Nigerian dwarf buck Otis and his daughter Yobo play together in Redmond as the sun sets. PHOTO BY COVER CONTEST WINNER RUTH KELLER
Ruralite
May 2025 • Volume 72, No. 5
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC; Sable Riley, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Valeri Saldanha Rosa, Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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The Measure of Our Moments
Time is a curious thing. We count it in seconds, minutes, years—yet its true value isn’t in its measurement but in how we fill it.
In this month’s issue, I was drawn to how our story subjects measure their moments. James Du Bois captures literal droplets of time in his Oregon Du Drops, preserving rainwater in delicate glass bulbs that mark weddings, births, memorials and more.
“It’s the closest thing to catching time in a bottle,” he tells us, creating physical mementos of fleeting moments.
Time takes on different dimensions for the ultramarathon runners featured in our McKenzie River Trail Run Spotlight feature. These remarkable athletes measure hours not by clock ticks but by miles conquered—testing physical limits while forming deep bonds with fellow runners and the natural world. What started as five men running 50 miles evolved into an event that sells out within 24 hours, drawing participants from 18 states and beyond.
Perhaps most poignant is Aaron Reed’s relationship with time. The ultrarunner and
musician faced the ultimate countdown when diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“If we don’t get it out immediately, you got maybe six weeks,” his doctor told him. Today, recovered and training again, Aaron views each day as a gift, noting a higher power gave him back his most precious resource: time.
As we move into May, I’m reminded we each have our own way of marking our days. For some, it’s through creative pursuits—capturing raindrops or photographing new life, as Dave LaBelle encourages in his column. For others, it might be pushing our physical boundaries or simply savoring a sweet moment inspired by one of our spring desserts.
However you choose to measure your moments, I hope you find inspiration in these pages to make them count.
Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director
Do you know someone who spends their time in a unique, interesting way? I’d love to learn more. You might see them showcased in an Up Close article later this year. Reach me at editor@pioneer.coop.
Rainy-Day Relics
Oregon Du Drops are perfect for reflecting on life
Up Close, Page 10
McKenzie River Trail Run
A world-renowned ultramarathon with a local mission Spotlight, Page 12
Spring Into Flavor With Fruity Desserts
In The Kitchen, Page 16
2025
Annual
Meeting
Co-op’s annual meeting focuses on growth
Story and photos by Brent ten Pas
With the sun shining on a cool spring afternoon, Central Electric Cooperative members lined up early to attend the co-op’s 84th annual meeting at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.
Once inside, CEC members warmly greeted each other before enjoying exhibits, food and the anticipation of winning raffle prizes. The grand prize was a $500 bill credit.
Ridgeview High School’s premier singing group, RavenSong, contributed to the family atmosphere with an a cappella rendition of the national anthem. Realms High School senior Atticus Lau shared highlights of his participation in last year’s Washington, D.C., Youth Tour.
President and CEO Brad Wilson’s annual report was the program’s centerpiece, covering familiar themes as Central Electric continues to experience, build and plan for future growth.
Growth
The Cascade Business News recently
reported Central Oregon has outperformed most of the country in economic growth, citing new residents as the key driver over the past few years. CEC continues to benefit from this migration, seeing a 10.5% increase in its service accounts. The co-op projects another 10% over the next five years.
Brad provided the Stevens Road development in southeast Bend as the most visible example, highlighting the ongoing construction of residential, multiunit housing, commercial units and the new Deschutes County Library. West Redmond and the Sisters area are also experiencing new residential and commercial builds.
“CEC welcomes these developments as they increase revenue, allowing fixed costs to be allocated across a wider number of service accounts, helping to stabilize rates and bring greater benefits to its members,” Brad says.
Keeping Pace
While the cooperative continues to expand its infrastructure, it has the simultaneous
High school senior Atticus Lau shares details of his Washington, D.C., Youth Tour experience during Central Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting.
Power Life
May is Electrical Safety Month
By Abby Berry and Nina Todea
Every May, Electrical Safety Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of preventing electrical hazards at home. Electricity powers nearly every aspect of modern life, but if handled improperly, it can pose serious risks, including injuries and property damage.
Your electric utility understands the risks associated with improper electricity use, which is why we’re committed to reminding you to stay vigilant and practice electrical safety year-round.
By following key safety practices, you can reduce the risk of electrical hazards and ensure your family stays protected. Here are eight essential tips for powering up safely at home:
1. Be vigilant. Regularly inspect your home’s electrical system, including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, for signs of damage or outdated components.
Electrical fires can start silently and out of sight, making functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors essential for early detection. Test alarms monthly, replace batteries annually and ensure you have alarms installed in key areas of your home, including inside and outside of bedrooms.
2. Replace frayed electrical wires or cords. The Electrical Safety Foundation International estimates roughly 3,300 home fires originate from extension cords every year, primarily due to overloading, overheating or fraying. If you’re relying on extension cords as permanent power solutions, consider contacting a qualified electrician to install additional outlets where you need them.
3. Use surge protectors. Safeguard your sensitive electronics and appliances with surge protectors. These handy devices help divert excess voltage away from your electronics, reducing the risk of damage or electrical fires. Not all power strips include surge protection, so read the product label carefully. Additionally, surge protectors can lose effectiveness over time and should be replaced when damaged or outdated.
Avoid overloading electrical outlets with power strips that exceed the outlet’s capacity.
PEXELS PHOTO BY ZION
Safel y
4. Practice safe use of power strips. Avoid overloading electrical outlets with power strips that exceed the outlet’s capacity. High-energy devices, such as heaters, microwaves and hair dryers, should be distributed across multiple outlets. Overloading an outlet with “busy” power strips can lead to overheating and create a fire hazard, so be sure to check the power strip’s wattage rating before plugging in items.
5. Don’t mix water and electricity. It may seem obvious, but accidents involving water contact with electrical items happen. Always keep electrical appliances and devices away from water sources, such as sinks, bathtubs or swimming pools. Make sure your hands are dry before touching any electrical switches or appliances. Never handle electrical devices with wet hands. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters should be installed in areas where water and electricity are typically in proximity, including kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor outlets.
6. Hire a qualified electrician for major work. While DIY projects may seem like a tempting way to save money, working with electricity requires specialized knowledge of your home’s electrical system and national safety codes. Cutting corners can be a costly mistake beyond your wallet.
Recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports nearly 400 electrocutions in the United States each year, 14% of which are related to wiring hazards. A licensed electrician has the expertise to handle major electrical tasks, such as installing new wiring, upgrading your circuit breaker panel or troubleshooting electrical issues. When it comes to electricity, safety should always be your priority—leave the major jobs to the experts.
7. Educate family members. One of the best ways to ensure the safety of everyone in your household is to talk about electrical safety. Teach children not to play with electrical outlets or appliances, and ensure they understand the potential dangers of electricity. Create and practice a home fire escape plan that includes electrical safety precautions in the event of an emergency.
Practicing electrical safety at home is essential for protecting your family, property and peace of mind. Remember, electrical safety isn’t just a one-time effort—it’s a year-round responsibility. Taking these steps can help ensure a safer, more secure home for you and your loved ones. n
Electrical Fire Do’s and Don’ts
Homeowners should always take precautions to mitigate the risk of electrical fires and other electrical hazards—but what happens if those precautions are still subject to human error?
Faulty wiring, power surges or malfunctioning appliances can ignite flames in an instant. In those critical moments, knowing exactly what to do can mean the difference between safely containing an electrical fire and facing a devastating loss. Follow these guidelines if an electrical fire breaks out in your home:
Do cut the power: If a faulty appliance causes the fire, unplug it immediately. If you can’t reach the plug but have a safe path to your home’s breaker panel, turn off the electricity at the panel.
Do use a fire extinguisher: Not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Electrical fires should be extinguished with Class C fire extinguishers, which are specifically designed to address electrical fires. Fire extinguishers should only be used on small, contained fires. Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends homeowners buy a fire extinguisher large enough to effectively put out a small fire, but not so heavy that it is difficult to handle. In a pinch, small electrical fires can also be smothered with a fire blanket or baking soda.
Don’t use water: Although it may be your first instinct, water conducts electricity and can make the fire worse or cause electrocution.
Do evacuate immediately: If the fire spreads out of your control, get everyone out of the house and to safety, then call 911. Closing doors behind you can slow the spread of the fire.
Central Oregon on Display
Co-op members showcase animals and more in annual photo contest
By Courtney Cobb
The beauty of the high desert came alive during the 2025 Central Electric Cooperative annual photo contest. The wide array of submissions from CEC members showed life, work, play and exploration in the region.
Ruth Keller’s “Playful Goats” was the winning photo. As a lifelong photographer, Ruth enjoys getting close-ups of flowers, animals and other unusual micro parts of nature.
“I’ve taken photos ever since I got a camera as a young girl, but it is just a hobby,” she says. “I love documenting events of all sorts.”
Ruth is no stranger to using different types of cameras, including film and digital. She took a photography course at the University of Oregon while studying journalism.
An old iPhone captured this year’s winning photo.
“This shot looked fun, and it was just about sunset, so the lighting was great,” she says.
The goats, Nigerian dwarfs, were having fun as Otis, the
buck—a very patient father—allowed his daughter Yobo to jump all over him.
“This is somewhat unusual, as most bucks usually don’t hang out much with the rest of the goat herd unless the does are in heat,” Ruth says. “Yobo had a twin sister, and they were typical kids, jumping up on everything possible and having a great time in between drinking off of mom and taking long naps.”
Ruth is surprised and honored to be selected as this year’s photo contest winner.
“This is even more special, as I have finally had to retire my goat farm after 20 years of helping my son through 4-H with goats and then taking on his goats when he left for college in 2015,” she says. “For the last 10 years, I have bred, milked and sold goats to other 4-Hers. It has been a highlight of my life.”
Though modest about her photography skills, Ruth has a few tips for other shutterbugs.
“Take a lot of shots of everything so one will possibly turn out to be a winner,” she says. “Try unusual angles, and look for unique situations. It’s almost always the gamble shots that come out the best, when you aren’t expecting it to be much of anything.”
As the winner of this year’s contest, Ruth receives a $100 Visa gift card.
The contest’s second-place winner is Kathy Covey. Her photo, titled “Inside Mother Load Mine,” captures the structure taken off Mother Lode Mine Trail. Kathy receives a $75 Visa gift card.
The third-place winner is Brian Russell. Brian, an amateur wildlife photographer, captured a photo of a bald eagle surveying the land from atop a tree. He receives a $50 Visa gift card. n
Ruth Keller is the photo contest’s first-place winner.
Central Electric Cooperative members displayed their photographic talents in this year’s photo contest. From left are the winning photo of playful father/daughter Nigerian dwarf goats by Ruth Keller; the second-place photo of Mother Lode Mine near Mother Lode Mine Trail by Kathy Covey; and the third-place photo of a bald eagle surveying the land by Brian Russell.
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Each drop made by Du
is suspended with ribbon corresponding to the month when the rainwater inside was collected. He gathers a gallon of water each month to fill the decorative bulbs, commemorating birthdays, anniversaries, deaths and other memorable dates.
the refraction and reflections. Once home, he dug out a spent light bulb, opened the metal with pliers, cleaned out the bulb and filled it with water.
“I was getting the same effect that I saw in the dew drops,” he says.
He started making them for his home, displaying them in windows, and sometimes adding plant cuttings. The exploding roots, though, robbed the reflective aspect—one of the first lessons of making Du Drops. Over the decades, Du Bois learned how to prevent the invasion of microorganisms in the bulbs with isopropyl alcohol and how to seal the orbs with adhesive.
“I played with them myself, about 25 years, just enjoying them,” he says. “A lot of people said along the way, ‘You ought to be sharing these with people.’ I never saw myself as an artist. I was just interested in what I was seeing.”
In 1999, while living in Springfield, Oregon, he began selling his drops at a Saturday market in Eugene. That year, Eugene experienced a 90-day drought, and Du Bois ran out of rainwater. Determined never to go without a water supply again, he now uses a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air, collecting a gallon a month.
He met Cat in 2001 when he had a booth at Rockaway Beach’s Wine, Cheese and All That Jazz Festival, where she belted out tunes throughout the afternoon as a performer.
Cat enjoyed the Du Drops and set out to buy one filled with Valentine’s Day rain. Short on funds, she and Du Bois agreed to put the bulb on layaway. When they went to shake on the deal, Cat was so taken with the bespectacled artist that she kissed him instead.
