educating people along the way on the plight of our missing combat heroes and their families, has truly gained the momentum of the beginnings of a national movement.” Shino spoke of past mental health challenges. “It took me a long time to figure out what I was going through,” he says. “I didn’t want to accept it, especially coming out of the military. It was only when I started to ask for help I started to receive help either through the VA or through other nonprofits, which kind of inspired and led me to become a social worker who actually helps veterans now that suffer with PTSD. ” Shino took off a year from his job to clear his head. He walked with an Elf on the Shelf, a Christmas-themed doll given to him by fellow Marine Danny

Vasselian, who was killed in combat nine years earlier. At the journey’s end, Shino flew from Oregon to Boston and placed the elf on his friend’s tombstone before returning home to Guam. Disaster was avoided months earlier when Shino left the elf in an Iowa motel room, where the three men were put up for the night by the mayor of Cedar Rapids. “We get on the road early the next day,” J.D. says. “We are about 5 miles out of town, and Shino realizes the elf’s gone. We have no transportation. I knew how much this thing meant.” They called the motel. “As we are walking, the lady calls me back and said, ‘We searched the room; it’s not there.’ I am thinking, ‘Oh, my God, this kid is going to get crushed.’” They considered stopping to let Shino search. J.D. called the mayor, who said to keep moving and he would take care of it. “Whatever he ended up doing, 30 minutes later, he texted me and said, ‘I got the elf, and I’ll drive it out to you guys,’ ” J.D. says. “And he did. We were like 8 miles down the

road. I went up to Shino and I said, ‘I made a few calls, the mayor’s got the elf and he’s on his way out right now.’ You could just see the weight lifted. It was like somebody just won the lottery.” The End of the Journey After trekking across the wintry landscapes of Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Oregon, Team Long Road finally crossed the snow-covered Cascades and arrived December 17 in Newport to a heroes’ welcome. Rocky and Shino were able to catch flights out of Portland. J.D. was stranded because of

weather-affected flights, unable to make it home for Christmas. Recalling the Adventure “A lot of it is really so epic,” J.D. says from his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. “When you speak to people it really hits you—because they are so inspired by it, they are so in awe of the epic scope of it—that you really have to sit there at times and just say, ‘Oh my God, we just walked across America.’ ” n To learn more about the mission, visit teamlongroad.com. To donate to History Flight, visit historyflight.com.

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A Matter of

Taste

Your guide to growing delicious tomatoes Stories by Chase Smoak

Early Resilience is a rounded Roma tomato suitable for cooking and canning. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS

Tired of losing tomatoes to unwanted garden pests? Worried you need to sacrifice excellent taste for improved yield? Take a deep breath and relax. You can grow your tomato and eat it, too. Growing tomatoes can be a challenge—especially if you are new to the game. Even seasoned gardeners are caught off guard. To grow delicious tomatoes, focus your attention on three stages of gardening: planning, preparing and protecting. Along with the help of a few new varieties and field-proven tactics, you will be on your way to growing the best tomato crop yet. Stage 1: Plan A successful tomato harvest starts with choosing the right varieties to grow. Many gardeners claim if you want great flavor, you need to plant heirloom varieties. People selected these tomato plants long ago for traits such as shape, size and taste, so the claim has merit. However, in pursuit of a better-tasting tomato, factors such as resistance to insects and disease were overlooked. If you have grown heirlooms, you know the challenge. Many gardeners are left wondering if tasty tomatoes are a thing of the past.

