Ruralite

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2026 at 10:23 a.m.

Oregon Forces BPA Rate Hike on Electric Co-op Members

Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA) members visited with Representative Val Hoyle, third from left, and her staff. The group led a discussion about the work cooperatives have done in Congressional District 4 to reduce wildfire risk and the importance of the FEMA Reform Act of 2025. Photo courtesy of Representative Hoyle’s Office

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2026 at 10:23 a.m.

Speaking Truth to Power

Hydroelectric dams in the Northwest

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2026 at 10:23 a.m.

Why Is Governor Kotek Making Our Electricity More Expensive & Less Reliable?

Wasco Electric Cooperative leaders spent a day at the Oregon Capitol, lobbying legislators during the 2026 Oregon Legislative Assembly. From left are General Manager Lindsay Forepaugh, Manager of Business Services Traci Brock, and Directors Ron Holmes and Stacey Eakin. Photo by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2026 at 10:23 a.m.

Soaring Leadership

Senator Kathleen Taylor and Representative Court Boice have found common ground despite different backgrounds and drastically different constituencies. Photo by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2026 at 10:23 a.m.

Miles Apart, Working Together: Oregon Lawmakers Bridge the Divide

Hydroelectric dams in the Northwest

Inside Ruralite

November 30, 2025 at 10:23 a.m.

Now Is the Time To Talk, Not Fight, Over Northwest Hydropower

Midstate Electric Cooperative CEO Jim Anderson, far left, outlines the benefits of the Fix Our Forests Act to Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, far right, during the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association 2025 Legislative Conference. Photo courtesy of ORECA

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2025 at 10:23 a.m.

The Fix Is In

8 Oregon electric cooperatives participated in the 2025 Oregon Empowers project: Wasco, Douglas, Blachly-Lane, Harney, Hood River, Coos-Curry, Salem, and Oregon Trail. They were joined by lineworkers from Wyoming electric co-ops, Carbon Power, and Powder River Energy. Their joint effort reflects the heart of the cooperative difference—people working together to improve lives, 1 connection at a time. Photos by Mike Teegarden

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2025 at 10:23 a.m.

Bringing Light to Remote Guatemala

Van Meter addressed attendees at the 2023 ORECA annual meeting. Photo by Mike Teegarden

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

Looking for Ways To Serve

John Hewa, CEO of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative in Virginia, discussed the importance of utility infrastructure to support the wave of electric vehicles. Photo by Ted Case

Inside Ruralite

August 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

Scenes From ORECA’s Summer

Cooperative leaders meet with Senator Floyd Prozanski to discuss wildfire legislation. From left are Michael Collins, Wasco Electric; Dean Livelybrooks, Lane Electric; Brooks; and Prozanski. Photo by Dave Markham

Inside Ruralite

August 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

2025 Legislative Assembly Recap

A lineworker from Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative hangs a weather station on a power pole. The weather stations are solar-powered and can communicate when the system is de-energized. Photo by Will Clay

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

Doing More Than Ever

Legislative Assembly

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

Update From the 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly

Emerson Levy, left, and Bobby Levy—the Capitol’s so-called “Levy ladies”—have found common ground working together on proposals that benefit their Central and Eastern Oregon constituents. Photo by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

Sharing More Than a Last Name

The Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association managers panel remains a crowd favorite during each annual meeting, as Oregon cooperative leaders describe some of the opportunities and challenges of running a distribution system in uncertain times. The 2023 panel was, from left, moderator Billi Kohler (West Oregon), Andy Fletcher (Columbia Basin), Lisa Atkin (Columbia Power), Jeff Jones (Blachly Lane) and Brad Wilson (Central Electric).

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

Leading the Charge

Representative John Lively, left, and Representative Mark Owens discussed the prospects for energy legislation at ORECA’s December annual meeting in Salem. Photo by Mike Teegarden

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

Remembering His Roots

Inside Ruralite

January 17, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

ORECA Weighs In on Snake River Dam Debate With U.S. Department of Energy & Governor Kotek

CEO Lisa Atkin confers with Brad Wilson, CEO of Central Electric, before the Annual Meeting.

