Ruralite
BENTON REA
AUGUST 2024
Banding Together
The Safe Kids program at the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo uses wristbands to reunite lost children with their families Page 4
PHOTO COURTESY OF BENTON FRANKLIN FAIR AND RODEO
FEELING REJUVENATED WITH CBD
Everyone feels the hurt as we 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-toback 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 “RL10” 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.
success. Last year, about 5,000 bands were used—a fair portion of the 112,500 total attendees. The Kennewick Police Department has praised the program, encouraging other events to adopt a similar approach.
“With anything in today’s world, we just have to be careful, plan ahead and make sure all the tools are in place to keep
people safe,” Lori says. “The wristbands are a little bit old school, but it’s a phenomenal way to reunite people quickly.”
Motivated by their commitment to community well-being, Benton REA now sponsors the program.
“We try to select sponsorships that will have the most potential to touch our members and member families,” says Shannon Olsen, Benton REA member services manager. “One of our Seven Cooperative Principles is Concern for Community and this sponsorship falls right in line with that principle.”
Benton REA’s sponsorship covers all aspects of the Safe Kids booth, including wristbands and promotional signage. Additionally, the co-op plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the program through social media and advertisements.
This year, the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo is August 20 to 24. The fair features new activities for children, including competitions for mutton busting—a children’s version of bull riding, where they
The Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo is August 20-24.
Need to pick up a Safe Kids wristband? Head to the labeled information booths at the Main and West Gate entrances.
ride sheep—a mini rodeo arena where young participants can experience the thrill of rodeo in a controlled environment, and performances from a pogo stick stunt team.
Adults and children alike can enjoy the main rodeo events, along with the marketplace where fairgoers can explore and support local businesses showcasing a variety of products and services. Food will also be available from a rotating cast of food trucks. Additionally, visitors can look forward to live music, carnival rides and live entertainment.
“When you think about what a fair is, we’re a lot more than that,” Lori says. “We work really hard to make sure that we have a lot going on to surprise and delight everyone that attends.”
With the support of Benton REA, Safe Kids and the dedication of the fair’s organizers, families can enjoy their time at the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo knowing safety measures are in place to protect their loved ones.
“We want everyone to have a great day at the fair,” Lori says. “Sometimes that means taking extra steps to ensure our youngest visitors are safe and reunited with their families as quickly as possible.” n
ABOVE: While the rodeo has lots of exciting events to watch, children can participate in the mutton busting competition. LEFT: Shave ice on a hot fair day is refreshing. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BENTON FRANKLIN FAIR AND RODEO
What could AI, VR and AR mean for electric utilities? &Learning Adapting
By Scott Flood
Unless you’ve just awakened from an especially long nap, you’ve probably been hearing plenty about artificial intelligence. It’s likely that much of what you’ve heard is exciting or terrifying. Movies and TV offer paradises in which technology frees us from daily drudgery—and frightening scenarios in which machines become our overlords.
Venkat Banunarayanan smiles when asked if popular media’s takes on AI are accurate.
“We’re at the stage of discovery with AI,” Venkat says.
“There’s a lot more buzz than reality at this point, and we have a long way to go.”
As the vice president for Integrated Grid Business & Technology Strategies for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Venkat spends some of his time exploring possible use cases with AI, augmented/virtual reality and other technologies, while considering how they might improve the way electric utilities serve their consumer-members.
“Can AI do things better? Can it handle some of the tasks we have to do today? Can it make decisions for us? The answer to those and most other questions is the same: maybe,” he says.
Industry experts agree it’s impossible to guess where AI will be in another decade or two, but it’s currently not as powerful as the entertainment industry and media seem to think.
AI is being incorporated for specific tasks and activities, including automated solutions such as chatbots that are capable of answering common questions. AI has the potential to be paired with data analysis, such as retailers using data to better predict needs.
Despite what you may have heard, AI is incapable of thinking independently. The functionality greatly depends on programming, how the tool is trained to handle specific tasks and the level of data being fed into the system. AI revolves around learning and adapting to decision-making.
Because these new technologies interface with internal and external systems, Venkat stresses the importance of strong cybersecurity.
