Today in Mississippi Dixie August 2012 by American MainStreet Publications

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

Dixie Electric Power Association

Classic-car buff reinvents 4 the little red wagon Mississippi Cooks: Neshoba County’s ‘Giant Houseparty’ cookbook

Picture This: Readers show off their best photos

2 I Today in Mississippi I July 2012

The road to progress...

. .. ca n b e d a n ge ro u s . Our crews are here to help provide you power, as your needs grow. Protecting our crews from the dangers of the job is important to us. So when you see crews working along rights of way or building new lines, slow down and give them room to work. They’re working for you.

Help make the road a safer place for workers.

‘Move Over Law’ now protects utility crews The state of Mississippi has expanded the “Move Over Law” to protect utility workers and crews as they labor alongside highways and roads in the state. Under the revised law, if drivers don’t move over or slow down when they approach a utility crew, they risk being fined up to $250. If the violation involves damage to a utility’s vehicle, the fine could be up to $1,000. The more than 2,850 electric power association employees and their family members offer their sincere gratitude to state government leaders for providing them with this extra safety measure with passage of this legislation.

July 2012 I Today in Mississippi

Disaster drill bolsters our capacity for speedy recovery TV commercial from the 1970s depicts Mother Nature as a kindly woman wearing a long, white gown with daisies in her hair. But when she mistakes a particular brand of margarine for butter, she declares, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature,” and conjures an ear-splitting lightning strike. When it comes to natural disasters, Mother Nature always has the last word. Extensive flooding in Florida caused by Tropical Storm Debby last month is her latest reminder. But there is plenty we can do to minimize the suffering brought about by a natural disaster and to spur the recovery from its destruction. Preparedness is the key. Electric power associations stand ready for emergency response at all times of the year. Our preparedness activities include a natural disaster simulation, a drill we conduct each year in the fall. We start by creating a disaster scenario, such as a catastrophic tornado, hurricane, flood or ice storm—all likely occurrences in Mississippi. One time we chose an earthquake, a real possibility for our northwest counties. One or more electric power associations are chosen to be the “victim” of the disaster, with all 26 electric power associations getting involved in the emergency response. The afflicted electric power associations assess the damage to their electrical system. They determine what they need in terms of additional manpower and supplies to restore power fast, without sacrificing safety. Coordinating their efforts through the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi, in Ridgeland, electric power associations outside the disaster zone rally to help. They coordinate efforts to transport emergency crew members, trucks, poles, transformers and conductor where (and if) needed in the disaster zone. If several electric power associations suffer outages in the disaster, we coordinate with elec-

On the cover

Our Homeplace

My Opinion Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO EPAs of Mississippi

tric cooperatives in other states to obtain emergency restoration assistance. (In the spirit of mutual aid, we return the favor when a real disaster strikes their areas.) The electric power associations suﬀering the imaginary emergency simulate the preparations necessary to feed and house what could be hundreds of assisting lineworkers arriving in their areas. (This in itself can be a huge logistical challenge, especially in our more rural service areas. During our Hurricane Katrina power restoration, more than 12,000 emergency work crew members from across Mississippi and 22 other states poured into our coastal service areas to rebuild power lines and restore power.) As soon as all the emergency needs are met, our disaster drill ends and the evaluation process begins. We examine our response to the simulation with a critical eye. The goal is to identify ways to improve our emergency preparedness statewide. This annual disaster drill is but one of the ways electric power associations keep emergency preparedness at the forefront of our operations. Fast, safe power restoration is crucial for kickstarting Mississippi’s recovery from any natural disaster. We take this responsibility seriously throughout the year—because you never know when Mother Nature might send a reminder of her powers of destruction. JOIN TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI

O N FAC E B O O K

Today in Mississippi OFFICERS

Jones County poultry farmer Ted Darrell Smith - President Kevin Doddridge - First Vice President Mangum has created what he Brad Robison - Second Vice President believes to be the world’s largest Wayne Henson - Secretary/Treasurer motorized Radio Flyer wagon. EDITORIAL STAFF Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO Fabricated of steel mounted on Ron Stewart - Senior Vice President, Co-op Services an ambulance chassis, Mangum’s Mark Bridges - Manager, Support Services Jay Swindle - Manager, Advertising version of the iconic child’s Debbie H. Stringer - Editor wagon can carry 11 passengers. Abby Berry - Communications Specialist Rickey McMillan - Graphics Specialist See story on page 4. Linda Hutcherson - Administrative Assistant

Vol. 65 No. 7

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600 Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s Electric Power Associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. • National advertising representative: National Country Market, 800-626-1181 Circulation of this issue: 450,536 Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year

The Official Publication of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published eleven times a year (Jan.Nov.) by Electric Power Associations of Mississippi, Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Today, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300

Visit us at: www.todayinmississippi.com

The Old Depot Museum opened last month in the 105-year-old Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad depot building in downtown Vicksburg. Exhibits include the Gray & Blue Naval Society collection of models and model railroad layouts, as well as models of ships, riverboats and naval vessels. The museum also houses “The Fall of Dixie,” a diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg manned by 2,300 miniature soldiers. The museum is located at 1010 Levee St. For details, call 601-6386500 or go to www.theolddepot.net.

Mississippi is . . . . . . sitting on a front porch swing sipping iced tea, Just my grandma and me Watching a woodpecker in a cedar tree. Grandpa and me sitting in a boat, Fishing, watching the cork float, Hearing stories about the Old Folk. All dressed up, going to town, Sunday best, church bound. After services, dinner on the ground. — Lynda O’Quinn, Church Hill Roots. The five branches of my family tree spread from New Jersey to Oregon, but the tree is a Mississippi magnolia with deep roots. I was born here, and I can visit the silent neighborhoods and point out grandparents going back six generations, and more. I expect to join them some (hopefully distant) day, but until then I’ll proudly breathe Mississippi air! — Jerry Wolf, Starkville This is where I come from, where my heart will always stay. Country roads and winding streams, the smell of fresh cut hay. Dogwoods and azaleas blooming underneath the pines. Butterflies and daffodils and honeysuckle vines. Singing hymns on Sunday, having dinner on the ground. Swinging on the front porch, with my family all around. This is where I come from, this is where I made my start. Mississippi memories are forever in my heart. — Karen Bryant, Ellisville

What’s Mississippi to you? What makes you proud to be a Mississippian? What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your thoughts to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158, or email them to news@epaofms.com. Please keep your comments brief. Submissions are subject to editing.

Today in Mississippi

July 2012

Ted Mangum’s

‘Little’

red wagon

By Debbie Stringer Joy riding takes on a new meaning when Ted Mangum takes to the road in what may well be the world’s largest motorized Radio Flyer. Mangum’s handbuilt version of the iconic child’s wagon measures some 18 feet long and is powered by a 460 engine. The locals wave, Ted Mangum honk or give a thumbsup to their neighbor when Mangum cruises past, his cap turned backwards and a grin on his face. As he merges onto Interstate 59, drivers slow to

get a better look. Passengers reach for their cameras. No one, it seems, can believe their eyes: A man is waving to them from a giant Radio Flyer wagon pushing 70 mph. Onlookers hold up their cell phones for a photo as he fuels up at a convenience store in Ellisville. Mangum good naturedly answers their questions, including the inevitable “Where’d you come up with this idea?” “It’s unreal how much fun this is,” he says as he heads back home. Mangum, a member of Dixie Electric Power Association, has enjoyed working on hot rods and vintage vehicles for most of his life. He taught paint and body work for 17 years at Jones County Vocational School and is active in the Magnolia Cruisers and Pine Belt Antique Auto Club. An impressive collection of trophies and plaques

attests to his skill. Many are Best in Show honors for his “sweetheart”: a 1931 Model A pickup he transformed from a “rust bucket” into a gleaming red beauty. The success of his fabricated Radio Flyer, however, will be determined not by judges but by the reaction of the children who see it. “The whole time I was building this, I was thinking about little children,” Mangum said. He finished its construction only two months ago, but already it has made public appearances for charitable causes, including a March of Dimes benefit in Mobile. And when the mother of a seriously ill 2-year-old boy said her son would like a ride after seeing the wagon on a TV newscast, Mangum jumped at the opportunity. “I’d go around the world to ride that boy in this wagon,” he said.

July 2012

Today in Mississippi

“You can just work your brain to death building something like this. I think sometimes I’ve got gears for brains anyway.”

