Today in Mississippi April 2017 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

News for members of Electric Cooperatives in Mississippi

Country Roads PICTURE THIS

TAKE US HOME

4 Mayhaw farmer

grows his hobby

12 Heavenly recipes

from Fords Creek

20 Students learn to

lead at workshop

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Carthage 601-267-5671 Philadelphia 601-656-2601 Rankin 601-829-1201 Sebastopol 601-625-7422

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937 www.centralepa.com

Central EPA annual meeting

Paul Long, general manager of Central Electric, delivers his annual report at the recent annual meeting.

Over 500 people attended the 80th Annual Meeting of the Membership of Central Electric Power Association March 21 at the coliseum in Carthage. The crowd was entertained by The Eddie Pilgrim Family, a gospel group

based out of Leake County. Members enjoyed a hint of contemporary gospel with a touch of old convention-style singing. General Manager Paul D. Long opened the meeting followed by the invocation given by Phillip Crosby, a member of the board of directors. Mayor Jimmy Wallace of Carthage welcomed the crowd and complimented Long and the board of directors for the wonderful job they do for the community. Michael Callahan with the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi and Josh Wooten with the Tennessee Valley Authority were guests at the meeting. Both the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi and TVA value their partnership with Central Electric Power

A crowd of more than 500 people attended the 2017 annual meeting.

Association and the hard work that has been accomplished through the years. Long reported that by the end of 2016, the association had 36,165 members in central Mississippi and 4,247 miles of underground and overhead distribution and transmission lines. Long also praised his staff for working hard, being safe, and keeping the lights on. To conclude the meeting, a raffle

took place. Dozens of prizes, including an electric grill, were given away to lucky members. The grand prize given away was a 2008 Ford F-150 extended cab pickup to Truman Moore of Leake County.

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Carthage Mayor Jimmy Wilson and Central Board Member Philip Crosby.

Foch Dickens talks to a member about energy efficient light bulbs.

A commitment to community is a tradition at Central Electric including a health fair held at the annual meeting.

80th Annual Meeting Winners

Dennis Nollie from Carthage was the winner of a patio bistro grill.

Mayor Jimmy Wallace welcomed the crowd to Carthage while giving a report on the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress.

Board member Danny Thornton reports the minutes of the 2016 annual meeting.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

nner of a Truman Moore, of Carthage, was the wi 2008 Ford F-150 extended cab pickup.

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Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Building a strong

FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students

Central Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in downtown Jackson. Each year, approximately 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest students vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop in the state capital through their local electric cooperative. This year was the largest group to date with 83 students in attendance. Cheyenne Ferguson of Neshoba Central High School, Jack Hickman of Northwest Rankin High School, Jayasri Mitch of Choctow Central High School, Alexia Smith of Leake County High School and Gracey Wilcher of Leake Academy were selected to represent Central Electric Power Association. Leadership and team building are the themes of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great opportunity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed

that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” Reeves explained that when running for the treasurer's election (his first run for public office) no one thought he could win because of his inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others. “For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, and also loves government and politics, there was no better position for me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are Mississippians, you are young and you are motivated to do some great things in your life.”

Alexia Smith, Gracey Wilcher, Cheyenne Ferguson, Jayasri Mitch and Jack Hickman visited the state Capitol during the Youth Leadership Workshop. They were able to visit with their legislators and see them at work making laws for the state of Mississippi.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

“We are proud to have these outstanding students from our communities represent Central Electric.” – Paul Long general manager These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of Central Electric for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program.” Central Electric is a proud sponsor of the program. “As an organization with a commitment to the communities we serve, we understand the importance of providing leadership opportunities to our young people,” said Paul Long, general manager of Central Electric. “This program challenges the students to use their skills to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their In June, the students will travel with the youth group to legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leader- Mississippi’s congressional delegaship development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. tion during a visit They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve to Capitol Hill. and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evident by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school and community activities.

Above left: Jayasri works with other students to build leadership skills. Above right: While wearing a blindfold, Cheyenne and Jackson trusts their friends to get them to safety during a teambuilding exercise. Above (from left): Jayasri, Rep. Scott Bounds, Alexia, Jack, Gracey and Cheyenne.

Gov. Phil Bryant

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

Terry Rhodes

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Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Dedicated to a life on the line Every year, we take the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. Central Electric Power Association’s lineworkers maintain 4,247 miles of line in our local service territory, and without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep Central Electric running smoothly, but on National Lineman Appreciation Day,

April 10, we will honor all lineworkers who often find themselves in dangerous and challenging situations, so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every day. These brave employees repair damaged lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, our co-op would not thrive. No matter the time – day or night, weekday or weekend – if the lights go out, so do they.

Perhaps you have seen them raising their bucket trucks in howling winds and torrential rains, or in freezing, icy conditions. They work around the clock near high-voltage power lines until electricity is restored to every member in our co-op community. In addition to aiding members in our local service territory, lineworkers are always willing and eager to volunteer when a neighboring community, county

or state is in need during a major outage. Our lineworkers are brave, committed and critical to our success. Each year, we recognize them on National Lineman Appreciation Day. We hope you will join us in thanking the many lineworkers – both local and around the world – who light our lives. Remember, your power works because they do! Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support.

THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES. NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 10, 2017

#ThankALineman

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Don’t use a wet appliance April showers may bring May flowers, but they also can flood your basement. When that happens, your washing machine and clothes dryer could wind up waterlogged. And that’s not safe. If a spring storm has flooded your home, check for damage to your electrical system and appliances. Before beginning to clean up a flooded house, turn off all electricity and unplug all appliances. Waterlogged appliances, especially those with motors close to the ground, could be damaged and should not be used until properly cleaned, dried and inspected.

Open all appliances and wipe them clean. Allow water to drain out and let them dry completely, which could take up to a week. Never plug a wet appliance back in before it’s been checked by a service technician for electrical damage. As for your electrical system, wipe clean all outlets that the water may have touched, and call a service technician to inspect the system before restoring your electricity. To prevent your home from flooding while you’re away, turn off the water before you leave. Also, consider adding downspouts to your gutters to divert water away from your house so it won’t pour into the ground near the house.

BE ARED PREP PA AR PREPARED BEFORE A STORM STORM STRIKES STRIKES v e of In e ve of a In the the event of a e event event vent ve e ent o , t b po w er outage e power outage, power outage, outa outage e, be power be b pr prepared prepared by p epar pr epared ed by by y keepkeep keepke eeping e eepin h e k keeping the ing in ng the n the following follo owing w o wing it ing i m in fitems ollo em following items ittems ems in an a ms e ea y-tfi to-fin an eas easy-to-find emereaseasy-to-find yas -ttso-find oo find nd nd emer e em r uppl emer genc y su upply emergency supply gency gen y supply genc sup pply y kit. kit l kit kit.

WAT WATER ER Three-day supply, upply y,, T hree-day supply one gallon per day. person per da y.

Make every day Earth Day with some simple energy savers Earth Day is on April 22 this year. Here are 10 ways to celebrate by saving energy at home: 1. Call a qualified air conditioning technician to service your central air conditioning system. HVAC equipment needs service every year to head off major problems and keep the system running smoothly all summer. 2. As long as the spring weather is mild, open a window instead of turning on the air conditioner. Draw soft spring breezes into the home by turning on your ceiling fans. 3. Cook outside on the grill as soon as the weather permits it. When you don’t turn on your kitchen’s cooktop or oven, you don’t heat up your house. 4. Close the shades. It’s tempting to leave them open on beautiful, sunny spring days. But if it’s hot outside, that heat can find its way into your house through the windows and tempt you to crank up the a/c unnecessarily. 5. If it’s sunny but not hot outdoors, throw those curtains open and let the natural daylight illuminate your home. Then turn off the lights. You won’t need them. 6. Don’t have a programmable thermostat yet? It’s time. Sometimes spring weather calls for heat and

Tip of the Month

sometimes you need the a/c. A programmable thermostat will help you limit how much energy you use for either by automatically turning the temperature up or down as needed. 7. Seal the ducts in your central air conditioning system. Leaky ducts can push your cooling costs up by as much as 30 percent. 8. Likewise, caulk around windows and electrical outlets so cool air can’t escape your house and hot air can’t get in. 9. Keep your home’s humidity levels low by running kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans—but only until the smoke or steam clears. Running them for too long will pull more than humidity and odor from your home. Those fans can send your comfortable conditioned air out of the house. 10. Change your a/c filter. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder and use more energy. It also can send the dust and allergens it collects right back into your indoor air.

Dishwasher Efficiency Tip: Air dry clean dishes to save energy. If your dishwasher does not have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse and prop the door open slightly so the dishes will dry faster. Source: U.S. Department of Energy

TOOLS TOOLS extra Flashlight, e xtra batteries, ba tteries, manual can opener, openerr,, battery-powered ba ttery-powered hand-crank or hand-cr ank NOAA rradio, adio, NO AA Weather W eather Radio with ttone one alert.

FIRST AID FIRST KIT AND PRESCRIPTIONS First supplies,, First aid supplies hand sanitizer sanitizer and at at least least one week’s week’s supply of prescriptions prescriptions and medications medications ffor or the ffamily. amily.

Learn at n more more at www.ready.gov w.ready.gov

Source: rce: American Red sss, Feder F ederral Emer rg g cy genc Cross, Federal Emergency Agency. Management A genc cy.

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Dedicated to a life on the line Every year, we take the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. Coahoma Electric Power Association’s lineworkers maintain 1,611 miles of line in our local service territory, and without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep Coahoma Electric running smoothly, but on National Lineman Appreciation Day,

April 10, we will honor all lineworkers who often find themselves in dangerous and challenging situations, so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every day. These brave employees repair damaged lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, our co-op would not thrive. No matter the time––day or night, weekday or weekend––if the lights go out, so do they.

THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES. NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 10, 2017

#ThankALineman

Juke Joint Festival

returns to

April 2017

Today in Mississippi I 15

Clarkdale, Mississippi — "Bluestown, U.S.A."

For nearly 15 years, downtown Clarksdale's blues scene and historic downtown have been on the comeback trail in no small part due to Juke Joint The world-famous Juke Joint Festival Roxy that Friday at 6 p.m., sponsored by Festival's short-term fun returns to downtown Clarksdale, Delta Regional Authority. and long-term misMississippi, the weekend of April 22, Other related events include Sunday's sions. 2017. The sheer scope of the blues-based Cat Head Mini Blues Fest and the "We began the fesevent is absolutely overwhelming, but its Second Street Blues Party, among many tival with a couple 13 daytime stages and 20 nighttime ven- other activities. missions in mind," ues are just part of the story. explained Nan "If this event doesn't make you smile, A small town’s biggest weekend Hughes, another It's easy to marvel at the magnitude of co-organizer. "We then your lips must be broken," boasted festival co-organizer Roger Stolle. "Blues this big, little festival. Sure, Saturday's wanted to create a music, juke joints, monkeys riding dogs. main event features some 100 blues acts positive, familyby day and 30 acts by night. But it also I mean, what else do you need to know? friendly event It's absolutely ridiculous — in the best of includes everything from a 5K/8K Run that would help and children's entertainment (i.e. petting put business into the busiways!" zoo, rock wall, etc.) to racing pigs and — nesses as well as mix our locals with interStolle may be smiling as he talks up the small town's big festival, but the facts yes, it's true — monkeys riding dogs national tourists. I'm not sure we really from Pontotoc, Miss. Other realized how big this would become." on the ground are definitely compelling. activities include a student After all, last year's Big, indeed. art/writing exhibit, history Juke Joint From new hotel rooms and restaurants bus tours and 100 tents of to major media attention from the New Festival arts and crafts, southern did attract York Times, NPR and more, Clarksdale foods and more spread visitors definitely feels like a town on the move. over eight blocks. from at Recent transplants from as faraway as iding Dogs Saturday's official day- Australia have even mentioned Juke Joint least 28 forand Monkeys R time entertainment is free Festival as a major motivator for their eign counof charge, thanks to gen- relocation. tries, 47 U.S. erous sponsors, while the states and 54 The secret to its success? Hughes said nighttime Juke Joint Mississippi everything comes from the event's origiCrawl — complete with nal goal to be "half blues festival, half counties. a Southern Comfort Juke Joint small-town fair and all about the Delta" Blues Bus Shuttle — is just $20 for a with something for everyone. Festival's main pre-sale wristband — available at jukeevent is all day and night on Saturday, April 22. Plus, there are dozens of official jointfestival.com/wristband_page.php. Hotel rooms still available The 30 nighttime acts include the and unofficial related events running at Isle of Capri from Thursday through Sunday night — Mississippi blues of James "Super Official hotel sponsor Isle of Capri in including the Juke Joint Festival kick-off Chikan" Johnson, Big George Brock and nearby Lula, Miss., still has rooms and at Delta Cinema that Thursday at 5 p.m., Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, as well as the Americana roots of Reverend Peyton's RV spots available. Details at 1-800sponsored by C Spire, official wireless THE-ISLE (1-800-843-4753) and sponsor for the festival, and the return of Big Damn Band, Grace Askew and lula.isleofcapricasinos.com. Southern Halo. Thacker Mountain Radio to the New

Clarksdale

100 Music Acts ors d n e V t e e r t S 0 10

Showcase a n's Delta Blues Tow Comeback

Artwork b

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arnard

Juke Joint Festival is organized by the nonprofit Clarksdale Downtown Development Association with the generous support of its volunteers and major sponsors like C Spire, official wireless sponsor for the festival, Isle of Capri, Delta Regional Authority, Southern Comfort, Clarksdale/Coahoma County Tourism Commission, Miss Del's General Store, Clarksdale Public Utilities and others. The event schedule, pre-sale wristbands and more are available on-line at www.jukejointfestival.com. Festival hotline (Mon-Sat, 11am-4pm), 662-6245992. Full details are available at www.jukejointfestival.com, or email Roger Stolleby at

roger@cathead.biz for more information.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. - Matthew 7: 7-8

Wishing you peace, the joys of Spring and all the season’s blessings! Happy Easter from your friends at Coahoma Electric Power Association.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

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April 2017

Communicators: Melissa Russo and April Lollar For Today in Mississippi information, call 877-7MY-CEPA (877-769-2372) www.coastepa.com

Watt’s up this month

Where our members have the power CEO’s message

Our mission and member focus remain unchanged Hello! I’m Ron Barnes and I am honored to be writing my first monthly column as the CEO of Coast Electric. While I might be new to this job, I am not new to our cooperative. I’ve been a proud part of the Coast Electric family now for 21 years, serving as your Vice President of Marketing, Member Services and Public Relations. I have met many of you throughout the years at our Annual Meeting and community events, and I am looking forward to getting to know even more of you in my new role as CEO. I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what my vision is for Coast Electric and why I think it’s important for you to understand what it means to be a member. You probably hear us use the word member instead of customer, and you might be wondering what that’s about. Is there a difference? What does being a member mean to you in a practical sense? First of all, Coast Electric is a not-forprofit company. That means that our decisions are not profit-driven, they are people-driven. We are governed by a board that is made up of members and elected by members like you. That means your friends and neighbors are our board members. If a storm damages a line and your power is out, it means they might be in the dark too. They pay the same rates you do and benefit from the same programs and services you do. Cooperatives treat all members equally, and that means not only do you have the same benefits

our board members have, but you get to vote for the board members who represent you. I think that’s a pretty good system for ensuring fair treatment for Ron Barnes ratepayers. President and CEO What’s my vision for the future of our co-op? I think our leaders have laid a strong foundation for the past 80 years, and I want to build on that. Here are the things you can expect from Coast Electric and our employees: • We want to provide you with reliable and affordable electric service. • We want highly-trained, professional and friendly employees to serve you and we want to be responsive to your needs. • We will continue to work to improve the quality of life in our communities— through economic development, by giving back to those we serve through volunteerism and through environmental stewardship. • We want to foster an environment of open communication with you. Our doors are always open for your comments and suggestions. The co-op system works best when members are involved, so we are asking you to be involved. Thank you for supporting me and your co-op during this transition. I believe we have a bright future and I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

I Getting to know your new CEO I Youth leaders meet in Jackson

I Lineman

Appreciation

April 18, 2017

#ThankALineman

15 PAGE

I April is Earth Month!

Energy Fairs Our energy efficiency experts are always available to help you.

Offices Closed for Good Friday Coast Electric offices will be closed

Friday, April 14 in observance of Good Friday.

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

Getting to know your new CEO Community commitment

As you get to know Ron, you will realize that the values he upholds as the leader of your cooperative are also important to him in his roles as a husband, father and citizen of South Mississippi. Ron is an active leader in our community, having served in such positions as Community Foundation board chairman, Gulf Coast Chamber board member, Leadership Gulf Coast board chairman and United Way of South Mississippi board chairman, among many others. If you ask Ron what motivates him to lead, he will never mention trophies or awards, even though he has quite a few. Instead, he will talk to you about service to others and his desire to make the quality of life better for his fellow South Mississippians.

Recognition Being a dedicated community leader means that Ron has received many accolades for his efforts. Some of his honors include: • Being inducted into the Roland Weeks Community Leaders Hall of Fame • Being named a Top 10 Business Leader Under 40 • Receiving the Silver Beaver Award from the Pine Burr Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America • Receiving our country’s Gold Medal Presidential Volunteer Service Award • Professional Achievement Award, Public Relations Association of Mississippi.

Lagniappe • Ron is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and is an active alumnus. • He is a longtime member and has served in various leadership roles at Heritage United Methodist Church. • Ron and his wife, Angel, have four children: Amy, Hayley, Emily and Taylor.

Offices closed for Good Friday Coast Electric offices will be closed Friday, April 14, in observance of Good Friday. Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. If you experience an outage, please call 877-769-2372 or use our free CE on the Go mobile app for instantaneous outage reporting. We wish you and your family a blessed holiday weekend.

