Ruralite, Tillamook PUD, May 2026

Ruralite

TILLAMOOK PUD

MAY 2026

The Most Inspirational Classmate

Tillamook High School graduate and custodian Ronnie Randall left all he had to future students Page 4

Ruralite

May 2026 • Volume 73, No. 5

CEO Michael Shepard

SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC

DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Noble Sprayberry

SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC

LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC

ASSISTANT EDITORS David Herder, CCC; Sable Riley, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Valeri Saldanha Rosa

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER

Elizabeth Beatty

SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Alyssa McDougle

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Main Street, America

Some roads were built to move people from place to place. Route 66 was built to move the American soul.

One hundred years ago, a telegram sent from Springfield, Missouri, changed the way this nation moved, dreamed and understood itself. What began as a practical push to connect the Midwest to the West Coast evolved into something far more profound: a 2,448-mile ribbon of pavement, nostalgia and identity stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan to a pier at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California.

memory. It was decommissioned in 1985, yet it refuses to disappear. Writer John Steinbeck called it the Mother Road, and that name still fits—it carries everyone who comes to it, generation after generation. Through song and film, from Bobby Troup’s classic ode to Pixar’s “Cars,” the highway has been reborn for every new audience that discovers it. This centennial is simply the latest chapter.

This month’s feature takes you along for the full ride, from Illinois to California, with the stories, the landmarks and the characters keeping the flame alive. There’s even a road quiz to test your Route 66 knowledge and a playlist built for the open highway.

This year, the world is paying attention. Springfield earned the honor of hosting the national kickoff of America’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration this spring. Communities from Illinois to California have been relighting neon signs, polishing roadside landmarks and readying themselves for visitors arriving from across the country and around the globe. Case in point: A group of Swedish motorcyclists turned up at a barbecue restaurant in Cuba, Missouri, filling the room with the thump of Harley-Davidsons and the happy sound of people experiencing something they’d long dreamed about. Route 66 has that effect on people. It always has.

What is interesting about this highway is how naturally it holds contradictions. It is both a monument to movement and an anchor for

Dave LaBelle’s Great Picture Hunt column has its own centennial connection this month. Photographer Amy Gaskin has spent four years documenting the world surrounding Marilyn Monroe—a project that has taken her as far as Australia and into the pages of National Geographic. Monroe would have turned 100 on June 1. It seems May is a month for marking a century of remarkable years.

And after all that road-tripping and reminiscing? Our kitchen feature delivers a collection of sheet pan dinners built for gathering, because the best journeys always end at the table.

Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director

The Mother Road Turns 100

Celebrations rev up America’s iconic Route 66 Spotlight, Page 10

Dinner Is Served

Sheet pan dinners are made for sharing In The Kitchen, Page 16

Marilyn Forever

The Great Picture Hunt, Page 22

The Most Inspirational Classmate

Tillamook High School graduate and custodian left

everything he had to future

students

By Chelsea Yarnell

At his 40th class reunion in 2006, the late Ronnie Randall was recognized as “Most Inspirational Classmate” of the Tillamook High School class of 1966.

Classmate Bob Miles says there wasn’t a dry eye among the group following the announcement.

“Ronnie had difficulties, but he overcame them,” Bob says. “He was always present and always smiling.”

Ronald “Ronnie” Lloyd Randall was born June 19, 1948, and spent nearly all his life in Tillamook.

“Ronnie and I were classmates since second grade at East School,” Bob says. “He was special to everyone, and we all looked after him. He was a good guy and

had an aura about him.”

Ken Phillips was a fellow class of ’66 member who literally hit it off with Ronnie.

“We met in seventh grade and had a P.E. class together,” Ken says. “We were boxing, and he pummeled me at the start of the match. I was bleeding all over the place. We didn’t box much after that.”

But Ken says a punch to the face didn’t inhibit the blossoming of a lifelong friendship between the two.

Following his final year at Tillamook High School, Ronnie was hired by the Tillamook School District as a custodian. It was a career he dedicated himself to for 36 years.

Ronnie worked in the end of the Tillamook High School building where Randy Schild was a teacher. Randy says one of Ronnie’s routines was to sweep the high school’s hallway and collect the dirt off to the side. If Ronnie stepped away for a moment, Randy would sometimes sneak out of his classroom and move the dirt pile to the opposite side of the hallway. Upon Ronnie’s return, a bellowing “Randy!” would echo through the high school hallways.

“We played around every day and always had a lot of laughs,” Randy says. “He was always so caring and was there to

create the best situation for our kids.”

Randy was promoted to Tillamook School District superintendent in 2001, one year before Ronnie’s retirement.

“He was as dependable as any employee you could find,” Randy says. “You never wondered if he would be there and if he’d do a good job.”

Ronnie often financially assisted local, income-challenged families by buying school clothes and Christmas presents.

“Ronnie was a very upfront, giving individual,” Ken says. “He never expected anything from anybody, and he was always willing to give. He often performed these acts of mercy without recognition or fanfare.”

Ronnie never held a driver’s license, and his presence walking around town was familiar. After retiring in 2002, his routes included a daily trip to The Bootery and Diamond Art Jewelers to talk with owners Ken Phillips and Tom Connaughton.

“The sacred part of the day for Ken and I was lunchtime,” Tom says. “You always could count on (us) going to lunch. Then Ronnie retired, and he started going to lunch with us every single day. We became

ABOVE LEFT: November Bernard, third from left, received a Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship in 2010. She is now a teacher in the Tillamook School District. PHOTO COURTESY OF EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ABOVE: Chloe Rieger, far right, received a Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship in 2022. She used the scholarship funds toward trade school tuition.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TILLAMOOK HIGH SCHOOL

the Three Musketeers. It was wonderful.”

In his later years, Ronnie found joy in a morning walking group. He was easily recognized with his familiar gaunt, walking stick and signature stocking hat.

“Ronnie was a vigilant neighbor,” Steve Forester says. “Once we moved next door, he always connected and became our friends. We helped guide him in the ups and downs of life. He was a kind, gentle soul, and that showed to people.”

Ronnie was also a fearless traveler, taking numerous vacations across the country, especially enjoying trips to Hawaii and visiting family in Minnesota.

In 2023, Ronnie was diagnosed with cancer. Ken, Bob and Tom transported him to all his appointments in Astoria. Even in sickness, Ronnie never complained about his condition, friends say.

Ronnie died in Tillamook on June 10, 2025, surrounded by his family of friends.

“He loved the class of ’66,” Ken says. “There were probably 30 members of our class that traveled from out of the area to attend his funeral. Ronnie was just special to everyone.”

These same classmates plan to honor Ronnie with the installation of a plaque in the Tillamook High School cafeteria featuring his picture and an inscription describing Ronnie as “The Most Inspirational Student of the Class of 1966.”

Ronnie’s final act of generosity

was when he left his entire estate to the Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship Fund—more than $280,000.

Ken remembers Ronnie’s words: “I know I can never go to college, but I do want to help other kids.”

“How fortunate for this community that he included us into his life,” Ken says. “Ronnie Randall—a true example of ‘You can’t always judge a book by its cover.’”

Bob is vice president of the Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship Fund.

“Ronnie’s gift was overwhelming,” he says. “Our community has a reputation for looking out for our children, and the alumni scholarship is a way to extend our love to our kids.”

Since 1992, the Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $250,000 to more than 120 Tillamook High School students.

“Receiving the $6,000 Tillamook High School Endowment Scholarship meant more to me than I can really put into words,” former student Rebecca Anderson says. “This was not just financial help. It was hope, dignity and a chance to rebuild. It reminded me that we are more than our mistakes and more than the hardest things we go through.”

East Elementary School teacher November Bernard is also a recipient of the Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship.

“(It) was exciting to receive,” November

says. “I am so proud to have been a Tillamook graduate and to now work in the Tillamook School District alongside many of my former teachers.”

Melissa Jenck, Tillamook County’s senior land use planner, says the alumni scholarship allowed her to explore higher education without financial burden.

“I can remember being a senior in high school, excited for college and the next phase of life, but also worried if I’d be able to focus on that goal and manage the funds to make it happen,” she says.