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There’s good news. In should have good drainage. response to consumer Tomato plants hate wet feet demand for resilient, flavorful and often succumb to root rot tomatoes, plant breeders have when left in waterlogged soils. developed improved varieties. They need regular watering With so many options, throughout the growing season, how do you make the best so select a spot with easy access choice? to water. Irrigate deeply but All-America Selections, a infrequently to strengthen plants nonprofit organization, may and encourage deep, healthy root have the answer. The group systems. Drip irrigation works of professional horticulturists well and doesn’t soak leaves, across the country volunteers helping to thwart disease issues. to grow test plots of new Avoid places where tomatoes, tomato varieties and potatoes, peppers, eggplants and compares notes on disease other nightshade crops have resistance, yields and taste, grown within the past three years. alongside established Many pests overwinter in the soil varieties. adjacent to these plants and will Tomato Pest Management. ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID CLARK terrorize unsuspecting gardeners. “Our judges rate taste and Deep-red, oblong tomatoes typically Once you have selected the texture first, then everything weigh a little more than half an ounce right spot, test your soil and amend the else second,” says Diane Blazek, executive and taste sweet. This variety has superior ground as indicated. Your local extension director of All-America Selections and the tolerance to late blight. agent can help you arrange a test and National Garden Bureau. “You can have the Transplants should be spaced at least 2 interpret the results. most prolific, cute, unique new tomato, but feet apart in the garden and will benefit Tomatoes require a good supply of if it doesn’t taste good, nobody wants it.” from staking. nutrients from start to finish, so fertilize Here are a few 2022 AAS winning Sunset Torch. This AAS regional before and during the growing cycle. varieties to consider growing this season. winner thrives in the West, Northwest, Weeds are an often-overlooked source Purple Zebra. For a tomato that looks Mountain, Southwest and Southeast of tomato pests. After clearing the site, just as good as it tastes, search no more. growing regions. Sunset Torch produces According to AAS, Purple Zebra is a spread mulch 3 to 4 inches deep. Keep it a small, striped tomatoes that pack a big national winner, with fruit that is “firm palm-width away from the tomato stems. taste punch. in texture, complex in flavor and has Planting should not begin before the AAS trials note this variety showed a taste more sweet than acidic.” It has last frost date for your area. If you’re high resistance to tomato mosaic virus, high resistance to tomato mosaic virus, unsure when it is safe to plant, reach out verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt. verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt and late to your local cooperative extension office This prolific early-season producer blight. for help. can provide 250 to 300 tomatoes per Start seeds indoors four to six weeks plant. Because it grows 5 to 6 feet tall, before the last frost. Space transplants Stage 3: Protect staking or trellising is a must. For best no less than 2 feet apart or, if using Like the rising of the sun, insects and results, space plants 24 to 36 inches apart diseases are to be expected in every garden. containers, select 5-gallon pots with and separate rows by a minimum of 36 drainage and stake them. The good news: They can be controlled inches. You will enjoy ripe fruit 75 days This variety produces 150 to 200 or even avoided using a process known after transplanting. green-striped, purple tomatoes. Most as integrated pest management—a gardeners can begin harvesting tomatoes To find seed suppliers and garden commonsense approach to gardening that 80 to 85 days after transplant. centers carrying these and other treads lightly on the environment and Celano. Another national winner, AAS-recommended varieties, visit minimizes the use of garden chemicals. Celano is an early-producing, highall-americaselections.org/buy-winners. Monitor and identify. Get to know yielding grape-type tomato for patios or your garden and what lives in it. Talk to gardens. Stage 2: Prepare your local extension agent for a precise According to AAS trial notes, Celano Proper site selection and planting understanding of common insects and developed fruit much earlier and techniques are vital to tomato gardening diseases. produced much longer than comparable success. Your tomato garden needs access Remember that beneficial insects such varieties. to full sun—six to eight hours a day—and as praying mantises and lady beetles M AY 2 0 2 3

naturally keep damaging insects in check. Don’t resort to pesticides at the first sign of something that flies or crawls. Make an evaluation. If you spot harmful pests or damage on tomatoes, evaluate whether real damage is being done. Although annoying, small pest populations often can be tolerated. Set thresholds to guide your treatment decisions. For example, you may decide there is little benefit to treating a pest problem if there is less than 10% damage to the plant. Choose a wise treatment. If treatment is necessary, use the least-toxic measure first. Proper watering, plant spacing and fertilization can help prevent or reduce the number of pests. Physical removal of pests can be useful for small populations. For example, hornworms are easily removed by hand-picking, and aphids are often

washed away by a good squirt from a water hose. If these approaches fail, reach out to your local extension agent for advice on pesticides, and follow all label directions. Pesticide labels are the law. Many chemicals may be unethical or illegal to use on fruit-bearing plants. Err on the side of caution.

Tomato Harvesting. ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID CLARK

Enjoy the Pursuit Gardening should be an enjoyable escape from our fast-paced world. It’s also an opportunity to serve as good stewards of the land, so when the time comes, we pass on something a little better to the next generation. If you want to experience all gardening has to offer, focus on producing memories instead of a crop. If you do, you will find everything begins to taste a little sweeter along the way. n

Terenzo and Lizzano varieties grow well in containers. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS

CONSIDER CONTAINER GARDENING Lack the space or time for a traditional garden? No worries. You can grow tomatoes in pots and hanging baskets, too. Choose your variety with care. For containers, consider All-America Selections standouts Terenzo and Lizzano. Terenzo is a cherry-type trailing tomato with sweet fruit. Lizzano produces a copious amount of tasty fruit, which can be harvested 105 days from seeding or 63 days after transplant and is noted for resistance to late blight. Both grow 16 to 20 inches tall. Regardless of variety, follow these tips for successful growing:

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4Use pots at least 6 to 8 inches deep with holes underneath for drainage. 4Use dollies or platforms with wheels to shift plants around more easily. 4Use a lightweight potting mix. Packaged mixes are widely available at most garden centers. 4Avoid soilless media lacking required nutrients. 4When using a potting mix with added fertilizer, wait eight to 10 weeks before adding more nutrients. 4When it’s time, use a water-soluble fertilizer at its recommended rate.

Blossom-end rot—small dark spots that expand over time to form a sizable rotten area—is caused by calcium deficiency. Proper watering and fertilization help prevent this common garden blight. PHOTO BY BRENDA KENNEDY, UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY/ BUGWOOD.ORG