“We need to make sure hackers can’t influence systems,” he says. “When we consider advancements like AI, we need to ensure protection of personal,
Electricity Provides Powerful Value
There are aspects of life that become a daily routine. You may get ready for work, get in your car and stop for coffee. Later, you might head out to get lunch. Once you’re at home and winding down for the evening, it’s time to stream an episode or two of a favorite show before bed.
As we look for ways to save money in this age of increasing inflation, you may think about your daily routine and how much value it provides to you compared to the money you spend. A morning latte costs about $6, a fast-food combo with a burger, fries and a drink will set you back $10, and a streaming subscription is about $16 each month. All these daily expenses total around $85 a week, or about $340 monthly. And what is the real value—short-term satisfaction? As you start evaluating your spending you may think—are these things the best value for my money?
The average daily cost of electricity for Benton REA’s residential members is about $4.57, and the average monthly electric bill is $139. You can power your entire home, every day, for the price of a latte. You could brew your own coffee, cook all your meals, binge a series and run on a treadmill for less than the cost of that drink. Now, that’s real value.
Electricity provides benefits we often take for granted. It goes well beyond shortterm satisfaction by allowing us to charge
devices and have cold food and hot water, all in a comfortable indoor climate. Besides the privilege it affords, electricity has also remained relatively cost-stable even as inflation rose.
As a member-owned cooperative, Benton REA does everything in our power to ensure costs stay reasonable and that electricity remains a great value for our members. It’s not always easy, as there are several factors beyond inflation that impact the price of electricity—some within our control but most beyond it.
The cost of electricity can fluctuate due to supply and demand, infrastructure investment, maintenance and operational expenses. Weather patterns also contribute,
affecting both demand and generation capabilities, with extreme conditions leading to heightened energy use or disruptions. Government policies, taxes and regulations on emissions, shape electricity costs as well. Your electric co-op considers all these aspects when adjusting rates, and, because we’re a cooperative, we consider the impact of those costs on our members as well.
As our community continues to rely on electricity for nearly everything in our homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, we need it to be reliable and affordable.
Benton REA always puts you top of mind and works each day to ensure electricity remains the best value for your money.
STRONGEST MAN
After college, Lucas continued working out, focusing on powerlifting—a sport where the goal is to lift the heaviest weights possible. For work, he managed a company that provided security for local events, a job he’d started while in college.
When the pandemic hit, powerlifting competitions in his area were canceled. However, a local gym ran an outdoor strongman competition, and Lucas entered.
He won, and the victory qualified him for a national competition.
Once there, Lucas, who is 6 feet tall, was surprised at how much larger competitors were at nationals.
“The first guy I saw in the lobby was 6’5”, 400 pounds, and I thought I was in the wrong place,” Lucas says. “It was a big eye-opener for what the next level was like.”
He finished 35th that first year. After a year of training, he returned and finished fifth in 2021. The top three finishers at nationals earn pro cards and are eligible to compete in professional strongman competitions. Going pro became Lucas’ goal, but it would require a life change.
As Lucas transitioned into strongman, some of his friends bought a gym, Dungeon Strength RX in Auburn, Washington, between Eatonville and Seattle. After the fifth-place finish, Lucas quit his security job and began working
at the gym full time, helping to run the facility and coach young athletes. He has since become part-owner of Dungeon Strength RX and loves working with youngsters who have found powerlifting routines online and want to try it.
“It’s a blast, man,” Lucas says. “I would do that regardless of if I ever lifted in strongman again.”
Soon, Lucas began finishing on podiums. He came in second at the 2022 nationals, allowing him to turn pro.
As strongman turned from a hobby to a job, his progression came quicker. He finished second at the Arnold Amateur and North America’s Strongest Man. Those finishes helped bolster his reputation and earned him invitations to bigger and better events.
At the 2023 America’s Strongest Man, Lucas had just four steps and three weights on his way to his first strongman victory. His overall lead was large enough that he didn’t need a spectacular result to win the competition. But halfway through the stair climb, he realized he could win the event. With a push, he had the best stair climb time of any competitor.