“We’ve been together ever since,” she says.
They married a year later and eventually moved to Rockaway Beach.
Making Memories
Most customers discover Oregon Du Drops by driving past the couple’s home gallery. A metal mobile outside holds the drops, and passing motorists turn their cars around to check it out. Inside,
beams of light from the windows and skylight bounce off mirrors in sparkling resplendence.
The simplest bulb takes about eight days to make. Du Bois juggles several at a time in different stages of production. An icicle version can take three weeks as he shapes the glass with fire. Each drop hangs from a different color of ribbon depending on the month it was made.
Du Bois adds test tubes inside some bulbs and fills them with birthstones. He’s filled requests, too, to add cremated ashes inside. For such orders, he lights a candle as he makes the Du Drop and plays the favorite music of the person who died.
Cat engraves each Du Drop with dates, names or special messages.
“I wanted her hand on every Du Drop,” Du Bois says.
Cat also runs the gallery and serves as the voice on the phone, taking orders.
Shelves in the downstairs “rain cellar” are lined with 1-liter bottles. Demand for specific days has been relatively random. A recent customer requested a Du Drop from his October 1999 birth date. To Du Bois’ delight, that date was the starting point of his library.
Du Bois diligently updates the water catalog on his Oregon Du Drops website. The earliest years of collection don’t include specific dates. But recent years break down each day water was collected and whether it was dew or rain. Some supplies have been used up, such as the last four months of 2020.
For the time being, Du Bois is committed to continuing the business in one-year increments. He plans to keep making bulbs for Oregon Du Drops until at least 2026. He entertains the idea of making YouTube tutorials so others can make their own when he’s unable to do it. For now, he continues to touch lives with his watery wonders.
“That’s one of the nicest parts of the job—connecting with people’s lives,” he says. n
Oregon Du Drops is located at 450 U.S. Highway 101, Rockaway Beach, and can be found online at oregondudrops.com.
ABOVE AND LEFT:
Bois
PHOTO BY JAMES STEPHEN DU BOIS
Trail Run
While marathons attract thousands of competitors, ultramarathons typically draw fewer than 1,000. Many, such as the McKenzie River event, cap registration around a few hundred.
“The entire sport itself, it is so different from what I was used to with the running community,” Amy says.
Amy ran her first marathon in 2002 with the goal of eventually qualifying for the Boston Marathon. After having children, Amy returned to running marathons but found she didn’t have the same excitement for the experience. She decided to give ultrarunning a try at the McDonald Forest 50K in Corvallis, Oregon, in 2014.
“It was a completely different community and felt like a different sport than running on a road for 26 miles,” she says.
In a typical road-running experience, Amy’s goal was to run as fast as she could for as far as she could. In ultramarathons, she found people talking and encouraging each other between the eight check-in stations.
Along the route, volunteers are stationed to help runners get a quick snack, refill water bottles and attend to any medical needs.
“It’s a symbiotic relationship,” Amy says. “The volunteers, if they weren’t out there, it would be a lot harder. They are what help keep us going.”
Amy ran the McKenzie River Trail Run in 2015 and returns in June.
“That’s why I go out and run these races,” Amy says. “I love the scenery, experiencing it with other people and pushing yourself a little harder than another run.”
Giving Back
The McKenzie River Trail Run is about people over profit. When Tim became the race director in 2018, he had a vision to transform the one-day event into a vehicle for positive change in his rural community.
“I knew what I could do to expand it to have a greater impact,” he says.
The McKenzie River Trail Run became a nonprofit event seven years ago. Tim and event volunteers have expanded the number of annual participants. They find race sponsors and encourage racers to support local lodging, eateries, stores and services while in town.
The nonprofit donates race funds to community projects, including providing equipment for the local cross-country team, replacing freezers and storage shelves for the food pantry, repairing the roof at the community center and replacing gear for the volunteer fire department.
“We take great pride in our local community,” Tim says. “I cannot take the credit for all this stuff. I surround myself with people who are way smarter than me.”
Support is vital to the continuation of ultramarathons throughout the country. The McKenzie River Trail Run has held onto its roots for four decades and continues to take new strides to support the rural community.
“To have what McKenzie River has—a dedicated race director, a dedicated community and a dedicated volunteer base—is a unique thing and should be celebrated,” Amy says. n
For more information about the McKenzie River Trail Run, visit mrtr.org.
For 38 years, competitors have traversed an awe-inspiring trail through one of Oregon’s most scenic areas during the McKenzie River Trail Run. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHERMAN, SPRINGFEDMEDIA.NET
“I didn’t realize anything was wrong until I had a seizure,” Aaron says.
Ultrarunner beats the odds Keeping Time
By Victoria Hampton
As a runner and musician, Aaron Reed’s life revolves around keeping time. From pace to beat, he follows a rhythm of performance as he traverses trails and takes the stage.
In December 2024, time took on new meaning when Aaron collapsed during a routine gym workout. Suddenly, he was hanging in the balance between life and death.
He was facing an unexpected challenge— time running out. Yet, mental and physical strength, along with divine intervention, prepared Aaron for the fight of his life.
Going the Distance
Aaron, 42, has loved running since middle school. When he moved to Oregon in 2004, he ran along the state’s scenic trails and found a path to the ultrarunning community.
“I was always really into long runs and as I got older, got into running ultras,” Aaron says.
Aaron continues taking on challenges at longer distances and finds new trails to explore while touring and performing with his brother, Phil. Known as The Brothers
Reed, the duo takes the stage at intimate venues from Washington to Arizona, combining storytelling with original lyrics.
During a tour stop in Arizona, Aaron discovered the Cocodona 250, a 250-mile ultramarathon from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff through some of state’s most scenic landscape.
In May 2024, seven months before he collapsed in the gym, Aaron found himself relying on his mental strength to push his body through the challenge. He was 80 miles in when he sensed something was wrong. By mile 161, he suffered a stress fracture in his leg.
“I had to make the decision,” Aaron says. “I am going to finish. The only way I won’t is if I am taken out of the race.”
At mile 161 of the Cocodona 250, Aaron Reed suffered a stress fracture in his leg. His mental fitness and stamina pushed him on to the finish line. PHOTOS COURTESY OF AARON REED
WITH FRUITY DESSERTS Spring Into Flavor
Strawberry Trifle
1 cup whole milk
1 cup sour cream
3.4-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
8 cups cubed angel food cake
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Additional sweetened whipped cream for topping
In a large bowl, beat the milk, sour cream, pudding mix and orange zest on low speed until thickened. Fold in whipped cream.
