Ruralite
June 2025 • Volume 72, No. 6
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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Celebrating the Unexpected
There’s something captivating about discovering the unexpected in the ordinary.
In this month’s issue, we’re drawn to stories of people who’ve found joy, purpose and community in places they never anticipated.
Take Paul Swanson, who stumbled across a YouTube video of magnet fishing and found not just a hobby, but what he calls his “soul savior.” Living with progressive multiple sclerosis and raising two children with autism, Paul transformed a simple activity into a meaningful pursuit that connects him with friends, cleans local waterways and reveals history hidden beneath the surface.
We also explore communities that celebrate their distinct character through what can only be described as delightfully unconventional festivities. From Alaska’s Outhouse Races— complete with custom privies on skis—to Idaho’s Silver Wake Celebration showcasing handcrafted wooden boats, these gatherings remind us that tradition often walks hand in hand with eccentricity.
Even the everyday tortilla becomes something extraordinary in our kitchen section, where Gertrude Treadaway shows us how this simple staple can be transformed into everything from pizza quesadillas to taco lasagna. Sometimes the most accessible ingredients offer the greatest creative possibilities.
There’s a refreshing authenticity in these stories—people finding their way to passion and community through unexpected avenues.
As summer begins, I find myself inspired to look for the extraordinary hiding in plain sight. Perhaps there’s a local tradition I’ve overlooked, a hobby I’ve dismissed or a simple pleasure I’ve forgotten to appreciate. I hope this issue encourages you to do the same—to celebrate the unexpected treasures in your own community.
Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director
What unexpected discoveries have you made in your community? We’d love to hear about the extraordinary elements that make your area special. Maybe you’ll even see a story about it in an upcoming edition! Reach me at editor@pioneer.coop.
The Allure of Water
Paul Swanson’s magnet fishing journey transforms disability into discovery
Up Close, Page 10
Tradition Meets Eccentricity
Spotlight, Page 12
Roll, Fold and Feast
Turn to tortillas
In The Kitchen, Page 16
GVEA’s Commitment to Education
2025 Scholarship Recipients
By Kris Capps
Golden Valley Electric Association has announced eight scholarship recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year.
These accomplished Interior residents convey energetic and thoughtful approaches to academics, volunteerism, sports and other activities.
$16,000 Academic Degree Scholarship
Bailey Gryga
From Chevak to North Pole, Bailey Gryga attended a variety of Alaska schools growing up.
“As a child, switching between different Alaskan communities and schools was a challenge,” she wrote in her application. “I often had to adjust to new peers, teachers and environments when I was still at the age dedicated to forming social skills. Looking back, I now realize how this variety of experiences allowed me to establish my place in society and learn to respect communities of all kinds.”
At North Pole High School, she earned the highest GPA she could, but came short of her goal to be named valedictorian.
“I needed to accept that my education was also a passion of its own,” she wrote. “I realized it wasn’t just about the education, but striving to be the best I could possibly be.”
She will attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks, due to its strong sense of community. She will study education.
“I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of others and by working in education, I can help others find their own personal path to happiness,” she wrote.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BAILEY GRYGA
PHOTO COURTESY OF JITTAWIT.21
$3,500 Career and Technical Education Scholarship
Kenneth Larsen
Kenneth Larsen of Healy wants to become a chef.
“The culinary arts are needed in my community,” he wrote in his scholarship application. “Everyone has to eat, right?”
But his interest goes beyond just eating. He sees food as a blending of cultures and cuisines that help different groups of people feel comfortable or special.
“That is why the culinary industry is so important,” he wrote.
He has wanted to pursue this career since he was a kid—from the time he was eight years old and stepped into the kitchen to help make dinner. Since then, he has watched YouTube videos on recipes, prepared meals and experimented in the kitchen.
Since moving to Healy from Anderson, he realized tourism in the Denali Borough is a foundational part of life there. It is through he travel industry that he can use culinary skills to express his talent and love for food, he said.
“My career goals are to learn all there is to know about culinary arts and become a world-renowned chef, who takes risks and creates his own recipes,” he wrote. “I want to be a chef where if you ask a culinary question, I can answer it, no matter what.”
$3,500 Academic Scholarship
Isabella Guy
Isabella Guy dreams of establishing a service that addresses the local needs of children in Fairbanks, reducing the burden of travel for families seeking specialized care.
Her early educators were her family and elders, from whom she learned the value of preparation and adaptability, in the small Alaska Yup’ik village of Marshall. From high school to North Star Middle College, she pursued a rigorous curriculum focusing on science and health care, preparing for a career in pediatric oncology. Her next step is Marquette University, where she will major in biochemistry and molecular biology. This will lead to medical school.
Her career choice was further enforced by shadowing a family member who is a doctor at a cancer care center in Colorado, and also by watching family members battling cancer.
“Understanding what cancer patients endure motivates me to make a meaningful contribution and help in any way I can,” she wrote.
Her appreciation for children came about after volunteering at her alma mater, Woodriver Elementary School.
“I hope to become a pediatric oncologist to help children fight cancer, share their joy with the world and have the chance to grow up,” she wrote.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNETH LARSEN
PHOTO COURTESY OF ISABELLA GUY
GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
$3,500 Academic Scholarship
Wesley Hulbert
Wesley Hulbert of Fairbanks has stories to tell and he tells them through films.
“It is my ambition to create stories that bring people together and help them realize what they have in common,” he wrote in his application. “We need heroes that respect differences in culture, language and appearance.
“Accomplishing this requires talented directors, writers, producers and others who are willing to work hard to create works of art that can resonate through the centuries. Alaska has an extraordinary diversity of talented people and beautiful locations that can help create such stories, and I would like the entire world to know about us.”
He has been accepted to a number of universities.
His interest in film began with arts/audio/visual courses, such as video production, graphic design and broadcasting at the Hutchison Institute of Technology.
As a member of the Academic Decathlon team, he studied literature, science, essay writing, speech giving and more. Summer travel programs were also educational.
A Close-Up trip to Washington, DC., in 2021 taught him that there is more to politics than one can learn in books.
$3,500 Academic Scholarship
Danika Hamm
Environmental stewardship has been ingrained in Danika Hamm, of Denali, as she grew up at her parents’ remote lodge inside Denali National Park. The Tri-Valley High School graduate now begins college having learned lessons about community, stewardship, adaptability, resilience, hard work and the pursuit of knowledge.
When a rockslide cut off road access to Camp Denali via the Denali Park Road, she watched her parents drastically adjust their business model, using local aircraft to shuttle guests, staff and resources, while remaining committed to sustainable practices and conservation. That helped shape her own views on environmental responsibility and the duty to foster and protect nature and their way of life.
She intends to pursue a career in environmental law, using skills honed through her education, student government and firsthand lessons learned from her life, which is closely interwoven with the environment.
She will begin by studying political science at the University of Washington.
“I am incredibly eager to bring the unique and knowledgeable perspective of a student raised in the wilderness to my university experience, enriched by the values that my incredible environment has honed within me,” she wrote in her application.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WESLEY HULBERT
PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIKA HAMM
$3,000 Continuing Education Scholarship
Kayla Sonnenberg
Kayla Sonnenberg is a lifelong Alaskan, the youngest of 10 children and a first-generation college student. Her parents homeschooled her and did not believe women needed a formal education, she wrote in her application.
Kayla took matters into her own hands, earned a GED, and attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She has been a registered nurse since 2021 in Fairbanks.