She says her reduced financial burden allowed her to invest in an education.

“I have the privilege to give back to this same community, which provided for my education through the Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship,” she says.

Chloe Rieger continues to find success in Tillamook thanks to the Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship.

“I was honored to receive scholarship funds that went towards a significant portion of my trade school tuition,” she says. “I appreciate that the Alumni Committee sees the value in the trades, and I am grateful to be thriving in the community where I was born and raised.”

Ronnie’s contribution is certain to keep affecting many lives.

“It surprised me when I heard he was donating his life savings,” Randy says. “But when I thought about it more, that was his life. His friendships he made going through school and then becoming a custodian—he spent as much time in the school buildings as anyone ever will.

“We have kids who come through (the school system) who have all the resources that they need, but a lot that don’t. Their success in the future depends on their education past high school in the trades or college, and an investment like this will change kids’ lives. In the end, for Ronnie to see the value in education like that, is pretty cool.” n

Any Tillamook High School graduate may join the Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship Committee or become a board director. For more information, visit ths-asf.yolasite.com. Donations can be made to the Tillamook High School Alumni Scholarship Fund by mailing a check to THS Alumni Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 195, Tillamook, OR 97141.

Ronnie Randall spent nearly all his life in Tillamook, working as a custodian for Tillamook School District for 36 years.

continuous spill over dams, which has led to higher power generation expenses. BPA is expected to raise its rates this year and may do so again in January 2027 to help offset an estimated $100 million in increased power generation expenses resulting from this mandate.

The remaining 2% of the rate increase is allocated to Tillamook PUD operations. This portion helps cover the escalating costs of fuel and materials necessary for maintaining and operating the electric system.

A comprehensive cost-of-service analysis confirmed the need for adjustments across residential, commercial, and industrial rate classifications. The analysis evaluates the PUD’s revenue requirements within each classification to determine the cost of providing electric service. Detailed rate adjustments for each classification are provided on page 7.

rates begins with a cost-of-service analysis. Then, staff provides a recommendation to the board of directors for approval and adoption.

Residents of each district throughout the PUD's service territory elect directors to represent the best interests of customers. In accordance with the district’s policy and procedural guidelines, the Tillamook PUD Board of Directors is responsible for making and setting policies, including rates.

At the board's direction, staff develop several alternative rate schedules and provide the effects each would have on a customer’s bill at varying levels of electricity use. The board evaluates the alternatives for affordability and fairness to all concerned and considers whether the proposed rate adjustment will support the PUD’s cost of operations adequately.

Whether you use 1 kilowatt-hour, 100 kWh or 1,000 kWh of electricity, certain expenses remain the same to bring power to your home or business. These are called fixed costs. Fixed costs do not vary based on the amount of electricity consumed. They include poles, wires, equipment, trucks, labor and operating systems, all of which must be in place to make sure customers receive safe and reliable electric service. To ensure the recovery of these fixed costs is not solely dependent on kWh sold, customers’ bills include a basic charge.

Example of Monthly Effect on Tillamook PUD Residential Electric Bills

about Tillamook PUD billing and rates, visit tpud.org. For more

Tillamook PUD Honored With National Safety Award

The American Public Power Association recently recognized Tillamook PUD with the Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2025. The utility received the Diamond designation, which represents the highest level of achievement in this category.

“Receiving a Diamond-level Safety Award of Excellence from the American Public Power Association is an honor,” Tillamook PUD General Manager Todd Simmons says. “This achievement highlights the robust safety culture at Tillamook PUD and is a reflection of our staff, whose dedication ensures that safety is at the heart of everything we do.”

More than 240 utilities entered the 2025 annual safety awards. Entrants are placed in divisions according to number of worker-hours, and ranked based on the most incident-free records and overall state of their safety programs and culture during the year. The incidence rate is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses and the number of worker-hours in 2025, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

APPA has conducted the safety awards annually for more than 68 years. APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, communityowned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. n

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Celebrations rev up America’s iconic Route 66

By Jim McCarty

It’s midday at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que along Route 66 near Cuba, Missouri. The lunch rush is almost over when the staff springs into action, moving tables together, preparing for a big gathering.

Soon, the restaurant walls vibrate with the two-cylinder thump of a dozen or so Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The door opens, and the happy sounds of a group that’s experiencing the time of their lives reverberate—in Swedish.

Scenes like this play out every day along what remains of the most famous highway in the world. It’s called the Mother Road, Main Street of America and the Highway That’s the Best. It once traversed eight states

along 2,448 miles, stretching from the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago to a pier at the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California.

Its official name is Route 66, and it’s about to get busier than it’s been since it was decommissioned in 1985.

This year, Route 66 fans from around the world will look for new kicks as the celebrated road turns 100. Springfield, Missouri, was in the spotlight in April as the site of the national kickoff of America’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration.

The Queen City of the Ozarks earned that honor through a competitive process, but also due to its status as the birthplace of Route 66. On April 30, 1926, John Woodruff, a Springfield businessman, sent a telegram to Washington, D.C., requesting the new road be named U.S. Route 66. The

idea for the road didn’t originate here, but its iconic name did.

“This recognition is a testament to Missouri’s deep roots in the history of America’s most iconic highway and the vibrant spirits of the communities that keep that legacy alive today,” Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe says.

The governor’s farm sits along Route 66 in Jerome.

“We have some of the original roadway in Pulaski County that you can still drive on,” he says. “People come from all over the world to drive on that. This roadway is so historic, and it has made millions of memories for not just Americans but for people all over the world.”

Kickoff festivities included five satellite cities: Joliet, Illinois;

I think Route 66 is on a lot of visitors’ bucket lists. And I think whenever there’s a big milestone to be celebrated, people want to be a part of that and come experience Route 66 as it’s turning 100.

NIKKI TERLESKY, HISTORIC

DIRECTOR

St. Louis, Missouri; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Santa Monica, California.

In preparation for the yearlong celebration, communities all along the historic route are sprucing up their landmarks, planning events, relighting neon signs and prepping for a major influx of visitors who plan to motor west.

“I struggle to make a specific prediction, and part of that is because it’s really hard to track specific routes,” Oklahoma Route 66 Association President Rhys Martin says. “But I would be surprised if traffic didn’t double just because of the attention and the people planning their trips.”

Nikki Terlesky, Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona director of operations, agrees travelers are coming in a big way.

“I think Route 66 is on a lot of visitors’

bucket lists,” she says. “And I think whenever there’s a big milestone to be celebrated, people want to be a part of that and come experience Route 66 as it’s turning 100. I know a lot of Facebook groups I follow are just buzzing with people voicing their travel plans.”

While Missouri can claim the creation of the name, an Oklahoma man is known as the Father of Route 66. Cyrus Avery, a Tulsa real estate developer and owner of a coal company, saw the need for a roadway from the Midwest to the West Coast, connecting small towns and cities along the way.

Don’t Miss This!

Here’s the top attraction for each of the eight states. ILLINOIS—GEMINI GIANT (WILMINGTON)

If you only stop once before leaving Illinois, make it here. The 30-foot-tall Muffler Man is one of Route 66’s most iconic photo ops and a perfect start to the journey.

MISSOURI—MERAMEC CAVERNS (STANTON)

A road-trip classic since the 1930s, billboards and barn roof signs for this cavern once lined the entire Mother Road, and the attraction still feels like pure Americana.

KANSAS—CARS ON THE ROUTE (GALENA)

Kansas has only 13 miles of Route 66, but this restored Kan-O-Tex gas station—home to the truck that inspired Mater in “Cars”—is its standout.

OKLAHOMA—BLUE

WHALE (CATOOSA)

An absolutely essential stop is the giant, smiling blue whale beside a pond. It is one of Route 66’s most beloved and quirky landmarks.

TEXAS—CADILLAC RANCH (AMARILLO)

Ten Cadillacs sit nose-down in the desert. They’re covered in spray paint, and you’re encouraged to add your own. It’s irreplaceable Route 66 kitsch.