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

Columbia Power Holds 74th Annual Meeting

Salem Electric Director Joe Van Meter was elected as ORECA board president after serving 2 years as vice president. Also elected to the ORECA executive committee are Ron Holmes, Wasco, vice president; Shirley Cairns, Douglas, secretary-treasurer, at large; Russ Sapp, CPI and Pete Radabaugh, Coos Curry. Fred Flippence will serve as immediate past president.

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2024 at 10:23 a.m.

Scenes From ORECA’s 81st Annual Meeting Oregon’s Electric Cooperatives: “Leading the Charge”

Representative Val Hoyle—pictured on the House floor—has focused on her district during a tumultuous session of Congress. Photo by Ike Hayman

Inside Ruralite

December 1, 2023 at 10:23 a.m.

Getting Stuff Done

As a 1st year member of Congress, Lori Chavez-DeRemer serves on several key committees, including the House Agriculture Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Photo by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2023 at 5:19 a.m.

In the Middle of It All

Fred Flippence, general manager of Harney Electric Cooperative, dealt with a substation attack on his first day on the job in 2016. Photo by Jason Hill

Inside Ruralite

August 1, 2023 at 5:30 a.m.

State Legislatures Get Tough on Substation Attacks

2 utility lineworkers climbing power poles to maintain overhead electrical lines in a rural landscape.

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2023 at 5:44 a.m.

The Language of Electricity

Power lines running through a dense evergreen forest beneath a blue sky with distant tree-covered hills.

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2023 at 9:06 a.m.

An Environment of Trust

Today, villagers from Dos Cruces live without running water, refrigeration or the use of electronic appliances. Photo by Studio1441

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2023 at 9:19 a.m.

Paying It Forward

Jack Jewell, left, and Garrett Warner arrived on an accident scene in time to rescue a California driver and her dog. Photo courtesy of Columbia Power Cooperative

Inside Ruralite

December 1, 2022 at 9:27 a.m.

Community First

Lane Electric Cooperative’s board is making history during a tumultuous time in the industry. Photo by Jamie Leiblein

Inside Ruralite

November 1, 2022 at 9:36 a.m.

A Lane of Their Own

Hydroelectric dam illuminated at night with reflections on the river and a crescent moon in the sky.

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2022 at 9:46 a.m.

Power Players

Goksel Dedeoglu, Brain4Drone’s chief technology officer, flies a drone over a power line on Grizzly Mountain. Photo by Brent Ten Pas

Inside Ruralite

September 1, 2022 at 9:58 a.m.

Using All the Tools

Oregon’s Youth Tour delegates took in many sites around the nation’s capital, including the National Mall, visiting the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, which is set against the Tidal Basin. The Washington Monument rises in the background. Photo by Any Callan

Inside Ruralite

August 1, 2022 at 10:09 a.m.

Oregon Co-Cops Send Youth to D.C.

Terry Adams, owner of Barron’s Home Furnishings in Brookings, educates his team on new technologies to better serve customers. The company was the first to receive service from Beacon Broadband. Photos by Kelsey Bozeman

Inside Ruralite

July 1, 2022 at 10:20 a.m.

Bringing High-Speed Fiber Where No One Else Will Go

Oregon electric cooperative representatives assemble in front of the Capitol during the NRECA Legislative Conference. From left are Shirley Cairns, J. Ingrid Kessler, Fred Flippence and Britni Davidson. Photo by Ted Case

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2022 at 10:50 a.m.

Heard on Capitol Hill

A climate-change advocate, Alessia Shapovalova from Kyiv, Ukraine, relished the beauty of Oregon’s landscape during her 2018 visit. “I hope the leaders of my country will be as progressive as yours,” she said. Photo by Robert Chandler

Inside Ruralite

May 1, 2022 at 11:06 a.m.

From the Cooperative to Kyiv

Crews from Hood River Electric & Internet Cooperative hang fiber along Highway 35 in Pine Grove. Photo by Libby Calnon

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2022 at 1:57 a.m.