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Building a strong

FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students

Coast Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 2224 in downtown Jackson. Each year, approximately 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest students vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop in the state capital through their local electric cooperative. This year was the largest group to date with 83 students in attendance. Allie Estorge of Gulfport High School, Victoria Feazelle of Hancock High School, Richard Springer of St. Patrick High Catholic High School and Jayde Toncrey of D’Iberville High School were selected to represent Coast Electric Power Association. Leadership and team building are the themes of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers including Pastor Terry Rhodes, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great oppor-

tunity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” Reeves explained that when running for the treasurer's election (his first run for public office) no one thought he could win because of his inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others. “For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, and also loves government and politics, there was no better position for me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are

Jayde Toncrey, Victoria Feazelle, Richard Springer and Allie Estorge visited the state Capitol during the Youth Leadership Workshop. They were able to visit with their legislators and see them at work making laws for the state of Mississippi.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS April 2017

“This program challenges the students to use their skills to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.” – Ron Barnes President and CEO Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evident by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school and community activities. These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of Coast Electric for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program.” Coast Electric is a proud sponsor of the program. “As an organization with a commitment to the comMississippians, you are young and you are munities we serve, we understand the importance of providing motivated to do some great things in your life.” leadership opportunities to our young people,” said Ron Barnes, While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their President and CEO at Coast Electric. “This program challenges legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, the students to use their skills to make a positive impact in their and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators schools and communities.” and representatives. In June, the students will travel with the youth group to At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leaderWashington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of ship development activities aimed at motivating students for the the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve Hill. and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said

Today in Mississippi

Gov. Phil Bryant

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

Terry Rhodes

Above left: Victoria works with other students to identify leadership skills within her group. Above right: Jayde must trust his group members to complete the task during this team-building exercise. Above (from left): Jayde, Richard, Allie, Rep. Scott DeLano, Victoria and Rep. Patricia Willis.

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Today in Mississippi I April 2017

LINEMAN Appreciation Day Every year, we take the time to thank the extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. Coast Electric linemen maintain 6,900 miles of line in our service territory, and without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep Coast Electric running smoothly, but on April 18, we will honor all lineworkers who often find themselves in dangerous and challenging situations, so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every day. These brave men repair damaged lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, our co-op would not thrive. No matter the time—day or night, weekday or weekend—if the lights go out, so do they. Perhaps you have seen them raising their bucket trucks in howling winds and torrential rains or in the middle of the night. They work around the clock near high-voltage power lines until electricity is restored to every member in our co-op community. In addition to aiding members in our local service territory, linemen are always willing and eager to volunteer when a neighboring community, county or state is in need after a major outage occurs. Our lineworkers are brave, committed and critical to our success. We hope you will join us in thanking the many lineworkers—both locally and around the world—that light our lives. Remember, your power works because they do!

#ThankALineman

Show your support on social media by using

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

Earth Day is celebrated nationally every April 22. But at Coast Electric, we celebrate Earth Day every day! From recycling, community clean-ups and hazardous waste collection days to energy conservation and sustainability practices and programs, Coast Electric is committed to keeping our Earth and environment healthy and happy. Come by any of our offices during the month of April and celebrate with us! Each office will be custom decorated by your local member service representatives who will be handing out fun, fashionable and educational giveaways to members of all ages (so bring the kids). Don’t miss out on your chance to win our highly-coveted “Earth Wagon” filled with energy-saving devices and goodies. If you are a member who takes advantage of our Time of Use rate – or if you would like to sign up for this money-saving rate – you can register to win this amazing Earth Day wagon valued at over $200. We think celebrating our environment is a bright idea and hope you will join us during the month of April to learn how to celebrate Earth Day every day.

Five easy ways to celebrate Earth Day every day 1. Conserve water by taking showers instead of baths. 2. Turn off all lights when you leave a room. 3. Bring your reusable bags to the market and other stores when shopping. 4. Sign up for our Time of Use (TOU) rate. You will use less energy and can save! Sign up in April and you could win a prize. (Current members on TOU are also eligible.) 5. Considering solar? Let us help you determine what is best for your home. Visit www.coastepa.com/renewable-energy for more information.

Energy Fairs We hope you will join us for our 2017 Energy Fairs! Our energy efficiency experts are always available to help you determine how you can use less energy and save money at your homes and businesses, but we set aside the days listed below to offer a comprehensive showcase of all of the programs and services available to you. You will learn about our Time of Use rate, cooperative solar program, Comfort Advantage home program and so much more. Stop by and let us be your source for energy savings.

Biloxi Energy Fair Coast Electric office on Cedar Lake Rd.

Gulfport Energy Fair

April 3 8 am-2 pm

April 3

Coast Electric office on Hwy. 49

8 am-2 pm

Coast Electric office on Hwy. 53

8 am-2 pm

Coast Electric office on Hwy. 11

8 am-2 pm

Coast Electric office on Hwy. 90

8 am-2 pm

Poplarville Energy Fair Picayune Energy Fair

Bay St. Louis Energy Fair Kiln Energy Fair

Coast Electric office on Hwy. 603

May 3 May 3 June 2 June 2 8 am-2 pm

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Greenwood • Winona • Cleveland • Indianola

Dedicated to a life on the line Every year, Delta Electric Power Association takes the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping your lights on. Delta Electric lineworkers maintain about 6,000 miles of line in our service territory, and without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep Delta Electric running smoothly, but on National Lineman Appreciation Day, April 10, we will honor all lineworkers who often find themselves in dangerous

and challenging situations, so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every day. “Please join me in expressing our appreciation to our Delta Electric linemen during the month of April,” said David O’Bryan, Delta Electric general manager. “They keep the lights on, and many times their work is done under very dangerous and adverse conditions. Thank you, linemen, for your continued commitment to our Delta Electric consumers!”

These brave employees repair damaged lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, your electric cooperative would not thrive. No matter the time––day or night, weekday or weekend––if the lights go out, so do they. They work around the clock near high-voltage power lines until electricity is restored to every member in our co-op community. In addition to aiding members in our

service territory, our lineworkers are always willing and eager to help a neighboring community, county or state in need during a major outage. Delta Electric lineworkers are brave, committed and critical to our success. We hope you will join us in thanking the many lineworkers––both local and around the world—who light our lives. Remember, your power works because they do! Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support.

THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES. NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 10, 2017

#ThankALineman

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

Tip of the

Month Make every day Earth Day with some simple energy savers Earth Day is on April 22 this year. Here are 10 ways to celebrate by saving energy at home: 1. Call a qualified air conditioning technician to service your central air conditioning system. HVAC equipment needs service every year to prevent problems and keep the system running smoothly. 2. As long as the spring weather is mild, open a window instead of turning on the air conditioner. Draw breezes into the home with your ceiling fans. 3. Cook outside on the grill as soon as the weather permits it. When you don’t use your kitchen’s cooktop or oven, you don’t heat up your house. 4. Close the shades. It’s tempting to leave them open on sunny spring days. But if it’s hot outside, that heat can enter your house through the windows and tempt you to crank up the a/c unnecessarily. 5. If it’s sunny but not hot outdoors, throw those curtains open and let the natural daylight illuminate your home. Then turn off uneeded lights. 6. Don’t have a programmable thermostat yet? It’s time. Sometimes spring weather calls for heat and

FREE

mobile app now available! Available for immediate download and installation on your iPhone, iPad or Android device! • View account information • View bill history • Make a secure payment • View payment history • Manage alerts and reminders • View your daily electricity use • Report power outage without making a phone call Search for “Delta EPA” in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Learn more about Delta Electric’s mobile app and mobile web app at

DeltaEPA.com

sometimes you need the a/c. A programmable thermostat will help you limit how much energy you use for either by automatically turning the temperature up or down as needed. 7. Seal the ducts in your central air conditioning system. Leaky ducts can push your cooling costs up by as much as 30 percent. 8. Caulk around windows and electrical outlets so cool air can’t escape the house and hot air can’t enter. 9. Keep your home’s humidity levels low by running kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans—but only until the smoke or steam clears. Running them for too long will pull more than humidity and odor from your home. Those fans can send your comfortable conditioned air out of the house. 10. Change your a/c filter. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder and use more energy. It also can send the dust and allergens it collects right back into your indoor air.

Dishwasher efficiency Let clean dishes air dry to save energy. If your dishwasher does not have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse and prop the door open slightly so the dishes will dry faster. Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy

Now ow Introducing! Int In ntrrodu odu ducing cing! Now CONVENIENCE

IMMEDIATE CREDIT

SERVICE

Today in Mississippi I April 2017

Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Giving back is the co-op way Randy Smith General Manager

As some of you might know, cooperatives across the globe adhere to the same Seven Cooperative Principles that guide all of our decisions – from how we run the co-op, to how we engage with our local communities. Concern for community is the seventh principle, and it is one that our board and employees value. Electric cooperatives have a proud history of giving back. Annually, we support the United Way in our local area, the American Heart Association and United Blood Services to name just a few. You’ll see on the following pages the results of our recent charity golf tournament that benefited the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life®.

Through the years, Dixie Electric has participated in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s International Program. Our commitment to empowering lives is global. We have donated material and sent a line worker to Guatemala to bring power to thousands of people who have never experienced the benefits of electricity. There are many ways you can give back to the community that go beyond dollar donations. Annually, we sponsor two eleventh grade students from our service area for the Youth Leadership Program, which is coordinated through the Electric Cooperatives of

Mississippi. These two individuals participated in the Leadership Workshop in Jackson in February and will go to Washington, D.C., in June for the national Youth Tour, providing students from rural America an opportunity to see and experience their nation’s capital. There is more information on the following pages about the recent Youth Leadership Workshop. At Dixie Electric, we strive to be good citizens of our local community just as you are. We continually look for ways to give back to our community through educational, charitable or economic development opportunities.

THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES. NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 10, 2017

#ThankALineman

April 2017 Today in Mississippi

Easy steps to greater efficiency Do you want to save money and electricity but have limited time, money and patience? According to the Department of Energy, a “typical American family” spends nearly $2,000 per year on their home energy bills. Some of that money can be wasted through leaky windows or ducts, old appliances or inefficient heating and cooling systems. Luckily, there are several relatively easy ways to save energy without a substantial commitment of time and money. These efforts will help you save whether you own or rent an older or newly constructed home. And, you won’t have to hire a specialist or call in a favor from someone who is handy with tools to help you.

Where to start

Replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs can make a big difference in home efficiency and is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bill and improve lighting. Known for their longevity and efficiency, LED bulbs have an estimated operational life span of typically 10,000 to 20,000 hours compared to 1,000 hours of a typical incandescent. According to the Department of Energy, by replacing your home's five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, you can save $75 each year.

Wrapping up savings

Installing a blanket around your water heater could reduce standby heat losses by 25 to 45 percent and save you about 7 to 16 percent in water heating costs, according to the

Tuesday, April 4

Dixie Electric’s Waynesboro Office 618 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro (601) 735-2072 Noon – 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 6

Take control of your energy savings

Take a look at your programmable thermostat. When was the last time you checked to make sure it was programmed for the current season and family schedule? This is one of the best energy-saving tools at your fingertips. It enables you to fine tune the temperature during particular hours of the day. Remember, there are easy steps you can take now to improve the energy efficiency of your home. To learn about additional ways to save, visit the Home Energy Calculators available at dixieepa.com.

Friday, April 7

Dixie Electric’s Dixie Electric’s Laurel Office Petal Office 1312 Highway 42, 1863 Highway 184, Laurel Petal (601) 583-1131 (601) 425-2535 Noon – 7 p.m. Noon – 5:30 p.m.

First child: $10 Each additional child: $5 Pets are welcome. You will receive your photos on a USB drive.

Proceeds benefit

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Right-of-way

Department of Energy. For a small investment of about $30, you can purchase pre-cut jackets or blankets and install them in about one hour. On a safety note, the Department of Energy recommends that you not set the thermostat above 130 degrees Fahrenheit on an electric water heater with an insulating jacket or blanket; the higher temperature setting could cause the wiring to overheat. Given that a large portion of your monthly energy bill goes toward heating and cooling your home, it makes sense to ensure your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is performing at an optimal level. Checking, changing or cleaning your filter extends the life of your HVAC system and saves you money.

Easter Bunny photos!

clearing projects underway Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Here are the substations and surrounding communities that are currently being cleared: • Diamond Substation – Holly Bush Church Road, Highway 84 East of Waynesboro, Mathersville-Diamond Road, Boice, Cypress Creek, Chapparal, Highway 45 North, and Shubuta • Cleo substation – Poole Creek, Highway 84 East to the Jones/Wayne County line, Magnolia Road, Mill Creek Road, Beaver Dam Community, Sandersville-Eucutta Road, Freedom Road and Walters Loop Road Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for Dixie Electric’s line crew personnel.

Touch A Truck

Dixie Electric Supports Touch a Truck in Waynesboro

On Wednesday, March 15, District Supervisor Joe McMichael brought a bucket truck to the Touch a Truck event hosted by the Wayne County Extension Service. More than 200 parents and children from the community came to see large trucks, vehicles and other equipment to learn about their uses. Dixie Electric is proud to participate in this fun and educational event in Waynesboro.

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Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Building a strong

FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students

Dixie Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in downtown Jackson. Each year, approximately 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest students vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop in the state capital through their local electric cooperative. This year was the largest group to date with 83 students in attendance. Jess Cooley of West Jones High School and Kameron Flowers of South Jones High School were selected to represent Dixie Electric Power Association. Leadership and team building are the themes of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great opportunity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage

you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” Reeves explained that when running for treasurer (his first run for public office) no one thought he could win because of his inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others. “For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, and also loves government and politics, there was no better position for me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are Mississippians, you are young and you are motivated to do some great things in your life.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legisla

Kameron Flowers (left) and Jess Cooley (right) visited the state Capitol during the Youth Leadership Workshop. They were able to visit with their legislators and see them at work making laws for the state of Mississippi.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS April 2017

“We are proud to have these two outstanding students represent Dixie Electric.”

Today in Mississippi

– Randy Smith general manager

tors at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said

Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evident by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school and community activities. These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of Dixie Electric for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program.” Dixie Electric is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have these two outstanding students represent Dixie Electric,” said Randy Smith, general manager. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, Jess and Kameron will travel with the youth group to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.

Gov. Phil Bryant

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

Terry Rhodes

Above left: Kameron works with other students to build leadership skills. Above right: Jess and Kameron visit with Sen. Chris McDaniel at the state Capitol. Above (from left): Jess, Rep. Donnie Scoggin, Sen. Dennis DeBar Jr., Rep. Gary Staples and Kameron.

Jess Cooley receives the Youth Leadership Award from Ron Stewart, program coordinator. Jess will receive a $500 cash scholarship at graduation.

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Beautiful day. Great cause.

Today in Mississippi April 2017

Dixie Electric hosts annual charity golf tournament

General Manager Randy Smith presents Mike Kennedy, Joey Landrum and Dwain Strickland with their first place prizes for the morning flight.

Donald Coleman, Hugh Parker, Jim Henderson and Steve Brantley receive their prizes from Tournament Coordinator Pollyanna Magee for winning the afternoon flight.

The weather was perfect in mid-March for the ninth annual charity golf tournament sponsored by Dixie Electric Power Association to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life®. Thirty-six teams participated in the four-man scramble tournament held on Thursday, March 23, at the Laurel Country Club. The tournament raised more than $11,000 for the American Cancer Society. The highlight of the day was a hole-in-one hit by Mark Smith of Hattiesburg on Hole 4. Mark won a set of irons from Kim’s No Bull. This is the second hole-in-one hit in the nine year history of this charity tournament. “We had a great tournament this year. The support from our vendors and the local community was incredible. Our tournament receives so much support because so many people have been affected by

cancer,” Tournament Coordinator Pollyanna Magee said. Closest to the hole was won by Joey Landrum for the morning flight and Brett Gordon for the afternoon flight. Closest to the hole prizes were sponsored by the Laurel Country Club. Dwain Strickland’s team won the morning flight, and Hugh Parker’s team won the afternoon flight. Flight winners received gifts provided by Canebrake Country Club and Dixie Electric. Hole-in-one prizes were provided by Kim’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Toyota and Woolwine Ford of Collins. Lunch was donated by Bush Construction and R&C Sons, LLC. Randy Smith presented prizes to the following winners of the morning flight: • First Place: The Dwain Strickland Team - Mike

Kennedy, Joey Landrum, Dwain Strickland and Thomas Prine • Second Place: Burns & McDonnell Team – Ted Cannon, Trey Cannon, Mark Smith and Scott Strawn • Third Place: Walters Construction Team – Gerald Henderson, Makenzie Walters, Scottie Walters and Joseph Henderson Pollyanna Magee presented the prizes to the winners of the afternoon flight: • First Place: Hugh Parker Team – Donald Coleman, Hugh Parker, Jim Henderson and Steve Brantley • Second Place: The Prince Team – Alec Barlow, Colby Prince, Markas Holifield and Gene Prince • Third Place: First State Bank – Rick Sumrall, Rodney Cockerham, Kelvin Hall and Vernon Tew.

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

Prizes were donated by: • Woolwine Ford • Kim’s No Bull • Canebrake Country Club • R&C Sons • Bush Construction • Boomtown Casino • Harrah’s Gulf Coast • Pearl River Resort • Cooperative Response Center

Tournament Sponsors

Dixie Electric retiree David Hayes takes his shot for a chance to win a truck from Woolwine Ford.

The First State Bank team took third place in the afternoon flight.

Golfer Mark Smith hit a hole-in-one on the Laurel Country Club’s Hole 4 and won a set of irons from Kim’s No Bull.

