Today in Mississippi June 2017 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

News for members of Electric Cooperatives in Mississippi

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

Mississippi by the Book

Mississippi tops our summer reading list

Historic school began in foundersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; log cabin

Coastal cookbook blends art with food

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June 2017

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937 Carthage 601-267-5671 Rankin 601-829-1201

Philadelphia 601-656-2601 Sebastopol 601-625-7422

www.centralepa.com

Local Student Receives TVA Power Distributors Scholarship We all recognize that student leaders of today are the business leaders of tomorrow. The Power Play Scholarship Association is a program that recognizes those student leaders who excel in both the classroom and the community. Made up of 16 local power company (LPC) managers representing the Valley region’s 154 LPCs and TVA representatives, the Power Play Scholarship Association has awarded 548 scholarships (including this year’s recipients) totaling more than $2.1 million to children of LPC employees

since being established in 1995. Hailey Jamison has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship through a special program made possible by Central Electric Power Association, the Tennessee Valley Authority and other local power companies across TVA’s seven-state service area. Hailey, the daughter of Mike and Neesie Jamison, is among 31 recipients of this year’s scholarship. Hailey is a graduate of Leake Academy and will be pursuing a degree in biochemistry with a concentration in pre-med.

Electric Coopertives of Mississippi

Foundation Scholarship Recipients The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation was created by the electric cooperatives throughout Mississippi in 2005. In an effort to give back to the communities they serve, the Foundation provides scholarships for post-secondary and vocational education to accredited institutions for qualifying high school seniors. For the fall of 2017, the Foundation awarded scholarships to

dependents of employees of participating electric cooperatives. Two Central Electric employees’ children who are entering college this fall were awarded the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation Scholarships. Central Electric wants to congratulate each recipient for receiving this scholarship.

Cameron Phillip Myrick

Hailey Jamison

Cameron Myrick is the son of Dexter and Felicia Myrick. He is a graduate of Velma Jackson High School. While in high school, Cameron played football, ran track and was in the JROTC. Cameron plans to attend Hinds Community College and major in accounting and management. He plans to earn his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, and his goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant and own his own accounting firm.

Hailey Jamison is the daughter of Mike and Neesie Jamison. She is a graduate of Leake Academy. Hailey enjoys playing the piano, dancing, shopping and spending time with friends and family. Hailey plans to attend Mississippi State University where she will major in biochemistry with a concentration in pre-med. She plans to attend medical school and become a pediatric oncologist.

June 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Smart window use can regulate indoor comfort

You can use your windows to let cool air into your home and keep hot air out during the summer. HERE’S HOW: Whenever it cools off at night, turn off the air conditioner and open the windows to let the breeze in while you sleep.

when you close the slats. And draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent when they’re closed.

• In the morning, close the windows and the blinds or curtains. That will “trap” the cool air indoors and prevent hot air from getting in as the day heats up.

• If you shade the exterior of your windows with wooden or vinyl blinds, overhangs, awnings, shutters or storm panels, you’ll keep the sun from heating up your interior.

• Choose window treatments that not only look nice but that save energy. Some choices: Interior blinds made from heat-reflective material can reduce heat gain by 45 percent

• Replacing old, single-pane windows with double-pane models can keep your home more comfortable and shave dollars off of your energy bills, according to Energy Star.

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Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. Source: energy.gov

Cool summer evenings call for fans, not a/c

Even the hottest summer gives us a break occasionally, sending pleasant temperatures and gentle breezes our way, especially in the evenings. When it’s not too hot outside, you can cool your house more economically with fans than by running your central or window air conditioner. Placing a fan in a window circulates the air and freshens the home by exhausting stale air. It can remove odors from smoking and cooking that tend to linger in the air when all the windows are closed. A ceiling fan can be used whether the air conditioning is on or off. During the summer, the blades send a slight breeze down into the room, which will make anyone in that room feel more comfortable. Fans don’t actually cool the house off. Instead, they make the rooms where they are located feel cooler because they move the air around. So turn them off when you leave the room.

Powering your comfort this summer!

CENTRAL ELECTRIC will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 1-866-846-5671. CEPA Dispatcher on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Central Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

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June 2017

The journey out of By Elissa Fulton Hell’s Kitchen Season 12 had a taste of true southern charm and home cooking when local self-taught cook Kashia Zollicoffer joined the cast of contestants in 2012. The Conway resident and Central Electric member traveled to New Orleans to audition for the reality cooking show where she was chosen by judges to compete on the Fox Network series in Los Angeles, hosted by British Chef Gordan Ramsay. Cooking has always been a passion for Zollicoffer. She was raised in a family of cooks and was taught by her mother and grandmother at an early age. Although she is not trained through a culinary institution, her enthusiasm for cooking and her southern charm landed her in the top six contenders of the show that aired in 2014. When arriving in Los Angeles, she was at first intimidated by her co-chefs for their worldly experience and training. However, through her spirit and drive, as well as her signature New York Strip with blue cheese crab butter, it didn’t take her long to gain the confidence she needed to fiercely compete against her opponents. Zollicoffer cooks from the heart and though the experience of the show was at times intense, that didn’t stop her from pushing through to become one of the top chefs on Season 12, earning a coveted black chef’s jacket from Ramsay. She admits that the experience was life changing. “I met so many people who have really impacted my life,” said Zollicoffer. “I’ve been cooking all of my life, but I guess I never had enough faith to just step out. But once I did the show, everyone in my family has come along and now I have my own restaurant.” Since the show aired in

Above: Delicious homemade sweet potato pies are just one of the many desserts served at Urban Country Kitchen. Right: Urban Country Kitchen’s specialty is hot plate lunches with healthy portions. The lunch of the day features items such as meatloaf, neck bones, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, cream corn and much more.

2014, Zollicoffer has started her own expand her brand. Prior to competing attending Jackson State University ma She was employed by the Leake Coun keeper and substitute special educatio tion when they would hire her as a fu loved her students and her coworkers sion remained in the kitchen. After co country’s top chefs, she realized that s to the next level. This was not the first time that Zo dreams a reality. In 2009, she moved the Art Institute for the culinary arts. demands of attending the Institute, sh put her dreams of cooking on hold. T was in Atlanta that she met a friend w cept of the law of attraction. Looking reality by making them real to herself. was determined to keep her dream ali ship to work as a production assistant show on the Travel Channel, made its to feature four area restaurants in the After the thrill of Man vs. Food a made her way through Walnut Grove viewing for a job. She met a family m mentioned that the restaurant they we “I believe in God and I believe that son. I visited the owner of the restaura she wanted for it. She wrote it on a pi was going to be back and that this wa Zollicoffer. “Mrs. Nelda [the previous she could to help me and I owe her ev

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Left: Kashia Zollicoffer shows off her Facebook page before she goes live for the day. Each day she provides entertaining Facebook Live videos featuring the lunches at Urban Country Kitchen. Below from left to right: Monica Harris, Jean Teat, Kashia Zollicoffer and Janice Zollicoffer. Kashia affectionately refers to these family members and coworkers as the Old Lady Gang. The name has caught on with many of the regulars at the Walnut Grove restaurant.

wn restaurant and has vast plans to ting on Hell’s Kitchen, she was y majoring in special education. ounty School District as a bookation teacher pending her graduaa full time teacher. Although she kers at the school district, her pasr competing against some of the hat she wanted to take that dream

Zollicoffer set out to make her ved to Atlanta and briefly attended rts. Quickly realizing the financial e, she moved home and once again d. Though she was discouraged, it nd who introduced her to the conking back, she made her dreams a self. When she returned home, she m alive. She was offered an interntant when Man vs. Food, a popular e its way through the Jackson area the capital city. and Hell’s Kitchen, Zollicoffer rove one day when she was intery member for lunch when they y were meeting at was for sale. that everything happens for a reaaurant and I asked her how much a piece of paper. I told her that I was going to be my place,” said ious owner] has done everything er everything. She turned down

many offers because she told me God told her to give it to me and that’s what she was going to do.” Zollicoffer has owned Urban Country Kitchen for a little over two years now, and she shows no signs of slowing down. She has plans to go mobile with the restaurant by the end of the summer

launching the Urban Country Express. She also has a thriving catering business and is the author of a cookbook titled Cooking is my Therapy. She would like to eventually open more restaurants in the future and possibly host her own cooking show. Her love of food and family, and her ambitious nature has landed her in her dream job working alongside her mother, her aunt Jean and cousin Monica, whom she affectionately refers to as the Old Lady Gang. Urban Country Kitchen is Walnut Grove’s newest restaurant on Main Street and is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Follow Urban Country Kitchen on Facebook for a daily live video of the daily menu. “Definitely be looking out in the future to see Kashia Zollicoffer on another cooking show. I am actively looking to do more things.”

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June 2017

We are prepared for

summer storms Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also bring the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Central Electric Power Association is ready to respond. The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round – through right-of-way clearing – to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation. Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time. We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are handled

first – like damage to transmission lines, which serve tens of thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred. Central Electric’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members. Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line outside of your home or business. Make sure you notify Central Electric, so crews can inspect these lines. We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Call 1-866-846-5671 to report power outages or downed power lines.

June 2017 I Today in Mississippi

THE STEPS TO RESTORING POWER

During a major outage, other cooperatives send crews line cre ws to assist with power. er. restoring pow

A F T E R A M A J O R P O W E R O U TA G E Hurricanes, ice storms, tornadoes and blizzards, electric cooperative members have seen them all. And with such severe weather comes power outages. Restoring power after a major outage is a big job that involves much more than simply throwing a switch or removing a tree from a line. Electricity is used to provide many critical services including communications, emergency Transmission Substation response, healthcare, water and sanitation. Without electricity, other service providers often cannot provide their services. We have an obligation to our communities to do our part in helping restore critical services such as water service as soon as possible. This is why restoring power to critical infrastructures is the first goal after a major storm or other catastrophe. It just so happens that residential customers who live along the power lines serving critical infrastructure are also often restored at the same time. After critical infrastructure is restored, the main goal is to restore power safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest time possible. How we go about this is outlined in the steps below.

Local Substation

Other Co-ops o-ops ops p

Step 1 Transmission towers and lines supply power to transmission substations. These lines seldom fail, but they can be damaged by severe weather. Tens of thousands of people could be served by one high-voltage transmission line, so if there is damage here, it gets attention first.

Electric Company mpan pany Office Office ffi

DANGER! D ANGE ANGER!

Step 2 Your electric power association has several local distribution substations, each serving thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, the local distribution substations are checked first. If the problem can be corrected at the substation level, power may be quickly restored to a large number of people.

Step 3 Main distribution lines are checked next. These lines deliver power from the substation to large groups of customers such as towns or communities. These lines also service other critical infrastructure such as hospitals, communication systems, water tanks and sewer treatment plants. When power is restored at this stage, all consumers served by this line could see lights come on. In large storms with widespread damage, these main lines may be segmented, so that service is restored one section at a time, from the substation outward.

Stay clear Stay of fallen lines

Consumerss are Consumer responsible for damage service to the ser vice installation on the building and should call a licensed repairs. electrician for repair s.

Reportt your Repor outage to your power electric pow er association. Emplo yees use Employees ever y aavailable every vailable phone line to receive your reports. outage repor ts. A major outage can affect thousands of members. other member s.

Step 4 Smaller branches from the main line, often called taps, serve at a street or neighborhood level. These tap lines may serve a small subdivision or they may stretch over several miles in rural areas. After the main lines have been restored, line crews begin repairing these tap lines based on restoring service to the greatest number of customers in the least amount of time.

Step 5 Sometimes, damage will occur on the service line between your house and the transformer on the nearby pole. This can explain why you have no power when your neighbor does. Contact your electric power association anytime you are without power.

Thunderstorm safety tips from the American Red Cross 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 telephones. 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 emer-

gency 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. Source: American Red Cross

Think safety FIRST!

Today in Mississippi

June 2017

We are prepared for

summer storms Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also bring the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Coahoma Electric Power Association is ready to respond. The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round – through right-ofway clearing – to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation. Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time. We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are handled first – like damage to transmission lines,

which serve tens of thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred. Coahoma Electric’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members. Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line outside of your home or business. Make sure you notify Coahoma Electric, so crews can inspect these lines. We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Be sure to check www.coahomaepa.com on your smartphone for the latest updates during a power outage.

Think safety FIRST!

June 2017

Watch out for power poles!

Farm equipment’s a lot taller and wider than it used to be. That’s why you should use extreme caution when operating equipment near power poles and lines, leaving a clearance of at least 10 feet. Knocking over a power pole or getting tangled up in the lines can be dangerous — even deadly.

Tip of the

Month

Source: energy.gov

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Cool summer evenings call for fans, not a/c

Powering your comfort this summer!

COAHOMA ELECTRIC will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. Call 662-624-8321 to report an outage.

Coahoma Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

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June 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 We are kicking off this month with meet better to have your plan and greets at our Gulfport, Picayune and in place now before a Bay St. Louis offices so you and I can get to storm threatens. There know one another a little better. I am eagerare several great tips ly anticipating seeing you all and answering about how to prepare your questions. As a member of Coast your family for a storm Ron Barnes President and CEO Electric, you are also an owner of your coon the following pages. op and one of the things it takes for us to be Don’t wait – planning is successful is your participation. Our doors are a lot easier when you aren’t under the stress of always open to you and we want to hear your an approaching storm. The safety of our suggestions and understand your needs so we employees and members is highly important can better serve your homes and businesses. to us, so plan now to keep your loved ones I also want to remind you that storm seafrom harm. Sit down and take a few minutes son is upon us. While we typically don’t get to discuss your plan with your family. You’ll storms in June, anything is possible so it’s be glad you did.

Cooperation among cooperatives As a member of a cooperative, there are certain principles that guide our business and help members like you. One of those principles is cooperation among cooperatives. How can that help you? There are several ways. Co-op employees are always learning from other co-ops and sharing costs when possible. One of the most tangible benefits of cooperation among cooperatives is that other

co-op employees help our members after storms. When waters are rising and winds are blowing, you can be comforted to know that you have the support of not only every one of Coast Electric’s 240 plus employees, but of thousands of co-op employees from across the country. There’s power in people – and we have quite a lot ready and waiting to back us up as we light your way home.