“It was kind of just a cool redemption moment,” Lucas says. “I got a lot of seconds and thirds on the way up, and I think I learned a lot from those. It forced me to get a lot better at things. I didn’t win until I earned it.” n
What is Strongman?
Stongman competitions test competitors through various feats of strength. Competitions typically have five to eight events, each requiring competitors to lift something as heavy as possible, do something as quickly as possible or do something for as long as possible. Every competition has a different event mix. At the 2023 America’s Strongest Man competition, won by Lucas Hatton, the events were:
X MAX AXLE PRESS: Similar to the clean and jerk you might see at the Olympics; competitors must lift the heaviest barbell possible above their heads.
X YOKE AND FARMER’S CARRY MEDLEY: In this medley, competitors must walk while carrying heavy weights two different ways. The yoke is a metal frame with a crossbar and weight added to the bottom, and is carried on the shoulders. In the farmer’s carry, competitors walk after picking up weights or dumbbells from the ground.
X UKRANIAN DEADLIFT: Competitors stand on a platform, and lift a handle connected to weights on the ground below. Competitors squat, grab the handle and lift the weight by standing up straight.
X DUMBBELL LADDER: As quickly as possible, competitors pick up a series of dumbbells one at a time, using both hands to get the weight to their shoulder, and then using one arm to hold it above their head.
X NATURAL STONES: As quickly as possible, competitors pick up rocks weighing between 280 and 366 pounds and place them on a chest-height platform.
X POWER STAIRS: As quickly as possible, competitors lift weights of 440, 485 and 530 pounds up a flight of four steps.
Lucas brought his family when competing in the Arnold Strongman Classic in the UK.
The Spice of Life: The Spice of Life: The Legacy of Guerra’s Gourmet Seasonings
By Chiara Profenna
On the outskirts of Sunnyside, Washington, it’s pepper harvest time.
From August to September, tens of thousands of peppers will be handpicked, sorted, dried and ground into powder for spice production. Running a farm is hard work, but help makes it possible.
Overlooking the beautiful Yakima Valley, the sprawling farm is run by Lino Guerra and his family. The farm has been passed down through generations and supports a flourishing seasoning business. However, Guerra’s Gourmet Seasonings, a natural spice line made with farm-grown peppers, is only one part of their story.
A Seed in the Ground
The Guerra family farm dates back to the 1970s, started by the father-son duo, Antonio and Lionel Guerra. At the same time, Lionel’s brother, Lino, was studying engineering at the University of Washington.
“My dad was a manager for a farmer here in the Yakima Valley,” Lino says. “And on his side business, he started doing a little bit of farm produce.”
The Fruits of Labor
Today, Chris and Geraldo spend most of their time running the family business, while Aaron and Fabian help from Seattle when they can.
“We don’t do what my parents or my grandpa used to do anymore,” Chris says. “But we try to better what they started. We’re just trying to continue that tradition, work with people locally and continue to produce a more localized product.”
The work doesn’t come without its fair share of challenges. Ecological factors cause setbacks every season.
“This last year, we tried to plant 30,000 plants, but the grasshoppers ate all of our seed. We lost a lot,” Chris says. “There’s always something that comes up that makes it really hard.”
There’s also a fine balance between running the farm and attending farmers markets.
“It is a lot, but somehow we make it work,” Chris says. “At the same time, we’re visiting all these farmers markets, we’re also in the field pulling weeds, or we’re picking peppers and then we go into cooking for people sometimes. So, it’s a lot of stuff. It’s really hard, but I think that’s also the fun of it.”
Scaling back their pepper production and catering businesses has given them more breathing room. The brothers have focused on creating seasonings and recipes to accompany their products sold at farmers markets and regional retailers.
“Now that we’re not catering as much, we do get to spend more time together, which is definitely more enjoyable,” Chris says. “In the end, this is all better for us because we get to spend more time focusing on our product, and that is sustainable for all of us.”
Being able to spend more quality time together as a family has eased the changes and hardships over the years.