Place half the cake cubes in a 3-quart glass bowl. Arrange a third of the strawberries around the side of bowl and over the cake. Top with half the pudding mixture. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining berries. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Top with additional sweetened whipped cream just before serving.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY SASHAMAGIC
Pistachio Fluff (Watergate Salad)
1/2 cup maraschino cherries
2 31/2-ounce packages instant pistachio pudding mix
24 ounces whipped topping
20-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 pound mini marshmallows
Chop the cherries into quarters, but reserve a few whole cherries.
Combine pudding mix with whipped topping and pineapple. Add walnuts, chopped cherries and marshmallows. Combine well.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with whole cherries on top before serving.
Almond Cheesecake
Crust
11/4 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 40 wafers)
1/4 cup sugar
Filling
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
11/4 cups sugar
Topping
2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 350 F.
3/4 cup finely chopped almonds
1/3 cup salted butter, melted
4 extra-large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 cup toasted sliced almonds
In a bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, sugar and almonds. Stir in the butter, and mix well. Press into the bottom of a greased 10-inch springform pan. Set aside.
To make the filling, beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add eggs. Beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in extracts. Pour into crust. Place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven. Let stand for 5 minutes, but leave the oven on.
To make the topping, combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Spoon the mixture around the edge of cheesecake. Carefully spread over filling. Bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen. Cool for 1 hour before refrigerating overnight.
Just before serving, sprinkle with almonds. Remove side of pan. Refrigerate leftovers.
Lemon Mousse
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Dash of salt
3 extra-large egg yolks
2/3 cup whole milk
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 cup heavy whipping cream, plus more for topping
Lemon slices
In a small saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in egg yolks and milk until smooth. Whisk in lemon juice until blended. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened slightly, about 2 minutes longer. Stir in lemon zest.
Transfer mixture to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until cold.
Once cold, beat whipping cream in a small bowl on high speed until soft peaks form. Fold into lemon mixture. Spoon into serving dishes. Top with additional whipped cream and lemon slices.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup butter, melted
Filling
2 cups whipped topping
1 cup sugar
Topping
2 3-ounce packages
strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
Heat oven to 350 F.
3 tablespoons sugar
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 16-ounce packages frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
Additional whipped topping and pretzels
In a bowl, combine the pretzels, butter and sugar. Press into an ungreased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
To make the filling, beat whipped topping, sugar and cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth. Spread over pretzel crust. Refrigerate until chilled.
To make the topping, dissolve gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl. Stir in sweetened strawberries. Refrigerate until partially set. Carefully spoon over filling. Refrigerate until firm, about 4 to 6 hours. Cut into squares. Serve with additional whipped topping and pretzels.
READER EXCHANGE
Crafts/Hobbies
My wife, Stephanie, is an avid gardener. She has only been doing it for a couple of years now, but she has more than 300 dahlia plants and rows of wildflowers and vegetables. She would love it if you would send her pictures of your garden or flowers and give each other hints/tips. She has spent every month for the past 15 years responding to this magazine and writing birthday wishes, recipes, etc. It really fills her bucket. It would be great if she could receive the same. Thanks.
Joe Randall
24753 Vaughn Road Veneta, OR 97487
I worked with a lovely lady named Jamie from Hermiston, Oregon, this corn harvest. During the season, she slipped and fell onto an extremely fast conveyor belt while unloading corn from a truck’s hopper and experienced severe injuries. She has not been able to work or do many of her favorite activities in recent months. Shopping for vintage marbles and paperweights at antique stores and yard sales is her favorite thing to do, but that's been a challenge lately since she doesn’t have the income she used to. She hasn’t been able to make any of her epoxy river charcuterie boards, cutting boards or river tables. She does very beautiful work. I wanted to see if any readers could donate vintage marbles and paperweights to her during this time. Please send to Jamie, P.O. Box 547, Irrigon, OR 97844 Anonymous friend of Jamie Hermiston, Oregon
My grandson and I just finished building a “marble run” which takes up half of the workshop. We only have a handful of marbles and need more. Instead of going to the store to buy some I thought I would try here first. Who has some marbles laying around? They can be “boulders” and “steelies.” Thank you very much.
K. Johnson 55271 Suba Road Coquille, OR 97423
Milestones
My mother-in-law will be 96 this month. She lives in a care home and would love to receive birthday wishes. Please mail to Lillian McClimans, Silver Spring Personal Care Home, 125 State Road #4, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Thank you.
Pamela McClimans
Lebanon, Oregon
Our mom, Jo, turns 93 this month. She grew up in Bellingham, WA. She was the lead in “You Can’t Take It With You” in high school and was Worthy Advisor in Rainbow Girls. She moved with our dad during his Navy years, and settled in Southeastern Washington to raise a family. Dad paved roads all over Montana, Idaho and Oregon. Mom made a home for us wherever his work took us. Dad is gone, after 70 years of marriage. Mom enjoys doing crosswords, Sudokus, texting her grandchilden, and watching old episodes of “Matlock,” “ The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Lawrence Welk Show.” She is an avid follower of Gonzaga basketball. Please consider sending “Jo” a birthday card. Thank you. Send to Jo c/o Karen Walton, 2644 Harris Ave., Richland, WA 99354.
Karen Walton Richland, Washington
Submitting Requests Is Free
Our mom will be 97 this month. She is a wonderful mom and a very strong lady. She has been adjusting to assisted living in Oregon. She lived in Yuma for about 20 years on her own. She loves mail. She has had quite a diverse life. Rancher, logger, commercial fisherman, miner, and wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma. She loved to travel and play games. Please send to Grande Ronde Retirement, Verna Oliver, 1809 Gekeler Lane #104, LaGrande, OR 97850.
Susan Mascal Baker City, Oregon
My mom turns 89 years old this month. Although a strong woman of faith, the last 21/2 years have been a roller coaster. She went into assisted living, and my mom and dad celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Sadly, Dad died two months later. Two great-grandchildren died; two others were born healthy. A granddaughter married and Mom’s dearest sister died. Mom loves to receive mail and would be delighted to hear from people across the country. Please send to Phyllis Crist, 1651 NE 108th Ave., Portland, OR 97220.