She’s not stopping there. Kayla wanted to become an advanced practice registered nurse. Now her focus has shifted to become a certified nurse midwife.
She began a two-year program at the University of Cincinnati in May 2024, which allowed her to complete coursework and clinical practicums in Fairbanks. She expects to earn a Masters of Science in nurse midwifery, which will make her eligible to sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board examination to become a licensed CNM.
Then, she wants to offer her services to Fairbanksans.
“The closure of the only birth center in Fairbanks back in 2023 was devastating to this community,” she wrote in her application.
She hopes to open a birth center someday, to provide midwifery services and women’s health gynecological services.
$3,000 Continuing Education Scholarship
Maisy O’Neill
Maisy O’Neill grew up in Goldstream Valley in a separate dry cabin her parents built for her and her three sisters, adjacent to the small family home. While unusual, it helped her develop a strong sense of independence and problem-solving skills. That self-reliance shaped her work ethic and her ability to tackle life’s challenges.
So heading out of state and attending the University of Arizona was outside her comfort zone. It’s also a choice she is
proud of, as she studies applied biotechnology, merging biological systems with engineering principles. This study has wide ranging applications, from life-saving vaccines to drought-resistant crops, biotechnology fuels, education and future innovation.
She currently holds a part-time research position at UA’s Biosphere 2 as a member of the rainforest resilience team. She specifically studies how rising temperatures impact cacao and coffee trees.
She has a particular interest in bioremediation, developing sustainable methods to combat pollution and contamination.
“Ultimately, I hope to return to Alaska to apply my expertise to local environmental issues, such as mitigating chemical contaminants in soil and groundwater resulting from mining and drilling,” she wrote in her application.
“Whether by founding or joining a biotechnology company focused on bioremediation, my goal is to help ensure that Alaska remains a safe and thriving home for its people and wildlife.”
$3,000 Continuing Education Scholarship
Ava Wilkens
Ava Wilken of Fairbanks is a cancer survivor and a student at Texas A&M University.
Surviving cancer as a child shaped who she is today and also fueled her determination to follow a career in the health care field.
“Having gone through what I did brought about a very different appreciation and respect for humanity and a forever altered perspective on life,” she wrote in her application. “I visit my priorities often to make sure they are in line with my goals and my vision of the future.”
She has little patience for foolishness and huge compassion for those less fortunate. Consequently, she often pauses to make sure her head and her heart are aligned when guiding or helping others.
She is pursuing a career in the pediatric oncology field. She knows personally what it is like to be poked and prodded, and on the brink of death. This path, she said, is not just a career. It is a calling.
It will also lay the foundation for a career in nursing. She already earned CNA certification in high school.
Her goal is to return to Fairbanks and practice her new career, offering professional health care services and support to pediatric oncology patients. Her story, she said, will become one that inspires resilience and hope. n
PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLA SONNENBERG
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAISY O’NEILL
PHOTO COURTESY OF AVA WILKEN
Zoey Taylor: Rooted in Power
By Kris Capps
For Zoey Taylor of Healy, all roads in his adult life led to Golden Valley Electric Association.
He has worked at the GVEA plant in Healy for 11 years and still looks forward to going to work every day. As an operation shift foreman, he leads a crew of about eight people.
“We are in charge of the day-to-day operations of both power plants,” he says. “I guide the crew that operates the units, responds to routine situations and troubleshoots. I enjoy what I do.”
His time at GVEA “changed me big time,” he says.
Zoey started his GVEA journey in 2014 as the second apprentice hired to assist in recommissioning Unit 2 after a long dormancy. It was part of a larger effort to bring in new talent to train alongside an experienced, retiring workforce. That early hands-on experience laid the foundation for a steep but rewarding climb through seven positions—from apprentice to entry-level operator, through multiple technician levels, plant operator, and now shift foreman.
an apprenticeship. Though nervous, he applied—but didn’t get in.
He then worked for the Alaska Department of Transportation on the North Slope for a year, where he lived and worked with a close-knit crew.
Along the way, Zoey helped launch a brand-new Lock Out Tag Out program known as TKPro, and his dedication to safety earned him the nickname “TKZo.”
“When I interviewed for the apprenticeship, they asked where I saw myself in five years,” Zoey says. “I said, ‘In the control room running these plants.’ And that’s exactly what I did.”
The 31-year-old graduated with honors from Nenana City School and chose to enter the workforce instead of accepting scholarships to college. He didn’t yet know what he wanted to study and was wary of student debt.
“I strongly believed that you should not go to college if you didn’t have a clear direction,” he says.
A long-term GVEA employee encouraged him to apply for
“That was a huge blessing for me,” he says.
When he reapplied to GVEA, he got the job.
“The opportunity was enormous,” he says. “I could work near home and have the promise of a steady future.”
The job at GVEA allowed him to settle down. In 2019, he bought his first home in Healy. He got married, and now he and his wife are raising their daughter.
“I see a long working relationship with Golden Valley, keeping those power plants running,” he says. “I think my life is pretty well devoted to power generation now. And this is coming from someone who was once oblivious to how power even came on. It was just magic to me.”
If he’s lucky, he says, he’ll retire from GVEA.
He especially enjoys the fast-paced challenge of troubleshooting.
“I’m one of the lucky ones,” he says. “When the adrenaline hits, I think clearly and analytically.”
He’s also deeply committed to safety and now chairs GVEA’s safety committee.
Zoey marks his time at GVEA with a tree.
“When my family sold the cabin I grew up in, I went back and dug up a tree,” he says. “I planted it during GVEA’s Arbor Day giveaway. That tree is now at my home in Healy.”
Today, it stands about 10 feet tall.
“Every time I look at that tree, it symbolizes my time here,” he says. “It’s humbling to know that we’re both still growing and that we both put down roots in Healy after being transplanted.” n
PHOTO COURTESY OF ZOEY TAYLOR
The Allure of
Paul Swanson’s magnet fishing journey transforms disability into discovery
By Ginger Meurer
Around 2019, Paul Swanson stumbled across a YouTube video of Magnetic Mike hurling a high-power magnet into Florida waters to fish for metal.
“That one video, I was hooked,” Paul says.
With a background in construction and angling, Paul saw magnet fishing as a beautiful blend.
“Once I threw a rope with my magnet, it was all over with,” he says. “I’ve never been so happy to pull up a horseshoe in my life.”
That first horseshoe hangs from a plaque bearing the inscription, “Everybody needs a little luck,” in Paul’s Spokane, Washington, living room.
‘Soul Saver’
Magnet fishing was more than lucky for Paul.
“I call it my soul savior,” he says.
Paul has progressive multiple sclerosis and is raising two children with autism.
“I needed something to do that wouldn’t break the family’s budget,” he says. “And our water is so rich in history, I just had to see.”
Waterways surround Paul’s home. From the 111-mile Spokane River to more than 86 nearby lakes, he says it’s impossible to run out of places to explore.
“We had the great fire of Spokane back in the early 1900s,” he says. “There’s so much stuff in that waterway, in anybody’s waterways. It’s just never been seen.”
Paul teamed with other magnet fishing enthusiasts and the Spokane Riverkeeper organization to help clean up the surrounding waterways.
“I’ve fought very hard not to be in a wheelchair,” he says. “So, now I go around with crutches and a bilateral brace, and I surround myself with a lot of warrior friends.”