Ted Mangum, far left, has restored hot rods and vintage vehicles for most of his life. Though the red wagon project presented unique challenges, solving them was an enjoyable part of building it, he said. The Jones County resident raises poultry for Wayne Farms and serves as senior adult leader at Salem Heights Baptist Church, near Laurel.

Mangum stops for a fill-up at a pump in Ellisville, top, during a recent cruise on Interstate 59. His wagon’s dismal fuel mileage may be offset by the grins per mile it evokes, above. Outdoor carpeting and vinyl upholstery, right, protect the interior from rain showers on the road. Mangum keeps a shower cap handy to cover the siren’s electronics on the dashboard.

Even Santa wants a ride. Mangum has agreed to chauffeur St. Nick in 2012 Christmas parades in Laurel, Ellisville and Petal. Mangum got the idea to build the wagon from a couple in Alaska who built a fiberglass, two-seater version based on a small truck chassis. Mangum wanted his to accomodate more passengers, so he started with a 1987 Ford ambulance equipped with a police package. “The ambulance only had 26,000 miles on it, so mechanically it was in excellent shape,” he said. He planned to remove only the top of the ambulance, leaving the sides intact. But that didn’t look right, he decided, so he replaced the entire body with his own all-steel fabrication. Mangum’s flexible work schedule—he raises poultry for Wayne Farms—allowed him the time to figure out how to build his unique vehicle. The project

took about 2,000 hours to complete, he estimated. “You can just work your brain to death building something like this. I think sometimes I’ve got gears for brains anyway,” he said. Except for the constraints of tire size and vehicle width, the wagon is built to a 6:1 scale. A real Radio Flyer is 3 feet long; Mangum up-sized his to 18 feet. To mimic the original wagon’s rounded corners, Mangum split a length of large pipe four ways and welded a piece in each corner. He made a foldable black tongue with a handle that extends 12 feet above the ground. He raised the driver’s seat about 8 inches, so he can see over the steel sides of the wagon, and installed extensions for the foot pedals. (He’s think-

ing of raising the steering wheel, too.) The three bench seats for passengers are raised 12 inches from the ﬂoor and have seat belts installed. “I did several trial runs trying to work all the bugs out of it,” Mangum said. For the wheels, he used moon disc hubcaps— the kind used on drag racers—painted white and topped with a red PVC cap. Safety measures included the installation of a glass panel, tinted red to blend in, across the front of the wagon to eliminate a blind spot. A friend experienced in sign work painted the bold graphics, altered slightly from the original Radio Flyer logo, down the side of the wagon. Mangum debuted his creation at the Houston (Texas) Art Car Parade, held in May. His was one of 25 entries chosen from a ﬁeld of 300 for a special cruise around the city that included stops at children’s hospitals and schools. When a large group of deaf children posed for pictures with Mangum’s wagon, “that was a thrilling thing to see,” he said. “If I’d have known that it was going to be as much fun as it is, I’d have built this thing 20 years ago,” he continued. “I have a ball every time I take it out.” Ted Mangum is available on a limited basis for appearances at benefits and special events. For information, call him at 601-498-3650.

Today in Mississippi I July 2012

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July 2012 I Today in Mississippi I 7

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Blues Panel 4:00-5:00 pm University of Mississippi Museum Special blues panel discussion with Jody Williams, Dick Waterman and Sam Mosely

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Today in Mississippi I July 2012

Grave digging tradition a final act of love for departed ou get to experience or learn something new all the time. No matter what you’ve already done or how much you think you know or how old you are. I got my shot at something brand new for me a few weeks ago. I helped dig a grave. For a person! I’ve done it for plenty of pets. But this was way different. I will admit that I didn’t help all that much. But I was there to do a television story about a tradition that they have at the Chapel of the Cross in Madison County where other members of the congregation pitch in to dig the graves of members who have died and are to be buried in the church’s graveyard. But while I was there, the people doing the digging thought I should take a turn and get a feel for the experience myself. They started about 4:00 in the afternoon. I didn’t count them, but it seemed to me that maybe a dozen men, more or less, took part. Some Mississippi stayed the whole Seen time; others by Walt Grayson came and went. Even family members helped. The daughter of the lady whose grave was being dug took a turn, as well as her son. Back years ago somewhere, this would have been a family and neighbor’s duty. I could see it adding to closure in a way little else could. The grave digging tradition has been

I don't know why I waited so long to take my turn at digging. Hindsight: Early on, when the grave wasn't so deep, it would have been a lot easier to climb into and out of it. But you think things you have never thought before when standing near the bottom of a grave you are helping to dig. Deep things, pardon the pun.

going on for several years at the church. A former pastor suggested it as an act of showing love for a member’s family and for the departed. And although it is hard, long work, it seems to be a tradition embraced by pretty much everybody in the congregation. They dig the graves by hand, with

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picks and shovels. No machinery is used. It is a slow process. Our grave went relatively fast with recent rains having loosened the dirt all the way down: “down” being a hole 54 inches deep, not a full 6 feet like we’ve heard all our lives. And thank goodness—54 inches takes long enough to dig, up to 12 hours in dry weather when our Mississippi hill clay turns into the equivalent of concrete. As daylight dwindled, it didn’t seem eerie being in a graveyard after dark like I thought it might. The pizza deliveryman didn’t even think it was all that strange when he delivered supper to the workers behind the church. I stalled as long as I could before taking my turn with the shovel. But I was finally pressed into it as the process was just a few inches shy of the goal. I don’t really know why, but I was a bit nervous. Digging a grave is kind of a serious thing if you think about it. I mean, there is little left you can do for a person

after digging their grave. You don’t want to mess that up. And that deep in, looking at the dirt walls around you, you realize that you’ll have one of these for yourself some day. But then a cheery thought: This isn’t it! After the grave was finished, the church’s priest, Austin Johnson, blessed it. All the gathered diggers took a sip of Macallan Scotch and poured the rest into the hole with a prayer for the spirit of the departed. (I suppose we Baptists could use grape juice.) The tradition has meaning for everyone who participates. Feet on the floor of a grave, you are standing as far as you get to go in this life. What happens next is a matter of your faith. Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television, and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” To contact Grayson, send email to walt@waltgrayson.com.

July 2012

Today in Mississippi

Tropical Duranta adds interest to area gardens

Duranta’s yellow-orange fruit color, top, provides a fantastic contrast to its flowers, as they are often seen together through the season. Cuban Gold Duranta, below, can be used as an edge plant. It has a formal look when pruned and a casual appearance when left natural. Photos: MSU Extension Service/Gary Bachman

native of the tropical regions of the Caribbean and Central and South America, the Duranta is sure to generate interest in your landscape. Duranta is commonly called pigeon berry, and it has an arching growth habit with bluish flowers. It produces golden fruit that can feed our feathered friends. The native plant can reach small-tree status, growing up to 25 feet tall. That’s too large for many of our Mississippi gardens and landscapes. But plant breeders have solved that problem. They have developed a couple of really nice Duranta selections with a smaller growth habit. Sapphire Showers is a version that has a more compact, upright habit. It produces tube-shaped flowers from spring through summer. The blue to violet flowers are produced in cascading clusters. Each flower has a white picotee edging that intensifies the look of the flower color. The fruit of Sapphire Showers is yellow-orange. The fruit contrasts beautifully with the flowers, as they are often seen together through the season. A Duranta selection that can brighten any landscape is Cuban Gold. The foliage of this variety is a blend of chartreuse and golden yellow. It grows 3 feet

tall and wide. I’ve heard Cuban Gold described as a tropical boxwood, and it does make a gorgeous edge or hedge plant. For a formal look, feel free to prune it just like you would boxwood. Allow normal growth for a more casual appearance. Toward the end of the season, it may produce lavender flowers, adding

color contrast to the foliage. Cuban Gold is a good choice for combination containers, where it can be used as a filler plant. In fact, Cuban Gold Duranta will last for several years when grown in containers. For the best landscape effect, plant Duranta in full sun or no more than partial shade. Amend the landscape soil

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with organic matter to increase drainage, especially in tight, clay soils. Feed monthly with water-soluble fertilizer to keep your Duranta in peak form. Duranta is very tolerant of pruning, so don’t be afraid to give your plants a trim every once in a while to keep them neat. These plants are hardy in zones 9 to 11, but they will die back to the ground after a frost or freeze. In northern Mississippi, Duranta will die back to the ground each winter but will rebound the following spring. Fruit production may be limited in the northern counties. Treat your Southern Duranta as you Gardening would a butterfly by Dr. Gary Bachman bush, and prune the aerial stems back to about 4 inches long each spring before the foliage emerges. Find a place in your container or landscape for this tropical native and enjoy the beauty it brings to your garden. Dr. Gary Bachman is MSU horticulturist at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi.

