Ruralite

Ruralite Ruralite Magazine and Currents are read by nearly 400,000 households in the Western US, Alaska, Ariz Don't get Ruralite Magazine? www.ruralite.org

You can buy a subscription at ruralite.org. Ruralite Magazine, and its sister publications, Florida Currents and Arizona Currents, are read monthly in nearly 400,000 households.

When the power goes out, utility teams move fast. Repairs start with equipment that serves the most people—transmission ...
01/17/2026

When the power goes out, utility teams move fast. Repairs start with equipment that serves the most people—transmission lines and substations—before moving to neighborhood lines and individual service connections. Read more: https://www.ruralite.com/bring-back-the-lights/

Before modern schools and technology, one-room schoolhouses were the heart of rural communities. It’s more than an old b...
01/14/2026

Before modern schools and technology, one-room schoolhouses were the heart of rural communities. It’s more than an old building. It’s a reminder of connection, resilience and the power of community to keep traditions alive. Read more: https://www.ruralite.com/room-for-all/

Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech companies anymore, it’s helping local utilities keep communities safe, effic...
01/08/2026

Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech companies anymore, it’s helping local utilities keep communities safe, efficient and connected. Across the country, public power providers are using AI to manage vegetation, forecast demand, summarize reports and streamline communication.

For small utilities, where employees wear many hats, AI tools save time and help staff focus on what matters most: reliable service and member care. From identifying wildfire risks in Idaho to drafting job descriptions in Nevada, AI is transforming how utilities serve their members.

It’s not about replacing people, it’s about empowering them to do more for their communities. Read the full story at https://www.ruralite.com/how-electric-utilities-innovate-with-ai/.

Healthy houseplants start with one simple rule: right plant, right place. Matching your plant to the lighting and condit...
01/05/2026

Healthy houseplants start with one simple rule: right plant, right place. Matching your plant to the lighting and conditions in your home can prevent stress, pests and common problems like yellowing leaves or root rot.

Find the best light and your plants will take care of the rest: https://www.ruralite.com/light-exposure-is-key-for-houseplants/

Nature has a way of slowing us down. On a hike in Lakeview, Oregon, Kelly Ganzer paused to notice a single tree reflecte...
01/02/2026

Nature has a way of slowing us down. On a hike in Lakeview, Oregon, Kelly Ganzer paused to notice a single tree reflected on still water and the quiet beauty it revealed. We would love to see the reflections that catch your eye too! Email us your favorite nature photo: https://www.ruralite.com/a-moment-of-reflection/

Some places shape us long before we understand why. From a one-room schoolhouse that still brings neighbors together to ...
12/30/2025

Some places shape us long before we understand why. From a one-room schoolhouse that still brings neighbors together to families offering kinship care, this month’s stories remind us how much belonging matters. As the holidays bring us together, take a moment to consider what makes a place feel like home—and who might need help finding theirs. Read the full story at https://www.ruralite.com/finding-home/.

For many children, foster care can add stress to an already difficult time. But for Marcia Jacobs, it became a moment of...
12/27/2025

For many children, foster care can add stress to an already difficult time. But for Marcia Jacobs, it became a moment of rescue. Her experience—and the stories of others like her—shows how support, compassion and community can change lives. Change starts with people willing to show up: https://www.ruralite.com/the-foster-care-revolution/

Holiday gatherings call for easy, crowd-pleasing favorites. From puff pastry Christmas trees and cocktail meatballs to s...
12/24/2025

Holiday gatherings call for easy, crowd-pleasing favorites. From puff pastry Christmas trees and cocktail meatballs to stuffed celery and prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, these nostalgic appetizers bring warmth, flavor and fun to any celebration.

Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these classics offer simple steps and big festive charm: https://www.ruralite.com/appetizer-classics/

Many of us still send or receive Christmas cards this time of year, whether they come in the mail or arrive as a digital...
12/21/2025

Many of us still send or receive Christmas cards this time of year, whether they come in the mail or arrive as a digital surprise. But this year, consider sending a “card” in the form of a photograph that captures something deeper than a holiday scene. Read the full story: https://www.ruralite.com/my-christmas-postcard/

Nobody wants to discover water heater trouble during a cold shower. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid damage ...
12/18/2025

Nobody wants to discover water heater trouble during a cold shower. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid damage and costly emergency replacements. Most units last 10–15 years, so if yours is older or showing symptoms, it may be time to plan ahead.

Considering an upgrade? Heat pump water heaters use far less energy and may qualify for federal tax credits through December 31.

Stay ahead of surprises and keep your hot water flowing: https://www.ruralite.com/water-heater-woes/

Turn your winter garden time into next spring’s growth by propagating hardwood cuttings now. With a few supplies like cl...
12/15/2025

Turn your winter garden time into next spring’s growth by propagating hardwood cuttings now. With a few supplies like clean clippers, a tray, rooting hormone and a simple mix of perlite and peat moss, you can grow your own plants without a greenhouse.

Oregon State University Extension horticulturist Neil Bell says even beginners can do it. “I don’t use a greenhouse or bottom heat,” he says. “The average gardener can propagate their own plants.” Try rosemary, hydrangeas, red twig dogwood and other hardy favorites to start your spring garden early.

All it takes is a snip, some patience and a little care. Read the full story at https://www.ruralite.com/snip-some-stems-for-new-greenery/.

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Hillsboro, OR
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