There are at least four longtime regulars who meet around once a month, and as many as 700 more magnet anglers pitch in on big projects, like the time they tried to set a World Record, bringing in more than 14 tons of findings.
Friends help gear Paul up to set out aboard his double-hulled Livingston, where they throw and pull from over the boat’s edge.
“They’re all good swimmers. Nobody would let me go,” Paul says. “They keep a good eye on me. My wife’s pretty happy about that.”
Paul’s friends call him Mag Neto.
“Because I’m a magnet fisherman and because of my legs and everything else,” he says. “It just kind of stuck with me.”
Surprises Surface
Plenty has stuck to Paul’s magnet. He and his buddies have fished up just about everything, from Model-T rims to bathtubs, shopping carts, bicycles, electric scooters, phones, knives and even a few historic guns.
It isn’t about profit or treasure hunting for them. In fact, they end up donating the proceeds from most of their finds to charities. If owners are traceable, they return items, too. Often, they’ve been called on to help retrieve lost items. Occasionally, they even rescue newbies in need.
“You gotta help them out sometimes,” Paul says. “They just don’t realize that if they’re on a metal bridge and they throw out a magnet, it slaps to the side of it. There are ways to get it off, and we’ve mastered it.”
When people are looking for gear or tips, Paul sends them to Muscular Magnetics, a company launched about seven years ago in Orem, Utah, and is now based in Idaho Falls.
“Once you get the idea, oh, you’re essentially underwater metal detecting, it sparks the interest,” he says. “People wonder, ‘What can I find?’ We have had customers that have pulled some extraordinarily awesome things out of the water.”
Fish Responsibly
Paul says magnet fishing isn’t for everyone and stresses that high-power magnets are not toys. If you have a pacemaker, this is not the hobby for you. Hearing aids are magnet-sensitive, too.
“And don’t put your phone near it, or you’re going to wipe it clean,” Paul says.
He also recommends respecting the waterways. He avoids indigenous areas and stays clear of places where fish spawn. Former battle areas are also a hazard.
Muscular Magnetics owner Michael Taylor built a great relationship with Paul.
“The moment I talked to Paul, he knew everything you could imagine about magnet fishing, probably better than I did, honestly,” Michael says. “He’s done great things where he is up in Washington.”
Michael says magnet fishing took off during the pandemic with people wanting to get out more, and that interest hasn’t diminished. The moment people see it, they want to know more.
The top of that list includes a convenience store ATM retrieved from the waters separating New York and New Jersey. Magnet fishing enthusiasts have discovered live bombs that required the bomb squad. Then there are handguns, shotguns, and even a couple of sniper rifles fished out by a grandfather and his grandson in Florida.
Muscular Magnetics and several competitors offer kits with everything from low-power magnets for beginners to high-power double-sided magnets that can lift thousands of pounds.
Michael says so far, there’s only one state with laws against magnet fishing: South Carolina.
“Really, any other state is game on as far as laws go,” he says. “Any public property, from what we’ve seen, is great for it.”
Paul recommends you ask first, even on public land.
“It’s a lot like a hunting sport,” Paul
FROM FAR LEFT: Paul Swanson begins a magnet fishing excursion. PHOTO BY PAUL SWANSON JR. An empty safety deposit box from 1914 is one of the coolest treasures Paul has reeled in. PHOTO BY PAUL SWANSON ABOVE: Paul magnet fishes at Riverfront Park in Spokane. PHOTO BY LANCE TURNER
By Dianna Troyer
Festivals showcase communities' unique charms, characteristics and senses of humor. Attractions and events run the gamut from outhouse races to gravity-fueled coaster races, a Bigfoot calling contest to Basque dances and strength contests, and handcrafted mahogany boats of yesteryear to colorful kites to banana slugs.
Alaska's Outhouse Races
Imagine an outhouse shaped like a fighter jet. That was one of the unforgettable entries in Anchorage’s annual Outhouse Races. The contest, held on the last Saturday of February, is a highlight of the two-week Fur Rendezvous—a prelude to the Iditarod and celebration of all things Alaskan.
The “Top Gun”-esque outhouse was built
by the Alaska Air National Guard team.
“There are so many hilarious, crazy entries,” says John McCleary, executive director of the festival, known locally as Fur Rondy.
Dozens of creative teams build an outhouse on skis and race it around a course, pulling and pushing it toward the finish line. Teams of four runners and one rider—who must wear a helmet and have toilet paper on board—choose between two categories when they build their peculiar privies. In the traditional class, outhouses must measure at least 30 inches square. The unlimited class allows
a maximum of 12 feet in length and 8 feet in width and height. The categories were set in 2006, when the University of Alaska’s Architecture and Engineering Club started the event as a fundraiser.
Along with prizes for the fastest and last-place finishers, there are awards for best theme, most realistic, cleanest and best engineered. Along with bragging rights, the winners receive a trophy like no other—a toilet paper roll holder ensconced in a small-scale outhouse.
The outhouse races are among more than two dozen events brightening spirits during the darkness of winter. Another crowdpleaser is The Blanket Toss, when people grip the edge of a taut, tanned walrus skin and toss someone in the center skyward. Also popular are ice sculpture contests and the Running of the Reindeer, where entrants dash down a street with deer hot on their heels.
The event is a fundraiser for the Three Barons Renaissance Fair, scheduled for the first two weekends in June with pirate and fantasy themes. Sword fights, crafts and food booths are featured.
Idaho's Silver Wake Celebration
There’s a backstory to the names of dozens of handcrafted wooden antique and classic boats that line up at Sandpoint's boardwalk during the Silver Wake Celebration, an annual boat show in mid-July in Northern Idaho.
“Our boat was called the Donna Rosa for my red hair,” says Jan Keener, show chairperson. “I’ve always loved the sound of the motor, the beauty of the boats, and the lasting friendships and camaraderie of boaters.”
The sleek boats’ white oak frames are covered with mahogany and varnished to a glistening shine.
“They all have a story,” says longtime boater Ron Yandt, who owns the Uncle Bob. “It was named for my uncle, who built about 75 boats that were used on Lake
Coeur d’Alene as water taxis, racers, or mail and grocery delivery, or for pleasure. He was known for his distinct boats and using blueprints of a Hacker-Craft design. They’re low in the water, so they have a smooth ride.”
Ron and his son are restoring another boat his uncle built named Skippy Junior.
“We work on it a couple of nights a week,” he says. “He was an amazing craftsman.”
The Inland Empire Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society hosts three summer shows. This year’s Sandpoint show is July 11-13, with the public showing on Saturday, July 12. Boats are mostly from Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington. Boat owners from chapters in Portland, Seattle, Payette and Western Montana also attend.
The Coeur d’Alene Boat Festival is Aug. 15-17, and the Dry Rot Boat Show at Priest Lake is Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.
Nevada's Basque Festival
The 61st National Basque Festival, July 5-6 in Northern Nevada, is sponsored by the Elko Euzkaldunak Club at its clubhouse. The celebration features live music, dancing, weightlifting, wood chopping, food and vendors, all celebrating the culture of the Basque region in Spain and France, and the immigrants who brought it with them to America.
“It’s great to see how our culture is still alive. The festival is personal for our family because my grandfather, Marcial Goitia, was Basque,” says Michelle Cromwell, marketing and advertising manager at the Elko Convention and Visitors Authority.
“He was a sheepherder and business owner. He opened a pool hall.”
Michelle recalls seeing a photo of her grandfather’s wife, Glenna Goitia, holding a shovel to break ground for the Basque Club, a meeting place for residents of Basque heritage.
