By Dianna Troyer

Bundled in warm clothes, Kent Gunnell is immune to November’s frigid morning temperatures as he pedals his bicycle 13 miles to work in Albion.

Yet the Burley resident feels a soul-penetrating chill whenever he thinks of a hit list that bears his name. Kent is among nearly a dozen bicyclists in the

Mini-Cassia area who have been hit by motorists during the past eight years. Four cyclists died.

“I could have been killed,” Kent says of that unfor-gettable day.

On September 11, 2009, Kent was hit from behind at 8:08 a.m. while bicycling to his job as an agricultural loan officer at D.L. Evans Bank. He was told the driver didn’t see him because the sun was in his eyes. Kent sustained fractures to six lower verte-brae, his pelvis and left leg.

“You think it will never happen to you,” says Kent, 50. “I bike every month of the year, unless the weather is really bad, because it’s my main exercise and a way to relieve stress.”

He was flown by LifeFlight to Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, where he stayed four days. After being released, he spent six weeks at home recovering.

To stabilize his spine while healing, he wore a neck-to-groin brace called a turtle shell from September to December. From January to May, he wore a Ninja brace around his midsection.

“I wondered if I could ever ride again,” he says.Along with Kent, another name on the hit list is

Heyburn resident Kim Walton, who collided with a motorist while training for a triathlon in 2006.

“I had the right of way, but she pulled in front of me at an intersection at about 6:30 in the evening,” says Kim, 50. “I don’t think she even looked to see if anyone was coming. Drivers should remember that every time they get in a car, they’ll be making deci-sions that could affect someone’s life.”

Her back broken, Kim was paralyzed from the hips down.

“People tell me how brave they think I am, but really I have no choice,” says Kim. “You do what you have to do. I remind myself to never give up and never surrender.”

To express their gratitude for being alive, Kent and Kim participate in the annual international “Ride of Silence” on National Bike Safety Day in May and compete in athletic events in summer and fall.

Injured Yet UndefeatedBicyclists remind drivers to share the road, memorialize cycling casualties in Ride of Silence

United Electric

Kent Gunnell was seriously injured while riding his bike to work in 2009. He cried tears of happiness the day he returned to commuting to work by bike.

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Ride of SilenceThe 9-mile ride raises awareness that bicyclists and motorists can safely share a road. Riders also memo-rialize local bicyclists killed by motorists, includ-ing Lona Hymas-Smith and Mildred Fairbrother of Burley; David Webster of Twin Falls; and Thomas Oliver of Rupert.

Besides Kent and Kim, other survivors are Sally Stephens of Rupert, Alexis Noriega and Jon Searle of Burley, and Tracy Hansen of Declo.

Alice Schenk, a distance athlete and exercise instructor from Rupert, organized a previous ride.

The ride in 2012 was especially poignant for her because her friend Lona, 50, a renowned wildlife artist, died. Lona sold her intricately detailed fish and bird carvings in art galleries nationwide.

“She had donated an exquisite carving for a fund-raiser when Kim was hit,” recalls Alice. “Lona had a rare ability to make nature come to life. She was an amazing friend who touches your heart and leaves fingerprints all over your life.”

This year’s ride was sponsored by the Southern Idaho Cycling Klub and was organized by Kent’s son Landen as his Eagle Scout Project. Landen also put up “Share the Road” signs on Idaho 77 and 500 South Road where his father was hit.

“I hope when drivers see the signs, they’ll be aware of bicyclists,” says Landen, 16, a junior at Burley High School. “I’m proud, too, of my dad for riding again.”

Still CompetitiveRecovered from their debilitating injuries, Kent and Kim teamed up to compete in the Spudman tri-athlon this past summer, naming their team Crash. Kim swam 1.5 kilometers in the Snake River, while Kent biked 40 kilometers and ran 10 kilometers.

“Before the accident, I’d completed the Spudman solo several times,” says Kim, a receptionist at M.H. King Company. “I still like finding someone to do it with every summer. I’ve never been the type to sit around.”