• Aertker Co. • Allen & Hoshell • Altec Industries, Inc. • Anderson Design Center • Boots Smith Completion Services • Border States Electric • Bourne Brothers Printing Co., Inc. • Burroughs Companies • Cooperative Finance Corporation • City Home Center, Inc. • Cooperative Energy • Desoto Treated Materials • Diesel Power • Ditch Witch • Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi • Emerald Transportation • Futura Systems • Garner Lumley • Gresco • Holt & Associates PLLC • Howard Industries • J&M Test System • Joy McClinthen Realty • Kirby Plumbing • Looks Great Services of MS, Inc. • MDR Construction • Milsoft • Mississippi-Tennessee Transformers Inc. • Osmose • Priority Electric • Robine and Welch Machine • Sanderson Farms • Southeastern Data Cooperative • Southern Edge Outdoors • Southern Pine Electric • State Farm Insurance • Substation Enterprises • T & C Specialty Distributors • Terex Utilities • Thomas Tax & Financial • Trustmark • Universal Auto Parts

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

East Mississippi Electric Power Association

Snap, it’s cold

Louisville 662.773.5741

Meridian 601.581.8600

Quitman 601.776.6271

DeKalb 601.743.2641

A message from your CEO

CEO Randy Carroll

One recent Sunday morning a fellow church member and consumermember of EMEPA said to me, “I guess you are enjoying these cold snaps.” My response surprised him. “Not really,” I said. You see, when we have these cold snaps that only last for a couple of days, we get hit with larger than normal demand on the system. When the weather moderates so quickly we are challenged in recovering that expense through energy sales only. He replied, “I don’t understand.” I explained further that when the

demand (or capacity requirement) on the system spikes, EMEPA incurs about half of our wholesale purchased power cost during the one hour of the month that sets a peak demand. That one hour is the hour requiring the largest demand capacity from the generation and transmission system serving us. EMEPA, in turn, seeks to recover this cost through energy sales over the entire month. If the weather moderates and energy sales drop, covering the capacity costs can be challenging. It all depends on the weather. For the month of January 2017, EMEPA’s wholesale purchased power cost was just over $5.1 million and almost half of that cost resulted from the increase in demand caused by the cold weather over a three-day period. This can be challenging, but it is our responsibility to manage what the weather extremes throw at us. In addition to weather swings, EMEPA members have realized

numerous energy efficiency advancements for their homes and businesses. LED light bulbs are much more affordable and use as much as half the energy of incandescent bulbs. As members replace older appliances, newer units have become more energy efficient. New heating and air systems are more energy efficient as well. Advances in insulation materials and techniques have reduced energy use for an average month. Questions about solar panel installations from members are also increasing. Members want to use solar panel energy when the sun is shining but need EMEPA to be their backup source when there is no sunshine available. Solar energy can be a good supplemental source on a bright summer day, but on a cloudy, cold, dark winter morning it is not what you want to rely on to stay warm or take your hot morning shower. So, are these things good or bad for EMEPA? Well, some of both.

They are good for you, our members, because it gives you options and allows you to manage your energy use and costs. They present some challenges since EMEPA must construct the same lines and use the same poles and transformers to serve less total energy use. Trees along our rights-ofway grow at the same rate no matter the energy use. Quality well-trained employees are needed to construct, maintain and operate the system and restore power following storms regardless of our energy sales level. In other words, our fixed costs don’t change much when the units of sale decrease. We embrace these new technologies, improved efficiencies and member options and are working to implement many of these same improvements to our distribution system. Our mission and focus remain the same, to enhance our member’s lifestyle by providing our services at a reasonable, safe and reliable value.

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

14a

BE PREPARED PREP PARED AR A BEFORE A STORM S TORM STRIKES S TRIKES e of In e v ent o In the the event e event event vent v e ent of of a a , b po w er outage e power outage, power outage, outage outa e, be power be b pr prepared prepared by p epar pr epared ed by by y keepkeep keepke eeping eepin e h e k keeping the ing in ng the n the following follo owing w o wing it i fitems ollo em following items ittems ems in an a ms in to-fin ea eyas y-tfi eas an easy-to-find emereaseasy-to-find -ttso-find oo find nd nd em emer e r uppl l emergency supply emer genc y su upply gen y supply genc sup pply y kit. kit gency kit kit.

WAT ER WATER Three-day supply, upply y,, T hree-day supply one gallon per day. person per da y.

Tip of the Month

T OOLS TOOLS extra Flashlight, e xtra batteries, ba tteries, manual can opener, openerr,, battery-powered ba ttery-powered hand-crank or hand-cr ank NOAA rradio, adio, NO AA Weather W eather Radio with ttone one alert.

FIRS T AID FIRST KIT AND PRESCRIPTIONS Firstt aid supplies supplies,, Firs sanitizer hand sanitiz er att leas leastt one and a week’s w eek’s supply of prescriptions pr escriptions and medications medica tions ffor or the ffamily. amily.

Learn more e at at n mor www.ready.gov w.ready.gov

Source: rce: American Red ss, F Feder ederral Emer rg g cy genc Cross, Federal Emergency Management A genc cy. Agency.

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Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Building a strong We Care

FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students

Fro Tv

East Mississippi Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Works The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in downtown Jackson. Each year, approximately 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest students vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop in the state capital through their local electric cooperative. This year was the largest group to date with 83 students in attendance. Libba Dudley of Kemper Academy, LaTrell Hatten of Quitman High School, Ashley Higginbotham of Nanih Waiya Attendance Center, Cody Ingram of Russell Christian Academy, Jamal Kelly of Grace Christian School, Bonnie May of West Lauderdale High School, Nazm Rahat of Lamar School, ZaColby Smith of Southeast Lauderdale High School and Milisen Tvarkunas of Enterprise High School were selected to represent East Mississippi Electric Power Association. Leadership and team building are the themes of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government.

Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great opportunity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” Reeves explained that when running for the treasurer's election (his first run for public office) no one thought he could win because of his inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others. “For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, and also loves government and politics, there was no better position for me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are Mississippians, you are young and you are motivated to do some great things in your life.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided

Libba Dudley works with other students to identify leadership skills within her group.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

“We are proud to have these outstanding students represent EMEPA.”

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– Randy Carroll CEO

From left: Jamal Kelly, Bonnie May, Cody Ingram, Nazm Rahat, LaTrell Hatten, Milisen Tvarkunas, Libba Dudley, ZaColby Smith and Ashley Higginbotham.

Gov. Phil Bryant

kshop Ashley Higginbotham, Rep. Carl Mickens and Jamal Kelly.

into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evident by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school and community activities. These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of EMEPA for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program.” Bonnie May, Libba Dudley, Nazm Rahat, LaTrell Hatten, Milisen Tvarkunas, Sen. Videt EMEPA is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are Carmichael, Jamal Kelly, Cody Ingram, Ashley Higganbotham and ZaColby Smith. proud to have these outstanding students represent EMEPA,” said Randy Carroll, CEO. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.”

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

Terry Rhodes

LaTrell Hatten, Milisen Tvarkunas, Bonnie May, Nazm Rahat, Rep. Michael Evans, Cody Ingram, ZaColby Smith, Jamal Kelly, Libba Dudley and Ashley Higganbotham.

Above: Nazm Rahat and her group must learn to work together to complete their task. Right: Bonnie May is all smiles as she and her group figure out how to complete the task at hand. Far Right: LaTrell and ZaColby learn a leadership skit with their group. Jack Hickman listens to his team’s advice as he navigates through a grid. Milisen Tvarkunas and Cody Ingram are some of his trusted advisors.

Dedicated 14d

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

to a life on the line

Every year, we take the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s lineworkers maintain 5,678 miles of line in our local service territory, and without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep EMEPA running smoothly, but on National Lineman Appreciation Day, April 10, we will honor all lineworkers who often find themselves in dangerous and challenging situations, so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every

day. These brave employees repair damaged lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, our co-op would not thrive. No matter the time – day or night, weekday or weekend – if the lights go out, so do they. Perhaps you have seen them raising their bucket trucks in howling winds and torrential rains, or in freezing, icy conditions. They work around the clock near high-voltage power lines until electricity is restored to every member in our co-op community. In addition to aiding members in our

local service territory, lineworkers are always willing and eager to volunteer when a neighboring community, county or state is in need during a major outage. Our lineworkers are brave, committed and critical to our success. Each year, we recognize them on National Lineman Appreciation Day.

We hope you will join us in thanking the many lineworkers – both local and around the world – who light our lives. Remember, your power works because they do! Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support.

Board of Directors nominations April 2017

PACES receives MAPE award at annual Governor’s Award Luncheon Parents and Community Equals Educational Success (PACES) Project and Kemper County High School were awarded the 2017 Mississippi Association of Partners in Education (MAPE) Partnership Excellence Award during the 15th annual Governor’s Award Luncheon on March 1. Since 2009, PACES has stimulated and nurtured the development of nearly 50 business, community and individual partnerships. These partnerships play a key role in the continuous increase of ACT scores of participating students from Kemper County High School and an increase from 50 percent to 78 percent of students entering college after high school. “We strive to increase community awareness of the value of high education, said B. Joe Hulin, PACES project coordinator. “We drive that point home by

taking PACES members to visit college campuses, and then we visit business and

industry sites and the State Capitol to give them the opportunity to better see the relationship between education and qualify of life options.”

In an effort to induce even greater community support and gain a better appreciation for good citizenship, all students participating in the PACES program are required to perform community service to earn eligibility to participate in various PACES activities. Over the past seven years, PACES members performed more than 14,000 hours of community service work. The PACES project was one of only two high school and community partnerships recognized at the annual luncheon. “The Governor’s Awards program is an opportunity to recognize outstanding partnerships and celebrate the positive impact they’re making in public schools across Mississippi,” said Phil Hardwick, MAPE president. PACES is funded in part by grants from Phil Hardin Foundation, Partners for Kemper County Foundation and is a partner of The Montgomery Institute.

Today in Mississippi

According to Section 4.04(a) of the Bylaws of East Mississippi Electric Power Association, any 50 members acting together may make a nomination by petition. 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, address, account number and service location of the member. Qualified nominations made by petition, if any, must be received on or before the second Wednesday in May before the committee on nominations meeting in June. The committee on nominations shall receive and consider any suggestions as to nominees submitted by members of the Association and shall review the regularity of all nominations and all petitions for nomination and approve or reject the same. ATTALA COUNTY

Louisville

WINSTON COUNTY

NOXUBEE COUNTY

De Kalb

NESHOBA COUNTY

KEMPER COUNTY

LAUDERDALE COUNTY

Meridian

I-20

NEWTON COUNTY

I-59

JASPER COUNTY

CLARKE COUNTY

Quitman

WAYNE COUNTY

Co-op Connections Business Spotlight Each month, EMEPA spotlights local businesses that participate in the Co-op Connections Program. This month’s featured businesses are:

EMEPA has been delivering value to our communities for more than 78 years and now we are proud to offer another member benefit – the Co-op Connections Card. Through this free program, you will receive discounts on products and services from participating local and national businesses. The card is a simple membership card that in identifying you as a member, also qualifies you for spe-

cial discounts and offers at local participating businesses. There are no sign-up or participation fees and we do not track your participation or purchases. There is no charge to you for this program. This is just one more way you benefit from being a cooperative member. To receive discounts, simply show your Co-op Connections card to any participating business.

Mike’s Computer Repair

Binke’s Restaurant

1418 51st Avenue – Meridian

414 39th Avenue – Meridian

601-462-6203

601-693-4852

10% off total bill, not valid with any other offer or discount

Free beverage with any meal on Mondays

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Dedicated to a life on the line Every year, we take the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. Magnolia Electric Power’s lineworkers maintain 4,734 miles of line in our local service territory, and without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep Magnolia Electric Power running smoothly, but on National Lineman Appreciation Day, April 10, we will

honor all lineworkers who often find themselves in dangerous and challenging situations, so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every day. These brave employees repair damaged lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, our co-op would not thrive. No matter the time–– day or night, weekday or weekend––if the lights go out, so do they.

#ThankALineman THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES.

NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 10, 2017

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

14a

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WATER WAT ER Three-day supply, upply y,, T hree-day supply one gallon per day. person per da y.

Tip

of the

Month

TOOLS T OOLS extra Flashlight, e xtra batteries, ba tteries, manual can opener, openerr,, battery-powered ba ttery-powered hand-crank or hand-cr ank NOAA rradio, adio, NO AA Weather W eather Radio with ttone one alert.

FIRST FIRS T AID KIT AND PRESCRIPTIONS Firstt aid supplies supplies,, Firs sanitizer hand sanitiz er att leas leastt one and a week’s w eek’s supply of prescriptions pr escriptions and medications medica tions ffor or the ffamily. amily.

Learn more e at at n mor www.ready.gov w.ready.gov

Source: rce: American Red sss, Feder F ederral Emer rg g cy genc Cross, Federal Emergency Agency. Management A genc cy.

14b

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Building a strong

FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students

Magnolia Electric Power sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st Konnor Battle of Lawrence County High School, Nick Brumfiel of Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in West Lincoln High School, Abby Griffin of Franklin County High downtown Jackson. Each year, approximately 1,000 of School and Precious Thompson of South Pike High School were selected to represent Magnolia Electric Power. Leadership and team building are the themes of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great opportunity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” From left: Skipper Anderson, MEP Safety Coordinator, Mel Anderson, Nick, Abby, During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legSen. Sally Doty, Rep. Bill Pigott, Precious, Konnor and Lucy Shell, islators and discussed important issues that affect their local communiMEP Member Service Director. ties. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to Mississippi’s brightest students vie for the opportunity to attend the “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to three-day workshop in the state capital through their local electric achieve it.” cooperative. This year was the largest group to date with 83 students Reeves explained that when running for the treasurer's election (his in attendance. first run for public office) no one thought he could win because of his inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others. “For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, and also loves government and politics, there was no better position for me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are Mississippians, you are young and you are motivated to do some great things in your life.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

April 2017

“We are proud to have these four outstanding students represent Magnolia Electric Power.”

Today in Mississippi I 14c

– Darrell Smith general manager

Gov. Phil Bryant From left: Abby, Nick, Rep. Vince Mangold, Precious and Konnor.

again able to talk one-on-one with their senators and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evidence by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school and community activities. These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of Magnolia Electric Power for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program.” Magnolia Electric Power is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have these four outstanding students represent Magnolia Electric Power,” said Darrell Smith, general manager. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, Konnor, Nick, Abby and Precious will travel with the youth group to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.

Abby, Nick, Rep. Becky Currie, Rep. Bill Pigott, Precious, Konnor and Rep. Vince Mangold.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

From left: Konnor, Abby, Sen. Bob Dearing, Sen. Tammy Witherspoon, Precious and Nick.

Terry Rhodes

From left: Abby, Nick, Rep. Angela Cockerham, Precious and Konnor.

From left: Konnor, Precious, Sen. Sally Doty, Nick and Abby. From left: Nick, Abby, Rep. Sam Mims, Precious and Konnor.

Konnor Battle receives the Friendship Award from Ron Stewart, program coordinator. The award is given based on a vote from the student’s peers.

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50 YEAR VICTORY Today in Mississippi

April 2017

CELEBRATING A

By Elissa Fulton Salem High School’s 1967 Wildcats baseball team is celebrating a milestone this year. Fifty years ago, 19 young boys won the state championship title in baseball – a title that had never been won before in Walthall County, and hasn’t been won since. The boys that played fiercely on the field that day in 1967 have now grown into men, and recently gathered in Tylertown dressed in their Salem Wildcats shirts to celebrate their victory – a celebration that was 50 years overdue. Their beloved Coach Eldredge Boyd attended to officiate the ceremony and it was clear that they still esteemed him as the man who led them to victory so many years ago. “Fifty years! It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? I told Coach McCallum at Salem and Coach Dean at Tylertown, when you win a state championship, don’t wait 50 years to celebrate it. Twenty-five should be all right,” said Coach Boyd. Rep. Bill Pigott was in attendance to present the men with a resolution that he had drafted to recognize their achievement. “The House of Representatives has a tradition to honor special people and special events, so I have had a resolution done honoring the Salem High

School team,” said Rep. Pigott. “It is House Resolution No. 36 this year, and will go into our permanent archives for the State of Mississippi honoring you guys for your service. The resolution recognizes and honors the Salem High School 1967 Wildcats baseball team on the 50th anniversary of wining the state championship and finishing their season with an undefeated record.”

Fifty years ago, 19 young boys won the state championship title in baseball. Coach Boyd recognized all of the men and their families in attendance, as well as those who could not attend. Those teammates who have passed on were also remembered. The men were able to share stories of their days on the field, as well as where their lives have taken them over the years. “I don’t want to say anything about me and what I’ve done, I just want to talk about Salem High School,” said Gerald Sartin. “I’ve had a good life and I’ve played a lot of ball, but main thing that I want to say is what I appreciate most about everything is my time at Salem High School, and the closest I’ve

ever been to any team is this group right here.” Odell McKenzie, a Magnolia Electric Power board member was one of the 19 players and was a high school junior in 1967. He was an organizer of the event and put many hours in to contacting the players and their families and coordinated all the details for their special evening. “I have enjoyed getting in touch with every one of you,” said McKenzie. “It’s been a lot of fun too, working with Coach again, and getting in touch with everybody.” After a dinner and fellowship time at Stogner’s Fish House, the team and their families gathered at the Tylertown field to be recognized before the Tylertown and Salem baseball game. Coach Boyd acknowledged his team and their accomplishments and their original trophy was presented back to the team. Gerald Sartin threw out the first pitch and Danny McCallum was in the catcher’s box. The men looked right at home doing what they loved. Coach Boyd said, “An old coaching friend of mine – who coached a lot longer than I did – said a lot of your success depends on who you load on the bus, and this is a fine group to load on the bus. ‘Cause you have to have the athletes. And we had the athletes.”

April 2017

Odell McKenzie (left) presents the original trophy from 1967 to Coach Eldredge Boyd (right).

Today in Mississippi

Rep. Bill Pigott presents the team with House Resolution No. 36 to be entered into the permanent records of the state of Mississippi.

From left: Russell Martin, Eugene Martin, Odell McKenzie, Lynn McCain, Bruce Boyd, Randy McKenzie, Vernon Alford, Ricky Ross, Gwynn Holmes, Gerald Sartin and Danny McCallum. Not pictured: Brent Bracey. Those not in attendance were John Adams, Ralph Boyd, Larry Griffin, Sandy Sandifer, John Terrell and David Thornhill. Deceased players: Terry Griffin, Elton Martin and Jeffrey Scott.

Danny McCallum catches the first pitch thrown out by Gerald Sartin.

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Providing affordable, reliable electricity to our members since 1936.