BEAT BLOSSOM-END ROT AND OTHER BLIGHTS Know the signs, symptoms and treatment of common tomato diseases. Blossom-end rot is the bane of every tomato gardener’s existence. It starts as small brown spots on the blossom end of the fruit and rapidly progresses to form sizable rotten areas. While the rest of the tomato is safe to eat if you cut away the ruined portion, preventing blossom-end rot before it starts is a better strategy for gardening success. This disorder is the result of calcium deficiency, often caused by nutrient-poor soil or extreme fluctuations in soil moisture that interfere with calcium uptake. Here’s how to beat it. 4Add organic matter to the soil. If you plant in raised beds or your soil is low in natural organic matter, you may need to provide extra. Organic matter is the portion of soil composed of living or dead things in various states of decay, such as plant roots or microbes. It helps retain soil moisture and increases a plant’s ability to uptake calcium. Check the level of organic matter when testing your soil. If needed, add organic fertilizers such as compost and manure. 4Fertilize responsibly. Shoot for a pH level of 6.5. Use lime or gypsum to maintain an appropriate calcium supply. When pH drops too low, nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are less available to tomato plants. Lime helps raise soil pH. It is best to apply several months before planting. Gypsum (calcium sulfate)

is useful when your pH level is appropriate, but calcium is too low. Reach out to your local extension agent for advice on soil testing and how best to prepare the ground for tomatoes. 4Mulch the garden. Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around tomato plants to prevent erratic moisture shifts. Keep mulch a palm-width away from the base of plants, or you risk shifting the rot to another spot on the plant. 4Irrigate correctly. Provide tomatoes with a consistent 1 to 11/2 inches of water per week. Fight Early Blight Early blight typically appears on older foliage as small brown lesions. As spots enlarge, concentric rings form in the center of the diseased area, resembling a bull’s-eye pattern. Stem lesions are similar in appearance and can girdle the plant, especially those at the soil line. On fruit, lesions maintain a similar appearance and, over time, nearly envelop the fruit. To prevent, choose resistant tomato varieties and pathogen-free seeds. Practice crop rotations, maintain proper soil nutrient levels and adequate plant spacing, and avoid wetting tomato foliage. Eliminate any volunteer tomatoes and weeds growing around the garden area. Apply an appropriate fungicide at the first sign of disease. For help choosing the proper fungicide, reach out to your local extension office. Watch for Wilt Plants infected with verticillium wilt appear stunted in growth. Fruit can develop a yellow color and experience a decrease in yield.

Early symptoms usually appear as yellow blotches on lower leaves that eventually spread upward, causing rapid yellowing of plants. Leaf veins turn brown, and brown dead spots appear on the leaves. Tomato foliage eventually dies and falls from plants. To prevent and treat, choose resistant tomato varieties and practice proper crop rotations. Verticillium is a soil-borne fungal pathogen. Remove all debris from infected plants out of the garden. Plants infected with this pathogen cannot be saved, so avoidance is the best option. Don’t Sleep on Late Blight The first signs of late blight are green to dark lesions with a water-soaked appearance that form on leaves. Lesions rapidly shift to brown as the disease progresses. As leaf spots enlarge, a white-colored mold forms around the margins of the spots on the underside of the leaves. Late blight is a serious disease that worsens during periods of cool, wet weather. Often, total leaf drop can occur within 14 days of symptom onset. Tomato fruit develops shiny, leathery-brown lesions. During wet weather, the entire fruit may become covered by a white, fuzzy growth. To prevent and treat, choose late blightresistant varieties and certified disease-free seeds. When possible, site your garden where it will receive morning sun, and avoid using overhead irrigation. Avoid using compost containing rotten, storebought potatoes. Maintain proper spacing between plants, remove any volunteer tomato or potato plants, and eliminate neighboring weeds. If warranted, fungicide can be used. For help selecting the right treatment, contact your local extension office. M AY 2 0 2 3

IN THE KITCHEN

Cheesy Layers

TO COMFORT THE SOUL Homemade Italian Lasagna Sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup chopped yellow onion 4 garlic cloves 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef 15-ounce can tomato sauce 15-ounce can diced tomatoes

15-ounce can crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon oregano 1 tablespoon basil 1 tablespoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoon parsley Salt and pepper, to taste Pinch of sugar

Drizzle olive oil in a stock pan over medium heat. Once heated, add onion and garlic and saute until fragrant. Add in meat of choice and cook until no longer pink. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and seasonings. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Filling 3 cups ricotta cheese 6½ cups part skim mozzarella cheese, divided ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway PHOTO BY KRISSY HAYNIE

APRIL 2023

1 egg 1 tablespoon parsley Salt and pepper, to taste 1 box oven-ready pasta sheets

Mix 2 cups mozzarella and all ingredients except pasta sheets together until well combined. Heat oven to 400 F. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, spread one ladle of sauce along the bottom to prevent sticking. Place four pasta sheets along the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the filling mixture evenly onto sheets. Spread two to three ladles of meat sauce evenly over the filling. Sprinkle 2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce. Place four more pasta sheets over that layer, and repeat the process. Spread remaining meat sauce over the final layer, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil using toothpicks in corners to prevent the foil from sticking. Bake for 35 minutes. Uncover, then bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Let lasagna rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting.

Chicken Lasagna

9 lasagna noodles 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour 2½ cups chicken broth 1½ cups half-and-half 3 garlic cloves, minced

5 ounces fresh spinach, coarsely chopped 2 teaspoons sea salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 15 ounces ricotta cheese 1 large egg ¼ cup parsley ¼ cup Parmesan cheese 3 cups mozzarella cheese, divided