For Kent, it took three years to get back to the same fitness level he enjoyed before he was hit. In the fall, he rode solo for the second time in the LoToJa, a 206-mile, one-day bike race from Logan, Utah, to Jackson, Wyoming. Averaging 20 miles an hour, he finished in 9 hours, 56 minutes.

He never takes biking for granted anymore.“I’ll always remember the first day I rode to work

after the accident,” he says. “It was June 1. Tears were

streaming down my face. I couldn’t believe I was able to ride again.”

Kent’s wife, Christine, says she was scared for him to resume his riding routine.

“I’ll never forget getting the call about his acci-dent while I was at work,” says Christine, an avid cyclist and first-grade teacher at Mountain View Elementary School.

“But I support him riding because it gives him so much joy,” she says. “Plus, he’s extremely cautious. I feel reassured, too, because I believe our lives are in the Lord’s hands.”

Kent believes drivers are becoming more aware of cyclists.

“We can help, too, by wearing florescent clothing, riding as far right as possible, or riding single file,” he says.

He has become wary while riding.“I use a rearview mirror on my handlebar now,

so I consistently look to make sure that approaching motorists see me,” he says. “Ultimately, the exhilara-tion from riding outweighs the fear and risks. I’ll ride as long as I can.” n

Kent’s son, Landen, organized the 2014 Ride of Silence as part of his Eagle Scout project. He also put up Share the Road signs.

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Watt’s NewUnited Electric News

We Lost a FriendLong-time United Electric employee Christine Kelley passed away on October 10. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelley family. Her 16 years of serving the members of United Electric truly will be missed. Christine had an amazing spirit and loved helping those who just needed that extra lift or encouragement. On behalf of her desire to serve, United Electric donated $200 to the Christine Kelley Memorial Food Pantry at Rupert United Methodist Church. We hope Christine’s spirit of service will continue in all of us.

Christmas Tree 2014The Mitten Tree is back by popular demand!

As we have done in years past, we will collect mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, socks and coats to be distributed locally to children needing warm winter apparel.

We also will have a grocery cart out for donations of staple food items to supplement supplies at local food pantries. Items always in demand are mac and cheese, pasta and sauce, canned veggies and fruit, peanut butter, soups, chili and stew.

This year, you might consider items a child can prepare after school or on a weekend, when there is no adult to provide a meal. The backpack program that supplied at-risk children with food for the week-end has been discontinued by the Idaho Food Bank. Food that can be easily microwaved or eaten cold is useful. Perhaps microwaveable soups and noodles or

individual servings of fruit, applesauce, pudding, cold or instant cereals and Gossner’s milk would satisfy a hungry child during a long weekend. n

Notice to Irrigators:This is to notify members that pump panels may be energized. Pumps will only be disconnected upon request. If you want your pump disconnected for the season, please call the office at 679-2222 to make the request.

If you need to have a pump disconnected to perform work, please call the office at 679-2222 to schedule the work. Please verify that pump panels are de-energized before performing work on them.

Irrigation services will not be billed for winter months unless more than 10 kilowatt-hours of energy are used for that month. Verify that pump panel disconnects and variable-speed drive controls are off to protect your equipment and avoid unnecessary charges.

Office ClosureThe United Electric Co-op office will be closed Tuesday, November 11, in honor of Veterans Day.

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United Electric

Electricity Remains a Good Value

Average annual priceincrease between2005–2013

Electricity continues to be a bargain, especially when compared to otherconsumer goods. As demand for energy rises and fuel prices increase,your electric cooperative is committed to providing safe, reliableelectricity and keeping your electric bill a�ordable.

Electricity500 kWh

Gas1 gal.

White Bread1 lb. loafEggs

1 doz.

Milk1 gal.