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Dedicated to a life on the line Every year, we take the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. Monroe County Electric Power Association’s lineworkers maintain 1,433 miles of line in our local service territory, and without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep Monroe County Electric running smoothly, but on National Lineman Appreciation

Day, April 10, we will honor all lineworkers who often find themselves in dangerous and challenging situations, so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every day. These brave employees repair damaged lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, our co-op would not thrive. No matter the time – day or night, weekday or weekend – if the lights go out, so do they.

is in need during a major outage. Our lineworkers are brave, committed and critical to our success. Each year, we recognize them on National Lineman Appreciation Day. We hope you will join us in thanking the many lineworkers – both local and around the world – who light our lives. Remember, your power works because they do! Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support.

THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES. NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 10, 2017

#ThankALineman

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

BE ARED PREPARED PREP PAR A BEFORE A STORM STORM STRIKES STRIKES e of In event event v ent of a In the the event ee vent v e ent of o a t , po w er outage e power outage, be power be power outage, outage e, b ed b pr epar y prepared by prepared p epared by pr by keepkeep keepke eeping the e eepin e k keeping ing ng the n he ffollowing ollo owing w o i following items fitems ollo wing it em ittems ems in an a ms in e ea y-tfi to-find eas an easy-to-find emereaseasy-to-find yas -ttso-find o find nd nd emer e r uppl l emer genc y su upply emergency supply gen y supply genc sup pply y kit. kit gency kit.

WAT WATER ER Three-day supply, upply y,, T hree-day supply one gallon per day. person per da y.

Tip of the Month

TOOLS TOOLS extra Flashlight, e xtra batteries, ba tteries, manual can opener, openerr,, ba ttery-powered battery-powered or hand-cr ank hand-crank rradio, adio, NO AA NOAA W eather Radio Weather with ttone one alert.

FIRST FIRST AID KIT AND PRESCRIPTIONS Firstt aid supplies supplies,, Firs sanitizer hand sanitiz er att leas leastt one and a week’s w eek’s supply of prescriptions pr escriptions and medications medica tions ffor or the ffamily. amily.

Learn more e at at n mor w.ready.gov www.ready.gov

Source: rce: American Red Cross, Federal Emergency sss, Feder F ederral Emer rg g cy genc Agency. Management A genc cy.

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

ANNUAL MEETING Monday, April 24, at 7 p.m. Calhoun City High School Auditorium

Diversity of employees A popular business-focused magazine recently published an interesting article about the different age groups in the workforce today. The article Norma Kilgore pointed out a fact General Manager that I found very intriguing. This is the first time in American history that we have four, sometimes five generations still active in the workplace. More and more “millennials” or those born after 1981, are beginning their careers, while “traditionalists” those born between 1925 and 1945 are postponing their retirements. Throw in Baby Boomers and members of Generation X, and you’ve got quite a diverse workforce. Each generation had its own qualities and characteristics. Each brings something unique to the workforce. Traditionalists, for example, have great respect for authority and are intensely loyal to their employers. Millennials make the more effective use of technology and adapt well to change. I’m glad to say that all four of these generations are represented at Natchez Trace EPA. We have twenty-somethings working alongside seventy-somethings. They are learning from one another, building on each other’s strengths. How does that benefit our members? When it comes to making a change for the cooperative, such as introducing a new pro-

gram or reworking a company procedure, we have several different perspectives to draw from. We have the innovators, who see how we can do it, and our longtime employees whose years of experience helps us decide the best way to carry it out. Our multi-generational workforce also gives us great “bench strength” meaning we have a group of potential successors ready to take on the leadership roles that will be left vacant by retirements. The diversity of our employees also reflects the diversity of our membership. More and more young millennials are leaving the nest, buying homes and starting families. They are becoming community leaders – positions once held by their parents and grandparents. As a result, we have to add variety to the way we reach out to our members, especially in terms of communications. The methods we’ve relied on for decades don’t always appeal to our younger members. Therefore, we have to refine our approach. Luckily, we’ve got a built-in focus group by way of our workforce. The same is true for the employees that have been with the co-op for many years. They help us understand their demographic and provide a valuable perspective. So the next time you come to a Natchez Trace EPA office, you might find yourself interacting with an employee who’s fresh out of school, just beginning their career, or one who’s closing in on four decades of service. Either way, know that they are committed to serving you to the best of their ability.

Annual meeting prizes Each member attending the annual meeting will receive a free door prize.

5 - $100 cash prize drawings 2 - $50 cash prize drawings

SIGN UP FOR BANK DRAFT AND RECEIVE $25 CREDIT ON YOUR MONTHLY BILL AFTER A 1-YEAR ENROLLMENT Bank Draft is safe, convenient and reliable. By signing up you can avoid the monthly hassle of having to make the payment manually. We take all of the sweat out of it for you! Drafting lets your money stay in your account longer than when you mail it or bring it in. It also prevents you the expense of paying the gross amount, as draft customers always pay the lesser “net amount.” Why not sign up today – just swing by your local office with a voided check to enroll in the bank daft program. And by signing up in either April or May you will receive $25 credit on your bill, after staying enrolled for 12 months!

BANK DRAFT AUTHORIZATION ________________________________, Miss. ________________________________, 2016 Natchez Trace Electric Power Association Houston, Mississippi Until further notice, you are requested and hereby authorized to draw on my checking account at _____________________________ (bank), _____________________________ (bank number) to cover electric billing on the following accounts. Account Number:

Account Name:

The above bank will be authorized to honor such checks, which should be drawn in accordance with my signature below. Signed _________________________________________ Customer bank account no. _____________________________

Good Neighbors is a volunteer program designed to help (on a onetime basis) families who fall on hard times and need help in paying their electric bill. NTEPA customers voluntarily agree to add at least $1 per month to their electric bill as a contribution to this worthy cause. NTEPA collects and Community Action agencies administer this fund at no charge. Anyone interested in helping such families as a “Good Neighbor” can call 662-456-3037.

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

NATCHEZ TRACE ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016 ASSETS Utility Plant Original Cost $83,223,729 Less Depreciation $31,230,009 Net Plant Special Funds & Investments Current and Accrued Assets Cash-General $1,487,706 Accounts Receivable $2,613,314 Materials and Supplies $730,997 Prepayments & Other $4,274,588 Total Current & Accrued Assets Deferred Debits Total Assets LIABILITIES Capital & Accumulated Earnings Memberships Accumulated Earnings Total Equity Long Term Debt Current and Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable Customer Deposits Other Liabilities Total Current & Accrued Liabilities RHIP Advances Deferred Credits Total Liabilities & Other Credits Equity as a Percent of Total Assets

$51,993,720 $0

$9,106,605 $1,348,526 $62,448,851

$124,416 $43,761,233 $43,885,649 $10,869,924 $2,839,692 $1,695,536 $2,398,213 $6,933,441 $286,611 $473,226 $62,448,851 70.8%

2016 OPERATING REVENUE & EXPENSES AND 2016 BUDGET Actual for Year Ending 12/31/2016 2017 Budget Totals Revenue: Electric (Sales) Miscellaneous & Other Interest Income Total Revenue

$35,638,654 $906,811 $39,715 $36,585,180

$34,430,513 $880,434 $42,698 $35,353,645

Expenses: Wholesale Power Cost Operations & Maintenance Consumer Accounts Administrative, General & Other Depreciation Taxes Interest Expense Total Expense

$26,471,525 $3,089,860 $969,689 $1,170,835 $1,981,786 $218,015 $500,791 $34,402,501

$25,788,755 $3,234,695 $950,037 $1,200,042 $2,250,009 $250,003 $599,978 $34,273,539

$2,182,679

$1,080,106

System Margins

Directors election process explained According to our Bylaws, three of our nine directors are elected every April. The process starts in January when the Board appoints the Committee on Nominations, as well as the Credentials and Elections Committee. Though separate committees with entirely different functions, they are usually made up of the same persons. After the Nominating Committee is constituted, Natchez Trace publishes their names in the three principal papers within our service area, as well as its stating of the time and place of the Nominating Committee meeting. The purpose of this notice is to give the members ample opportunity for inputs to the Nominating Committee before they act, including attending the Nominating Committee meeting if they wish. This year the Nominating Committee members are: Perry Bailey of Calhoun City; Dan Burchfield of Eupora; Max Johnson of Mantee; David Martin of Derma; Walter B. Meek III of Eupora; Bobby Mooneyham of Houston; Leon Morris of Woodland; Charley V. Porter of Houston; and Michael Watkins of Calhoun City. These same persons constituted the Credentials and Elections Committee. The Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney announced that after the Nominating Committee makes its decision as to the nominee or nominees for each of (the three) positions, we would post these at the three principal offices of the Association. If a member or group of members is unsatisfied with the Nominating Committee recommendations, there would be another opportunity for additional inputs as to board candidates, in the form of nomination by petition, until March 10, 2017. After the committee members decided to separate the respective responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and of the Credentials and Elections Committee, the Committee on Nominations nominated the three incumbent directors whose respective slots were coming vacant to run again, namely: Danny Ellison, Woodland, District One; Terry Wills, Eupora, District Two and Mike Wade, Calhoun City, District Three.

BALLOT ATTACHED Return your attached ballot promptly for a chance to win a $500 credit for electricity. You do not have to be present at the annual meeting in Calhoun City in order to win this prize. Thanks to all of the members (1160) who voted their ballot last year. We need your ballot again this year in order to have a valid directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s election and annual meeting. Please vote your ballot, seal it in the postage prepaid envelope, sign the envelope at the appropriate place, and return it to us. Please vote for one director in each district, three in total. Remember, you may win the $500 credit by doing so promptly. Members can vote by mail or in person at the Annual Meeting. Members who vote by mail are also encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. As noted above, members who vote by mail are eligible for a chance to win the $500 credit. Members who also attend in person are eligible for a chance to win a $100 or $50 cash prize drawings. So if a member votes by mail and attends the Annual Meeting in person, he/she has a double opportunity for winning a prize.

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Today in Mississippi

April 2017

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FROM YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A Solid Investment in Your Electric Co-op As a member of Natchez Trace EPA, you make an investment in your co-op every time you pay your bill. This collective investment in the co-op benefits you and the community immediately and over time. So what exactly is this and how do you benefit from it? The Basic service charge is a monthly investment that helps your co-op cover the expense of maintaining the overall electric system. The list of things that are made possible by your service charge investment could fill this entire page, possibly more. But there are some that we’re sure you see us doing, such as: • Restoring power after outages • Keeping Natchez Trace EPA trucks fueled and running • Responding to phone calls • Managing computers and combatting cyber security threats • Processing bill payments • Building new lines, poles and substations when needed • Maintaining poles, wires and substations As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe the operational costs should be spread fairly and equitably across all of our members, regardless of the level of electricity used. This is why every member pays this service charge each month to help cover basic operational costs. Your monthly investment ensures you have access to safe, reliable and affordable power when you need it. We appreciate and value the investment that you make in the co-op each month, and we strive to use that investment wisely for the benefit of all members we serve. The other portions of your bill, such as the cost of electricity, will change from month to month. Your electricity use charge is affected by how much power you use in your home or business. That’s good news, because it means you can manage these costs by practicing energy efficiency.

Terry Willis, President District 2, Post 1

Danny Ellison District 1, Post 1

Mike Wade District 3, Post 1

Robbie Harrington District 2, Post 3

Kenneth Linton District 1, Post 3

Dot Hardin District 3, Post 3

Earline Wilson District 1, Post 2

Joe Hays, Secretary District 2, Post 2

Jimmy Ball, Vice-President District 3, Post 2

2017 YOUTH LEADERSHIP WINNERS Anna Claire Watkins, a student at Calhoun Academy, and Ry Warren, a student at Houlka Attendance Center, were selected to represent Natchez Trace Electric Power Association as the 2017 Youth Tour delegates. They will travel to Washington, D.C., for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour of the Capital, June 1016, 2017. Twelve candidates competed for the opportunity to win the expense-paid trip. Nominated by his/her high school, each student completed an application reflecting school and extracurricular activities. Two judges affiliated with the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi interviewed each of the 12 students Oct. 25-26, at each of the area high schools.

The purpose of the local youth program is to provide leadership development and training opportunities for young Natchez Trace consumers and to educate a future generation about the cooperative form of business. Anna Claire lives with her parents Michael and Lisa Watkins of Calhoun City. She hopes to become a Radiology Sonographer. Anna Claire is a varsity high school cheerleader, class officer, and is a member of many clubs at her school. She is actively involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and paged for Lt. Gov. Reeves during the 2016 legislative session. Ry is the son of Roger and Chandra Warren of Pontotoc. He is at the top of his class with the highest academic average. He is a member of the Beta Club, the Houlka robotics team, and the Student Health

Anna Claire Watkins Calhoun Academy

Ry Warren Houlka Attendance Center

Council. Ry also serves as the Houlka Attendance Center sports announcer. He was a Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership participant in 2016. Ry plans to pursue a career in neuromedicine after graduation and would like to become a surgeon. Natchez Trace applauds these students on their accomplishments.

April 2017 Today in Mississippi

The

fruits of a

friendship grow

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PROSPECT Produce Farm 144 CR-61 Houston Scheduled to open the last week of May until late August Store hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday 12-4 p.m.

Starkville Community Market Starkville James Earnest and Doil Moore in their blooming peach orchard near Houston.

By Elissa Fulton Childhood friends James Earnest and Doil Moore have ventured out into more than one business together over the years. Both having grown up as children of dairy farmers, their latest adventure has been returning to the farm life. Earnest and Moore went to school together. The two men even married within a week of each other, and both found themselves working on the river in Columbus at the same time. Their first business partnership began with Wood Technologies, a furniture parts manufacturing business that sold parts to furniture companies in the area. After 15 years of operations, they decided to sell their business. Although they went their separate ways for some time, they have found themselves in business together once again, operating a successful produce farm called Prospect Produce. “As we were talking one day, James mentioned he wanted to grow peaches,” said Moore. “So I told him, ‘Yeah, we’ll try that.’” In 2009, Earnest and Moore planted approximately 700 peach trees on eight acres of Earnest’s private property in Houston. While it took more than four years to begin producing peaches, they knew there was no turning back once those trees were planted. They were quick to realize, however, if their peaches were to have a bad year they would have to have something to fall back on, so they decided to diversify their crops. They

now grow many different types of fruits and vegetables on their 30-acre farm, including seven different varieties of peaches. The farm started off small and each year they kept planting a little more, until finally they were satisfied with the size of the farm. Earnest and Moore stagger the planting throughout the season, so that they continue to produce crops through the summer. Moore has developed spreadsheets of planting schedules to keep them on their target dates, so it is a very organized process.

“Our season doesn’t really start until April 1,” said Moore. “We plant so many different items, and we continue to plant those items as the season progresses.” As harvesting season approaches toward the end of May, the men will hire parttime help to pick, clean and sell the produce on the farm, and it is a big job. “We plant about 800 to 1,000 tomatoes about five to six times a year,” said Earnest. “In May, the whole hill will be covered up out there. It will be the prettiest thing you ever saw.”

Earnest and Moore have great pride in the work they do. “We enjoy it, we really do. We wouldn’t do it if we didn’t,” said Moore. “It’s seasonal but it’s still a lot of work. We start here in January ‘cause we have to start pruning, and we will stay busy until September, and then we pull the plug on it.” The men do not plant fall crops and everything they grow is a summertime crop, but the preparation for getting the farm ready for a season is a big job. “We start pruning the peach trees in January, and we prune through the first week in March,” said Earnest. The peach trees are a lot of work. Earnest and Moore prune all 700 trees by hand with no ladders. They like to keep them pruned down to where they are easily accessible. North Mississippi is prone to late frost and when the trees start blooming too early, it can be a waiting game to see if the peaches will produce after undesirable weather. When the peaches and produce do begin producing, however, the work gets intense. In addition to harvesting the crops, Earnest and Moore are working their farmers markets from before the sun comes up until it goes down four days a week. “I go to Columbus twice a week, James goes to Starkville twice a week, we go to West Point together once a week, and Pat Easter helps us out and runs our local Houston markets,” said Moore. “I

Tuesday 4-6 p.m. Saturday 7:30-10:30 a.m.

West Point Farmer’s Market West Point Thursday 4-6 p.m.

Hitching Lot Farmer’s Market Columbus Monday 4-6 p.m. Saturday 7-10 a.m.

Houston Farmer’s Market Saturday 7-10 a.m. really love the markets, but we leave really early because markets start so early. We have to come down and load up and then leave, so it really keeps you busy.” Moore believes that once you have a good product, you have to know how to sell it. “We set up our stands where they will look good and people will buy it. We clean our produce really well, because we don’t like to go to market with dirt on it because it just doesn’t look good,” said Moore. “If you will clean your produce, and present it in a good way, folks will buy it.” In addition to selling at the markets, the farm stays open until 6 p.m. every night so their local friends can stop by and buy produce right off the farm. Earnest added, “If you can grow it, folks will buy it.” For more information about Prospect Produce, contact James Earnest at 662-5428878, Doil Moore at 662-542-1513, email prospectproducefarm@hotmail.com and like www.facebook.com/prospectproduce.farm.

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Today in Mississippi

April 2017

April 10 is National Lineman Appreciation Day.