Today in Mississippi I July 2012

Mr. Roy’s summer memories ississippi summers are what they are—hot. This isn’t a news alert, unless you recently unloaded your moving van displaying a car tag from one of those northern states. This month’s column is taken from an interview I wrangled out of Mr. Roy, my husband. He was born in George County—Lucedale—and has lived here most of his life. Though he hopscotched to Indiana, Arkansas, Alabama and then Florida for a few years, as determined by his career choices and a stint in the Army. His bachelor’s degree is in mechanical engineering, his master’s in business. I tagged along beginning with Arkansas. He insisted, since we were married. I penned his responses to my questions. “Mr. Roy, I realize that you are much older than I am, therefore I doubt your summer experiences will spark the same memories for me, but there are people that can relate to yours.” He frowned and kept walking. “Not that much older,” he grumbled. “Slow down so I can take notes,” I said. “OK, I’m ready to key in your memories on my Ipad.”

He stepped over a limb that had fallen across our trail in the woods and began. “When school was out each spring, it was time to take my shoes off. All of my friends did the same. The biggest problem was when I was at my daddy’s car business I’d step on cigarettes people threw on the concrete around the shop. “Another hazard was stickers. The grass would feel so good as I ran through my yard, then a patch of stickers would surprise me—they were hard to see. Going barefooted was like being a soldier in a minefield. I was always on the lookout for the next ouch!” Mr. Roy’s long strides slowed, so Grin ‘n’ I could keep up. Bare It “Every day was by Kay Grafe an adventure. The boys in the neighborhood and a few blocks away would gather in the large field behind my house for a game of baseball, or whatever someone dreamed up. Some days we’d make rubber guns and have wars. Our bikes were always handy to charge out to another backyard. Most of our mothers didn’t work,

so they’d make Kool-Aid for us. Soft drinks were too expensive to keep on hand.” “What would you do on Sundays?” I asked. “After Sunday school and church we’d head over to my grandparents for dinner. Their house was where Jack’s Hardware is located on Cowart Street. Afterwards, my brother Bobby and I would load up in Dad’s car with Mother and go out to Brushy Creek swimming. Our friends gathered there and we’d dive into the deepest spot trying to locate dead man’s hole. The parents sat on blankets in the sand and visited but kept a watchful eye on us. I was 15 years old before I ever went swimming in a real pool. “Occasionally on Sunday afternoons my parents took us to Mobile to a Mobile Bear’s baseball game. My friends Edd Evans or Max Lassister would sometimes go with us. Baseball was the major sport back then. During the week, downtown businesses kept their doors open. I remember walking past the stores and radios could be heard broadcasting a baseball game. Especially when Claude Passeau played for the Cubs.” The trail Mr. Roy and I were following curved, and we followed it into the

back fenced field. We continued the trail around the tree-lined fence and headed south. The trail was also our running and walking track. “Tell me other memories that stand out when you were a kid,” I said. He stopped and patted our dogs, and then began. “My daddy and granddaddy made lots of homemade ice cream. I can still taste how good it was. They would buy a block of ice from the ice plant, put it in a croaker sack and hit the sack with an axe to break it up. I remember at night we’d catch lightning bugs, put them in jars and use them for lanterns until our parents called us in for bed. “But some of the best times were just lying in the grass on my back watching clouds while I dreamed of being a baseball star and playing in the World Series—and a million other dreams. Even though we lived only 40 miles from the Gulf, we didn’t go to the beach. I wonder why.” We made a turn on our track and headed east. I said, “Do you think it was because your daddy worked such long hours?” He nodded, “I’m sure that’s one reason. He worked six days a week and many days he worked into the night. I never heard him complain about anything. That includes the times he was sick. “Thinking back on those summers in the late 30s and 40s, I can’t remember having an unhappy day. I didn’t have material things, but I had a wealth of love from both parents.” I truly believe my husband had a perfect childhood. My wish is that all of us can say the same when we recall our summer memories. Kay Grafe is the author of “Oh My Gosh, Virginia.” To order, send name, address, phone number and $16.95, plus $3.50 S&H to Kay Grafe, 2142 Fig Farm Road, Lucedale, MS 39452.

July 2012 I Today in Mississippi

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Today in Mississippi I July 2012

Proudly serving members since 1938

A three-legged balancing act:

Generating costs, regulations and affordability As electric power associations, like Environmental Protection expensive that in Dixie, we see our primary role as proAgency (EPA) that target coal some situations viding quality of life, which means balare of particular concern for it is more costancing the increasing costs of doing electric power associations in effective to close business with keeping power affordable Mississippi and across the the plant. for our members. In addition, While costs are escalat- While costs are escalating in a number of the timeframes areas, the greatest threat to affordable ing in a number of for complying areas, the greatest with regulations power is new and constantly changing threat to affordable are inadequate. environmental regulations. power is new and conThe short period – Randy Smith, general manager stantly changing enviof time proposed ronmental regulations. for complying Dixie Electric and other electric nation. with the regulapower associations are largely dependent Over the past decade, the tions does not Randy Smith, General Manager upon coal as a relatively inexpensive fuel EPA has issued three signifiallow power prosource for electric generation. South cant regulations that impact coal-fired ducers sufficient time for planning, nor Mississippi Electric Power Association, generation. The costs of complying with does it take into consideration the limitthe electric cooperative that generates these regulations have essentially ed number of contract specialists who electricity distributed to you by Dixie become unaffordable to power producare qualified to construct and impleElectric, depended upon coal for 54.7 ers, especially for not-for-profit electric ment these mandated compliance conpercent of the power produced in 2011. cooperatives. The equipment necessary trols. For this reason, regulations issued by the to make a coal plant compliant is so Imagine trying to build a house with

Reporting a power outage can be EASY!

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Dixie Electric’s new outage reporting system will automatically recognize your account if your phone number is correct.

Update your phone number today by contacting us at www.dixieepa.com, click “My Account”. You can call us at 601-425-2535, or write it on your next payment stub.

an architect and contractor who continually make changes to your house plans without your input and without talking to each other. In addition, the architect creates an unrealistic construction schedule for the contractor, meaning you cannot get materials delivered or laborers hired to begin construction. This is a good analogy of what the electric power industry is facing through these EPA regulations. Essentially, the effect of these regulations is the elimination of coal as an option for producing electricity. In the absence of coal, other types of fuel, which can be more costly, will be used to meet the electricity demands of our members. New plants will be necessary to replace retired coal plants to meet the growing need for electricity. Dixie Electric and South Mississippi Electric are working to ensure that our members have the most affordable and reliable electric system today and into the future. Recent projects include steps to make our generation fleet more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally compliant. Two of the gas-fired generators at Plant Dudley in Moselle, Miss. are being repowered to generate 37 percent more electricity while using the same amount of fuel as before. Dixie Electric and South Mississippi Electric are also investigating other options for future power generation that will enable us to maintain environmental compliance and keep power bills affordable. Amidst the changes our industry is facing each day, we remain committed to providing the best value for safe and reliable electric energy for our members.

July 2012

Today in Mississippi

You’re going to see a new logo on Dixie Electric’s trucks Dixie Electric Power Association is rolling out a new logo, and members will begin seeing it this month. The logo was created for Dixie Electric by graphic artist Mark Bridges at the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi office in Ridgeland. “The goal in creating the logo is to have a consistent, recognizable trademark for our Association,” General Manager Randy Smith said. “We are adding new technology to serve of our members, so we want to present the Association with a modern, innovative brand.”

The new logo will be rolled out over time. The website will be updated very soon, and the Association’s vehicles will be updated with new logo stickers in the coming months. Printed materials, like letterhead, envelopes and business cards, will be updated as they are reordered, keeping the cost of implementing the logo minimal.

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Right-of-Way Clearing Notice

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Upcoming Right-of-Way Herbicide Management Project

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Dixie Electric Power Association will perform rightof-way maintenance for the areas served by the Glade, Indian Springs and Shelton substations. The Glade substation serves the communities of Glade, Antioch and Powers. The Indian Springs substation serves the areas of Sheeplo, Old River Road and Indian Springs. Shelton substation serves Rainey, Shelton, Prospect, Shady Grove Church, Moselle and Sanford Road.

