News

Outdoor Fun: Enjoying the Outdoors in April

As the weather warms up, it’s time to get outdoors! Here are some tips from outdoor expert, Scott Linden about how to have outdoor fun in the spring time. Avoid the Crowds The first few weeks of fair weather bring out hordes of hikers, dog walkers and bike riders, They clog trails like so many ants. [...]The post Outdoor Fun: Enjoying the Outdoors in April appeared first...

Saving for Retirement During a Slow Economy

In the current economy, finding spare funds for retirement investing and savings may be a challenge, but it’s more important than ever to keep plugging away at that nest egg. “If anything, the financial downturn of the past few years has made investors recognize the importance of diligently saving for retirement,” says certified financial planner [...]The post Saving for Retirement During a Slow Economy appeared first on...

A Talent Revealed in Steel: A Master Engraver

It’s 2 a.m. and 71-year-old Robert Valade pecks away with hammer and chisel at the chrome cylinder of a Colt pistol. His often-shaking hands are now calm and steady as those of a surgeon. Joann, his wife of 49 years, has been in bed asleep for hours. As Robert completes the commissioned piece, he bows [...]The post A Talent Revealed in Steel: A Master Engraver appeared first on...

Celebrate Spring With Lamb

A traditional meal perfect for family and guests Spring is full of celebrations and rich traditions that bring the family around the table for special meals. Enjoy lamb’s mild, meaty flavor no matter the occasion. Garlic mint sauce drizzled on a savory leg of lamb makes an irresistible meal. Roasted fingerling potatoes and a fig [...]The post Celebrate Spring With Lamb appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

Finding Forever Homes

Susan Hess Classical music plays in the big airy room. In the adjoining office, a treadmill seems like an odd piece of employee exercise equipment for such a small place. Yet the dusty prints on the treadmill belt look very small. Then it sinks in—the treadmill and the classical music are for the dogs. The Hukari Animal Shelter sits at the end of a road lined...

Simple Electricity Experiments

Jennifer Brown Electricity is all around us. It keeps our food cool, the television on and powers our lives. But electricity can be seen in much simpler forms than in refrigerators and entertainment systems. Try these fun activities at home with your children. By incorporating such simple materials as batteries, wires and fruit, you can help them better understand the basics of how electricity works. Pepper...

Land Surfing in Arizona

Nancy Jorgensen Like many 14-year-olds, Doug Miles Jr. pined for a skateboard. His father, Douglas Sr., couldn’t afford to buy his son a fancy board, so he created one, painting it with edgy designs inspired by comic books, with an Apache twist. When other kids on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona saw his son's board, they took notice. The Apache Skateboards Team...

Everybody’s Favorites

Readers share their go-to recipes when it has to be a winner Nothing brings family together like food. So we asked our readers to tell us what recipes bring their families together. We asked for “everybody’s favorite” recipes, which could be featured in our Everybody’s Favorite Cookbook. The response was outstanding. We received submissions from [...]The post Everybody’s Favorites appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

Searching for Potential

Denise Porter Every Sunday, cup of coffee in hand, Neal Lemery and a few buddies sit at a table in a small canteen swapping stories. Sometimes they play guitar or a game of cards. Mostly they talk about their future goals, trips they would like to take, dreams. Other times, the conversation gets deeper and one of the buddies opens up about his childhood: his addict parents, the...

The Garden Buddy System

Kris Wetherbee Have you ever noticed how a vegetable can fail in one location, yet thrive in another? It could be the difference lies in the plant next door. Plant compatibility is the foundation of a gardening technique known as companion planting—a synergistic partnership that encourages plants to thrive and grow. Companion planting can benefit your garden in five ways: by providing nutrients, by protecting...

Gardening With a Higher Purpose

Elisabeth Kramer Paula Rice moves quickly. She has to. A mother of eight and the owner of BeeHaven Specialty Cut Flower Farm, Paula spends the day zipping around her family’s farm near Bonners Ferry. “I wake up at 5 a.m. and I don’t go to bed until 10 p.m. and I feel like it is nonstop,” Paula says. Estimating how much time...

Gluten-Free Goodness for Brunch

By Mike Teegarden Brunch turns an ordinary morning into a celebration of food, friends and fun. But the sweet breads, muffins and waffles often served can be problematic for those with gluten sensitivity. Many gluten-free options can bring plenty of flavor to your table. If you are looking for something sweet and savory, try Chicken and Sweet Potato Egg Nests. This recipe combines tender chicken and creamy mustard...