NEW MEXICO—BLUE SWALLOW MOTEL (TUCUMCARI)

See the best neon on the entire route. It is a family-run motel with beautifully preserved rooms, and a true 1940s motor court experience. Even if you don’t stay, stop for photos.

ARIZONA—PETRIFIED FOREST AND PAINTED DESERT (HOLBROOK)

This is the only national park the Mother Road drives straight through where classic roadside nostalgia meets staggering natural beauty.

CALIFORNIA—ROY’S MOTEL & CAFÉ (AMBOY)

A surreal desert time capsule features a legendary retro-futurist neon sign. Nothing captures the lonely, romantic end stretch of Route 66 like Roy’s.

Appointed in 1925 to the Joint Board of Interstate Highways, Cyrus managed to steer the route south from Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California instead of a more northern route through Nevada.

Along with Missouri’s John Woodruff, Cyrus helped launch the U.S. Highway 66 Association in 1927 to encourage its use.

“One hundred and thirty-seven delegates from 32 cities of the Southwest, meeting here today, organized the National Highway No. 66 Association and elected

John T. Woodruff of Springfield, Mo., its first president,” read a Springfield Daily News story. “From Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico, the delegates gathered in Tulsa today determined that Highway 66, which runs from Chicago via St. Louis to Los Angeles, shall in fact become the ‘Main Street of America.’”

At the beginning, the route joined various existing state roads, many of which were still gravel. Besides paving the highway, the association’s

leaders also marketed Route 66 over other transcontinental routes.

One of the first efforts to popularize the road was an epic foot race that followed Route 66 from its start in California to St. Louis, then on to New York City. The distance was 3,400 miles over just three months. It started with 275 runners, but 77 dropped out on the first day. Only 55 finished. The winner was 20-year-old Andy Payne of Claremore, Oklahoma.

Through publicity like this, the nation learned of the new route, and traffic grew exponentially. Truckers favored its flat terrain, with elevations measured in hundreds of feet compared to thousands crossing the Rocky Mountains.

CALIFORNIA

ARIZONA

ARIZONA

Tucumcari Neon Blue Swallow Motel Motel Safari are icons.

in the Route

Tucumcari Neon Blue Swallow Motel Motel Safari are icons. Blue Hole Take in the Route 66 Auto Museum, then swim at a spring-fed swimming and diving spot.

Santa Fe Loop (Original Alignment) Drive this original stretch of the highway through beautiful historic Santa Fe. Central Avenue Neon

In the 1930s, Route 66 became a pathway for migrants fleeing the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, heading west in search of opportunity.

When World War II gripped the nation, the route became strategic for moving troops and materials to support the war effort. This led to a major effort to rebuild the roadway for Fort Leonard Wood, an Army base in St. Robert, Missouri.

The highway was no match for the heavy trucks supplying the base. So, in 1941, construction began on a four-lane divided highway between it and Rolla. A deep cut bypassed a steep grade near Devil’s Elbow. Hooker Cut became the deepest highway excavation in the nation to date, and the four-lane, divided highway was the first of its kind. The improved roadway was fully open to traffic by September 1945—ironically, the same month the war ended.

Other improvements included rerouting to avoid a series of dangerous hairpin curves in Arizona, dubbed the Sidewinder. This 8-mile roadway has 191 curves with no guardrails and 12% grades. Today, it is often visited by adventurous travelers.

The Ultimate

(Ordered for the Drive) Playlist

DEPARTURE: CHICAGO (WINDOWS DOWN)

• Route 66 – Chuck Berry

• Sweet Home Chicago – The Blues Brothers

• Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones

• Good Times Roll – The Cars

• Real Gone – Sheryl Crow

• Life Is a Highway – Rascal Flatts

• Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf

• Runnin’ Down a Dream – Tom Petty

• Drivin’ My Life Away – Eddie Rabbitt

• On the Road Again – Willie Nelson

HEARTLAND MILES:

MISSOURI → OKLAHOMA → KANSAS

• Missouri River Run – Chloe Hoecker

• If You Wanna Get to Heaven – Ozark Mountain Daredevils

• King of the Road – Roger Miller

• Boys From Oklahoma – Cross Canadian Ragweed

• Oklahoma Smokeshow – Zach Bryan

• Carry On Wayward Son – Kansas

• Dust in the Wind – Kansas

• Ain’t Going Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up) –Garth Brooks

• Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma – Luke Combs

• Cadillac Ranch – Chris LeDoux

OPEN COUNTRY AND FREEDOM

• Wide Open Spaces – Dixie Chicks

• Follow Your Arrow – Kacey Musgraves

• Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show

• Copperhead Road – Steve Earle

• Midnight Rider – The Allman Brothers Band

• Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers Band

• Blue Sky – The Allman Brothers Band

• Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen

DESERT STRETCH:

TEXAS → NEW MEXICO → ARIZONA

• Amarillo by Morning – George Strait

• I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash

• A Horse With No Name – America

• Ventura Highway – America

• Take Me to the River – Talking Heads

• Running on Empty – Jackson Browne

• Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp

• Drive – The Cars

DUSK, MOTELS AND LONG THOUGHTS

• Fast Car – Tracy Chapman

• Angel From Montgomery – John Prine

• Into the Mystic – Van Morrison

• Gypsy – Fleetwood Mac

• Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

• The Mother Road – Alan Rhody

• Here I Go Again – Whitesnake

• Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles

• Take It to the Limit – Eagles

CALIFORNIA ARRIVAL

• Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival

• California Dreamin’ – The Mamas & the Papas

• Hotel California – Eagles

• Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac

• California Girls – The Beach Boys

• Everyday Is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow

• Beverly Hills – Weezer

SUNSHINE, CELEBRATION AND LETTING LOOSE

• Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus

• Hot to Go – Chappell Roan

• Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses

• Getaway Car – Taylor Swift

• Good Time - Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

• Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen

THE MEANING OF THE JOURNEY (CLOSING STRETCH)

• This Land Is Your Land – Woody Guthrie

• Take Me Home, Country Roads –John Denver

• Kyrie – Mr. Mister

• The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles

• Travelin’ Thru – Dolly Parton

• Running on Empty – Jackson Browne

• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

• End of the Line – Traveling Wilburys

By the 1950s, Route 66 was the byway of a nation in love with the automobile. Cabins, motels, roadhouses and all manner of highway kitsch sprang up to lure motorists off the pavement. Among them was the first fast-food restaurant, believed to be Red’s Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri.

Route 66 came to represent everything Americans hold near and dear: freedom,

adventure, nostalgia and small-town values. Those themes were shared in the1960s TV series “Route 66,” which helped fuel today’s nostalgia for the road.

Championed in songs such as Bobby Troup’s “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” and the Eagles’ “Take it Easy,” immortalized by John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath” and introduced to a new

generation through Pixar’s “Cars” movie, the Mother Road continues to fascinate those who prefer life in the slow lane.

The demise of Route 66 came with the rise of the new Interstate Highway System— including interstates 55, 44, 40, 15 and 10. Small towns where Route 66 was the main road were bypassed, and many businesses couldn’t survive as traffic moved away.

Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985. But the road never truly disappeared.

Mother Nature and the wrecking ball have taken their toll, but if you know where to look, you can still find remnants of the old route. New businesses have sprung from the ashes of those longgone oases on the road.

So, as the song says, “get hip to this timely tip, when you make that California trip,” and make this the year to get your kicks—on Route 66. n

Needles Amboy Ludlow

Barstow

Pasadena

Los Angeles Newberry Springs Oro Grande

San Bernardino

Flagsta Williams

Needles

Shamrock

McLean

Groom Amarillo Adrian Tucumcari

Winslow Seligman Hackberry

City Petrified Forest & Painted Desert

Santa Monica

Oatman

Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert This is the only national park through which Route 66 actually

Standin’ on the Corner Park The Eagles tribute is made real.

Oatman Ghost Town Wild burros roam the streets.

General Store

Stop here to see a massive collection of Mother Road memorabilia.

Wigwam Motel “Have You Slept in a Wigwam Lately?”

Petrified

National Park and Painted Desert This is the only national park through which Route 66 actually

on the Corner Park The Eagles tribute is made real.