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain. Add cold water to the pot to stop the cooking process and prevent noodles from sticking. Heat oven to 375 F. Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil, and saute onions for 3 to 4 minutes or until softened. Add butter, then whisk in the flour. Whisk for 3 minutes or until mixture is golden. Add chicken broth, half-and-half, salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened to a light gravy consistency. Add minced garlic and chopped spinach. Stir to combine, then remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, egg, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan and parsley. Spread some spinach sauce on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Add three noodles. Add half of the ricotta sauce and half of the shredded chicken. Ladle one-third of spinach sauce over the chicken. Add three noodles. Top with the remaining ricotta cheese and chicken. Top with one-third of the spinach sauce. Add three noodles and the remaining sauce. Sprinkle on the reserved 1 cup mozzarella. Poke 10 to 12 toothpicks into the top of the lasagna, then cover with foil. Bake on the center rack for 45 minutes. Uncover and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Mexican Lasagna

2 teaspoons olive oil 1 pound ground beef ½ cup onion, finely diced 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 packet taco seasoning 4-ounce can diced green chiles, drained 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained ½ cup corn kernels

16-ounce can refried beans 10-ounce can red enchilada sauce, divided 12 8-inch flour tortillas 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro Cooking spray Pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole, optional

Heat oven to 375 F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until softened. Add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the taco seasoning. Mix in the chiles, tomatoes and corn. Add the refried beans. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Cut the tortillas in half, and layer six tortilla halves to fit in the dish. Spread one-third of the enchilada sauce over the tortillas, then sprinkle with ½ cup of cheese. Spread one-third of the bean and meat mixture over the cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with layers of tortillas, enchilada sauce and the remaining cheese. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, then bake for an additional 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned. Sprinkle with cilantro, and add desired toppings. Cut into squares and serve.

Lasagna al Pesto

Bechamel Pesto Sauce 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons flour 3 cups whole milk

½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1½ cups basil pesto

Cheese Mixture 15 ounces ricotta cheese ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1⁄3 cup freshly grated ½ teaspoon salt Parmesan cheese ½ teaspoon black 1 large egg pepper ½ tablespoon dried basil

Lasagna 5 lasagna noodles 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Cook the noodles in a large pot of boiling water per package directions. When al dente (still firm but not crunchy and not too soft), drain and toss with a little olive oil to help prevent sticking. Set aside. To make the pesto bechamel sauce, melt the butter over medium heat in a medium pot. When melted, add the flour. Stir to combine. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds. Whisk in the milk, salt and pepper. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat. Add the pesto, and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, combine all of the cheese mixture ingredients. Season to taste with salt, basil and pepper. Heat oven to 375 F. Spread ½ cup of the pesto sauce across the bottom of a 9-by-9-inch dish. Cut the lasagna noodles in half to turn each one into shorter strips. Lay three strips across the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping. Gently spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture across the noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the cheese mixture, followed by 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Gently spread 1 cup of the pesto sauce across the cheeses. Repeat another layer of noodles, the remainder of the cheese mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan and pesto sauce. Lay out the third layer of noodles. Top with the remaining pesto sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan. Cover with foil, and bake for 50 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Remove from the oven, and let it sit 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

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READER EXCHANGE Crafts/Hobbies

Milestones

Odds

I am looking for T-shirts and cargo pants or anything ’90s Goth style. The T-shirts can be any size. I would prefer black or brown with any company or band logo on them. For the pants, anything in the style works in any size.

My dad, Curtis Cole, will be 90 years young at the end of May. He is like the Energizer bunny. He walks an hour each day, keeps in touch with his 10 children, many of his 23 grandchildren and even some of his 23 great-grandchildren who are old enough to talk on the phone. However, he’s not at his best on the phone because his hearing was damaged while serving with an artillery unit in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Dad loves U.S. history and has traveled to almost all 50 states. He would be so pleased to receive cards that tell him about where you live, what is unique and special about your area, and what your hobbies are. Mail to: Curtis A. Cole, 342 West River Court, Fresno, CA 93711.

I am interested in receiving old-fashioned rocking chairs for children. They are larger than what seems available today.

Tana Henrichs 17631 Cosset Loop La Pine, OR 97739

I need one or more skeins of red heart super saver in color light clay. It looks like clay flowerpots that have faded some. It is a long-discontinued color from about 30 years ago. I want to finish a project. These are 8-ounce skeins. Betty Mercado 1820 E 10th St. The Dalles, OR 97058-3118 bettym@centurylink.net

Looking for resin molds, mica dust and supplies. This is a new hobby I am about to adventure in. Email Diggys415@gmail.com if you have questions. Thank you for your contribution. Tanya Dronoff P.O. Box 270693 Susanville, CA 96127

My son and I have had so much fun making winter quilts from the items readers have sent us. We are now ready to make summer quilts. If any readers would like to donate light fabrics such as cotton and blends of cotton and polyester with prints that are bright and cheerful, we would very much appreciate it. Thank you, from Marty and Shirley. Shirley Egbert 190 S. Crystal Drive Rupert, ID 83350-9677

I am looking for any plants, plant pieces, cuttings and plant supplies. I would appreciate them all. Marsha Holiek 16637 William Foss Road LaPine, OR 97739

Kathy Schimandle Wright Graeagle, CA

My dear, sweet mother will be 100 years old at the end of May. She was born in Rippey, Iowa, then her family moved to Walla Walla, Washington, during the Dust Bowl. She became a farm wife, raised six children, cooked for up to 22 harvesters, had a huge garden and made sure we all went to college. Please help celebrate her big milestone by sending her a card sharing your story. She would be delighted to hear from you. Mail to: Geraine Hansen, 2194 S Fork Coppei Road, Waitsburg, WA 99361. Karen Yager and Cherlyn Hansen Walla Walla, WA

