Legislative Update for Oregon Co-ops Oregon’s 2024 Legislative Assembly recently concluded its short session. While the electric utility industry was not the primary...
Sign up for our Budget Billing Program and receive the security of knowing. your power bill will be the same amount each month....
Are you connected to a not-for-profit organization that is looking for capital improvement funds? Wasco Electric Cooperative (WEC) has authorized $7,500 in grants...
Apply today for your chance to win a scholarship; deadline May 3rd. Wasco Electric will award one $5,000 trade school scholarship and one...
Wasco Electric Cooperative celebrated our engineering department the week of February 18. Each year. WEC celebrates our engineers as a salute to George...
Lindsay Forepaugh Leads Wasco Electric Cooperative as New General Manager By Drew Myron Lindsay Forepaugh jokes that she “fell off a ranch” and...
Wasco Electric Cooperative Members Gather for 84th Annual Meeting Story and photos by Drew Myron Pride of ownership rang through Wasco Electric Cooperative’s...
The South Wasco Times Debuts To Fill Local News Void Story and photos by Drew Myron Colleen Strohm didn’t want to start a...
Former Mechanic Creates Highly Detailed Spurs Designed to Last Generations By Drew Myron John Wilson has the hands of a worker and the...
Shaniko Sees New Life With Businesses, Lodging & Activity Story and photos by Drew Myron A famous Oregon ghost town at the remote...
Longtime Fire Chief Changes the Fight Against Disaster Story and photos by Drew Myron Over nearly 50 years, Eugene Walters has fought roughly...
Darker Skies Offer Better Stargazing By Pamela A. Keene How dark is your neighborhood sky on a moonless night? Can you see millions...
At one time or another, many of us have been unable to meet our financial obligations. Now more than ever, many people are...
Historic Business Sees New Life With Azure Standard’s Involvement Story and photos by Drew Myron Kramer’s Market is back. Sort of. Dufur’s landmark...
From wood and snow, John Zipprich shapes a life By Drew Myron John Zipprich sees in subtraction. “There are two way to sculpt:...
Tanker truck driver keeps rural life rolling Story and photos by Drew Myron Though his work nearly killed him, Brett Kaseberg still loves...
Oregon’s first tribal museum shares history, preserves culture By Drew Myron Liz Woody’s favorite place at The Museum at Warm Springs is not...
Sherman County hosts 500 riders for Cycle Oregon Gravel By Drew Myron Hundreds of people from across the nation are traveling thousands of...
Apply today for your chance to win Wasco Electric will award one $5,000 educational scholarship and one $4,000 trade school scholarship to high...
The newest—and only—restaurant in Wasco dishes up lunch and dinner Story and photos by Drew Myron Who’s your dirty cowgirl? In Wasco, it’s...
Wasco Electric Cooperative is awarding two education and trade scholarships to high school seniors within its service territory. Wasco Electric will be awarding...
Local volunteer leads the way By Drew Myron Want to learn to read, ride, hitch or cook? Need a ham, haircut or helping...
Hydropower tells a complicated tale of the nation’s energy history By Paul Wesslund Electricity generated from hydropower tells an interesting story about today’s...
Annual meeting brings members together, once again Story and photos by Drew Myron After 2 years of virtual meetings, Wasco Electric Cooperative’s staff,...
WASCO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC., gives notice that payments are now and have been available at the office of Wasco Electric Cooperative, Inc., in...
Music education returns to Maupin students of all ages Story and photos by Drew Myron Marty Hansen hears every squeak and squawk, every...
Yoga leader finds—and shares—a natural high By Drew Myron Shannon Red Cloud vividly recalls her moment of transformation. “My first class was hot...
Grass Valley friends compete in world’s longest horse race By Drew Myron Amy McNamee and Shandie Johnson this summer competed in the toughest...
Ambitious couple revives historic hotel in Moro Story and photos by Drew Myron In a small town where nearly every storefront is vacant,...
Business is booming at Barnwood Barber Shop in Tygh Valley Story and photos by Drew Myron “You need a haircut, and I’m going...