Home for the Winter

Bing Bingham Every year, around the first week of October, the Davis Shows Northwest carnival comes to Tygh Valley. It is a scheduled stop, but there is no show involved. Owner Pat Davis is tired after spending all summer on the road. He is looking forward to downtime, his home time. Pat is a third-generation carnival owner. In some locations, his carnival has played longer than this...

Grass-Fed Demands

By Lee Farren Duane Neiffer drives slowly through the gate and across the bumpy green pasture toward his cattle. One or two animals look up as he gets out of the truck, but most of the cows and calves keep grazing, unworried by his presence. Then Duane opens his mouth and calls, “Hey Boss!” The cows look up. The ones closest to him amble forward....

Electricity 101

By Jennifer Brown Most schoolchildren’s first introduction to electricity is the story of Ben Franklin and his kite experiment. For many people, that introductory lesson in electricity is where the education stops. Unless it is a job requirement, you may feel there is not much need to understand how electricity reaches your home. You know that if you flip a switch, the lights come on. You...

Making Strides With Coal

By Hailey Hawkins and Angela Perez Despite the recent green energy revolution and the explosion of natural gas drilling rigs across the American landscape, our nation’s primary fuel for producing electricity is coal—as it has been for more than a century. Electricity in the United States generated by coal fell from 42 percent in 2011 to 37.5 percent in 2012, largely because of low natural gas prices,...

Cats Vs. Dogs

By Chandra Orr Are you a dog person or a cat person? It’s a simple question, but your answer may say a lot about you, according to a recent study published in the journal Anthrozoös. A team of researchers at University of Texas, led by psychologist Sam Gosling, found that those who define themselves as “dog people” are more extroverted, more agreeable...

Family Taco Night With a Twist

By Mike Teegarden Taco night is a tradition for many. Why not jazz it up a bit by putting a taco twist on some other favorites to make an easy, fun meal the entire family will love? Whether it’s the crunch that brings them to the table, the spice of tacos or the ability to make their taco, their way, it’s the one dinner...

The Season’s Best

Celebrating the most-beloved toys of Christmases past and present In the classic holiday movie “A Christmas Story,” there is just one thing 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. It’s a time of Ovaltine and Little Orphan Annie, of kids walking to school and listening to the radio. In this world, [...]The post The Season’s Best appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

Five Ways to Light Up Your Holiday Season

By Kris Wetherbee The holidays are a great time to gather with family and friends, whether bonding over baking, sharing a meal or simply enjoying each other’s company. But the holidays are especially memorable when you get to experience a magical moment together. Here are several fun activities. Visit Holiday Houses Captiva Island Holiday Village. Fireworks, fire dancing, musical performances and parades are all...

Growing Vegetable Transplants From Seed

By Dennis Gilson With jolly old St. Nick preparing to make his annual reindeer ride, spring seems as far off as the leftover Thanksgiving turkey—even here in north Florida, where our warm spring weather often arrives early. Don’t let the calendar and cold conditions fool you. If you fancy growing late-winter and early-spring crops from seed in north or central Florida, now...

Happy Holiday Entertaining With Ham

By Mike Teegarden This holiday season, delight your guests with one of these holiday ham themes. For a memorable gourmet feast that has a Southwestern flair, start with the pepper jelly-glazed ham for the main entree and add the featured complementary side dishes to continue the Southwestern twist. If you would like to keep with a more traditional theme, the apricot-glazed ham served with a green bean casserole,...

Be Safe for the Holidays

Pam Blair Decorating for the holidays is a tradition filled with joy. But thousands of needless injuries and some deaths are caused by improperly used holiday decorations. Thanks to the use of heaters and fireplaces, most homes are drier during the winter. Combined with an increase in the amount of electricity used, the open flames from holiday candles and the general hustle and bustle that accompanies the holidays,...

Weathering the Storm

By Hailey Hawkins Natural disasters can leave plenty of damage in their wake, including downed power lines. Unfortunately, electrical safety hazards—many of them hidden—remain long after storms have passed. In some cases, more lives are lost after a storm than from the storm itself. “When you’re dealing with storm cleanup or flood-damaged property, the prospect of an electrical accident...