My mother spent many years volunteering at the VA hospital in Seattle, until my father died. Then, for the next five years, she took little gifts every month to cancer care patients at the VA hospital. She will be turning 90 the first part of May and would love to get birthday cards. Mail to: Jeannette Severson, 16508 SE 278th St., Covington, WA 98042. Thank you for helping my mom have a wonderful 90th birthday. Marlene Martin Graham, WA

Happy Spring! 18

M AY 2023

Connie Hicks P.O. Box 267 Eureka, NV 89316

I have calendars with nice pictures. If anyone wants them, just pay postage. Robert and Dorthy Ledbetter 39001 Ebell Creek Road Baker City, OR 97814

Recipes Does anyone have the recipe for Missouri beans? My mother used to fix it all the time. She has passed, and I didn’t get a chance to get the recipe. Thank you. Glenda Spence 1205 11th St. Baker City, OR 97814

Submitting Requests Is Free

Send your request (no attachments) 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 first-come, first-served 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 (pricing applies). When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers are not published. Email addresses are if part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.

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ADVENTURE AWAITS

Travel along retired train tracks on California’s

Bizz Johnson Recreation Trail

PHOTO BY BOB WICK, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Starting the Race

What Is It? More than 25 miles of no longer used rail line in northeast California were converted into the Bizz Johnson Recreation Trail stretching from Susanville to Westwood. The trail goes through tunnels and over tresses, giving great views of the forest it cuts through. 20

M AY 2023

The trail was once the Fernley and Lassen Railroad line, established in 1914 and used to transport lumber. The mill the line supported closed in 1956, and Southern Pacific Railroad was allowed to discontinue use of the line in 1978. The Bureau of Land Management oversaw the trail conversion, and it was named after Harold T. Bizz Johnson, a state representative who fought for the project.

Trail Facts The trail has a 3% grade, making it comfortable for hikes, bike rides and other activities. Starting in Westwood, the trail goes through forest for 4.5 miles before going through the Susan River Canyon for most of the remaining distance. In the winter, snowfall makes the trail a great spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY TROY

Rails to Trails Each October, Lassen Land and Trails Trust hosts the Rails to Trails Festival at the railroad depot near the Susanville trailhead. The event raises funds to maintain local trails and includes food, live music and activities such as railroad handcar races.

More Information To plan your trip, visit lassen landandtrailstrust. org/bizz-johnsontrail or call 530-2573252. Information on the Rails to Trails Festival can be found at lassenlandand trailstrust.org/ rails-to-trails.

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CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445

THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT

Motherhood: A Universal Gift “mother” evokes so many deep emotions. As a documentary photographer, I am always on the lookout for pictures that tell stories of meaningful and compassionate relationships, whether among humans or between humans and animals. We are bombarded daily with ugly images of people hurting or killing each other. We need to counter those sad, dark pictures with the lovely scenes of light and goodness all around us. Recently, I was challenged by students to share some of my favorite photographs made over a long career. While this proved far more difficult than imagined, I eventually settled on a handful of photographs authentic to my way of seeing the world, regardless if they were popular or prizewinners. One photograph I chose, made in Oklahoma in the

Nikon F, 35mm lens ISO 400, f/4 at 1/125 ABOVE: A newborn lamb is introduced to its mother. TOP LEFT, Erin LaBelle with son Tucker in August 1999 moments after birth.

mid-’80s, shows a woman—a mother—presenting a newborn lamb to its mother. It is one of those quiet, tender moments that reminds us of universal motherhood and the caring relationships people and animals can share. Perhaps that beautiful unspoken communication between the species is something only mothers can truly understand. 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.

Reader Challenge Take time to reflect on what motherhood means to you. See if you can capture in a photograph the sensitivity, power, courage and tenderness of motherhood in people or animals. Perhaps a portrait, sculpted by soft light, best speaks to the beauty of motherhood? Or, perhaps, nesting birds or other creatures going about birthing or raising their young best communicate what you see and feel? Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.

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 Ruralite readers. 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 1-877-843-3827 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.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY FAHRWASSER

yone n A t r e s s e D

ders for the

ed by Rea ipes Submitt

Rec

October 1996

Contest

Dessert, Anyone? Choose from among more than 400 recipes—including Maui Mango Pie, Éclair Dessert, Chocolate Drop Cookies and Turtle Cake—in this booklet from the 1996 recipe contest. The 8½-by-11-inch spiralbound, indexed book is $8 (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.

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Why Aren’t All Power Lines Underground? The massive storm that rolled through Bullhead City over the Labor Day holiday weekend knocked over or damaged more than 140 poles in MEC’s service territory and prompted many members to ask about burying the electrical lines rather than running them through the air. The misconception is that buried lines aren’t susceptible to Bullhead City winds, but while MEC uses the existing utility rights-of-way, there is more to it than just the existing path and the wind. The LA Times recently ran a story discussing the costs associated with burying aerial electrical lines. A representative of GridLab, a nonprofit focused on power grid transformation, estimated that to bury just 10% of the lines in the California electric utility’s service territory would cost at least $15 billion. While costs to bury existing overhead lines are expensive, there are other factors to consider. Both buried and overhead lines each have pros and cons to them. “While there are advantages to burying lines, there are negatives to it as well,” said Jerry Hardy, MEC Manager of Engineering/Operations. “For the storm

damaged poles, we are tasked to restore damaged infrastructure to its pre-storm damaged condition, whether they were aerial or buried. But to try to bury all the existing lines would not be cost effective.”