Making a Name

Lea Hoover, senior manager of administration at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative, poses with a cardboard cutout of Dolly Parton outside cooperative headquarters in Baker City, Oregon.

Inside Ruralite

March 1, 2022 at 2:04 a.m.

What a Way To Make a Difference

Freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall made power restoration difficult for Consumers Power and mutual aid crews. Photo by Todd Bastian

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2022 at 2:24 a.m.

Winter Wallop

To promote electric vehicles in its service area and benefit co-op members, Lane Electric Cooperative is giving members a firsthand EV experience with the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. Photo by Maggie Murray Creative

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2022 at 2:33 a.m.

Getting in the Driver’s Seat of the Electric Vehicle Revolution

State Representative David Brock Smith received ORECA’s prestigious Cooperator of the Year Award from Coos Curry Electric CEO Brent Bischoff for his work enacting broadband easement legislation (HB 2654) in the Oregon Legislature. From left are Coos-Curry Directors Pete Radabaugh, Daryl Robison and Georgia Cockerham, Brock Smith, Bischoff and Director Jim Kolen. State Representative Pam Marsh also received the award, but was unable to attend the meeting. Photos by Mike Teegarden

Inside Ruralite

December 1, 2021 at 2:50 a.m.

ORECA’s 79th Annual Meeting

3 Douglas Electric Cooperative linemen responded to an emergency outside their normal scope of duties in August. The men helped contain a residential fire they spotted on their way to the cooperative’s work yard. From left are Jason George, Nathan Robbins, and Ty Olds.

Inside Ruralite

November 1, 2021 at 3:01 a.m.

Linemen to the Rescue

Senator Ron Wyden’s legislation could help Consumers Power Inc., which has plans to underground a large number of power poles in high-risk wildfire areas in Santiam Canyon. Photo by Ted Case

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2021 at 3:09 a.m.

Investing in a Safer Grid

“It’s not often a community gets to rebuild itself from the ground up,” Gillen said about the town of Detroit. Photo by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

September 1, 2021 at 3:17 a.m.

A Comeback in the Canyon

The Snake River dams

Inside Ruralite

August 1, 2021 at 3:26 a.m.

Clutch Performers

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt tour the Bonneville Dam facilities in 1937. Roosevelt promised to bring hydroelectric power to the Pacific Northwest when he first campaigned for president in 1932. Photos courtesy of the National Parks Service

Inside Ruralite

July 1, 2021 at 3:40 a.m.

When the Roosevelts Visited Oregon

Mark Owens speaking with another representative at a meeting

Inside Ruralite

May 1, 2021 at 4:08 a.m.

In the Conversation

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2021 at 11:22 p.m.

State of Oregon’s Decision Undermines Regional Collaboration

Battle-tested Lane Electric crews

Inside Ruralite

March 1, 2021 at 11:41 p.m.

Hammered by Ice— but Not Isolated

Senators Lynn Findlay (R Vale), left, and Lee Beyer (D-Springfield) are chief sponsors of broadband easement legislation. Photo by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2021 at 11:56 p.m.

A Cost-Effective Way To Bridge the Digital Divide

The Coos-Curry Board of Directors and staff kicked off Beacon Broadband on December

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2021 at 12:06 a.m.

A Beacon of Light— & High-Speed Internet

Consumers Power Inc. in Oregon recently dealt with multiple extreme fires that devastated the utility’s service area, resulting in evacuations. Photo Courtesy of Consumers Power Inc

Inside Ruralite

December 1, 2020 at 3:47 a.m.

Getting Ahead of the Blaze

A group of federal, state, and county leaders met in Lyons to hear Consumers Power CEO Roman Gillen

Inside Ruralite

November 1, 2020 at 4:05 a.m.

‘A Long, Difficult Road’

The staggering fire damage in Detroit, where preliminary numbers suggest 75% to 80% of structures are destroyed. Photo by Thomas Elzinga

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2020 at 4:33 a.m.