Oatman Ghost Town Wild burros roam the streets.

Store Stop here to see a massive collection of Mother memorabilia.Road

Motel “Have You Slept in a Wigwam Lately?”

Jack Rabbit Trading Post Here it is! Get your own yellow sign showing the distance to your home here.

Birthplace of Route 66 Revival Angel Delgadillo’s barbershop features tons of classic Americana.

Meteor Crater National Landmark Visit the enormous, well-preserved impact site.

Roy’s Motel & Café This desert landmark features a gorgeous neon sign.

Wigwam Motel Spend the night at another iconic “wigwam village.”

Bagdad Café This lming location maintains fan cult status.

Santa Monica Pier Take a photo at the symbolic end of the Mother Road.

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch Whimsical forest of metal and glass.

The Ultimate

Q: WHO ORIGINALLY SANG “ROUTE 66”?

A: Nat King Cole, with the King Cole Trio, first recorded the song in 1946 at Radio Recorders in Los Angeles. Capitol Records released it as a single, which reached No. 11 on Billboard’s pop chart.

Q: WHO IS CONSIDERED THE FATHER OF ROUTE 66?

A: In the early 1900s, Cyrus Avery of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a real estate developer and owner of a coal company, began acquiring oil leases. With the need to reach the barren lands around him and the need for a roadway from the Midwest to the western lands connecting cities along the way, the road became a reality. With John Woodruff of Springfield, Missouri, Cyrus promoted the idea of a highway connecting the Midwest to the West Coast.

Q: WHAT TOWN IS CONSIDERED THE BIRTHPLACE OF ROUTE 66?

A: Springfield, Missouri, is widely recognized as the birthplace of Route 66. A passionate advocate for the “Good Roads” movement, Springfield businessman John Woodruff promoted highway development across Missouri. While the road itself did not begin in Springfield, the idea of the route was born here, making Springfield the home for the Main Street of America. John was elected the first president of the Route 66 Association.

Q: WHAT WRITER MADE ROUTE 66 FAMOUS?

A: John Steinbeck proclaimed Route 66 the Mother Road in his 1939 book, “The Grapes of Wrath.”

Q: WHERE DID THE ORIGINAL ROUTE BEGIN AND END?

A: Route 66 began in downtown Chicago, Illinois, and ended in Santa Monica, California, near the Pacific Ocean. The official start is at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue, with classic spots like Lou Mitchell’s diner nearby.

Q: HOW LONG WAS HISTORIC ROUTE 66?

A: It is generally accepted that, from beginning to end in 1926, Route 66 traversed 2,448 miles. However, as the route evolved over its 60 years of existence with new, improved alignments, the mileage varied over time.

Q: WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL NAME FOR ROUTE 66?

A: John and Cyrus also played a key role in the naming the road. It had first been named Route 60, as all main east-to-west highways at the time ended in zero. However, the pair felt Route 66 would be easier to promote, especially with the flow of having two of the same number. Thus, on April 30, 1926, a telegram was sent to the Bureau of Public Roads asking for the name to be changed to Route 66.

Q: WHAT DISTINCTION DOES RED’S GIANT HAMBURG, A SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI, ROUTE 66 RESTAURANT, HOLD?

A: It is considered the first drive-in fast-food restaurant. Red’s opened in 1947 and operated until 1984. In early 2019, Red’s Giant Hamburg made a comeback, 35 years after the original restaurant’s closure. The new restaurant, on Route 413, was a re-creation of the original Route 66 location. It opened in August 2019 and operated for almost six years, closing its doors in May 2025. In 2013, a fundraising campaign was established to re-create the Red’s Giant Hamburg sign. The sign, shaped like a cross, was installed in 2015.

Q: WAS U.S. ROUTE 66 PAVED?

A: When Route 66 officially opened in 1926, only 800 miles were paved, the rest being graded dirt, gravel, bricks or wood planks. It took 11 more years before the road would become the first national highway to be completely paved.

Quiz

Q: WHAT STATES DOES ROUTE 66 TRAVEL THROUGH?

A: Route 66 traverses eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Q: WHEN WAS ROUTE 66 DECOMMISSIONED?

A: With the advent of the Federal Interstate Highway System, U.S. Route 66 was gradually decommissioned, with the last segment, in Arizona, removed from the federal system June 27, 1985.

Q: WHAT STATE HAS THE MOST MILES OF ROUTE 66?

A: New Mexico has the most miles, and Kansas has the fewest—Illinois, 301; Missouri, 317; Kansas, 13; Oklahoma, 432; Texas, 186; New Mexico, 487; Arizona, 401; and California, 314, for a total of 2,448 miles.

Q: WHAT ANIMATED MOVIE IS BASED ON ROUTE 66?

A: The 2006 animated movie “Cars” tells the story of Route 66 through characters Lightning McQueen and Sally and their escapades at Radiator Springs, a fictionalized representation of all Route 66 towns. Sally liked to say, “Those were the days we traveled to have a great time, not to make great time.” In the movie, Ramone’s House of Body Art looks similar to the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock, Texas. Other real-life locations that inspired parts of the movie include Cadillac Ranch, Wigwam Motels and Wagon Wheel Motel.

ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY ACENTO CREATIVO

Dinner Is Served

SHEET PAN DINNERS ARE MADE FOR SHARING

Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Roasted Vegetables

16 ounces gnocchi

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 red onion, chopped

1 pint cherry tomatoes

6 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

11/2 teaspoons dried oregano

Heat oven to 425 F.

11/2 teaspoons dried basil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Freshly ground black pepper

3 to 4 handfuls baby spinach

Shaved Parmesan cheese, for topping

On a large sheet pan, add gnocchi, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, thyme, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Combine everything, making sure it is well coated in the spices and oil. Bake for 35 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Remove sheet pan from oven. Add spinach, and stir to combine. Return to oven for 5 minutes, just until spinach is wilted.

Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY DEBORAH

Everything Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

Cooking spray

2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch wedges

1 tablespoon olive oil, divided 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

5 cups broccoli florets

4 5-ounce salmon fillets

2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

2 teaspoons soy sauce

Heat oven to 425 F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil, and coat lightly with cooking spray.

Toss sweet potatoes with 2 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Place on half of the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine Dijon, honey and cayenne in a small bowl. Toss broccoli with remaining oil, salt and pepper in a separate bowl.

Remove potatoes from oven. Add salmon to the other half of the baking sheet. Place 2 teaspoons of the mustard mixture on each filet. Brush to coat, then sprinkle with bagel seasoning. Add broccoli to sweet potatoes. Bake until salmon flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are golden, about 12 minutes. Stir soy sauce into remaining mustard mixture, and drizzle over vegetables.

Sheet Pan Chimichurri Chicken

1 large bunch flat-leaf parsley

1 large bunch cilantro

1 tablespoon oregano

2 medium garlic cloves

11/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, plus more as needed

11/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/2 teaspoon honey

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 cup whole cherry tomatoes

1 small red bell pepper

1/2 medium red onion

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt

Rice, flatbreads or potatoes

Using a food processor, pulse parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Add olive oil and vinegar, and pulse until just combined. Season to taste with additional salt and vinegar.

In a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with honey and 1/3 cup of chimichurri. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Refrigerate remaining chimichurri until ready to use.

When ready to proceed, adjust oven rack about 6 inches below the heating element. Heat broiler to high.

Remove chicken from marinade. On a 13-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet, arrange thighs out so there is plenty of space between them. Discard marinade. Arrange zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red pepper and onions around chicken. Drizzle vegetables with olive oil, and season with salt.

Broil until chicken is golden brown and vegetables are just beginning to char, about 10 minutes. Flip chicken and vegetables. Broil until vegetables are tender, and chicken is lightly charred. The chicken should read 185 F on an instantread thermometer, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Serve with reserved chimichurri, rice, flatbread or potatoes.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos With Slaw

Cooking spray

8 corn tortillas

1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

11/4 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

3/4 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

For serving:

1 batch easy taco slaw (see below)

1 medium avocado, sliced

Sour cream

Lime wedges

Heat oven to 400 F. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.

Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a work surface. Stack the tortillas on top, and wrap in foil. Place the packet of tortillas on one corner of the baking sheet.

Pat shrimp dry, and place on baking sheet. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss to combine, and spread into an even layer.

Roast until shrimp are opaque and pink, stirring halfway through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drizzle shrimp with lime juice, and toss to combine. Fill tortillas with shrimp, and top with slaw, avocado and sour cream. Serve with lime.

Taco Slaw

Shredded red cabbage

Salt

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Grated or shredded carrot

Thinly sliced scallions

Cilantro, finely chopped Jalapeño pepper, deseeded and cut into slices

Salt the cabbage in a colander. Massage it to help release its liquid, then set aside to drain for 15 minutes.

Place mayonnaise, lime juice and garlic powder in a large bowl. Whisk to combine. Using your hands, squeeze cabbage of its excess liquid one handful at a time. Add cabbage and remaining ingredients to the bowl, and toss to combine.

Sheet Pan Parmesan-Dijon Chicken Thighs

Nonstick cooking spray

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated

Parmesan cheese

4 5-ounce bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup melted butter

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

11/2 pounds baby potatoes

1 pound green beans, trimmed

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt, to taste

Freshly cracked pepper

Heat the oven to 425 F. Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil, and coat with cooking spray.

Mix breadcrumbs and cheese in a small bowl. Set aside. Place chicken on prepared pan. Combine butter and Dijon in a large bowl. Brush chicken with mixture.

Add potatoes and beans to bowl. Toss in remaining mixture. Evenly spread vegetables on the pan around chicken Season everything with thyme, salt and pepper. Press breadcrumb mixture onto chicken thighs.

Bake until chicken is no longer pink at the bone, the juices run clear, and the potatoes can be pierced easily with a fork, about 25 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the chicken bone should read 165 F.

READER EXCHANGE

Crafts/Hobbies

Does anyone have old jewelry you don’t want anymore? I would love pre-1970s jewelry. I wear my older jewelry every day, but it’s wearing down and I would love a new batch. I’d wear them with pride. Thank you.

Sandy Corliss

2948 Happy Valley Road Roseburg, OR 97471 scorliss@mydFN.net

I would love to have material to make quilts and at least 3 yards to make aprons. Also, some yarn for knitting. I volunteer at the school nearby and would like to use it with the children. Thank you.

Hilma Tonuchuk

P.O. Box 20013 Kotlik, AK 99620

I make cross-stitch Christmas ornaments each year for my grandchildren. I prefer smaller patterns, and I’m unable to find “Leisure Arts 101 Christmas Mini Book 1.” Also, I can’t find any 18- or 22-count Aida cloth in any color except white. If anyone has the book or cloth, I’ll gladly pay for it. Thank you.

Elaine Beers

P.O. Box 96 Swisshome, OR 97480

Marty and I would like to thank everyone for the supplies. It’s time to request more denim—used would be great to give it more life. We can turn any scraps into useable things. We also need batting to put inside our quilts. Thank you all.

Shirley and Marty Egbert

190 S. Crystal Drive Rupert, ID 83350

I’m looking for parts to old hurricane lanterns. I rewire them and make them useful again.

R. Anderson

82164 Red Bluff Road Seaside, OR 97138

Milestones

My amazing stepfather celebrates his 97th birthday this month. He has always been a traveler, beginning with two cross-country moves as a young child. In adulthood, he has visited nearly all of the United States and 34 different countries. He is a proud U.S. Navy veteran who raised three sons with his first wife. He was a widower for many years before marrying again at age 90. He remains mentally sharp and active with family, friends and church. He is a master woodworker and an avid Scrabble player. He still hosts Bible study groups. He would be thrilled to receive birthday greetings, especially with stories about interesting places. Send cards to Gary Miller, 150 Calle Del Sol St., Richland, WA 99352.

Linda Freepons Prosser, Washington

Our mother is fast approaching her 100th birthday this month. She was born in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, and spent summers at the family’s Watson Ranch near Benton Gulch, which was also a Post Office in the earlier 1920s and ’30s. With seven aunts and uncles, she had a great early life. In the 1940s, she moved with her parents and sister to Portland, Oregon, where she married and had four children in the first five years of marriage. Another came along six years later. She moved to Sisters, Oregon, in 1998, near her daughter. She loves reading large print books— one to two a week. In her younger years, she did a lot of volunteer work around town, wherever she could help. She is a longtime Christian, loves jokes and always has a wonderful positive attitude. She gets mostly junk mail now, and I know she would love some real cards and letters. Thank you. Send cards to Marylinn Watson, 369 E. St. Helen’s Ave., Sisters, OR 97759.

Gaynelle Savage Redmond, Oregon

My mom, Hazel Hays, is turning 84 at the end of this month. She worked her entire life to help my dad and give her children a great home life. My dad and my middle siblings have passed on, but she still has me, my brother and her dog, Dew. Please shower my mom with your kind words. She would be so happy. Hazel Hays, P.O. Box 255, Scio, OR 97374.

Karen Miller Scio, Oregon

Submitting Requests Is Free

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Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates. If replying to a reader submission, please only send what is requested.

Submissions are handled first-come, first-served as space allows. We cannot honor every request.

Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information. We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad (pricing applies).

When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone.

Phone numbers are not published. Email addresses are if they are part of the ad, but you must include a postal address.

Requests must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.

JUST RELEASED!

No coin embodies the spirit of America more than the Morgan Silver Dollar. From the Comstock Lode discovery that provided millions of ounces of silver to make them, to outlaws robbing stage coaches in the Wild West to pay for their bar tabs and brothel visits, the hefty Morgan Silver Dollar holds a special place in American history.

It’s no wonder collectors and history buffs alike clamor to get their hands on them. That is, if they can get their hands on them.

Prized Last-Year Coins

Collectors love “lasts” as no collection is complete without the last coin struck. Last year coins are often hard to find and always in demand. Little did master engraver George T. Morgan know the legacy he was creating when he designed what has become known as “The King of Silver Dollars” but it came to an end 104 years ago with the last-year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar, the most beloved coin in American history.

Public Release - Only 832 Coins Available

Rarcoa®, America’s Oldest Coin Company, is announcing the public release of 832 of the very last year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars, struck at the iconic Philadelphia Mint. Each coin today comes in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, pristine as the day they were struck!

Hold 104 Years of American History

Struck in 1921, each coin is one hundred and four years old. Could Charles Lindbergh have carried your coin in his pocket during his flight across the Atlantic? Or maybe your greatgrandfather carried it while storming the beaches of Normandy during World War II before ending up in a small coin shop in Tuscaloosa, Oklahoma. Each coin has its own unique history and you can hold 104 years of American history when you buy yours today!

A Miracle of Survival

Coin experts estimate that only 15%-20% of Morgans are still surviving today due to multiple mass-meltings over the years. The Pittman Act of 1918 melted over 270,000,000 coins, that’s almost 50% of all coins produced at the time. Untold quantities were melted in the 1980s and 2000s when silver prices rose up to $50 per ounce.

Sold Nationally for as much as $239

This same 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar sells elsewhere for as much as $239. But thanks to Rarcoa’s buying power and numismatic expertise, you can own one for as little as $89.95, in quantity while supplies last. That’s a difference of up to $149!

Because the precious metals market is always active and dynamic, prices may adjust to reflect the latest market opportunities.

BUY MORE AND SAVE!

1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Brilliant Uncirculated

1-4   $99.95 each

5-9   $94.95 each, save $5 each, save up to $45

Ruralite Calendar Photo Contest 2027

It is time to share your favorite photos for a chance to appear in our 2027 Ruralite calendar. Up to 13 winners are selected, and each receives $100. Photos must be submitted by June 30, 2026. The contest is open to recipients of Ruralite and Currents magazines. Each person may submit up to two photos. Each submission must include:

• Photographer’s name, address and electric utility.

• A short description—otherwise known as a caption—of what is shown.

• Photographer’s email address and phone number.