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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FILL A BUCKET SCIENCE PROJECT DRAGON BOAT RENEW OUR RIVERS RELAY FOR LIFE®

Glow Run! SATURDAY, JUNE 17

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June 2017

Today in Mississippi

Natural gas prices responsible Cool summer for power cost adjustment evenings call Coast Electric members will see an increase in power costs on their bills this summer. The power cost adjustment will go into effect on June 1 and members will see the results of this increase on their July bills. What is a power cost adjustment? A power cost adjustment is an increase or decrease of a member’s monthly electric bill. There are many reasons for a power cost adjustment, including an electric utility’s fuel supply and the cost of purchased power. Coast Electric’s last power cost adjustment in 2016 was a decrease and this summer’s cost adjustment will be an increase. What causes power cost adjustments? Increases in wholesale purchased power directly affect electricity bills because they are a pass-through expense from Coast Electric’s generation and transmission provider, Cooperative Energy. Cooperative Energy is a cooperative located in Hattiesburg that serves 11 cooperatives in Mississippi like Coast Electric. Power costs are managed by working with Cooperative Energy to purchase a diverse mix of fuel sources. What is causing this power cost adjustment? The rising cost of natural gas is responsible for increased power generation costs. Cooperative Energy uses a diverse fuel mix to help keep costs from fluctuating too much when the cost of one source increases, but the increased costs are still affecting generation costs and, therefore, Coast Electric’s cost to its members.

COAST ELECTRIC

When will this power cost adjustment take place and how much will it cost? Effective with July 1, bills, the power cost adjustment on member bills will increase 3.1 mils. A typical residential Coast Electric member using 1,000 kilowatt hours monthly would see an increase of $3.10 on their electric bill.

What Can Members Do? 1. Be efficient. Coast Electric understands the strain that is caused by increases to your monthly bills. That is why we are dedicated to educating you about energy efficiency and how wise choices can help you lower your energy use. Visit www.coastepa.com for information about how to manage your energy use. Don’t have Internet access? Call us at 877-769-2372 and request information on energy efficiency, or come by any Coast Electric office for advice and resources. 2. Check out our innovative Time of Use Rates. You can save hundreds of dollars a year on your electric bill by using power in off-peak times. Time of Use rates also come with a six month price guarantee. 3. Stay informed. Coast Electric is dedicated to providing energy efficiency information in each issue of Today in Mississippi, through CEO emails, our eNewsletter, bill inserts and community presentations. Coast Electric and its employees understand the impact these power cost adjustments have on members. After all, our employees are local men and women who have to pay the same monthly bills you do. We want you to know that we are looking out for our members by using innovative ways to keep energy affordable and keeping our focus on our memberowners.

for fans, not a/c

will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day Dispatchers will be on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. Call 877-769-2372 if you have an outage, or report it using our CE on the Go mobile app.

Coast Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

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Today in Mississippi I June 2017

Be prepared for hurricane season this year

Storm plan checklist Coast Electric encourages you to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family and your belongings before a storm hits. Part of your storm plan may include deciding to evacuate the area. If you do decide to evacuate, here are a few things to do before you leave: • Plan an evacuation route. Contact local authorities for information about evacuation routes and shelters. Leave early. Always let someone out of state know what your evacuation plans are. • Have your hurricane supply kit ready to go. • Cover windows. • Plan for pet safety. • Create an inventory of items in your house. Videotape or take pictures of your home. • Gather insurance information and check into flood insurance. • Bring outdoor furniture inside. • Fasten boats securely. • Turn off electricity and main water valve. • Elevate furniture to minimize damage in case of flooding. • Lock your home. • Fill bathtubs with extra water. • Stay tuned into local radio and TV stations for news about watches, warnings and storm

Members with special needs If you or a member of your family has special medical needs that require electricity, we urge you to evacuate to a location well out of the storm’s path, or go to a shelter that is equipped to deal with your medical needs. Mother Nature can be unpredictable which means Coast Electric can’t guarantee service to any member after a storm. You and your family are important to us and we want you to take every precaution possible to ensure your medical needs can be met in the event of a storm.

2017 hurricane names Arlene Bret Cindy

Don Gert Emily Harvey Franklin Irma

Jose Katia Lee

Maria Philippe Tammy Nate Rina Vince Ophelia Sean Whitney

June 2017

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Thunderstorm safety tips from the American Red Cross Hurricanes aren’t the only threat to south Mississippi in the summer. You should also be prepared for thunderstorms. These tips from the Red Cross will help you prepare for summer storms. • 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 telephones. 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. Source: American Red Cross

Think safety FIRST!

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Today in Mississippi

June 2017

Community

One of the principles that guide cooperatives like Coast Electric is showing concern for the communities we serve. Your local electric cooperative employees can always be found working on projects that will improve the quality of life in our communities. Here are just a few of the things employees have done recently to give back to the people we serve.

RENEW OUR RIVERS Photo by Dean Cuevas

Crews volunteered their time on a Renew our Rivers project on the back bay in May. Volunteers removed 3.03 tons of debris from the waterway, including 27 tires. Thirty-one volunteers worked on the project that day, including Coast Electric’s Dean Cuevas, Josh Dauzat, Kleatis Necaise and Justin Ladnier. Thanks to those who worked to keep our waterways clean!

DRAGON BOAT RACES Once again this year, Coast Electric recruited paddlers to compete in the United Way’s Dragon Boat races on Gulfport Lake. Besides giving other paddlers a run for their money, these employees had a great time supporting our local United Way.

FILL A BUCKET FOOD DRIVES

If you visited your local Walmart store on May 9, you may have seen our employees asking for donations for our Fill A Bucket food drives. We can’t thank you enough for your overwhelming response! Because of your generous donations, a total of 2,559 pounds were given to the Salvation Army in Harrison County, the Hancock County Food Pantry and Manna Ministries in Pearl River County.

June 2017

EARTH DAY PRIZE WINNERS Coast Electric celebrated Earth Day for the entire month of April, encouraging members to unplug and reduce their energy use. Members taking advantage of Coast Electric’s Time of Use rate plan were eligible to win Gorilla wagons filled with a Honeywell programmable thermostat, water heater timer, LED bulbs, and other items valued at more than $200. Thousands of Coast Electric members are already saving with Time of Use and after the Earth Month celebration, 300 more members are working to reduce their use in peak hours so they can save on their monthly bills. Winners were selected from each Coast Electric office. Those prize winners are:

Stephen Turcotte Linda Powell J Bechtel Mary Nicely (center) is the Biloxi office winner for her participation in Coast Electric’s Time of Use rate plan.

Mary Nicely Reggie Cuevas Cora Nell Hickman

Congratulations to our prize winners and to all members who save every month with Time of Use.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

Today in Mississippi

SCIENCE PROJECT Typically bucket trucks are used when working on power lines, but Serviceman Steven LaFontaine used his recently to help out fifth grade students at East Hancock Elementary. Students spent two weeks designing and building structures to protect eggs. The eggs were dropped from the bucket to see if the structure would successfully keep the eggs from breaking. What a great way to partner with local schools!

• Coast Electric’s third annual Glow Run!

Benefits the American Cancer Society

PEARL RIVER COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE® Woody and his roundup gang had a great time at the Pearl River County Relay For Life®. Besides raising funds and awareness for cancer research, Coast Electric’s Toy Story themed team won first place for best tent, best baton and best team shirt, and got second place for team spirit. Thanks to the employees who represented Coast Electric at the event and to everyone who helped raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Visit our Coast Electric Ready, Set, Glow 5K page on Facebook.

CONGRATS ON $10 0 MILLIO N! Touchstone E nergy ® Coop eratives congratulat es the nati

on’s electri members m c co-ops fo ore than $10 f 0 million on or saving their prescription Thank you s! for demonstr ating Comm by giving y itment to Co our membe mmunity rs the gift of Co-op Conn ections.

The One Car d That Does

It All ®

Co-op Connections Totals: Jan ’08 – Apr ‘17 RX Count ...............................322,875 Total Member Savings .....$3,208,395 Total Savings Percentage .......... ..40%

Find all the ways to sav e at www..co or contact T n ections.co nn ouchstone op Energy Coo get your co peratives to -op involved in the prog ram.

Coast Electric employees Wendell Lumpkin, Shannon Howard, Tracey Harvey, David Ervin, Ronnie Spence and Tabitha Smith participate in Pearl River County Relay for Life®.

Today in Mississippi

June 2017

Greenwood • Winona • Cleveland • Indianola

We are prepared for

Our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time. Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

Tip of the

Month

We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are handled first—like damage to transmission lines, which serve tens of thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred. Delta Electric’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members. Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line outside of your home or business. Make sure you notify Delta Electric, so crews can inspect these lines. We will do our best to prevent power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

DELTA ELECTRIC will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day A dispatcher will remain on duty to handle service emergencies.

Delta Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

June 2017

Today in Mississippi

Plan a ‘keep cool’ strategy to save energy this summer Like most things in life, saving money on air-conditioning bills is most likely if you have a plan. Plan a strategy for keeping your home cool this summer without breaking the bank. Here are six tips: 1. Get a qualified service technician to your house to give a once-over to your central air-conditioning system and any window units you might have. Like any appliance, a well-tuned air conditioner will operate in the most energy-efficient way. 2. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home, and higher before you leave the house for the day. If you have a programmable thermostat, it will set itself. 3. Turn ceiling fans on when you enter a room and off when you leave. A ceiling fan doesn’t cool a room; it moves the air around so anyone in the room will feel cooler. So there’s no benefit to running a fan when nobody is around. 4. Notice the outdoor temperature every evening. If it’s cool enough, turn the air conditioner off and open the windows before bedtime. 5. Close your drapes or blinds when it’s sunny outside to block the heat, but leave them open on cloudy days to get some natural daylight into your rooms. 6. Avoid firing up the oven or range on hot summer days. Instead, grill outdoors, serve cold dishes, use a slow cooker or heat food in the microwave oven.

Three projects to make your home more efficient Take some time this summer to invest in your home’s energy efficiency. Here are three projects that will pay off in lower energy bills.

1. Install a programmable thermostat. It’s truly one of the best ways to save energy, and not just in the summer. The catch: It doesn’t save energy if you don’t program it. Tell it to raise the temperature of your home by at least seven degrees when everyone leaves the house for the day, and four degrees at bedtime. You could save $180 a year. 2. Change your air conditioner’s filters. You should do it every three months— more often if you have indoor pets that shed. In that case, change the filter every month. Dirty filters prevent air from flowing through them, and that forces your air conditioner to work extra hard. That’s a big waste of energy. 3. Switch to LED lights. Make the switch this summer from outdated, incandescent bulbs and even compact fluorescents. LED lights save more energy and last longer. Look for the Energy Star label on light bulbs; those use up to 90 percent less energy and give off less heat, and can save you more than $30 on electricity over the life of the bulb or fixture.

Check the insulation in attic, crawl space Cool air could escape from your home this summer through two spaces you probably don’t pay much attention to: the attic and the crawl space under the home. If your attic doesn’t have enough insulation it could

Delta Electric members receive refunds totaling $2,294,948 On May 12, 2017, Delta Electric Power Association mailed approximately 23,628 refund checks to members as the cooperative has done for the past 28 years. These capital credit refund checks were mailed to all members who received a bill from Delta Electric during the years 1984, 1985, 1986, 1992 and 2016. The remaining 50 percent of 1992 operating margins were retired along with 9.8 percent of 2016 operating margins. “In addition, we are pleased to announce that 100 percent of 1984, 1985 and 1986 non-operating margins in the amount of $295,224 were included in this refund,” said David O’Bryan, general manager. Delta Electric’s non-operating margins consist solely of margin allocations from Cooperative

Energy, Delta Electric’s generation and transmission cooperative, headquartered in Hattiesburg. Any unpaid bills were recovered prior to issuance of the checks. Since 1989, when the first capital credit refunds were made, and including this year’s refund, Delta Electric has returned to members a total of approximately $47 million. Unlike an investor-owned utility, which is operated for profit, Delta Electric is a cooperative and does not operate on a profit basis. Each bill a member pays goes toward the funding of the cooperative. At the end of each year, all revenue received in excess of the cost to operate the cooperative goes into a capital credit fund for the benefit of the members.

let cool air out and hot summer air in. Even though your home may have been built with plenty of insulation, it can thin out and fall away as time passes. Poke your head into the attic and look: Do you see bare spots on the attic ceiling or floor? If so, consider having some more insulation installed. The same goes for a crawl space. When that space is poorly insulated, it can cause uneven temperatures in your rooms. Have a contractor take a look. You could need more insulation in rim joists or the crawl space.

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

Today in Mississippi I June 2017

Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

We’re your partner in ways you may not realize

Randy Smith General Manager

If you ask most people, what does Dixie Electric sell? The answer you would hear the majority of the time would be “electricity.” We believe our real product is quality of life. It is difficult to imagine our life without electricity and all of its

benefits. Dixie Electric is more than just an electric utility; we are a member-owned electric cooperative. We impact the present and help shape the future for residents of our seven county service area. Through grassroots advocacy efforts, we help influence policy decisions on the state and national level that will affect our communities now and for years to come. We are a catalyst for change in our communities. We leverage our collective power to get things done by partnering with other electric

cooperatives in the state, like our wholesale power provider Cooperative Energy just to name one. We work together, partnering with other coops, local businesses and community organizers to achieve economic development goals. We specifically work with economic develop groups and chambers of commerce in our area, creating better opportunities and increasing the quality of life for our families and communities. We understand that the decisions we make today could greatly affect how future generations live, so we partner with Cooperative Energy to make wise investments in electric power generation and in energy efficiency programs. The goal of these efforts is to provide high-quality, affordable electric power for years to come. Here are a couple of these programs for your benefit. Comfort Advantage is our incentive program for new home construction. Also, we will be holding Energy Fairs in June and early July to

ENERGY FAIR

educate individuals on ways they can save electricity and lower their power bill. Cooperatives are helping to build the next generation of leadership through our Youth Tour Programs; sending high school students to Washington, D.C., this month to meet with law makers and to get an up-close view of how our government functions. Youth Tour participants leave our nation’s capital feeling energized. It inspires them to make a difference in their communities and gives them a new perspective. All of these things, plus so much more, are what make-up the cooperative difference. As we think about the future of electric cooperatives and how we will continue to shape our country, state and local community, we remember what it took to bring power to our communities nearly 80 years ago. With the same determination, we will work to provide that same quality of life going forward.

Join us for Dixie Electric’s

Helping our community save energy

Thursday, June 29 E E FRe public at the Petal Lowe’s

to th

Friday, June 30 in Waynesboro at Gatlins Building Supply

Thursday, July 6 at the Laurel Lowe’s

All locations: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

June 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Smart window use can regulate indoor comfort

10a

Right-of-way 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.

slats, and draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent when they’re closed.