Debbie Larson Vernonia, Oregon
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Doctor urges seniors to carry medical alert device
Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills
People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren, says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.
“Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home. That’s why seniors and their family members are snapping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said.
Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert sys -
tems come with monthly bills.
To solve these problems
Universal Physicians, a U.S. company went to work to develop a new, modern, state-of-the-art medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“This slick new little device is designed to look like the pagers doctors wear every day. Seniors love them because it actually makes them look important, not old,” Dr. Howren said.
FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special newspaper promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select areas. ■
■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.
Seniors born before 1961 get new medical alert device with no monthly bills ever
It’s just what seniors have been waiting for; a sleek new medical alert device with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button for a one-time $149 price tag that’s a real steal after today’s instant rebate
The phone lines are ringing off the hook.
That’s because for seniors born before 1961, it’s a deal too good to pass up.
Starting at precisely 8:30am this morning the Pre-Store Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“It’s not like old style monitored help buttons that make you talk to a call center and only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-theart cellular embedded ■ FLYING
(Continued on next page)
because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help every-
OUT THE DOOR: Trucks are being loaded with the new medical alert devices called FastHelp. They are now being delivered to lucky seniors who call the National Rebate Center Hotline
Photographing New Life
By Dave LaBelle
I must have been 10 or 11 years old the day my mother drove 10 miles, took me out of my junior high class and rushed me home so I could watch my cat have kittens. Recognizing education comes in many packages, she figured me witnessing a cat giving birth was as valuable as what I might miss in the classroom that day. I didn’t have a camera yet, or I am sure I would have photographed the educational event. However, in the decades following, I photographed numerous animal and human births. Watching new life enter our world never gets old.
I like to think I’m a positive guy who usually doesn’t allow the hard things in life to get me down and to embrace the biblical admonition of focusing on things that are good and lovely. However, sometimes I can slip into dark moods. After all, a person can take only so much lying, cheating, posturing, stealing and killing. Watching animals in person or online, especially parents caring for their newborns, helps push away those poisons.
I was in a melancholy mood this past week, troubled too deeply about the state of our country, until a video of a baby elephant snuggling humans tickled me. It felt good to laugh. And then I watched rare footage shot from the mouth of a mountain lion den as a mother played with her kittens. Finally, I became engrossed with a livestream of bald eagles hatching eggs at California’s Big Bear Lake.
Reader Challenge
This is the time of year a lot of creatures give birth. Explore to see if you can find a spot to observe new life entering the world. This might be a nest near a lake or in a backyard tree. Perhaps you know where there’s an active fox den or a large hole in a tree where raccoons or squirrels have chosen to bring their young into the world.
Without disturbing, see if you can capture new life and the behavior as the offspring ventures into the world. I can’t wait to see what you find.
Email your best image (just one) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
I was again reminded how amazing our natural world is.
Just as a slow walk in nature calms my spirit and reminds me of the awe-inspiring creation we inhabit, watching baby animals enter the world and witnessing the care of their parents lifts my spirit. n
Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
NIKON D800
— Gene H.
Tactical Meets Practical
Switzerland is synonymous with expensive, big-name luxury watches like Rolex®, Piaget® and Patek Philippe® that sell for thousands, but the Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch delivers Swiss precision for a fraction of the cost. Inspired by military timepieces like the American A-11, it combines rugged performance, simplicity, and legendary craftsmanship — built for action, not display cases.
Precision Takes Time
Swiss excellence demands patience. Each Stauer Swiss Tactical takes nearly nine months to complete, and this is a limited edition of 4,900. Crafted by master watchmakers, some of whom have worked with the other prestigious brands, this is your chance to own a rare, precision-engineered tactical watch without the inflated luxury price tag.
Why Pay for a Name?
Big brands charge more for status. Stauer delivers the same quality and precision with high-contrast markers for instant readability, a shock-resistant case to withstand hard knocks and Swiss-made movement for impeccable timing.
Limited Offer – Act Now
Don’t miss this rare combination of Swiss craftsmanship and unbeatable value. Only 4,900 available — once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Why pay more when you can own precision, heritage, and adventure for less? Order now — time is running out.
Watch Specifications:
• Made in Switzerland with precision Swiss Ronda 515 movement. Stainless steel caseback. Brown leather band
• 44 mm diameter case. Date window at 3 o’clock
• Water-resistant to 3 ATM. Fits wrists up to 8 ¼”
Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch
$399 $59* + S & P Save $340
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
CENTRAL ELECTRIC
State-specific Findings
About Northwest RiverPartners
Northwest RiverPartners is a member-driven organization founded in 2005 that proudly represents nonprofits, community-owned electric utilities and other partners who support clean energy, low carbon transportation and agricultural jobs.
Research Purpose
Northwest RiverPartners conducts research to understand how people in the Pacific Northwest view hydropower. The results continue to show strong support for hydropower as clean, affordable energy that helps protect the environment and is a key part of our energy future.
Key Findings
Methodology
More than 1,600 residents from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana completed a short hybrid (online and text-to-online) survey in October 2024.
79% of Washington residents polled support the use of dams to produce electricity.
76% of Oregonians are more likely to support dams knowing that recent research shows salmon populations have more than doubled since dams were constructed.
3 in 4
6
in
10
Pacific Northwest residents support hydropower produced by dams. Affordability overtook climate change as the most serious issue in 2024.
residents consider hydropower a renewable energy source.
Percent of residents concerned about electricity costs and climate change
The number of Idaho residents who view hydropower as both renewable and carbon-free increased by 11% from 64% to 75% since 2023.
87% of Montana residents surveyed said cost of electricity is a serious problem.