Coffee1 lb.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics;Mainstream Graphics

N O V E M B E R 2014 25

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Please support these businesses that participate in the Co-op Connections Card program

Al’s Pizza Shoppe2510 Overland Ave., Burley678-3040Two medium pizzas for $14.99 or $1.50 off any large pizza.

A&T Construction194 E 200 S, Rupert436-07385 percent off labor.

Animal Medical Clinic284 S 600 W, Heyburn679-45505 percent off all cash services.

Arby’s 594 N Overland Ave., Burley678-842610 percent off purchase.

Barclay Mechanical Services Inc.100 S 490 W, Paul438-81085 percent off metal purchase.

Clayville Insulation250 E 100 S, Burley678-97915 percent on existing residential insulation.

Clegg’s Service ’n RepairBrad Clegg, owner703 W Main, Burley678-7697Cell (208) 670-7624Lube, oil and filter; up to 5 quarts with card $24.95.

Columbia Electric Supply Co.1027 Normal Ave., Burley878-9035slockner@cesburley.comWholesale pricing on all cash sales.

D.L. Evans BankNorth Burley Branch397 N. Overland Avenue678-9076

South Burley Branch2281 Overland Avenue678-6000

Rupert Branch318 S. Oneida436-2265

Free Small Business Checking

Co-op Connections CardQuality Tire ServiceQuality Tire Factory began serving customers in the Rupert area in 1969. In 1976, owner Nick Darrington partnered with Dick Dalton until Dick retired in 1981.

One goal that has always been important to this business is striving to sell American-made products. Even though they are getting harder to find, Nick knows the value of this and it remains a priority for him.

In the beginning, the business focused on agricultural customers, but now serves all types of consumers, providing services such as front-end alignments and oil changes.

Quality Tire Factory sells a variety of tire brands, includ-ing Goodyear, Kelly, Dunlop and BF Goodrich.

Nick enjoys running a business in this area, and working with such great people. Upon showing your Co-op Connections Card, receive 6 percent off any regular priced item.

The Co-op Connections Card is a benefit of being a mem-ber of United Electric Cooperative—your local electric cooperative. Use your card at any local business displaying the Co-op Connections window sticker and save money.

Nick Darrington tries to promote American products whenever possible.

Clegg’s Service ’n Repair

United Electric

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• Complimentary Visa Check debit/ATM card

• No Annual Fee Visa with a business checking account (upon approved credit)

• Free introductory order of checks

Member FDIC

Farmers Corner202 S Highway 27, Burley 678-5130Free pop with gas purchase.

Greener Valley Computer2853 Overland Ave., Burley678-09645 percent off any software in the store.

Hansen Sign Company1625 W 16th St., Burley678-889210 percent off all sign work, including trucks. Custom T-shirt at $5+ tax—one per customer.

Larry’s Electric & Heating1133 Albion Ave., Burley678-4071www.larryselectric andheating.com10 percent discount on filters and light bulbs purchased in the store.

Lee’s Furniture Clearance Outlet459 Overland Ave., Burley878-4433Upon showing card, receive up to a 5 percent discount on purchase.

Marble-N-Counters1321 E Main, Burley878-60425 percent discount on any marble job.

Mind & Body Wellness Center2207 Overland Ave., Burley878-941820 percent off any services, 15 percent off nutrition. Free consultation, Ideal Protein Weight Loss program.

Mini-Cassia Chamber of Commerce1177 7th St., Heyburn679-4793www.minicassiachamber.comCheck out our great selection of Idaho gifts and jewelry. 25 percent discount on all retail items, excluding consignment and sale items.

NAPA Auto Parts501 Overland Ave., Burley678-83117 percent discount on regularly priced items upon presenting card.

Ponderosa Golf320 Minidoka Ave., Burley 679-5730$1 off green fees (Monday through Friday before 4 p.m.).

Quality Tire Factory822 S Onieda, Rupert 436-39006 percent discount on regularly priced items.

Sears Burley2338 Overland Ave., Burley878-8004Owned and operated by Ron and Judy Fowler10 percent off on any regularly priced merchandise.

