The Susanville Symphony, led by Maestro Ben Wade,
MARSHEL COUSO
Ruralite
September 2024 • Volume 72, No. 9
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Chasity Anderson, CCC; Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC
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PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER
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SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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Shining a Light on Rural Life
While I live in the suburbs now, I grew up on a country farm until I was about 12 years old. I understand what life away from common services and conveniences is like.
I had few neighbors as a child and even fewer with children my age. I spent a lot of my youth roaming our 50 acres with my dog, catching salamanders, feeding sheep and riding my bike. I became adept at entertaining myself.
Two stories this month highlight different aspects of rural living and the effort required to overcome obstacles.
Our Spotlight feature on Page 12 looks at how two rural high school athletes successfully raised their profiles to attract interest from college programs. Success wasn’t easy or instant. It took dedication and hard work to accomplish—something rural athletes know a lot about.
The Up Close feature on Page 10 takes us to
a small, remote Alaskan village, where harsh elements make having a solid home a matter of survival.
One organization designed a new energyefficient home that is expandable and adjusts as the foundation shifts due to temperature changes. So far, six of these homes have been built. The villagers who live in them save significant money on their heating bills thanks to the efficiencies of the new construction. They also are more comfortable and have room to process and store the fish and game they harvest to feed their families.
More homes are planned as funding becomes available.
Calendar Photo Contest
I want to thank the many readers who entered our calendar photo contest this year. As always, choosing the winners is a challenge. Congratulations to the winners. Visit ruralite.com/2025-calendar-winners to see the winning photos.
Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.
Better Homes for a Better Life
New energy-efficient design changing lives in small community Up Close, Page 10
Running Toward the Future
Rural athletes overcome hurdles to win scholarships Spotlight, Page 12 Plugged In 6 In the Kitchen 16
Hunt 22 Before You Go 30 Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32
Time for a Fall Tuneup
As summer comes to an end, assess the health of your home to maximize savings
Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to control settings to suit your climate, schedule and temperature preferences.
Consider installing a smart thermostat. After installation, input your schedule and temperature preferences. As you change the settings, the thermostat adjusts to minimize energy use. Bonus: You can control the thermostat remotely with a smartphone.
Don’t adjust the thermostat drastically. Your home will not heat or cool more quickly.
Keep the temperature at or below 68 F during the day and cooler at night.
Save up to 10% on your monthly heating and cooling bill by turning back your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day.
Windows and Doors
Energy loss and drafts often occur in the cracks between window components. Use weatherstripping where a window’s movable parts meet the window frame.
The seam between the window frame and the wall is a common source of air leakage. Fill any crack less than ¼-inch wide with caulk. For larger cracks, use expanding foam and paint over it. Use window coverings to cut energy costs. Cellular shades, curtains and draperies can provide increased comfort year-round. Use a door sweep—a flexible piece of rubber or plastic held to the door’s lower edge by a piece of aluminum—on an exterior door to block drafts.
Insulation
Insulation reduces heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer. Before you add or replace insulation, check your current levels. Start with your attic. Aim for at least 14 inches of insulation for warmer climates and at least 18 inches in colder climates. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends an R-value— which refers to the insulation’s ability to resist heat—of about R-60 for most regions.
According to DOE, air leaks are among the most significant sources of energy loss in a home. They also are the easiest to fix. Check for leaks throughout your home, including insulation.
Heating and Cooling
Frequently replacing your furnace filter is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to keep your HVAC system running efficiently. A clogged filter causes your system to work harder and can shorten its life span.
Depending on the home, filters should be changed every month or every other month when the HVAC system is in use.
Schedule an annual service on your HVAC system. A clean system is safer and more efficient. A preventive service call for a tuneup and cleaning usually is less expensive and less stressful than an emergency service call if your equipment fails.
Leaky furnace ducts mean higher utility bills. Improve their performance by sealing exposed ducts in the attic, crawl space, unfinished basement and garage.
Outdoors
Trim shrubs, and clear leaves and other debris. Keep branches away from the house and electrical wires to prevent property damage or power interference. Cut cracked and diseased limbs close to the trunk. For large jobs, hire a pro.
Rake yard debris away from the outdoor compressor unit of your heat pump. A heat pump needs good circulation to work efficiently, so make sure there is a 2-foot clearance around the outdoor compressor.
Ensure gutters are clear and downspouts are correctly connected so water drains away from your home. The dirt grade around your home should slope away from the house. n
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY EPIC_IMAGES
BACKUP POWER
Is a battery-powered system right for your home during an outage?
By Scott Flood
We depend on reliable electricity more than ever before—even the briefest service interruption can be incredibly frustrating. It’s no wonder many homeowners are taking a closer look at the latest battery-powered systems as backups during an outage.
Battery technology has advanced significantly in recent years, with batteries able to hold more electricity even as they shrink in size and cost. The same innovations that boosted the performance of electric vehicles are being engineered into today’s battery-powered backup systems.
As their name implies, battery backup systems such as Tesla’s Powerwall are essentially high-capacity batteries that store electricity you can use to power your home in the event of an outage. Some are constantly charged by the power grid, and others rely on solar panels for recharging.
Traditional standby generators use small internal combustion engines fueled by natural gas, propane or diesel. They can be connected to your home’s electrical panel and kick on automatically whenever the flow of electricity stops. Assuming you keep them refueled, most can operate for days at a time.
Some standby generators can be noisy, and nearly all produce smelly exhaust containing deadly carbon monoxide gas, so they can’t be operated indoors. Large standby generators are typically installed outdoors on a concrete pad, which may detract from your home’s curb appeal.
Most home battery backups are smaller than comparable generators. Because they
don’t use combustion to generate electricity, there’s no danger of carbon monoxide exposure. That makes them safer and more environmentally friendly than generators. Most can be installed in a small space indoors. Battery backups are also significantly quieter. When a power outage occurs, battery backups start instantly, unlike generators that may take a few moments to spool up and reach operating speed. Battery backups also don’t need regular maintenance, such as oil changes or spark plug replacement, and there’s no need to store fuel.
Of course, battery-powered generators do present some disadvantages. The amount of power they deliver is limited by the capacity of their batteries. When they’re out of electricity, they may need hours of recharging before being used again, so they’re not as well-suited for lengthy outages. Energyhungry appliances, such as air conditioners and water heaters, may drain the batteries’ capacity more quickly, so you may want to disconnect them during an outage.