“As my dad would say, ‘You got to protect the root system and the base of the plant,’ just like us as a family,” Lino says. “You protect the people that are around you and help them out.” n
You can find Guerra’s Gourmet products year-round at the Ballard Farmers Market, Pybus Public Market and Hood River Farmers Market. A full list of retailers can be found online at guerras-gourmet.square.site.
Guerra’s Fresh Harvest Salsa Recipe
Medium Hot
1 small onion, diced 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
2 large limes
1 tablespoon Guerra’s Natural Seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 jalapeno*
1 serrano pepper*
1 Portugal pepper (remove seeds)
1 ancho pepper (remove seeds)
1 Anaheim pepper (remove seeds)
4 ripe tomatoes
In a medium-sized bowl, add the onion and cilantro. Squeeze the juice from both limes into the bowl and discard the fruit.
Add the seasoning and salt. Finely chop the remaining ingredients and add to the bowl. Stir all ingredients until well-mixed. Wait 10 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite corn chips.
*Harvest Tip: Use all green peppers. As they ripen on the plant, you can also use the red ones.
Geraldo, Chris, Hilda and Lino Guerra all work full time on the family farm, managing the land, markets and seasoning production.
READER EXCHANGE
Books/Magazines
Want to buy this book for my grandson: “Dalles Mountain Ranch Museum of Natural & Cultural Heritage of the East Columbia Gorge” by Darlene Highsmith Bleakney. Thank you for your help in finding this book.
Daryln Hansen
706 E. 14th St. The Dalles, OR. 97058 Pawhans@gmail.com
I have two paperbacks I would like to pass on to interested parties: “Genealogy of The Calvert Family (Cortland, New York branch)” by John B. Calvert, 1914, and C. Crossman Calvert, 1960; and “Pioneers of Molalla 1843-1900.”
Patt Moss P.O. Box 61155 Fairbanks, AK 99706
I am looking for one of my daughter’s favorite childhood books. It is “This Room is Mine” by Betty Ren Wright. I thank you in advance.
Jeanne Christie 4134 Filbert Meadows Way Springfield, OR 97478
I have a collection of Northwest Edition and Northwest Living Magazines from January 1984 through November/December 1990. I would like to pass them on to someone for cost of postage. Contact me, and we’ll make it work.
Pat Shira 111 Parson Lane Troy, MT 59935
Crafts/Hobbies
I’m looking for a Raggedy Ann doll pattern. Thank you.
Rosalyn Murphy
6557 Lucky Lane #802 Brookings OR 97415
Submitting Requests Is Free
Thanks to readers who have sent me jewelry before. If anyone has old jewelry or broken jewelry they do not want, I sure could use more. I am working on remaking and selling jewelry to benefit the Alturas Humane Society.
Carol S. Semenko 145 Chukar Lane Alturas, CA 96101 bunnyperson_8@yahoo.com
Looking for Hug Snug rayon seam binding, any color, for craft projects to make with my children. Any amount will be appreciated. Thank you very much.
Liz Burford 6111 Highway 57 Priest River, ID 83856
I am in search of any kind of Disney fabrics—any length or scraps. Also looking for birthday theme fabric, balloons, candles, cake, etc.—any length or scraps.
Anisa Troyer 35711 SE Kennel Road Albany, OR 97322
I am looking for green snuff can lids for a regalia outfit, jingle dress. Any donations would be appreciated.
Jessica Orr P.O. Box 939 Nespelem, WA 99155
My sister and I are making jewelry. We would appreciate unused beads or stones or any unwanted items. Thank you.
Marsha Holeik 16637 William Foss Road La Pine, OR 97739
My mom needs greeting cards—new or used. She makes card bowls with them and gives them away locally. Thank you from Peggy S.
Millie Shelton 85460 Christmas Valley Hwy Silver Lake, OR 97638
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. Requests also must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout Hike into the sky at
What Is It?
Hike to the top of a roughly 8,500foot-tall mountain to find the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout, built to provide panoramic views of Tahoe National Forest in Northeast California. The Sierra Buttes lookout was built in 1915.
What Is a Lookout?
Fires in 1910 burned more than 3 million acres of forest across the American West. In response, the U.S. Forest Service— which was created in 1906—began building fire lookouts. Forest Service rangers lived in the towers, scanning the horizon for smoke and reporting potential fires.