Dixie Electric Power Association will be managing the right of way, using herbicide. ChemPro Services out of Ocean Springs, Miss. will be conducting this maintenance. This project will include the following substations: • the Cleo substation in Jones and Wayne counties, including the communities of Myrick, Rushton, Mt. Olive school area, Bethel and the Choctaw reservation; • the Diamond substation in Wayne County, including the communities of Diamond, Boyce and portions of northeastern Wayne County; • West Richton substation in Perry and Jones counties, including the communities of Runnelstown, Ovett, Whitfield and McSwain; • Macedonia substation in Forrest, Jones and Perry counties, including the communities of Macedonia, Leeville, Union, Corinth Church and the Ovett oilfield. Dixie Electric actively clears its right of way to maintain safety around power lines and to provide reliable electric service.

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Today in Mississippi I July 2012

In honor of dedicati

Four dedica

gifts. The employees also made him a hat with all kinds of items on it to remind him how much he will be missed. “The moment I remember most Phillip Shaw about Dixie Electric is when one of the Serving the association for 40 years employees had a snake wrapped around Retiring Operations Manager Phillip him after Hurricane Katrina,” he said. His hobbies are camping, hunting Shaw is very knowledgeable of Dixie Electric Power Association’s electrical sys- and fishing, which inspired the decorations for his retirement party. tem and enjoyed restoring power. Shaw “I will miss the employees the most,” retired from Dixie Electric on June 1, Shaw said. “We are family at Dixie 2012, after 40 years of service. Shaw began working on the line crew Electric.” After retirement, Shaw hopes to fish, on March 14, 1972, as a groundman, and later became a serviceman. On July hunt, travel and play with grandchildren. He also plans on donating his time 9, 1984, he was promoted to line foreto help people in need. If another hurriman and stayed in that position until June 6, 1988, when he was promoted to cane hits, Shaw plans to help with storm services. line construction supervisor. Shaw He is married to Gail Shaw, and he became the operations manager on Jan. has four children. They are Michael 1, 1997, which he held until his retireShaw, Melissa Stacy, the late Scott Shaw ment. “The biggest change at Dixie Electric and the late Allan Hankins. He also has five grandchildren who are his pride and while I have worked here is the growth joy. He attends Glade Baptist Church. of the membership, substations and equipment,” Shaw said. Coworkers, retirees, and family members gathered in the Association's auditorium on Thursday, May 24, 2012, for a luncheon in his honor. General Manager Randy Smith presented Shaw with a watch and a plaque for his years of hard work. Shaw also received presents from his Phillip Shaw’s retirement party was fishing and hunting themed. Those coworkers and the retirees. aboard the S.S. Dixie are (back row) Ed Ritchey, Adron Presley, Larry Tolbert, Robert Culpepper, Joe Donald, Jonathan Hilbun and Glenn The highlight of the Hendry, and (front row) Jerry Gibson, Tommy Ulmer, Rodney Nichols, luncheon was Shaw’s gag David Hayes, Shaw and Thomas Mozingo.

Sharon Parker Always a smiling face in the Petal office

The Petal district office was blessed Parker also said that she will miss her to have Sharon Parker assisting Dixie coworkers, but looks forward to spendElectric members for more than 30 ing time with her husband, Glenn, and years. taking care of her family, including her Parker began working in the Petal two sons and her grandson. office in February 1981 as a cashier. She Parker is a member of Carterville was promoted to the senior cashier in 1989. She held this same position, even though the title changed to senior member service representative, until her retirement in January of this year. Parker was responsible for supervising the other member service representatives Sharon Parker cherished her coworkers in the Petal office. Sharon is pictured here and managing the with Gail Graham, Brandy Lister, Jennifer Penton and Cindy Jones. office. “Sharon was my right hand. She knew the members so Baptist Church in Petal and enjoys readwell and was a very dedicated employee,” ing, using the computer and spending said Jerry Gibson, district supervisor. time with her family. “She is missed by both her coworkers Parker shared some parting words and the members.” with her friends at Dixie Electric. “Dixie Electric has certainly changed “Always be truthful and honest. Do your through the years with the growth in the job to the very best of your ability, and number of employees and the addition take pride in your work. Be respectful of of equipment,” Parker said. your leaders.”

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July 2012

Today in Mississippi

edicated Dixie employees retire after many years of service

Eddie Blackledge Loyal for 30 years

Employees, retirees and family members gathered in the Association's auditorium on Thursday, May 31, for a special luncheon in his honor. General Manager Randy Smith presented Blackledge with a plaque and watch for his years of hard work. Blackledge received gifts from fellow employees and the retirees. “I will miss my friends and co-workers,” Blackledge said. Employees shared stories and expressed how much they will miss Blackledge. Several individuals shared that they admired Blackledge because he never complained and never had anything negative to say about anyone or Dixie Electric. “My most memorable moment at Dixie Electric was Katrina, enough said,” Blackledge remarked. After retirement, Blackledge plans to travel and do whatever he wants to do. He also will cruise the roads in his new Shelby Ford Mustang, which was a retirement present to himself. Blackledge’s parting words to his coworkers was “always be proud of your work.” This is appropriate from a man who worked hard throughout his career.

Mechanic Eddie Blackledge was a hard working, loyal employee who served Dixie Electric for more than 30 years. Blackledge retired from Dixie Electric on June 8, 2012. Blackledge began working for Dixie Electric on January 4, 1982, as a mechanic. For many years, he was the only mechanic and was the sole person responsible for servicing the Association’s fleet of vehicles. A mechanic helper position was added in 2006 to assist Blackledge. “The biggest change at Dixie Electric is the amount of equipment acquired in 30 years,” Blackledge said. “Also, everything was manual, and now everything is on computers.” He is married to Debra Joyce Blackledge. They couple had one son, the late Ross Blackledge. Blackledge worked at D&W Motors before coming to Dixie Electric, and he also served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Vietnam and Cambodia. He is a huge NASCAR fan, which inspired the Retiring Mechanic Eddie Blackledge enjoys a moment with his Mechanic theme for his retirement Helper Clint Hutto. party.

Benton Pitts Dedicated to the association for 29 years

his experiences at Dixie Electric. “Hurricane Katrina by far was my most memorable moment at Dixie Electric,” he said. “Even though many of our employees had damage or lost their homes, that did not stop them from restoring power to our members.” “Mr. Pitts really cared about Dixie Electric one hundred percent. He not only cared about the company, but he cared about the employees too,” Receptionist Regina Hales said. “I will miss the people I worked with each day. They are my family,” Pitts said. He is married to Gay Pitts, and they have two children, Michael and Kim.

Dedicated is the perfect word to describe long-time employee Benton Pitts. He retired from Dixie Electric on May 15, 2012, after 29 years. Pitts began working at Dixie Electric on April 1, 1983, as the accounting supervisor. Four years later, he became the office manager. In 2009, he became the advisor and trainer for the board and senior staff until he retired in May. The Association has evolved during Pitts’ years of service. “The biggest change at Dixie Electric is from manual to com- Benton Pitt’s retirement celebration ended with a mock funeral. The puterized records,” he said. mourners are pictured here with Pitts. Back row: Sally Grafton, Shelia Richardson, Linda Holifield, Pitts, Patsy Thornton, Sandy Coworkers, retirees and family members gathered in the Collins, Andrea Adkins and Mary Lee Bonner. Front row: Melinda Padgett, Regina Hales and Pina Caldwell. Association's auditorium on Thursday, June 7, for a luncheon in his honor. General Manager They also have five granddaughters. Pitts Randy Smith presented Pitts with a is a member of County Line Missionary plaque for his years of dedicated service Baptist Church. and a gift certificate to Kux. He also After retirement, Pitts plans to travel, received gifts from his coworkers and the showing his walking horses in Tennessee retirees, including a hat made of items and spending more time with his grandthat he liked or drove him crazy. daughters. The highlight of the luncheon was a Pitts leaves this advice to the employmock funeral, remembering Pitts and ees of Dixie Electric, “Always seek God’s the funny things he did. The crowd guidance and will in everything you do.” enjoyed sharing stories about Pitts’ and

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Today in Mississippi I July 2012