Fortunately, some battery backups are modular, allowing you to add capacity as needed. If you only need a few devices powered during an outage, consider a portable battery-powered system. These small, quiet backups can be used indoors to power smaller appliances, such as your laptop, TV or microwave.
Generally, batteries require long charging times. If an initial outage is quickly followed by another, they may not be able to respond. There are fast-charging systems on the market, but they carry substantially higher price tags.
Even for a basic battery backup system, the upfront cost of a battery backup is more than a standby generator—in some cases, twice as much for comparable performance.
Like those in your mobile phones, batteries in these systems can degrade over time. In five to 10 years, they may need to be swapped out with new batteries, adding to the overall cost. Recharging battery backups with solar panels appeals to many homeowners, but the performance depends on the amount and angle of sunlight on your roof.
So, is a battery-powered backup system right for your home? The answer is different for every homeowner, but whether you’re considering a battery system or a traditional standby generator, start by calculating the amount of power you need to keep your home’s systems and conveniences operating efficiently. Once you know that,
you can determine which models are up to the task and calculate how long the device you’re considering can power your home.
If you have a family member whose health depends on devices such as a CPAP machine or supplemental oxygen, be sure to factor that into your decision.
Whether you choose a battery backup or a traditional standby generator, make sure it’s designed to protect your home and all your electronics from power surges and other issues that may damage your TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. That way, you won’t have to worry about remaining without them long after an outage has ended. n
Battery backup systems, such as Tesla’s Powerwall, are high-capacity batteries that store a set amount of electricity that powers your home during an outage. PHOTO COURTESY OF TESLA
In no-till gardening, using a garden fork means less soil disturbance.
KEEP SOIL AND PLANTS HEALTHY
Practice nondisruptive no-till methods in your home gardens
While no-till gardening is not a new practice, information has traditionally centered on agricultural field crops. Home gardeners are catching on.
“The concept of no-till has been around for a couple of decades, but research has been very focused on field crops like wheat and corn,” says Oregon State University Extension Service Horticulturist Erica Chernoh. “There’s not much on vegetable production or fruit. There’s a lot to learn, and research is ongoing.”
No-till gardening minimizes soil disruption, which compacts the soil and destroys the pathways that channel air and water through the soil. When a tiller cuts through soil, the structure is weakened, which can cause compaction and increase runoff.
Tilling also disrupts the microorganisms and other soil dwellers that live in the top few inches and are essential for soil and plant health. Soil microbes, some of which have a symbiotic relationship with plants, cluster around roots and, as they feed on organic matter and each other, secrete nutrients that feed plants and substances that act as glue to bind soil particles into larger aggregates that keep soil pores open.
Long strands of fungal hyphae can hold the aggregates together. Earthworms and other organisms also create pore space.
Weed seeds, some of which can remain dormant in the soil for years, come to the surface under the blades of a tiller, then germinate and become problematic. A big part of no-till gardening is keeping the soil protected with a mulch layer, leaving the seeds in place and suppressing weeds.
No-till has its disadvantages, too. Covering the soil makes it more difficult to direct seed into the bed, especially for home gardeners who don’t have large seed drills. Mulch also keeps the soil from warming up as quickly in spring as unmulched beds. However, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
“Mechanical tillage does have its place, especially in the formation of new garden beds with high compaction and low organic matter,” Erica says. “In most cases, however, nonmechanical approaches to working with soil can help you accomplish your goals without the negative effects of tilling on your soil.”
Soil coverage is an important concept in a no-till system. For home gardeners, this can be achieved by using cover crops or mulch. Mulch protects the soil from rain and wind, which can cause erosion. In early spring, pull back the mulch layer from the bed to allow sunlight to warm the soil.
One method of no-till gardening often
referred to as sheet mulching or lasagna gardening features layers of organic materials to create a healthy growing medium. Organic materials are used to create a garden bed.
Cover crops are a big part of no-till farming but can be challenging for home gardeners because many need to be tilled in or sprayed with an herbicide to terminate the crop. If using a winter cover crop, plant in early fall and mow in spring after flowering but before the plants set seeds and become weeds. Transplant or direct seed into the fine cover crop mulch layer.
If using cover crops, select one that can be killed by cold temperatures or mowing rather than tilling or herbicides. Austrian winter peas, crimson clover or fava beans are good options.
When cleaning up the garden at the end of summer, cut off the tops of cover crop plants and leave the roots in the soil. There’s less disruption, and the roots will decompose and provide food for microorganisms. The clippings can be used as mulch. n
For more information, see the Extension article “Three Methods for No-Turn Cold Composting” at https://tinyurl.com/yc7pcyez. Information courtesy of Oregon State University Extension Service.
ISTOCK PHOTO BY M.DÖRR & M.FROMMHERZ
Better Homes for
New energy-efficient design changing lives in small community
By Molly Rettig
Alex Beans grew up on the Lower Yukon River, a network of southwest Alaska streams, ponds and coastal wetlands so vast it’s larger than Pennsylvania. His house, however, was small and crowded.
“We had 10-plus people in the house most of the time,” Alex says. “I slept on the couch for most of my childhood with my mom.”
In Mountain Village, Alaska—a Yup’ik community of roughly 700 people—more than a third of the families live with similar crowding. The same is true across more than 200 rural Alaska communities.
But size isn’t the only problem. Mainly built by federal agencies in the 1970s, these homes were not designed for the Arctic conditions—temperatures that reach 60 below and wind that can blow off roofs. The homes are cold, moldy and costly to heat.
Richard John Queenie lives in a house about the size of a single car. The foundation is so old and saggy that the walls are pulling away from the floor.
“The logs are disintegrating, just rotting away under there,” he says.
With no indoor plumbing and little insulation, Richard keeps two space heaters running nonstop in the winter.
“I go through more than 20 gallons of stove oil every two weeks, and another $322 for the electric heater over there,” he says.
That’s around $700 a month just for heat. While Richard has a good job working as a carpenter for the tribe, he can’t afford to build a new home—even the 24-by-26-foot house he’s thought of building himself.
It gets worse. Because of climate change, the region
is warming three times faster than the rest of the planet. The permafrost underlying Mountain Village is thawing and slumping in some places, freezing and heaving in others. Older homes elevated on posts—a strategy to avoid disrupting the permafrost—are tilting and shaking.
These housing issues, combined with the recent crash of the salmon fishery on the Yukon River, have prompted many to leave the region. That’s why Alex and the Asa’carsarmiut Tribe are building new efficient homes to withstand the harsh climate.