Difficult Hike
Reaching the fire lookout is a challenge. There are no amenities on the trail, and do not attempt it if you are afraid of heights. The hike is 5 miles round trip and includes 1,600 feet of elevation gain. To finally reach the lookout, visitors must climb 180 steep steps before they’re rewarded with sweeping views.
In the Area
Tahoe National Forest has plenty of things for visitors to do without climbing a mountain. Fishing and kayaking are common activities. Granite Chief Wilderness has granite cliffs and fir forests, and Placer Big Trees Grove is home to sequoias along a relatively easy half-mile trail.
More Information
The path to the lookout typically closes in November, when snow begins to fall. Look online for hike suggestions. To plan your trip to Tahoe, visit www.fs.usda.gov/ attmain/tahoe.
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY MIKE LEE
“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”
You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – and dozens of other ailments and worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet and legs just where you want them, supports your head and shoulders properly, and operates at the touch of a button.
Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings. And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle pain. The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support
— J. Fitzgerald, VA
when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.
White glove delivery included in shipping charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of Luxurious and Lasting Miralux, Genuine Leather, stain and liquid repellent Duralux with the classic leather look, or plush MicroLux microfiber, all handcrafted in a variety of colors to fit any decor. Call now!
Pictured is Luxurious & Lasting Miralux™. Ask about our 5 Comfort Zone chair.
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 43 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712.
4x5 round bales, meadow foxtail orchard grass. 4x4 timothy, small square. 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002; nas@cpcinternet.com.1224
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 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0924
Two antique outboard motors, AMC/SeaKing, $80. Two antique windup phonographs, console/portable, $40. Two antique wood tool boxes with misc. tools, $20. 530-257-4029; frnpeng@gmail.com. 0824
WC Collectibles. We buy comic books! Local to the Inland Northwest, willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835. 1024
Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 1024
King Zephyr alto saxophone. Professional quality; single owner. Recently repadded. Pearl keys, silver rods. $1K. 541-422-7445. 0824
Automotive
1980 GMC pickup. Good condition, runs well. $20K. 509-531-6660. 0824
Rare 1960 Chevy pickup 4x4. Shortbed. Not running now. Text or call 661-713-3377. Leave message. $7K. 0824
1985 Cad. Eldo Biarritz. 110K miles. Garaged; like new. $19K. 530-708-2321.
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. 0824AR
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. Phone numbers and emails count as one word.
Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information.
Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts 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): October issue—August 30, 2024.
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.
Business Opportunities
Quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR, for sale. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $275K. 0924
Community Events
“My Heart” (artwork by Brenna Kimbro) and “Arboreality: Poetry Broadsides” (curated by Nick Neely). Through August 31. Art Center East, La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 0824
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. 0824AR
Furniture, Appliances
Barely used bed. Serta CA king w/lifts. $1.5K. 530-708-2321. 0824
Help Wanted
The Cape Blanco Heritage Society needs volunteers at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse Greeting Center and Hughes House for summer 2024. Background checks are required. Free RV hookups are available to volunteers. heritage32@frontier.com; 541-332-0521. 0824
Minister for rural community of 600 people, plus outlying communities. Surprise Valley Community Church UCC. Cedarville, CA 96104. surprisechurch@frontiernet.net. 0824
Hobbies,
Gifts, Games
Selling United States postage stamp collection. Mint plate blocks and sheets dating back to the 1940s. Photo available. Bob, 541-786-6195 or brown.donna50@gmail.com. 1024
Media
Watch Channel 25 (Southern NV)—on the go— for free on your TV, phone, tablet, computer or ROKU. Visit www.kpvm.tv and stream live today. 775-727-9400. 0924
Nez Perce tribes for developing “clean, renewable, socially-just resources.” It is assumed these resources will be wind and solar.
While wind and solar have a role in the regional energy portfolio, they cannot replace the reliability benefits offered by the dams. BPA relies on the four lower Snake River dams to meet peak energy demands year-round. In an extended cold snap or if another power plant shuts down unexpectedly, the dams can generate more than 2,650 megawatts of energy for 10 hours per day for five consecutive days. This represents more than 10% of the total capacity of the Federal Columbia River Power System.
