By Dianna Troyer

Like a genie, Dallas Stoller can make even the most complex and unique woodworking wishes come true.

One client asked him to restore a stagecoach that had been robbed and shoved off a cliff in northern Nevada. Another wished a touring coach once used in Yellowstone National Park could be refurbished because it had been in the family for four generations.

“There wasn’t much left to either one, just some rusted metal framework and weathered pieces of wood,” recalls Dallas, who brought those remnants to his shop adjacent to his home near Paul. “It was like trying to put together a three-dimensional puzzle with most of the pieces missing.”

Referring to vintage photographs and historic blueprints that were often inaccurate and needed to be corrected, he restored them after finishing his workday as a truck driver for the Minidoka County Highway Department.

“People hear about me totally by word of mouth,” says Dallas.

Since the 1980s, Dallas has completed 35 projects. He has built or refurbished wagons, carriages, surreys, coaches, buggies and sleighs. He also has crafted furniture and recently began carving wooden figurines.

After retiring in 1992, Dallas had more time to devote to woodworking, a hobby since childhood.

“In second grade, I started making wooden toys,” he says. “It came naturally to me, and I’ve been tinkering with wood ever since. It’s relaxing.”

Dallas, 81, and his wife, Sandy, 79, a retired registered nurse, flip through the pages of a photo album, showing decades of accomplishments.

“I couldn’t have done any of these projects without Sandy,” says Dallas. “She’s helped with whatever I’ve needed.”

Reliving HistoryDallas points out a photo of a stagecoach he restored for a history buff from Buhl who recovered it near Jarbidge, Nevada. The coach interested him because thieves stole $4,000 from it December 5, 1916,

making it the last stagecoach robbery in the West. The booty has never been recovered.

“That coach was called a Mudwagon and was made by the Abbot Downing Company,” says Dallas. “It was known for being lightweight yet sturdy, making it ideal for rutted, muddy roads. I ended up making one for myself.”

The company also made the Yellowstone Touring Coach.

“The Yellowstone coach I restored was on a farm near Ashton,” he recalls. “An aspen tree was growing up through

A Wondrous Woodworker

United Electric

Dallas Stoller builds or restores anything with wheels or runners

Dallas Stoller ignited his passion for woodworking early in life, making small wooden toys in second grade.

4 A p r i l 2015

the middle of it. A farmer asked me to fix a wagon that he needed quickly for his daughter’s wedding and gave me the touring coach parts as trade-out. After I restored it, their son wanted it. I sold it to him so it could stay in the family.”

Dallas also was asked to build a reproduction of an 1852 solid-axle wagon.

“Budweiser has a malt barley plant near Idaho Falls and wanted the six-horse wagon for parades,” says Dallas. “I built it from a photograph.”

A one-of-a-kind project was building two historic coaches for a San Diego businessman’s home.

“He insisted they be built by hand,” says Dallas. “As each story of his house was partially built, he had a coach lifted into it. The house was built around the coaches.”

Dallas also did the upholstery on his projects.

“In the beginning, it was a lot of unsewing because I had to pull out all my mistakes,” he says.

Dallas’ completed projects have brightened others’ lives.

“In the past, we gave teens rides for their proms or other special events,” he says.

His woodworking expertise has helped him to relive history. Working as a wheelwright, he was invited to wagon

train rides in Montana and Idaho.“I took historic tools that would have

been used in the 1800s,” he says. “Most of these tools have found me. People have them around their place or have inherited them and have no idea what they are and call me.”

One day, two different men happened to bring him a tire upsetter, a round tool used to shrink a section of a metal rim so the worn wooden wheel would still fit inside it.

“A man from Dillon, Montana, had one and was driving down this way and dropped it off. While he was here, a man from Richfield, Utah, brought me another one. I’d always wanted one but didn’t know where to start looking.”

The projects have allowed him not only to express his creativity, but have unexpectedly taught him history lessons and led him to new relationships.