Bylaws govern Dixie Electric’s annual meeting Section 3.01. Annual Meeting. For the purposes of electing directors, hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, the annual meeting of the members shall be held on the third Saturday of the month of October each year, at any place in one of the counties of Mississippi within which the Association serves, and beginning at such hour, as the Board of Directors shall from year to year fix; PROVIDED, that, for cause sufficient, the Board of Directors may fix a different date for such annual meeting not more than thirty (30) days prior or subsequent to the date otherwise established for such meeting. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time and place shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Association. It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to make adequate plans and preparation for the annual meeting, and to encourage attendance by the membership at these meetings. Section 3.02. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by at least a majority of directors or upon written request signed by at least ten percent (10%) of the members and it shall thereupon be the duty of the Secretary to cause notice of such meeting to be given as hereinafter provided. Each person signing such request shall date his signature and shall show thereon the address and account number of the service location represented by such signature. In no event shall a special meeting be called unless a written request is signed by members within ninety (90) days from date of first signature. Special meetings of the members may be held at any time, date and place within the service area of the Association, in the State of Mississippi, as determined by the Board of Directors and as specified in the notice of the special meeting. Section 3.03. Notice of Members’ Meetings. Written or printed notice stating the time, date and place of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than

seven (7) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail to each member, by or at the direction of the Secretary. If directors are to be elected at such meeting, the notice of members’ meeting shall include a statement of the board members to be elected as provided in Section 4.04. Unless contained with such notice, no matter may be acted upon at that meeting which requires the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the members. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the member as it appears on the records of the Association, with postage thereon prepaid. The failure of any member to receive notice of an annual or special meeting of the members shall not invalidate any action which may be taken by the members at any such meeting. Section 3.04. Quorum. Ten percent (10%) of the members present in person or represented by proxies or absentee ballots, with a minimum of two percent (2%) of the members who reside in each of the designated geographical districts being present in person or represented by proxies or absentee ballots, and with a minimum of two percent (2%) of all members being present in person or represented by proxies, shall constitute a quorum at a regular or special meeting of the members. The ten percent (10%) quorum requirement shall be determined by adding the number of members present in person at the meeting to the number of members represented at the meeting by valid proxies and by valid absentee ballots filed as provided by these bylaws. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting of the members, the officer or designee of the Association who is presiding at the meeting may without a motion declare the meeting adjourned and closed or he may hold the meeting open for not longer than thirty minutes to see if a quorum is present within that time; and the meeting shall automatically be adjourned and closed if a quorum shall not be present at the end of said thirty minute period. The members present at a meeting at which a quorum is not present shall not have the power

to take any kind of action, including, but not limited to, adjourning said meeting to another time or place. At all meetings of the members, whether a quorum be present or not, the Secretary shall annex to the meeting minutes, or incorporate therein by reference, a list of those members who registered as present in person or who were represented by valid proxies or valid absentee ballots. Section 3.05. Voting. Each member who is not in a status of suspension, as provided for in Section 2.01, shall be entitled to one vote only upon each matter submitted to a vote at any meeting of the members at which a quorum is present (including, but not limited to, a meeting of the members where directors are to be elected), which one vote may be cast in only one of three ways, to-wit: (a) in advance of the meeting by absentee ballot; or (b) at the meeting itself in person; or (c) at the meeting itself by proxy. Each member present at the meeting may cast his own vote plus those proxies executed in his favor pursuant to Section 3.07 of these bylaws. Voting by members other than members who are natural persons shall be allowed upon the presentation to the Association, prior to or upon registration at each member meeting, of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting same to vote. At all meetings of the members, all questions shall be decided by a majority of the members voting thereon, except as otherwise provided by law or by the Association’s Certificate of Incorporation or by these bylaws. Members may not cumulate their votes. Section 3.06. Proxies and Absentee Ballots. (a) Proxies: At all meetings of the members, a member may vote by proxy executed in writing by the member, subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth, provided, however, any member holding and intending to vote a proxy must file the executed proxy at the Association’s headquarters, not less than five (5) days prior to the meeting. The proxy must have entered thereon the account number of the member appointed to vote the proxy. If one person shall receive electric service through two (2) or more

meters at different premises, he shall be entitled to not more than one (1) vote at any meeting of the members. No proxy shall be voted at any meeting of the members unless it shall designate the particular meeting at which it is to be voted, and no proxy shall be voted at any meeting other than the one so designated or any adjournment of such meeting. No member shall vote as proxy for more than fifteen (15) members at any meeting of the members, but this restriction shall not apply to the Board of Directors who shall vote the proxies assigned to them according to the will of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors. The timely presence and action of a member at a meeting of the members may revoke a proxy theretofore executed by that member, and such member may be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the same effect as if the proxy had not been executed. In case of a joint membership, a proxy may be executed either by the husband or wife. The timely presence and action of either husband or wife at a meeting of the members may revoke a proxy theretofore executed by either of them and such joint member or members may be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the same effect as if a proxy had not been executed. A proxy form designated by the Board of Directors shall be used which identifies the member by name, membership address and account number, in order to assure authenticity and facilitate the tabulation of votes. If the proxy form of a member is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the Association shall furnish the member with a replacement proxy form upon reasonable request, provided that the member executes a revocation of the lost, stolen or destroyed form, to be witnessed by an employee of the Association. Blank proxy forms shall not be distributed in bulk to any member. Only the proxy form issued by the Association shall be valid. (b) Absentee Ballots: Votes by absentee ballot upon any matter shall be upon forms or ballots pre-scribed by the Directors and mailed to the members, at least seven (7) days in advance of each meeting; and no

July 2012

votes by absentee ballot upon any issue will be counted (a) unless they are received at the office of the Association in Jones County, Mississippi, not later than thirty-six (36) hours prior to the date and hour of the convening of the meeting of members or received by mail postmarked not later than thirty-six (36) hours prior to the date and hour of the convening of the meeting of members; (b) and, unless they are on the forms or ballots prescribed and submitted to the members; (c) and, unless they are delivered to any officer, director, or employee of the Association not later than thirtysix (36) hours prior to the date and hour of the convening of the meeting of members; and, (d) unless there is a quorum present. The said ballots provided for absentee ballots shall be sent to all members under the same conditions that notice of the meeting is sent to the said members. Section 3.07. Representative Voting. Legal entity organizations and nonlegal entity organizations which are members of the Association may be represented at any meeting of the members and may vote only as follows: (a) Any director, officer or general manager duly authorized in writing may represent and cast the one vote of a corporation; (b) a trustee, steward, deacon, clerk or pastor duly authorized in writing may represent and cast the one vote of a church; (c) a school trustee, principal or superintendent duly authorized in writing may represent and cast the one vote of a school; (d) and any other association or organization not a legal entity may be represented by and have its one vote cast by any person duly authorized in writing who is a trustee, or manager or part owner, or any officer of such association or organization. Section 3.08. Order of Business. The order of business at the annual meetings of the members and, so far as practicable, at all other meetings of the members shall be essentially as follows, except as otherwise determined by any officer or designee of the Association who is presiding at such meetings: 1. Report on the existence or not of a quorum. 2. Reading of the notice of the meeting and proof of the due publication or mailing thereof, or the waiver or waivers of notice of the meeting.

3. Reading, or the waiver thereof, of unapproved minutes of previous meetings of the members and the taking of necessary action thereon. 4. Presentation and consideration of reports of officers, directors and committees. 5. (a) Receive report of Committee on Nominations. (b) Secretary to present petitions filed and posted for the nominations of directors. (c) Election of Directors. 6. Unfinished business. 7. New business. 8. Adjournment. ARTICLE IV DIRECTORS Section 4.03. Tenure & Qualifications. (a) At each annual meeting of the members, approximately one-third (1/3) of the total number of directors shall be elected by ballot, by and from the members, to serve for a term of three (3) years as provided by law. If the election of directors shall not be held at the annual meeting or if such annual meeting is not held, each director shall hold office for the term or until his successor shall have been elected and qualified. (b) At any meeting, ballots shall not be necessary in the event the number of persons nominated for directors does not exceed the number of directors to be elected, but in such case if there be no objection, the directors may be elected in any other proper manner. Drawing by lot shall resolve, where necessary, any tie votes. (c) No person or non-natural member as described in subsection (e) of this section shall be eligible to become or remain a director or to hold any position of trust in the Association who is not an active member in good standing of the Association, has not been a bona fide resident of the district from which they are to be elected for one year immediately preceding the nomination to directorship, or who is in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise. (d) No person shall be eligible to become or remain a director who has been finally convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. (e) In order to be eligible to become or remain a director of the Association, a person must be a mem-