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY NAYA NA

Hardy said that the cost to run lines underground is roughly four times that of running them aerial. MEC currently has 1,569 miles of electrical lines in place. Of that, more than 1,078 miles are overhead. n

The Pros and Cons of

Overhead and Underground Power Lines PROS:

• Less expensive to build and repair • Easier to spot faults/damage • Can be built on any terrain CONS: • Susceptible to wind, ice and snow • More vulnerable to damage from trees and vegetation • More vulnerable to momentary outages caused by animals • Susceptible to damage from vehicle collisions PROS: • Not impacted by trees, wind, ice and snow • Less vulnerable to momentary outages caused by animals CONS: • More expensive to build and repair • Susceptible to flooding • Difficult to locate faults/damage • Vulnerable to damage from digging M AY 2 0 2 3

MARKETPLACE Agriculture

Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 42 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0424 4x5 round bales, meadow foxtail orchard grass. 4x4 timothy, small square. 208-435-4637, 208-435-4002 or 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. 0623 WC Collectibles. We buy comic books! Local to the Inland Northwest, willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com. 509-496-1835. 0523 Rural collector buying any clothes: 1860-1915, shoes, hats, dresses, purses or undergarments. 1900s photo albums. Let me know what you have. DL_pappas@yahoo.com (underscore mark after L) or call 971-404-8332. Thank you. 0523 100s of Fostoria American collectible glass pieces for sale. For price list and pictures: omasco2020@gmail.com. Near Eugene, OR, for viewing, or buyer pays shipping. 0523

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): July issue—May 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.

Farm Equipment 2 86-year-old co-op tractors, No. 2 and No. 3, dated 1937. Want to sell all, might part out. 208-507-1211. 0523

Books, Magazines, Videos

Free Items

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. 0523AR

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. tbsmads@yahoo.com, 888-211-1715. 0723AR

Business Opportunities Attention small business owners: Do you want to expand, purchase equipment, set up a line of credit or just need some extra cash? We can help. Approval within the hour and financing in 2-3 days. The banks can take forever. Contact Cindy Wines at Rok Financial. Call 208-748-6012. Visit www.rok.biz. We offer loans from $50K to $5M. 0523AR Community Events Fun family community event June17-18. 100+ vendors, food trucks, music entertainment, kid activities, rhubarb pies, adult beverages. Free event. www.lapineseniorcenter.org, info@lapineseniorcenter.org. 0623 Equipment/Tools DR Power, wood splitter-WH2 34-ton horizontal-vertical, cycle time 15 seconds. Briggs 14.50 FPT-electric start, used one weekend, $2K. jimdearrieta@gmail.com, 775-721-0390. 0523

M AY 2023

Help Wanted Veterinarian needed for small animal hospital in Sandpoint, ID. This is not a corporate chain clinic; no pressure to meet production quotas. Clinic open Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Currently 1 full-time and 3 part-time veterinarians on staff. If you know a vet or graduating vet student, please have them contact Center Valley Veterinary Clinic for more information. 208-263-5500. 0523 Miscellaneous Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch gourmet canned tuna on internet. Sept.-June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original flavor sold out until fall; jalapeno and garlic flavors (not spicy) still available. 206799-1082, twofisherstuna.com. 0523 Stud service for mini Australian shepherd. Photos available. Crescent Lake, OR. Liz Sanders, 360-901-1291. 0623

Farm gates–galvanized, factory-painted John Deere green. Two 16-foot, one-man gates. Installation hardware included. No dents/ scratches, like new. U-haul. Brookings, OR, Cape Ferrelo area. $850. 707-951-1882. 0523 Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. Please call Joe at 541-815-8906 for more info. www.highdesertmemorials.com and hdmemorials@bendbroadband.com. 0823 Pets, Supplies Dog trailer for sale. Custom aluminum 4-compartment trailer with cooling fan, lights and lots of storage. Very nice condition. $3.5K. Eugene, OR. Call 541-556-8907 for more information. 0523

Real Estate Kobe subdivision near Anderson, AK, 38 acres, road accessible ag land. $50K. marilynberglin@gmail.com. 0523 74-acre ranch on beautiful Texas Ridge in Deary, ID. 5,500 sqft, 6-bd, 2-ba 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 $1.2M. For more information, call Doug, 509-727-4557 or 509-727-0013. 0523 Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, ranch owner. For sale: Central OR 2-acre parcel $649K. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0623

100x200 residential lot on Coos Bay, OR bluff. Bay Front. Ocean view. City water and sewer. Contact Joe at joe8109@peak.org for info and pictures. $232K. 0923 If you’re looking to sell your property in Oregon or any of the Western states, look no further than our team of professionals. We are dedicated to excellence in our work, from expert market analysis to designing tailored marketing campaigns that showcase your property’s unique features. You can trust us to provide guidance throughout the selling process, and we always aim to exceed our clients’ expectations. Contact James Wardrope Realty and see how our commitment to excellence can help you achieve your selling goals. Central Oregon office now open! 541-480-0212. 0523