Not Your Average Survivor

Pam Blair When Ben Wade was selected to compete in the 18th season of “Survivor” in 2008, he had a specific strategy: He wanted to be the biggest character possible and he wanted to play the game differently. “I watched the game and realized they wanted to take the weakest to the end,” says Ben, who created a larger-than-life persona as an eccentric...

The Dark Days Before Electricity

Nancy Jorgensen Noel Curry remembers when electric lights first came to the farm in Oklahoma where he grew up. It was in the early 1940s, and he was about 9 years old. Until then, he struggled to complete his homework under the dim light of an oil lamp. “And teachers in those days believed in homework!” exclaims Noel, who now lives in southeastern Arizona with...

Lovin’ Turkey Leftovers

Buy a big Thanksgiving turkey this year because you will want plenty of leftovers to make these tasty post-holiday recipes. Be sure to make extra mashed potatoes for the yummy Turkey Casserole, too. From hearty salads to easy turnovers and a simple casserole, there are plenty of delicious ways to finish off turkey leftovers, and [...]The post Lovin’ Turkey Leftovers appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

Flying Outside the Lines

Elisabeth Kramer A half-mile off the end of Upper Priest Lake, an old-growth cedar grove harbors trees 1,000 years old. Some, now 10 feet in diameter, sprouted during the height of the Mayan Empire; others came later, as the Vikings hung up their sails. All shelter an oasis of ferns that grows parallel to a tan wasteland of typical Idaho scrub. It is here, beneath the...

Bonneville Power Turns 75

Elisabeth Kramer Three thousand men labored in back-to-back eight-hour shifts to build Bonneville Dam. They blew through millennia-old volcanic rock to clear enough space for the first dam in history capable of harnessing the potential of the Columbia River. Dangerous as the work was—one man died during construction—the project was welcome at the height of the Depression. So, too, was the promise of...

Making Windows More Efficent

James Dulley Q: Our house has original single-pane windows, and we always feel chilly near them. I got quotes on having them replaced, but I can’t afford it now. What can I do in the meantime to improve the efficiency of the old windows? A: I am not surprised you feel chilly near old single-pane windows on a cold day. They typically have huge...

How Much Do You Know About Our Presidents?

By Hailey Hawkins Questions 1. Which president is considered the father of the U. S. Constitution? John Adams James Madison Thomas Jefferson John Quincy Adams 2. Who was the only president to pay off the national debt of the United States? Andrew Jackson William Taft Franklin Roosevelt Bill Clinton 3. Which president was the first to donate his salary to charity while in office? Herbert Hoover John Kennedy ...

Fighting Cancer is A Team Effort

By Craig Reed Marla Charon-Ekstrom’s goal is to be an inspiration to those who are dealing with cancer. She knows firsthand about the trauma involved when stricken with the deadly disease. She was diagnosed with breast cancer January 29, 2008, or as she recalls it, “a day in infamy.” She had surgery to remove her breasts and ovaries three months later. Marla has been undergoing...

Break Festive Breads With Friends

By Mike Teegarden With autumn here and holiday celebrations approaching, it is an inspiring time to begin baking. Scrumptious combinations of fruit, nuts and spices in this collection of bread recipes are sure to please the palate and tantalize the senses. Bake a loaf or two and invite someone to share the bread and a cup of tea or coffee while you enjoy a relaxed visit as the...

Stress-Free School- and Sport-Night Suppers

By Mike Teegarden The busy school year means dinner planning often gets pushed aside. Moms and dads alike may find themselves opting for the drive-through instead of the dinner table. But that’s not the only option.

American Romance

By Hailey Hawkins 1941 Dodge “This pickup has been in the Mortenson family since 1941, when Grandpa sold his hogs and bought it for $900,” says owner Paul Mortenson of Philomath, Oregon. “It was used heavily on the family farm at Mosier, Oregon, until 1969, when Grandpa died. Then it was passed down to my dad. He kept it on the farm, but retired it in the early 197...

Empowering Consumers

By Elisabeth Kramer Last winter, Doug Buchanan got a message from his utility that his electricity use was higher than normal. The usual suspects—broken thermostat, long showers, extra laundry—were not to blame. “Nothing was out of the ordinary,” he recalls. Eventually, Doug crawled under his home and discovered a broken hot water pipe. “Had I not...