#thankalineman

Staying safe around electricity after the storm When the fierce winds of a major storm begin to die down, line crews from Natchez Trace EPA are already in motion, preparing to head out into areas littered with downed trees and power lines to restore power to your homes and businesses. After the storm has passed and the power’s out, it’s tempting to set off in the car and look at damage. But if local law enforcement or elected officials have asked motorists to stay off the roads, there’s a reason – sightseers can hamper workers. Lines that are hanging low across a road can be more dangerous than ones on the ground. For example, a vehicle with a ladder rack can grab a low-hanging line and pull a worker off a pole; or, it could possibly still be energized. Obeying road closure signs and law enforcement is important for line worker safety. In general, the safest place to be during times of disaster is at home. Mississippi’s “Move Over Law” which requires motorists to vacate the lane closest to an emergency vehicle or slow to a speed that is less than 15 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, also applies to utility workers and their vehicles. Some basic guidelines during storms and disasters are as follows: What if I encounter a downed power line? • Do not attempt to move a downed line, or anything that is in contact with the line. • Be aware of where the line is, and always maintain a safe distance away from the wire – at least 10 feet. • Report a downed line to your local utility. If it’s on fire or sparking, call 911. • When you call, have a street address available, or in a rural area, either a mailbox number or a mile marker. What if my car contacts a power pole or a downed line? • Stay in the vehicle if at all possible and call for help. The only time you should exit the car is if it is on fire, or there’s a danger that it will be engulfed in water. • If you must leave, jump with both feet together and avoid contact with the car and the ground at the same time, in case the car is “hot.” You do not want to be a path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away from the car. Other safety reminders: Keep a basic disaster supply kit at home. Even if power is restored quickly, hazardous conditions may keep you from leaving your home. A few basics include three days’ worth of non-perishable food and a gallon of water per person per day for three days. Find a complete list at www.ready.gov. If you have a generator, make sure you have enough gasoline on hand to run it. And make sure it’s properly set up away from the house and garage, and only plug in appliances directly to the generator. Use extension cords that are large enough to carry the electrical load that you will put on the generator.

“We plan together. We stay safe together.” April 10 is National Lineman Appreciation Day.

#thankalineman

Candidates for director Danny Ellison is a candidate for director of District One in Chickasaw and Pontotoc counties. He is a resident of Woodland, where he and his sons operate Ellison Farms. Danny graduated from Woodland High School. Danny and wife, Cindy Vance Ellison, have three sons and five grandchildren. He is a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Danny is enrolled with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in taking the courses that will enable him to receive the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate.

Mike Wade is a candidate for Director of District Three of Calhoun, Grenada and Yalobusha counties. He is a lifelong resident of Calhoun County. Mike owns and operates Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flying Service, an agricultural spraying business, in Calhoun City. He is currently serving as Director for the Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association and also Crossroads Water Association. He is a member of Bentley Baptist Church. Mike is married to Debra Spivey Wade and they have three children and seven grandchildren. Mr. Wade has taken the courses required to receive his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate.

Today in Mississippi

Statement of Nondiscrimination In accordance with Federal law and U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of Discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Calhoun City High School Band will bring musical entertainment at the annual meeting on

Monday, April 24, 2017

DANNY ELLISON Terry Wills is a candidate for director of District Two in Webster and Clay counties. Mr. Wills is married to the former Betty Pogue of Eupora. They have two daughters. He is a member of Union Baptist Church, where he serves as pastor. He is a 1972 graduate of Mississippi State University, where he received a B.S. degree in agricultural economics. Mr. Wills was the agency manager at Webster County Farm Bureau until his retirement in 2013. He is enrolled in Biblical Studies through the Christian University Global Net. Mr. Wills has taken the courses required to receive his Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate.

April 2017

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS Pursuant to the Bylaws of the Association, notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the members of Natchez Trace Electric Power Association will be held at the Calhoun City High School Auditorium in Calhoun City, Mississippi, at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2017, for the purpose of electing directors, receiving reports and transacting such other business as may come before the meeting. Notice is further given that three (3) Directors are to be elected at the annual meeting and that the nominations for Directors made by the Committee on Nominations and/or the Credentials and Elections Committee are as follows:

District 1 (Chickasaw and Pontotoc counties) Danny Ellison, 319 CR 68 Woodland, MS 39776

TERRY WILLS

District 3 (Calhoun, Grenada and Yalobusha counties) Mike Wade, 659 CR 418 Calhoun City, MS 38916

District 2 (Webster and Clay counties) Terry Willis, 782 Center Rd. Eupora, MS 39751

Houston Flywheel Festival April 28-29, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Houston

MIKE WADE

Mississippi Valley Flywheelers 36th Annual Spring Antique Engine and Tractor Show featuring tractor pulls, obstacle course and barrel racing. Festival activities also include corn meal exhibit, lard demonstration, hominy and cracklings, 5K Run, arts and crafts, flea market items, food vendors and lots of entertainment. Held in the Joe Brigance Park in Houston. Contact the Chickasaw Development Foundation at P.O. Box 505, Houston, MS 38851, telephone 662/456-2321, fax 662/456-2595 or e-mail cdf@midsouth.com. For more information, please visit www.houstonms.org. Events Saturday will include antique cars and motorcycles.

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Dedicated to a life on the line Every year, we take the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. Northcentral Electric Power Association’s lineworkers maintain 1,420 miles of line in our local service territory, and without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep Northcentral Electric running smoothly, but on National Lineman Appreciation

NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY

THANK YOU for powering our lives.

# ThankALineman April 10, 2017

We have an app for that!

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Apps for iPhone, iPad and Android are available to download and they’re free! Search in Apple App Store or Google Play Store for Northcentral.

Northcentral Electric has an app that lets you I I I I I

ACCOUNT INFO PAYMENT HISTORY

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pay your bill with your smartphone keep up with multiple accounts view your billing history view payment history track your use

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Today in Mississippi

April 2016

Building a strong

FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students

Northcentral Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in downtown Jackson. Each year, approximately 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest students vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop in the state capital through their local electric cooperative. This year was the largest group to date with 83 students in attendance. Charlie Brinkley, Zac Bobbitt, Chris Brown, Matthew Carlile, Aggie Doddridge, Mackenzie Dodds, Sarah Flowers, Kelly Holt, Bailey Jones, Kailey Nixon, Rahmon Rutherford, Adam Stone, Amber Terry and Caden Walker were selected to represent Northcentral Electric Power Association. Leadership and team building are the themes of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is

designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great opportunity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues affecting their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” Reeves explained that when running in the state treasurer’s election (his first run for public office), no one thought he could win because of his inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others. “For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, and Chris Brown receives the Youth Leadership Award from Ron Stewart, program coordinator. He will receive a $1,000 cash scholarship at graduation. Chris also received the Spirit Award. The award is given based on a vote from the student’s peers.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

“We are proud to have these outstanding students represent Northcentral Electric.”

– Kevin Doddridge CEO/General Manager

also loves government and politics, there was no better position for me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are Mississippians, you are young and you are motivated to do some great things in your life.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evident by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school

and community activities. These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of Northcentral Electric for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program.” Northcentral Electric is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have these outstanding students represent Northcentral Electric,” said Kevin Doddridge, CEO/General Manager. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, the students will travel with the youth group to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.

Gov. Phil Bryant

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

Terry Rhodes

Front row, from left: Rep. Bill Kinkade, Rep. Steve Hopkins, Rep. Dana Criswell, Rep. Jeff Hale, Rep. Robert Foster and Sen. Chris Massey. Second row, from left: Amber Terry, Center Hill High School; Kailey Nixon, Byhalia High School; Sarah Flowers, Northpoint Christian School; Aggie Doddridge, Lewisburg High School; Bailey Jones, Lewisburg High School; Mackenzie Dodds, Lewisburg High School; Caden Walker, Lewisburg High School; Charlie Brinkley, Northpoint Christian School; and Matthew Carlile, Center Hill High School. Third row, from left: Rahmon Rutherford, Marshall Academy; Zac Bobbitt, Olive Branch High School; Chris Brown, Olive Branch High School; Sen. David Parker; Sen. Kevin Blackwell; Sen. Bill Stone; Kelly Holt, Olive Branch High School; and Adam Stone, DeSoto Central High School.

Mackenzie Dodds was recognized as a Top 10 finalist at the workshop. She is shown above receiving an award from Ron Stewart, program coordinator.

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Today in Mississippi

April 2016

Playing in the

By Janis Greene Good friends are wonderful! Great friends, like those who see a potential talent in you and help you discover it, are priceless! Such is the story of how Stoneware Pottery by Dee Russum began back in 2009. Always a creative spirit, Dee was invited to spend the weekend with a potter friend in Amory to “play in the mud,” her term for making pottery. The friends had a great weekend catching up on old times while the master taught the student all the aspects of slab pottery. By the end of the weekend, the student had a passion for making pottery. Dee’s friend then gave her some great advice. She told her what equipment she would need, and recommended she to go to her bank first thing Monday morning to get a loan to purchase the equipment, buy it and start making pottery. Russum took her advice and never looked back. She decided to stay with slab pottery as

opposed to taking up wheel-thrown pottery. Slab pottery is made by rolling the wet clay to an even thickness and shaping it. It differs from thrown pottery that is formed on a turning pottery wheel to give the clay a round shape. It takes a lot of time, heat and talent to turn a chunk of clay into a piece of pottery someone will personally choose to use in their home. After the piece is formed into a finished shape and decorated, it will air dry for seven to 10 days. The pottery is then

bisque fired in a kiln at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Next comes glazing the piece, followed by a kiln glaze firing at 2,232 degrees Fahrenheit. She enjoys glazing each piece and finds it relaxing. Her husband, Donnie, enjoys helping out with the glazing process. Over the years, Russum has developed her own style, colors and patterns as her signature. She likes the diversity that slab pottery gives her to shape, design and personalized custom pieces. Her line includes serving platters, bowls, chip-and-dip sets, and Christmas ornaments. She also has seasonal pottery for other holidays. Her pottery is dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. A customer service representative, Russum is in her third year with Northcentral Electric. She usually has one small show and one big show at Christmas. Locations vary. Throughout the year, she takes orders and fills those. Stoneware Pottery by Dee

Russum (SPBDR) is on Facebook and Instagram. She can be reached at 901-2681392 or spbdrhello@gmail.com. Dee Russum has a new light in her life since the birth of grandson Jude. No doubt he will serve as inspiration for new pottery in some way. One thing is for sure, his grandmother will surely introduce him to her favorite pastime—playing in the mud!

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Like us on Facebook by searching for “North East Power”

10 PR 2050 • Oxford, MS 38655 662-234-6331 • Toll Free: 877234-6331 • Fax: 662-234-0046

Green energy project will provide solar power for members With Earth Day approaching on April 22, consumers across the globe are urged to bring awareness and to support environmental protection. Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are doing their part to offer its membership the latest technology and the newest resources for renewable energy. North East Mississippi Electric Power Association (NEMEPA) has recently teamed up with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Silicon Ranch Corporation, a leading provider for solar facilities, to offer members the benefit of green energy. Though Silicon Ranch is incurring all of the expenses for the project and selling the energy produced from the solar site back to TVA, NEMEPA members will have the unique opportunity of participating in this green energy project, while also receiving its benefits. As another added advantage, the cooperative will be able to study the solar farm, as the solar power will be generated to TVA through NEMEPA’s power lines. Being a partner in this project will allow access to the facility to study the patterns of when the panels produce energy, in comparison to when the members need electricity the most. Although solar panels are a viable option for energy, they do not produce power consistently, making diversified power sources necessary. The 10-acre solar farm, which is located off State Highway 30, next to Wal-Mart’s distribution center in New Albany, has been a functioning site since December. The site is home to approximately 18,000 solar panels and, during its peak times, has proven to produce approximately 200,000 kWh of electricity. “During the summertime, the panels are projected to generate twice that much,” said Randall Abel, manager of engineering and operations. NEMEPA welcomes any member who wishes to install solar power on their property and has a program in place for the installation; however, this partnership is a way for those interested in the environmental benefits to be involved through this utility grade solar farm, rather than purchasing expensive

equipment to install and maintain on their personal property. “Our members can take pride in knowing that they are actually using solar energy through TVA. Solar farms of this scale are installed at nearly a fourth of the cost of putting them on your roof,” said Keith Hayward, CEO at NEMEPA. This project has been a collaborative effort on the part of the Union County Economic Developement Authority, Three Rivers Association, the Public Service Commission, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, Silicon Ranch Corporation and TVA. Silicon Ranch President and CEO Matt Kisber said, “Silicon Ranch is proud of the relationship we have developed with our friends at North East Mississippi Power Association. We love working in Mississippi and are grateful for the partnership we’ve been able to build with TVA and local partners, including Three Rivers. We are excited about the economic and environmental benefits that this project has brought and will continue to bring to Union County and the surrounding region.” In addition to the projects it owns and operates across the country, Silicon Ranch owns and operates solar farms in New Albany, Okolona, Columbus and Houston, and has a 50-megawatt project under construction in Hattiesburg. Hayward added, “We are excited to partner with Silicon Ranch and offer Top photo: Panels cover the 10-acre solar farm in New Albany. Above: One of another option to our members.” the more than 50 workers who installed approximately 18,000 solar panels.

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

Building a strong

FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students North East Mississippi Electric Power Association sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop Above from left: Jacob, Annemarie, Rep. Jay Hughes, Hogan, Mary Clark, Aubrey Kate and Eli

Left: Jacob with Rep. John Faulkner Below: Jacob with Sen. Bill Stone

From left: Hogan, Mary Clark, Aubrey Kate, Rep. Steve Massengill, Annemarie, Eli and Jacob

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in downtown Jackson. Each year, approximately 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest students vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop in the state capital through their local electric cooperative. This year was the largest group to date with 83 students in attendance. Eli Abel, Mary Clark Hayward and Aubrey Kate Merrell of Oxford High School, Annemarie Fetter of West Union Attendance Center, Jacob Harrill of Potts Camp High School and Hogan Linzy of Lafayette High School were selected to represent North East Mississippi Electric Power Association (NEMEPA). Leadership and team building are the themes of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great opportunity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” Reeves explained that when running for the trea-

surer's election (his first run for public office) no one thought he could win because of his inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others. “For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, and also loves government and politics, there was no better position for me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are Mississippians, you are young and you are motivated to do some great things in your life.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evident by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school and community activities. These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of North East Mississippi Electric Power Association for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program.” NEMEPA is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have these six outstanding students represent NEMEPA,” said Keith Hayward, CEO. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, Eli, Mark Clark, Aubry Kate, Annemarie, Jacob and Hogan will travel with the youth group to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.

14 Today in Mississippi

April 2017

PRVEPA Contact Information Columbia: 601-736-2666 Hattiesburg: 601-264-2458

Purvis: 601-794-8051 Wiggins: 601-928-7277

To pay bills or report outages:

855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372)

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com

Comfort Advantage can help you save money One of our goals at Pearl River Valley Electric is to provide members with information about using energy wisely. When building or remodeling a home, energy efficiency should be a high priority. For more than twenty years our Comfort Advantage new home program has helped members save money on their monthly bills and increase the resale values of their homes. Comfort Advantage energy-efficiency standards are based on years of experience, and they are continually being updated. The program now offers the following benefits for new homes: • Your home will be certified as a Comfort Advantage home, which reflects energy efficient construction. • Comfort Advantage homes qualify for up to 150 feet of free underground service. • Comfort Advantage Plus homes qualify for up to 150 feet of free underground service and a rebate of $500. • Geothermal heat pump installations qualify for an additional $500 rebate. • Natural gas instantaneous water heaters may now be used in Comfort Advantage homes (electric instantaneous water heaters do not qualify). In addition, upgrading from an existing electric furnace or conventional air conditioner to a 15 SEER or higher heat pump qualifies for a rebate of $400.

Key Requirements of the Comfort Advantage Program: 1. Flex duct work will be limited to runs of 8 feet or less. 2. Ducts in unconditioned space must be wrapped with R-6 or higher insulation. 3. Wall insulation must have an R-value of 13 or greater. 4. Attic insulation must have an R-value of 38 or greater. 5. A Comfort Advantage home must have double pane insulated windows with a U-value and an SHGC-value of .60 or less. 6. A Comfort Advantage Plus home must have double pane insulated windows with a U-value and an SHGC-value of .40 or less. 7. Comfort Advantage homes must have a heat pump of 14 SEER or better. 8. Comfort Advantage Plus home must have a heat pump of 15 SEER or better. (Homes with geothermal heat pumps automatically qualify for the program.) For more information contact Scott Arinder, member services representative, at 601-731-7809.

#ThankALineman THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES.

NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 10, 2017

April 2017 Today in Mississippi

From left: Ally Ratliff, Sen. Angela Burks Hill, Rep. Ken Morgan and Kori Miles.

Students learn leadership lessons Pearl River Valley Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in Jackson. Electric cooperatives from all across the state sponsored 83 of the state’s brightest high school juniors to learn leadership and team building skills that will help them in achieving their future goals. Kori Miles of Columbia High School and Ally Ratliff of Forrest County Agricultural High School were sponsored for the program by PRVEPA. The two winners were Students participate selected through an essay writing and interview in challenging process. team-building The students participated in team-building activities designed activities, met with their state legislators and visto enhance their ited the state’s Capitol. They also heard from a leadership skills. variety of motivational speakers, as well as Mississippi’s top leaders, Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves. Gov. Bryant, a strong supporter of the electric cooperatives’ program during his time in office, encouraged the students to stay in Mississippi after college and use their talents to help improve the quality of life in our state. Lt. Gov. Reeves reminded the group that anyone can reach their goals with hard work and determination, despite inevitable obstacles. He encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” Rep. Larry Byrd and Ally Ratliff. Throughout the workshop, students participated in group activities, where they realized the importance of listening to others and working together to achieve common goals. They were also encouraged

to exercise critical thinking skills and to develop solutions to issues that they can directly apply back home. “These students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others,” said General Manager Randy Wallace. “Each year, the youth leadership program has encouraged students to expand their view of the world, and the students take away lifelong lessons and develop lasting relationships. We are proud to have Kori and Ally represent PRVEPA, We believe in the investment we are making with these outstanding young people and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” Kori is the daughter of Derrick and Latashia Owens of Columbia. Ally is the daughter of John Ratliff and Thelma Keith. In June, they will travel with the group to Washington, D.C., for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.