Learn more about how hydropower supports our future at nwriverpartners.org
MARKETPLACE
Agriculture
4x5 round bales, Meadow foxtail orchard grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002; nas@cpcinternet.com. 1225
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 44 years in business btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0426
Irrigation system in NW MT. $15K, OBO. Includes 2 1/4 mile wheel lines, 1,380-ft. mainline w/25 risers; 2,400-ft. handline in 4x3x2-in., handline pipe trailer, 10hp electric motor w/Cornwell pump, 6-valve opener. tlazym82@gmail.com; 907-590-1454. 0525
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. 0925
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. 0625
WC Collectibles. We buy comic books. Local to Inland NW. Willing to travel. 509-496-1835; WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com. 0525
Rural collector/historian buying clothing items and accessories from 1860-1915. Hats, shoes, dresses, etc. Also items from Lonerock and Condon, OR. 971-404-8332. 0525
1954 first issue of “Sports Illustrated” and next 9 consecutive issues available to collectors, great condition. Send offer to, sunstar@iinet.com. 0525
Assisted Living Facility
Haven House in Fossil, OR has rooms to rent on a month-to-month basis. 2 bd, $1.2K, 1 bd, $1K; and studio, $800. Lou G., 541-763-4651. 0525
Boats
Aluminum drift boat with trailer. Fish tray, bow and stern anchor system. Composite oars. 14- ft. by 8 in. with 54-in. bottom. Dry box with two seats. Wheeler, OR. $2.7K. 503-530-0315. 0525
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): June issue—April 30, 2025.
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.
Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.
Community Events
Art exhibits “Explorations” (Dr. John Lundy) and “Thin Red Thread” (Bayly Lay). May 2-June 28. Art Center East. La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 0525
High Desert Music Jamboree at Harney County Fairgrounds in Burns, OR. June 12-14, Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers District 9. 541-573-1323; ootfa.org. 0525
Equipment/Tools
Farmi JL 300 logging winch, small woodlands, $1K. 13 push-pull control cables, $50 each. 60 16-inch nylatron and steel sheaves, 1/2-inch rope, $50 each. 4-ft. towbehinds Land Pride mower, $800. Kubota rototiller, near new, $1.5K. Ted, 458-910-3727. 0625
For Rent, Lease
Seeking ranch lifestyle in retirement? 2-bd, 2-ba home available in Central OR. Heritage ranch. Rent negotiable with handyman discount. Phone calls only, 206-818-9673. 0525
Free Items
Free materials—When church/government unite, enforcing Sunday Law, the “Mark” of the “Beast” is here. Don’t be deceived, be informed. Leave mailing address only, TBSM, POB 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. 888-211-1715; tbsmads@yahoo.com. 0625AR
Help
Wanted
The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair in Ritzville is seeking a responsible summer groundskeeper/camp host. Responsibilities include mowing, watering, general maintenance, overseeing the campground and other duties as needed. Would ideally be on-site May through mid-Sept. Full hookup provided. Contact Dan at skamaniadan@gmail.com or mail a letter of interest to: P.O. Box 14, Ritzville, WA 99169.
Dry-land wheat farm looking for skilled worker in field and shop work. Full-time (40plus hours a week with seasonal overtime). Ideal candidates have experience operating/ maintaining heavy equipment related to a dry-land operation. Some on-job training available. Walla Walla, WA. Resume to mike9681@charter.net. 0525
Miscellaneous
3 cemetery plots, Salt Creek Cemetery near Dallas, OR. $1.2K each. Open to offers on all. Message, 503-457-8084. 0625
Foster parents needed to care for teen youth in Wasco and Hood River counties. Agency provides on-call support, training, $2.1K/youth monthly reimbursement, 2 days off/month. Fosterinfo@nextdoorinc.org; 541-308-2207.
Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch of preserved freshness by blast freezing at sea, gourmet canned tuna on internet. Sept.June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original, jalapeno and garlic flavors available. To order: twofisherstuna.com or 206-799-1082. 0525
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; highdesertmemorials.com.
Looking for that special knife? I hand make custom hunting and fishing knives. I also make other metal and wood crafts. Buckeyeknives.com; 559-212-0693. 0625
Pets
Fort Sage Kennels closing. AKC-registered Airedales. Females, 1 year old. Males 2 to 3 years old. 530-827-2271 or 530-249-7896. 0525
Plants
Cactus for sale. Cold/winter hardy. Good for landscaping. Sunnyside/Mabton, WA, area. Local pickup only. 509-391-5546; marybarthlow@gmail.com. 0725
Real Estate
Impressive family home with high-end upgrades on the John Day River. $439K. Duke Warner Realty: ddwr@ortelco.net, 541-987-2363. 0525
320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. $263K. For maps: thejugglingman3@gmail.com; 541-659-1573. 0525
$180K. 160 acres, proven gold claims. 131 miles north of Fairbanks, AK. 50-yard-per-hour shaker plant. Complete water system. Text, 907-223-3036. 0525
Granite, OR. 3 city lots, 3/4 acre each, one has an off-grid cabin. Year-round activities: hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, snow-mobiling, 4x4, etc. $200K for all 3. 541-519-9077; billpathanley@gmail.com. 0525
82 acres with Doug Fir (planted 2008) and permitted rock quarry. Approx. 27 miles north of Roseburg, near I-5 exit 150. $2.1M. Lee Real Estate: john@northwestfarmbroker.com; 503-245-9090. 0525
Irrigon, OR. 3-bd, 2-ba. Manufactured home on permanent foundation. Lawn maintenance business with equipment. Huge shop and garage stick-built, unattached. One full city block property. $435K. 541-922-9675. 0625
Southern CA, Riverside County property for sale. 60 acres. I-10 at Joshua Tree exit. Parcel #715300006. $120K cash. Reasonable offers considered. lrehburg@aol.com; 714-349-7981.
Well-established Real Estate Brokerage expanding its team. Specializing in residential, commercial, vacant land, and ranch properties throughout Eastern OR. We’re a smaller brokerage focused on supporting our agents. Michael: Michael.ccp@outlook.com; 541-390-1032. 0525
20 acres buildable land Oakland, OR. Established road, driveway, building pad. Previous septic approval. Zoned agriculture/ wood. Stunning views, varied timber. $419K. Jim, 541-430-7576. 0525
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Klamath Marsh, OR. 173.65 acres. $2.5M. Guest Ranch Overlay. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land and Wildlife brokerage. 0525
10-acre parcel near Denali Park, across from Otto Lake in Healy. Build to suit: lodge, home or rehab cabins on-site. richellekillian@gmail.com. 0525
Awesome view of the Nestucca River, still in tidewater, across from a great fishing hole. Newer, glassed in Trex deck overlooking the river. 2-bd, 2-ba home with knotty pine interior. 2-car garage, plenty of room for kayaks. A short walk to a beautiful beach. $524.9K. steelheadsteven@gmail.com; 503-680-9799. 0525
Recreational Rentals
Oceanfront cottage on the spectacular Central OR Coast. Stunning views, sandy beach. Scoters, spindrift and seals. 2-bd + loft all w/ double beds. Rates and reservations: relax@WaveCatcherbeachrentals.com, wavecatcherbeachrentals.com, 541-740-2846.