Family Recipes Around the Campfire

By Mike Teegarden When large families get together for camping, putting together creative meals can be a fun challenge. The outdoor experiences, along with the food, are often remembered for months afterward. In fact, it can become a contest for family cooks to come up with something to top their presentation from the year before. Assign each family a meal to prepare for the whole gang. Then everyone...

A Powerful Delivery

Story and photos by Mike Teegarden As the sun fights through a light haze, the M/V Cavek fires up its three Caterpillar diesel engines and points the bow of its barge toward the Pacific Ocean. It is headed to meet the Russian tanker T/V Orestina three miles off the coast of Bristol Bay, where it will take on more than 300,000 gallons of diesel fuel. The fuel...

Hot Water Can Heat Your House

James Dulley Q: We have an old, inefficient electric resistance furnace. I hear there are new types of heat pumps that use a big water tank and don’t need backup heat. How do these systems work, and are they efficient? A: Although electric resistance heating can be relatively expensive to operate, it is 100 percent efficient—that means all of the electricity you pay for...

Blocking Heat Keeps Rooms Cool

By James Dulley Q: Although I think my house is adequately insulated, my air conditioner runs a lot. On sunny days, the bedroom ceiling seems hot, so I assume heat is coming from the hot roof. How can I reduce this heat flow? A: Adequate attic insulation is only one aspect of keeping your house cool and reducing your air-conditioning costs. By "insulation," most people mean thermal...

To Remodel or Not to Remodel

John Bruce and Craig Reed Americans are staying put. A down economy is driving most people to hunker down in their homes instead of moving. Many wonder whether to finish that attic or replace the front door as they try to wait out hard times. Only 10 percent of the public feels now is the time to sell their home, according to Fannie Mae’s National Housing...

Get Your Grill On

By Mike Teegarden Backyard chefs, get ready to fire up your grill and cook up some flavor. Whether you are cooking just for the family or for all the neighbors, make sure you have plenty of great recipes and grilling know-how. Grilling Tips Let cooked meat rest for several minutes before slicing or serving. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, which keeps it nice and moist. ...

At a Crossroads

Curtis Condon Residents of Deadwood, Oregon, gather outside their post office to rally in support of it. They cluster in tight knots of humanity not only to brace against the weather, but also as a show of solidarity. They are joined by people from nearby Swisshome, Yachats and other far-flung towns who believe in their cause. Many of them face the same uncertain future. Temperatures are frigid and...

Be Safe, Not Sorry

By Hailey Hawkins The use of electricity continues to grow. At the same time, many electrical systems are more than 20 years old, often presenting wiring hazards that are both a major cause of electrocutions and home fires, killing hundreds and injuring thousands of people each year. Misuse of surge suppressors, power strips and extension cords also threatens users with electrocution or fire. Contact with power lines...

Clean AC Coils Lead to Higher Efficiency

James Dulley Q: I want my old air conditioner to run as efficiently as possible. If my cooling costs are still too high, I may replace it. What can I do to tune it up myself? A: It is wise to make sure your existing central air conditioner runs as efficiently as possible to reduce your electric bills. Because actual cooling costs depend on weather...

Lobbying for Your Interests

By Jennifer Brown Lobbyists. This single word can evoke black-and-white images of shifty-eyed businessmen in suits, making shady deals in exchange for their own personal gain. But lobbying—the process of meeting with legislators to inform them about positions on important issues—is not only a sophisticated process, it benefits members of electric cooperatives. “My job is to stay in touch with state and...

Fabulous Fish Made Easy

By Mike Teegarden Fish can be both a delicious and nutritious meal, but one from which home chefs often shy away. "Cooking fish is easy once you know a few tricks," says Carla Hall, who was voted season eight all-stars fan favorite on Bravo’s "Top Chef." "A lot of people have fish fears, which is unfortunate because it’s a healthy addition to any diet."

Do-It-Yourself Outdoor Lighting

James Dulley Q: I need efficient outdoor lighting by my deck and landscaping. Are low-voltage lights efficient, and what types are best? A: The big advantage of low-voltage lighting is you can install it yourself. There is a huge variety of styles and accessories available at nearly every home center and hardware store. Another advantage is safety using metal garden tools. Many gardeners accidentally cut...

Power Supply Puzzle

Mike Federman In the old days—pre-October 2011—public utilities in the Northwest bought most or all of their wholesale electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration. There were fluctuations in products based on a utility’s specific needs, but for most consumers, the federal hydro system was a reliable source of low-cost power. The good news is the hydro system is still a reliable...