Through a partnership with the National Renewable Energy
for a Better Life
Laboratory’s Alaska Campus, in 2022 the tribe built five homes in Mountain Village. The homes get residents off floors and couches while keeping them on their traditional lands.
Another home is being built in 2024. Future homes may be added as funding becomes available.
The Yup’ik people have occupied the region for thousands of years and are experts of the land. They worked with NREL researchers to ensure new housing incorporated traditional wisdom with the latest science and technology.
Because the homes were funded to help people transition out of homelessness and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the original goal was to keep the homes small and build as many as possible. Community members wanted them to be energy efficient.
“The homes are very well-insulated,”
Alex says. “There’s just a small heater to heat the home, and on the extended versions, we have a woodstove. If we have the woodstove going, there should be almost no cost going to heating fuel.”
Residents also wanted room in the new homes to process and store subsistence foods. So, while the homes are small, NREL designers included extra-large foundations and decks, which also make it easier to add on to the living space over time.
“One of the key things we’ve learned from people who live in tiny houses is they’re great for a certain time and then you want them to be bigger,” NREL architect Aaron Cooke says. “We designed not a house but a house that could be expanded in three different ways. If you move into a small version of the home, which is about 380 square feet, you have the freedom to expand, whether it be an entryway, an arctic entryway or another bedroom.”
Local people not only helped design the homes, but they built them, too.
“Everything that was put into the homes created jobs out here and allowed our people to have actual job
experience and learn more about the new science we can put into homes that will benefit people in a cold climate,” Alex says.
The designs are a blueprint for future building, and the workforce training gives local people tools to address their housing shortage.
Aaron says two characteristics make foundation design difficult: The ground is frozen, but it is also thawing at an unpredictable rate.
“We had to design a foundation that could handle frozen soils and can also adjust as these soils change,” Aaron says.
Steel beams under the floors rest on adjustable jacks, which sit on treated wood footers. In January, Alex crawled under a home with a level, measured the beams and then used a steel bar to adjust the jacks and level the house.
Afterward, he ducked his head inside to see Agnes Brown, 78, who had recently moved into the house. Though it was below zero outside and dropping, Agnes was in a T-shirt.
“It’s nice and warm, and the fuel is so much lower than my old house, “she says. “I’m so grateful, very grateful.” n
Alex ice fishes with his children. The village residents live a subsistence lifestyle.
Alex Beans adjusts the foundation of a new home using a jack.
Agnes Brown lived in this 1970s house before her new home was built.
Running Toward
Rural athletes overcome hurdles to win scholarships
By David Herder
Dannika Goss has always wanted to play collegiate volleyball. Life put many challenges along her way to that goal. She honed her vision, reactions and other skills to fulfill her athletic potential. She also put in thousands of miles of drive time, traveling more than an hour from her rural home along the Oregon Coast in Tillamook to practice and play with her club volleyball team in Salem. She spent her high school years attending camps and tournaments where she was one of hundreds of athletes evaluated by college coaches.
Each year, thousands of studentathletes across the country pursue college scholarships. Ultimately, only 1 of every 50 is likely to reach that level, according to a 2021 study by Next College Student Athlete. That bar can be even tougher to clear for athletes like Dannika, who live in rural areas where getting the attention of major programs can be more difficult.
For rural athletes like Dannika, winning a spot on a college roster takes more than just the talent and commitment to be a high-level athlete—it also takes a second job as a communicator and organizer, working just to be seen.
Club commitments
Dannika, a member of the Tillamook High School class of 2024, started playing volleyball in kindergarten. In fourth grade, she was excited because the players were now old enough to use a full-sized volleyball, and she joined the local club team, Tillamook Volleyball Club.
Club sports can be important to athletes’ development. School teams play in the fall, winter or spring, but club teams keep athletes in shape and improving throughout the year. Beyond gym and coaching access, clubs can also
switched to play with North Pacific Juniors, a club based in Salem, Oregon. That NPJ coaching staff included Haley Domeck, who is now the head coach at Linfield University, a Division III school in McMinnville, Oregon. While Haley coached the age group above Dannika’s at NPJ, she watched Dannika improve.
“She is one of the nicest human beings I have ever met in my entire life,” Haley says. “Coming from Tillamook to Salem was no small commitment on her end or her family’s end.”
Haley, who played volleyball at Hawaii Pacific University and graduated in 2015, says playing club sports is a great way to improve and get noticed.
“It’s not about what club you play for, it’s more so about getting touches on the volleyball,” she says.
These touches don’t necessarily have to come from club sports, but it’s important for athletes’ growth to be in the gym working on conditioning or finding other ways to play and improve.
When playing at the club level, an
I was just doing multiple things as much as I possibly could to get my name out there, because I am from a very small town here in Tillamook.
— Dannika Goss, college volleyball player
PHOTO COURTESY OF DANNIKA GOSS
Toward the Future
advantage beyond practice is traveling to large tournaments. In her role as Linfield coach, Haley often attends these tournaments to scout talent. While sports like track or swimming can recruit athletes based on their times, and some more dynamic sports like baseball can recruit pitchers based on measurables like pitch speed and ball rotation, volleyball is more difficult to measure and requires the eye test.
“One of my rules as a coach is I have to see somebody play live in order to make them an offer,” Haley says, “because there’s things that you pick up on in person that you don’t see on film.”
Club tournaments can be large. There can be 200 courts running with four teams
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MARK GILLILAND
Max Hannum, left, will play football at Montana State this fall. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAX HANNUM
per court and 12 athletes per team. With thousands of athletes competing at once, these tournaments help coaches maximize the number of players they can see.
“It’s quite a recruiting beast,” Haley says.
Not every sport has clubs helping athletes improve during the high school offseason, but most sports have camps and showcases that help recruits get seen by coaches. Max Hannum, a football player in the class of 2024 from Thompson Falls, Montana, took part in camps operated by college teams from around the state. Typically, he’d travel two to four hours each way.
knowledge and more drills he could use throughout the year to improve. The camps also let him get to know the coaches, and the coaches got to know him.
Persistence pays off
Max wasn’t only meeting coaches in person at the camps—he often reached out electronically, too. The internet helps make
sent him game film to review through a website called Hudl. Operating somewhat like a sports version of YouTube, Hudl is a website and app where teams and athletes post game film and highlights. While reviewing his team’s film, Max would highlight his best plays and edit his own highlight reel. He’d then share the highlights on Twitter or send them directly to coaches.