Homestead; 20 acres. NE, NV. Ideal for solar/ wind power, recreation. Liveable with trailer and Conex. Year-round access. Zoned AG. $38K. geopup58@gmail.com. 0523 Alaska picturesque Gulkana River waterfront property on approximately 2 acres with unique modern cabin with power, hi-speed internet, garage and other outbuildings. Year-round road access. Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, wildlife abounds. No property taxes. $394,900. jimnsalley@yahoo.com. 0523

Services Websites shouldn’t be this hard. Stop trying to DIY and contact CatAndMouseStudio.com for beautiful, professional website design that’s affordable, modern and mobile-friendly. hi@catandmousestudio.com. 0623 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 Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 43 yrs in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133, garrymclin@aol.com. Will travel. 1023

Premium equestrian potential on the south fork of the John Day River. Views, 205 acres, irrigated, beautiful home, corrals, paddocks, hay cover, machine shop, office. $1.2M. 0523 Dreaming of a warm climate and four-month hunting season? Beautiful treed lot includes a “sold as-is” house. Historic Franklin, LA. 541-519-8221. 0623

Lincoln City, OR. Beautiful ocean views. Sleeps 12. 4-bd (2 w/king), 3 full ba, Wi-Fi, cable, fireplace, W/D, dishwasher, 2nd kitchen upstairs. Info/pics: VRBO.com/693193. Call for special prices. fbeckwithfamily@gmail.com, 503-720-6144. 0723

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. 0523 *Winter rates extended through June 25. 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. Wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. Reservations: 541-740-9953. 0623AR Bend country cabin. Very clean and fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-382-3050. bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 0623

Wanted: C1 Corvette. ’58-’62. Finished car, no projects. Prefer manual transmission. Will pay for quality. Call or text Randy, 503-544-3807. 0723

100% Guaranteed Protective Sleeves

Your ad could be here in July. See instructions on the opposite page for details.

•Prevents Cuts & Scratches •Durable Soft Leather •Adjustable Air-Flow

arm c ha p s. c o m 6 5 1- 492-483 0 M AY 2 0 2 3

Balancing Reliability and Affordability Arizona Generation and Transmission Cooperatives joins Western Energy Imbalance Market

M AY 2023

By J.D. Wallace While midnight on April 5 in Arizona Generation and Transmission Cooperatives’ Energy Management Services dispatch might have looked like any other, a big change occurred to how electricity is bought and sold for its members. AzGT officially joined the California Independent System Operator’s Western Energy Imbalance Market. The WEIM is an advanced energy market that finds lowcost energy to serve real-time consumer demand across the West. While the move doesn’t affect members at the end of the line, the transition ensures more price stability and electric reliability during times of high demand. AzGT’s electric generation and transmission cooperative, Arizona Electric Power Cooperative—which supplies power to distribution cooperatives in Arizona and California—led the planning and implementation of the WEIM. “We’re excited to be a part of CAISO’s energy imbalance market,” says Arizona Electric Power Cooperative Executive Vice President and CEO Patrick Ledger. “The WEIM will not only provide cost savings to our member-owners because of its optimized footprint, but it will also help ensure grid reliability and the integration of renewable resources.” This partnership opens AzGT to a robust energy market. More than 75% of the Western Interconnection—the bulk power system connecting the Western United States and Canada—is now participating in the WEIM. Until now, AzGT remained in a bilateral market where it bought and sold power with other utilities. This market provided fewer power generation options during high electricity demand, such as

ARIZONA G&T COOPERATIVES hot summer days when high demand for electricity stretches across the West. The WEIM balances electric load and generation resources every five minutes over a larger area. This vast area allows the WEIM to cover the larger, short-term balancing needs created by intermittent resources—such as solar and wind—that a smaller market would struggle to cover. Access to more power generation resources helps AzGT utilize the most cost-effective power resource. “For example, during the day when the sun is out, solar resources will be cheaper than running gas and coal units,” says Amber Parker, project manager for AzGT. “The market will see the price difference and back down the expensive resources, and the WEIM members will be able to purchase the cheaper, renewable option. The same can be said at night. When the sun goes down and solar is no longer an option, gas and coal units will be dispatched up and be sold into the market.” The switch in early April was the result of several years of preparation by AEPCO and its balancing authority, the Western Area Power Administration’s Desert Southwest region. A balancing authority ensures, in real time, that power system demand and supply are finely balanced. This balance is needed to maintain the safe and reliable operation of the power system. If demand and supply fall out of balance, local or even wide-area blackouts can result. The partnership with WAPA DSW helped AEPCO upgrade its primary trading schedule from an hourly basis to five-minute increments, which provides more power buying opportunities and flexibility that benefits members. “WEIM will economically dispatch the

ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY J-MEL

Michelle Martinez, AzGT system operator, and Robert Bray, AzGT system operations manager, watch AzGT officially become part of the California Independent System Operator’s Western Energy Imbalance Market at midnight on April 5. PHOTO COURTESY OF AZGT

lowest cost resource in real-time while backing down expensive resources, which not only optimizes the market but those savings will flow to our members,” Amber says. The transition into the WEIM started in 2016 with the commencement of the AEPCO Beacon Project, an extensive economic dispatch, modeling, market and planning effort that evaluated the impacts of joining CAISO or another energy market. This led to AEPCO joining a multi-year effort with other neighboring utilities in the Southwest Markets Alternative Group to evaluate a variety of regional energy markets. Following these regional efforts, WAPA DSW and AEPCO partnered to conduct a focused study that found joining the