Former teacher, local poet pens ‘love songs’ for Dufur Story and photo by Drew Myron For Penelope Scambly Schott, writing is a playful...
Sherman County Historical Museum seeks community support amid volunteer and visitor decline Story and photos by Drew Myron Time is taking its toll...
In response to a cost-of-service analysis completed by a third-party consulting agency, it was decided at Wasco Electric Cooperative’s April 2022 board meeting...
Parents pull together to create an indoor play space By Drew Myron Becky Brandenburg had a big problem in need of a simple...
Food pantries feed community’s rising hunger Story and photos by Drew Myron An hour before the food pantry opens, 80-year-old Bette Hyatt is...
Calling all photographers. At the Wasco Electric Cooperative (WEC) Member Appreciation Picnic. WEC members will vote for the top 13 photos to be...
New garden club sows seeds of connection By Drew Myron It was a long and lonely winter, and Jessica Richelderfer Wheeler was dreaming...
Maupin replaces crumbling track with $2 million athletic field Story and photo by Drew Myron Four years ago, a teen runner complained about...
Wasco Electric Cooperative (WEC) reminds you of the hazards when working around power lines. Overhead power lines are necessary to deliver electricity to...
Nancy Wesson finds new life in third and fourth acts By Drew Myron At 64, Nancy Wesson changed her life. While her friends...
Twenty-five-year-old Mission Farrier School moves to Tygh Valley.
The Wasco Electric Cooperative annual meeting November 20 was a success.
Farmers field-test electric tractors in first-of-its-kind state program Story and photos by Drew Myron Electric tractors are rolling across local farm fields with...
On November 1, Wasco Electric Cooperative (WEC) mailed out an absentee ballot to each member with information for the 2021 special meeting of...
Special Meeting Join us to hear reports from General Manager Ned Ratterman and Board President Mike Collins, and for the cooperative’s board of...
Ned Ratterman is Wasco Electric Cooperative’s new general manager By Drew Myron Ned Ratterman knows how to handle the challenge of large and...
Cattlewomen lead the way at WB Ranch By Drew Myron On a high ridge 50 miles south of The Dalles, in a rocky...
The following remarks are from Dave Markham, general manager of Central Electric Cooperative in Redmond, regarding litigation over the Lower Snake River dams....
The 82nd Annual Meeting of Wasco Electric Cooperative Inc. is Saturday, November 20, at Fort Dalles Readiness Center in The Dalles. During the...
Jeff Davis, Wasco Electric’s general manager, retires after 40 years Story and photos by Drew Myron Jeff Davis is letting his hair down....
South Wasco Youth Programs creates possibilities By Drew Myron Anyone who wonders if they can really make a difference should look to Amber...
FDR and Eleanor stopped at Bonneville Dam and Timberline Lodge in 1937 By Scott Laird On September 28, 1937, Oregon received a special...
By Robin Howard Ever wonder how much time you spend on social media? If you have an iPhone, go to Settings, Screen Time,...
During a power outage, the only options used to be lighting a candle or finding a flashlight and patiently waiting by the fireplace....
Attention, high school seniors! Due to the cancellation of the 2021 Washington, D.C., Youth Tour trip because of concerns surrounding COVID-19, Wasco Electric...
Wasco Electric Cooperative (WEC) reminds you of the hazards when working around power lines. Overhead power lines are necessary to deliver electricity to...
Attention, high school seniors! Due to the cancellation of the 2021 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour trip because of concerns surrounding COVID-19, Wasco Electric...
Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner. As the weather improves, many of our customers will undertake outdoor projects. Wasco...
Keep space heaters away from water. Water and electricity do not mix, period. Keep your space heater on the floor. Manufacturers recommend placing...
In December, Wasco Electric Cooperative retired the remainder of the 1990 and a portion of the 1991 capital margins back to members and...
By Jeff Davis Upon hearing Gov. Kate Brown’s intent to sue the federal government over how it manages the federal Columbia River system,...
