On this special episode, Paige sits down with Rick Gloria, who served in the military for 22 years. Even after retirement, he is still serving our country as a veterans service officer, caring for the needs of veterans and their families in Baker County and the surrounding area. Rick shares the ways he helps veterans navigate healthcare, disability benefits, education benefits and more.

If you know of a veteran who needs help in Baker County, please find Rick's contact information at https://bakercountyor.gov/veterans/veterans.html. You can also visit the Oregon Department of Veteran's Affairs webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/odva/pages/default.aspx.

Paige is joined by Baker Rural Fire Protection District Chief, Sean Lee, to talk about what it looks like inside the walls at the Rural Fire Protection District. From volunteering, to red flag warnings, to fire danger levels, Chief Lee breaks down small things you can do and look for to make a big impact this fire season.

Baker Rural Fire Department https://www.bakerruralfirepd.org/

New Baker Fire ordinance: https://www.bakercountyor.gov/pages/pdfs/Draft_Ordinance_No_2026-02.pdf

Volunteer for your local fire department : https://www.oregonfirerecruitmentnetwork.com/

Oregon State Fire Marshal : https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/pages/default.aspx

In this episode, Paige Witham interviews Ginger Savage of Crossroads Carnegie Art Center about how Arts and Culture shape the past, present, and future of Eastern Oregon. From the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center to shows at Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre, and classes at Crossroads Carnegie Art Center, Ginger shares how relationships, collaboration, and the arts make a real difference in caring for the community. Learn more about Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative at otec.coop.

In this episode of the healthcare series, Paige Witham interviews Tony Swart, of Saint Alphonsus - Baker City, about how strong community partnerships are shaping the future of healthcare in Eastern Oregon. From keeping patients closer to home to collaborating with local organizations, Tony shares how relationships and local investment make a real difference in caring for the community, both inside and outside the hospital walls.

Learn more about Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative at www.otec.coop.

The team at Harney District Hospital focuses on innovation and teamwork to provide excellent patient care. The hospital recently installed new state-of-the-art MRI and integrated telestroke services, making a big impact on community health and resiliency. CEO Bob Gomes and Marketing and PR Director Samantha Yarbrough tell us all about the hospital's investment in its community and its impact on this podcast episode.

Learn more about Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative at www.otec.coop.

Jena Knowles, of Blue Mountain Hospital District, joined the podcast to discuss the programs, partnerships and innovations supporting rural healthcare in Grant County. From 3D mammogram machines to new telestroke services and workforce training, Jena shares how local collaboration helps keep quality care closer to home.

Learn more about Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative at www.otec.coop.

OTEC Marketing Coordinator (Paige Witham) and Director of Member and Strategic Services (Lea Hoover) sit down with Doug Dalton, of Baker Technical Institute, to discuss the new APEX Elite Line Academy—a partnership between BTI and OTEC. They explore how this hands-on training program is preparing the next generation of lineworkers, while strengthening the region’s workforce and economy.

Learn more about Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative at www.otec.coop.

Healthcare is necessary for any community to thrive. On this first installment of our series highlighting rural healthcare in Eastern Oregon, Paige sits down with Jeremy Davis, President and CEO of Grande Ronde Hospitals and Clinics, to discuss how the hospital has recently improved its services to increase quality care for its patients. They discuss facility expansion, teamwork, innovation and the importance of rural partnerships.

Learn more about Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative at www.otec.coop.