ber of the Association and receiving service therefrom at his primary residential abode, and not be a close relative as defined in Section 4.08 of an incumbent director, or the director being replaced. However, the operating or chief executive of any non-natural member, such as a corporation, church, etc., or its designee, shall, notwithstanding that they do not receive service from the Association at their primary residential abode, be eligible to become a director, from the District in which such member is located, if he or she or such designee (1) is in substantial permanent occupancy, direction or use of the premises served by the Association, and (2) is a permanent and year-round resident within or in close proximity to an area served by the Association; but provided further, that no more than one (1) such person may serve on the Board of Directors at the same time. When a membership is held jointly by a husband and wife, either one but not both may be elected a director; provided, however that neither one shall be eligible to become or remain a director or to hold a position of trust in the Association unless both shall meet the qualifications hereinabove set forth. No person shall take or hold office as director who is the incumbent of or a candidate for any elective county, beat, district, school district, municipal or state public office for which a salary is paid. (f) In order to be eligible to become or remain a director of the Association, a person must have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract. (g) Upon establishment of the fact that a nominee for director lacks eligibility under this Section or as may be provided elsewhere in these bylaws, it shall be the duty of the chair presiding at the meeting at which such nominee would be otherwise voted upon to disqualify such nominee. Upon establishment of the fact that any person being considered for, or already holding, a directorship or other position of trust in the Association lacks eligibility under this Section, it shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to withhold such positions from such persons, or to cause them to be removed therefrom, as the case may be. (h) Nothing in this section contained shall, or shall be construed to, affect in any manner whatsoever, the validity of any action taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, unless

Today in Mississippi

such action is taken with respect to a matter which is affected by the provisions of this section and in which one or more of the directors have an intent adverse to that of the Association. Section 4.04. Nominations, Committee on Nominations; Credentials and Elections. (a) Nominations by Petition. Any fifty (50) members acting together may make other nominations by petition and the Secretary shall post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the committee is posted. Any petition for nomination shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, printed name, address, account number, telephone number and service location of the member. Nominations made by petition, if any, received at least forty (40) days before the meeting shall be included on the official ballot. The Chairman shall call for additional nominations to be made from the floor. No member may nominate more than one candidate. (b) Committee on Nominations. It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to appoint, no less than fiftyfive (55) days nor more than ninety-five (95) days before the date of the meeting of the members at which directors are to be elected, a committee on nominations consisting of not less than five (5) nor more than eleven (11) members who shall be selected from different sections so as to provide equitable geographical representation. No existing Association employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director, and close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing Association employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director may serve on such committee. The committee may receive and consider any written suggestions as to nominees submitted by members of the Association. The committee shall meet at a time and place set by the Board of Directors. The committee shall prepare and post at the principal office of the Association at least fifty (50) days before the meeting a list of nominations for directors. The Secretary shall mail with the notice of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of directors to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates nominated by the committee on nominations.

Today in Mississippi

July 2012

Historic Mound Bayou observes 125th anniversary Residents of Mound Bayou will celebrate the unique history of their town with a 125th anniversary observance July 8-14. Mound Bayou was one of the first allAfrican American communities established after emancipation. Isaiah T. Montgomery and Benjamin Green founded the town in 1887 and initiated its tradition of self-empowerment. The town had as many as 40 business-

es, three schools, three cotton gins, a newspaper and a Carnegie library in its early years. But when cotton prices fell in the 1920s and 1930s, the town experienced a severe economic decline. Most of the downtown buildings were destroyed by fire in 1941. Mound Bayou’s revival was sparked in 1942 with the opening of the Taborian Hospital, one of only two African American hospitals in the state during the first half of the 20th century. Owned and operated by African Americans, the Taborian Hospital was the first medical institution in the nation to have an all-black staff. The vacant hospital building remains standing in downtown Mound Bayou, as do the first Bank of Mound Bayou, established in 1902, and the red brick home of founder Isaiah T.

The Isaiah T. Montgomery house was one of the few buildings to survive the fire that destroyed most of downtown Mound Bayou in 1941. Montgomery was a delegate to the Mississippi Constitutional Convention of 1890.

Montgomery. The town’s anniversary celebration begins at 8 a.m. July 8 with an Old Time Revival Meeting to share stories of its founders. Other activities will include the skit “Life Back in the Day” performed by

local youth, a motorcade to founders’ gravesites, Youth Day, opening of a 25year time capsule and a banquet. All events are free, except the banquet. For more information on the celebration, call city hall at 662-741-2194 or visit www.cityofmoundbayou.org.

July 2012

Today in Mississippi

Bicycles and quiet mornings e began at the Gateway near USM’s campus in Hattiesburg and headed toward Prentiss, some 40 miles up the trail. Within minutes we were away from city noise and encroaching buildings and were in the midst of quiet, excluding the sounds of nature that is. Squirrels chattered from the treetops and scurried across the trail; a cardinal sang its melodious song; a mourning dove cooed. The rhythmic patter of running shoes became audible as a jogger approached from the opposite direction and nodded as he passed. At one point somewhere west of I-59, our near-silent passage allowed us Mississippi to get within a few Outdoors yards of a doe A covered bench makes a good rest stop while cycling on Longleaf Trace. Photo: Tony Kinton standing along the by Tony Kinton trail’s edge. She nounced reduction in the 40.3 miles Trace (www.longleaftrace.org), the only snorted and bounded away, flag up, into available one way. As a result, it was not one of its kind in Mississippi. This is a the pine and poplar and oak and sweet long before we turned and retraced our Rails-to-Trails Conservancy project, gum woods, her hoof falls crunching in tracks back to the Gateway and the truck. which runs from Hattiesburg to Prentiss leaves yet damp from morning dew. A Still, it had been a glorious morning. We along an abandoned railroad track. crow scolded from the tall confines of a sat briefly in a picnic shelter and had a Longleaf Trace has a minimum width longleaf pine. soft drink and snacks before loading up of 10 feet and is covered with asphalt, Not being long-range bikers and in and heading home, this with a promise to permitting easy navigation for walkers, condition for extended trips, we opted to do another portion of the trail soon. runners or bikers. And while no petroleset our maximum ride at 10 miles, a proThe trail mentioned is the Longleaf um-powered vehicles are allowed, concessions are made for electric carts by those who need them and who make the proper requests. Additionally, there is a 23-mile equestrian trail for horseback enthusiasts; this runs parallel to the paved trail between Carson and Epley. On its route between Hattiesburg and Prentiss, Longleaf passes through portions of Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Jefferson Davis counties. It touches the towns of, from south to northwest, Hattiesburg, Sumrall, Bassfield, Carson and Prentiss. These offer various amenities for those who choose to leave the trail for a meal. Benches, some with overhead covers, are located approximately every five miles. There are also six stations, plus the two Gateways at Hattiesburg and Prentiss, that offer restrooms: Jackson Road Station, Clyde Depot, Epley Station, Sumrall Station, Bassfield Station and Carson Station. A primitive campsite is

located adjacent to Carson Station. And if camping is to be a part of your adventure to Longleaf, there are ample choices in addition to the primitive site at Carson. Since we were coming from the north on Highway 49, we elected to set up on that side of Hattiesburg. We stopped at Okatoma River Resort RV Park to overnight before the morning ride. There is also Paul B. Johnson State Park south of Hattiesburg. Lake Jeff Davis and Lake Mike Conner near the Prentiss end of Longleaf both afford campsites with hookups. A bike rental and retail shop are housed at the Gateway at USM in Hattiesburg. The Longleaf Trace is a true jewel. It is a means by which visitors can enjoy the natural world of south Mississippi from an asphalt track, as well as offering a variety of entry and exit points at the various stations along the way. It is open yearround to the public and simply should not be missed. Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. His books, “Outside and Other Reflections,” “Fishing Mississippi” and his new Christian historical romance novel, “Summer Lightning Distant Thunder,” are available in bookstores and from the author at www.tonykinton.com, or P.O. Box 88, Carthage, MS 39051.