• JPEG file photos only. Photos must be horizontal (landscape) format and at least 300 dpi at 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Vertical photos and any photos created or altered by AI are not accepted. Enter today by visiting tinyurl.com/ruralitecalendar or use the 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.

BY RANDY HARVEY, WASHINGTON— COLUMBIA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Marilyn Forever

By Dave LaBelle

During the pandemic, I taught an eightweek online photo class. One of my students, Amy Gaskin, struggled to find a project she felt comfortable photographing since so many people were masked and afraid of interacting with others. I suggested Amy consider shooting a “dead person” story, the kind magazines like National Geographic do on famous people who are deceased—such as Van Gogh, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway or Abraham Lincoln. I asked her if there was

You can find Amy Gaskin’s story at amygaskin.com/marilyn/nationalgeographic.

anybody famous buried close by her home. She immediately thought of Marilyn Monroe.

That was more than four years ago. Amy is still tirelessly working on the Marilyn project, which has taken her as far away as Australia. Portions have been published in newspapers and magazines in the United States and abroad, including National Geographic online. She hopes to publish her book, “Marilyn Forever: A Symbol of Hope,” soon. June 1 would have been Marilyn’s 100th birthday.

While recently in Palm Springs,

Reader Challenge

California, I photographed the controversial 26-foot-tall, 34,300-pound statue of Marilyn Monroe created by the late American artist Seward Johnson.

As always, I considered various angles and times of day. Things look different in different light, and colors change rapidly— often within a few minutes or even seconds—as do shadows in the mornings and evenings.

I settled on a morning shot as the rising sunlight moved across the figure with a man walking past to offer scale, rather than midday with crowds doing selfies. n

What project would interest you enough to study, explore, photograph and/or write about? Who or what are you curious about? I’ve often said, as long as you have any camera you should never get bored. I would need a dozen lifetimes to explore all of the people and places I am curious about. This is your chance, your license, your challenge to start today. Who knows where your curiosity might lead you? Maybe a gallery showing, a newspaper or magazine article? Maybe even a book?

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.

Spirituality

“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”

— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals

In a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. The opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.

Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. The shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony.

This breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of only

930 pieces, making it a rare and treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Plus, when you order today, you’ll receive the gold-finished sterling silver chain—a $69 value—absolutely free! Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive tribute to timeless elegance and meaningful symbolism.

Necklace Specifications:

• 2 1/2 ctw. Kyocera lab opals and DiamondAura® accents

• Yellow gold-finished .925 sterling silver setting

• 18" gold-clad .925 sterling silver chain

Clean refrigerator coils and allow space for airflow.

Store and use appliances away from the sink.

Use and test GFCI outlets.

Inspect cords for cracks or frays. Keep cords off counters; unplug when not in use.

Place and test smoke and CO detectors on every level and near sleeping areas.

Keep cords out from under rugs or furniture. Unplug devices and chargers when not in use. Make sure lightbulbs are the correct wattage.

Plug window AC units into a dedicated circuit.

Ensure washer and dryer are stable and ventilated. Remove dryer lint after each use.

Set water heater to 120°F or lower.

Have furnace inspected and confirm proper ventilation.

Keep appliances away from water (sink, toilet, tub, shower).

Unplug appliances when not in use.

Use and test GFCI outlets.

Use safety caps on unused outlets, especially if children or pets are present. Ensure electronics have space for airflow. Replace cracked light switch or outlet covers. Avoid overloading outlets, power strips and surge protectors.

Use and test GFCI outlets.

Inspect cords for cracks or damage.

Unplug tools and appliances when not in use.

Place garage refrigerators/freezers on dedicated appliance circuits.

Learn more at: SafeElectricity.org

MARKETPLACE

Agriculture

Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft.). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 45 years in business. btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0427

Strong and dependable 20-year-old female ag. graduate (May 2026) of Feather River College seeking ranch hand employment, preferably with cattle. Lilly, 916-717-9981. 0526

Antiques and Collectibles

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. 0526

WC Collectibles. We buy comic books! Local to Inland Northwest. Willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835.

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. 0926

For sale: two silk area rugs, medallion motif, fringed: 8x5’, $950; 5x3’, $450. Photos available. fisherdj_2000@yahoo.com. 0526

Two large wood tool chests on rollers, includes many old, vintage hand tools, photos available, no shipping, Baker City, OR. seabee69jim@gmail.com. 0526

Model train magazines. More than 900, from ’40s, ’50s and early 2000s. Selling one lot, no single sales. $100 or offer, no shipping, Baker City, OR. seabee69jim@gmail.com. 0526

Automotive

For Sale: 1982 and 1985 vintage Tri Hawk 304s and a 2002 Grinnell Scorpion. Roseburg, OR. 541-784-8233 or 541-784-8232; dsiasbuckle@gmail.com. 0526

Rare ’65 Buick Gran Sport, all original, frame up restoration. Numbers matching. Power brakes, steering, seat, windows, A/C. Engine 401, HP 325. North ID. 760-638-6574. 0526

Classic 1999 Chevy Suburban LT 2WD, immaculate condition, always garaged, maintenance records, original owner, photos available, $12K. tedsbaseball@gmail.com; 503-354-2051. 0526

Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad

„ Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An 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.

„ 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—May 29

„ 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 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.

1977 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40; runs well. Original engine/running gear. In Plumas Co., CA. $8K, OBO. js9445@hotmail.com; 530-927-7679 for details. 0626

Boats

Beautiful Don Hill design wood drift boat with high-impact fiberglass bottom and Shorelander trailer. Includes 10-foot oars, lead anchor, plus HW. $4.3K, OBO. Rodger: sandyd@cbbmail.com or 971-227-1753. 0626

Mirrocraft 12’ aluminum fishing, recreation boat. Year 2000. Two seats. Electric motor and 15 horse Honda gas motor. Asking $1,995. 541-444-1394. OR Coast. 0526

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. 0426

I have 12 Etude magazines, 1926-27; some covers are missing. Free. I will mail to you. 541-475-6656. Leave your contact information.

Community Events

La Pine Rhubarb Festival, June 20-21! Free community event featuring more than 140 vendors/food trucks, live music, adult beverages, kids zone and granny rhubarb pies! La Pine Senior Activity Center. More information: 541-536-6237. 0626

“The Warmth Within My Shadow,” by Jason Hogge: May 1-June 27 at Art Center East in La Grande, OR. Also, free art classes for youth. artcentereast.org. 0526

Education

Long Creek Virtual Learning Acellus Academy. Free in OR, online, accredited, K-12 education. Contact Long Creek School for information and to sign up. longcreekschool.com; 541-508-9164. Furniture, Appliances

For sale, matching green couch and chair. Good condition, $135. 541-720-0865. 0526

Miscellaneous

Attention, landowners. Grants available now. Wildland fire fuel reduction service. Steep ground, remote, rocky, small lot, big acreage … no problem. Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; bluemountainbrush.com; 509-399-3473. 1126

Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. More information: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906, highdesertmemorials.com.

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. 0526

Pets, Supplies

3 Australian/Husky purebred puppies in John Day, OR. Born Jan. 19, ready for new homes. 3 males. Please call if interested, can send pictures. Sherry Dress, 541-620-1372. 0526 Real Estate

Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Deschutes Canyon Mountain views, 118 acres, Riverfront. $11.9M. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0526

John Day River Trading Post on more than 1 fenced acre, previous store, existing USPS lease, home. $375K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363; ddwr@ortelco.net. 0526

320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. Reduced price: $145K. For maps: 541-659-1573; thejugglingman3@gmail.com. 0526

Private 10-acre wild tree farm near Sandpoint, ID, with older 3-bd. mobile home, countymaintained road, good building sites. $395K. Steve, 208-290-6505. 0526

Mobiles to mansions. Cabins to castles. Brookings, OR, area Principal Broker Pat Piper, Century 21 Agate Realty. Helpful. Educated. Caring. 28 years area experience. 541-251-2152; patpiperbroker@gmail.com.