I felt like all the work I put in finally paid off. Getting your name out there is the biggest thing.
— Max Hannum, football player from Thompson Falls, Montana
“I had to travel a lot for those camps,” he says. “Going to the camps is really the only extra football you can do around here.”
Max says these camps made a huge impact on his football career. Working with coaches, he took his techniques as a tight end and linebacker to a higher level. He says collegiate coaches had extra
the world smaller, and sharing highlight tapes allows rural athletes like Max and Dannika to be seen by coaches who don’t have the time to travel to see them play. This skill of sharing one’s story has helped many athletes find homes on college rosters.
“Getting your name out there is the biggest thing,” Max says.
During football season, Max’s coaches
“My approach was just to send my highlight films everywhere, trying to get in contact with as many coaches as I could,” he says.
While that shotgun approach could have lead to more rejections from coaches, that didn’t bother Max.
“It motivated me at the same time just to get better,” he says.
Dannika Goss, here with her family, will pursue a nursing degree while playing volleyball at Linfield University.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DANNIKA GOSS
Even as a coach whose email inbox can get stuffed with messages from recruits, Haley agrees that athletes should reach out to coaches they’d like to play for. If an athlete doesn’t hear back, they should be persistent.
“It’s not fun hearing no, but at least you know where you stand,” she says. “If you are, for lack of a better term, annoying, or if you’re persistent, we’re going to respond to you at some point. There’s lots of things going on.”
Fulfilling the dream
Dannika tried many methods to get recruited. She attended showcases at colleges and the one hosted by her club team. She also used an app called SportsRecruits, which connects recruits and coaches and lets athletes post videos and highlights for coaches to scout.
“I was just doing multiple things as much as I possibly could to get my name out there, because I am from a very small town here in Tillamook,” Dannika says.
Max’s moonlighting as a video editor helped keep him in contact with coaches. After narrowing the list down to fit with his academic pursuits—he intends to study construction management, with an eye on the energy industry—the staff he was in the heaviest conversation with was at Montana Technological University in Butte, Montana. This fall, when he was attending the school’s football camp, the Montana Tech coaches offered him a scholarship.
“I felt like all the work I put in finally paid off,” Max says. “I’ve always wanted to be a collegiate football player. That’s always been my dream. I grew up with a bunch of friends that had this same goal, and not a lot of them reached it.”
For Dannika, being recruited by multiple schools was fun but also stressful.
“I didn’t want to let any of the coaches down or anything, because I wasn’t fully committing yet,” she says.
Dannika signed on to play for Haley at Linfield University. Strong academics were a major factor. Dannika wants to be a pediatric nurse, and Linfield has a strong nursing program. A high point of her campus visit was talking with an anatomy and physiology professor and touring the school’s cadaver lab.
After a long effort trying to get noticed by schools, she will pursue her dreams both on and off the volleyball court. “I’m super excited to go there in the fall,” she says. n
Scoring a Scholarship
By Sara Patterson
1. Know your skill level—find camps, clinics and clubs—and NCAA or NAIA eligibility requirements found on their websites.
2. Compile an athletic resume with:
• Skills video
• Athletic stats
• Academic transcripts, ACT/SAT scores
• Extracurricular activities
3. Start emailing coaches.
• Include your athletic resume, especially your skills video.
• Subject line should include: name, current grade level, position and key stat. “Jane Doe, high school sophomore, pitcher, 90 mph fastball.”
• Individually craft each email, clearly stating why you’re interested in that program.
4. Make campus visits and line up meetings with coaches. Keep sending updated stats.
5. Lock down your offer and negotiate your amount. If a program can’t budget for a huge athletic scholarship, don’t discount merit-based, academic or other types.
To help get noticed, Max sent his highlight tapes to any coach he was interested in playing for. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAX HANNUM
Savor the Sea WITH TASTY SHRIMP DISHES
Shrimp Scampi
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon plus 11/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 pound linguine
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 lemon, zest grated
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 lemon, thinly sliced in half-rounds
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Drizzle some oil in a large pot of boiling water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the linguine. Cook to al dente.
Meanwhile, in another large, heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter and olive oil over mediumlow heat. Add the garlic. Saute for 1 minute. Add the shrimp, 11/2 teaspoons of salt and pepper. Saute, stirring often, until the shrimp turn pink, about 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat. Add the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
When the pasta is done, drain the cooked linguine and put it back in the pot. Immediately add the shrimp and sauce. Toss well and serve.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY CWP, LLC/STOCKSY
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp
4 slices bacon, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, light and dark green parts divided
1 stalk celery, finely diced
Grits
4 cups whole milk
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking grits
1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 7 minutes. Add the shrimp to the skillet, and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning and salt. Increase the heat to mediumhigh. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are mostly pink but not quite cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer the shrimp and bacon mixture to a bowl, and set aside. Place the skillet back on the heat. Do not wash it.
Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the light green scallions, celery, bell pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, and mix until incorporated. Whisk in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Set it aside while you make the grits. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring the milk and salt to a boil. Whisking constantly, slowly pour the grits into the bubbling milk. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer, whisking often, until the grits become thick and creamy, about 5 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent sputtering.
Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the cheese. Taste. Adjust the salt, if necessary. Remove the pan from the heat. Cover with a lid to keep warm until ready to serve. Place the skillet with the vegetable/sauce mixture back on the stove. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Return the shrimp and bacon, along with any juices that collected in the bowl, to the skillet. Mix well. Cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle dark green scallions over the shrimp.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 pound medium uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 teaspoons olive oil
Green onion, chopped
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger to make a marinade/sauce.
Place shrimp in a large sealable container or zipped-top bag. Pour half of the marinade on top. Shake or stir, then marinate the shrimp in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or up to 12 hours. Cover and refrigerate the remaining sauce.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place shrimp in the skillet. Discard used marinade.
Cook shrimp on one side until pink, about 45 seconds, then flip shrimp over. Pour in remaining marinade/sauce and cook it all until shrimp is cooked through, about 1-2 more minutes.
Serve shrimp with cooked marinade sauce. Garnish with green onions.
Thai Shrimp Curry With Jasmine Rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts
2 cloves garlic, minced
21/2 tablespoons Thai green curry paste
14-ounce can coconut milk
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons lime juice
Lime wedges for serving 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add the scallions, garlic and green curry paste. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes.
Add the coconut milk, water, fish sauce and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil. Add the shrimp. Cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in the lime juice, and sprinkle with the cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Serve with jasmine rice.
