Powerlines September 2026

Friday Night Lights: More Than a Game

by Jack Johnston, CEO

Few things feel more like home than a Friday night under the lights.

For me, Friday Night Lights is about much more than football. It’s about family, community, and the traditions that connect generations. It’s watching parents cheer for their kids, grandparents in the stands, siblings running around the stadium, and entire communities coming together to support their schools.

Those moments mean a lot to me personally. Family is at the heart of what makes a community strong, and I love seeing the DMEA and Elevate team with their families at our local high school football games. That is what makes Friday Night Lights meaningful to me.

As a cooperative, we’re more than an electricity and internet provider. We’re part of the communities we serve—and, because we’re member-owned, those communities are at the heart of who we are.

Being a good cooperative means showing up. It means supporting our local schools, investing in our communities, building relationships with our members and customers, and being there for the moments that matter. Friday Night Lights gives us another opportunity to do just that.

I love seeing our DMEA and Elevate team members at these games—handing out giveaways, visiting with members, cheering from the sidelines, and simply being part of the evening. Those interactions are a reminder that the cooperative difference is often found in the simple things: being present, building connections, and giving back to the communities that have given us so much.

We’re proud to be part of these communities and to help create a new tradition that brings families and neighbors together.

From our DMEA and Elevate family to yours, we’ll see you under the Friday night lights.

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What To Consider When Considering an EV

Ongoing high gas prices may have you thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) for your next ride. Here are a few things to think about before you buy:

Driving Habits & Range

If your driving habits are mostly in-town or short commutes, an EV could help you keep transportation costs down. Consider the vehicle’s advertised range, which is improving in newer EVs as battery technology advances. Other things to think about are your typical daily mileage, winter temperatures, mountain driving, and any towing you’ll be doing.

Cost of Ownership

The sticker price isn't the whole story. Compare electricity vs. gasoline costs, maintenance, insurance, potential tax incentives, and the cost of installing home charging equipment. EVs generally require less routine maintenance because they have fewer moving parts—no oil changes, spark plugs, or a traditional exhaust system—but tires and windshield wipers will need replacing

How & Where to Charge

Unlike filling up at a gas station, EV charging can become part of your evening routine. Many people install a Level 2 charger at home. For most people, home charging is the biggest convenience advantage. Longer trips will require a bit more planning around where public fast chargers are available along your route.

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Community Calendar

Any appliance that is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi is considered ‘smart’. You can now purchase hot water heaters, electric heaters, refrigerators, and more that can be controlled using your phone, tablet, or voice-assisted device. But why? The benefits include monitoring appliances over time, optimizing their electric use, and controlling them from afar. Here are three examples:

Thermostats

Heating and cooling typically account for the largest portion of a home's energy use, making a smart thermostat one of the most effective ways to save electricity. These devices learn when you’re away at work or on vacation (many have ‘geofencing’ location technology) and automatically adjust the temperature. It will alter the temperature a few degrees while you're gone and begin heating or cooling your home shortly before you return. Many models can be controlled remotely from a smartphone.

Washing Machines

Smart washers make laundry day more efficient by helping you use less electricity and water. Many models recommend the best cycle based on load size and type. Imagine loading the washer before bed and setting it to start early the next morning, or receiving a notification on your phone when the cycle is complete so clothes don't sit in the washer all day. Some smart washers can even detect maintenance issues before they become costly repairs.

Refrigerators

Your refrigerator runs 24/7, so small efficiency improvements add up over time. Smart refrigerators monitor internal temperatures and can alert your phone if a door is left open or if efficiency isn’t optimal. Some models automatically adjust cooling settings based on how often the door is opened. If you're away, the refrigerator can switch to an energy-saving mode while keeping food safely chilled. Phone notifications can prevent unnecessary energy use and spoiled groceries.

Smart devices are an investment that helps reduce energy waste, improve convenience, and lower electric bills over time.

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Elevate 101

A senior's guide to the digital world

Intro to Streaming TV

Join the internet experts at Elevate to tap into the world of online TV. Learn about the differences between cable, live streaming, and on-demand TV, and figure out what’s best for you. Refreshments are on us! Participate to win fantastic prizes!

Crawford Library
545 Highway 92
Thursday, August 6, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Cedaredge Library
180 SW 6th Ave
Thursday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Space is limited! Register today at elevateinternet.com/101 or by calling 844-386-8744.

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Concern for Community

North Fork Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Hanna Yates educates youth and their parents about the pediatric head-to-toe measuring device that helps the EMT identify the right-sized equipment for young patients.

Tools Transforming Treatment

Imagine you're an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) responding to a call in a remote area of the North Fork Valley. A frightened parent meets you at the door with their five-year-old child experiencing a severe allergic reaction. In that moment, there's no time to second-guess medication dosages or fumble with outdated equipment that might crash at the worst possible time.

Thanks to DMEA's $22,786 donation to North Fork Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from the Capital Credit Community Fund, that scenario looks different today. Through technology infrastructure improvements and the new Handtevy Pediatric Emergency Care System, the EMT instantly opens an app, inputs the child's weight, and receives precise medication dosages—no high-pressure mental math. The child-specific equipment guides ensure the right size tools and emergency care standards are used across a 1,500-square-mile service area.

DMEA's investment means that when a child in our community faces a medical emergency, our providers have the same advanced tools and accurate dosing information that larger urban systems have. — Kimber Gallob, Grant Writer and EMT North Fork EMS

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How You Can Help:

Donate to the North Fork Ambulance Auxiliary at northforkambulance.com.

Volunteer through board leadership, administrative support, or community outreach efforts.

Become an EMT and join the North Fork EMS team to directly serve your community in emergency medical response.

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Cyber Safe Back to School

Back-to-school means homework, group chats, gaming, and endless scrolling. Keep your guard up with these tips:

Beware of Urgent or Outdated Language

Many scammers reel in people online using intimidation or unusual phrasing. Phrases like “Limited time”, “Final Notice”, or “Legal Action” are common examples of using intimidation to entertain urgency. Outdated terminology like “kindly” could be red-flag language.

Watch Out for Copycats

Not every message is what it seems. A random text from a friend, a surprise giveaway, or an email claiming your account has been hacked could actually be someone pretending to be someone you trust. If it feels weird, check with the real person or company before you reply or click.

Don’t Fall for Click Bait

"See who searched for you!" or "Claim your prize!" If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers use flashy headlines like these to get clicks, then ask for your personal information or payment.

Use ElevateIQ for Protection

ElevateIQ safeguards your devices from malware and virus threats before they are problems. Content filters to restrict access to violent or explicit content, enable age-appropriate social media apps, and set daily Wi-Fi schedules and screen time limits.

Keep your accounts—and your future—safe this school year.

Get ElevateIQ today!

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