Amish FriendshipsDallas’ projects have helped him befriend Amish craftsmen in Arthur, Illinois.

“When I first started ordering parts from this company, the owner was cautious of me as an outsider,” he says. “When I explained what I was doing, we became friends.”

Dallas was even invited to work in the

Amish man’s shop.“I’ve learned a lot from him and his

employees,” he says. “They have an incredible work ethic and put in long days. Despite all that work, I end up gaining about 10 pounds when I go there because their meals are fantastic.”

Besides the historical refurbishments, Dallas also has built whimsical and sturdy projects for his family, including a surrey, a cradle, sleighs, and chairs for grandchildren. He and Sandy have five daughters, 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

“We’ve been blessed,” says Dallas. n

Dallas not only builds furniture, above left, he takes on large restoration and reproduction projects such as the coach pictured above. Right, Sandy shows a quilt she made for her grandchildren.

A p r i l 2015 5

United Electric

Scholarship and Youth Rally ApplicationsIt is time to submit those scholarship and Youth Rally applications. Forms are available on the website, www.uec.coop, in the co-op office or from your school counselor.

United Electric awards four $500 scholarships to graduating seniors whose parents or guardians receive electricity from UEC. Applications are due in the office no later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 17. Call Penny West at 679-2222 for more information.

One $500 scholarship is available for a non-traditional student—someone returning to school after a life change or an interval from high school. Applicants are not limited to members of United Electric. Applications are due in the office no later than 5 p.m. Friday, June 12. For information, contact Penny West at 679-2222.

If you are a sophomore or junior whose parents or guardians are members of United Electric Co-op Inc., you will not want to miss the Youth Rally. The rally is in Caldwell on The College of Idaho campus July 6 to 11.

Enjoy a great week with other teens as you learn about leadership, co-ops, team-building and co-op careers. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Mom and Dad: This event is chaperoned at all times. For more information contact Curtiss Peterson at 679-2222.

IrrigatorsRemember that pumps were not de-activated last fall unless you requested it. If you requested a pump disconnect last fall, you need to request a connection when you are ready to use the pump this season.

SmartHubHave you heard about SmartHub? SmartHub is a fast, convenient way to pay your bill, view your payment history, monitor your electric use and so much more.

You can access SmartHub online from the United Electric website, www.uec.coop, or with the mobile app, which is available through iTunes and Google Play.

For more information or help using SmartHub, call our office at 679-2222.

Level Pay for Residential MetersNow is the time to think about signing up for level pay. The level pay program averages your electric bill and levels it out throughout a 12 month period.

You must sign up for level pay in April. Payments begin in May. When those high winter bills hit your mailbox, it is too late.

To determine your payment, call the office at 679-2222 after the first week

of April.

United Electric AnnouncementsSpring Chore Tips

After spending long winter days indoors, many of us are ready to get outside in spring, even if just to do chores. But outdoor chores can bring electrical hazards.

To avoid electrical hazards, follow these simple tips: Use only a � berglass or wooden

ladder if you must work near overhead wires.

Inspect power tools and appliances for frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housing. Repair or replace damaged items.

Store power tools indoors. Unplug outdoor tools when not

in use. Do not carry power tools by the

cord. Avoid damp conditions when

using electricity. Keep all electrical devices and cords away from water. Place waterproof covers on all outdoor outlets.

Install ground-fault circuit interrupters in outlets where water may be nearby.

Only use extension cords marked for outdoor use. Match power needs of an electric tool or appliance to the cord’s label information.

Never touch a person or an object that has made contact with a power line.

Dial 811, the national Call Before You Dig phone number, at least 72 hours before engaging in any type of excavation work. Local utilities will be noti� ed to mark the approximate location of any underground lines on your property.

Teach children to stay away from electric transformers and substations, and explain what posted warning signs mean.

UNITED ELECTRICCO-OP, INC.

8 A P R I L 2015

United Electric

By Tom Tate

There is little, if anything, you can buy today that does not have some electronic component. Even clothing as wearable electronics are starting to take hold. There is now even a device—found on www.makeymakey.com—that allows you to make a keyboard from bananas.