• In the morning, close the windows and the blinds or curtains. That • If you shade the exterior of your windows with wooden or vinyl will “trap” the cool air indoors and prevent hot air from getting in blinds, overhangs, awnings, shutters or storm panels, you’ll keep the sun from heating up your interior. as the day heats up. • Choose window treatments that not only look nice but that save energy. Some choices: Interior blinds made from heat-reflective material can reduce heat gain by 45 percent when you close the

• Replacing old, single-pane windows with double-pane models can keep your home more comfortable and shave dollars off of your energy bills, according to Energy Star.

Be prepared for hurricane season this year Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage. No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets. • Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils • Blankets/pillows, etc. • Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open

after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security Cards, etc. Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container. • Full tanks of gas in vehicles

Here are the substations’ surrounding communities that are either currently being cleared or will be cleared soon: • 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 • West Richton substation – Runnelstown, Ovett, Goodhope, Buck Creek, McSwain Community, Clay Hill Community, Whitfield, Pumping Station, Corinth Church, New Augusta, and Mahnad 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.

Tip of the

Month Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. Source: energy.gov

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Today in Mississippi

June 2017

An event that saves lives

A few hundred people making a loop around a track, bouncy houses for the kids and tents decorated in Disney movie themes may seem like just another party. This isn’t just another Friday night community event. This event saves lives. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life®, held in late April and early May in south Mississippi, is a fun, community event that raises much needed funds for cancer research, care and prevention awareness. Dixie Electric and its employees annually participate in the Relay for Life® event in Jones County and in Petal. “Unfortunately cancer affects so many of us. This is a way for our employees to support friends and family who have been affected by cancer,” Community Relations Coordinator Pollyanna Magee said. “Relay for Life® took on a new meaning for me when I came to work here. My mother has kidney cancer, and it has affected my own life,” Member

Service Representative Bonnie Carpenter said. Carpenter, who was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer, shared how important it is not to ignore even the smallest changes in your body and to see a doctor. “Watching people at Relay for Life® during the survivors lap is always special to me. They have gone through so much,” Carpenter added. Annually, Dixie Electric hosts a charity golf tournament, 12 Days of Christmas ticket sales and does other fundraisers that benefit the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life’s theme for both events encouraged participates to pick a Disney movie and create their tent decorations and activities around the movie. Dixie Electric chose The Jungle Book and decorated the tent with bamboo and inflatable jungle animals, like monkeys. The t-shirt design included the slogan, “Wild about finding a cure.” Dixie Electric raised $11,510 for the Jones County

event that was held at the Laurel Fairgrounds on Friday, April 28, and $4,500 for the Petal event, which was held at Relay park on Friday, May 5. Dixie Electric was honored at the Jones County Relay event by earning recognition for the Best Campsite, Most Money Raised by a business, and Best Baton categories. At the Petal event, Dixie Electric tied for the Best Campsite and was in the top three for the Best Baton and Cancer Fact display. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Each year the American Cancer Society hosts Relay for Life® in many different communities. “Yes. Relay is fun, but it means so much more to those affected by cancer,” Magee added.

June 2017

Today in Mississippi

Dixie Electric employees prepare for the company lap at the Laurel Relay.

Above: Lineman Charles Houpt lights the luminaria at the Relay for LifeÂŽ event in Petal. Left: Dixie Electricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Petal employees make the company lap, supporting the tent theme, The Jungle Book.

Sharlie Richardson and Alexis Walters carry the torches around the track.

Warehouseman Chris Prince and Evie Ward draw names for the tent game at the Laurel Relay.

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10d

Today in Mississippi June 2017

Bylaws Govern Dixie Electric’s Board Elections Section 4.03. Tenure & Qualifications. (a) At each annual meeting of the members, approximately onethird (1/3) of the total number of directors shall be elected by ballot, by and from the members, to serve for a term of three (3) years as provided by law. If the election of directors shall not be held at the annual meeting or if such annual meeting is not held, each director shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been qualified and elected. If there is no individual who has been duly nominated and qualified as set forth in Section 4.04, the director shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been qualified and elected. The Association will make reasonable attempts to qualify candidates and hold the election for the successor as set forth in Section 4.04 as soon as practicable. (b) At any meeting, ballots shall not be necessary in the event the number of persons nominated for directors does not exceed the number of directors to be elected, but in such case if there be no objection, the directors may be elected in any other proper manner. Drawing by lot shall resolve, where necessary, any tie votes. (c) No person shall be eligible to become or remain a director or to hold any position of trust in the Association who is not an active member in good standing of the Association, has not been a bona fide resident of the district from which they are to be elected for one year immediately preceding the nomination to directorship, or who is in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise. (d) No person shall be eligible to become or remain a director who has been finally convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. (e) In order to be eligible to become or remain a director of the Association, a person must be a member of the Association and

receiving service therefrom at his or her primary residential abode, and not be a close relative as defined in Section 4.08 of an employee, incumbent director, or the director being replaced. When a membership is held jointly by a married couple, either one but not both may be elected a director; provided, however that neither one shall be eligible to become or remain a director or to hold a position of trust in the Association unless both shall meet the qualifications hereinabove set forth. No person shall take or hold office as director who is the incumbent of or a candidate for any elective county, beat, district, school district, municipal or state public office for which a salary is paid. (f) In order to be eligible to become or remain a director of the Association, a person must have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract. (g) In order to be eligible to become or remain a director of the Association, a person must not have been an employee of the Association for at least three (3) years and must not be a close relative, as defined in Section 4.08, to a current employee of the Association. (h) Upon establishment of the fact that a nominee for director lacks eligibility under this Section or as may be provided elsewhere in these bylaws, it shall be the duty of the chair presiding at the meeting at which such nominee would be otherwise voted upon to disqualify such nominee. Upon establishment of the fact that any person being considered for, or already holding, a directorship or other position of trust in the Association lacks eligibility under this Section, it shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to withhold such positions from such persons, or to cause them to be removed therefrom, as the case may be. (i) Nothing in this section contained shall, or shall be construed to, affect in any manner whatsoever, the validity of any action taken at any

meeting of the Board of Directors, unless such action is taken with respect to a matter which is affected by the provisions of this section and in which one or more of the directors have an intent adverse to that of the Association. Section 4.04. Nominations by Petition and Credentials and Election Committee. (a) Nominations by Petition. Except for Association employees or their spouses, twenty-five (25) members acting together, may nominate by petition a candidate for Director by submitting a petition for nomination between June 1 and 5 p.m. on the last business day in July of that year. Any petition for nomination shall contain the name and address of the nominee and be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, printed name, address, account number, telephone number and service location of the member. For a nomination by petition to be placed on the notice of the members’ meeting, it shall be received at the Association’s headquarters no later than 5 p.m. on the last business day in July of that year and be approved by the Credentials and Election Committee. No member may submit more than one petition for nomination and no member may nominate more than one candidate. Petitions by joint members will only be counted as one petition and in the event a married couple attempts to nominate two different people, only the first received petition will be accepted. The Secretary must mail with the notice of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of Board members to be elected and the names of the candidates nominated by petition. (b) Credentials and Election Committee. In order to carry out its duty to approve eligibility for membership on the Board of Directors, and to review the Director election process, the Board of Directors may appoint a

Credentials and Election Committee consisting of not less than five (5) nor more than seven (7) members who shall be selected from different Districts so as to ensure equitable geographic representation. Members of the Credentials and Election Committee may serve for a three (3) year term with an initial term to be set so that approximately a third (1/3) of the Committee will be appointed each year. Members of the Credentials and Election Committee may serve a second consecutive three (3) year term if so appointed. Individuals who have already served two (2) consecutive terms on the Credentials and Election Committee are not eligible to serve again until they have been off of the Committee for at least one (1) three (3) year term. Said appointment shall be made during the month of May or June. No existing Association employees, agents, officers, Directors or known candidates for Director, and close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing Association employees, agents, officers, Directors or known candidates for Director may serve on such committee. In the event of the failure of the Board to appoint said Credentials and Election committee, then the President or his or her designee may appoint said committee in the month of July or at such appropriate time. It is the responsibility of the Credentials and Election Committee to appoint a chair for the Committee. The Credentials and Election Committee shall meet at a time and place to be determined by the majority of the

Notice of Dixie Electric’s Director Qualification Period Candidates seeking election to the board of directors for Dixie Electric must visit Dixie Electric’s headquarters office at 1863 Highway 184, Laurel, Miss. and obtain a Director Qualification Packet. The forms and petitions in the packet must be completed and returned by close of business on the last business day of July (Monday, July 31, 2017).

June 2017

members of the Committee. It may be the responsibility of the Committee to pass upon all questions that may arise with respect to the registration and qualifications of members in person or by proxy, the regularity of all petitions for nominations of Directors, the qualifications of all nominees for directors, to count all ballots cast in any election or other ballot vote taken, and to rule upon the effect of any ballots irregularly marked. In the exercise of its responsibility, the Credentials and Election Committee may have available to it the advice of counsel provided by the Association. In the] event a written

protest or objection is filed concerning any election, such protest or objection shall be filed during, or within three (3) business days following the adjournment of the meeting in which the voting is conducted. The Credentials and Election Committee shall thereupon be reconvened, upon notice from its chair, not less than seven (7) business days after such protest or objection is filed. The Committee shall hear such evidence as is presented by the protestor(s) or objector(s), who may be heard in person, by counsel, or both, and shall hear any opposing evidence; and the Credentials and Election Committee, by a vote of a

majority of those present and voting, shall, within a reasonable time, but not later than thirty (30) calendar days after such hearing, render its decision, the result of which may be to affirm the election, to change in part the outcome thereof, or to set it aside entirely. The Credentials and Election Committee decision (as reflected by a majority of those actually present and voting) on all matters covered by this Section shall be final. (c) In the event of any meeting of the members at which directors shall not be elected, the Board of Directors may nevertheless appoint a Credentials Committee with author-

MEDIUM TREES Height / Spread of 25 to 40 feet, such as:

• Maple • Oak • Spruce • Pine

• Washington hawthorn • Goldenrain tree •Eastern redbud •American arborvitae • Dogwood

• Birch •Sweetgum • Linden

For more tips on smart tree planting in your community, visit dixieepa.com or visit www.ArborDay.org.

Trees beautify our neighborhoods, and when planted in the right spot, can even help lower energy bills. But the wrong tree in the wrong place can be a hazard... especially to power lines.

Height / Spread of more than 40 feet, such as:

Today in Mississippi

ity to pass upon all applicable matters herein provided as well as any other matters or questions which may be referred to it by the Chair of the meeting or by the Board of Directors. The President of the Board, or the President’s designee, shall preside at and conduct all meetings of the Members with full authority to act or refer any questions deem appropriate to the aforesaid Committee for decision. (d) Notwithstanding anything in this section contained, failure to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall not affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any election of directors.

Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place

LARGE TREES

SMALL TREES Avoid planting within 20 feet of power lines. When planting within 20 feet is unavoidable, use only shrubs and small trees.

Height / Spread of no more than 25 feet such as: • Star Magnolia • Crabapple • Lilac Tree pruning zone

40 ft. high or less

Maximum tree height 25ft.

70 ft.

6 0 ft.

50ft.

4 0 ft.

30 ft.

20ft.

10 ft.

Source: The Arbor Day Foundation and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Today in Mississippi

June 2017

East Mississippi Electric Power Association Louisville 662.773.5741

Meridian 601.581.8600

Quitman 601.776.6271

DeKalb 601.743.2641

A message from your CEO

Lazy days of summer As the school year comes to a close, most of us will begin planning summer vacations and warm weather activities. Summer months are certainly welcome for many of us after being inside all winter. One of my favorite posters reads, “The answer may not be at the beach but shouldn’t we at least check?” My family has always enjoyed getting away to the beach and just relaxing for a few days. There is something about sitting in a beach chair, reading a good book and listening to the calming rhythm of the waves that puts my normally fast paced work week in the background and gives me the needed “mind” rest from the challenges of the world. While the end of May signals the end of the school year, it also signals electric cooperatives that hurricane season is approaching. Hurricane preparedness

week was May 7-13, and we at EMEPA began planning for what we hope and pray doesn’t happen. Tropical storms and hurricanes can be some of the most powerful and destructive storms we encounter as an electric distribution system. EMEPA maintains an emergency

plan that details who is responsible for what and how we will respond to any natural disaster Mother Nature may

send our way. As soon as a storm is forecast, we begin our preparation. Vehicles are checked to be sure they are ready and fuel tanks are topped off. Material levels are reviewed and our purchasing staff begins contacting vendors to have them on standby should we need additional poles, wire, repair sleeves and transformers. Communications personnel make initial media contacts to ensure they know who to contact and how to reach us so they can assist us with getting you needed information following the storm. Phone and outage systems are checked to be sure they are ready for the increased call volume. Schedules are developed to ensure we have around-the-clock personnel to respond to any situation that arises. Right-of-way and line crews check their work tools, safety equipment and familiarize themselves with distribution line changes throughout our service territory. For severe threats, outside contractors are contacted and placed

EMEPA will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. Call 601-581-8600 or visit emepa.com to report an outage.

East Mississippi Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

CEO Randy Carroll

on standby to assist us in the restoration. Food vendors and hotels are contacted to supply the needed “food fuel” for workers and a place to take a short rest after typically sixteen hour days. Administrative staff begins pulling together the numerous forms that must accompany the work to verify required documentation is done properly for any reimbursement that may take place from our emergency management agencies. This and much more ensures we can respond quickly, safely and efficiently when the storms come.

June 2017

Today in Mississippi

10a

EMEPA’s new outage map keeps you informed

when the

lights go

out !