Misery & Miracles

Governor Kate Brown

Inside Ruralite

September 1, 2020 at 4:40 a.m.

Utility Leaders: Dams Help Protect Most Vulnerable Oregonians

View from inside a tractor, looking at the field.

Inside Ruralite

August 1, 2020 at 1:25 a.m.

OTEC Uses Virtual Reality To Bring Eastern Oregon to the World

Sunriver Glass employees install protective barriers in the Midstate Electric Cooperative office in La Pine.

Inside Ruralite

July 1, 2020 at 1:34 a.m.

Back to Business — but Never Shutting Down

A man standing behind a podium in front of the American flag. Salem Electric, An Electric Cooperative. Affordable energy. Salem Electric is a not-for-profit electric cooperative. Electricity is brought to members at cost and any excess revenue is shared back with the people we serve in the form of capital credits. Salem Electric has returned over 30 million dollars in capital credits to members and former members. Salem Electric Goals. Reliable service, good customer relations, good employee relations, financial integrity, low rates. Community Focused. Salem Electric is committed to the communities we serve by providing

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2020 at 1:47 a.m.

Meeting the Moment

Salem Electric employees practice social distancing while serving their members. Photo by Michelle Adkins

Inside Ruralite

May 1, 2020 at 12:43 a.m.

3 Days of the Coronavirus

Ice Harbor Dam is one of the Snake River dams integral to clean, renewable and reliable Pacific Northwest power supply.

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2020 at 12:41 a.m.

The Preferred Approach: No Dam Breaching

Dave Markham, right, was the only electric cooperative representative on a panel that included members of academia and the CEO of Pacific Gas & Electric. Photo courtesy of The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2020 at 12:41 a.m.

Anatomy of a Hearing: The Power of a Single Pole

Bob Durham, left, greets D-Day veteran Ben Asquith at the 2019 Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association annual meeting. Photo by Mike Teegarden.

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2020 at 12:38 a.m.

Working Hard for Wasco—& ORECA

Illustration of a hydroelectric dam generating electricity in a mountainous landscape.

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2020 at 12:37 a.m.

Where Does Your Power Come From?

Mother standing in the doorway of a rural home with 2 smiling children.

Inside Ruralite, Oregon Empowers

January 1, 2020 at 12:36 a.m.

ORECA’s Guatemala Project

New Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association President Bob Durham, left, thanks Ben Asquith of Dayton, Oregon, for his service on D-Day. Asquith was an honored guest at ORECA’s annual meeting in November. Photos by Mike Teegarden

Inside Ruralite

December 1, 2019 at 12:35 a.m.

A Wave of Oregon Electric Leaders

California’s 2018 Camp Fire burned at rate of a football field every second.

Inside Ruralite

November 1, 2019 at 12:34 a.m.

Getting Ahead of the Blaze

Bev Clarno is surrounded by her husband, Ray, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at her swearing-in ceremony.

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2019 at 12:33 a.m.

Thinking Big, Staying Local

Salem Electric General Manager Tony Schacher, Tom Tomczyk and Energy Analyst Marcos Huerta

Inside Ruralite

September 1, 2019 at 12:33 a.m.

Bringing Solar to Salem

Oregon Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps discussed disaster planning for events such as the Cascadia Earthquake. Photos by Brent ten Pas

Inside Ruralite

August 1, 2019 at 12:32 a.m.

A Little Bit of Everything

Lane Electric Cooperative Manager Debi Wilson, left, and Douglas Electric Cooperative Manager Keith Brooks may be forced to make some difficult decisions for their co-ops if the RURAL Act fails to pass. Photo by Andrew Barter

Inside Ruralite

July 1, 2019 at 12:30 a.m.

The Rural Act to the Rescue

cooperative leaders standing in front of the U.S. Capitol building

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2019 at 12:29 a.m.

Masters of Disaster

transmission lines

Inside Ruralite

May 1, 2019 at 5:02 a.m.