Enjoy your ideal Maui getaway. This updated 2-bd, 2-ba condo sleeps 4 and features a charming “surf shack” design. Just half a block from a beautiful beach, it’s perfect for morning strolls and sunsets. Plus, you’re steps away from shops and restaurants at Azeka Plaza. tinyurl.com/MauiGetaway. 0525
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. 0625
Recreational Vehicles
2015 Momentum 380ToyHauler. Garage 9.7x7.9ft. Sleeps 6, center island, pantry, fireplace, 3 slides, Onan generator. Excellent condition. Photos available. $55K. 406-827-0618; shoffland54@gmail.com. 0525
Services
Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com. 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License #245760 bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 0525
Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC Wildfire Fuel Reduction: clearing brush, thinning trees, animal habitat enhancement. Expert service. Grant money available OR, WA, ID. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com, 509-399-3473; Bluemountainbrush.com. 0126
Want to Buy
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; 971-666-0659. 0525
Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 44 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1025
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. 0625
Your ad could be here in July. See instructions on Page 26 for details.
Eatonville United Methodist Church
A Spiritual Base Camp On The Way To Paradise. Mashell Avenue North P.O. Box 205 Eatonville, WA 98328 360-832-4021 Home: 360-832-4562 Pastor Bernard Preston Ritchea Cell: 361-330-9666
Facebook: Eatonville United Methodist Church of Washington OPEN HEARTS OPEN MINDS OPEN DOORS OPEN TABLE WORSHIP SERVICE BEGINS AT 10:30 a.m.
THE FISH FACTOR
Salmon and other fish influence every decision for lower Snake River dams
Story and photo by Rural Montana Editor Ryan Hall
Protecting adult salmon has been a consideration at the lower Snake River dams since they were built, with a fish ladder included in the construction of each one. Later, juvenile fish protection and mitigation factors were added, helping ensure young and adult salmon can complete their migration and spawning routes.
Not only do thousands of fish use the ladders daily during peak runs, but juvenile fish are bypassed around dams, and spillage and turbine use are optimized to protect young and adult fish. Researchers study thousands of fish each season at the dams.
“We don’t make a decision without considering fish,” said Brian Vorheis, operations project manager for Ice Harbor Lock and Dam.
Lower Granite Lock and Dam is the first dam juvenile fish encounter on the lower Snake River and the last for adult fish. Rob Lustig, the dam’s operations project manager, said upward of a dozen research projects take place there during fish runs.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Idaho Fish and Game, the Nez Perce Tribe, United States Geological Survey and many other agencies send researchers to the facilities at the dam. They measure, weigh and tag adult and juvenile fish to better understand the dams’ impacts on their numbers and how mitigation measures work.
“It is key for research and management,” said Elizabeth Holdren, Lower Granite Lock and Dam supervisory fish biologist.
Juvenile Fish
The dams were built with adult fish migration in mind, primarily steelhead trout and three salmon species: chinook, sockeye and coho. A focus on juveniles was added later, with dam modifications and new programs aimed at aiding their survival.
Paul Ocker, chief of operations and maintenance for the Walla Walla District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said the emphasis has shifted to juvenile fish, especially considering recent NOAA biological opinions and the recent court settlement reached by the White House
with two states and four tribes.
That settlement, along with biological opinions calling for increased spill— diverting water away from the powerhouse and either through or over the dam— has resulted in operational changes. The changes from the settlement began with the spring salmon run.
Ocker said the court decisions and environmental groups want all fish to pass the dams without going through the powerhouse.
The powerhouse route has a survival rate of about 90%, with less than 10% of all fish using that route to pass the dams on the lower Snake River. Newer turbines, installed at Ice Harbor Dam, show survival rates of 96% to 98%.
Juvenile fish can avoid the powerhouse in several ways, such as being diverted by fish screens to a bypass channel. Most diverted fish are barged downriver to avoid any other dam downstream.
The Army Corps of Engineers barges millions of fish each year, beginning at Lower Granite Dam and dropping off the fish below Bonneville Dam. Throughout
A barge transports fish through all of the lower Snake River dams in a process that yields a 98% survival rate.
the journey, fresh water from the river is pumped through the holding tank so fish can still olfactory imprint to the river to find their way back as adults, Holdren said. The survival rate for barged fish is about 98%—the highest of all the routes.
Other methods of avoiding the powerhouse include going through a traditional spillway or a removable spillway weir.
Two main elements of the recent settlement agreement are that spillage is prioritized over power production during the salmon runs, and the maximum spillage is based on the total dissolved gas generated in the river because of the dams.
The first element is straightforward. The dams will run one turbine at minimum generation, typically requiring about 10,000 cubic feet per second of water, then spill the rest until they hit the minimum cap in the agreement. At that point, any remaining water can be used to create additional power.
Running water through the powerhouse does not increase the natural total dissolved gas in the river, but spilling does. The water becomes supersaturated due to pressure changes and other factors involved with a massive amount of water dropping a significant distance. Too much gas can cause gas bubble disease—like the bends in human divers—and is often fatal.
Ocker and the other Army Corps biologists have an opinion on what is safe for fish, “but as the Corps of Engineers, we are required to balance what the people need and what the environment needs,” he said.
The device that measures the TDG is between seven-tenths of a mile from the dam at Lower Granite and 3.6 miles downstream from Ice Harbor Dam. On-site biologists and operations officials at the two dams said they could not speculate what the TDG was at the point the spilled water hits the river, but said it is reasonable to expect it to be higher than it would be at the point it is measured.
Another concern with fish using spillways is the pressure change it
introduces. Most salmon prefer to be in the top 20 feet of the water column, but the traditional spillway gates are 53 to 57 feet below the surface. This forces fish to swim to those depths, at pressures of up to 25 pounds per square inch. Once they swim through the gate, they exit the dam down the spillway and to the river below.
“They go from 25 PSI to atmospheric pressure instantly,” Lustig said.