For sale/rent: 20-acre developed land, 3,600sqft. shop with “barndominium” potential. Weddings/events, horse property, RV hookups, creek, views. $575K. Seller financing. Goldendale, WA. 509-378-5886. 0526

For sale in Rosarito Beach, Baja, Mexico. 2 lots. 2,153 sqft. each. Valles del Mar. Security, paved streets, lights, utilities ready. $33K, negotiable. 323-386-3613. 0626

Recreational Rentals

Ocean view Maui vacation rental. For the months of May-Oct. $210/now $185. One-time cleaning $150, 2 TVs, king-size bed, queen-size sofa bed. Beach chairs and umbrellas. Great view. 503-812-6689. 0626

Vacation rentals in Sisters, including Black Butte Ranch, or for local help managing your home in Central OR, call 541-778-7939 or visit avacationexperience.com. 0526

Sunshine and sand—Book your summer dreams at WaveCatcher for 2026. Oceanfront cottage with direct beach access, on the spectacular Central Oregon Coast. Sleeps 6. Pet friendly. All house amenities. Winter closure November-March. Reservations, information text 541-740-2846 or email relax@wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. 0526

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. 0526

Recreational Vehicles

2004 Fleetwood Flair, 34’, 45.2K miles, like new, 2 slide-outs, Triton V-10, 5500 Onan, 2 AC. Garaged except when traveling since March 2009. $22.95K. 541-508-6866. 0526

1996 Pleasure Way motorhome. 83K miles, fully contained, 8 cylinders, gas, clean. $20K, OBO. For pictures and information, call or text 503-706-5846. Clatskanie, OR. 0526

Selling my 2022 Heartland Sundance UltraLite travel trailer. 24 ft., loaded. Single slider, awning, power leveling jacks and tongue jack. Large TV with Dish receiver. AM/FM/CD player, queen bed, microwave, 3-burner stove/oven, shower, gas/electric refrigerator, TireMinder system, gas furnace, A/C. Complete with anti-sway hitch. $19.5K, OBO. 541-403-2028. Baker City, OR. 0526

2014 Solo Rider Electric golf cart. Swivel and stand-up seat for disabilities. Gently used, well-maintained. New batteries and charger. $7K. 509-948-5759. Prosser, WA area. 0526 Services

Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com; 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License No. 245760 bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 0526

Sheidler Bookkeeping. Wrangling those books so you don’t have to. QuickBooks and Xero certified. Contact Valia at 541-519-9005 or sheidlerbookkeeping@gmail.com for a free consultation. 0726

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. 1126

Situations Wanted

Attractive, active 60-year-old Christian gentleman in Umpqua, OR. Business owner. Loves hot rods, smooth jazz, beach. Seeks financially stable, adventurous woman, 40–60. grailgolf@hotmail.com. 0626

Want to Buy

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. 0526

Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 45 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 0526

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. 0526

TILLAMOOK PUD

Local High School Internship Opportunities

Now Available

Tillamook PUD is accepting applications for the 2026 High School Student Internship program. Three positions are offered: one in the warehouse, one in the mechanics’ shop and one in the main office.

After school and during school breaks, selected students work an average of 15 hours a week. While working, students perform a variety of tasks within their department.

Local high school students entering their senior year in the 2026-27 school year are eligible to apply. Completed applications must be received by Tillamook PUD no later than 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 18.

Visit tpud.org/about-us/careeropportunities/employment-opportunities for more information and to apply.

TPUD May Board of Directors Meeting Date and Location

Next month’s Tillamook PUD Board of Directors meeting is Tuesday, May 12, at the Nehalem Bay Health Center in Wheeler.

Highlights From the March Board Workshops and Board Meeting

Community Support Grant Workshop

Overview: The Tillamook PUD Board of Directors reviewed and discussed 42 proposals submitted for consideration in the Community Support Grant Program.

The board voted on the selected recipients at the March 17 regular board meeting.

Rates Workshop

Workshop Overview: Amber Gschwend from GDS Associates presented the results of the cost-of-service analysis for Tillamook PUD. Finance Manager Marty Holm discussed governance and oversight, revenue requirements, rate designs, and public participation and stakeholder engagement.

For additional board meeting information, visit tpud.org/about-us/board-of-directors.

Memorial Day Closure

The Tillamook PUD office is closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe holiday!

Calendar of Events

May 1-31

Overeaters Anonymous, Mondays, 5 p.m., held via Zoom. Everyone is welcome. Sylvia, 503-812-0838, for link

Nehalem Bay Al-Anon Family Group meeting, Mondays, 6 p.m., NRCD, 36115 Ninth St., Nehalem. Carolyn G., 503-702-0737

We The People Tillamook County meetings, first and third Mondays, 6 p.m., Tillamook. wethepeopletillamookco@yahoo.com; wethepeopletillamookcounty.com

Nehalem Al-Anon Family Group virtual meeting, Mondays and Thursdays, noon, Zoom ID: 824 7120 7748, PW: 973392. Judi M., 503-368-7356

Meals for Seniors lunches, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Seating at 11:30 a.m., St. Mary by the Sea, 279 S. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. $4 suggested donation. Teri, 503-317-8967

Tillamook Senior Center meal site, meals to go, Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Meals on Wheels, Wednesdays and Fridays. 316 Stillwell Ave., Tillamook. Michelle, 503-842-9660

Tillamook Senior Center: Mondays—coffee hour, 8:30-10 a.m.; Mondays and Fridays— pinochle, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday—square dancing, 4-6 p.m.; second and fourth Wednesday—bunco, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Thursday—cribbage and mahjong, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Mexican train dominoes, 4-8 p.m. 316 Stillwell Ave., Tillamook. Senior center, 503-842-4511, leave a message

Tillamook Rotary Club meetings, Tuesdays, noon, Pacific Restaurant, 205 Main Ave., Tillamook. Joanna, 503-812-7079

Sisters in Sobriety Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous Zoom meeting, Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., ID: 86989656049, PW: 263508. Cecile, 503-338-8936

Salty Strings Ukulele Group of Rockaway Beach, 1-3 p.m., every Tuesday. Rockaway Beach City Hall, 276 US-101. All levels welcome. Steve, stephen111452@gmail.com

Nehalem senior lunches, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Seating at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon, Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church, 36050 10th St., Nehalem. Delivery available for homebound. $5 suggested donation. Doug, nbumcnsl2020@gmail.com

Rockaway Beach Lions Club meeting, first and third Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., 268 S. Anchor St. Juanita, kittermanj2020@gmail.com; 503-896-0062

Senior meals, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiawanda Drive, Pacific City. $3 suggested donation for seniors, $6 for others. 971-212-7131, kiawanda.com

May 1-31

Fresh Start AA meeting, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:15 a.m., White Clover Grange, 36585 OR-53, Nehalem. 503-739-0293

Tillamook Kiwanis Club meeting, Wednesdays, noon, Rendezvous Bar & Grill, 214 Pacific Ave., Tillamook. patsykct@gmail.com

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meeting, Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Bay City. Pat Neman, 503-801-2229

Civil Air Patrol Tillamook County Composite Squadron, Thursdays, 6:15-9 p.m., ATV Training Center, 5995 Long Prairie Road, Tillamook. 262-308-1482

Tillamook Awakening Al-Anon family group, Thursdays, 7-8 p.m., St. Alban’s Church, 2102 Sixth St., Tillamook. 503-842-5094

May 3

Knights of Columbus Sausage Dinner and Sale, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sacred Heart Parish Hall, 2407 Fifth St., Tillamook. 503-842-6647

May 7

Tillamook County Republican Central Committee meeting, 7 p.m., Port of Tillamook Bay, 4000 Blimp Blvd., Suite 100, Tillamook. Office hours 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, 115 Main St., Tillamook. tillamookcountygop.com or Mike Hanratty, 503-812-5443

May 8

South Tillamook County Library Club board meeting, 5 p.m., Winkleman Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Stclc101@gmail.com

May 9

Nehalem Bay Garden Club plant sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 43080 North Fork Road, Nehalem. barbaraandchuck@nehalemtel.net

Plant sale, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., South Tillamook County Library Club Thrift Store, 6335 Ferry St., Pacific City. Teresa Smith, 227-9411

Tillamook Beekeepers Association meeting, meet and greet at 12:30 p.m., meeting 1-2:30 p.m., OSU Extension Office, 4506 Third St., Tillamook. Brad York, 719-896-0000

Heart of Cartm Repair Cafe, 3-5 p.m., 395C Nehalem Blvd., Wheeler. RSVP at heartofcartm.org/repaircafe, repaircafe@heartofcartm.org or 971-389-8414.