May Is Electrical Safety Month

Wells Rural Electric Co. Foreman Jacob Manning, right, tailgates with Apprentice Lineman Joey Payne, left, and Journeyman Lineman Chris Duffy prior to changing out an insulator on an energized line. Photos by Layla Welsh

Inside Ruralite

May 1, 2019 at 4:28 a.m.

An Initiative To Work Safely

Oregon electric cooperative leaders assemble on the Capitol steps during ORECA Legislative Day.Oregon electric cooperative leaders assemble on the Capitol steps during ORECA Legislative Day.

Inside Ruralite

May 1, 2019 at 4:06 a.m.

ORECA Legislative Day 2019

Structures with both transmission and distribution lines were brought down during the late February storm. Photo by Matt Yates

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2019 at 5:11 a.m.

“I’m Not Upset With the Power Company. They’re Heroes.”

Representatives Karin Power and David Brock Smith confer during a meeting of the Joint Committee on Carbon Reduction. Photos by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

March 1, 2019 at 5:43 a.m.

A Local Perspective on Carbon Legislation

A lineman and local villager work on the Energy Trails Electrification Project in Guatemala

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2019 at 5:53 a.m.

Lighting Up Latin America

Oregon State Senators Cliff Bentz and Michael Dembrow at ORECA’s annual meeting

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2019 at 6:06 a.m.

Defending Our Members: The Miracle of Electric Cooperatives

Salem, Oregon Capitol building in the evening

Inside Ruralite

December 1, 2018 at 10:38 a.m.

The 2018 Election & Oregon’s Electric Cooperatives

A tree is engulfed in flames while 2 people look on.

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2018 at 11:35 p.m.

A Summer of Fire

Federal biologists have challenged the notion that breaching Snake River Dams—including Ice Harbor, shown above—is a panacea for the southern resident killer whales. Photo courtesy of the Bonneville Power Administration

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2018 at 11:11 a.m.

Setting the Facts Straight on Salmon, Orcas & Dams

Tina Kotek and Peter Courtney

Inside Ruralite

September 1, 2018 at 11:48 p.m.

Fires in Wasco & Sherman Counties, Summer 2018

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai shaking hands with Columbia Basin Electric Cooperative’s Tommy Wolff

Inside Ruralite

August 1, 2018 at 12:09 a.m.

‘We Proved Them Wrong Once Before’

Oregon Governor Kate Brown has issued an executive order calling for at least 50,000 electric vehicles by 2020. However, her program to spill water over the dams will far exceed the carbon reductions gained from EVs.

Inside Ruralite

July 1, 2018 at 12:27 a.m.

Taking Charge in Rural Oregon

Congressman Kurt Schrader often works across the aisle to pass legislation. He joined Republican Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, far right, and Representative Greg Walden, not pictured, to pass H.R. 3144 to protect Northwest consumers from higher electricity bills. Photo courtesy of the office of Kurt Schrader.

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2018 at 11:45 a.m.

Someone Who Gets Things Done

Midstate Electric CEO Dave Schneider briefs Sen. Ron Wyden about the impacts of cuts to low-income assistance programs

Inside Ruralite

May 1, 2018 at 11:55 a.m.

36 Hours on Capitol Hill

Through a growing literacy program, children up to age 5 receive a book in the mail each month, directly addressed to the child. Photo by WavebreakMediaMicro

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2018 at 11:57 a.m.

Bringing Books to Cooperative Territory

Environment and Natural Resources Chairman Michael Dembrow led the cap-and-trade effort in the Senate.

Inside Ruralite

March 1, 2018 at 11:58 a.m.

Capping Off a Frenzied Legislative Session

Secretary of State Dennis Richardson addresses the nearly 200 attendees at ORECA’s 75th annual meeting. Photos by Mike Teegarden

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2018 at 12:03 p.m.

75 Years & Going Strong

Oregon Capitol

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2018 at 11:59 a.m.

New Faces, Big Issues & a Ticking Clock

Senators Ted Ferrioli and Richard Devlin make their case before the Senate Rules Committee, which endorsed their nominations to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. Photos by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

December 1, 2017 at 12:04 p.m.