To celebrate their heritage, Michelle’s three daughters learned traditional Basque dances.
“The Basque community is close, and dance groups perform at festivals throughout the area,” she says. “Our daughters are looking forward to dancing at Jaialdi, the world’s largest Basque Festival in Boise.
“Basque food is amazing,” she adds. “I still make my grandmother’s salad dressing recipe
Outhouse racers dash toward a finish line in their custom-made contraptions in Anchorage to celebrate Alaskan culture during the two-week Fur Rendezvous Festival, known locally as Fur Rondy. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FUR RONDY
1 2 3 4 5 6
PHOTO COURTESY OF RON YANDT
PHOTO BY KATIE COTTERILL
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIDGETTE CHRISTIAN
PHOTO BY SYDNEY MARTINEZ/TRAVEL NEVADA
PHOTO BY SAVANNAH BLISS
with a little garlic, sour cream and vinegar.”
Elko’s Basque restaurant, The Star, honors Basque culture year-round.
“People sit at the same long tables, and the food is served family style,” Michelle says.
The schedule of festival events will be posted on the Elko Euzkaldunak Club's Facebook page.
Arizona's Bisbee Coaster Races
For more than a century, generations of Bisbee residents have celebrated the Fourth of July by racing soapbox derby-style cars, called coasters, at speeds of up to 40 mph down a canyon road.
“We start at the top of Tombstone Canyon and end at the post office,” says Bridgette Christian, chairperson of the Coaster Race Committee. “It’s how we start the holiday in the morning. My dad was a big volunteer, so I want to keep it going.”
Drivers ages 9 to 16 build their own vehicles and coast along for about 1.6 miles in roughly 3 minutes. They practice at trial runs in June to be ready for the big day in July.
The town’s population of 5,000 doubles during the event “because it’s so familyoriented,” Bridgette says. “We have a strong
sense of community here. We’re grateful to all the volunteers who make it happen.”
After the town’s copper mine closed, a large group of residents left the area, but many come back for a reunion to celebrate the summer holiday.
Other unique festivals in Arizona include the Oatman Egg Fry, ShoLo Lawn Mower Races and Wyatt Earp Days.
Northern California's Decades of Bigfoot Daze
Bigfoot’s sonorous calls resound across the small town of Willow Creek in Northern California during Bigfoot Daze, the second Saturday of July.
“We have so many events with one of our most popular ones being the Bigfoot Calling Contest,” says Shannon Hughes, president of the Willow Creek Chamber of Commerce. “It always draws a lot of entrants and a lot of laughs, too.”
She says local and worldwide Sasquatch devotees come to the annual event.
“This will be our 63rd celebration,” she says. “For some, it’s an annual pilgrimage. It’s understandable why we’re the Bigfoot Capital of the World. We’re surrounded by wilderness where there are always some sightings.”
About 300 purported sightings of the elusive creature are chronicled at the local museum along with Sasquatch exhibits. A 1967 film taken near Bluff Creek became famous when it showed an ape-like creature walking along the banks.
Among the numerous events, another one that makes spectators laugh is the 20-minute parade with entries expressing the theme of Bigfoot and the watermeloneating contest.
“It’s a great community festival,” Shannon says.
Washington’s Slug Fest
“May the slime be with you” is the saying on June 28-29 at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville.
Children learn what life looks like from a slug’s point of view. They even get the chance to race while wearing tentacle headbands, goggles and plastic sacks as they slide around on their bellies on a wet tarp.
The event is organized to celebrate the importance of the local yellow-green banana slug that helps decompose organic matter to nourish trees and plants.
Oregon’s
Lincoln City Kite Festivals
Professional kite flyers demonstrate aerial acrobatics at Lincoln City Summer and Fall Kite Festivals in Oregon's Central Coast.
“It’s amazing what the professional flyers can do,” says Stephanie Hull, event outreach coordinator for Lincoln City. “We have about 50 flyers come to our events.”
KiteLife magazine named the town the Kite Capital of the World with its more than 7 miles of beach. Many festival participants handcraft their kites with shapes of whales or octopuses.
“The large inflatables are really creative,” Stephanie says. “Some people paint their own designs on the kites and others handsew them. Some choreograph their flights, too.”
This year is special.
“We’re celebrating our 40th summer festival and 45th fall festival,” she says. “We’re looking forward to seeing an LED illuminated night flight on Friday.”
The summer festival is June 21-22, and the fall festival is Sept. 20-21. n
4. Slugs are celebrated at a festival at the Northwest Trek Park in Eatonville, Washington, with festive events for children.
5. Boats align the boardwalk for festivalgoers to admire at the annual Silver Wake Celebration in Sandpoint, Idaho. 6. Professional kite flyers entertain beachside audiences at summer and fall festivals in Lincoln City, Oregon.
1. Bigfoot Daze is celebrated at Willow Creek in Northern California, where numerous purported sightings of the primate have been documented at the local museum.
2. For more than a century, the Bisbee Coaster Races have been a tradition on the Fourth of July in Arizona.
3. Dancing is a popular event at the National Basque Festival in Elko, Nevada.
PHOTO BY BRANDON SHELTON
Roll, Fold and Feast
TURN TO TORTILLAS
Easy Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas
2 8-inch flour tortillas
2 tablespoons tomato sauce (may substitute spaghetti, pizza or marinara sauce)
10 to 12 slices pepperoni
6 to 8 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
Butter
Additional tomato sauce
Spread tomato sauce evenly over entire tortilla in a thin layer. Add pepperoni, covering half of each tortilla.
Sprinkle the pepperoni with a layer of cheese. Fold over the top of the tortilla.
Melt a bit of butter in a skillet. Place two quesadillas in the skillet. Cook 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat until lightly browned.
While the first side of the quesadilla is cooking, lightly butter the other side of each tortilla. Flip over the tortillas, and cook until the second side is browned. Remove the quesadillas from the pan. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice each tortilla into quarters or thirds. Serve with warm tomato sauce for dipping.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY CIRCLEPS
Fiesta Pinwheels
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
1/4 cup picante sauce
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Dash garlic powder
4.5-ounce can chopped olives, drained
4-ounce can chopped green chiles
1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup thinly sliced green onions
8 10-inch flour tortillas, warmed
Salsa
In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, picante sauce, taco seasoning and garlic powder until smooth. Stir in olives, chiles, cheese and onions. Spread about 1/2 cup on each tortilla. Roll up jelly-roll style.
Cover. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Slice into 1-inch pieces before serving with salsa.
Taco Lasagna Recipe
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16-ounce jar salsa, divided
12 8-inch corn or flour tortillas, divided
16 ounces sour cream, divided
16 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
Heat oven to 350 F. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate. Pour off any fat from the skillet.
Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil. Heat until shimmering. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Return the beef and any juices to the skillet. Add black beans, and stir to combine. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper. Stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour 1/4 cup salsa into a 9-by-13 baking dish. Pour the remaining salsa into the skillet. Stir to combine.
To assemble the lasagna, spread out the salsa in the baking dish into a thin layer. Arrange four tortillas in a single layer on top of the salsa, overlapping them as needed. Dollop and spread 2/3 cup of the sour cream. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the sour cream. Spread in an even layer. Sprinkle with 11/3 cups of cheese.
Repeat layering the following: four tortillas, 2/3 cup sour cream, the remaining meat mixture and 11/3 cups shredded cheese. Top with the remaining four tortillas and 2/3 cup sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 11/3 cups cheese.
Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Skillet
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1½ teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano
¾ teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup sour cream
6 to 7 regular-sized flour tortillas, cut into bitesized pieces
7.5 ounces black beans, drained
14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup shredded cheese
In a large skillet, heat butter until melted. Stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in chicken broth. Stir until sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper into the sauce.
Add chicken breasts to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan, and shred into bite-sized pieces.
Stir sour cream into the sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add tortilla pieces, black beans and tomatoes. Stir until combined, then top with shredded cheese.
Cover skillet and cook until bubbly and the cheese is melted, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Freezer Burritos
11/4 pounds lean ground beef
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
11/4 cups salsa
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
½ cup water
2 15-ounce cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed
In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking meat into crumbles. Drain. Stir in salsa and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, then set aside.
In a food processor, combine water and beans. Cover. Process until almost smooth. Add to beef, and stir in cheese.
Spoon 1/2 cup beef mixture down the center of each tortilla. Fold ends and sides over filling. Roll up. Wrap each burrito in waxed paper and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month.
To heat frozen burritos: Remove foil and waxed paper. Place one burrito on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until a thermometer reads 165 F, about 3 minutes, turning burrito over once. Let stand for 20 seconds.
READER EXCHANGE
Books/Magazines
Searching for Louis L’Amour 1st print edition paperbacks only. Please respond with titles. I can pay fair price and shipping if requested. Thanks.
J Hall P.O. Box 1456 Orofino, ID 83544 jwhall13@gmail.com
Crafts/Hobbies
I’m retired and had double hip replacement in the past six months. I’m nearly recovered, and I started making patriotic American flags. They are roughly 30x20 inches tall. I’m requesting any type of fabric; printed with design or plain red, white, and blue that I can make into quilted American flags to sell.
Brian Cody 298 Basham Lane Troy, MT 59935
I’m looking for Scrabble tiles of all sizes. We are working on picture frames as a family project. Any contribution is appreciated.
Audra Shrauger
7999 SE Thomas Road Prineville, OR 97754
Milestones
I’m traveling to Washington in early June to surprise my mom for her 90th birthday. Her name is Donna, and she is as spunky as ever. I would be grateful to take birthday cards to her from people all over the states. She was living in Fairbanks for a while, so if you know her ...shhhh... this is a surprise. Please mail to Lee Ann Hough, 1190 Pickering Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
Lee Ann Hough Fairbanks, Alaska
My husband turns 75 this month. He has had some health issues, but is well now. We are trying to make this a great day. Please send to Bill Hoople, P.O. Box 81691, Fairbanks, AK 99708.
Janet Hoople Fairbanks, Alaska
Our mother is turning 90 this month. We would be thrilled for her to receive birthday greetings from friends and fellow readers across the country. She has a passion for photographing wildlife and the beautiful landscapes of Idaho. She’s still very active, enjoying her Bunco games, knitting, reading and sharing delightful tea with friends. Thank you so much in advance. Please send cards to Kay Deubel, 1717 Poplar St., Sandpoint, ID 83864
Brenda Sawyer Naples, Idaho
My mom is turning 100 at the beginning of June. She lived in Florence, Oregon, for her first 12 years, then in Eugene. She married in 1945 and was married for 55 years, living in Springfield all that time. Everyone always remembers her, as she has a beautiful smile. In her later years, she made crocheted clothes hangers for friends, family and whoever needed one. She was ecstatic to know I was making this request for birthday cards to be sent to her and will enjoy reading all of them. Thank you. Send to, Linda Snyder, 4001 SE 182nd Avenue, Apt #217, Gresham, OR 97030.
Barbara Toedtemeier Heppner, Oregon
Odds
I am searching for information, stories or pictures from anyone who has family history, stories or knowledge of the lost town of Cabinet, Idaho.
Craig Nelson 8760 River Road Clark Fork, ID 83811 Buscakccf623@gmail.com
Thanks
A million thanks. Thank you so much to all the readers who sent my dear husband, Robert Dodge, warm wishes for his birthday. He was overwhelmed to see so many cards (more than 600). We are still reading through them. Many people sent small gifts, paintings and even a $2 bill. Many of the senders related to Bob’s service in the Marines, the Boy Scouts and hunter’s safety. There is no way we could send thank you notes to each person, so this will have to do. Our heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful people who care enough to send best wishes. Bob is forever grateful, as am I.
Carol Wennstrom Blachly, Oregon
Submitting Requests Is Free
Send your request—with no attachments—to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates.
Submissions are handled 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 the request must include a postal address.
Request must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
Silver Falls State Park Walk behind and around high waterfalls in Oregon at
What Is It?
Hike into a rainforest to see a 177-foot waterfall at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. First opened in 1933, the park is a magnet for hikers and bikers.
Oregon’s Largest State Park
Silver Falls State Park is less than an hour east of Oregon’s capital city, Salem, and contains 9,000 acres. Many of the park’s original trails, walls and buildings were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Hit the Trail
The park is known for its more than 35 miles of trails, with the Trail of Ten Falls as a highlight. The 7.2-mile loop is classified as a moderate hike, with 800 feet of elevation change. The trail gives great views of the park’s waterfalls and winds behind four of them, providing a unique angle of the falls.
A New View
A few years ago, the park opened the North Rim Trail, which gives a more accessible way to see the North Falls.
Beginning from the new North Canyon Trailhead, the 1-mile trail has a compacted surface 6 feet wide. The new North Canyon day use areas also have picnic tables, restrooms and access to the park’s Nature Play Area.
More Information
Silver Falls State Park is open every day of the year. Hours vary according to the season. Parking is $5 per day. To start planning your visit, head to friendsofsilverfalls.net.
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY BOB
U.S. zip codes turn up silver for residents
Sealed Vault Bags full of State Silver Bars are actually being handed over to the first U.S. residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication and call before the 21 day order deadline ends to claim the bags full of pure silver
NATIONWIDE - Operators at the National Silver Hotline are struggling to keep up with all the calls.
That’s because Silver Vault Bags loaded with pure .999 State Silver Bars are now being handed over to everyone who beats the order deadline.
“That’s why U.S. residents will be hoarding all the silver bars they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. This comes as no surprise after the standard State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury was dropped for everyone who gets the Silver Vault Bags making them a real steal,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, the Fmr. 40th Treasurer of the United States of America, Emeritus.
“As executive advisor to the private Lincoln Treasury, I get paid to deliver breaking news. And here’s the best part. This is great news for U.S. residents because the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury is a real steal,” said Withrow.
The only thing residents need to do is find the first 2 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication. If their zip code is on the list, they just need to call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends.
And here’s the good news. Residents who do are getting the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $390 for each State Silver Vault Bag which is just $39 for each pristine Silver half ounce bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline at 1-888-415-6109 before the deadline ends.
Phone lines open at precisely 8:30 A.M. this morning and are expected to be flooded by U.S. residents looking to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln
(Continued on next page)
■ U.S. RESIDENTS CASH IN: Calls are pouring in from state residents who are trying to get their hands on the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags pictured above before the deadline ends. That’s because residents who find the first two digits of their zip code printed in today’s publication are cashing in on the reduced State Minimum price set for the next 21 days by the Lincoln Treasury.
