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Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Oregon

Take Q-Life’s Survey For Equitable Internet Access In Wasco County By Rodger Nichols 1 of the hallmarks of a public electric utility is that it works cooperatively with other agencies and entities—cities, counties, port districts, parks departments, school districts and community colleges. 1 of these partners—QualityLife Intergovernmental Agency—needs PUD customers’ help. Known informally as Q-Life, […]

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Working For a Bright Future

World-Traveler Brings His Talents to The Dalles By Rodger Nichols Matthew Klebes was hired as city manager of The Dalles last year. At 36, he was the youngest person to hold the office since the city was founded in 1857. He brings a wealth of experience to the job, including having seen a good part […]

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Good Insect, Bad Insect

Local Extension Office Helps Differentiate Between Native & Invasive Species By Rodger Nichols Invasive species have been a problem since travel across oceans became possible. Some arrived as stowaways. Others were purposely introduced by well-meaning people but resulted in unexpected consequences, such as rabbits and cane toads in Australia, giant African snails in Florida and […]

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Get Ready for Summer

Be prepared to help plants through heat and dry weather As the warmer weather returns, it’s time to evaluate your garden for the upcoming summer. Oregon State University Extension Service experts offer tips for preparing for heat and drought. Water Landscape Strategically Water early in the morning when temperatures are lower. Rather than a little […]

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The Godfather of Grapes

Midwesterner makes his name in Columbia Gorge wines By Rodger Nichols Lonnie Wright did not plant the first vineyard in the Columbia River Gorge, nor establish the first winery, but his efforts throughout the years helped turn a few scattered plots of grapes into a thriving industry. Today, more than 40 wineries and 90 vineyards […]

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Generations on the Line

PUD lineworker follows in his father’s footsteps By Rodger Nichols One of Northern Wasco County PUD’s newest employees was born for the job. Apprentice lineman Karl Wilson’s father, Jim, is a lineworker. Karl grew up with the opportunity to travel with Jim to various jobs around the region from their home in Dufur. “He had […]

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Stars and Stripes Forever

With the help of strong leadership, local Scouts display patriotism around The Dalles By Rodger Nichols Ten times a year, the members of Scout Troop 398 in The Dalles rise early with a mission. Teams of adults and Scouts go to work at local cemeteries and along the streets of The Dalles to install 500 […]

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Teaching Safety First

Northern Wasco County PUD’s community outreach starts in first grade By Rodger Nichols Safety is a priority at Northern Wasco County PUD. Part of the PUD’s safety program is outreach to the community, which includes educating children about electrical safety through annual presentations at elementary schools. Northern Wasco County PUD and Wasco Electric Cooperative recently […]

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The Perfect Job

One of the PUD’s newest employees says public power is a big part of his life By Rodger Nichols For some people, finding the right career can take some time. For others, the career comes to them. The latter was the case for Bernie Predeek, who grew up in White Salmon. His father was an […]

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An Extensive Route to Oregon

Extension agent has found her place supporting the Gorge and local farmers By Rodger Nichols Ashley Thompson is a woman of many interests. She took a winding path to The Dalles and her job as a horticultural extension agent. Ashley grew up in Taylor, Pennsylvania, which is an anthracite coal mining area. Her family emigrated […]