Transfer of Power

Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual pilgrimage to Capitol Hill has been an important part of the organization’s history.

Inside Ruralite

November 1, 2017 at 12:04 p.m.

75 Is a Good Number

Secretary of Energy Rick Perry

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2017 at 12:05 p.m.

Power Meets Power

ORECA Midyear Meeting 2017

Inside Ruralite

September 1, 2017 at 12:05 p.m.

ORECA Midyear Meeting 2017

Salmon Success

Inside Ruralite

July 6, 2017 at 12:06 p.m.

Salmon Success Story

transmission lines

Inside Ruralite

July 1, 2017 at 12:06 p.m.

Auctioning Off Your Power

United States Capitol Building dome at sunset

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2017 at 12:07 p.m.

Charging Up the Hill (Capitol Hill, That Is)

Mark Johnson, right, has been a successful contractor in Hood River County for three decades. Photos by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

May 1, 2017 at 12:08 p.m.

A Blueprint for a Better Oregon

Representative Caddy McKeown, right, discusses the issues with Todd Munsey of Douglas Electric Cooperative. Photos by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

April 1, 2017 at 12:09 p.m.

Electric Cooperatives Are in the House & Senate

Gene and Josie Whisnant sit at Gene’s desk in the House of Representatives. “I wouldn’t go down there without her,” he says. Photos by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

March 1, 2017 at 12:10 p.m.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy – Legislator

The format for December’s National Environmental Policy Act meeting focused on information and constructive dialogue. Photo courtesy of the Bonneville Power Administration

Inside Ruralite

February 1, 2017 at 12:10 p.m.

Getting out the Facts

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2017 at 12:11 p.m.

Rural Oregon Back in the Spotlight

Executive Director Ted Case, left, is presented with Ruralite’s Communicator of the Year Award by CEO Mike Shepard.

Inside Ruralite

January 1, 2017 at 12:11 p.m.

Going for the Gold Every Day

Jim Matheson, the 6th NRECA CEO in the organization’s history, speaks to NRECA employees. Photo by Denny Gainer

Inside Ruralite

December 1, 2016 at 12:14 p.m.

“We Need To Rise Above It”

State Representative Sherrie Sprenger’s legislative district overlaps Consumers Power Inc.’s service territory, and she also is a member of the cooperative “Sherrie understands her constituents and our members,” says Consumers Power CEO Roman Gillen. “And she’s not afraid to take on the tough issues.” Photos by Lynn Howlett

Inside Ruralite

November 1, 2016 at 12:15 p.m.

Leading by Example

Lonnie Rainville is the operations officer of Umpqua Indian Utility Cooperative—and a tribal member. Photo by Cheryl Rainville

Inside Ruralite

October 1, 2016 at 12:15 p.m.

Lucky Number 7 & Much Hard Work

Dedicating the electric vehicle charging station in Condon are, from left, Condon Mayor Jim Hassing, Columbia Basin Electric Cooperative (CBEC) Director Roy Carlson, CBEC staff member Josh Coiner, CBEC staff member Debbie Lankford, Gilliam County Judge Steve Shaffer and Condon Chamber of Commerce Executive Director K’Lynn Lane. Photos by Tommy Wolff

Inside Ruralite

September 1, 2016 at 12:17 p.m.

Getting Lots of Mileage

Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative Director Cliff Kelley performs cowboy mounted shooting—one of many interesting things cooperative leaders are doing on their own time.

Inside Ruralite

August 1, 2016 at 12:17 p.m.

Giving Back, True Callings & Colt .45s

Salem Electric Manager Terry Kelly calls his cooperative’s employees “innovative” and “forward-looking.” Photos by Michele Adkins

Inside Ruralite

July 1, 2016 at 12:19 p.m.

Small Footprint, Big Impact

Power Couple Representative Gene Whisnant and his wife, Josie, have lived a life of service— and 1 worthy of a spy novel

Inside Ruralite

June 1, 2015 at 12:19 p.m.

2 of a Kind