Who gets the Silver Vault Bags: Listed below are the zip codes that get to claim the Silver Vault Bags. If you find the first two digits of your zip code below immediately call: 1-888-415-6109 DEPT. SMB199
(Continued from previous page)
Treasury to date. That’s why U.S. resi dents who find their zip code on the distribution list today are being urged to call.
Since this special advertising announcement can’t stop anyone from buying up all the new 2025 Edition U.S. State Silver Bars they can get their hands on, the Lincoln Treasury has not set a limit of how many Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags residents can get – these are the bags pictured that contain 10 individual Silver Vault Bags each. Everyone who gets these will be glad they did
“Residents who want to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury better hurry. That’s because after the deadline ends, the State Minimum for these pristine half ounce U.S. State Silver Bars set by the Lincoln Treasury will go up to $68 per bar no matter how many bars people get,” Withrow said.
“We’re bracing for all the calls and doing the best we can, but with just hours left before the deadline ends, residents who find the first 2 digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication need to call the National Silver Hotline,” Withrow said.
■ SILVER IS SOARING: It’s good news for state residents who get the Silver Vault Bags each loaded with 10 solid .999 pure Silver State Bars. That’s because residents are getting the State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury as long as they call before the deadline ends.
I keep calling and can’t get through: Keep trying. Right now everyone’s looking to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury. In fact, we won’t be surprised if thousands of residents order up as many Silver Vault Bags as they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury has been reduced to just $39 for each silver half ounce bar for everyone who gets the vault bags. And since each Silver Vault Bag contains 10 pristine State Silver Bars for just $390 we’re guessing state residents will be claiming two or more bags while they’re up for grabs. But all those who really want to cash in are taking the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags containing 100 State Silver Bars before the deadline ends and the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury goes up to $680 per Vault Bag. In fact the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury is reduced even further for those getting the Jumbo Bags so just be sure to ask the National Silver Hotline operator for your discount. So if lines are busy keep trying.
How much are the Silver Vault Bags worth: It’s hard to tell how much these Silver Vault Bags could be worth since they are in pristine condition, but those who get in on this now will be glad they did. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury goes up to $680 per bag after the deadline ends. So you better believe that at just $390 the Silver Vault bags are a real steal for everyone who beats the deadline.
Can I buy one State Silver Bar: Yes. But, the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $39 per bar applies only to residents who purchase a Silver Vault Bag(s). That means only those residents who order a Silver Vault Bag(s) or a Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bag get the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury. All single bar purchases, orders placed after the deadline and all non-state residents must pay the normal state minimum of $68 per silver half ounce bar.
Why is the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury so low now: Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to get the silver at the reduced State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury. Now all residents who find their zip code on the Distribution List to the left are getting the Silver Vault Bags for themselves and all the solid .999 pure State Silver Bars found inside. The price for each Silver Vault Bag after the deadline ends is set to the normal state minimum of $680 which is $68 per bar. But residents who beat the 21-day deadline only cover the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $390 for each State Silver Bar Bag which is just $39 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends at: 1-888-415-6109 DEPT. SMB199. Hotlines open at 8:30 A.M.
*** All 7 States listed are available - States not listed are already sold out ***
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES FULL-HALF TROY OUNCE SOLID .999 FINE SILVER
DATE NUMBERED IN WHICH THE STATE RATIFIED THE CONSTITUTION AND WAS ADMITTED INTO UNION
CERTIFIED SOLID SILVER PRECIOUS METAL BACK FRONT
ALL 7 STATES LISTED ARE AVAILABLE.
PHOTO ENLARGEMENT SHOWS ENGRAVING DETAI L OF SOLID HALF OUNCE STATE SILVER BARS
Anatomy of
Capturing Fireworks
By Dave LaBelle
There are annual events—such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays—many of us are determined to make pictures of.
One of the annual events I am often called on to photograph is fireworks during the Fourth of July. Here is where I confess, even though I have photographed fireworks for more than a half a century, I never seem to capture the picture I want.
Oh, I have made some acceptable pictures through the years but not one that I felt expressed what I saw and felt.
I surveyed the grounds early where the fireworks were to be launched this past year, seeking every possible angle.
Some cities have hilltops or big rivers running through them, like Pittsburgh or Portland, Oregon. But Dyersville, Iowa, is flat with few bumps we might dare to call hills.
Finally, I decided on a low, grassy spot that afforded a relatively clean, uncluttered view of the aerial bursts. However, as parking spaces grew thin, vehicles lunged forward, parking on the grassy spot I had
Reader Challenge
chosen. Camera and tripod in hand, I had to move or get run over.
Just as I was about to seek another last-minute vantage point, a couple of children put down a blanket between two vehicles and sat waiting for the show.
Hmmm?
If I could get low enough, they might make a good foreground, their shapes against
a lit-up sky.
I moved up slowly and stealthily behind them and lay on the ground to see if I could get the camera low enough— off the tripod—to see if I had enough sky to see and capture fireworks once they began.
At one point—still 30 minutes before the show—I had to explain to their father, watching me suspiciously, the photo I was hoping to capture.
Determine to make a beautiful photograph that captures the spirit of celebration meant by filling the sky with beautiful explosions of color and design. Scout areas and choose the spot first. Then consider using a tripod and slower shutter speed. To create depth and context, foreground is key. Above all, experiment with exposure. Each burst is often a different color and intensity.
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.
As most of you who have attempted to photograph fireworks know, there is a lot of luck involved. That acknowledged, the old maxim, “Luck is where opportunity meets preparation,” was on my side this evening.
After a handful of lowbursting blasts, finally a reddishpink explosion filled the sky low enough to wash over and even reflect on the parked vehicles. n
Photographer, author and lecturer
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.
Dave LaBelle has
Ruralite Calendar Photo Contest 2026
It is time to share your favorite photos for a chance to appear in our 2026 Ruralite calendar. Up to 13 winners will be selected and receive $100. Photos must be submitted by June 30, 2025. The contest is open to recipients of Ruralite and Currents magazines. Each person may only submit up to two photos. Each submission must include:
• Photographer’s name, address and electric utility.
• A short description of what is shown.
• Photographer’s email address and phone number.
• JPEG file photos only. Photos must be horizontal or landscape format and at least 300 dpi at 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Vertical photos and files larger than 30 MB will not be accepted. Enter today by visiting tinyurl.com/ruralitecalendar or use the provided QR code on this page.
Winning Tips
• Use the highest resolution setting on your camera.
• Photograph beautiful places and wildlife.
• Capture scenes full of vivid color.
• Reflect the seasons.
• Make us feel something—awe, joy, etc.
For more information, visit ruralite.com/2026contest.
BY ARLEN RICKE, OREGON— COOS-CURRY ELECTRIC
COOPERATIVE
Perfect for Potlucks
With more than 200 recipes, this cookbook offers many options for potlucks, family reunions or picnics planned this summer! An added bonus in the back are the recipes from a previous barbecue recipe contest. “Perfect for a Potluck” is an 8½-by-11-inch indexed cookbook for only $10, which includes postage.
To order by mail:
Submit proper payment with your name, address and the number of cookbooks wanted to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133.
To order by phone:
Call 503-357-2105 to pay with VISA, MasterCard, Discover card or American Express.
To order online: Visit www.ruralite.org.
Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Simplified Rate Filing
Twice a year, Golden Valley Electric Association files a Simplified Rate Filing, with any requested rate changes effective January 1 and June 1 of each year. The SRF only affects the utility charge and, if applicable, the demand charge on a member’s bill. The SRF allows GVEA to make these changes without going through a general rate case, a time-consuming and expensive process.