That can have negative impacts on the fish, he said. Those fish can become disoriented and rise to the top of the water column, increasing the likelihood of predation by other fish or birds. Predatory birds, except for endangered raptors, are hazed from the immediate area of the dams by water cannons, gunshot sounds played over speakers and wires stretched across the river.
Fish that pass through the removable spillway weir do not experience much pressure change, but that gate is much more expensive and incapable of allowing higher flows of water through the dam in its normal configuration. The weir is designed to be removed during high flow flood events.
Adult Fish Impacts
New operational changes also impact adult fish returning upriver to spawn. According to Holdren, while the fish ladders have proven effective, the increased spillage and resulting current changes have slowed migration.
Holdren and Ocker said increased spills have caused eddies and disrupted the attraction flow designed to draw fish to the ladders. Each dam has a specific turbine start order so the entrance to the fish ladder features a similar flow to a naturally flowing river and attracts fish to it, regardless of the number of turbines producing power.
“We need attraction for adults,” Holdren said. “The whole powerhouse is operated for attraction.”
“If we spill too much, they can have trouble with finding the ladders,” Ocker said.
Impact of the Dams
Returning fish numbers have fluctuated since the first dam was built. The numbers are determined by a person sitting at a window looking into the fish ladder, counting fish and identifying species.
Chris Peery, fish biologist in the Technical Support Branch of the Army Corps of Engineers, acknowledged the dams have an impact on salmon population, but said it’s primarily on the juvenile side. He doesn’t believe that’s the only determining factor in overall population numbers.
“You can’t say there is no impact from the dams on fish,” Peery said. “The question then becomes, is juvenile survival rate the bottleneck in the salmon population?”
He noted that salmon populations in dammed rivers—and undammed rivers such as the Yukon River—are similar, and show similar ebbs and flows. Juvenile salmon mortality is typically high, regardless of the presence of dams.
“Most fish die in the ocean,” Peery said, noting salmon population numbers can be linked to ocean temperatures and other oceanic conditions.
Another concern is ocean fishing, which is basically unregulated more than 200 miles from shore.
“It’s a free-for-all out there,” Peery said. “Some nations fish 12 months a year, 24/7. For all the efforts on the river trying to produce more salmon, a lot of that is just going out to subsidize ocean fishing.”
He says a NOAA study showed taking out the dams would likely increase salmon adult return populations by about 14%. However, some environmental groups claim dam removal would create a 150% increase.
“I don’t see how you can get to 150% improvement from the data I’ve seen on juvenile survival and adult return survival,” Peery said. “I think there’s some wishful thinking on their part.” n
Used with permission of Rural Montana magazine.
PHOTO BY MITCHELL WALLACE
A Bright Start to the Day
Highlighting the beauty all around him, Mitchell Wallace captures the sun as it peeks over a hill on a ranch in Baker City, Oregon.
To submit your photo, email a JPEG to photos@pioneer.coop. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line and share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo. n
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Grand Canyon
Central Issues
Central Electric Cooperative DIRECTORS
Chairman Kip Light, Madras
Vice Chairman Kelly McFarlane, Powell Butte
Secretary/Treasurer Kenneth H. Miltenberger, Alfalfa
Mark Christie, Sisters
Beverly Clarno, Redmond
Boyd Keeton, Tumalo
Sam McKenzie, Prineville
Dan Steelhammer, Bend
Tom Strand, Terrebonne
Attorney Thomas M. Grim
Cable Huston LLP, Portland STAFF
President & CEO
Brad Wilson
Vice President of Finance & Accounting
Shane Morgan
Vice President of Operations & Engineering
Kevin Rohde
Vice President of Information Services
Phillip Franklin
Vice President of Member & Public Relations
Brent ten Pas
Vice President of Customer & Energy Services
Ryan Davies
24-HOUR PHONE NUMBERS:
Call 541-548-2144 or toll-free 800-924-8736.
Mission Statement
The aim of Central Electric Co-op is to make electric energy available to its members at the lowest cost consistent with sound economy and good management.
The board meets the third Thursday of each month at the CEC office, 2098 NW Sixth St., Redmond, Oregon cec.coop
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Let’s Be Careful Out There
The popular 1980s police drama “Hill Street Blues” had a signature moment in every episode when, following roll call, Sgt. Phil Esterhaus urged, “Let’s be careful out there” before the show transitioned to the opening theme song. The line became an enduring pop culture reference.
With warmer weather upon us, our busiest period for outdoor home improvement projects is in full swing. We all should be mindful of Sgt. Esterhaus’ advice.
As you go about your projects, it is crucial to be aware of your surroundings to avoid contacting electricity. Electric infrastructure is not always visible, and electricity is invisible but very real, so treat it with respect. Take precautions to ensure you and your family stay safe.
Avoid the Big Green Box
What are those green electrical boxes found in yards and back alleys? These boxes are part of Central Electric Cooperative’s electrical infrastructure, typically located in our rights of way, to deliver electricity to homes and businesses.
While the equipment is safe, please read and follow the safety information posted on it. Contact us immediately if you notice damage or have other safety concerns regarding the equipment.
If you plan to plant shrubs near electrical boxes, remember that greenery must be at least 10 feet away from the front of the equipment and 4 feet from the sides.
Call 811 Before You Dig—It’s the Law
Electric cooperatives are undergrounding more power lines and other utility assets to expand service and improve reliability, making it more critical than ever for co-op members to call before they dig.
According to the Common Ground Alliance, nearly 46% of American homeowners do not call 811 before sticking a spade, trowel or shovel into the ground. “Shallow digging” is the first reason homeowners give for digging without notifying 811. By not calling, homeowners put themselves and others at risk of a serious—if not fatal—injury.
Look Up and Live
Be aware of your surroundings. Whether you are cutting trees or working with irrigation pipes or any long objects, stay away from power lines. Look up and live. Also watch for guy wires and anchors, which stabilize utility poles. They can often be hard to see along field edges and roads. They are essential in supporting our equipment and maintaining clearances for overhead power lines.
Don’t Touch Downed Power Lines
Treat all downed power lines as live wires. Never approach or move downed power lines. Always assume they are energized. Do not exit or approach a vehicle in contact with downed lines. Call 911 immediately.
CEC is committed to keeping our employees and members safe. I encourage you to visit our website, cec.coop, for more information and safety tips. If you have further questions, call a customer service representative at 541-548-2144.
President and CEO Brad Wilson