East Mississippi Electric Power Association recently introduced a powerful tool to aid in power restoration and keep you informed during an outage. With the new outage map, members can report an outage and view current outages with just a click of a button. Outage maps are just what they sound like: a graphical representation of an outage displayed on a map of EMEPA’s service area. The new map will show where the outage is occurring and the number of members without power. Behind the map is a sophisticated system that provides the data needed to populate the graphic. The system helps to improve control, reduce outage length, increase reliability and provide better information to employees, EMEPA members and the public. Maintaining an accurate outage map starts with the devices on EMEPA’s lines that can report their status to the cooperative by signaling if they have been tripped or if there is power at the meter. This data flows back over the power lines to EMEPA’s dispatch command center. There it is analyzed, and the results are presented to the engineering and operations folks for action. Let’s set up an example. Something causes a fault in the lines that blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker. The cause could be a gust of wind dropping a

They can report an outage or check to see if their power is out with just the click of a button! But how do you access the Internet if your power is out? There are a couple of ways to do this. The first branch on a line. Or a furry critter is via your smart phone or cell-enabled tablet. deciding the brush around the transEMEPA’s outage map is available both on our webformer looks like dinner. A car hitting a pole. site and our free smart phone app. Another is to ask Regardless of the cause, the power is now out to a a friend or family member who has power to check number of members. for you. There are many ways you can access this The piece of equipment nearest the fault signals information during an outage and keep yourself that it cannot see anything down the line or that it informed on the status. has tripped. A program now runs to determine the Knowledge is power, and when it comes to outextent of the outage. It looks at other devices to ages, knowledge is also a comfort because it can tell determine where the flow of power stops. Once it you when the lights are coming back on. With this has completed its detective work, a map is generat- knowledge, you can take steps necessary to protect ed showing the extent of the outage. your family and your property. Outage maps are a Because of the power of the information contained great example of how EMEPA is working to keep in these maps, it is a valuable tool to both EMEPA members informed about their service. and its members. Members can use the map rather Check out EMEPA’s new outage map by downloadthan wait in a telephone queue to speak to a meming our free smart phone app or visiting ber service representative about their power outage. www.emepa.com/outage-map.

Are you ready for hurricane season? June 1, marks the official start of the hurricane season, with the peak storm threat occurring from midAugust to late October. East Mississippi Electric Power Association wants you to be prepared in the event of a dangerous storm. It’s not pleasant to think about worst-case scenarios, but a little planning can make a difference if the worst does happen. Keep your family safe with these handy tips. Before the Storm: • Put together an emergency kit and

plan. Communicate the plan with your family. • Know the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you prepare for the storm surge and any tidal flooding. • Secure your home: cover all windows with either storm shutters or boards, clear loose and clogged rain gutters and bring all outdoor furniture indoors. • Learn your community hurricane evacuation routes.

During the Storm: • Listen to the radio or TV for information, if possible. • Avoid using the phone unless there is an emergency. • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, keep the refrigerator thermostat on the coldest setting and keep the doors closed. After the Storm: • Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to EMEPA. • Drive only if necessary and avoid

flooded roads. Watch out for fallen objects, downed power lines, and weakened walls, bridges, or sidewalks. • NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas. For more tips on planning before, during and after the storm, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes. Source: www.ready.gov

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Today in Mississippi

June 2017

We are prepared for

summer storms

Generator Safety Tips Never connect a standby generator into your home’s electrical system. There are only two safe ways to connect a standby generator to your equipment.

Stationary Generator: An approved generator transfer switch, which keeps your house circuits separate from EMEPA, should be installed by a professional. Portable Generator: Plug appliances directly into the outlet provided on the generator.

Setup and run your generator in a well-ventilated area outside the home. Make sure it’s out and away from your garage, doors, windows and vents. The carbon monoxide generated is deadly. Use a heavy-duty extension cord to connect electric appliances to the outlet on the generator. Start the generator first before connecting appliances. Source: SafeElectricity.org

Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also bring the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that East Mississippi Electric Power Association is ready to respond. The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round – through right-ofway clearing – to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation. Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time. We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are

handled first – like damage to transmission lines, which serve tens of thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred. EMEPA’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members. Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line outside of your home or business. Make sure you notify EMEPA so crews can inspect these lines. We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Be sure to check www.emepa.com on your smartphone for the latest updates during a power outage.

• Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. 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. Source: American Red Cross

Think safety FIRST!

June 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Smart window use can regulate indoor comfort

when you close the slats. And draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent when they’re closed.

• In the morning, close the windows and the blinds or curtains. That will “trap” the cool air indoors and prevent hot air from getting in as the day heats up.

• If you shade the exterior of your windows with wooden or vinyl blinds, overhangs, awnings, shutters or storm panels, you’ll keep the sun from heating up your interior.

• Choose window treatments that not only look nice but that save energy. Some choices: Interior blinds made from heat-reflective material can reduce heat gain by 45 percent

• Replacing old, single-pane windows with double-pane models can keep your home more comfortable and shave dollars off of your energy bills, according to Energy Star.

Tip of the

Month

Cool summer evenings call for fans, not a/c

Powering your comfort this summer!

Member Survey Notification Help us serve you better! EMEPA has commissioned NRECA Market Research Services to conduct a member satisfaction survey on our behalf in June. The survey will be done both by phone and online, but not everyone will be contacted. If you are one who is randomly selected, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your views of the cooperative. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes and individual responses are completely confidential and will only be reported to us in aggregate. We strive to provide all members with safe, affordable and reliable service. Your participation in the survey will help us make decisions that benefit you, your family and your neighbors.

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June 2017

Supreme Court Justice takes on challenge of protecting

Mississippi’s neglected children By Elissa Fulton

Taking care of Mississippi’s children is not for the faint of heart, but after serious prayer and consideration, Dr. David Chandler decided he was up to the challenge. Before Chandler was named the new Commissioner of Child Protection Services in December 2015, he was serving as a Justice on the Mississippi Supreme Court. It was an appointment he was proud of and as a Winston County resident and EMEPA member, he worked hard for those north Mississippians who helped him to get to that position. In early 2015, Gov. Phil Bryant approached Chandler and expressed his concerns for the foster care program in the state. The governor shared with him about some troubling litigation that Mississippi was facing and admitted that the state was about to be placed into what is called a receivership by the federal courts. If that happened, Mississippi would be the only state in the nation to be placed in receivership because Mississippians were not caring for our foster children.

Although Chandler was honored that Gov. Bryant would look to him for the position, he really did not initially believe that he would accept the job, mainly because he felt a responsibility to those who had appointed him to the Supreme Court; but also because the job would be a huge challenge. When he left the meeting with the Governor and returned to his chambers, he asked one of his lawyers to locate the litigation that the Gov. Bryant had been referring to. “As I began to read the complaint, and as you know the complaint is only one side of the story, I saw where the litigation had been pending for over 10 years, and I could not see where our state had done an awful lot to refute what was in the complaint,” said Chandler. “The complaint is about a 10-year-old child who was half of the physical size that she should be. The child was suffering from malnutrition, she was very depressed – as I guess should be expected of someone who has been deprived of ever having had one meal when she had enough to eat. Every day of her life she had been hungry and there was evidence of sexual abuse. I just could not get that child out of my mind. I was on the Supreme Court and I had seen some pretty egregious acts by mankind during my tenure on the court, but for some reason that poor, starving child affected me more than anything I have seen as a Justice on the Supreme Court.” Although the thought of this child kept Chandler awake at night, he still could not see leaving the court to become a director of the program. He continued to think about it and pray about it and one morning, while having breakfast with his wife, he mentioned it to her. Being a nurse and one who cares for people, she looked at him and said, “What is more important? Deciding who wins some lawsuit, or saving a child’s

life?” He immediately knew what he had to do and called the Governor’s Chief of Staff and told him that he was ready to commit to the job. Chandler was officially appointed the Commissioner on Dec. 7, 2015, and immediately went to work with the agency’s lawyers to meet the requirements of the pending court order. They were given one year to comply, but met those objectives within six months. Being six months ahead of schedule, they renegotiated another court order to give them more breathing room, in addition to an order that gave them one year out from under the court monitor, saving the state about $1 million per year. When Chandler came on board in 2015, there

“We went to work hiring people to do good investigations, to take into custody any children who were in unsafe conditions” - Dr. David Chandler

were 5,000 children in custody and that number has increased to 6,000 to date. “We went to work hiring people to do good investigations, to take into custody any children who were in unsafe conditions. We were experiencing some fatalities and I wanted that to end,” said Chandler. “My first objective, first and foremost, is to make sure every child in our state is safe. My second objective is to make sure that we can sustain that level of function. My third objective is to exit this lawsuit – to get Mississippi out from under this federal court case. Those are my three primary objectives and I work day and night in that effort.” Hiring more social workers to do more investigative work was one cause of the increase of children in custody. Another factor, of course, is the opioid drug epidemic that is affecting young parents not only in

Mississippi but nationwide. “We see so many young mothers or expectant mothers who are just hopelessly and helplessly addicted,” said Chandler. “We are doing everything in our power to help them beat that addiction because it causes such trauma to their children. Trauma while they are in their custody and extreme trauma if we have to remove them from their custody.” The biggest challenge for Chandler has been identifying, recruiting and retaining good, competent and conscientious social workers to do the fieldwork. “Imagine if your job required when your phone rang at 2 a.m. to jump out of bed and go to one of the most undesirable areas you can imagine, and knock on the door, and an adult comes to the door, and you tell that adult that you are there to make sure that her children are safe. And when you find out that they are not safe, you tell him or her that you are taking their children. It’s a job that just everyone cannot do,” he said. “We don’t want just anyone doing it, because we are asking a person to make critical decisions in a very stressful environment, on the spur of the moment, that are life changing – and maybe lifesaving. They have to be trained to assess in a few minutes a situation and determine whether a child is safe, or whether the child or children must be removed from that environment.” Another challenge that Chandler and his staff face is that once those children are taken, they must have a place for that child or those children to go. Locating, identifying and properly screening and training foster families is another great task. Chandler added, “Our hope is that more Mississippians will wrap around these children and adults responsible for them. I really think that maybe the greatest hope for these youngsters is to get people in the churches, and people in the communities to help these struggling families so they can stay together.”

June 2017

Today in Mississippi

79th EMEPA Annual Meeting set for October

Democracy is the co-op way Every October East Mississippi Electric Power Association has an annual meeting. One of the most important activities we conduct is the election for the board of directors. These are the 10 people we entrust to give strategic direction and ensure EMEPA has good governance. This year EMEPA will host its 79th Annual Meeting Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at the EMEPA Meridian Auditorium to inform members of actions taken during the past year, conduct Association business and elect four directors. Notices will be mailed later this summer to invite all EMEPA members to attend the meeting. At EMEPA, we try to make it as convenient as possible for members to participate in the election by allowing members unable to attend the meeting the opportunity to vote by proxy. As the utility industry is experiencing some of the biggest changes since its founding, electric co-ops need your active participation. As a member of a EMEPA, you have the right (and some may even say the obligation) to help set the direction for the co-op. This is a critical difference between coops and other electricity providers, such as investor-owned utilities (IOUs) or municipally-owned systems. With IOUs, you are a customer and there is no required ownership. IOU stockholders live far away and have no direct attachment to the organization other than seeking a return on their investment. Communities served by municipally-owned systems may vote for the mayor or city council, but the connection to the electric service is very indirect.

The board of directors of a co-op makes important strategic decisions for the organization, while the operations (day-to-day running of the business) is entrusted to the employees. Examples of decisions boards make that impact all the members are: • the level of involvement in community economic development • whether to offer renewable types of energy such as solar or wind generated power to the members • offering other services such as broadband • approving the budget for the co-op As locally-owned businesses in the community, electric coops have the opportunity to introduce neighbors to neighbors and rekindle that spirit of democracy at the grassroots level. We can encourage respectful debate about the role we see our co-op playing in our community. We know that democracy is not a perfect form of governing, it just happens to be better than any of the others. Maybe if we can practice doing it well at the local level, it will have a positive impact on our democracy as a whole. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, and make plans to attend EMEPA’s 79th Annual Meeting. If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting or just want to know more, please contact EMEPA’s Marketing and Communication Department at 601-581-8624 or visit our website at www.emepa.com. Any member of EMEPA may obtain a complete set of bylaws by contacting their local EMEPA office.

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:

All Star Painting & Pressure Wash

601-482-1926

10% 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 special 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.

off services

R&C Landscaping & Lawn Service, LLC

601-880-3974

10%

off services

Today in Mississippi

June 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

The path to efficiency independence While fireworks and Independence Day parades are synonymous with the upcoming Fourth of July, no such fanfare comes to mind when discussing energy efficiency. Perhaps it should. If you think about it, energy efficiency not only benefits individuals and families, but the country as a whole. Energy efficiency combined with energy conservation and advances in technology in the utility industry ultimately help our country on a path toward greater energy independence. And that’s worth celebrating.

Benefits of efficiency At its essence, greater efficiency means less energy is used for the production of goods and services. For individual consumers, a reduction in energy use usually translates to a tangible financial benefit—more money in your wallet at the end of the month. If your co-op neighbors are also using less energy, collectively, it means the overall cost of providing that electricity could be lower and may result in reduced costs for coop members. For many, this is reason enough to strive for greater energy efficiency. On a national level, energy efficiency, sometimes called the “fifth fuel,” has a more profound impact. It can potentially boost the economy by allowing consumers and businesses to invest in other areas. As important, greater energy efficiency may slow the rate at which domestic energy is depleted, and therefore reduce or diminish the need for foreign energy.

Strike up the band There’s no need to wait for the first exploding burst of fireworks in the night sky to start your energy efficiency efforts. Every American can take charge of their own energy use, regardless of the date on the calendar. Small steps can lead to a big difference for you and

your neighbors, whether across the road or across the country. Energy efficiency can generally be achieved two ways. The first is with mechanical change, such as replacing an older HVAC unit or less efficient appliance with a new ENERGY STAR model or upgrading to new, insulated windows. Less expensive actions include improving the seal of your home’s “envelope” by caulking exterior windows and doors, and sealing openings where pipes and ductwork meet the outside. Swapping out the last incandescent bulbs (inside and outside) with LEDs also makes a noticeable difference.

Smart control

Please make room for roadside crews When the power goes out, so do 4-County Electric Power Association’s line crews. Linemen are the first to respond after an outage occurs, and they work tirelessly to restore power to the communities we serve. If you’re traveling and see one of our crews on the side of the road, we kindly ask that you move over if possible and give them a little extra space to work. We deeply care about the safety of all, and this extra precaution ensures just that. If you come upon a crew while traveling on a twolane road, moving over to the next lane might not be an option. In this case, we simply ask that you slow down when approaching roadside crews. If you approach a crew while traveling on a four-lane road, and safety and traffic conditions allow, we ask that you move over into the far lane. Utility crews aren’t the only ones who could use the extra space. Emergency responders, such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians, often find themselves responding to emergency situations near busy roadways. We ask that you follow the same procedures mentioned above to help keep these crews safe. There’s plenty of room for all. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on our local roadways.