Ally Ratliff

Forrest County AHS

Kori Miles

Columbia High School

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

“Pioneers In America’s Rural Electrification”

Work, family provide ideal combination for Stewart By Jennifer Johnson Pontotoc Electric Meter Route Coordinator and Collector Billy Jack Stewart can’t imagine working anywhere else. Since age 19, Stewart has followed in the footsteps of his grandfather Leo Parker and great-grandfather Morris Tranum, who both worked for Pontotoc Electric Power Association. Tranum is remembered for helping bring the power lines from Pontotoc into Bruce in 1936. Stewart’s grandfather Leo Parker worked temporarily for Pontotoc Electric’s Bruce District Office in the 1950s as part of the cleanup efforts following an ice and snow storm. (Former Pontotoc Electric Bruce District Manager Benford Doler hired several local men in the town to assist with power restoration and removal of debris. At the time, the utility had only a small crew, which would have delayed completion of the work.) Parker made quite an impression and was hired full-time with Pontotoc Electric shortly after the storm. He eventually retired with Pontotoc Electric at age 65 but worked part-time reading meters and handling other assignments for approximately 10 more years. Stewart said he got his own start with Pontotoc Electric as a summer worker. “One day they were changing out a pole just up the road from my house, so I went over and told Smokey Barefield (retired former Bruce District Manager) I would like to work for Pontotoc Electric that summer…and I’m still here.” After a couple of years, Stewart went full-time at the Pontotoc Office as a meter reader. Later, when the company needed someone to drive a tractor for the in-house right-of-way department, Stewart moved into that role followed by a move into the line crew. Stewart returned to the Bruce District Office in 1996 as part of their line crew, remaining in that role until the retirement of then Meter Route Coordinator Matelon Ferguson in 2002. Stewart said he was a little concerned about taking over Ferguson’s role – especially reading the power route, the manual meter reading and calculation of power bills for businesses and large industrial accounts. “I only got to train on the power route once or twice before I was doing it on my own. That was quite a challenge. If I messed up a reading, that could be a big problem. I didn’t want to cause any problems for our customers. Matelon was good to answer questions if I called him, so I was able to catch on fast.” If he had a favorite role at Pontotoc Electric, Stewart said it would have to be

Billy Jack Stewart closes a switch at the Southwest Bruce 161-kV Substation to energize the lines.

working on the line crew. The camaraderie, he said, is genuine. “We all look out for each other. A perfect day on the line crew is one where everyone goes home safe. Line work can be rough. I have seen situations where someone is at work that morning and they don’t go home that evening. We work hard to keep each other safe.” His current job affords him the opportunity to meet a lot of people, and he’s really enjoying it all, even the field collections he makes every week. “I try to treat people right. A lot of times, they’re already down. You don’t need to bulldoze over them.” He said no matter what his role at the company, he’s worked with some great people and misses those who have retired or passed away, including the late Gordon Cook. Stewart said Cook always had something interesting to say and could always be counted on to lighten things up when the days were long and late-night trouble calls were frequent. Stewart is a proud father to son John Prentiss, 17, who plays baseball for the Bruce Trojans and daughter Jordan, 13, who enjoys cheerleading, band and weightlifting. Stewart said his kids keep him pretty busy. “I’m always attending their activities. It’s a lot of fun to watch them.” He makes sure there’s time in the schedule for some of his own hobbies. “I love hunting and fishing. I hunt deer, duck, squirrel and anything else you can name. I’ve been to Cairo, Illinois to hunt pheasants.” Stewart said the birds are mounted on his walls, along with various other creatures he’s collected over the years. Being part of the team at Pontotoc Electric is an integral part of Billy Jack Stewart’s life. “This company has been good to me. And the fact that I’m a third generation working for Pontotoc Electric…I have history here and I love it.” And what would his grandfather and great-grandfather have to say about the many advances, both in machinery and technology, in this company that was so much a part of all their lives? “They would just be amazed.”

THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES.

NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 10, 2017

#ThankALineman

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Building a strong FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students Pontotoc Electric Power Association sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop things in your life.” The Electric Cooperatives of While visiting the Capitol, the group Mississippi held its 31st Annual Youth was able to watch their legislators at Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in work from the galleries of the House downtown Jackson. Each year, approxand Senate, and were once again imately 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest able to talk one-on-one with their students vie for the opportunity to senators and representatives. attend the three-day workshop in the At the workshop, the students parstate capital through their local electric ticipated in a range of leadership cooperative. This year was the largest development activities aimed at group to date with 83 students in motivating students for the future, attendance. with an emphasis on teamwork and Lauren Heath of South Pontotoc From left: Sen. Nickey Browning, Caitlin McCormick, Ry Warren (representing Natchez Trace Electric Power Association), Rep. Preston Sullivan, good communication. They were High School and Caitlin McCormick of Rep. Jim Beckett, Lauren Heath, Pontotoc Electric HR Manager Jennifer Johnson, Rep. Mac Huddleston and Sen. Russell Jolly. divided into smaller groups in order Bruce High School were selected to repDuring the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state to problem-solve and achieve common goals. resent Pontotoc Electric Power Association. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said Ron Leadership and team building are the themes of the workshop. The legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, had exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evident by the recognition a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the stu- they have received and their accomplishments in school and commuthe state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to nity activities. These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state govern- dents to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display ment. Reeves explained that when running for the treasurer's election (his a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the first run for public office) no one thought he could win because of his become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of Pontotoc Electric for their commitment and support Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great oppor- inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others. of this worthwhile program.” tunity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed “For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, Pontotoc Electric is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsiand also loves government and politics, there was no better position to have these two outstanding students represent Pontotoc Electric,” bility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and for me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are said Chuck Howell, general manager. “They are our future leaders, Mississippians, you are young and you are motivated to do some great and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” work.”

Watts Cooking? Honey Bun Cake

Michal Pennington, Accounting Clerk

Don Patterson, General Foreman 1 pkg. yellow cake mix ¾ cup vegetable oil 4 eggs

Cheese Ring

1 1/3 cup milk 1 cup brown sugar 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk. Stir by hand approximately 50 strokes, or until large lumps are gone. Pour half of batter into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle over batter in the cake pan. Spoon the other half of the batter into the cake pan, covering the brown sugar and cinnamon. Twirl the cake with a butter knife or icing knife until it looks like a honey bun. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Frost cake while it is still hot. Serve warm.

1 (12-oz.) pkg. bacon 1 bunch green onions ½ to 1 tsp. cayenne pepper Strawberry preserves

1 lb. mild cheddar cheese, grated 2 cups Hellman’s mayonnaise ½ cup toasted, slivered almonds

Fry bacon until crisp. Drain well and crumble into small pieces. In medium mixing bowl, combine bacon, cheese, green onions, mayonnaise, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly. Place toasted almonds in the bottom of an oiled seven-cup ring mold, and press cheese mixture into mold. Refrigerate overnight, and unmold cheese ring onto platter. Place a small custard cup filled with strawberry preserves in the center of the ring. Serve with crackers and strawberry preserves.

Wishing you peace, the joys of Spring and all the season’s blessings! Happy Easter from your friends at Pontotoc Electric Power Association.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

14 I Today in Mississippi I April 2017

Mike Smith, General Manager & CEO Lorri Freeman, APR, Manager of Public Relations Amanda Parker, Public Relations Specialist

Singing River Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

CEO’s Message

For more information, call 601-947-4211/228-497-1313 x 2251 or visit our website at www.singingriver.com

Heroes on the line Lineman Appreciation Month

Mike Smith General Manager and CEO Singing River Electric

Line work is a challenging profession. Safety must remain a lineman’s primary focus – his life depends on it. The job must also be done accurately and in the shortest time possible, even in the most challenging weather and no matter the time, either day or night. Severe weather doesn’t always happen within office hours. Our crews recently

assisted Dixie Electric following the tornadoes that ripped through Lamar, Forrest and Perry counties. The tornadoes touched down in the early morning hours on a Saturday, and our crews were on the job in Perry County within hours of receiving the initial call for help. Similar situations happen here in our communities on a daily basis. Servicemen and linemen receive calls in the late night or early morning hours and quickly leave their families and homes in order to respond and restore service. This is their job, and they do it well. Singing River Electric linemen are knowledgeable when it comes to skill and safety measures. They go through hundreds of hours of safety training during their careers and are required to

wear many different pieces of protective equipment on a daily basis. Their training doesn’t stop at safety. Line work is tedious and physically demanding. It takes a skilled craftsman to learn the trade. Our linemen specialize in underground and overhead line work, as well as substation construction. One thing you may not know about our linemen, however, is their strength of character and their love of family, community and country. During this Lineman Appreciation Month, we want to share some stories that highlight this character. Please take time to read the Heroes on the line article in this issue. In April and every other month of the year, we are grateful for our employees at Singing River Electric and their families that support them.

TRUST. ANOTHER PRECIOUS RESOURCE WE’RE COMMITTED TO PRESERVING. Helping you keep the lights on. Helping you keep informed. To your local Touchstone Energy cooperative, that’s trust. Learn more at singingriver.com.

YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND INFORMATION.

Spring cleaning for your HVAC unit

Josh Havard Member Services Representative joshhavard@singingriver.com

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to think about your HVAC system. It is always a good idea to have your system serviced biannually. If you are considering a new HVAC unit, you will want to think about a few things. First, consider efficiency. Heat pumps can reduce your energy use by 30-60% and help control humidity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Second, consider the size of the new unit. An improperly sized HVAC unit can wreak havoc on your home. An oversized unit can cause your system to “short cycle” – constantly turning off and on. An undersized unit will run continuously to keep up with demand. Home orientation can also affect your choice. How sunlight hits your home or office during different times of the day can impact the load capacity required to properly heat or cool the space. For more information visit singingriver.com/save-energy-and-money or engage us in social media conversations on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Heroes on the Line

April 2017

Today in Mississippi 14a

National Lineman Appreciation Day - April 18, 2017

Tuesday, April 18, is nationally recognized as Lineman Appreciation Day. A day to recognize and say thank you to a hardworking, selfless crew that go above and beyond every day to ensure members have reliable electric service. You

While replacing an outdoor light at Sand Hill Attendance Center during a thunderstorm, Serviceman Brent Brewer noticed the American flag was wrapped around its pole. Brewer moved his truck next to the pole and took a few moments to untangle the flag so it could fly freely.

know the efforts they make all hours of the day and through the night to construct power lines and make restorations when Mother Nature takes down a line, but here are a few more ways our linemen show their pride for country and our

local communities. All of these acts were brought to Singing River Electric’s attention by appreciative members of the community or fellow employees.

A SRE Lucedale crew heading to a job site in the Shipman community saw a lone cow lying in the road. Knowing they couldn’t leave it there, the linemen got out of their trucks and herded the cow into the nearby field. As they were leaving, the cow’s owner flagged them down to thank them. Crew members included: (front row) Apprentice Lineman IV Andrew Brown, Lineman Steven Smith, Construction Foreman I James Hill, Construction Foreman II Jimmy Glen Croom, (back row) Journeyman Garen Ferguson and Journeyman Gary Allgood.

Serviceman Mike Perry was en route to an outage call in Gautier’s Hickory Hills area when traffic came to a stop. Because of the stormy conditions, a woman missed her turn into the parking lot of Martin Bluff Baptist Church and drove her vehicle into a nearby ditch. Perry offered his help and used the winch on his truck to pull the vehicle out of the ditch without causing further damage. He then continued on to his outage call.

#ThankALineman SAVE THE DATE to attend SRE’s FREE Energy Fairs: April 20 – Knobtown Community Center – 115 Knobtown Rd., State Line June 29 – SRE Lucedale office – 11187 Old 63 South

14b I Today in Mississippi I April 2017

Building a strong

FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students

Singing River Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Worksh The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in downtown Jackson. Each year, approximately 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest students vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop in the state capital through their local electric cooperative. This year was the largest group to date with 83 students in attendance. Austin Baldwin of St. Martin High School, Kenley Cochran of Perry Central High School, Noah Moran of Ocean Springs High School and Morgan Rich of East Central High School were selected to represent Singing River Electric in this program. Leadership and team building are the theme of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. Bryant said, “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with

us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state senators and representatives and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. Singing River Electric is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have these four outstanding students represent Singing River Electric,” said Mike Smith, general manager and CEO. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, Austin, Kenley, Noah and Morgan will travel with the group to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.

Morgan, Kenley, Austin and Noah were presented certificates at an awards ceremony following the workshop.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi I 14c

Gov. Phil Bryant

shop Above: Kenley is all smiles as her group figures out how to complete the task at hand. Right: Kenley, Morgan, Austin and Noah at the Capitol building in Jackson.

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

Terry Rhodes

Top left: Noah leads his group in an activity requiring memorization and team work. Top center: Morgan listens to her teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice as she navigates through a grid. Top right: While wearing a blindfold, Austin trusts his friends to get him to safety during a teambuilding exercise. Above left: Rep. Manly Barton, Austin, Noah, Sen. Dennis DeBar Jr., Kenley, Morgan and Sen. Michael Watson met before the legislative breakfast. Above right: SREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth leadership students were able to meet with Rep. Roun McNeal (right) while visiting the Capitol.

Noah, Austin, Morgan and Kenley admire the azaleas at the foot of the Capitol steps before visiting the Senate and House galleries.

14d

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

yyou ou are A member. NOT JUST A CUSTOMER.

why does membership matter? maattter? edits and mor e. You say, eturned capital cr credits more. You have a vote, a say y, rreturned We were wer w e or ganized nearly 80 years ago by neighbors in We organized epresent those same southeast Mississippi and still rrepresent JVTT\UP[PLZ [VKH` ;OH[ PZ [OL JVVWLYH[P]L KPɈLYLUJL JVTT\UP[PLZ [VKH` ;OH[ PZ [OL JVVWLYH[P]L KPɈLYLUJL and what makes us unique. You You are a member of one of the fastest growing electric cooperatives in the state and nation. Singing River Electric is the 45th largest out of more than 900 electric distribution co-ops nationwide and is one of more than 673 T ouchstone Energy cooperatives coo Touchstone in the United States.

providing We Are committed to pro viding above beyond, friendly, ond, friendl lyy, above and bey service professional & expert ser vice each everyy member. to ea ch and ever

counties served

7 mS AND 2 AL members served

> 73,000

cooperative coopera ative t principles

1 volunt unttar a y and open membership 2 democratic member control 3 members’ economic participation 4 autonomy and independence 5 trainning and informaation 6 coopperaation among cooperaative tives 7 concern for community

singingriver.com/mymembershiP singingriver. com/mymembershiP power in membership information. information. access access our smarthub app. app.

members on the board

9 neighbors 2016 retired capittal al credits

> $8 Million tottall retired capittal al credits

> $21.7 Million

April 22 is

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

Our community partnership doesn’t end with our NHN Community Grants, Energy Assistance, scholarships and support of our local schools. Singing River Electric also supplies COMMUNITY POWER on EARTH DAY and all year. Our employees go above and beyond to help clean up and make improvements to leave our beautiful community the way we found it – or even better.

COMMUNITY POWER:

SRE employees donate their time at the Mississippi Coastal Cleanup at Gautier City Park and Pier (October 2016)

SRE crew installs Osprey Nest at Indian Point in Gautier (March 2017)

SRE employees volunteered at the 2016 Jackson County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day, Gautier (April 2016)

How you can go green this Earth Day: • Bring your spent household CFL bulbs to any SRE office for FREE recycling. • Choose paperless billing and download our SmartHub app to pay your bill and report power outages.

Join us at the Jackson County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, April 22, from 8 a.m. to noon at Singing River Mall, Highway 90, Gautier.

14 I Today in Mississippi I April 2017

Jordan retires after 30 years as manager After 30 years as Southern Pine Electric’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Don Jordan recently announced he will retire from those duties effective May 1, 2017. “It has been my pleasure to be a part of providing quality electric service to the members of Southern Pine,” Mr. Jordan said. “There were many decisions that had to be made during the time I have been manager. My focus in making those decisions has always been to do what is best for members and employees. Quality service at the lowest cost has been the mission. I am satisfied this mission was accomplished.” With an emphasis on providing the best services available to members, he established a strong infrastructure capable of providing all the electrical needs of the Cooperative’s 11-county service area and placed Southern Pine as one of the top electric distribution cooperatives in the nation. Mr. Jordan has been instrumental in bringing

Non-Discrimination Statement Southern Pine is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing _cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

new businesses to Southern Pine’s service area by obtaining zero-interest loans through government programs and also promoted existing businesses’ expansion and growth. An open-door policy and desire to hire new employees with fresh ideas and knowledge of ever-changing technology have provid-

“It has been my pleasure to be a part of providing quality electric service to the members of Southern Pine.” ed Southern Pine with a well-prepared staff and stable work force for the future. Under Mr. Jordan’s leadership total miles of line grew from 8,467 to 10,320. Total utility plant went from $65 million to $401 million. While basically maintaining the same number of employees at 245,

margin and equities grew from $25 million to $257 million and total consumers from 42,391 to 66,515. Total kilowatt-hours sold climbed from 855 million to 2 billion. Southern Pine opened four district offices, a branch location and will soon complete construction of a new campus that will include a warehouse, general services building, district office and a new headquarters building. Practicing and preaching good stewardship of resources is second nature to him and, as a result, he leaves a legacy of a well-managed, financially sound cooperative that exemplifies his mission of making life better for the employees and members of Southern Pine. “I want to thank the Cooperative’s Board of Directors for providing wisdom and guidance. I also want to thank all the employees for their support and hard work to accomplish the cooperative’s mission,” Mr. Jordan said.

Career & Accomplishments I Joined Southern Pine Electric in 1980 I Named General Manager and Chief Executive Officer in 1987 I Past president and member of the Jones County Junior College Foundation Board I Past member of the Mississippi Partnership Board of Directors I Past member of the Mississippi Economic Development Council I Member of the Cooperative Energy Board of Directors I Past president and member of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Beef & Poultry Expo Coming Southern Pine Electric is proud to be a sponsor of the annual Magnolia Beef & Poultry Expo in Raleigh. This year’s event is 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. April 6 at the Smith County Agricultural Complex. The expo will feature live animal exhibits, speakers and giveaways. Admission is free and the public is invited. The agriculture complex is located at 131 Oil Field Road off Highway 35 South. Be sure to visit the Southern Pine booth and register for a Yeti beverage tub to be given away!

I Chairman of the Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) Board for Mississippi I Recipient of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Administration (NRECA) William F. Matson Award I Member of Taylorsville First Baptist Church Family I Mr. Jordan and the late Suzanne Eaton Jordan are the parents of four children. They have eight grandchildren.

Efficiency Tip Air dry clean dishes to save energy. If your dishwasher does not have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the dishwasher after the final rinse and prop the door open slightly so the dishes will dry faster. Southern Pine Electric has more energy efficiency tips at www.southernpine.coop. Check them out!