May 11

Nestucca Valley Lions Club meeting, 4 p.m., 34510 Parkway Drive, Cloverdale. nestuccavalleylions@gmail.com

May 11

Monday Musical Club of Tillamook presents, “Spotlight on Young Musicians” (grades 4-10), 7 p.m., Tillamook United Methodist Church, 3808 12th St., Tillamook. Ron Watson, 541-992-3575

May 14

Tillamook Emergency Volunteers meeting, 5-6 p.m., Tillamook County Library, 1716 Third St., Tillamook. Trey West, anhwest075@gmail.com

May 15

NESKO Women’s Club Meeting, 11:30 a.m., Kiwanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Drive, Pacific City. Robin, robinkaeredmond@gmail.com or 530-913-4171

May 16

Zippers class, 10 a.m. to noon, Latimer Quilt & Textile Center, 2105 Wilson River Loop Road, Tillamook. latimer2105@gmail.com

2026 Spring Schwingfest & Swiss Dance, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sue Durrer Dairy Barn, Tillamook County Fairgrounds, 4603 Third St., Tillamook. facebook.com/TillamookSwissSociety

Pillows class, 1-3 p.m., Latimer Quilt & Textile Center, 2105 Wilson River Loop Road, Tillamook. latimer2105@gmail.com

May 19

FL63 USCG Auxiliary Station Tillamook Bay meeting, 7 p.m., Upper Station Galley. Cammy Hickman, 503-961-2212

May 20

American Legion Tillamook Post 47 meeting, 1 p.m., Tillamook Eagles Lodge, 209 Stillwell Ave., Tillamook. All honorably discharged veterans are invited. Kevin, 541-364-8249

May 23

Meals for Seniors French toast breakfast fundraiser, 8 a.m. to Noon, St. Mary’s By the Sea Catholic Church, Rockaway Beach. Terri Bruneau, 503-317-8967

May 25

THS Alumni Scholarship Committee meeting, noon, Tillamook Elks Lodge, 1907 Third St., Tillamook. Debbi, debrakay54@charter.net

May 28

Tillamook County Democrats virtual meeting, 7 p.m. To attend, go to tillcodems.org and click on “Join Us,” “Attend Virtual Meeting” and “Main Room.” tillcodems@gmail.com

Contact Joanna Stelzig at 503-815-6024 or jstelzig@tpud.org to list items in the calendar. Items are due the first of the month prior to the month they should run.

Cabin Views

This is the view from Jane Phillips’ cabin deck on Craig Mountain. Only 45 minutes from her main home, the drive takes her family through wheat fields, farms and forest. After running a generator at the cabin for so many years, the Phillips family is now enjoying having power, thanks to Clearwater Power. PHOTO BY

JANE PHILLIPS

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.

REACHING OUT TO OUR VETERANS IN NEED

One in four Veterans lives in rural areas. Every day, we strive to extend our reach, to make sure they have access to the compassionate care and attention they need—from advanced telehealth services to community-based outpatient clinics. Because all our Veterans deserve it, no matter where they are. We believe it’s up to us to ensure they lead healthier, happier lives. Visit vacareers.va.gov to lend a hand.

When it’s you against nature, there’s only one tool you need: the tempered steel Stag Hunter from Stauer—now ONLY $59!

That first crack of thunder sounded like a bomb just fell on Ramshorn Peak. Black clouds rolled in and the wind shook the trees. I had ventured off the trail on my own, gambled with the weather and now I was trapped in the forest. Miles from camp. Surrounded by wilderness and watching eyes. I knew that if I was going to make it through the night I needed to find shelter and build a fire... fast. As the first raindrops fell, I reached for my Stag Hunter Knife

EXCLUSIVE FREE

Survival of the Sharpest

Stauer Pocket Binoculars -a $99 valuewith your purchase of the Stag Hunter Knife

Forget about smartphones and GPS, because when it comes to taking on Mother Nature, there’s only one tool you really need. Our stunning Stag Hunter is the ultimate sidekick for surviving and thriving in the great outdoors. Priced at $149, the Stag Hunter can be yours today for an unbelievable $59! Call now and we’ll include a bonus leather sheath!

A legend in steel. The talented knifemakers of Trophy Stag Cutlery have done it again by crafting a fixedblade beauty that’s sharp in every sense of the word. The Stag Hunter sports an impressive 5⅓" tempered German stainless steel blade with a genuine deer stag horn and stained Pakkawood™ handle, brass hand guard and polished pommel. You get the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers.

But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 Stauer pocket binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Stag Hunter Knife.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. If you’re not completely impressed, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. But we believe that once you wrap your fingers around the Stag Hunter’s handle, you’ll be ready to carve your own niche into the wild frontier.

BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!

knife is beautiful!”

feel of this knife is unbelievable...

Not shown actual size.

1115 Pacific Ave. • P.O. Box 433

Tillamook, OR 97141

Phone: 503-842-2535

Toll free: 800-422-2535 tpud.org

Office hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

For EMERGENCY service after business hours, call 800-842-2122.

Board of Directors

David Burt, President

Tamra Perman, Vice President

Barbara Trout, Treasurer

Lonnie Jenck, Secretary

Valerie Folkema, Director

General Manager

Todd Simmons

Board meetings are at 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month in the PUD office.

Our Mission

Through collaboration and operational excellence, Tillamook PUD provides safe, reliable, sustainable and competitively priced power to our customers.

Our Vision

Tillamook PUD provides high value to our customers, staff and community, performing now and preparing for the future. We balance community, economic and environmental commitments.

OR-35

Powering Safety Indoors and Out

Last month I served on a panel at the Northwest Public Power Association Engineering and Operations Conference. I spoke about Tillamook PUD and our community, the various challenges and opportunities faced by electric utilities, and where the industry is heading. It was enlightening to learn about current practices other utilities use and valuable to share the strategies and approaches we implement at Tillamook PUD.

Safety emerged as a central theme as I connected with other utility professionals and participated in conference sessions. This emphasis aligns with the nature of our industry’s operations.

I frequently discuss the significance of safety and how we address it at Tillamook PUD through our Safety, Quality and Efficiency protocol. As safety remains our priority, and as we recognize National Electrical Safety Month, I would like to discuss important electrical safety considerations at home, on the road and outdoors.

As you know, the weather is somewhat unpredictable along the Oregon Coast. Our winter windstorms can be fierce. Occasionally, they cause trees and other flying debris to bring down power lines. Call 911 if you come across a downed power line, whether from a storm or a vehicle collision. Stay as far away as possible. If you are in a vehicle with a downed line on or near it, remain in the vehicle until utility crews confirm it is safe to get out. Never drive over a downed line. If you must exit because the vehicle is on fire, jump clear without touching the vehicle, land with your feet together, and hop away.

The current pleasant weather and longer days make it the perfect time to complete some much-needed outdoor projects. When working outside, watch for overhead and underground lines. Keep at least 10 feet from overhead power lines, and carry ladders or long tools horizontally to avoid getting caught in the lines.

If using electric tools outside, be sure to use outdoor outlets protected by ground fault circuit interrupters. Before you do any outdoor digging, call 811 to have underground utilities identified.

Electrical safety inside the home is just as important. Many of us have countless electrical devices plugged in each day. Take precautions to not overload outlets and circuits. Replace frayed or damaged cords, and do not overstretch them. When storms are approaching, unplug sensitive electronics to help prevent surge damage.

Contact a qualified electrician if you notice dimming lights, buzzing or sizzling, a warm-plastic smell, warm or scorched outlet plates, sparks or frequently tripped circuits. These could be signs of an electrical problem that should be addressed promptly.

Thank you for helping to keep safety top of mind in everything you do.

Sincerely,

General Manager Todd Simmons