The second way to realize energy efficiency is through smarter management of your energy use. Leveraging smart thermostat technology is a good place to start. Most smart thermostats contain an app allowing remote control by mobile phone or tablet. Program your thermostat to reflect your family’s schedule. Many thermostat programs allow you to view and edit your thermostat schedule and monitor the amount of energy used. Sometimes, however, energy efficiency is simply a matter of changing old habits such as washing clothes in cold water instead of hot or running the dishwasher during off-peak times. Regardless of the path you take on the road to energy efficiency and independence, 4-County Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, Electric Power Association can 4-County members have saved over help you on the journey. For $546,464 on prescription drugs through information about energy effiApril. ciency programs, go to www.4county.org or call Look here each month to 1-800-431-1544.

Co-op Connections Card saves

see the savings total!

June 2017

Today in Mississippi

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4-County names poster contest winners Artists choose their subject matter with careful consideration, but most would agree that there’s no prettier canvas than nature’s own landscape painted with trees. A group of fifth grade students across the 4-County Electric Power Association service area explored that observation firsthand recently by participating in the cooperative’s annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. Using the theme “Tree-mendous Trees of Mississippi,” students from area schools participated in the contest. Included in the contest rules were lesson plans that outlined the importance of trees in conserving energy, and their value in everyday life. Each participating school picked a winner for its school, and those winners competed against each other for the overall contest winner honor. This year’s overall winner was Kayleigh Ann Griffin of East Webster Elementary School. As overall winner of the contest, Kayleigh was awarded a framed certificate, and won $50 and a tree-planting ceremony, held April 27 at East Webster Elementary School. The school chose a river birch tree to plant. 4-County provided the tree, manpower to plant it and co-op arborist Billy Kelly to teach the children the value of trees and the importance of planting them away from power lines. Emma Dove of New Hope Elementary School won second place. She was awarded a framed certificate and $30. Brady Gaskin of West Clay Elementary School won third place. He was awarded a framed certificate and $20.

4-County is invested in being a good steward of our precious natural resources. One of the ways it accomplishes that objective is involvement in the National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA program. Part of the cooperative’s participation in the program involves educational opportunities, like the poster contest, for schools in its service area. 4-County is one of the few cooperatives in the nation to achieve a Tree Line USA Utility designation by the Arbor Day Foundation. The cooperative received the prestigious designation in recognition for its national leadership in caring for and protecting trees in the communities the Association serves. In achieving the certification, 4-County met the five requirements for a Tree Line USA utility, which include worker training, the implementation of industry standards for tree care and public education. 4-County is the first cooperative in Mississippi to achieve the Tree Line USA designation. “We’re always excited about our Arbor Day Poster Contest. Each of the posters was outstanding. More importantly, our youth had the opportunity to learn more about trees and their value in everyday life,” said Brad Barr, 4-County communications coordinator.

Top: First-place winner Kayleigh Ann Griffin; middle left: secondplace winner Emma Dove with her art teacher, Cathy Bailey; middle right: tree-planting ceremony at East Webster Elementary School; right: third-place winner Brady Gaskin with his mother, Kelly Gaskin, and Brad Barr.

New substation online 4-County’s Deerbrook Substation is energized and complete. The substation will serve northeast Noxubee County and a portion of southeast Lowndes County. 4-County officials said the new substation will provide even better reliability for members in these 4-County service areas, also helping support agricultural and other growth.

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James Hall

Today in Mississippi

June 2017

wants to

By Brad Barr Peaceful. That’s what James Hall thinks of his fiveacre property in northern Lowndes County. It’s a hidden oasis of vegetable gardens, chickens and a streamlined 1967 Ford Fairlane in the careful restoration stage. This little bit of serenity is home to James, his wife, Dale, and a tail-wagging brother and sister duo, Pee Wee and Precious—the resident Chihuahuas. A creek lazily runs through the property. Soft winds rustle the leaves of hardwoods. It’s quiet; but if you listen closely, you can hear it—a steady drone that invades the silence. The sound comes from a group of invading Italians—bees, that is. Some 325,000 of them, in fact. James is a fourth-year beekeeper in training. Italian bees are known for having a calmer nature. James said he has not been stung at all in a few years. A beekeeper suit helps. He wears a hat with veil, gloves and a coat. Last year, he harvested about 14 gallons of James Hall honey. He sells the honey from his property. James and Dale also sell chicken eggs in a similar fashion. Customers get a firsthand view of

the product and its origins. “It’s been working out pretty good. At times, it’s kind of surprised me,” he said. Why bees? “It gives me something to do when I get home. It helps me stay active.” And, the Halls admit, it keeps them in fresh honey. They also enjoy their 90 chickens (great for laying fresh eggs) and their garden of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and English peas. James has 11 bee boxes. “They stay there as long as they have a queen laying eggs.” The bee community consists of the queen, drones (male bees that eat and mate) and worker bees (females that bring water and pollen to the nest or box). According to the American Beekeeping Federation (ABF), approximately one third of all the food Americans eat is directly or indirectly derived from honey bee pollination. Some crops pollinated are cucumbers, almonds, carrot seed, melons, apricots, cherries, pears, apples, prunes, plums, cantaloupe, avocados, blueberries and cranberries. On average, a worker bee in the summer lasts six to eight weeks. Their most common cause of death is wear-

peaceful

ing their wings out. During that six- to eight-week period, a bee’s average honey production is 1/12 of a teaspoon. In that short lifetime, it flies the equivalent of 1 ½ times the circumference of the earth. Dale, who James is quick to admit is the real “Queen Bee,” supports his beekeeping hobby. “Bees fit in at our house,” she said. “They’re good for our vegetable garden and our plants. I’m glad James is involved in something that he enjoys and is good for the environment. Plus, the honey tastes good too.” James began working at 4-County in September 1983 on Jody Thompson’s right-ofway crew at the Corporate Center. He also worked for the co-op’s J.B. Griffith. He later transferred to the Columbus branch office, where he became a journeyman lineman in 1989. Today, he continues to work in the Columbus area in a maintenance capacity. Originally from Union, James has been in Lowndes County since 1973. He and his wife, Dale, have six children: Michael, Aimee, Whitney, Trey, Lance and Bryan. They share 10 grandchildren. Being a lineman, James explained, means rolling with the punches. “Every day is not the same with the trouble calls. Meeting people is an added bonus. It’s all about trying to help the members,” he said. “And I love to work outside.” He has helped train a number of young linemen through the years. “That’s fun to see them learn a lot about being a lineman— especially how to work with voltage prob-

lems,” the veteran lineman said. 4-County is quite simply a home a from home, James stressed. “It’s a go place to work. There are a lot of good who work here,” he said. “The atmos phere—everyone pulling together like storms—is special.” James looks forward to each day, w he’s dealing with members or the bee got the best of both worlds.” Those interested in beekeeping, ac to the ABF, should make friends with er local beekeeper, join the ABF and bee club, contact the county extensio office, consult the state and county ag ture departments, visit the ABF webs research beekeeping at the local publi library.

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June 2017

Today in Mississippi

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June 2017

Foundation awards given to area organizations

Relay For Life a successful race About 30 cooperative employees gathered April 28 to participate in the Lowndes County Relay For Life. The 4-County team participated in the life-changing cancer fund-raising event that helps communities across the globe fight back against cancer. Employees took part in pre-event fundraisers and day-of-event walks and fundraisers. The 4-County team raised about $5,292 for the worthy cause. Fundraisers included a hamburger luncheon, dessert auction, an afghan auction, T-shirt sales and cookbook sales. Co-op employee Betty Sue Davis topped individual fundraising honors with $1,075 collected. 4-County’s Dale Hall sold 32 cookbooks. Jackson Grady won the 4-County Coloring Contest at the Relay For Life event. For his efforts, he won an Art of Coloring kit. 4-County members can continue to support the worthy cause by purchasing cookbooks ($15 each). Those interested can call 1-800-431-1544 and ask for Becky Canull or Dale Hall.

Three area organizations received awards recently from the 4-County Electric Power Association Foundation.

Nearly $10,000 was distributed among these organizations: • Cumberland Volunteer Fire Department Inc. ($4,625 for first-responder kits and medical equipment) • West Point/Clay County Emergency Management Agency ($4,065 for a grain bin rescue kit) • Columbus Fire and Rescue ($2,247 for self-contained breathing apparatus safety equipment) Since the Foundation’s inception in February 2015, over $300,000 has been dispersed to organizations in 4-County’s service area. For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544.

Jackson Grady

Betty Sue Davis

Dale Hall

Watts Happening THURSDAY, JUNE 1 Starting a Business – First Steps; Mississippi State University Business Incubator, Building 60 conference room on Technology Blvd. in Starkville; 1 to 3 p.m.; details, (662) 325-8684. Sounds of Summer Concert Series; downtown Columbus Riverwalk; 7 to 9 p.m.; continues June 15 and June 29; details, (662) 329-1191. Beginning Oil Painting; Rosenweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 6:30 p.m.; $95 for four sessions; details, (662) 329-1191. SATURDAY, JUNE 3 Island Paddle Fest; downtown Columbus Riverwalk; 8 to 11:30 a.m.; $50 registration; details, (662) 329-1191. Lion Hills 4-Ball Golf Tournament; Lion Hills Center and Golf Course, 2331 Military Road in Columbus; continues through Sunday, June 4; details, (662) 328-4837. MONDAY, JUNE 5 Mississippi University for Women Culinary Camp for Kids;

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.

grades 2 & 3, June 5-9, grades 4, 5 &6, June 12-16; grades 4, 5 & 6, June 19-23 and grades 7-12, June 26-30; details, (662) 241-7472.

a.m.; (662) 327-8450. Possum Town Quilters; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7 Blue Ribbon Business – Lunch & Learn; The Mill at Mississippi State University, 600 Russell St. in Starkville; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13 Lion Hills Summer Junior Golf Camp; Lion Hills Center and Golf Course, 2331 Military Road in Columbus; continues June 27-30; details, (662) 328-4837. Free Small Business Workshop: Developing Your Business Plan; Mississippi State University Business Incubator Building, 60 Technology Blvd., Conference Room, in Starkville; 1 to 3 p.m.; details, (662) 325-8684.

FRIDAY, JUNE 9 Paul Thorn: Premium Special Concert; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 7:30 p.m.; tickets $40 each; details, (662) 328-2787. T-H Marine Bass Fishing League – 2017 Columbus Pool Tournament Registration; Walmart, 1913 Hwy. 45 N. in Columbus; 4 p.m.; details, (662) 329-4810. SATURDAY, JUNE 10 T-H Marine Bass Fishing League – 2017 Columbus Pool Fishing Tournament; Columbus Marina, 295 Marina Drive; 6

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 Dinner & A Movie; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 6 p.m.; $15 per person; reservations must be made by noon, June 22; details, (662) 328-2787.

June 2017

Today in Mississippi

4-County supports youth leadership 4-County Electric Power Association recently participated in scholarship presentations to three area graduating high school seniors. Jack VanDevender of Central Academy received a $1,000 scholarship from 4-County and the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) at graduation in May at the school. Jack received the scholarship as a result of participating in and placing first overall at the 2016 Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson. Jack represented 4-County and Mississippi at Youth Leadership venues in Mississippi, California and Washington, D.C. Reid Stevens of Starkville Academy received a $500 scholarship from 4-County and ECM at his school’s May gradua4-County’s Brad Barr and Jack VanDevender tion. Reid received the scholarship as a result of participating in and placing second overall at the 2016 Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson. Tristan Boyett of New Hope High School recently received a corporate scholarship from 4-County at the 2016-2017 Education Awards Program at the Lion Hills Center and Golf Course, organized by the ColumbusLowndes Chamber of Barr and Reid Stevens Commerce. 4-County served as an Education Awards Program sponsor at the event. “We’re dedicated to helping support our future leaders. Our participation in scholarship and youth leadership endeavors is one way we accomplish this goal. We’re looking forward to seeing what these young leaders do in the future,” said 4-County CEO Joe Cade. Tristan Boyett and Barr

Margaret Blackwell listens first, talks later

Sometimes, the best way to communicate is to listen. Someone has to talk and someone has to listen. Consumer Services Representative Margaret Blackwell listens first, and talks later. “Being able to communicate with the members is good,” said Margaret, who is based at the 4-County Call Center. “Sometimes they just need a little help. I’m glad to do that.” Often, she added, 4-County members just need a good explanation about a particular subject. “Once they understand, they’re OK. Being able to help someone is a good feeling.” Margaret began her 4-County career in 2002 as a cashier at the Ackerman office. Prior to 4-County, she worked at Red Kap Industries in Mathiston, and at Babcock and Wilcox in West Point. Margaret and her husband, Mike, live in Mathiston. They have two grown children, Brittnie and Ryan. Margaret enjoys spending time with Brittnie’s children, Katelyn, 6, and Konner, 3. And she also enjoys attending Ryan’s baseball games at Blue Mountain College (where he plays several positions for the Hilltoppers). “I’m either at a baseball field or a softball field. I

even go to watch the practices. I haven’t missed one of Ryan’s games yet,” she said. She and her family are members of Fellowship Baptist Church in Choctaw County. She is also a member of the Fellowship Hunting Club in Choctaw County. Margaret is a member of 4-County’s Working on Wellness Committee. She also served as a safety contact at the Ackerman office. Margaret likes to exercise at the Wellness Center in West Point. She especially enjoys taking care of her 91-year-old father, Charlie Weems. When she has time, Margaret enjoys hunting and fishing. “We have a few trails behind our house. And we have a pond. Everyone enjoys riding the four-wheelers on our property.” What does she like the most about the great outdoors? “It’s pleasant. I enjoy the fresh air and sunshine,” Margaret said. The veteran 4-County employee says that the cooperative provides a caring work environment. “It’s a family-oriented atmosphere,” Margaret stressed. “Anyone would be willing to lend a hand or a listening ear. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”

Today in Mississippi

June 2017

We are prepared for

power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time. We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are handled first – like damage to transmission lines, which serve tens of thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred. Magnolia Electric Power’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substa-

tion, power can be restored to thousands of members. Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line outside of your home or business. Make sure you notify Magnolia Electric Power, so crews can inspect these lines. We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Be sure to check www.MEPCoop.com on your smartphone for the latest updates during a power outage.

Be prepared for hurricane season this year Every summer, people in south Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season. The 2017 season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Darrell Smith, manager of Magnolia Electric Power. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case a storm affects our service area.” MEP members should also make plans to protect life and property if a hurricane threatens our region this season. For more safety information, please go to www.MEPCoop.com.

2017 hurricane names Arlene Bret Cindy

Don Gert Emily Harvey Franklin Irma

Jose Katia Lee

Philippe Tammy Maria Rina Nate Vince Ophelia Sean Whitney

Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage. No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets. • Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils • Blankets/pillows, etc. • Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • First aid kit complete with

prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security Cards, etc. Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container. • Full tanks of gas in vehicles

June 2017

Smart window use can regulate indoor comfort

when you close the slats. And draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent when they’re closed.