Today in Mississippi

July 2012

Apricot Nectar Cake

Cooks Mississippi

FEATURED COOKBOOK:

‘Giant Houseparty Cookbook’ Tradition runs deep at the annual Neshoba County Fair, where people have been gathering and camping since 1889. Today, the fair bills itself as Mississippi’s Giant Houseparty, an eight-day fun-filled event where more than 600 cabins fill with families and friends. This year’s fair is set for July 27 - Aug. 3. This being Mississippi, food plays an important role in the festivities of the fair’s cabin community. And as some of the older cabins are handed down for new generations to enjoy and share, so are the recipes. The “Giant Houseparty Cookbook” presents many of these recipe traditions in a section devoted to fair food, plus a wide variety of others contributed by local families. Nancy Reagan provided her recipe for Vienna Chocolate Bars to the cookbook. Ronald and Nancy Reagan visited the fair in 1980, during his first campaign for the presidency. The third printing of this popular cookbook, first published in 1981, features a lay-flat binding and some 375 pages of recipes. It is available in stores or may be ordered by mail. To order, send $25 plus $6 S&H to Community Development Partnership, PO Box 330, Philadelphia, MS 39350. For more information call 877-752-2643. Learn more about the upcoming Neshoba County Fair at www.neshobacountyfair.org.

Nancy Reagan’s Vienna Chocolate Bars 2 sticks butter 2 egg yolks 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 2 1/2 cups flour 1 (10-oz.) jar raspberry jelly or apricot preserves

1 cup semisweet chocolate bits 4 egg whites 1/4 tsp. salt 2 cups finely chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter with the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Add flour and knead with the fingers. Pat batter out on a greased cookie sheet to about 3/8-inch thickness. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from oven; spread with jelly and top with chocolate bits. Beat egg whites with salt until stiff. Fold in remaining cup of sugar and nuts. Gently spread on top of jelly and chocolate. Bake for about 25 minutes. Cut into squares or bars. Yields 24 bars, cut 1 by 3 inches.

1 pkg. Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme cake mix 1/2 cup Wesson oil

1 cup apricot nectar 2 Tbsp. lemon flavoring 4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend together the cake mix, oil, apricot nectar and lemon ﬂavoring. Fold in eggs one at a time. Beat for 3 minutes. Bake in tube pan for 1 hour. Drizzle with glaze while cake is hot. Cool before turning out of pan. Glaze: 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

1/3 cup apricot nectar 1 Tbsp. pure lemon juice

Beat all ingredients until sugar is dissolved.

Summer Fruit Bowl 3 medium bananas, sliced 4 medium oranges, pared and sectioned

1 cup strawberries, halved 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved

Peel bananas; slice into a bowl and cover completely with other fruit. Cover the bowl and chill well. Just before serving, pour dressing over fruit. Toss until fruit is well coated. Yield: 10 servings Sour Cream–Honey Dressing: 1/2 cup dairy sour cream

1 Tbsp. honey 1 Tbsp. orange juice

Blend together sour cream, honey and orange juice. Serve salad in crisp lettuce cups or on slices of fresh pineapple. Pour dressing over salad.

Mississippi Cornbread 1/2 cup cornbread mix 1/2 cup cream-style corn 2 eggs

1/2 cup cooking oil 1 cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. diced onion

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and bake in a hot, greased skillet for 25 minutes.

Squash Au Gratin 1/4 cup margarine or butter 4 cups thinly sliced squash: yellow, white or zucchini 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

1/8 tsp. black pepper 2 tomatoes, sliced thin, or 1 cup canned tomatoes, sliced 1/2 cup grated cheese

Melt margarine in a skillet or Dutch oven, which has a tightly ﬁtted lid. Add squash and all other ingredients except cheese. Cover and cook about 15 minutes, or until squash is tender. Sprinkle with cheese and place under broiler unit of oven for 1 or 2 minutes to melt and lightly brown cheese. Makes 4 or 5 servings.

Spoon Burgers 1 lb. ground beef 1 onion, chopped 1/2 (14-oz.) bottle catsup 1 (5-oz.) can Pet evaporated milk

3/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. prepared mustard 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

In a deep iron skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef and onion. Add catsup, milk, salt, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer about 20 minutes. Will serve 8 to 10 people.

Blackberry Trifle 1 cup blackberry jam 1 cup sugar 1 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup butter 2 Tbsp. flour

4 eggs, separated 1 tsp. vanilla 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell 4 Tbsp. sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix well the jam, sugar, buttermilk, butter, ﬂour, egg yolks and vanilla. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake about 40 minutes. Beat the 4 egg whites until stiﬀ, gradually adding the sugar. Spread meringue on top of pie and return to oven to brown lightly.

Williams Brothers

July 2012

Today in Mississippi

From bacon to boots

Still a general merchandiser

By Nancy Jo Maples Williams Brothers. Peggy and Sid’s Inside the doorway of Williams father are the children of the late Brothers near Philadelphia, time might Amzie and Nannie Mae Williams. appear to stand still but everything is Amzie and his brother, Brown actually abuzz. Williams, started the store. However, It’s one of those exceptionally rare Brown sold his share to Amzie in the country stores where people can purchase 1940s and ventured into politics, anything from horse collars to hoop serving as Mississippi’s Highway cheese. Commissioner. “This cheese is the best I’ve ever tasted. Williams Brothers began selling That’s because it general merwas made from chandise and milk last June,” Sid ‘We played together as kids until we has maintained Williams, one of that image. were old enough to work, and then the store owners Hams hang our play days turned into work days.’ alongside the said as he handed me a freshly cut —Sid Williams horse collars on wedge. “June propainted beams duces the best just above the cow’s milk and therefore the best cheese. groceries. The store also offers horse briHowever, since cheese must be aged, this dles, fertilizer, garden seed, posts and cheese is a year old. The guys who work gates. There are locally canned goods, here with me every day agree it’s the best sweet potatoes from Vardaman, and genwe have ever had.” eral grocery and household items. The men Sid references are an AfricanPeople come here for blue jeans, baby American and a Choctaw whom he has clothes, designer dressknown all of his life. Their fathers worked es, cowboy boots and for his father, the late Cooper Williams, shoes. in the store that has been in the Williams While Sid manages family since 1907. the grocery and farm “We played together as kids until we side of the store, his were old enough to work, and then our cousin Jane Dees play days turned into work days,” Sid Crosswhite manages the said. dry goods side. Jane is One of those men, Tommy Lee Kelly, Peggy’s daughter. earned his college degree in 1977 and “We sell more boots then returned to Williams Brothers. He is and shoes than anyusually near the front entrance slicing thing,” Jane said. “Our Sid Williams, one of the store’s owners, slices a wedge of Wisconsin hoop bologna or bacon alongside Sid. The store niche is that we offer cheese for a customer. Grocery items are displayed next to the harnesses. sells 90 to 100 slabs of bacon every something for the Saturday. Its weekly bacon sales average whole family – the little children, the mother of football celebrities Peyton and 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. It sells about 10 mother and the grandmother.” Eli Manning. Their photographs adorn hoops of cheese per day. A wooden hoop That niche includes products for male the walls along with dozens of snapshots contains approximately 22 pounds, which shoppers. depicting the store’s history, including means Williams Brothers retails more “Believe it or not, we still sell a lot of early scenes showing old-fashioned cash than 200 pounds of cheese each day. The overalls,” Jane said. “That person is usual- registers and men holding cotton bolls in cheese is from Wisconsin. The bacon ly 50 years and up. We also sell baby front of the Williams’ cotton gin that comes from Texas. ones. The grandchildren want to wear operated across the street many years ago. Regular customers notice the store what grandpa is wearing.” “Some visit out of curiosity. It fascikeeps employees such as Tommy Lee Some people aren’t looking for boots nates me that I can look out on the floor Kelly and Sid’s Choctaw friend, Felton or bacon. Sometimes people just come on a Saturday and not recognize anyone,” John, for the long run. here. Jane said. “We have a mixture of cusCustomers also relish seeing the familSome come here for the Manning con- tomers. Some might be visiting family or iar face of Sid’s aunt, Peggy Williams nection. Sid’s sister Olivia is wife to foot- might originally be from this area. Others Dees, who at age 81 still works at ball legend Archie Manning and the might have read about us in a magazine

or know about the Manning connection.” Many visit for nostalgic reasons. Such was the case with a man from Amory the morning Sid sliced the delectable cheese. He was a Neshoba County native who had attended school with Sid’s uncle and was traveling to a relative’s 80th birthday celebration in nearby Decatur. He just wanted to stop by and see the place where little had changed. Time might never stand still, but a visit to Williams Brothers can offer an adventuresome pause.