Meet Scott Corwin, executive director of the Northwest Public Power Association Scott Corwin was born in Oregon and became an avid outdoor sports...
Sea Scouts welcomes all teens aboard By Lea Mathieu “Every time we go out on the water, we learn something new, and we...
On November 3, Wasco Electric Cooperative will mail out an absentee ballot to each member with information for the 2020 special meeting of...
Special Meeting Join us to hear the Wasco Electric Cooperative Board of Director election results on November 21, 2020, at 11 a.m. via...
Join us to hear the Board of Director election results This year’s board of director elections will look a little different due to...
A half-million bees keep Jerry Frazier on his toes Story and photos by Rodger Nichols Bees might as well be Jerry Frazier’s mascot....
Ductless heating and cooling systems distribute warm air more evenly and efficiently than traditional electric heaters. They reduce electric heating costs by 25%–50%...
Following much discussion and consideration of the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and the meeting rules in place for Oregon, the Wasco Electric...
A Hand to Those in Need At one time or another, many of us have been unable to meet our financial obligations. Now...
After 30 years in the line trade, it is time for the next chapter of Bo Gridley’s career. Bo recently retired from Wasco...
Saving money always seems to be associated with sacrificing fun. But this isn’t an article about sacrificing fun. This article shares how small...
Wasco Electric Cooperative operations manager calls it a career after 37 years By Andrew Cutler Casey McCleary comes from a long line of...
Every spring it happens: Osprey build new nests. Osprey typically build nests on the cross arms of Wasco Electric Cooperative’s power lines along...
From low-tech indoor and outdoor throwbacks to imaginative play, staying at home offers endless entertainment By Alyssa McDougle Summer is almost here. While...
How electricity moves from nature to your home Hydropower is renewable energy made by water. The water cycle replenishes hydropower’s fuel source in...
Remember to Thank a Lineworker Lineworkers serve on the front lines of our nation’s energy needs. On April 13, Wasco Electric Cooperative—along with...
Local utility companies join forces to teach young students By Traci Brock Wasco Electric Cooperative and Northern Wasco County PUD annually participate in...
Local thespian group takes on challenge of breathing new life into Maupin Legion Hall Story and photo by Andrew Cutler Nestled in the...
Solar, batteries and energy efficiency create a consumer-centric system of electricity By Paul Wesslund The power that lights your home is not your...
Do you know a high school freshman or sophomore who would like to have an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June 2020?...
Wasco Electric marks its 80th annual meeting By Traci Brock With many members in attendance, Wasco Electric Cooperative kicked off its 80th annual...
Three courthouse buildings tell the story of The Dalles and Wasco County By Rodger Nichols Not every county is as thrifty as Wasco...
Capital Credit Retirement This month, Wasco Electric Cooperative will retire all of the 1989 and a portion of the 1990 capital margins back...
Three positions are up for election at Wasco Electric’s 80th annual meeting Saturday, November 23 District 1 Robert R. Durham (incumbent) Bob Durham...
Director Elections The Wasco Electric Cooperative nominating committee, consisting of members from each director district, met September 5 to nominate candidates for election...
Two Wasco County students fly east for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour By Andrew Cutler Thomas Scott had never been on an airplane....
Saturday, November 23 Registration begins at 11 a.m., lunch at noon, meeting at 1 p.m. Fort Dalles Readiness Center 402 E Scenic Dr.,...
Mediating agriculture disputes can be like finding the piece that lets people solve their own puzzle By Kathy Ursprung If the first farm...
Wasco Electric Cooperative works hard to provide safe and reliable service to its members. One of our most challenging and expensive maintenance items...
Co-op program provides emergency low-income energy assistance At one time or another, many of us have faced the dilemma of not being able...
2019 Annual Meeting The 80th annual meeting of Wasco Electric Cooperative Inc., is Saturday, November 23, at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center in...
Today is a day that we salute Hydropower for the important role it plays in the Northwest. In the Northwest, hydropower represents approximately:...