READER EXCHANGE
Books/Magazines
I am looking for a copy of the April 1978 Oregon Times magazine. I can find other issues but not this one. Thank you in advance.
Marlene McCormack P.O. Box 1472 Sisters, OR 97759
Please send Catherine Cookson books. I don’t have any more by her, and she is my favorite author.
Marsha Holeik
16637 William Foss Road La Pine, OR 97739
Crafts/Hobbies
Looking for jewelry—broken or otherwise, beads (no seed beads or children’s plastic) and macrame supplies to keep busy crafting to sell for my medical copays. I may not be able to send thank yous in the mail but will email if you include your information. Thank you for your consideration.
L. Thomas P.O. Box 421 Ocean Shores, WA 98569
Does anyone want new or used T-shirt hem remnants? They vary in size, color and wear. You pay for postage.
Elaine Fuchigami
8252 NW Oxbow Drive Corvallis, OR 97330-2835 lareifu@gmail.com
Milestones
My mom’s very good friend and next-door neighbor turns 86 years old in September. As a present to Trudi, my mom and I wish to have Ruralite readers surprise her with many cards to celebrate her special day. Trudi has been a helpful friend to my mom. They have known each other for 20 years and talk on the phone almost every day. Please help us give Trudi a deserving birthday present by sending your cards to Trudi Engen, P.O. Box 239, Pilot Rock, OR 97868. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Ron Kopp Condon, Oregon
My lovely mother turns 90 years old in early September. She has been a lifelong volunteer and still volunteers at the Fossil Museum two days a week through the summer. It would be great to surprise her with lots of birthday wishes! Please send wishes to Darlene Alexander, P.O. Box 141, Fossil, OR 97830.
Randi Fitch
Trout Lake, Washington
If you stopped by the Vida Cafe from 1979-94 my mom probably waited on you, cooked your meal or baked your piece of pie from scratch. Gracie “Leo” Brown enjoyed visiting with all the customers and would love to get a birthday card from you when she turns 90 years old at the end of September. Leo Bean moved to Finn Rock from Arkansas when she was 8 years old and attended McKenzie schools. After she married logger Sonny Brown, they moved to Vida to raise their family. Of course, she enjoys getting mail. Please send her birthday greeting to Gracie “Leo” Brown, Rawlin at River Bend, 3491 Game Farm Road, Unit 213, Springfield, OR 97477.
Wanda McClure
McKenzie Bridge, Oregon
Odds
I have been unable to find blades for my Fiskars 12" aluminum cut rail paper trimmer. I like it because I am blind in my right eye, and it’s easier to see lines. Please reach out if you can help. Thank you.
Jean Stewart
2657 Greyfox Drive
Sutherlin, OR 97479
Thanks
A few months ago, I asked for wooden thread spools for a friend who carves faces into them. The response was overwhelming. Ruralite readers sent more than 200 and they are still coming. He has all he can use for the rest of his life. Please, cease and desist. I can’t believe how many wooden spools are still in existence. Thank you for the response. You are the absolute best.
Barbara Cadwell
The Dalles, Oregon
Thank you to all the generous people who sent their beautiful fabric remnants for my granddaughter and I to use for our sewing projects. We were truly overwhelmed and will be able to continue with our sewing projects for many days to come.
Diane Sauer Sunriver, 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.
The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in
Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...
If
See the effects of extreme temperatures in
Death Valley
What Is It?
Straddling the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. Unique geological features create the hot, dry climate, but life finds a way to thrive in the valley.
Why so Dry?
Rain shadows help prevent moisture from reaching Death Valley. When wet clouds over the Pacific Ocean travel east toward the valley, they must first pass over four mountain ranges. The clouds rise, making the moisture cool and condense, causing rain to fall. This successively happens, and an average of just 2 inches of rainfall a year lands on the valley.
Why so Hot?
Death Valley has low elevation— almost 300 feet below sea level— and is bowled in by mountains on all sides. When the desert floor heats up, the warm air rises but is trapped by the mountains and moves back to the valley floor. Despite this, winters in the valley can reach freezing temperatures, as the desert doesn’t retain heat as well as other biomes.
What to Do?
Death Valley can be great for a fall or winter road trip, when you won’t need to max out the air conditioner. Badwater Road is one of the most popular paths, takes about 90 minutes to drive and showcases the lowest point in the valley, as well as other viewpoints. Another popular spot is Zabriskie Point, a vista from which visitors can look over the badlands.
More Information
Death Valley is experiencing one of the hottest summers on record—it reached 127 F this July. Fall, winter and spring trips are much more popular. To start planning your trip, call 760-786-3200 or go online and visit www.nps.gov/deva.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MENGCHAO
In the Autumn of My Life
By Dave LaBelle
I remember photographing an elderly man leaning on a hoe while working in his garden. Watching him through a telephoto lens, I was curious what he was thinking. I may have asked him, but I don’t remember. Later, as I looked at the photograph, I wondered what his life had been like.
What were his dreams or regrets?
Then a year or so later, I was assigned to photograph a philosopher who was in town to speak. He was staying at a luxurious inn. Arriving early, as is my habit, I noticed a man walking slowly down a tree-lined driveway, his hands behind his back. Unnoticed, I stopped and
made a few photographs before approaching him.
I asked him about his morning stroll.
“I take long walks alone,” he answered. “I ask intelligent questions and get intelligent answers.” Then he added, “But my best thoughts usually come to me when I am on the toilet and have nothing else to do.”
Fifty-five years later, I see myself in the posture of both aging men. Either image could be a self-portrait of sorts, of me contemplating life now.
I have often seen glimpses of myself in others, for good and bad. In a quiet, subtle way, I think I have photographed others to express what I was experiencing. In telling their story, I was telling my own. Someone once wrote and said they had watched my daily newspaper photos for years and felt they knew me. I hadn’t thought much about that before, but reasoned there was some truth in their observation. No doubt those who follow this column or read my blog can say with some accuracy, they know me. The subjects I choose, the personal things I share— they are doors into my life and heart. I feel the same about some authors or sports announcers.
There was a period in my young life when I felt alone and hopeless. I photographed
Reader Challenge
Make a picture that expresses where you are in your life’s journey. Maybe it is something that reveals what you believe or how you see yourself? Or perhaps, like me, it’s something or someone you aspire to be like. This is a tough assignment but one worth trying.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
many sad and lonely people, transients and those who had lost loved ones. I think I was crying in my camera, silently asking for help through my photographs.