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Hear thunder? Head for cover! When thunderstorms are rolling your way, stay safe with these helpful tips from the American Red Cross: • Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. • Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring. • If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. • If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors! The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap. • Avoid electrical equipment and tele-

BE PREP PARED A AR PREPARED BEFORE A STORM S TORM STRIKES STRIKES eve vent of a In the event power outage, outage e, be power prepared by by keepkeep keepprepared ke kn ng eeping ffollo owing ing keeping the following the fto it ft ollo emwing s in ganit ems in items following items easeas e eyas -ttso-fi oo y-fi -tfind o-find nd emer emereasy-to-find an easy-to-find emeremerrry e genc y genc supply pply py supply yuppl kit.ly gency emergency kit. phones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead. • Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows. • Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing. • If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency

flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle. • If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.

Lineman Appreciation Day APRIL 10, 2017

WATER WAT ER upply y,, Three-day supply Three-day supply, one gallon per person per da y. day.

TOOLS T OOLS Flashlight, e xtra extra ba tteries, manual batteries, can opener r,, opener, ba ttery-powered battery-powered or hand-cr ank hand-crank rradio, adio, NO AA NOAA W eather Radio Weather with ttone one alert.

FIRST FIRST AID KIT AND PRESCRIPTIONS Firs Firstt aid supplies supplies,, hand sanitiz er sanitizer and a att leas leastt one w eek’s supply of week’s pr escriptions and prescriptions medica tions ffor or medications the ffamily. amily.

n more more at Learn at w.ready.gov www.ready.gov e: American Red Source: Cross, Federal Emergency s, Feder F ederral Emer rg gen nc cy genc cy. y Management A Agency.

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Serving our Cooperative Members P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 601-437-3611 or toll-free 1-800-287-8564 • Fax: 601-437-8736

Adams • Amite • Claiborne • Copiah • Franklin Hinds • Jefferson • Lincoln • Wilkinson Southwest Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Dedicated to a life on the line

#ThankALineman Every year, we take the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. Southwest Electric’s lineworkers maintain 4,211 miles of line in our local service territory and, without them, our world would be dark. We depend on our entire staff to keep Southwest Electric running smoothly, but on National Lineman Appreciation Day, April 10, we will honor all lineworkers who often find themselves in dangerous and challenging situations, so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every day. These brave employees repair damaged

EZ-Pay

lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, our cooperative would not thrive. No matter the time – day or night, weekday or weekend – if the lights go out, so do they. Perhaps you have seen them raising their bucket trucks in howling winds and torrential rains, or extreme hot and cold temperatures. They work around the clock near high-voltage power lines until electricity is restored to every Member in our cooperative community. In addition to aiding members in our local service ter-

ritory, lineworkers are always willing and eager to volunteer when a neighboring community, county or state is in need during a major outage. Our lineworkers are brave, committed and critical to our success. Each year, we recognize them on National Lineman Appreciation Day. We hope you will join us in thanking the many lineworkers – both local and around the world – who light our lives. Remember, your power works because they do! Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support.

AGRICULTURAL CAREER EXPO

Pay as you go No deposit Alerts via Text • Email • Phone For new and existing Members Call 800-287-8564 for more info

Southwest Electric employees participated in the Lincoln County School District Agricultural Career Expo sponsored by the Loyd Star Agriculture Academy on March 1. Bruce Butler, Vell Davis and Les Southerland demonstrated a lineman’s life to the students. Pictured above is Bruce helping students put on hooks, gloves and hardhats.

April 2017 Today in Mississippi

Students learn leadership lessons Southwest Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop

From left: Ke’Shawn, Morgan, Donavan and Rep. Chuck Middleton.

fast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great opportu-

From left: Ke’Shawn, Sen. Bob Dearing, Morgan and Donavan.

nity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” Reeves explained that when running for treasurer (his first election for public office) no one thought he could win because of his inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others.

“For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, and also loves government and politics, there was no better position for me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are Mississippians, you are young and you are motivated to do some great things in your life.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evident by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school and community activities. These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of Southwest Electric for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program.” Southwest Electric is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have these young people represent Southwest Electric,” said Kevin Bonds, general manager. “We know that these students work hard in their studies and are making a positive impact in the community. We believe they will do great things in the future and believe in the investment we are making in these students each year.” In June, Morgan, Ke’Shawn and Donavan will travel with the youth group to Washington, D.C. The sevenday trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.

Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves were guest speakers during the leadership workshop.

on the line Life 14 I Today in Mississippi I April 2017

Twin County

Electric Power Association

For after-hours outages, call

The power of 866-897-7250 working together

Twin County linemen talk about the rewards and challenges of keeping your lights on

Each year Twin County observes National Lineman Appreciation Day, April 10, by featuring the linemen based at one of its four offices. We continue the tradition with a salute to the hard-working line crew at the cooperative’s Rolling Fork branch office, whose service area is the largest of the four in terms of geographical area. By Debbie Stringer It’s great to be an electric lineman on a sunny spring day in the Delta. As he works atop 40-foot utility poles, the lineman gets a bird’s eye view of the landscape for miles, and may see an eagle soaring or deer grazing. Then there’s the flip side of springtime: violent thunderstorms with strong winds, downpours, hail and tornadoes.

“Life goes back to normal when you get your power back on. I enjoy doing that for people.” —Justin Griffin

The lineman works in those conditions too—sometimes in the middle of the night. Twin County Electric Power Association linemen have endured all kinds of weather in all seasons to keep your electric service on day and night. Crew leader Russ Stewart oversees the work of crew members Justin Griffin, Tyler Matthews, John Robert Smith and Rickey Yarbrough. Tom Price, a former line crew foreman, is branch manager. Every one of these men grew up in

Linemen based at Twin County’s Rolling Fork branch office share a strong sense of commitment and camaraderie—both important qualities in serving the cooperative’s members to the best of their abilities. In the front row, from left, are branch

the south Delta, and all say they are thankful to have found a satisfying, lifelong career here at home. “I was looking for a good career and I knew this would be one of my better options,” Matthews said. He completed the lineman training program at Mississippi Delta Community College before going to work for Twin County five years ago.

manager (and former line crew foreman) Tom Price, line crew leader Russ Stewart and lineman Rickey Yarbrough; in the second row, from left, are linemen Justin Griffin, Tyler Matthews and John Robert Smith.

Griffin had just completed studies in aquaculture at MDCC when his career plans took a turn. “The day I graduated, I was on my way home and there was a guy climbing a pole. And I said, I bet that’s an adrenaline rush,” he said. After completing a lineman-training program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, in Lucedale, Griffin became a Twin County lineman in

2004. The job turned out to be a good fit for this lineman in a way he may not have expected: It feels good to restore someone’s electric service during a power outage. “Life goes back to normal when you get your power back. I enjoy doing that for people,” Griffin said. Like Griffin, Smith trained at MGCCC to become a lineman before

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

Twin County linemen work in the Eagle Lake area to rebuild power lines destroyed by a tornado in this file photo. Linemen based at the cooperative’s Rolling Fork branch office serve members from Delta City to Eagle Lake.

joining the Rolling Fork crew 10 years ago. “I was looking for a good job. I wanted to get away from the farm and find something else to do,” said Smith, who grew up on a Washington County farm. Stewart and Yarbrough, each being 22year Twin County employees, came from the old school of on-the-job lineman training. “We didn’t even have a bucket truck down here when I started,” Stewart said. “When we finally got one, we thought we were something then.” Electric utility technology has advanced vastly since those days, but the fundamental duty of the lineman remains the same: to do what it takes to keep the lights on and thousands of miles of power lines safe and secure. There is no typical day for Twin County linemen, but routine work assignments may include installing or repairing security lights, setting up new services, troubleshooting, and building or maintaining power lines. “You never know what your day’s going to consist of, until you get to work,” Griffin said. “You learn something new every day, pretty much,” Yarbrough added. Even after decades of experience—he worked for another electric utility before coming to Twin County—Yarbrough says he still doesn’t know it all. For Smith, variety is part of the job’s appeal. “Being outdoors and having something different to do each day—and having a good boss,” he said. “You’ve got to be willing to work any time day or night,” Matthews said, “and you can’t be scared of heights, but you can make a good living doing this.” Yarbrough described his co-workers as “good guys” who are good to work with. “I

hate to admit that in front of them,” he said, getting hoots of laughter in response. This crew’s easy-going camaraderie helps them not only enjoy their work but also ease their stress during widespread power outages. All of them have stories to tell of trying times on the line: about thunderstorms so

“It’s a good bunch of boys. I’d put them up against anybody.” —Tom Price

strong the rain blew sideways, lightning striking the lines being worked on and close calls with tornadoes. “If lightning’s popping right on top of us, we’ll let it blow over for a few minutes,” Stewart said. Sometimes extraordinary efforts are called for. Smith has been known to swim across a body of water to carry wire from one side to the other. “It was all right, other than knowing that snakes and alligators were probably around,” he quipped. “You just hope and pray that one doesn’t grab you.” Above all else, the men watch out for each other. “Everybody watches everybody’s back constantly,” Smith said. Although Price was promoted from crew foreman to branch manager some 10 years ago, his linemen still consider him part of their crew. He is quick to lend them a hand, and his pride in the crew is evident. “It’s a good bunch of boys. I’d put them up against anybody,” Price said. “When the going gets tough, they’ll be there. That’s the honest truth.”

Since 2013 the Lineman Bear has been climbing a pole outside Twin County’s Rolling Fork office. Its face resembles President Theodore Roosevelt, who once hunted black bear in Sharkey County guided by famed bear hunter Holt Collier. Created by chainsaw woodcarver Dayton Scoggins, of Heidelberg, the Lineman Bear is one of 13 carved bears located at businesses and public buildings throughout Rolling Fork. Each October during the Great Delta Bear Affair, another bear is carved from a cypress log and mounted somewhere in the town.

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Yazoo Valley participates in public energy forum Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association participated in a public energy efficiency forum at the Vicksburg City Auditorium on Tuesday, March 7, hosted by Central Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Cecil Brown and City of Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. State and local utility organizations provided energy efficiency, 811 and No Call registry information to attendees.

ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

THANK YOU FOR POWERING OUR LIVES.

Central Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Cecil Brown addresses the crowd.

Yazoo Valley General Manager Ron White (right) discusses electric utility issues with Central Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Cecil Brown (center) and Yazoo Valley Safety Program Manager Dennis McFee (left).

NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY APRIL 10, 2017

#ThankALineman Yazoo Valley Electric Safety Program Manager Dennis McFee answers questions and provides energy efficiency material to an attendee.

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

Ellison United Methodist Church near Vaughn in Yazoo County will commemorate its 175th Anniversary with a Homecoming celebration on Sunday, April 30. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the worship service at 11:00 a.m. Dinner will follow at 12:30 p.m. with fellowship time continuing through the afternoon. The Ellison Church family extends an invitation to bring a favorite “covered dish” and join us to share precious memories as we celebrate the life of this beloved church.

Statement of Nondiscrimination Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association is subject to the provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended which provide that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization's programs or activities. The person responsible for coordinating this organization's nondiscrimination compliance efforts is Ronald White, General Manager. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination, may obtain further information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.

Wishing you peace, the joys of Spring and all the season’s blessings! Happy Easter from your friends at Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

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April 2016

Building a strong ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students

Yazoo Valley Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi held its 31st Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in downtown Jackson. Each year, approximately 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest students vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop in the state capital through their local electric cooperative. This year was the largest group to date with 83 students in attendance. Devin Ammons and Qwinnetta Stokes of Yazoo County High School and Sarah Elizabeth Hardy of Benton Academy were selected to represent Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association. Leadership and team building are the themes of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, including Pastor Terry Rhodes. They had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant has been a strong supporter of the program since he has been in office. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great opportu-

nity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.” During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. The breakfast is highly supported by the state legislature as exhibited by the attendance. Before they toured the state Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students. Reeves encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” Reeves explained that when running for the state treasurer's election (his first run for public office) no one thought he could win because of his inexperience. He had never held any public office, unlike his opponents. Yet he decided to run, despite the advice from others. “For someone such as myself, who loves economics and finance, and also loves government and politics, there was no better position for

Devin and Sarah Elizabeth try to move a giant ball through and obstacle without the use of their hands. It takes teamwork to be able to complete the difficult task.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

April 2017 I Today in Mississippi

“We are proud to have these three outstanding students represent Yazoo Valley Electric.” – Ron White general manager

me,” he said. “What I know about every one of you is that you are Mississippians, you are young and you are motivated to do some great things in your life.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their

senators and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evident by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school and community activities. These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of Yazoo Valley Electric for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program.” Yazoo Valley Electric is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have these three outstanding students represent Yazoo Valley Electric,” said Ron White, general manager. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, the students will travel with the youth group to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.

Gov. Phil Bryant

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

Terry Rhodes

Top photo: Sarah Elizabeth works with other students to identify leadership skills within her group. Above: Devin, Sarah Elizabeth, Sen. Buck Clarke and Qwinnetta.

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Phoenix dogs add excitement to squirrel hunting

By Elissa Fulton For as long as Lee Moore can remember, his favorite pastime has been squirrel hunting with his father. They began still hunting squirrel when he was just a young boy, and it was fun to make it a competition. Moore was always told that if he ever decided to hunt with dogs, it was surely the only way he’d ever hunt again, and what he had always heard became a true statement. “After I was out of college, a guy I know brought some dogs out here to the house and hunted with us,” said Moore. “It wasn’t the best of hunts that day, but we got enough out of it that I could tell it would really be a lot of fun.” Shortly after that hunt, Moore began looking for a puppy of his own. He bought a small Feist from Arkansas nearly a decade ago. Though some hunters like to hunt with the larger Cur dogs, Moore favors the

Feist because they are a smaller dog, approximately 20 to 25 lbs. He prefers the smaller size and the ease of handling them. Moore considers himself an ambassador of the sport and takes every chance he can get to tell people about the sport he loves, hoping to get more hunters involved, as he has a passion for squirrel hunting and particularly with his dogs. It’s probably no surprise that he began breeding and training dogs at his home in Phoenix to sell to those interested in owning a Feist of their own. “I breed and train the dogs, but the secret to me is in the breeding. Because if you get the breeding right and it’s in ‘em, you don’t have that much training to do,” said Moore. “You just kind of put ‘em in the woods and if it’s in their genetics it will eventually come out. Some of them are a little naturally better at it than others. It’s kind of like people and sports.” The first Feist he bought was about 4 years old before he ever let her have a litter of puppies. These days, he keeps a few breeding dogs that are proven good dogs and keeps dogs anywhere from puppies to a

couple of years old. Sometimes he will get attached to a certain puppy and they will end up staying with him as breeding dogs. Moore built his own website and a Facebook page to reach a broader audience. He has now sold his dogs in several states across the southeast. Although he prefers that his dogs go to hunting homes, he’s not opposed to selling his puppies to families looking for a small Feist as a pet. However, his dogs have become a part of the family and every one of them has been given a name until they go to their new owners. “I think it may actually help if you are bonded with your dog, so long as they don’t become so much of a pet that they won’t get out from you and hunt,” said Moore. “Normally their natural instincts is that they go to the woods.” Moore owns a lawn and landscaping business, so the seasonal work gives him the opportunity to care for his dogs and to enjoy hunting with them throughout the squirrel season. The season in Mississippi runs from Oct. 1 until the last day of February. “Squirrel hunting is really a social event,” said Moore. “For me, if you are in the woods, say deer

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

“I breed and train the dogs, but the secret to me is in the breeding. Because if you get the breeding right and it’s in ‘em you don’t have that much training to do.” - Lee Moore Left: Phoenix squirrel dogs are shown here timbering a squirrel in a tree. The dogs will surround the tree and bark until the hunters can locate the squirrel in the tree. Below: Jessie Duell, a Yazoo Valley Electric lineman, Lee Moore, Kolby Duell and Garrett McClellan, also a Yazoo Valley Electric lineman, enjoy a day in the woods squirrel hunting. They use the Feist dogs to aid in their hunt.

hunting, and you are hanging from a tree and not seeing anything, it can get old pretty quick.” For Moore and his hunting partners, most of the excitement comes from being in the woods and telling stories without having to be still and quiet. The dogs barking and the shooting of the guns just add an element of thrill. A good squirrel dog knows how to use all of his senses well, and when they find a squirrel, they will put it up a tree, a term known as timbering. When the hunters hear the barking they can locate the squirrel easily in the tree. Most hunters use one or two dogs, but Moore and his friends have been known to put out as many as 12 at a time. “We love taking people on hunts if they are interested in the sport,” said Moore. “If they are safe with a gun they are welcome to hunt, because on a squirrel dog hunt, the more the merrier. The more eyes you got looking up that tree, the more apt you are to spot the squirrel – and the bigger the group actually helps. It can make for a lot of shooting as well, and that’s really when it gets exciting.” For more information about Phoenix Squirrel Dogs contact Lee Moore at 662-755-8113, visit www.phoenixsquirreldogs.com or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/phoenixsquirreldogs.com.

Lee Moore enjoys hunting with his friends and family but also enjoys taking others on hunts as an exposure to the sport he loves so well. With the help of the Phoenix Squirrel Dogs, this group had a very successful hunt.

Today in Mississippi

April 2017

Board of Directors

www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544

Marty Crowder, President John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr., Vice President Johnny Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Banks Bill Bell Kenneth Seitz Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson

YOUR COOPERATIVE

Here’s An Idea

By Joe Cade CEO/General Manager

This spring, think summer

Info vital in outage management In the utility business, we know rough weather will occur, and sometimes power outages simply can’t be avoided. But did you know there are steps you can take to ensure your electricity is restored as quickly and safely as possible? By keeping your contact information up to date, you can take full advantage of the services 4-County Electric Power Association offers. You may have noticed prompts through Today in Mississippi, bill stuffers, press releases, advertisements or social media requesting your updated contact information. If we don’t have the correct phone number linked to your home address, it makes it much more difficult for you to report an outage. In the “old days,” you had to speak to a customer service representative in order to report a power outage. Waiting on hold could be frustrating and time consuming. Today, with the press of a button, you can easily report an outage. At 4-County, we use the phone number you provide to link your service address to our outage management system. For example, if you call us to report an outage, our automated system instantly recognizes your phone number and can determine the particular service address from which you are reporting an outage. Once you give our system a response, your outage is reported. It’s that simple! But remember, this only works if your current phone number is linked to your service address. Updating your contact information is helpful because it also speeds up the power restoration process. With correct information, our outage

management system can predict the location and the possible cause of an outage, making it easier for our crews to correct the problem. Call 1-800-431-1544 and make sure you’re up to date.