On June 1, the utility charge will increase from $0.14468 per kWh to $0.15191 per kWh. The need for a rate change through the SRF is based on an evaluation of whether GVEA has sufficient revenue to cover operations and maintain financial stability.
The average residential member will see an increase of approximately $4.34 on their monthly electric bill, based on an average use of 600 kWh.
GVEA Conducts In-Depth Review to Support Ongoing Rate Case
GVEA is currently working through a rate case—a formal process to ensure that GVEA’s rates and underlying rate structures fairly reflect the cost of providing electricity. A key part of this process is conducting a number of studies to better understand things like GVEA’s costs and systemwide use.
Among these studies is a depreciation study, which evaluates the condition and remaining lifespan of GVEA’s physical assets—everything from poles and wires to substations and power plants. The results of the depreciation study will be used to ensure that GVEA is depreciating these physical assets based on how many years they are expected to be used and useful. Further, the study will provide up-to-date service lives for the cooperative’s assets, which will enable GVEA to strategically plan for future investments.
This spring, consultants from NewGen Strategies & Solutions visited GVEA for a multiday site tour. They met with employees, toured facilities, learned about the equipment and gathered detailed information to inform the final report.
Why does this matter to you? The results of this study are part of the broader rate case effort, which is designed to help make sure GVEA’s rates are fair, reasonable and enable GVEA to maintain financial integrity.
The final depreciation study is scheduled to be presented to the board of directors in June.
This is your co-op, and we’re working hard to keep it strong for the long term. n
PHOTO COURTESY OF JANICE CHEN
MARKETPLACE
Agriculture
4x5 round bales, Meadow Foxtail Orchard Grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002; nas@cpcinternet.com.
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. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0426
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 jewelry, blankets, rugs, CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com.
Assisted Living Facility
Haven House assisted living at Fossil, OR. It is a wonderful place to live. For more information, call Lou Gabica, 541-763-4651.
Automotive
Rare 1960 Chevy pickup 4x4. Short-bed. Not running now. Text or call 661-713-3377. Leave message. $7K. 0625
1966 Ford Mustang Coupe in good condition. Runs well. 289 automatic. 89K miles on rebuilt engine. Wimbledon white, much of car is original. $16K. Kathi, 541-419-3243.
2006 Mazda Miata. Blue. MX-5. Convertible. Only 70K miles. Custom exhaust. Excellent condition; ready to go. Always kept in garage. $10K cash. 541-661-1644. 0625
1960 GMC 4500. 21/2 FB. Many newer parts: windshield, master cylinder, clutch, radiator, wiring harness, transmission. $750. La Grande, OR. Brent, 541-805-4909. 0625
1929 Studebaker and 1956 Ford Courier. Call 541-786-5833. 0625
1970 Ford F-100. Rare truck 4x4. Short bed. Mint green, original pain. Sitting 6 years. Not running. $11K. Paul, 775-296-3604.
Boats
1978 Mirrorcraft. 14’ aluminum boat, trailer, 2 extra tires and wheels, 15hp craftsman outboard, oars, anchor, fuel tank, 2 seats. $1.25K. La Grande, OR. Brent, 541-805-4909.
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): July issue—June 2, 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.
Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit card.
Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.
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. 0725
For Rent, Lease
Northeast, OR. 1 bd, 1 ba, bonus room. Nice smaller home. Water/sewer/garbage paid. On the river. $650 month, plus deposit. 55-plus preferred. Phone calls only, 541-519-3400. 0625
Quiet, spacious country home. Fully furnished, sits above Clearwater River near Lenore, ID. 3 bd, 3 ba. 1-month minimum. $1.9K. 208-476-7688.
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, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. 888-211-1715; tbsmads@yahoo.com. 0625AR
Miscellaneous
2010 Artesian Swim Spa. 7x14’. Excellent condition. $12K. Pelican paddleboat, 5 passenger. Used twice. $500. 541-954-3884. 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. 0625
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. 0625
3 cemetery plots, Salt Creek Cemetery near Dallas, OR. $1.2K each. Open to offers on all. Message, 503-457-8084. 0625
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. Joe, 541-815-8906; highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or highdesertmemorials.com. 0625
Your ad could be here in July. See instructions above for details.
Pets
Fort Sage Kennels closing. AKC-registered Airedales. Females, 1 year old. Males, 2 to 3 years old. 530-827-2271, 530-249-7896. 0925 Border collie/McNab puppies. The best dog you will ever have. Males and females, $450 each. Colton, OR. 503-314-0145. 0625
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
Cozy Dayville home with country charm and mountain views. $232.5K Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363, ddwr@ortelco.net. 0625
320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. $179K. Quick sale due to injury. For maps: 541-659-1573; thejugglingman3@gmail.com. 0625
Granite, OR. 3 city lots, 3/4 acre each, one has an off-grid cabin. Year-round activities: hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, 4x4, etc. $200K for all 3. 541-519-9077; billpathanley@gmail.com. 0625
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
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourthgeneration 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. 0625
Wanted: acreage that has been destroyed by fire. Want to purchase for rebuilding evergreen timber and wildlife habitat lands. OR, WA, ID. 509-521-7496. 0625
39 acres in Beaver, OR. Stunning mountain top view, creek, springs, wildlife, hunting, fishing, privacy. 3-bd, 2-ba home. 40x40’ barn. $595K. 503-664-3144. 0725
27 acres forested with pasture. Approved hilltop view building site; adjacent historic Unity Covered Bridge in Lowell, OR. Well, power, 2 sheds. $650K; jjmichelson@comcast.net; 206-356-0391. 0625
Sand Springs Ranch. Prepper’s Paradise in Fish Lake Valley, NV, where wild horses range. Historic 80-acre homestead with permitted spring and permitted septic system. Concrete building. 3.5 miles off Hwy 264. $649K. Contact Trish Rippie Realty, Dennis Bradley, B.S. 144254, 775-399-3972; dennis@trishrippierealty.com. 0625
Peal Starks Estate. 119 E. Allyn, Goldendale, WA. 3-bd, 2-ba fixer upper. $140K. Email inquiries to goldendale67@gmail.com. 0625
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, 21/2-ba home with knotty pine interior. 2-car garage, plenty of room for kayaks and a short walk to a beautiful beach. $524.9K. steelheadsteven@gmail.com; 503-680-9799. 0625
Rogue River, OR. Off-grid, 600-sqft. home on 40 acres. New 5O-amp solar w/batteries. Timber, game, privacy. 20 minutes from Grants Pass; 30 minutes from Medford. Turnkey. $395K. Leave message at 360-701-7192. 0625
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: wavecatcherbeachrentals.com, 541-740-2846, relax@WaveCatcherbeachrentals.com.
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. 0725
Mi Casa NW: Nehalem River day access $25/day and camping $100/night. Experience the river, creeks, hiking trails, fishing, wildlife, etc. Boat ramp BYO canoe, kayak, boat and stargaze all on 35 acres, just 25 minutes from Seaside and 45 minutes from Portland. 5 tent camping sites along the Nehalem River; private, exclusive, secure. 971-489-3960. 0725
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.