Attention-Grabbing Gadgets

Mike Teegarden If you spend too much time on your couch surfing the net or watching TV, you might not be aware of some of the latest in technology that automates tasks around your home, which, well, might help you spend more time relaxing on your couch. From keeping your home comfortable and cooking quick meals to harnessing the power of the sun and fostering the next crop...

A Powerful Protein

The right cuts of lean beef are a healthy addition to your meals Linda Hicks of the Plumas-Sierra Cattlewomen’s Association in Northern California is a believer in the health benefits of beef. We believe quality beef begins wit ” h quality care, which is why we work hard to keep our animals healthy, safe and [...]The post A Powerful Protein appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

Nourishing Noshes

By Mike Teegarden Snacking is something just about everyone indulges in. Whether it is to calm cravings between meals or for a quick boost of afternoon energy, it is easy to reach for whatever is handy. That can lead to some less than ideal choices, but it doesn’t have to be that way with this assortment of snack recipes.

In-Home IQ Expands

By Megan McKoy-Noe Does your refrigerator have Wi-Fi or a door with a view? Select dishwashers self-dispense detergent and clean based on the number of dishes. And you might be surprised to learn some ovens double as refrigerators. Leave dinner in the oven in the morning, then send a text message for the oven to switch from cooling to cooking mode. “When it comes to appliances in...

Leaders of Tomorrow

By Mike Federman Whoever coined the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” must have been talking about a public electric utility. Nowhere is that phrase more appropriate than in how local utilities participate in educating young people in the communities they serve and giving them opportunities to succeed they might not otherwise have access to. Utilities provide scholarships, offer job shadows, support FFA...

Nothing Says Love Like Chocolate and Cherries

By Mike Teegarden Savor the pleasure on Valentine’s Day with recipes that are sure to please. From updated classics to a gluten-free delight, these delicious creations are the perfect choice for your Valentine. There is no denying that when love is the secret ingredient, your baking will be the best. In addition to what comes from the heart, home bakers add special touches to their recipes,...

Avoid Air Invasions

By Magen Howard We all know the symptoms of a house that is leaking air. Drafty halls in winter lead to rooms that suffocate in summer. Then there is the most uncomfortable pain of all: high electric bills. Talk to an energy-efficiency expert from your local electric utility, and one of the first things he or she will do is ask about insulation in your house. What type...

Maintaining Your Budget and Waistline

By Mike Teegarden By cooking at home, you can manage your budget and, more importantly, your health and the health of your family. By carefully choosing nutritious ingredients, you can help reduce the risk for heart disease and obesity while still enjoying satisfying and delicious meals. Making good food choices will benefit you and your family for years to come.

The Faces of Electric Cooperatives

By Kalie Eyman Every October, cooperatives across the country from a variety of industries celebrate cooperative month. 2012 will mark the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives. With this yearlong campaign, the United Nations hopes to increase public awareness about cooperatives and their contribution to socioeconomic development, and to encourage the support and growth of cooperatives. The International Cooperative Alliance and the United Nations strive to promote and celebrate...

Calling All Ages

By Kalie Eyman When Darlene McLeod started working for West Oregon Electric Cooperative 27 years ago, the focus of her job was much different than it is today. Despite the typical changes throughout the years, she says she still enjoys providing the best to members. The types of members involved in the co-op have different needs, and Darlene loves taking on new challenges. But providing the best to the...

The Electric Future

By Kalie Eyman Long gone are the days when car electricity came from a lead-acid battery and the only device plugged in the garage outlet was a power tool. Electric hybrid technology has come a long way in the past couple of years, and major automobile companies have caught on. The Toyota Prius has been a staple for the hybrid car movement, but the recent development by several...

A New Way of Buying Power

By Pam Blair Buying power from the Bonneville Power Administration will get more complicated for your electric utility on October 1, when BPA’s new rate design kicks in. It also will get more expensive. Costs are going up to pay for operations and maintenance. BPA’s new rate design also will differentiate between power generated from the federal system and supplemental purchases. Electricity from the network...

Making Energy More Affordable

By Pam Blair Customers in rural parts of Alaska pay three to five times more for electricity than customers in the state’s more urban areas. Other expenses are higher, too. To ensure the availability of reliable centralized power, the state’s Power Cost Equalization program pays a part of the electricity costs of qualifying customers in rural areas. The program also protects the viability of...