Skaggs FurnitureOverland Shopping Center, Burley878-5100Discount of up to 50 percent on any non-sale items.

Snake River Bowl725 Minidoka Ave., Burley679-269510 percent off regularly priced bowling, food or merchandise (league and tournament bowling excluded).

Stars Ferry Building Supplies20 S 300 W, Burley678-5562Free hat with $100 cash purchase.

Sweetheart ManorOverland & 42nd St., Burley678-869210 percent off invitations. Use Sweetheart Manor for receptions and tuxedo rental and receive 30 percent discount on invitations.

Ted’s Diesel Electric1141 South Hwy 30, Heyburn878-499110 percent discount once a month on any rebuilt starter, alternator or generator.

Tony’s Barbershop1607 J St., Heyburn(208) 219-0666Families and walk-ins welcome! Special price for seniors and children.

Ward’s Cleaning & Detail1131 E 18th Lane, Burley878-510510 percent off carpet and upholstery cleaning; 5 percent off auto detailing.

Wilson Bates Appliance & Furniture2560 Overland Ave., Burley678-1133Additional 5 percent off the best sale price of any furniture. Burley location only.

UNITED ELECTRICCO-OP, INC.

Electricity. It is a service most of us cannot live without. It pow-ers our homes, our businesses, our lives. And while it may not seem like it when you get your bill, electricity also is a great value.

Electricity is a commodity United Electric provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and we work hard to ensure it is always available when you need it. Most folks do not think about the value of their electricity until the power goes out. With a reliability rate greater than 99.9 percent, you do not have to think about it often.

Consider the cost of a few items that most of us purchase on a regular basis. The cost for a gallon of unleaded gasoline shot up an average of 5.8 percent annually between 2005-2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eggs are not over easy anymore. The cost of a dozen eggs increased an average of 5.4 percent annually. Other staples, such as a loaf of white bread, increased an average of 4.2 percent annually. The national average annual increase of electricity was 3.2 percent.

Most of us do not think much about $5 these days because in today’s world, $5 does not have much buying power. How many of us can go out to lunch on $5? But think about this: An average days’ worth of electricity for a residential member of United Electric costs about $4. Unlike gasoline, eggs or white bread, electricity is a 24-hour-a-day commodity. The $5 spent on lunch lasts about 30 minutes. The $4 spent on a day’s worth of electricity lasts all day!

The United Electric board of directors, management and employees work hard to keep your electricity safe, reliable and affordable. It is in our mission statement: “It is the mission of United Electric Co-op Inc. to provide safe, reliable power at reasonable rates, with exceptional service and commitment to the members.”

But each of you also plays a role in the price of your power. It is the amount of electricity used, not the price of a kilowatt-hour, that is the big reason for higher elec-tric bills. In the past 30 years, the amount of residential electricity used by appliances and electronics has increased from 17 percent to 31 percent, according to the Energy Information Administration. More homes than ever have major appliances and cen-tral air conditioning. Digital video recorders, computers and multiple televisions are common. Homes use more electricity in ways they never did before.

You can get the most value from your electricity dollar by managing your use of electricity. That will help lower your monthly bills, reduce the peak demand of the entire system and keep future prices lower for all members.

Electricity is still a great bargain!

Jo ElgGeneral Manager

ID-29

Electricity Remains a Good Value at United Electric

UNITED ELECTRICCO-OP, INC.

UnitedElectricCo-op Inc.Directors President Dean NielsenVice President Bruce BeckSec./Treas. Cordell SearleBrent Bowen Ronald Osterhout David PhillipsGeorge TonerJohn R. West

General ManagerJo Elg

Director of Engineeringand OperationsTrevor Parke

Mailing address:1330 21st St.Heyburn, ID 83336

Phone: (208) 679-2222

Fax: (208) 679-3333

Email: uec@unitedelectric.coop

Web address:www.uec.coop

After Hours: (208) 679-4444

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Jo Elg