Parker Wallace of Dufur, above, took first place in the male novice category at the Oregon State Trap Shooting Tournament on June 22...
2019 Annual Meeting Although November is several months away, preparations for Wasco Electric Cooperative’s 80th annual meeting are underway. The meeting is Saturday,...
Mark your calendars and join fellow members at Wasco Electric Cooperative’s 80th annual meeting Saturday, November 23, at The Dalles Readiness Center, 402...
The Wasco Electric Cooperative bylaws provide the method for nominating candidates to the board of directors. The board of directors appoints a committee...
Skip Zapffe draws on a lifetime of shooting experience to help trap shooting team By Kathy Ursprung As shotgun blasts echo against the...
Board Member Recognition This spring, Wasco Electric Cooperative Director Jerry Duling completed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Credentialed Cooperative Director program. During...
Maupin artist captures the art of detail along the Deschutes By Drew Myron Sue Knapp doesn’t have to travel far for artistic inspiration....
Wasco Electric linemen visit local schools to lead electrical safety lessons At the end of April, Wasco and Sherman county elementary school students...
Rufus Food Pantry offers food for all, no questions asked By Drew Myron Jenny Estes had to choose between heat or food. “When...
Director Recognition At the 79th annual meeting of the Northwest Public Power Association last month, Wasco Electric board member Ron Holmes took the...
Looking for funds to support a capital improvement to your nonprofit project that will benefit the economic development of Wasco Electric Cooperative’s service...
Every electrical device has a purpose and a service lifespan. None will last forever. When electricity is involved, failures present electrical hazards. In...
A Maupin fly-fishing couple champions outdoor fun By Drew Myron Bundled in a baby-sized life jacket with the John Day River rushing beneath...
By Pam Blair Nearly two decades ago, Northfork Electric Cooperative’s Heath Martin survived a 7,200-volt shock on the job. He admits the accident...
Be aware of your surroundings and don’t get complacent near power lines Each year, nearly 400 people die from electrical accidents in the...
A stately century-old structure is transformed into a community center By Drew Myron In Wasco, a town of 400, there’s a new sign...
Dial 811 toll free to be connected to Oregon’s statewide one-call center Before picking up a shovel, pick up the telephone. Electric, water,...
Cindy Brown empowers youth via cooking classes By Drew Myron In a school kitchen, hot oil sizzles, hamburger scorches, smoke billows, a timer...
The Grass Valley Pavilion Restoration & Rejuvenation Project revives the past By Drew Myron With its sagging roof and broken windows, this building...
Grass Valley Country Market brings the community together with fresh energy By Drew Myron It’s past lunch and still hours from dinner, but...
Do you know a high school freshman or sophomore who would like to have an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June 2019?...
Groundbreaking retired female pilot Captain Kathy advocates for change By Drew Myron Kathy McCullough is not one in a million. She is one...
Three positions are up for election at Wasco Electric’s 79th annual meeting Saturday, November 17 District 1 Bob Hammel (incumbent) Bob is the...
The worst fire season in Wasco County history takes a financial and emotional toll By Drew Myron Wildfire made history this summer, though...
Co-op program provides emergency low-income energy assistance At one time or another, many of us have faced the dilemma of not being able...
Wasco Electric Cooperative sends two local teens to national Youth Tour By Drew Myron Tired but inspired, two local teens experienced a once-in-a-lifetime...
Tygh Valley volunteer turns problems into possibilities By Drew Myron At 80, a life of hard work has taken a toll on Bob...
The Wasco Electric Cooperative bylaws provide the method for nominating candidates to the board of directors. The board of directors appoints a committee...
Mark your calendars and join fellow members at Wasco Electric Cooperative’s 79th annual meeting Saturday, November 17, at: The Dalles Readiness Center 402...
Just like animals in times of abundance gather and store food for the leaner months, hydropower operators store water during wet months...
Working on an outdoor project? Careless digging poses a threat to people, pipelines and underground projects. Always call 8-1-1 first. Here are five...