I believe most of us ask ourselves why we are here on this earth and what plan or purpose we serve. Now, at 73, I have come to realize one of the talents my creator has blessed me with is the gift to give others a voice while serving as a mirror to show others themselves, especially their beauty and value. n
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
NIKON F2, 300mm lens Tri-X film at ASA 400, f/4.5 at 1/250
This quiet moment captured on film reflects the thoughtful feelings of the photographer. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
Praise for DiamondAura®
“So much sparkle and the play of light on DiamondAura® beats any diamond!” — D.D. from Columbus, OH
How to Win at Love
A classic tennis bracelet serves up over 10 carats of sparkle for a guaranteed win
It was the jewelry piece that made the world stop and take notice. In the middle of a long volley during the big American tennis tournament, the chic blonde athlete had to stop play because her delicate diamond bracelet had broken and she had to nd it. e tennis star recovered her beloved bracelet, but the world would never be the same.
From that moment on, the tennis bracelet has been on the lips and on the wrists of women in the know. Once called eternity bracelets, these bands of diamonds were known from then on as tennis bracelets, and remain the hot ticket item with jewelers.
with D Flawless diamonds from another company that costs $57,000!
Want to look like a million bucks without stressing over losing or damaging something that cost you a fortune? e Love Wins Tennis Bracelet is a simple strand of glittering gems in precious sterling that epitomizes elegance.
earrings with your purchase of the Love Wins Bracelet.
e rst time we o ered this bracelet, we sold out literally in minutes. It was our fastest selling product of 2021. It took six months to get it back in stock — Get yours before we run out! And there’s more... we will also include our Ultimate Diamond Alternative™ DiamondAura® stud earrings for FREE!
Jewelry Speci cations:
We’ve captured this timeless classic with over 10 total carats of DiamondAura®, our signature diamond alternative stone. is sparkling marvel rivals even the nest diamonds (D Flawless) with its transparent color and clarity, and both are so hard they can cut glass. Don’t believe me? e book “Jewelry and Gems – e Buying Guide,” praised the technique used in our diamond alternative DiamondAura®: “ e best diamond simulation to date, and even some jewelers have mistaken these stones for mined diamonds,” it raved. For comparison, we found a similarly designed 10 carat tennis bracelet
• 10 ¾ ctw of the Ultimate Diamond Alternative®, DiamondAura®
• Rhodium- nished .925 sterling silver settings
• Bracelet: Fits wrists to 7 ½". Earrings: 1 ctw with post backs
Love Wins Tennis Bracelet (10 ¾ ctw) $399 $39* + S&P
FREE stud earrings (1 ctw) with your purchase of the Love Wins Bracelet — a $99 value!
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
Your Offer Code: LWB296-02
Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.
This book of more than 220 recipes from our 2005 contest has garden fresh and warm winter meals sure to appeal to every taste. Recipes include Lucious Pumpkin Soup, Nacogdoches Pheasant Stew and Smoked Salmon Chowder. The 8½-by-11-inch spiral-bound, indexed book is $8 (includes postage).
Tax Credits and Rebates for the Win
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: How do I use tax credits and rebates to upgrade my home?
A: Tax credits and rebates can help bridge the affordability gap to higherefficiency equipment for your home, allowing you to complete energy-efficiency upgrades that can lower your energy use and save you money in years to come.
First, knowing the difference between a rebate and tax credit is important. A rebate is a payment for buying or installing a qualified product or home improvement. Depending on how the rebate program is set up, it may be provided at the time of purchase or applied for and received after installation. Some utilities offer rebates as a credit on your electric bill. Others provide a cash rebate to those who complete eligible projects.
A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar amount taxpayers can report on their tax documents to reduce the amount of taxes owed. You apply for a tax credit when you file your tax documents, so it typically takes longer to reap the benefits than it does with a rebate.
According to Energy Star, homeowners can qualify for up to $3,200 annually in federal tax credits for energy-efficiency upgrades. Federal tax credits are available for heating and cooling system upgrades, including heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners, boilers and geothermal heat pumps. Tax credits for Energy Star heat pump water heaters cover 30% of the project cost, up to $2,000. You can also improve your home’s envelope—the portion of the home that separates the inside from the outside—with tax credits for insulation, windows and skylights.
If an energy-efficiency upgrade requires improving the electrical panel in your
home, there’s a tax credit for that, too. You can receive 30% of the cost of the panel upgrade, up to $600.
These federal tax credits are available through 2032. You must own the home you’re upgrading, and it must be your primary residence. Federal tax credits only apply to existing homes in the United States, not new construction.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 expanded available funding for home upgrades. The act allocated $8.8 million for home rebate programs to be implemented at the state level. This funding is offered in two different programs. The HOMES program allows up to $8,000 per home for standard-income households. Higher rebates are available for low- to moderateincome households. The HEAR program offers rebates of up to $14,000 per home for qualified, efficient electric equipment for low- to moderate-income households. These programs are designed to bolster existing programs and should be available in late 2024 or early 2025. Check with your electric utility or state office to find out if they are being offered in your state.
I have had the privilege of working in energy-efficiency rebate programs for many years and have seen the benefits of these programs firsthand. Tax credit and rebate programs can make upgrades more affordable—helping people save money and improve the comfort of their homes. n
Other energy-efficiency rebates may be available from your state or electric utility. Most states require energy-efficiency programs for residents, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. These programs can help people save money on their electric bills and help states meet climate goals, reduce system costs and improve the electric grid.
has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy.
has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast.
its views herein expressed, nor any products or services it offers.
This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group,
Miranda Boutelle
She
Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company.
You can improve your home’s envelope with tax credits for insulation. PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND
MARKETPLACE
Agriculture
4x5 round bales, Meadow Foxtail Orchard Grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002; nas@cpcinternet.com. 1224
Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft.). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 43 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712.
2024 grass hay. 50 to 60 small square bales. Very good quality. 24760 Hwy. 101 South, Cloverdale. Call 503-812-2313 or 503-812-6539.
Antiques and Collectibles
Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0924
Antique country store items. 1910-60. Tins, light-up signs, clocks, Coca-Cola, drugstore, soda fountain, barber items, beer sign and much more. Cash. Gregory, 208-301-4246. 0924
WC Collectibles. We buy comic books! Local to the Inland Northwest, willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835. 1024
Collection of ID license plates from 1920-40. 23 plates, 14 dates. Can text photo, $400 for all. 509-254-1947.
Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Koufax, etc. If interested in buying 1957-73 vintage baseball cards, let’s talk. Jim, 530-283-2826 or 530-394-8668.
Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 1024
Automotive
Rare 1960 Chevy pickup 4x4. Shortbed. Not running now. Text or call 661-713-3377. Leave message. $7K. 0824
Storage space for any RV, vehicle, boat and trailer. 24/7 security and access. Any size, $100 a month. Text Mark for call back, 714-949-6913. 0924
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. 0924AR
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): November issue—Sept. 30, 2024.
If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite.
We accept credit card payments for ads submitted by email. Send ad to info@pioneer.coop.
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.
Business Opportunities
A great business opportunity in Boardman, OR. A small cafe you can use your imagination in. Frontage view of freeway, quick in and out access. A coffee shop on property for extra income. $1.1M. For more information, call Karen at 541-571-0636. 1024
Quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR, for sale. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $259K. 0924
Community Events
“Start the Story at the End,” Sept. 6-Oct.26 and “Journeys & Convergence,” Sept. 6-28. Art Center East, La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 0924
Equipment/Tools
DR multi trimmer, $350. Kubota rototiller. Only 25 hours use. $1,150. 11 push-pull control cables $40-$90 each. FOB Eugene, OR. Ted, 458-910-3727. 1024
Farm Equipment
1965 Ford 3000 Tractor with auger/utility crane, rotary cutter, brush hog and box spreader. Runs. Original operator’s manuals. $4K, OBO. Cottage Grove, OR. 541-942-6837. 0924
Free Items
Free materials—church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only. TBS, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. tbsmads@yahoo.com; 888-211-1715. 0924AR
Help Wanted
The Cape Blanco Heritage Society needs volunteers at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse Greeting Center and Hughes House for 2024 and 2025. Background checks are required. Free RV hookups are available to volunteers. heritage32@frontier.com; 541-332-0521. 1024
Hobbies, Gifts, Games
Selling United States postage stamp collection. Mint plate blocks and sheets dating back to the 1940s. Photo available. Bob, 541-786-6195 or brown.donna50@gmail.com.
Media
Watch Channel 25 (Southern NV)—on the go— for free on your TV, phone, tablet, computer or ROKU. Visit www.kpvm.tv and stream live today. 775-727-9400. 0924
Your ad could be here in November. See instructions above for details.
Miscellaneous
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com, 541-815-8906; www.highdesertmemorials.com. 1124
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 call 206-799-1082. 1124
Alaskan Yellow Cedar. Great for planter boxes, herb and flower beds, fencing or decks. Various sizes available. Pete, 541-206-0727. Lisa, 541-747-5025, ext. 21. 1224
Pets, Supplies
AKC-registered Irish wolfhounds. Crane, OR. Morning Star Acres, www.morningstaracre.com. Barb, 541-589-2923.
Husky, male. 4 years old. Very gentle. Great with kids. Burntwood, OR. 541-875-4172.
AKC-registered Airedales. Fort Sage Kennels, Patricia Sharp, P.O. Box 246, Doyle, CA 96109. 530-827-2271. 0924
Plants, Garden Supplies
Cactus for sale. Cold/winter hardy. Good for landscaping. Sunnyside/Mabton, WA, area. Local pickup only. 509-391-5546; marybarthlow@gmail.com. 0924
Real Estate
15 off-grid acres at 8,400 ft. near Fort Garland, CO. Great view of CO’s fourth-highest peak. On Person’s Road in Sangre de Cristo Ranches. Piñon trees, year-round access. $52.9K. 541-729-0374. 0924
Buying or selling in Brookings, OR? Call Pat Piper at Century 21 Agate Realty first. Experience. Empathy. Education. Exceptional. 541-251-2152; patpiperbroker@gmail.com. 1024
Christmas Valley, OR. 40 acres with perimeter fence. 36x36 metal building, two carports, 370-ft. deep water well, storage container on chase. Only taking serious offers. 541-536-5776. 0924
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Sisters, OR. 40 acres. Price reduced. $1.55M. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@ landandwildlife.com. Land and Wildlife brokerage. 0924
5-acre lots, $30K down and 5% interest. Recreational, beautiful view outside Cherry Creek, NV. Owner finance. Ray Bick, 775-591-0420. 0924
Beautiful custom home on 15 acres w/ stunning panoramic mountain and valley views. Garage, barn. $615K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363, ddwr@ortelco.net. 0924
9956 Beach Drive, Birkenfeld, OR. Looking for a perfect getaway spot, or ever dreamed of living in the woods? Come see this adorable home at Fishhawk Lake. Tucked in the trees, you can relax by the firepit, swing in the hammock or wander to the lake for kayaking. Very open floor plan with primary bedroom and bathroom on the main level. Loft is a nonconforming second bedroom or maybe use as an office. Good storage, including the exterior shed. A quick jaunt to the community rec center, pickleball courts and more. So much to love and see here. Listed at $275K / ML#24220670 Listed by Lea Chitwood, Re/Max Power Pros. 503-730-4554/leachitwood@remax.net.
Irrigon, OR. 3-bd, 2-ba manufactured home on permanent foundation. Huge shop and garage stick-built, unattached. One full city block property. $400K/OBO. 541-922-9675. 0924
2-bd, 2-ba older home in Ely, NV, close to downtown businesses and events, all city utilities, many upgrades, detached garage on ¼-acre lot. 702-493-7581.
First home with 3 decks and second home with 2 decks, carport with 40-ft container, 2 sheds, tack building, mature shade and fruit trees on fenced 2.5 acres. White and Silver Peak mountains. $425K. 775-966-9009.
Recreational Rentals
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
Seeking an able-bodied, cheerful, retired individual or couple to help register guests and do fix-its around our small community motel and campground in exchange for apartment accommodations. Building community and ministry through hospitality here at Vantage Riverstone, Vantage, WA. Additional involvement opportunities via RV tenancy at affordable monthly rates. 509-8562800; Vantagedesk@gmail.com. RV rentals, as well as housing available.
Services
Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. Check out our website at dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com. 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License #245760 bonded and insured. LaPine, OR. 0824
Timeshare victims? Call TimeShareBeGone, 800-214-4460. We will get your timeshare legally canceled. A+ BBB, five-star reviews, 16 years experience. 100% money-back guarantee.