With today’s emerging electronics, it is time to take a look at making sure your electronics last as long as possible. I am not talking about replacement plans or extended warranties. Today, I am talk-ing about protecting your products from electrical surges.

The first order of business is to define a surge. Computer Hope defines a surge as “an unexpected increase in voltage in an electrical current that causes damage to electrical equipment.”

The standard United States voltage is 120V. If an electrical current above 120V comes through a power outlet for more than three nanoseconds, it is considered to be a surge—anything less is consid-ered a spike. Usually, surges are created by lightning. It can damage unprotected computers and sometimes even protected equipment.

Many people think a blink from United Electric’s system is a surge, but these generally are caused by something such as a tree contacting a line. In such cases, the system’s protective devices work, causing an interruption to protect the wires and other components. These are not surges, but similar to turning a light on and off.

True surges enter a home through any number of avenues. The most obvious is through the power lines. Less obvious

is through the telephone lines, cable/satellite connections, water lines and any other metallic system that connects to your home.

To protect against surges, you need to take a three-pronged approach.

Perhaps the most important thing to do is to be sure all the grounds in your home are good and they are bonded together. Through the years, grounds can deteriorate, new services can be added with inadequate grounding and so forth. A faulty ground allows surges into the home rather than bleeding them off into the earth. Get a qualified electrician to test and correct your grounding system.

Next, protect your electrical service entrance with a surge device. The easiest to install are those mounted behind the meter. They also can be mounted at the main electric panel. When a surge trav-els down the electric lines, these devices “clamp” the surge and reduce its power. These are sacrificial devices that allow themselves to be destroyed rather than

allowing the surge to pass through.The third prong is to protect expen-

sive devices at their point of use. Computers and entertainment equip-ment are prime examples. Remember, surges can enter the home via avenues other than the power lines. Computers and entertainment equipment frequently are connected to cable and phone lines. Those devices need protection at the point of use that covers all possible avenues. Protection is generally in the form of a power strip or wall device most of us are familiar with. Use a qual-ity product from a manufacturer such as Monster, Belkin, Tripp Lite or APC, to name a few. Look for one with at least a 1,000-joule rating, a connected equip-ment warranty and compatibility with digital signals from cable and satellite. While you are at it, look for a “smart” strip that turns off all but one connected device when not in use.

Save money while protecting your equipment; it’s a win-win. n

Use Quality Surge ProtectionSafeguard yourself and your equipment with the right surge protection

Retailers today offer a variety of single-item and whole home surge protection to protect your electronics.

a p r i l 2015 25

facebook.com/ICUAYouthRallyQuestions? Call (208) 679 -2222 or v isit w w w.uec.coop.

ENTRY FORM DEADLINE IS APRIL 10, 2015Applicants must be a high school sophomore or junior whose parents/guardians are United Electric members.

United Electric invites

MOTIVATEDSOPHOMORES and JUNIORS

to join other students fromthroughout the Northwest to attend an

unforgettable week-long leadership camp

July 6-11at The College of Idaho in Caldwell.

ALL EXPENSES PAID

STUDENTS WILL LEARN ABOUTLEADERSHIP • PUBLIC POWER • CAREERS

It is easy to apply• You must be a high school sophomore or junior whose parents or guardians are United Electric Co-op Inc. members.• Forms are available on the UEC webiste, www.uec.coop, in the co-op office or from your school counselor.• Applications must be turned in to the United Electric office no later than 5 p.m. April 10.

The UEC Youth Rally is a scholar-ship competition and a student

leadership conference rolled into one.

Each year, lots of motivated high school sophomores and juniors apply to attend the rally.

Students selected will join about 80 other students from around the Northwest to attend a week-long, all-expenses-paid leadership camp at �e College of Idaho in Caldwell.