• In the morning, close the windows and the blinds or curtains. That will “trap” the cool air indoors and prevent hot air from getting in as the day heats up.

• If you shade the exterior of your windows with wooden or vinyl blinds, overhangs, awnings, shutters or storm panels, you’ll keep the sun from heating up your interior.

• Choose window treatments that not only look nice but that save energy. Some choices: Interior blinds made from heat-reflective material can reduce heat gain by 45 percent

• Replacing old, single-pane windows with double-pane models can keep your home more comfortable and shave dollars off of your energy bills, according to Energy Star.

Tip of the

Month

Today in Mississippi

Cool summer evenings call for fans, not a/c

Powering your comfort this summer!

MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC POWER’S business office will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 601-684-4011. MEP’s answering service and crews will be on standby for any outages during the holiday.

Magnolia Electric Power wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

10a

Today in Mississippi

June 2017

Providing affordable, reliable electricity to our members since 1936.

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

We are prepared for

summer storms Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also bring the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Monroe County Electric Power Association is ready to respond. The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round – through right-ofway clearing – to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation. Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time. We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are

handled first – like damage to transmission lines, which serve tens of thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred. Monroe County Electric’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members. Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line outside of your home or business. Make sure you notify Monroe County Electric, so crews can inspect these lines. We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

Think safety FIRST!

June 2017

Today in Mississippi

Monroe County Electric annual meeting set for Aug. 1, in Amory ITAWAMBA COUNTY

Notice is hereby given that the official 2017 Annual Meeting of the Members of Monroe County Electric Power Association will be held in the association’s boardroom in Amory at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017 to take action on the following matters: • The reports of officers, directors and committees. • The election of one director of the association from District 2 and two directors from District 3. • All other business that may come before the meeting. Nominations for directors are selected by a nomination committee as stated in Article IV, Section 4 of the association’s bylaws. However, any 50 or more members from any of the five districts may make other nominations from their respective districts in writing over their signatures at the same time the nomination committee shall meet, which will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Further information concerning the election of directors will be furnished to members upon request to the association.

Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017, 2 p.m.

Tip of the

Month

MONROE COUNTY

LOWNDES COUNTY

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC

will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. Call 662-256-2962 to report an outage.

Monroe County Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

Today in Mississippi

June 2017

We are prepared for

summer storms Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also bring the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Northcentral Electric Power Association is ready to respond. The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round – through right-of-way clearing – to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation. Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time. We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are handled first – like damage to transmission

lines, which serve tens of thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred. Northcentral Electric’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members. Next, line crews check the primary distribution lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a service line outside of your home or business. Make sure you notify Northcentral Electric, so crews can inspect these lines. We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Be sure to check out Northcentral Electric Power Association on Facebook with your smartphone for the latest updates during a power outage.

Keeping you safe during and after summer storms No one knows electrical safety better than the experts who practice it every single day. Northcentral Electric encourages you to practice safety with these reminders – for during and after a summer storm: Avoid wires and water — When lightning strikes a home during a storm, the electrical charge can surge through pipes and utility wires. That means you can get zapped if you’re touching water or any device that’s plugged in, whether it’s a landline phone or toaster. Skip the makeshift shelter — During a storm, it's tempting to take cover under a picnic gazebo or in a golf cart, but in open-sided structures with no conductors to channel strikes, a lightning bolt's path of least resistance to the ground could be you. On top of that, these structures raise your risk of a lightning strike because of their height. Keep moving toward suitable shelter. Portable generators — Take special care with portable generators, which can provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring. Power from generators can back-feed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including co-op line workers making repairs. It’s best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to install your generator and ensure that it meets local electrical codes.

Flooded areas — Stay away from downed power lines and avoid walking through flooded areas. Power lines could be submerged and still live with electricity. Report any downed lines you see to Northcentral Electric by calling 800-325-8925 immediately. Electrical equipment — Never use electrical equipment that is wet – especially outdoor electrical equipment, which could be a potential danger after a summer storm. Water can damage electrical equipment and parts, posing a shock or fire hazard. This would be a great time to teach your children to never go near a power line, especially one touching a tree or a downed line, and never to play with a limb, pole or long tool near an electrical line. Unfortunately, it only takes a second for a deadly accident to occur. Northcentral has served our membership since 1950, and safety has been and remains our number one concern. If you experience an outage from a summer storm, report it to our call center at 1-866-438-2642, anytime 24/7. Please do not use email or social media to report outages as neither is monitored for outage reports. Our Call Center number is the best and fastest way for you to report an outage and for our crews to be dispatched to restore power. In the event of a large outage, we will use social media to report restoration progress only.

We have an app for that!

June 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Cool summer evenings call for fans, not a/c

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

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

ACCOUNT INFO

PAYMENT HISTORY

USAGE GRAPHS

Tip of the

Month

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.

OTHER FEATURES AVAILABLE

• Sign up to receive email or text notifications • Great for PayMyWay customers

Powering your comfort this summer!

NORTHCENTRAL ELECTRIC will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day In case of emergency, report outages to our Call Center at 1-866-438-2642.

Northcentral Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

10 Today in Mississippi

June 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

Be prepared for hurricane season this year Every summer, people in south Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season. The 2017 season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Randy Wallace, manager of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case a storm affects our service area.” PRVEPA members should also make plans to protect life and property if a hurricane threatens our region this season (see box to the right). For more safety information, please go to www.PRVEPA.com.

2017 hurricane names Arlene Bret Cindy

Don Gert Emily Harvey Franklin Irma

Jose Katia Lee

Maria Philippe Tammy Nate Rina Vince Ophelia Sean Whitney

Pearl River Valley Electric’s outage reporting system will automatically recognize your account if your phone number is correct.

Reporting a power outage can be easy!

Update your phone number.

• First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security Cards, etc. Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.

We have an app for that! PRVEPA members can now access their account information from their smart phones. You’ll have the same helpful services found on our website in the palm of your hand. Pay your bill • Track your daily use • View your billing history • Keep up with multiple accounts • Update your contact info • Set up alerts and reminders Apps for Apple and Android devices are now available. Visit your app store and search for “PRVEPA” to download your app today. They’re free, convenient and easy to use!

Update your phone number today by going to www.prvepa.com, then clicking on “Manage My Account.” You can also call us at 855-2PRVEPA, or write it on your next payment stub.

June 2017 Today in Mississippi

Be safe during outages caused by

Summer Storms Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings numerous activities, it can also bring the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association is ready to respond. The major cause of most power outages is from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round—through our right-of-way clearing program—to reduce the risk of power lines in our service territory being affected by trees, branches or other types of vegetation. Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission lines, substations and local power lines. When this happens, our priority is to

restore power to members as safely and efficiently as possible. If you have an outage or see any safety-related issue, please notify us by calling 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372). Our automated phone line can take dozens of outage calls at a time. Be sure we have your current phone numbers so that we can accurately match them to your account and service address. We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. In any outage, the bigger problems—like damage to transmission lines, which energize the 25 substations that each provide service to thousands of our members—are handled first. While any transmission issues are being addressed, Pearl River Valley Electric employees inspect the substations to uncover any problems. From the sub-

stations, our line crews and servicemen ride along the major feeder lines that deliver power into our electric distribution system and, after that, they check the lines branching out from the feeders to detect any damage. After all that is accomplished and repairs are made, if you or your neighbors continue to experience an outage, there may still be an isolated problem near your home or business. Make sure you notify us, so crews can inspect these lines and restore your service. We do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Be sure to check www.PRVEPA.com or our app on your smartphone for the latest updates during a power outage, as well as other safetyrelated information.

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 telephones. 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. Source: American Red Cross

Pearl River Valley Electric will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. Call 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) to report an outage.

Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

10 Today in Mississippi

June 2017

“Pioneers In America’s Rural Electrification”

Faith, family, music central to Lackey’s life By Jennifer Johnson Since childhood, Lavonia Lackey said her days have revolved around music, faith, family and doing her best in whatever she attempts. Lackey is head cashier at the Pontotoc office of Pontotoc Electric where she’s worked for a total of 30 years. Growing up in the South Pontotoc community of Redland, Lackey was part of a close-knit family, including grandparents Pompie and Lorena Williams who started Lackey and her siblings in the choir at Second Baptist Church in Houlka from around age 11 or 12. Lackey said music was a big part of her childhood and she grew to understand its value under the direction of her grandparents. “They instilled that in me. They taught me the importance of music. I never learned to read music, but they always made us sing correctly.” Lackey said her grandparents expected hard work and dedication to their music, but they were also teaching life lessons to Lackey and her siblings. “My grandmother would always say ‘just because you know something doesn’t mean you should tell it.’ She would remind us of the verse in the Bible that talks about thinking on things that are noble, pure and lovely. She taught us how to treat other people and be respectful.” When Pompie and Lorena grew older and retired from their church music ministry, Lackey’s younger brother Douglas took over leading the group. Lackey joked that “he was even stricter than our grandparents.” Lackey said she has always sung with sisters Diane, Willistein, Deloise and brother Doug. When Doug started The Remnant Church, the siblings decided to name their group “Testimony” and traveled from church to church singing at choir days in Houston, Woodland, Pontotoc, Tupelo, and as far away as Memphis. Testimony was a frequent guest of family reunions in Kentucky and Illinois. Music brought Lackey and husband Charles together. “We were both singing at a church in Houston. I was with my brother and sisters, and

Charles was a member of the Lane Chapel Quartet. After the event was over, Doug asked us if we wanted to meet any of the other singers, and I told him I’d like to meet Lane Chapel’s lead singer (Charles).” Lackey said she and Charles were introduced that night and she thought that was the end of it. A couple of months later, though, Charles called her. After a long-distance courtship, they married in December 1996, and Lackey moved to Washington, D. C., where Charles was working for the Department of Defense. Life in the capital city was an adjustment. “It was very fast paced. I didn’t like it at first, but I got used to it. I got to see a lot of different things. We went to the White House, the National Mall, the Washington Monument and a lot of other sites. Being there was exciting.” Lackey found work with temporary employment agencies, later working as an administrative assistant in a law firm. Charles eventually took a position with the postal

service in Washington, and the couple decided to look into moving closer to home. Charles was transferred to the Tupelo post office in 2000, and Lackey was rehired at Pontotoc Electric. At the time they moved home, Lackey was expecting her first child. Daughter Tiarra was born August 16, 2000, followed by another daughter, Katelin, in November 2005. Lackey relishes being a mother. “My kids are a blessing to me. I really enjoy supporting them in whatever they do. We live a fast-paced life and allow them to participate in a lot of activities, and I want to be there for them.” Charles serves as associate pastor for a Methodist charge in Okolona, Wren and Nettleton, so each Sunday the family worships at one of those churches and Charles preaches. After the service, the Lackeys meet at her father’s house for Sunday lunch, a tradition they’ve held for many years. (Mom Annie Ruth passed away in August 2009 after a battle with stomach cancer.) “After my mother died, my sister Diane kind of took on continuing our Sunday meals. She makes sure we have enough food. I’m glad she kept up the tradition because my Dad really enjoys that. We all do.” Lackey said time spent with her large extended family reminds her of her childhood. “We would ride out to see my mom’s parents. My grandmother had a little house out back where she kept old clothes. My sisters and I would play dress up in all those clothes while our parents sat on the porch and talked. Sometimes all the cousins would play games together. Those were some sweet times.” Nowadays, in addition to splitting her time between Katelin’s softball games, Tiarra’s band competitions, and supporting her husband in ministry, Lackey works full time at Pontotoc Electric in a job that she enjoys. “I love my job. It’s been a part of my life for so long. I love everyone I work with. It’s busier now than it’s ever been since I’ve been here, but I feel very blessed to work with such a great group of people at Pontotoc Electric.”

omen W

June 2017 Today in Mississippi

Pontotoc Electric salutes our

Springtime brings an annual Administrative Professionals Day and the Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day holiday to the calendar. We decided to celebrate and thank all the women at Pontotoc Electric Power Association for their hard work to serve their customers and fellow employees. We thank them for all they do!

in the office and in the field

Pictured are Office Assistant Genny Moore (seated), Service Clerk Bonnie Heatherly and Service Clerk Tessie Campbell.

Pictured clockwise are Accounts Payable Clerk Sandy Sexton, General Accounting Clerk Michal Pennington, Plant Accountant Jeanna Sorto and Payroll Clerk Karen Laprade.

Watts Cooking?

Manager of Human Resources Jennifer Johnson and Power System Operations Engineer Jenna Kentner.

Receptionist Teresa Petty, Manager of Collections Mary Williamson and Collections Assistant/Receptionist Kathy Stark.

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Pictured are Manager of Customer Accounts Sue Cook (seated left) and Cashier Sandra Fair (seated right), Cashier Dana Bridgman, Office Assistant Jennifer Standifer and Head Cashier Lavonia Lackey.

Pictured left to right from the Bruce District Office: Service Clerk Rhonda Parker, Head Cashier Sandra Clark, Part-Time Cashier Rebekah Carr and Office Assistant Rhianna McClellan.

Corn Dip

Mark (Director of Accounting and Finance) and Jenna Patterson

Robert (Journeyman Lineman) and Leah Mitchell

2 sticks margarine 8 oz. cream cheese 3 cups sugar 1 tsp vanilla

1 cup mayo 1 can green chilies 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped 1 tsp lemon juice 16 oz. sour cream 3 small cans Mexicorn, drained 2 cups fine shredded Mexican cheese 1 tsp Creole/Cajun seasoning

1 stick butter 6 eggs 3 cups plain flour

Cream margarine, butter, and cream cheese until fluffy. Add sugar gradually. Start adding flour after beating in two well-beaten eggs. Add one egg at a time, alternating with flour and ending with flour. Bake in a greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 275 for one hour, then raise temperature to 300 for approximately one hour. Do not preheat oven.

Mix all ingredients together and serve with Fritos or Doritos.