CAISO WEIM was more advantageous for both entities than other neighboring energy markets. WAPA DSW and AEPCO agreed to join the CAISO WEIM in 2021. “Today was the culmination of more than six years of researching, planning, testing and implementation,” Patrick said on April 5. “But the road to this energy transition does not stop here. We commend all of the WAPA and AEPCO personnel for their incredible contributions to this implementation and for continuing to demonstrate the value of our partnership as we move forward into the future.” AEPCO is evaluating additional market opportunities, including CAISO’s Extended Day Ahead Market and Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+ initiative. n

M AY 2 0 2 3

2024

By Andrew Warren, Oregon—Central Electric Cooperative

Ruralite Calendar Photo Contest

It is time to share your most winning photos for a chance to appear in our 2024 Ruralite calendar. Up to 13 winners will be selected, each receiving $100. Photos must be submitted by July 16, 2023. The contest is open to recipients of Ruralite and Currents magazines. Each person may only submit up to two photos. Each photo submission must include: • Photographer’s name, address and electric utility. • A short description of what is shown. • Photographer’s email address and phone number. • Digital JPEG photos only. Photos must be horizontal or landscape format and at least 300 dpi at 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Vertical photos and files larger than 30 megabytes will not be accepted. Send submissions to calendar@ruralite.org. Put “2024 Calendar Photo Contest” in the subject line. Winning Tips • Use the highest resolution setting on your digital camera. • Photograph beautiful places and wildlife. • Capture scenes full of vivid color. • Reflect the seasons. • Focus on the beauty of Ruralite and Currents geography. • Make us feel something (awe, laughter).

Visit ruralite.com/2024contest for more information and an FAQ about entering the contest.

Ruralite

14060 AZ - Roofing Storm Ad.indd 1

3/31/23 1:14 PM

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Best Series of News Stories

Public Affairs

Best Total Communications Program

Public Affairs

Mohave Electric Public Affairs Wins Two Awards The Mohave Electric Cooperative Public Affairs department recently won two Spotlight on Excellence Awards in a national competition conducted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). NRECA is a national association of more than 800 Electric Cooperatives around the country with a mission of promoting, supporting, and protecting the community and business interests of electric cooperatives. The team won a silver award in Best Series of News Stories. They also won a silver award for the Best Total Communications Program. I want to thank NRECA for the recognition and thank, and congratulate, the rest of the team for their work in both projects,” said Allison Ellingson, MEC 32

M AY 2023

Chief Communications Officer. Ellingson leads the team with Heather Foreman and John Pynakker as her Public Affairs Coordinators. “I’m very proud of our Public Affairs team for this awesome accomplishment,” said Tyler Carlson MEC CEO. “I have known about the talent this team has and I’m glad that the rest of the co-ops around the country have now had the opportunity to see what they can do. I’d like to publicly congratulate Allison and her team for their awards.” According to NRECA, the Spotlight on Excellence awards program “recognizes a body of outstanding work produced by electric cooperative communication and marketing professionals from around the country.” n

The Spotlight on Excellence Awards program recognizes a body of outstanding work produced by electric cooperative communication and marketing professionals from across the country. -NATIONAL RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Currents Magazine Member Survey Submit your survey by mail, email or online form Mohave Electric is considering changing our Currents magazine and we want your input! Our current layout is a regional magazine with some information that may not directly impact you, our members. We would like to make it more beneficial for our local residents and business members. We would like to know what you are interested in seeing and what information you find valuable. With that in mind, please consider completing the attached survey. Your answers will help direct our next steps in making your Currents magazine the best it can be. The deadline to be included in the survey is June 2. We appreciate your input! Please return this survey by mail (postage is free), email to mecpa@ IMPORTANT: DO NOT ENLARGE, REDUCE OR MOVE the FIM and barcodes. They are only valid as printed! mohaveelectric.com or actual scan the Special care must be taken to ensure FIM and barcode are size QR AND placed properly on the mail piece codeautomation to complete the survey online. to meet both USPS regulations and compatibility standards.

NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL

FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 27 BULLHEAD CITY AZ POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE INC PO BOX 22530 BULLHEAD CITY AZ 86439-9900

AZ-146 Postmaster: Send address changes to Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124

Currents Magazine Mail-In Member Survey See inside page for details.

Scan the QR code to complete the survey online or mail the survey (postage is free) from the postcard below.

Currents Magazine Mail-In Member Survey To submit this survey by mail, fill in the questions below then tear along the perforated line and place the postcard in the mail. The postage is free.

Please choose between 1 and 5; 5 being the most interested; 1 being the least. 1. Do you enjoy reading the Currents magazine?

_____

2. Would you like to see more information regarding local events?

_____

3. Do you read content from our AZ G&T Cooperative?

_____

4. Would you be interested in learning more about exploring our area?

_____

5. Would you like to see more local advertising versus national?

_____

6. How familiar are you with MEC’s Co-op Connections?

_____

7. Did you know that Co-op Connections allows for free advertising in Currents?

_____

8. As a business owner, would you be interested in advertising in Currents which has a potential reach of over 45,000 households?

_____

9. If yes, would you be interested in an annual advertising package?

_____

10. Do you like the recipes page?

_____