Thank a lineman

Warm temperatures this spring make it a great time to think about how warm it could get this summer. A rise in temperature can also mean a rise in energy bills, too. Give your air conditioner a fighting chance at keeping your home cool in the months ahead, without using more electricity than necessary. Here are some tips to keep energy bills low this summer: • Trade your traditional incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. These bulbs use far less energy. • Call a service technician to give your air-conditioning system— and any window units—a thorough once-over before the weather gets hot. • Change air conditioner filters monthly from now until October.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has designated the second Monday of April as National Lineman Appreciation Day. 4-County will give a special tip of the hat (as we do each and every day) to the hard-working Ceiling fans can be a great way to increase the energy savings in men who often your home while providing a comfortable living environment. A work in challengdecorative alternative to typical light fixtures, ceiling fans can cut ing conditions to summer energy use. keep the lights Ceiling fans do not lower the temperature in a room. The cooling on. effect occurs when air from the ceiling fan blows across a person’s We proudly skin. “When you leave the room, switch the fan and its lights off. recognize all elecYou’ll save energy and money,” said Ronnie Vernon, tric linemen 4-County marketing specialist. through the nation who perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, protect the public’s safety. 4-County members have saved over $537,458 on 4-County honors its prescription drugs through February. linemen and invites members to take a Look here each month to moment to thank a see the savings total! lineman for the work he does.

Ceiling fans can cool off energy costs

Co-op Connections Card saves

April 2017

Nominees submitted for board of directors Mike Banks of Macon and Noxubee County native Bill Bell are nominated for three-year terms on 4-County Electric Power Association’s board of directors. Banks and Bell, both current board members, were placed in nomination by the Association’s Nominating Committee at its March 23 meeting. In accordance with the Association’s bylaws, both candidates’ names were placed in nomination for election to threeyear terms, beginning June 1 at the cooperative’s annual membership meeting at East Mississippi Community College, Golden Triangle campus in Mayhew.

Bill Bell – District 7, At-Large Bell is a registered pharmacist and the owner and manager of City Drug Store in Macon. He attended Central Academy and is a graduate of the University of Mississippi. He and his wife, Betty, have three children: Meredith, Ellen and Walker. Bell is a member of Macon Presbyterian Church, where he serves as an elder. He has been a board member since 2016. Bell has obtained the Credentialed Cooperative Director certification. Bill Bell

Mike Banks – District 4

A Noxubee County native, Banks has served on 4-County’s board of directors since 1997, and has earned all three levels of director certification. He is founder and owner of Trailboss Trailers Inc., a company that manufactures heavy equipment

trailers in Macon. Banks also owns and operates the Wagon Wheel restaurant in Macon and a small custom-made furniture company. A graduate of Noxubee County High School, Banks attended East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State University. He served in the 223rd Engineers Battalion of the Army National Guard for six years. Active in comMike Banks munity volunteer efforts, Banks was the recipient of the Noxubee County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Man of the Year in 1987 and 1998. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Macon. He lives in Macon with his wife, Terri. Banks has four daughters: Lee Ann Carroll, Kristen Malinowski, Micah Banks and Megan Banks. Nominating committee reports were posted March 23 at each 4-County office. The deadline for additional nominations for directors, by petition of at least 50 consumer-members, is April 17, no later than 2 p.m. Ballot/proxies will be mailed by May 1 to all 4-County members. The deadline for returning ballot/proxies is May 25 by noon, six days prior to the annual membership meeting June 1. Members of the nominating committee present for the March 23 meeting included Julius Beck, Tom Breland, Paul Crowley, Willard Easley, Benny Graves, Gary Holtman, Frank Howell, Henri Sue Kennard, Donald Land, Grey Land III, Charles McMinn, Pete O’Shea Jr., John Partridge, Thomas Robinson, Odie Shaw and Belk Weems.

Apply online for membership, electric service 4-County Electric Power Association members can get their electric accounts established from the comfort of their own homes. The Association has an online membership service for the convenience of its members. The process is simple. Go to www.4county.org, click on the residential tab, then click the apply-for-service tab and follow the cues. Members can set up a free online 4-County account. They can pay their bills, track their electric use and much more. Members are encouraged to download the 4-County app on their smart devices. The Association also has a number of convenient payment options: • Bank/Credit Card Draft – Have your bill paid directly from your bank account or credit card. • Online/Smartphone/Telephone – Use your credit or debit card and pay 24/7

online or with our 4-County app from your smartphone, or call us and pay. • Kiosk – 4-County has several payment kiosks in offices and around the service territory that let you pay your bill with cash, personal check, credit or debit cards. • Mail – Use the traditional method of mailing your payment back every month. • Prepay – Start your account without a deposit and pay your bill how you want, when you want, with our Prepay payment program. And you can get a daily report on how much power you use and how much it costs you. It’s a great way to take control of your electric bill. Visit www.4county.org for more information on all of 4-County’s services and programs and the locations of the co-op’s payment kiosks. Or, call 4-County at 1-800-431-1544.

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Official notice of 4-County’s annual meeting Pursuant to Article II, Sections 1 and 3 of the 4-County Electric Power Association Bylaws, notice is h ereby given that the Annual Meeting of members of 4-County Electric Power Association will be held at the East Mississippi Community College, Golden Triangle campus, at Mayhew on Thursday, June 1, at noon. In accordance with the laws of the state of Mississippi and the Bylaws of the Association, two directors will be elected for threeyear terms, reports will be given on the operation of the Association for the past year and other matters of business will be addressed. Johnny Johnson Secretary-Treasurer 4-County Electric Power Association Board of Directors

Plan before you plant Like him, this tree will grow up some day. We teach him to be safe and stay clear of power lines, but the young tree has no choice if planted too close.

Plan for safety now, and the future.

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April 2017

Building a strong

FUTURE

through Mississippi’s brightest students 4-County sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop 4-County 2017 Youth Tour delegates Charlie Brand, Noah Methvin and Tyler Dickerson participated in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi 31st Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 22-24 in downtown Jackson. Each year, about 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest high school juniors vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop through their local electric cooperatives. This year’s workshop set an attendance record, with 83 students participating in the leadership activities. Leadership through team building is the theme of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers including Terry Rhodes, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant is a strong supporter of the program. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. “I never dreamed that there would be a great opportunity for me to serve in government, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day be governor,” Bryant said. “The No. 1 responsibility of government is public safety, and I encourage you to stay in Mississippi and work with us in maintaining a quality place to live and work.”

During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. Sen. Gary Jackson and Rep. Joey Hood met with the 4-County students. Before touring the Capitol, students were addressed by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves. He encouraged the students to “dream big, make a plan to achieve that dream and then work hard to achieve it.” While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators and representatives. At the workshop, the students participated in a wide range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. “It’s refreshing to watch these future leaders in action,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “Their leadership skills are evidenced by the recognition they have received and their accomplishments in school and community activities. “These outstanding students are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and display a unique ability to use the power of teamwork to motivate others to become involved. Additionally, we are grateful to the board and management of 4-County for their commitment and support of this worthwhile program,” Stewart said. Charlie said the experience helped develop his leadership skills. “I was able to learn to work better with others to achieve goals that we

The young 4-County leaders met with Rep. Joey Hood at the workshop.

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

“They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” – Joe Cade general manager

set.I also got a better understanding that, sometimes, you have to sit back and listen to see what needs to be accomplished. That also helps make a good leader. It has been a great experience, and I really appreciate 4County allowing me to participate in their leadership program. I have already met some great people and look forward to building on those relationships in D.C.,” he added. Tyler echoed Charlie’s statements. “I became really good friends with many different people. Also, I was able to build upon some leadership skills that I already had and learn new skills such as stepping out of my comfort zone, self-responsibility and respect. It was an honor to represent Starkville High School and 4-County. I would like to thank 4-County for sponsoring the conference. Also, I would like to thank my parents,

teachers, counselors and administrators for always pushing me to be the best I can be,” he added. “The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop was one of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had,” Noah said. “I built so many new relationships and met people from all over the state. I learned how to be a better leader and take that to my school and sports teams. I learned being a leader is serving through humility and servanthood. I cannot express to 4-County how much this meant to me. I greatly look forward to the Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.” 4-County is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have Charlie, Noah and Tyler represent 4-County,” said Joe Cade, 4-County CEO/general manager. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, the 4-County leadership trio will travel with the statewide youth group to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.

WORKSHOP SPEAKERS

Gov. Phil Bryant

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves

The 4-County trio engaged in a number of team-building activities, and also met with Sen. Gary Jackson on the Capitol’s senate floor.

Terry Rhodes

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4-County members may get extreme savings with EEM The 4-County Electric Power Association Extreme Energy Makeover (EEM) program may sound too good to be true. But 4-County officials say the program is as true as they come. To participate in the limited time program, however, members must sign up quickly. The program offering is entering its final stages. Jon Turner, manager of public relations and marketing, is encouraging members to learn more about the program. “This is a great program. It all starts with an application and could end with a lengthy list of home energy efficiency improvements, and ensuing lower electric bills for members,” Turner stressed. To participate, a member’s home/unit must be:

• The primary residence • Site built and owner occupied • 20 years old or older • Heated by electric heat and have an electric water heater The program needs more applicants, Turner said. “EEM is designed to help eligible homeowners living within 4-County’s service area to increase the energy efficiency, comfort and durability of their homes. The program starts with a home energy audit to identify opportunities for improving efficiency. If a member meets the eligibility requirements, then a participating contractor will install a variety of ener-

4-County Marketing Specialist Ronnie Vernon, right, discusses an EEM home improvement with a Dykes Heating and Air professional. Dykes is one of the area contractors working with the EEM project.

gy-saving upgrades in his/her home that will reduce the energy use,” he explained. The best information about the program? It’s free for those who qualify, Jon said. How does a member get started? Call Turner at 1-800-431-1544, or members can download the EEM application from 4-County’s website, www.4county.org/EEM.

Watts Happening TUESDAY, APRIL 4 Mississippi University for Women (MUW) Spring Recital; Poindexter Hall in the Connie Sills Kossen Auditorium on the campus of MUW in Columbus; 7:30 p.m.; (662) 3291191.

THURSDAY, APRIL 6 Starkville Community Theatre Presents “Incorruptible”; Starkville Community Theatre, 108 E. Main St.; continues through Sunday, April 9, and April 11-15; 7:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. matinees; $15 per adult, $10 per student; details, (662) 323-6855. Monthly Gallery Opening and Reception; Main gallery of the Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St.; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787. Noon Tunes; Trotter Convention Center Courtyard, 123 Fifth St. N. in Columbus; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; details, (662) 3291191.

FRIDAY, APRIL 7 Super Bulldog Weekend; campus of Mississippi State

This listing of area events is compiled from information provided by area chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus. The events listed are subject to change. Please call to confirm dates, times and additional details.

Pilgrimage Garden Party; Colonnade Garden, 620 Second St. S. in Columbus; 3 to 6 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11 A Taste of Art; Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St.; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12 Mississippi University for Women (MUW) Galleries Exhibit of Mary Evelyn Stringer Paintings; 1100 College Street MUW-70 in Columbus; continues through the summer; details, (662) 329-7291.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14 Living Pictures; Fairview Baptist Church, 127 Airline Road in Columbus; 6:30 p.m.; continues Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16; details, (662) 328-2924.

MONDAY, APRIL 17 Starkville Restaurant Week 2017; continues through Sunday, April 23; details, (662) 323-3322.

University in Starkville; Hollywood Premier Cinemas, 101 Hollywood Blvd. in Starkville; continues through Sunday, April 9; details, (662) 323-3322.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20 Noon Tunes; Trotter Convention Center Courtyard, 123 Fifth

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 Cotton District Arts Festival; historic Cotton District in

St. N. in Columbus; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; details, (662) 3291191.

Starkville; details, (662) 324-3080.

Quilting with Karen Arzamendi; Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St.; 2 to 5 p.m.; continues Saturday, April 22; details, (662) 328-2787.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22 Mississippi University for Women (MUW) Galleries: “Betty McArthur: A Mississippi Treasure” Exhibit; 1100 College Street, MUW-70 in Columbus; continues through the summer; details, (662) 329-7291.

TUESDAY, APRIL 25 Pilot Club of Starkville Presents: Celebrity Wait Night; Harvey’s, 406 Hwy. 12 E. in Starkville; 5 to 8 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322.

Mississippi University for Women (MUW) Jazz Ensemble; Poindexter Hall in the Connie Sills Kossen Auditorium on the campus of MUW in Columbus; 7:30 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27 Mississippi University for Women (MUW) Senior Piano Recital; Poindexter Hall in the Connie Sills Kossen Auditorium on the campus of MUW in Columbus; 7:30 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 Mississippi University for Women (MUW) Piano Students’ Recital; Poindexter Hall in the Connie Sills

Kossen Auditorium on the campus of MUW in Columbus; 7:30 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191.

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day; GTR Landfill, just west of U.S. 45A on Old West Point Road in Starkville; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; details, (662) 324-7566. Lion Hills Golf Course One-Man Scramble; Lion Hills Center and Golf Course, 2331 Military Road in Columbus; continues through Sunday, April 30; details, (662) 328-4837.

April 2017

Today in Mississippi

Swan, Gatlin join 4-County team Two new employees recently joined the 4-County Electric Power Association team. Drew Swan, from Hamilton, is an Apprentice Lineman 2. He will work in the Noxubee County area. Drew is a former lineman at Northcentral Electric Power Association. Aaron Gatlin Aaron Gatlin, of Kosciusko, is an Drew Swan Apprentice Lineman 4. He will work in the Choctaw County area. Aaron is a graduate of the Holmes Community College Electrical Lineman Program. Welcome to the 4-County team!

Kelly named ISA chapter president 4-County System Arborist Billy Kelly was recently named president of the southern chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. His appointment came during the chapter’s annual conference in Myrtle Beach, S.C. In a letter to Kelly, ISA Executive Director Jim Skiera applauded the 4-County arborist’s commitment to the organization and his profession. “I’d wish you luck, but it’s clear to me you are someone who makes his own,” Skiera said in his letter to Billy. “So I wish you great success and thank you for your passion to make the world a better place Billy Kelly one tree at a time.” 4-County Manager of Engineering Lynn Timbrook applauded Billy’s accomplishments. “Mr. Skiera’s comments reflect what we already knew about Billy’s contributions to 4-County’s management program as our system arborist,” Lynn said. Kelly began his career at 4-County in 2012.

Foundation awards given to area organizations Fourteen area organizations received awards recently from the

4-County Electric Power Association Foundation About $50,000 (total) was distributed among these organizations: • My Book of Lowndes County ($1,250 to be used in purchase of 500 books) • French Camp Elementary School ($1,400 to purchase benches and trash cans) • Starkville-Oktibbeha School District ($2,500 for the Robotics Program) • Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office ($7,300.79 for Tasers and related equipment) • Northeast Clay County VFD ($6,566 for radios and other equipment) • Shuqualak VFD ($4,750 for repairs to a brush water truck) • Southside Elementary School ($5,600 for benches) • Church Hill Elementary School ($4,000 to purchase stools for library) • Earl Nash Elementary School ($3,597 for Smartboards) • Shuqualak Community Action Group ($7,703.05 for health and human services equipment) • Starkville High Jobs for MS grads ($1,679.76 for computer tablets) • Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition ($3,900 to assist with resources) • Tenn-Tom Waterway Transportation Museum/Learning Center ($5,000 for books, CDs and teacher supplies) • Columbus Christian Academy ($3,889 for playground project) For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544.

Farming and 4-County come natural to Vickers

“It’s in my blood.” That simple statement explains why Paul Vickers often wakes up early and goes to bed late at his homestead in Clay County. The 4-County engineering technician farms when he’s not at work. In other words, he works when he’s not at work. However, Paul said both jobs are enjoyable. “My grandfather farmed all his life. I grew up on a 600-head cattle operation. I enjoyed the work, atmosphere and the lifestyle,” he explained. Today, Paul operates Vickers Farms, the family hay and cattle operation. It’s a family effort, he admits. His wife, Wendy, twins Lessie and Gracie, 14, and Owen, 12, all pitch in. “It’s a wholesome life,” Paul said. “It’s fun too. The kids are always learning something. And so am I.” The Vickers children participate in horse shows and rodeos. That, Paul said, keeps mom and dad on the road. “We travel around the state and beyond. It’s fun,” he added. Paul serves in board positions for the Clay County Farm Bureau and the Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District. He also volunteers with the local 4-H club. Paul and his family attend Old Aberdeen Road Church. Paul began his 4-County career in June 1990.

“I can’t remember some things, but my first day at 4-County was a good day,” he said in appreciation of his co-op career. Prior to 4-County, he worked as an appliance technician at Rick’s Furniture in Starkville, and did independent appliance repair work in the Clay County area. He found a home, however, at 4-County. His first job at the co-op was serving on Jody Thompson’s right-of-way crew. After a short period, he transferred to equipment operator, serving under Mike Cliett and B.J. Waggoner. Later, Paul moved to a staking engineer position at the Corporate Center, and now serves as engineering technician. In his current role at the co-op, Paul enjoys the day-to-day challenges. “I like working with the contractors to help them get what they need, when they need it. And it’s neat to work with the staking engineers and construction crews to help make a project come to life— from the vision to a completed project,” he said. Paul said it’s a pleasure to serve 4-County members. “The camaraderie we have as an organization to work together and get the job done is very satisfying. We’re blessed to have a good place of employment. We take care of each other, from the board to the employees to the members. Everyone works well together.”