Incoming high school seniors whose parents and guardians are rural electric cooperative members have an exciting opportunity through the Rural Electric Youth Tour, held for a week in June each year. The experience brings together 1,500 students from across the nation in Washington, D.C., to learn more about the political process and the importance of rural electric, and interact with their elected officials. Students apply and are selected for this program by their local electric cooperative. This year’s representative from Claverack was Whitney Madill (pictured) and her mother, Carol Madill. During this year’s annual meeting on July 13, Whitney offered remarks on her experience to the nation’s capital last month.

The Yanuzzi family, with a long-standing fabulous food reputation, has opened a new restaurant in downtown Sayre. Rep. Pickett recently attended their grand opening, which included many family members, friends and community supporters. Small businesses like family-owned and operated restaurants like this one are the backbone of our economy.