At the end of the week, one student is selected to represent Idaho at the National Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

Highlights of the youth rally include:

• Leadership activities• Team-building competition• Motivational speakers• Electric safety demonstrations• Idaho State Capitol tour• Dances• Public power education• Bowling• Roaring Springs Water Park• Talent show• Roller skating• Making new friends

UEC also will award several scholarships totaling up to $2,000.

ONESTUDENTWILL EARNA TRIP TO

WASHINGTONDC!

SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

facebook.com/ICUAYouthRallyQuestions? Call (208) 679 -2222 or v isit w w w.uec.coop.

ENTRY FORM DEADLINE IS APRIL 10, 2015Applicants must be a high school sophomore or junior whose parents/guardians are United Electric members.

United Electric invites

MOTIVATEDSOPHOMORES and JUNIORS

to join other students fromthroughout the Northwest to attend an

unforgettable week-long leadership camp

July 6-11at The College of Idaho in Caldwell.

ALL EXPENSES PAID

STUDENTS WILL LEARN ABOUTLEADERSHIP • PUBLIC POWER • CAREERS

It is easy to apply• You must be a high school sophomore or junior whose parents or guardians are United Electric Co-op Inc. members.• Forms are available on the UEC webiste, www.uec.coop, in the co-op office or from your school counselor.• Applications must be turned in to the United Electric office no later than 5 p.m. April 10.

The UEC Youth Rally is a scholar-ship competition and a student

leadership conference rolled into one.

Each year, lots of motivated high school sophomores and juniors apply to attend the rally.

Students selected will join about 80 other students from around the Northwest to attend a week-long, all-expenses-paid leadership camp at �e College of Idaho in Caldwell.

At the end of the week, one student is selected to represent Idaho at the National Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

Highlights of the youth rally include:

• Leadership activities• Team-building competition• Motivational speakers• Electric safety demonstrations• Idaho State Capitol tour• Dances• Public power education• Bowling• Roaring Springs Water Park• Talent show• Roller skating• Making new friends

UEC also will award several scholarships totaling up to $2,000.

ONESTUDENTWILL EARNA TRIP TO

WASHINGTONDC!

A P R I L 2015 29

Power On18,000 linemen, one mission ...

There is now a day set aside to celebrate the accomplishments of the linemen whose devotion to duty is at the heart of electric cooperatives. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board of Directors passed a resolution to designate the second Monday of each April as National Lineman Appreciation Day. In 2015, that means April 13 will represent an opportunity to recognize the folks who keep the lights on.

“Whereas linemen leave their families and put their lives on the line every day to keep the power on;

“Whereas linemen work 365 days a year under dangerous conditions to build, maintain and repair the electric infrastructure;

“Whereas linemen are the first responders of the electric cooperative family, getting power back on and making things safe for all after storms and accidents; and

“Whereas there would be no electric cooperatives without the brave men and women who comprise our corps of linemen;

“Therefore be it resolved that NRECA recognize the second Monday of April of each year as National Lineman Appreciation Day and make available to electric cooperatives, materials and support to recognize the contributions of these valuable men and women to America’s electric cooperatives.”

Some interesting tidbits about co-op linemen:• There are about 18,000 full-time linemen in the rural electric program, making up

nearly one-third of all rural electric distribution co-op employees.• Co-op linemen make up about 16 percent of all linemen in the U.S.—serving three-

quarters of the U.S. landmass, 42 percent of the nation’s distribution line and 42 million individuals.

• Co-op linemen maintain 2,567,000 miles of distribution line for 850 systems.

Have you thanked a lineman today?

Jo Elg, General Manager

ID-29

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

Engineering and OperationsTrevor Parke

Line SuperintendentDan Kidd

Executive AssistantPenny West

Manager of Finance and Admin.Curtiss Peterson

Community Relations ManagerChris Seibold

Mailing address:1330 21st St.Heyburn, ID 83336Phone: (208) 679-2222Fax: (208) 679-3333Email: uec@unitedelectric.coopWebsite: www.uec.coopOffice hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.After hours: (208) 679-4444

32 a P R I l 2015