Increased Investment in Fish and Wildlife Programs:
Significant funding, in addition to the millions of dollars ratepayers already provide annually to fund habitat restorations actions, has been authorized within the agreement to enhance fish passage, improve habitat and support hatchery programs. Recently, the House Appropriations Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee approved legislative language that caps BPA customer cost exposure under the December 2023 agreement at $300 million. Should this new fish and wildlife mitigation funding be authorized by Congress, it would result in a 2.7% rate impact over a 10-year period.
According to the Public Power Council, Northwest public power communities have invested $685 million annually in BPA fish mitigation measures over the past decade. These efforts have yielded substantial benefits, including record adult salmon returns surpassing pre-dam levels. Additionally, BPA reports that the lower Snake River dams have some of the world’s most advanced and successful fish passage systems, on track to achieve a 96% average dam survival rate for young spring chinook and steelhead migrating downstream, and 93% for young summer-migrating fish.
Developments Since the Agreement: Columbia River Task Force
Following the December 2023 agreement, the Columbia River Task Force was established to oversee the implementation of the agreement’s provisions. Alarmingly, the task force lacks any representation from the region’s energy stakeholders.
The Task Force will be co-chaired by Acting Deputy Secretary of the Interior Laura Daniel-Davis, Deputy Secretary of Energy Dave Turk, and NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries Janet Coit. Other participating agencies include the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation, Office of Management and Budget, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Key Actions Taken by the Task Force:
Lower Snake River Water Supply Replacement Study:
Following the announcement of the newly created interagency task force, the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation announced a formal partnership with the state of Washington to conduct an extensive water supply analysis in the Columbia River Basin. This study will explore methods to modernize and improve irrigation as well as municipal and industrial water withdrawal systems potentially affected by the possible removal of the four lower Snake River dams. A draft report is expected by late 2024.
Department of Interior Report:
In late June 2024, the Department of the Interior released a 73-page report titled, “Historic and Ongoing Impact of Federal Dams on the Columbia River Basin Tribes.” The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association described this report in a letter to congressional leaders, including Sen. Patty Murray, as “telegraphing a desire to reopen the 2020 Columbia River System Operations National Environmental Policy Act Record of Decision,” which had rejected dam breaching outright. The letter further describes the report as “signaling a desire to exceed the statutory boundaries of the Endangered Species Act and other environment laws.”
Why This Matters to Our Members
For our members, the lower Snake River dams are vital for providing affordable, reliable and carbon-free renewable energy. The recent agreement and the formation of the Columbia River Task Force threaten the future of hydropower in our state. As demand for clean electricity increases due to decarbonization efforts, transportation electrification and population growth, it is crucial to preserve these vital resources for the foreseeable future.
The lower Snake River dams are more than just energy sources; they are a cornerstone of our region’s infrastructure, economy and environment.
Call to Action:
We urge our members to contact their federal elected officials and advocate for public power to have a seat at the table in these discussions. Your voice is essential in ensuring that the needs and interests of Benton REA and the broader public power community are represented in decisions that will shape our energy future.
BEFORE YOU GO
Share the Beauty in Your Backyard
For Jeri Rector, a late-night bout of acid reflux turned out to be a blessing.
“I peered out my kitchen window and saw a gray bow crossing the sky,” she says. “As colors began to appear, I ran out into our backyard in my bare feet and asked God if he was giving me a sign to get ready, then quickly ran back in for my phone and took this picture.”
Jeri says the rare moonbow—or lunar rainbow—lasted only a few minutes.
To submit your photo, email a JPEG file to photos@pioneer.coop. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo. n
Moonbows are rare, occurring less than 10% as often as rainbows. Jeri captured this one in Parkdale, Oregon. PHOTO BY
JERI RECTOR
Paula Zanter-Stout shared this photo of a windmill on a particularly hazy morning at sunrise from her back porch, south of Moses Lake, Washington. The windmill has become a favorite subject of her photos. PHOTO BY PAULA ZANTER-STOUT