We all want delicious, fresh, nourishing food to feed our families. We’ve got pastured pork, corn/soy/GMO-free. Delivery to your door or drop sites. Order at www.rural-roots-ranch.com or text Christy at 541-589-4674. 1224
Situations Wanted
Seeking an able-bodied, cheerful, retired individual or couple to help register guests and do fix-its around our small community motel and campground in exchange for apartment accommodations. Building community and ministry through hospitality here at Vantage Riverstone, Vantage, WA. Additional involvement opportunities via RV tenancy at affordable monthly rates. 509-856-2800; Vantagedesk@gmail.com.
Want to Buy
Wanted: 1967-72 Buick Skylark, GS, Stage 1, GSX. Cars, parts or leads. Or any ’60s or ’70s vehicles. billybibbett@hotmail.com. 1124
Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 0824
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. 1024
Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 1024
Wanted: Old 501 Levi’s jeans, jackets w/capital “E” on the red tag. Also, Carhartts with red heart. Good prices. Text photos to 208-255-8030.
Private party looking for muscle car, V8, 2-door, manual transmission preferred. As original as possible, good condition. Willing to pay up for nice car. 1961-62 Chev (348/409), 1964-65 GTO, 1966-67 Nova, 1965-66 Chevelle, 1968-70 Charger/ Cuda. 1962-67 Corvette, 1969 Camaro. Call or text, 503-799-3835.
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.
ELECTRICITY PROVIDES POWERFUL VALUE
Cutting back on daily expenses can lead to significant savings and increased value
If you’re like most people, there are aspects of your life that become a daily routine. You get ready for work, get in your car and drive to the coffee shop on the way to the office. At lunchtime, you drive to the nearest fast-food location. Once you finally end the day at home, you stream an episode or two of your favorite show before bed.
As we all look for ways to save money in this age of increasing inflation, think about your daily routine and how much value it provides compared to the money you spend. A morning latte costs about $6, a fast-food combo with a burger, fries and a drink sets you back $10, and a Netflix subscription is about $16 each month.
All these daily expenses total around $85 a week, or about $340 monthly. And what is the real value—short-term satisfaction? Even if you start packing your own lunch, a daily latte will still
cost about $120 a month. This can make you think—is this the best value for your money?
The average daily cost of electricity is about $5.27 , and the average monthly electric bill for Lassen MUD customers is $158. You can power your entire home every day for the price of a medium latte. You can brew your own coffee, cook your own meals, binge a series and run on a treadmill for less than the cost of that drink. Electricity provides benefits that we often take for granted. It goes beyond short-term satisfaction by allowing us to charge devices and have cold food and hot water, all in a comfortable indoor climate.
As a community-owned utility, LMUD does everything in its power to ensure your costs stay reasonable and electricity remains a great value for our customers. It’s not always easy, as there are several factors
Did you know the average daily cost of electricity is $5.27, or about $158 per month?
Electricity fuels our daily life essentials, from heating/cooling equipment to entertainment devices and appliances. Think of how vital power is compared to other everyday purchases. That’s real value.
beyond inflation that impact the price of electricity—some within our control but most beyond it.
The cost of electricity can fluctuate due to supply and demand, infrastructure investment, maintenance and operational expenses.
Weather patterns also contribute, affecting demand and generation
Sources: Energy Information Administration, MoneyGeek and CNET
capabilities, with extreme conditions leading to heightened energy use or disruptions. Government policies—such as subsidies for renewable energy or taxes and regulations on emissions—shape electricity costs as well. LMUD considers all these aspects when adjusting rates, and because we’re community-owned, we consider the impact of those costs on our
customers as well.
As our community continues to rely on electricity for nearly everything in our homes, schools, hospitals and businesses, we need it to be reliable and affordable. You can be assured, LMUD always puts you top of mind and works each day to ensure electricity remains the best value for your money. n
BEFORE YOU GO
Share the Beauty in Your Backyard
City cat, meet country fawn.
When Kim Kauzlarich and her family moved from Portland to White Salmon, Washington, it was an adjustment for the whole family. But Ragnar the cat might have had to endure the biggest change given the wildlife visiting their backyard.
“Both deer and the cat seem to enjoy peacefully watching each other,” Kim says. “Fawns are especially curious about Ragnar and want to play, but being the busy guy that he is, he only has time for a quick meet and greet before moving on with his day.”
To submit your photo, email a JPEG file to photos@pioneer.coop. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line. Please share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo. n
Casseroles for Cooler Weather
Vegetable Casserole, Pork Tamale Casserole and breakfast casseroles are just a few of the 179 mouth-watering recipes available in Ruralite’s Casseroles booklet. Price is $8, shipping included.
To order by mail, submit with proper payment, cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted 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.com
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Ragnar meets his new neighbor in White Salmon. PHOTO BY KIM KAUZLARICH
65 S. Roop St.
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: 530-257-4174
Fax: 530-257-2558
www.lmud.org
Board of directors
Daren Hagata, President
Fred Nagel, Vice President
David Ernaga, Treasurer
H.W. “Bud” Bowden
Jess Urionaguena
staff
General Manager
Robby Hamlin
Electric Operations Manager
Cort Cortez
Administrative Services Manager
Karen Rollings
Public Relations Manager
Theresa Phillips
Accounting and Finance Manager
Catherine Schroeder
Customer Service Manager
Christina M. Nystrom
IT Manager
Thomas Plummer
In case of an outage: If your electricity is off for more than a few minutes, call 530-257-4174. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Outside of normal business hours, calls are monitored by our answering service and forwarded to the appropriate LMUD personnel.
The board meets at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month.
LMUD CORE VALUE:
As a community-owned utility, Lassen MUD is unwavering in our commitment to our core values: safety, teamwork, integrity, sustainability and transparency.
What does transparency mean to us? It means we involve you, our customers, in running your utility. Our elected board of directors holds monthly meetings that are open to the public. Directors discuss the district’s operations, and the decisions they make are with you and the community we serve in mind.
The meeting starts with a public comment period, during which community members can voice their concerns and thoughts or share comments with the board. Each agenda item is discussed openly, and the public is welcome to weigh in on each item.
We make it easy for you to stay informed and participate. Our meeting agendas are posted on our website, lmud.org, three business days before the meeting. The home page features a direct link for easy access, and you can also view or download minutes from prior meetings, ensuring you're always up to date.
In addition to meeting minutes and agendas, our website also provides access to our annual operating budget and audited financial statements. The financial page is linked under the About Us tab at the top of the home page.
I also invite you to contact me directly with any questions or concerns. You can reach me at 530-257-4174 or stop by our office, 65 S. Roop St.