Something for Everyone

By Mike Teegarden Impress guests of all generations this Thanksgiving by incorporating classic, favorite dishes infused with contemporary flavors. To make the holiday relaxed, start planning and shopping for the meal in advance. Ask guests to contribute side dishes to the meal. This saves both time and money, allowing everyone to contribute to the holiday celebration.

Kitchen Encore

Leftovers can become the family cook’s best friend No matter how much you plan, there are inevitably leftovers. When it comes to leftovers, most of us reheat and eat or leave them to linger in the fridge until their edibility expires. It is time to take on a new strategy by using leftovers as fast [...]The post Kitchen Encore appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

More Work Ahead

By Mike Federman A federal judge’s ruling in August on endangered fish was disappointing for public power utilities in the Northwest, but not an outright rejection of the federal biological opinion—the blueprint for salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin. U.S. District Court Judge James Redden accepted the basic structure of the BiOp through 2013, but requested more specific information on salmon habitat restoration...

Let Breakfast Do the Work

Skipping breakfast in an attempt to get a jump on the day could mean you are missing out on a string of health benefits, including an easy way to help manage body weight. Give your body the fuel it needs for a productive day with a nutritious breakfast. Studies show that kids who eat a [...]The post Let Breakfast Do the Work appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

From the Summer Garden to Your Dinner Plate

By Mike Teegarden Think back to those past summer days, and then warm memories flood in of a bountiful summer garden. That rich, earthy aroma of soil and vegetation is deeply embedded in many people’s thoughts of summer meals. All members of the family participate in one way or another—preparing the ground, planting, nurturing or harvesting. Bonds were formed while getting good wholesome exercise...

Managing Power Costs

By Magen Howard After two years of declines, the price tag for building power plants and buying utility equipment has begun to climb again—and an improving world economy and hikes in costs for skilled labor, fuel and raw materials are driving expenses up. These higher prices likely will affect your electric bill over the long term. Electric utilities have an obligation to keep the lights on...

Let’s Wrap & Roll

Why settle for a ho hum sandwich? Take it to the next level with fast and easy-to-make wraps, rolls and specialty sandwiches. From casual meals to creative cuisine, they are down-home delicious. These handheld creations are just the thing for when you have to eat on the go. There are a variety of flavored tortillas, [...]The post Let’s Wrap & Roll appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

A Windy Dilemma

By Pam Blair Imagine adding a 350-home subdivision to a 2,800-member rural electric cooperative service area that went 10 years with no new homes, and rarely adds more than a couple a year. That essentially is what faces Jerry Healy, manager of Columbia Basin Electric Cooperative, based in Heppner, Oregon. But instead of houses, wind turbines are moving into the neighborhood. Healy already has five wind projects in his...

Juice Up Your Meals

By Mike Teegarden Pure orange juice is one of the healthiest beverages available, but did you know it stretches beyond the breakfast table to bring citrus-sweet flavor to many ethnic dishes? Citrus plays an important role in cuisine hailing from many parts of the world. "Pure Florida orange juice is my convenient secret to achieving citrus taste in many international dishes, says Scott Uehlein, corporate chef of the...

Maintaining a Safe Home

Compiled by Pam Blair Each May, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) sponsors National Electrical Safety Month to increase public awareness of electrical hazards around us. Check the following areas: The Heart of the Home The kitchen is where families gather to cook favorite recipes, share meals and reconnect. It also is where two-thirds of home fires start. Keep your stove, oven and exhaust hood clean. Keep the...

Stressless Entertaining

By Mike Teegarden Tailgating parties, potluck dinners and barbecues can fill up entertaining calendars more quickly than ice melts on a hot day. Often the pains of entertaining, even for a simple get-together, can make hosts sweat the details. Entertaining expert Cathy Riva, founder of Manhattan-based Riva Events, highlights recipes that provide wholesome nutritional content and are easy to make, such as using fruits and vegetables with a...