My Best 18

Shot

Today in Mississippi

July 2012

PICTURE THIS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Mockingbird mealtime by Jeff Johnson, Quitman; East Mississippi EPA Fresh flower by Drew Greene, age 13, Conehatta; Central EPA Back-to-back egrets by Diane Luke, Columbus; 4-County EPA Tree frog hideaway by Antoinette C. Calandria, Kiln Flower Girl the kitty by Andrea Scurria, Picayune; Coast EPA Rylan Montez Freelon, 9 months, by Olivia Gaston, Bruce Blue macaw by Elizabeth Shoemake, Sumrall; Pearl River Valley EPA Waving flag by Kristen Breland, Wiggins

July 2012

Today in Mississippi

9 The grass is always greener... by Allie Stockstill, Kiln; Coast EPA 10 Natchez-Vidalia bridges by Clyde Gousset, Natchez; Southwest Mississippi EPA 11 Melon harvesters Dakota Flowers, Nick Farley, Thomas Honnell and Brandon Weber by Johnny Gilmer, Columbus; 4-County EPA

Our next Picture This theme is Gotcha: Great Moments in Candid Photos Unposed photos of people or animals being funny or fascinating. Selected photos will appear in our October issue. Submissions must be emailed or postmarked to us by Sept. 17. For details, visit www.todayinmississippi.com, email news@epaofms.com or call 601-605-8600.

13 12

12 Eye-to-eye by Emily Grace Cooley, age 16, Vancleave; Singing River EPA 13 Last casts of the day by Therese Hewitt, Hattiesburg; Pearl River Valley EPA

Today in Mississippi

July 2012

Mississippi Marketplace Type or print your ad clearly. Be sure to include your telephone number. Deadline is the 10th of each month for the next month’s issue. Mail payment with your ad to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300. Have any questions? Phone (601) 605-8600.

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Today in Mississippi

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July 2012

Mississippi

Events Want more than 400,000 readers to know about your event? Send it to us at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Mail to Mississippi Events, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300; fax to 601-605-8601; or email to news@epaofms.com. Events of statewide interest will be published free of charge as space allows. Event details are subject to change, so we strongly recommend calling to confirm dates and times before traveling. For more events, go to www.visitmississippi.org.

“Close to Home: Photographs by Eudora Welty,” through Oct. 31, Greenwood. Photos made by Welty while traveling Mississippi for the WPA in the 1930s. Admission. Museum of the Mississippi Delta. Details: 662-453-0925; www.museumofthemississippidelta.com. “Add Art...to Table, Walls and More,” through Aug. 30, Jackson. Exhibit of works by portraitist Roger Long and glass artist Jenny Thomas. Opening reception 5-7 p.m. July 26. Free. Mississippi Library Commission. Details: 601-432-4111; gloriajw@mlc.lib.ms.us. Farmers Market, Thursdays through August, Laurel. Open 4-6:30 p.m. at 550 Central Avenue. Details: 601-433-3255. Cedar Hill Farm Pick-Ur-Own, through Aug. 31, Hernando. Fresh produce, honey, playground, petting zoo, hayride to fields, gift shop. Cedar Hill Farm. Details: 662-429-2540. Mound Bayou 125th Anniversary Celebration, July 8-14, Mound Bayou. Various events daily, including exhibits, Youth Day, historical reenactment skit, Old Time Revival Meeting, mayor’s banquet and more. Details: 662-741-2194; www.cityofmoundbayou.org. Tony Kinton Signing/Reading, July 9, Eupora. The author to read from his novel “Summer Lightning Distant Thunder”; noon. Webster County Library. Details: 662-2587515. DeSoto Family Theatre Summer Camps, July 9-27, Southhaven. Featuring “Willy Wonka Junior,”“Seussical Jr.” and “Broadway Jr.” Landers Center Theatre. Details: 901-2388098; www.dftonline.org. Tony Kinton Signing/Reading, July 11, Philadelphia. The author to read from his novel “Summer Lightning Distant Thunder”; 11 a.m., Philadelphia-Neshoba County Library. Details: 601-656-4911. Cabbage Festival, July 14, Raleigh. Arts, crafts, rides, entertainment, coleslaw-eating contest, karaoke contest, food, benefit car show and more. The Tackle Box. Details: 601-

782-5590, 601-421-9549. Creative Kids Summer Arts Camp, July 1620, Hernando. Fun and learning with professional artists and craftsmen; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Ages 6-13. Admission includes lunch. DeSoto Arts Council. Details: 662-404-3361; vickyneyman@gmail.com. Tyler’s T-ball Team’s Lemonade Stand, July 14, Mount Olive. Second annual benefit for American Cancer Society; 2-5 p.m. Main Street. Details: 601-797-4490. 34th Annual Mississippi Watermelon Festival, July 20-21, Mize. Jason Michael Carroll in concert, arts and crafts, 5K run, car/truck show, watermelon contests and more. Mize City Park. Details: 601-733-5647; www.mswatermelonfestival.com. Oxford Blues Festival, July 20-22, Oxford. Blues panel discussion, catfish fry, barbecue. Blues performers include Ben Wiley Payton. Admission. Walton-Young House, University of Mississippi Museum. Details: 662-259-7190; www.oxfordbluesfest.com. Mississippi Opry Summer Show, July 21, Pearl. Featuring Cross Country, Harmony & Grits; 6 p.m. Admission. Pearl Community Room. Details: 601-331-6672.

“Understanding Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Your Yard,” July 21, Picayune. James Bell, of the Hummer/Bird Study Group Inc., to present talk on how to fill your yard with hummingbirds; 10-11 a.m. Register by July 20. The Crosby Arboretum. Details: 601-799-2311. Kids Camera Camp, July 23-26, Hernando. Ages 9-12 will learn about digital cameras and photography; 1-4 p.m. Admission. DeSoto Arts Council Gallery. Details: 662-404-3361; www.desotocameraclub.org. 123rd Neshoba County Fair, July 27 - Aug. 3 Philadelphia. Arts and crafts market, garden and field crop exhibits, home arts exhibits, quilt displays, livestock shows, harness and running horse races, mule races, political speaking, entertainment, midway rides and more. Fairgrounds. Details: 601-656-8480; www.neshobacountyfair.org. Lamar County Bluegrass Festival, July 27-28, Purvis. Six bands. Admission. Lamar County Community Shelter. Details: 601-794-3406; bluegrass@lamarcounty.com; www.lamarcounty.com. Tuxedo Reunion, July 28, Meridian. Bring a covered dish to share at lunch; 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Church of the Mediator. Details: 601-483-6802, 601-485-4751. “Surfing a 300-Mile Long Wave: Great Flood of 2011 Canoe Adventure,” July 31, Rolling Fork. A Lower Delta Talks presentation with John Ruskey; 6:30 p.m. Sharkey-Issaquena County Library. Details: 662-873-4076.

Southern Crossroads Music and Tamale Festival, Aug. 10-11, Jackson. Indoor event featuring War, Steve Azar, Marc Broussard, others. Tamales from various regions; art by local and regional artists. Mississippi Coliseum. Details: 601-213-5900; www.tamalefest.com. Angela Thomas Women’s Conference: “Dream Another Dream,” Aug. 10-11, Meridian. Friday, 7-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9-11 a.m. Admission. The Evangel Temple Church. Details: 601-938-7345; www.theevangeltemple.org. Mississippi Clogging Extravaganza, Aug. 1012, Gallman. Clogging exhibitions for spectators Saturday 7 p.m. Workshops for dancers Friday 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. Details: 601-906-2882; www.msclogextravaganza.com. Field Walk and Clay Class, Aug. 11, Picayune. Children to collect natural materials to impress into self-hardening clay. Admission. Register by Aug. 10. The Crosby Arboretum. Details: 601-799-2311. Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights Street Festival, Aug. 11, Jackson. Art, five stages of music, children’s activities and food; 5:30-9:30 p.m. Admission. Carlisle Street, Kenwood Place in Belhaven. Details: 601-352-8850; info@greaterbelhaven.com. Mississippi Coast Jazz Society Jam Session/Dance, Aug. 12, Biloxi. Hard Rock Casino; 2-5 p.m. Details: 228-392-4177.

123rd NESHOBA COUNTY FAIR Philadelphia, MS

Mississippi’s Giant HouseParty

Fri., July 27 thru Fri., Aug. 3

Arts & crafts market, garden & field crop exhibits, home arts & crafts exhibits, needlework and quilt displays. State dairy cattle show, beef cattle & sheep shows. Petting zoo. Harness and running horse races & mule pull. Antique car show. Local & statewide political speaking. Nightly variety & Nashville entertainment. Midway amusement & rides by Mitchell Bros. Amusements. Heart O’Dixie Triathlon. For more information,

visit www.neshobacountyfair.org.

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