Recreational Vehicles
1999 Newmar Dutch Star 38’ RV. Diesel. 3126B Caterpillar engine. Freightliner chasis. One slide. Good condition. 95K miles. $18K. 530-616-0388. 0625
2023 Winnebago EKKO Ford F-350, all-wheel drive. Travel in all 4 seasons. Approximately 12K miles. Excellent condition. $120K. 541-550-6570. 0625
Mobile home for sale. 2 bd, 2 ba 840 sqft. 6,098-sqft. lot. 234 Shoshone Lane, Henderson, NV 89015. 0625
Resorts, Camps, Tours, Lodges Cruises: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Hawaii and more. River cruises, safari, resorts. UdoU Travel LLC: www.udoutravelllc.com; 541-256-0100, cindygreenup@gmail.com.
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. 0825
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
Gardening supplies, fresh produce, kitchen staples, plus more delivered monthly to a drop location near you. Azure Standard is an American business, supporting American farmers. Use code RURAL at: Azurestandard.com for $5 off your first $100 order. 0625
Sporting/Exercise
Virtual individualized training for 50-plus ages. Flexible schedule. Work at your own pace and ability. Get strong, get fit, get going. BodybyAris@gmail.com; 425-577-1630. 0625
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. 0625
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 jewelry, blankets, rugs, CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com or call 760-409-3117. 0625
1984-92 Toyota Sunraider motor home. 18-21 feet in good condition. Some repairs OK. Don, 541-379-4111. 0625
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.
GVEA Annual Meeting Highlights Member Concerns and Co-op Updates
By Kris Capps
More than 600 people filled the 8 Star Event Center on May 1 for Golden Valley Electric Association’s annual membership meeting.
Geared toward families, the event featured hands-on equipment displays, kids’ activities and raffles—including giveaways of a car and electric bill credits. This year’s meeting also marked a shift in tone: one focused on listening, transparency, and tough conversations about rates, reliability, and trust.
CEO Engages in Real-Time Q&A
President and CEO Travis Million and the GVEA board shared highlights from the past year. During a new live Q&A session, Travis responded to member questions and concerns about rates, transparency and GVEA’s long-term plans.
Board Chair, Tom DeLong acknowledged the findings of GVEA’s 2024 satisfaction survey: Many members don’t feel connected to the co-op and are frustrated by rates.
“It’s never easy to face feedback like this, but trust is essential as we navigate one of the most complex times in our history,” Tom says.
Commitment to Change and Member-Focused Goals
In response, leadership emphasized several key goals:
• Rebuilding trust with members
• Reducing rates where possible
• Promoting a culture of safety
• Strengthening financial health
• Supporting employees through career development and work/life balance
• Maintaining reliable, secure technology
Updates on Projects, Loans and Renewables
Travis Million provided updates on major projects and funding efforts. GVEA applied for over $300 million in loans and grants through the US Department of Agriculture’s PACE and New ERA programs to support battery storage, transmission upgrades and wind power—but the applications are under review and may need revision due to federal changes.
An independent solar project in Nenana was dropped after a major backer for the developer withdrew financial support. Meanwhile, Healy Unit 2 remains operational as GVEA explores additional energy sources, including two independent wind projects still under study.
GVEA linemen stands by the APA Electrical Safety Trailer during our annual member event. This mobile demonstration, created by the Alaska Power Association, shows the real-life dangers of high voltage electricity and helps promote safety awareness for both the public and utility employees.
(LR) Luke Benson, Joe Waggoner, John Gebhardt and Dax MacMillan.
PHOTOS BY RED PHOTOGRAPHY
Renewables drew enthusiasm and concern. Some members called for quicker adoption; others voiced skepticism about reliability and cost. Travis clarified that new renewable project proposals must first go through interconnection studies to determine their impact to GVEA’s system, both technical and financial, before any decisions are made on whether to move forward.
Nuclear Microreactors and Public Input
Members also inquired about nuclear energy, including a planned microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base. One longtime member reassured the crowd, sharing his experience living near a nuclear reactor with no health impacts.
Financial Overview and Rate Outlook
Board Treasurer Dave Messier presented GVEA’s 2024 financials. Though operating costs slightly exceeded revenue, nonoperating margins helped ensure GVEA’s financial obligations were met. Rates remain high.
Residential members pay 27.8 cents per kilowatt-hour, with a small increase coming June 1.
“No one likes to talk about rates going up, but we’re committed to transparency and fairness throughout the process,” Tom says.
A rate case study is underway to determine whether adjustments are needed for fairness and financial sustainability.
Looking Ahead
From safety and reliability to affordability and transparency, GVEA leadership pledged to act on member feedback and keep communication open.
As one member put it: “GVEA is the lifeblood of our community. We must find a path forward together.” n
Top: GVEA Board Chair Tom DeLong addresses members at GVEA 2025 Annual Meeting.
Middle: GVEA’s Annual Member Appreciation event kicks off before the business meeting each year and is fun for the whole family!
Bottom: Grid Modernization Manager Keith Palchikoff shares resources and answers questions for members interested in going solar at GVEA’s Annual Meeting.
Catch of the Day
Kyle Trojan Kline took his daughter fishing in September 2024 and came away with a whopper of a catch while fishing for Burbot near the dike in Fairbanks, Alaska.
“It is almost 25 years to the date since (Ruralite) published (my son’s) first fish picture,” says Jodi Trojan, Kyle’s mother. “I just thought it was a very cool coincidence.”
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
Kyle Trojan Kline’s 3-year-old daughter holds up her catch as best as she can during a fishing trip. PHOTO COURTESY OF
JODI TROJAN
Salad Cookbook
Want a fresh take on salads? More than 250 readerrecommended recipes are listed in an 8½-by-11-inch indexed book for $8, postage included.
To order by mail, send payment and number of cookbooks wanted along with your name and address to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133.
To pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover card or American Express, call 503-357-2105.
To order online, visit www.ruralite.org. Allow two to three weeks for delivery.
Owned By Those We Serve
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom DeLong, Chair, District 2
Chris Bunch, Vice-Chair, District 5
David Messier, Treasurer, District 1
Gary Newman, Secretary, District 4
Krista Zappone, District 7
Fred Sheen, District 6
Rick Solie, District 3
Corporate Headquarters
758 Illinois St. P.O. Box 71249 Fairbanks, AK 99707-1249
907-452-1151
1-800-770-GVEA (4832) Fax 907-458-6365
Delta Junction Office 1681 Richardson Highway Delta Junction, AK 99737
907-452-1151
1-800-770-GVEA (4832) Fax 907-895-5472
Report Outages:
907-452-1151
1-800-770-GVEA (4832)
Select: Option 1, Option 1
View Outage Map: gvea.com/outages
www.gvea.com
AK-37
Have a Voice in Your Co-op:
Help Shape GVEA’s Future
Want to make a difference in your community and stay informed about how your electric co-op works? Golden Valley Electric Association’s Member Advisory Committee is accepting applications.
By serving on the MAC, you’ll:
• Stay informed about co-op operations and initiatives.
• Represent your district and share your community’s perspective.
• Play an active role in shaping the direction of YOUR co-op. Here’s what to know:
• MAC includes one member from each of GVEA’s 7 districts
• Members serve three-year terms beginning in September.
• Meetings are held monthly (typically the second Wednesday) and last about 90 minutes.
• Members receive $60 per meeting, plus mileage reimbursement.
• MAC members may also serve on special committees (e.g. bylaws, elections, annual meeting).
All GVEA members in good standing are eligible to apply (excluding current employees) Applications are open through July 31
Ready to step up and represent your community?
Learn more and apply at gvea.com/about-us/member-advisory-committee-mac.