Quick and Easy, Make it Cheesy

Processed cheese adds golden touch to flavorful casseroles Family dinners around the table, sharing their days at dinnertime can be a struggle in the busy spring. Between tighter budgets and busy schedules, that scene sometimes feels more daydream than reality. Making mealtime manageable for the average American family is what casseroles bring to the table. [...]The post Quick and Easy, Make it Cheesy appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

Wholesome, Delicious Meals in a Snap

Courtesy of Ragu Putting wholesome food on the table that your family will enjoy doesn’t have to take hours to prepare. Here are some simple recipes and tips on how to add more flavor and nutrition to your meals, making meal prep stress-free and fun for the family. Keep your pantry stocked and plan ahead. [...]The post Wholesome, Delicious Meals in a Snap appeared first on Ruralite...

Heat Pump Water Heaters

By Alice Clamp and Pam Blair Cold showers aren’t a pleasant way to start the day. Hot water plays a big role in cooking and cleaning, too. As a result, water heating has become the second-largest user of energy in an average home, accounting for about 20 percent of residential energy consumption. To save energy, consumers have wrapped water heaters in blankets or hot water pipes in...

Living Out Its Commitment

By Pam Blair Commitment to community is more than rhetoric for public utilities. It defines who they are, and is evidence of how they are different from other types of businesses. Below are a few ways they and their employees add value beyond providing electricity to the communities served. Big Bend Electric Cooperative, Ritzville, Washington—Employees and family members participated in seven community parades and are involved...

Space Heating: An Eye Toward Safety and Efficiency

By Pam Blair An electric space heater can be an excellent source of supplemental heat for your home, increasing your comfort during cold months—especially in chilly garages, basements, workshops and other areas that may not have central heating. But don’t blindly accept some manufacturers’ claims that they can significantly cut a home’s heating bill. Understand the advantages as well as the...

Save Energy With Layered Bathroom Lighting

By James Dulley People don’t often think about lighting and energy efficiency when remodeling bathrooms, but it is as important as installing proper plumbing fixtures. If the lighting in your bathrooms is like most older bathrooms, it consists of an overhead light, perhaps built into a vent fan, if there is no window. If there is a window in the bathroom, few builders went to the...

Bright Idea Still Glows

Moving Toward ‘Green’

Today, more than 80 percent of our nation’s 900-plus co-ops and other publicly-owned electric utilities provide electricity produced by green power sources. By tapping resources such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and biomass—including landfill gas, livestock waste, timber byproducts and crop residue—electric co-ops nationally get 11 percent of their power requirements from renewable sources, compared [...]The post Moving Toward ‘Green’ appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

A Home Buyer’s Guide

When designing and building a new home, attention to energy-efficiency details matter. Good decisions will reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, adding up to decreased utility bills and increased comfort. More than 1 million homes in the United States have been built to Energy Star standards since the program began labeling homes in 1995. [...]The post A Home Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Ruralite Magazine.

A Clear View On Windows

The best windows improve a home's energy efficiency and its comfort Windows provide ventilation, light and warmth, but also can drive up your electric bill. Efficient windows can reduce heating, cooling and even lighting costs, while improving overall comfort. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the best window glazings today insulate almost four times as well as the best commonly available windows 20 years ago. In...

Senate Climate Bills Seek Cleaner Future

Despite different pathways, proposals claim emissions can be significantly reduced In a contentious midterm election year, U.S. senators are debating climate legislation on many fronts. Political pundits joining the fray have predicted Senate legislation could be approved anytime from this summer to long after the election is over. For several months, Sens. John Kerry, Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham—a Democrat, Independent and Republican, respectively&mdash...

Rights of Way Are Not Roadways

By Mike Federman Imagine going to work and finding your workspace cluttered with debris: stacks of other people’s paper, office furniture blocking your computer, heavy industrial bins jammed in front of your power tools or farm equipment, electronics broken and in need of repair. Before you can begin the workday, you have to rearrange everything and make repairs, possibly causing injury in the process, but certainly...

Pack Up Energy Savings

When taking a vacation, do you think about giving your meter a break, too? It’s easy to forget about conserving electricity when you and your family pack up the car to head off on vacation or a lengthy trip. But if you don’t think about it before you leave, you could face an unpleasant—even irritating—surprise when you return. While it...

May 23rd - It's National EMS Appreciation Week. Thank emergency personnel for the outstanding job they do & the sacrifices they make on a daily basis.
May 23rd - The WOEC office will be closed Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. If you experience an outage please call 503-429-3021.
May 21st - Our WOEC May board meeting was moved to Tuesday, May 28th at 7:00 pm.