10 Today in Mississippi June 2017 Pay Bill

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

Report Outages

Check

View Outage Map

POWER in Co-op Voting

Singing River Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

CEO’s Message

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

Round Up Bill

There’s

Mike Smith General Manager and CEO Singing River Electric

I encourage you to return your mailed proxy or vote online in our annual board of directors election. Voting establishes our cooperative’s local leadership and is a benefit of your co-op membership. Have a say and exercise your right to vote as a member

of Singing River Electric cooperative. Simply complete, tear off and return the proxy postcard that was mailed to you, or use your SmartHub app or visit singingriver.com to vote online. All online voting must be complete and proxies received by close of business on Friday, June 16. Members who return proxies or vote online will be entered in a drawing for one of six $250 prizes and one grand prize of $500. Members will vote for one director candidate in each of three geographic districts. These Singing River Electric members live in your community and have been certified as qualified candidates by Singing River Electric members serving on the Election and

Credentials Committee. You will also vote on two proposed bylaw changes this year. The first is a name change to Singing River Electric Cooperative from Singing River Electric Power Association. We feel the name change more clearly defines who we are, which is an electric cooperative. The second bylaw change will create an additional director position for District 3 including Jackson and Harrison counties due to member growth in this area. For candidate biographies and more information on the bylaw changes, please see your mailed proxy notice or see the official ballot listed on the SmartHub app and the cooperative’s website located at singingriver.com.

2017 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Thursday, June 29 Lucedale – 11187 Old 63 South registration opens: 4:30 p.m. Meeting begins: 6 p.m. energy fair: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

You could win

$500 CASH! 2017 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Vote Online or use the smarthub app voting instructions ࠮ Vote by 5 P.M. Friday, june16. ࠮ Visit singingriver.com on your computer, or go to our

Cast your vote by proxy mailer MAILING instructions • • • •

Detach proxy mailer at perforation. No envelope needed. No stamp needed - postage paid. Must be received by June 16.

SMARTHUB APP on your mobile device. ࠮ Click “vote here” button. ࠮ Enter Membership ID and zip code. ࠮ Cast your vote.

It only takes a minute AND IT’S An official 2017 VOTE

June 2017

National Weather Service

Today in Mississippi 11

provides critical information to members during severe weather By Elissa Fulton “One of the critical messages we want to get out to the public is that it doesn’t take a major hurricane to produce major impacts,” said Jason Beaman, warning coordination meterologist for the National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile. “Looking at the category number is a very dangerous approach. The category is only talking about wind speed, but that’s not what’s killing the most people in hurricanes. Winds account for 5-8 percent of fatalities in tropical storms and hurricanes. Storm surge and inland flooding – 75 percent!” Growing up in south Alabama in the Gulf Shores area, Beaman is no stranger to severe weather and tropical storms. As a child he was fascinated by severe weather, particularly memories of Hurricane Elena that impacted the Gulf in 1985. That curiosity has continued through his life. Since earning a

Get weather warnings first! • Purchase weather radio. • Allow wireless emergency alerts. • Download weather alert apps. (Red Cross, FEMA) degree in Meteorology from the University of South Alabama, he has worked in the industry for 15 years. He is responsible for reaching out to the public and keeping the external lines of communication open. Beaman encourages the public to have multiple ways of receiving information during a severe weather outbreak – specifically warning information. The NWS in Mobile serves three states across the southeast. Five Mississippi counties including George, Greene, Stone, Perry and Wayne counties receive their weather information and severe weather alerts from the office. These counties also fall in Singing River Electric’s service area. The NWS is a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) branch of the Department of Commerce, and is the government agency tasked with providing weather-related information and safety alerts to the public. The Mobile office has a total of 22 team members, including forecasters and support staff that provide weather services 24-hours per day, seven days per week. In addition to providing the public with safety information, the NWS office in Mobile provides the aviation forecast, serves the Coast Guard, Emergency Operation Centers (EOC), Gulf Islands National Seashore and the Port of Mobile, one of the largest ports in the nation. They also partner with the

military, local law enforcement and local media out- hurricane is the most intensive operation that the lets to keep the public safe during severe weather office can do. The meteorologists and staff go to 12events. Not only is the NWS monitoring weather hour shifts, and each person is assigned a task to events on land, but they are also constantly monitor- continuously provide a stream of information to the ing miles of marine landscape in the Gulf of Mexico. public, the NWS partners and emergency manage“A weather radio is one of the best ways to receive ment teams. information,” said Beaman. “It’s going to wake you Planning for a hurricane and having an evacuation up in the middle of the night and let you know plan is crucial to Singing River Electric members something is coming your way. It can be that critical living in coastal areas, and you should know that a tool, especially overnight.” Cell phones have also become a great tool for receiving information, and according to Staying up to date with the weather in your Beaman, have been a game changer. The area and having a plan for a severe weather outbreak new cell phones have built-in wireless is very important during hurricane season. Follow the emergency alerts that automatically NWS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NWSMobile and receive tornado warnings and flash flood Twitter @NWSMobile, or visit www.weather.gov/mob to warnings. The NWS issues a warning receive forecast information and preparedness tips. box to the cell phone providers of the threatened areas, and all phones within that cell tower will sound alarms in emergency situations. Beaman also suggests downloading apps on the cell phones, such as the Red Cross and the Federal today – on a normal day. If you live in a surge zone, Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). it’s important to know where you are in relation to Television broadcast is also critical to warning infor- the surge zone – and if you are in an evacuation mation, but it’s important to not just rely on one zone, what zone are you in? Knowing where you are source of information. Having multiple tools is going to go in case of evacuation can be essential imperative because if one source of information fails, during a crisis situation. there’s something to fall back on. “If the family has a game plan ahead of time, it’s The forecasters are constantly monitoring the going to be a lot less stressful. There will be enough weather, but if a hurricane were to approach the stresses with the storm itself,” said Beaman. “If Gulf of Mexico, obviously the activity will ramp up you’ve got everything lined out and know what you in Mobile. If the area gets inside the forecast cone, are going to do, it’s just going to help you and your then operations go to the next level. Preparing for a family make better decisions.”

Jeff Medlin, head meteorologist in charge (left) and Jason Beaman, warning coordination meterologist, along with the NWS staff monitor the weather conditions continuously to keep the public informed of severe threats in the area.

10 I Today in Mississippi I June 2017

Southern Pine’s member focus remains steadfast “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished,” said Ben Franklin. Today, we spend a lot of time talking about change and the need to be able to adapt. After all, change can be good. For many of us, change is hard. As we move into a season of change at Southern Pine, I hope we can see past the “change” itself, and focus on opportunities for real improvements and better connections. I realize perspectives differ on this. Let me tell you a personal story about differing perspectives on change. Frequently over the last year or so, my father would complain about how old their lawn mower was and how often he was having to repair it. It was time for a new mower. I thought I was doing him a favor when I bragged how much more efficient my new zero-turn mower was compared to the old tractor-style lawn mower he and Momma still owned. I was happy when I learned he had purchased a new zero-turn mower, and I enjoyed hearing about how well he thought it performed. The problem with this change has to do with Momma. You see, ever since my brother and I left home for the real world, Momma cut the grass. When I had kids of my own, she would take joy in riding her grandchildren around the yard on her little green tractor as if it were a carnival ride. Momma enjoyed cutting grass on “her” mower, and I was eager to hear how much she liked the new zero-turn mower that replaced her old one.

When I asked her about it, she said with a terse tone, “I told your Daddy when he was looking at that thing that if he wanted to buy one of those zero-turn contraptions, HE would be the one cutting the grass!” No wonder Daddy was able to tell me so much about how fast and smooth that new mower was; he was the one getting all the seat time now! When I asked Momma why she took such a hard line with Daddy on this, she told Jason S. Siegfried me she simply does not President/CEO like change and that change scares her. She just wanted a newer version of what she was comfortable with, and she didn’t want to be forced into a big change. When I think about big, often disturbing changes at our cooperative, I’m thinking of innovative technology, faster communications and the turbulence of the Digital Age. Also, Southern Pine’s updated name and logo come to mind, and let’s not forget changes in leadership and the new building project under way in Taylorsville. Although these transformations are exciting for some, they are unsettling for others in our cooperative

New Twitter username

Holiday closing

We’ve changed our Twitter username to @MySouthernPine. We hope you’ll follow us and keep up to date with outages, energy efficiency tips and other features. And don’t forget our Facebook page: facebook.com/MySouthernPine.

All Southern Pine offices will be closed

Tuesday, July 4 as we celebrate Independence Day. Dispatchers will be on duty. Report outages at 1-800-231-5240. Have a safe holiday!

family. The story about my mother’s loss of her little green tractor gives me reason for pause and reminds me of the anxiety some have when change occurs. New technology continues to provide real improvements for some while causing challenges for others. Faster communication systems are great for connecting but modern expectations for instant response stir frustrations on both sides. Ever had someone ask you why you haven’t responded to the text message sent five minutes ago? The abundance of information is great for those who know where to find it, but once you do, it can be overwhelming. I love our cooperative’s new logo, but I realize some people hold onto the tradition and legacy of the old one. I can’t wait to get in the new building, but I know some of our people will miss the office they’ve grown fond of over the years. Quite frequently, I mention the need to focus on the connection we have with our people. The silly story about Momma’s little green tractor serves as a real reminder for me that people perceive change differently, and we need to keep this in mind. We don’t want our ambitious efforts to innovate and improve to hinder our efforts to strengthen people-on-people connections. I realize more than ever that in a world filled with change, we will have to try to understand how it affects our people, both members and employees. Contact Southern Pine Electric President and CEO Jason S. Siegfried at jsiegfried@southernpine.coop.

Energy tip Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material, not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages.

June 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Clearing a path for electricity Southern Pine Electric strives to provide the safest and most reliable electric service possible. One very important way to help achieve this is a vegetation management or right-of-way clearing program. Trees are one of the leading causes for service interruptions and can be a major hazard to utility personnel, as well as the general public. Clearing these rights-of-way is very important to keeping our electric system reliable and safe. We refer to right-of-way as the land beneath or beside the electric lines that an electric cooperative has an easement to maintain and clear. Typically, these easements range from 15 to 20 feet on either side of the primary electric lines. We have several methods in which we maintain these lines on a regular basis. Right-of-way can be cleared by cutting, trimming, or using environmentally safe herbicide. • Each district has a right-of-way crew that assists daily with cutting dead or dangerous trees helping to prevent electric service interruptions. They trim limbs and brush that grow close to the line that could cause electric lines to blink or result in a service interruption. These crews also assist with trimming our new service projects and help with storm damage restoration. • Our strategy is to maintain electric lines on a consistent, planned trimming/cutting cycle. Approximately every four years, we have contract crews that use larger side trimming units to trim all the primary electric lines within a substation. They also use bucket

trucks to assist with this process to access the areas in or around yards. Once the crews trim vegetation, they are under contract to collect limbs or brush left on the ground within five days. • We also use an environmentally safe herbicide program to control the ground floors of our power line rights-of-way. This helps prevent the brushy undergrowth from By Chad Lewis encroaching on our electric lines and allows for easier access to our crews during outage restoration. Right-of-way or vegetation management programs are critical to ensuring that we provide members with the most reliable electric service possible. Staying ahead of electric service interruptions is very important to us. With over 10,000 miles of power lines spanning 11 counties, this is a continuous cycle for us. Remember to contact Southern Pine Electric first if you choose to trim or remove trees near any electric service line. If you see a tree touching electric lines and sparking or any other hazardous tree condition, contact us at 1-800-231-5240 to report the condition. Chad Lewis is Southern Pine Electric’s vice president of operations. Contact him at clewis@southernpine.coop.

Southern Pine Electric’s James Barnes trims trees along right-of-way in Smith County.

Retired General Manager Donald L. Jordan, left, receives a framed resolution passed by the Mississippi Legislature from President/CEO Jason S. Siegfried. Jordan was presented the resolution and one approved by the Southern Pine Electric board of directors at an all-employee meeting May 16.

Donald L. Jordan honored for service to Southern Pine The board of directors of Southern Pine Electric recently enacted a resolution commending Donald L. Jordan for exemplary service to the cooperative as general manager for the past 30 years and congratulating him on his retirement. Through many challenges from Mother Nature, political unrest, takeover attempts and economic struggles, Mr. Jordan’s wise counsel and strength established Southern Pine as one of the strongest cooperatives in the United States. During his tenure, Southern Pine opened four district offices, one branch location and will complete construction of a new campus in 2018 that will include a warehouse, general service building, district office and a new headquarters building located in Taylorsville. Signifying the many years of dedicated, faithful service by Mr. Jordan to Southern Pine Electric and its members, the resolution announced the intention of naming the new headquarters building The Jordan Building, with a monument in his honor to be erected as part of the permanent structure of the building. Mr. Jordan has devoted his life to serving others through his mission to make life better for his family, Southern Pine and the state of Mississippi. The Mississippi Legislature recognized his dedication and commitment earlier this year when they unanimously approved a resolution honoring him. Senate Concurrent Resolution 656 recognized his distinguished civic and utility leadership across the nation and the state, as well as his work to bring economic development to Mississippi. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, Speaker Phillip Gunn and Senate Pro Tem Terry C. Burton signed the resolution. The first official event in The Jordan Building will be a reception hosted by the board of directors and employees of Southern Pine celebrating his life, accomplishments and retirement. Jason S. Siegfried, the newly named president and CEO of Southern Pine Electric, presented copies of both resolutions to Mr. Jordan during an all-employee meeting on May 16. As a show of their thanks, love for and support of Mr. Jordan, the employees honored him with a standing ovation during the meeting.

Today in Mississippi

June 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.

NUMBERS TELL THE STORY The first five months of 2017 have brought with them several strong storms with plenty of damage. The tornadoes of Sunday, April 30 and the subsequent storms of Wednesday, May 3 devastated portions of our service area. Some of the areas that had been restored by Wednesday morning were again hit Wednesday afternoon. Southwest Electric appreciates our Members’ patience as we worked as quickly and safely as possible to restore power after these storms.

Tornadoes:

Assistance:

4 tornadoes confirmed by NWS in our service area • Claiborne County: EF-2 tornado, 115 mph winds, 20.03 mile path • Adams County: EF-2 tornado, 115 mph winds, 3.43 mile path • Jefferson County: EF-1 tornado, 105 mph winds, 14.46 mile path • Copiah County: EF-0 tornado, 85 mph winds, 5.23 mile path 29 confirmed tornadoes across the state

6th Cooperative Principle – Cooperation Among Cooperatives • 3 MS cooperatives sent 56 linemen and 32 trucks to help with restoration efforts • 10 contract crew employees helped with restoration efforts

Restoration Efforts: • 6,900 Members without power Sunday night after the tornadoes • 6,600 Members with power restored by Wednesday morning • 3,000 Members without power after a second storm Wednesday afternoon

• 82 broken poles • 2,500 overtime hours for Southwest employees • 1 substation hit by lightning Sunday morning • 49 Southwest trucks dispatched • 85 full-time Southwest employees dedicated to serving our Members • 4 days – lunch was delivered so crews could continue working

Southwest Electric employees volunteered at the

Hog Wild Family Festival & BBQ Cookoff on Saturday, April 29. This is the third year that Southwest Electric employees have volunteered at this Brookhaven event.