Merchants band together to boost local business By Drew Myron With tomatoes and tenacity, a handful of local merchants are coming together to...
An electrical substation converts electricity to a lower voltage so it can be safely routed and delivered to your home. Because high-voltage power...
In the shrinking business of independent grocers, Maupin Market thrives By Drew Myron Maupin Market is an endangered species. Across the nation, rural...
Join fellow cooperative members as an ORECA-Action advocate Wasco Electric Cooperative belongs to a statewide association called the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association....
After nearly 20 years, Shaniko’s one-of-a-kind leader is ready to relax By Drew Myron When Goldie Roberts moved to Shaniko in 1983, she...
With the irrigation season upon us and summertime activities just around the corner, Wasco Electric Cooperative wants to remind all of its members...
Sign up for Wasco Electric Cooperative’s budget billing program and receive the security of knowing your power bill will be the same amount...
Bulldog Diner in Rufus leads the pack with hard work and big burgers By Drew Myron Off a lonely stretch of highway, a...
As spring approaches after a long winter, many of us are itching to get outdoors to work or play. As these outdoor activities...
Sherman County farmer generates energy success By Drew Myron The odds were against him, but challenge defines Ormand Hilderbrand. This former farm boy...
Maupin painter achieves creative success with blend of color, composition and play By Drew Myron Thank goodness for Mrs. Smart, the art teacher....
Shape your future by exercising your rights and speaking up Wasco Electric Cooperative belongs to a statewide association called the Oregon Rural Electric...
With many members in attendance, Wasco Electric Cooperative held its annual meeting November 18. By Traci Brock Entertainer Ted Horwitz performed for the...
Wasco Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting joins members together By Drew Myron After many months, the memory of fire still burns. “This last year...
Deschutes Rim Clinic plans new $2.5 million facility By Drew Myron Sharon DeHart sees a medical emergency but knows how to avert the...
Three board of director positions are up for election at the 2017 annual meeting District 1 MATHEW CLAUSEN, incumbent, lives east of Dufur...
Do you know a high school freshman or sophomore who would like to have an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June 2018?...
As reported in the October Ruralite, in anticipation of the Bonneville Power Administration’s region-wide rate increase of 5.4 percent to its wholesale power...
Stitch by stitch, an industrious group shares art from the heart By Drew Myron Quilts are like zucchini, says Margaret Davis. “You can...
New Rate Structure Effective with November Billing In late July, the Bonneville Power Administration announced a regionwide rate increase of 5.4 percent to...
2017 Annual Meeting The 78th Annual Meeting of Wasco Electric Cooperative Inc. is Saturday, November 18, at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center in...
Voucher-based program Veggie Rx prescribes fresh food with local access By Drew Myron The shelves are bare at the local market, and owner...
Co-op program provides emergency low-income energy assistance At one time or another, many of us have faced the dilemma of not being able...
Encourage and support state and local efforts to keep Western electricity affordable For many customers and members of consumer-owned utilities in the West,...
Family grows ‘Bombshell’ business into an all natural, widespread success By Drew Myron Struggling with an autoimmune disorder that caused chronic pain and...
Although November is several months away, preparations for Wasco Electric Cooperative’s 78th annual meeting are underway. The meeting is Saturday, November 18, at...
The Wasco Electric Cooperative bylaws provide the method for nominating candidates to the board of directors. The board of directors appoints a committee...
For more than 100 years, hands-on research at Sherman Station improves farm practices and crops By Drew Myron Kyle Bender counts weeds, measures...
Sale of the BPA transmission system would harm co-op members By Jeff Beaman As the old saying goes, “It keeps showing up like...
By Drew Myron Deschutes River Beef partners with Timberline Lodge as exclusive provider of local, natural beef In a unique partnership, Deschutes River...
The Idaho Consumer-Owned Utility Association Youth Rally is an annual weeklong conference Monday, July 10, through Saturday, July 15, at The College of...
Looking for funds to support a capital improvement to your nonprofit project that will benefit the economic development of Wasco Electric Cooperative’s service...