Above left: Employees sold drinks and raffle tickets to raise money for the Lincoln County Volunteer Fire Departments. All money raised is donated back to the fire departments. Above right: Les Southerland assisted Members with downloading and using our SmartHub app. Members received LED light bulbs, thermometers and rain gauges.

Southwest Electric will be closed at noon on Thursday, June 29th.

June 2017 Today in Mississippi

Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association annual meeting The annual meeting of Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association Members will be held at 18671 Hwy. 61, the Lorman office, at 10 a.m., August 9, 2017. The meeting is being held for the purpose of electing directors, hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year and transacting other such business as may come before the meeting. HINDS COUNTY

Bylaws outline meeting procedures Article III, Meetings of Members Section 3.01. Annual Meeting For the purposes of electing directors, hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, the annual meeting of the members shall be held in August each year, at the general office of the Association or at such place in one of the counties of Mississippi within which the Association serves, as the Board of Directors shall order; PROVIDED, that for sufficient cause the Board of Directors may decide to hold the annual meeting in July or September. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time and place shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Association. It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to make adequate plans and preparation for the annual meeting, and to encourage attendance by the membership at these meetings. Section 3.02. Special Meetings Special meetings of the members may be called by at least four (4) directors or upon written request signed by at least 10% of the members, and it shall thereupon be the duty of the Secretary to cause notice of such meeting to be given as hereinafter provided. Special meetings of the members may be held at any place within one of the counties of Mississippi within which the Association serves, as specified in the notice of the special meeting. Section 3.03. Notice of Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Meetings Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than seven (7) calendar days nor more than twenty (20) calendar days before the date of the meeting, either personally, electronically, or by mail, by or at the direction of the Secretary, or by the directors or members calling the meeting, to each member. If directors are to be elected at such meeting, the notice of members' meeting shall include a statement of the number of directors to be elected, the districts from which they are to be elected, or that the candidate is at-large, and the names of the candidates nominated by the committee on nominations and of any candidates nominated by petition pursuant to Section 4.04(b). Unless contained with such notice, no matter may be acted upon at that meeting which requires the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the members. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the member as it appears on the records of the Association, with postage thereon prepaid. The failure of any member to receive notice of an annual or special meeting of the members shall not invalidate any action which may be taken by the members at any such meeting. Section 3.04. Quorum 250 members present in person or by valid proxy shall consti-

tute a quorum at a regular or special meeting of the members. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting of members, the presiding officer of the meeting may, without a motion, declare the meeting adjourned and closed, or he or she may hold the meeting open for not longer than thirty minutes to see if a quorum is present within that time; and meeting shall automatically be adjourned and closed if a quorum shall not be present at the end of said thirty-minute period. The members present at the meeting at which a quorum is not present shall not have the power to take any kind of action, including, but not by way of limitations, adjourning said meeting to another time and place. At all meetings of the members, whether a quorum be present or not, the Secretary shall annex to the meeting minutes, or incorporate therein by reference, a list of those members who registered as present in person or who were represented by valid proxies. Section 3.05. Voting Each member who is not in a status of suspension, as provided for in Section 2.01, shall be entitled to only one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at any meeting of the members at which a quorum is present. A member may vote in person or by proxy. No person not a member, except the spouse of a member, shall be allowed as proxy. At a meeting of the members where directors are to be elected, all members present in person or by proxy may cast one vote for each director to be elected; each member may vote their own vote plus those proxies executed in their favor, pursuant to Section 3.06 of these bylaws. Voting by members other than members who are natural persons shall be allowed upon the presentation to the Association, prior to or upon registration at each member meeting, of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting same to vote. At all meetings of the members, all questions shall be decided by a majority of the members voting thereon, except as otherwise provided by law or by the Association's Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. Members may not cumulate their votes. Section 3.06. Proxies At a meeting of the members, a member may vote by proxy executed in writing or electronically (when available by the Association) by the member, subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth, provided, however, any member holding and intending to vote a proxy must file the executed proxy at the Association's headquarters, not less than five (5) calendar days prior to the meeting. The proxy must have entered thereon the account number of the member executing the proxy. If one person shall receive electric service through two (2) or more meters at different premises, he or she shall nevertheless be entitled to only one (1) vote at any meeting of the members. No proxy shall be voted at any meeting of the members unless it shall designate the particular meeting at which it is to be voted, and no proxy shall be voted at any meeting other than the one so designated or any adjournment of such meeting. No proxy shall be voted by anyone except a member. No member shall vote as proxy for more than 250 members at any meeting of the members. The presence of a member at a meeting of the members shall revoke

a proxy theretofore executed by that member, and such member shall be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the same effect as if the proxy had not been executed. A standard proxy form shall be used which identifies the member by name and account number, in order to assure authenticity and facilitate the tabulation of votes. If the proxy form of a member is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the Association shall furnish the member with a replacement proxy form upon request, provided that the member executes a revocation of the lost, stolen or destroyed form, to be witnessed by an employee of the Association. Blank proxy forms will not be distributed in bulk to any member or other person. Only the proxy form issued by the Association shall be valid. Section 3.07. Representative Voting Legal entity organizations and non-legal entity organizations which are members of the Association may be represented at any meeting of the members and may vote only as follows: (a) any director, officer or general manager duly authorized in writing may represent and cast the one vote of a corporation; (b) a trustee, steward, deacon, clerk, or pastor, duly authorized in writing may represent and cast the one vote of a church; (c) a school trustee, principal or superintendent duly authorized in writing may represent and cast the one vote of the school; (d) and any other association or organization not a legal entity may be represented by and have its one vote cast by any person duly authorized in writing who is a trustee, or manager or part owner, or any officer of such association or organization. Section 3.08. Order of Business The order of business at the annual meeting of the members and, so far as practicable at all other meetings of the members,

CLAIBORNE COUNTY

COPIAH COUNTY

JEFFERSON COUNTY LINCOLN COUNTY

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ADAMS COUNTY

AMITE COUNTY

WILKINSON COUNTY

Service area

shall be essentially as follows, except as otherwise determined by any officer of the Association who is presiding at such meeting: 1. Report on the existence of a quorum. 2. Reading of the notice of the meeting and proof of the due publication or mailing thereof, or the waiver or waivers of notice of the meeting. 3. Reading, or the waiver thereof, of unapproved minutes of previous meetings of the members and the taking of necessary action thereon. 4. Presentation and consideration of reports of officers, directors, and committees. 5. (a) Receive report of Committee on Nominations. (b) Secretary to present petitions filed and posted for the nominations of directors. (c) Receive report of Credentials and Elections Committee. (d) Election of Directors. 6. Unfinished Business. 7. New Business. 8. Adjournment.

Non-discrimination statement Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Person with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

10 I Today in Mississippi I June 2017

Twin County

The power of working together

Electric Power Association

Delta farm couple

moo-ve

into milk production By Debbie Stringer It’s a picture-perfect spring day in Sharkey County: cool breezes, hawks soaring in bluebird skies and dairy cows grazing in lush pastures. Wait—dairy cows? In the Delta? Why not, say farmers Bill and Mindy Rutherford. The Rutherfords have raised and sold grass-fed, grainfinished Angus beef for 13 years at Kin Growers, their family farm operation based at Council Bend farm, on U.S. 61 near Rolling Fork. Last year the couple ventured into dairy farming, starting with four Jersey cows. Their herd now stands at 24. The Rutherfords bottle some 80 gallons of whole milk each day, all produced, pasteurized and bottled on the farm. The milk is delivered to food retailers from Greenwood to Vicksburg to Ridgeland, and to restaurants in the Jackson Metro and other areas. And it’s sold on the farm. Served by Twin County Electric Power Association, Kin Growers is the only dairy producer-processor in the Mississippi Delta and one of only seven in the state. Most dairies in Mississippi are large commercial operations that haul raw milk to dairy plants for processing. The Rutherfords’ son, Will, is a partner in the farm, and daughter Jenny Murphy handles product marketing. Four of the Rutherfords’ seven grandchildren live nearby and help out too. They even helped milk cows by hand during a storm-related power outage.

As a boy growing up in Hernando, Bill learned about cows and crops on his grandfather’s farm. There the die was cast: Bill wanted to become a farmer. “I’ve row cropped since I was 14,” he said. “My early childhood thoughts of being a farmer were being like my grandfather in the hills. He had a small dairy, worked a little bit of ground. Well, when you move to the Delta,

farming is a much bigger operation.” Bill eventually farmed thousands of acres with his father and brother after the family moved to Rolling Fork. “It was a blast,” he said. Kin Growers today produces row crops, vegetables, eggs, in addition to beef, pork and dairy products. The beef and pork are processed by Mississippi State

“Mindy and I have seen every sunrise and every sunset since a year ago March.” –Bill Rutherford

University. Being the only dairy producer in this region of the state is a lonely business. With no local producers to count on for guidance, Bill and Mindy are learning the business through educational programs offered by Mississippi State University and from MSU Extension dairy specialist Amanda Stone. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” Bill said. “I think the biggest thing we weren’t aware of when we started [the dairy] was all of the washing,” Mindy said. “All the equipment is sanitized two or three times a day. I tell people we’ve gone from a family of cowboy boots to a family of rubber boots because of all the washing we do on a daily basis.” Twenty-one of their cows are milked twice a day every day, beginning at 5:30 a.m. “Mindy and I have seen every sunrise and every sunset since a year ago March,” Bill quipped. The Rutherfords are comfortable with the size herd

they have now. Rather than increase the volume of milk production, they are looking to expand into cheese production, starting with a spreadable cheese. To learn cheese making, Bill and Mindy visited Country Girls Creamery, in Pearl River County, to watch the process. The creamery owner even shared his cheese recipes with the Rutherfords. “The people you meet when you get in the cattle business are unbelieveable people, just fantastic people,” Bill said.

Compared to Holsteins, Jerseys produce higher-quality milk. Jersey milk has more protein, calcium and vitamin B12, according to the American Jersey Cattle Association. Its higher butterfat content makes it more flavorful and “fabulous to cook with,” Mindy said. “We have lots of friends who have been told they are lactose intolerant but they can drink our milk,” she said. Kin Growers milk is not homogenized, so the cream rises to the top, Mindy pointed out. Consumers should give it a good shake before pouring. Jersey cows have a gentle disposition toward humans (including grandkids), one more reason the Rutherfords chose the breed. “Clara” is the farm’s ambassador. An especially calm cow, she doesn’t mind posing in the milking parlor for the local school groups that visit the farm in the spring and fall. Dairy employee Libby Durst, who holds a master’s degree from Texas Tech, leads the children on a unique educational experience. They get to feed calves and pigs, take a hay ride, visit the hen house, plant a seed and meet some of the farm’s hardest workers, the herding dogs. “They make our job a lot easier, and the kids love hearing stories about the dogs getting the cows up,” Durst said. It’s all new to most of the young visitors—and many of their parents. Corn is a far more common sight than cows in the Mississippi Delta. The Rutherfords welcome visitors of any age to their

June 2017

Today in Mississippi

Clockwise from top left: Bill Rutherford sits with “Sis,” one of the farm’s most valuable workers; she keeps the cow herd from straying too far. Employee Libby Durst checks the operation of the pasteurizer, which heats the milk to kill bacteria and make it safer to consume. Durst holds two of the farm’s laying hens, a Buff Orpington and a Banty. Two-month-old Jersey calf Miss Trudie downs a quart of fresh milk. The calves are bottle fed until weaned. Mindy Rutherford pets “Clara.” All the farm’s cows are named after the Rutherfords’ grandmothers, aunts and other relatives.

here than going to the store.” Visitors can also pick up weekly boxes of fresh vegetables through the farm’s community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, or just stop in to pick up a few items. This month, blackberries are available on a U-pick basis.

HOLIDAY CLOSING Twin County Electric Power Association offices will close Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Running a dairy is a 365-day-a-year job, but the

farm. Groups can arrange to hold special events and birthday parties. A small, rustic pavilion adorned with deer antlers provides seating. Whole milk (white and chocolate), vacuum-sealed cuts of beef and pork, and eggs are available for purchase in the farm’s store, next to the dairy barn. “As long as the gates are open, we invite people to come get milk,” Durst said. “People love it. They prefer coming

Rutherfords get to sneak away from the farm now and then—provided they’ve made arrangements with other family members to handle the milking chores. Yet the couple seem to relish what they do. “It’s fun. It really is,” Bill said. He feels fortunate to have been able to spend his life doing what he loves—farming—with the people he loves. “Nobody would ever say that Bill Rutherford is the best farmer they know, or the most productive person or made more money than anyone else, but I am the luckiest guy,” Bill said. For more information, visit Kin Growers on Facebook or call 662873-7627.

For after-hours outages, call

866-897-7250

Today in Mississippi

June 2017

We are prepared for

ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Summer Storms Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also bring the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association is ready to respond. The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches. We work year round – through right-of-way clearing – to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation. Despite our best efforts, during major storms, damage can occur to transmission stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many members as possible in the shortest amount of time. We start by mobilizing our line crews and other critical staff. Every phone line available is utilized to take your outage report calls. The big problems are handled

first – like damage to transmission lines, which serve tens of thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred. Yazoo Valley Electric’s line crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members. Next, line crews check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line crews repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line outside of your home or business. Make sure you notify Yazoo Valley Electric, so crews can inspect these lines. We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Be sure to check www.yazoovalley.com on your smartphone for the latest updates during a power outage.

Think safety FIRST!

June 2017

Smart window use can regulate indoor comfort

when you close the slats. And draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by 33 percent when they’re closed.

• In the morning, close the windows and the blinds or curtains. That will “trap” the cool air indoors and prevent hot air from getting in as the day heats up.

• If you shade the exterior of your windows with wooden or vinyl blinds, overhangs, awnings, shutters or storm panels, you’ll keep the sun from heating up your interior.

• Choose window treatments that not only look nice but that save energy. Some choices: Interior blinds made from heat-reflective material can reduce heat gain by 45 percent

• Replacing old, single-pane windows with double-pane models can keep your home more comfortable and shave dollars off of your energy bills, according to Energy Star.

Tip of the

Month

Today in Mississippi

Cool summer evenings call for fans, not a/c

Powering your comfort this summer!

YAZOO VALLEY ELECTRIC will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. Call 866-484-477 to report an outage.

Yazoo Valley Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!