Today in Mississippi July 2017 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

News for members of Electric Cooperatives in Mississippi

The Ultimate Float Trip

Delta canoeists paddle 2,400 miles down the Mississippi River

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

PAGES 4-5

Port Gibson landmark vanishesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for now

Mississippi Cooks: Easy low-carb recipes

Picture This: Mississippi mornings

10 Today in Mississippi

July 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

The path to efficiency independence www.centralepa.com

While fireworks and Independence Day parades are synonymous with the 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 co-op 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 investment in other areas. As importantly, 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

Tip of the

Month

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 or 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 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, Central Electric Power Association can help you on the journey. For information about energy efficiency programs, contact 601-267-5671.

Save on your utility bill by turning your thermostat up! Setting your thermostat to a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. Source: U.S Department of Energy

July 2017 Today in Mississippi

Be efficient in the kitchen with no-bake recipes Cooking in the summer can be unbearable, and the last thing you want to do on the hottest, most humid days is turn on the oven to make dinner. Your air conditioner works extra hard during summer months to keep your home cool, so why not give it a break with easy, efficient, no-bake recipes. The recipes below are meant to help you make a delicious meal for your family, without breaking a sweat!

Tzatziki

This refreshing dip can be eaten with pita chips or veggies. You can also add it to some grilled chicken or veggies as a sauce, or even add it to a salad to make a creamy dressing! Here’s the recipe: 2 cups (plus 1 tablespoon) 2 percent Greek yogurt 1 cup cucumber, grated 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons dill leaves (plus extra for garnish) Salt and pepper to taste Add all the ingredients to a bowl, then stir gently to mix.

Pita with Spiced Chickpea Salad and Whipped Feta Spread the whipped feta into your pita, add the chickpea salad and you have a delicious sandwich. Add grilled chicken or even a couple slices of smoked turkey or chicken breast for a heartier meal. Here’s the recipe: For the Spiced Chickpea Salad: 2 cans chickpeas, drained 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons cumin 2 teaspoons dill 2 teaspoons sumac 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 oz. cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup chopped cucumber 1 small red onion, finely diced 1 tablespoon fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro Add chickpeas, olive oil, lemon juice and spices to a bowl; stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Add tomatoes, cucumber and onion. Add dill and cilantro, and stir to combine. For the Whipped Feta: 6 oz. feta cheese 2 oz. cream cheese 1/4 cup olive oil Add feta and cream cheese to a blender. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the blender top until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

Frozen Lime Pie

A creamy dessert that’s a cinch to make. 1 prepared 9-inch graham cracker crust 1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1 cup evaporated milk 1/2 cup (about 3 medium limes) fresh lime juice 1 tsp. grated lime peel Optional garnish: lime slices or mint leaves

sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk, and beat until smooth. Add lime juice and peel, and beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Pour mixture into graham cracker crust. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm. Let stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish, if desired, and serve immediately.

Beat cream cheese in a small mixer bowl until smooth. Gradually add

Keep Food Safe Before, During and After a Power Outage Unfortunately, power outages do occur from time to time. It’s important to know how to keep your food safe during an outage. Use these tips from USDA to help minimize food loss and reduce your risk of illness.

Before

power outage

During

power outage

After

power outage

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed! Keep refrigerator at 40° or below. Freeze items like fresh meat and poultry that you won’t use immediately. Keep freezer set to 0° or below. Group frozen foods to help items stay colder longer.

If you anticipate an extended power outage, buy dry or block ice to keep the fridge and/or freezer cold.

If the doors stay closed during the length of the outage:

Check the temperature inside your refrigerator and/or freezer.

A full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours. If the temperatures are safe, the food should be safe to eat. A refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours.

Foods that should be thrown out after an extended power outage: Meat, poultry or seafood products Milk, yogurt and other dairy products Cooked or sliced produce

Eggs and egg products Soft and shredded cheese Opened baby formula Dough and cooked pasta Source: USDA

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

Beat the Beat Extreme Extreme Heat Heat a During periods of extreme heat, hot weather mixed ed with tuations. Accord outdoor activities can lead to dangerous situations. rdelated illness when ing to the CDC, people ple can suf suffer ffer heat-r heat-related operly cool themselves. During their bodies aree unable to pr properly otect yourself extreme eme heat, follow these guidelines to pr protect and your loved ones.

HEAT ALERT

S Stay tay inf informed: ormed: Check local ne news ws for extreme extreme heat heat alerts. for ou do not have have access access S Stay tay c cool: ool: If yyou onditioned space, space, visit a shop to an air-c to air-conditioned shop-ping mall or public libr ary for for a few few hours. library o your local health department tto Call your heat-relief shelt ers in y our ar ea. locate heat-relief locate shelters your area.

(nonalcoholic) S Stay tay h hydrated: ydrated: Drink (nonalcoholic) fluids rregularly, egardless of your your activity egularly y, rregardless olored, le vel. Wear Wear lightw eight, light-c level. lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

ve an yone in a closed, Don’t lea leave anyone

SUMMER energy savers

cooling costs. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, and turn on a ceiling fan to help circulate the air. • Wind chill. Fans don’t cool the air, but they make the air feel cooler by moving it around the room and against your skin, which creates a sort of “wind chill” effect. When the fan is running, you can move your thermostat three to four degrees higher without noticing a difference in your comfort level. • Cool touch. Replace every incandescent light bulb in your house with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb or an LED fixture. The replacements cost more at first than incandescents, but CFLs use 75 percent less energy and LEDs use less than one-tenth. Both of these energy-efficient versions pay for themselves and then some over their lifetimes. Plus, they emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t add heat to your home’s air or make the air conditioner work harder.

park ed vehicle vehicle parked

Do check on elderly friends and neighbors.

Tip of the

Heatt S Stress: Hea tress: W ho’s At At Risk? Who’s Adults over the age of 65, children childr under the age of four chronic medical four, r,, individuals with chr conditions such as heart disease, and those without access to air conditioning. Source: e: Cent C ers for Disease C Control ol and Pr Prevention

Month

Let the sun work for you! Consider solar lights for outdoor lighting. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity that can be stored in a battery and tapped at night to make light. Check manufacturers’ instructions to make sure your solar lights are situated to receive sufficient sunlight to recharge during the day. Source: U.S Department of Energy

July 2017

Today in Mississippi 11

Tzatziki

Frozen Lime Pie

Beat cream cheese in a small mixer bowl until smooth. Gradually add

Before

power outage

During

power outage

After

power outage

If you anticipate an extended power outage, buy dry or block ice to keep the fridge and/or freezer cold.

If the doors stay closed during the length of the outage:

Check the temperature inside your refrigerator and/or freezer.

A full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours. If the temperatures are safe, the food should be safe to eat. A refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours.

Foods that should be thrown out after an extended power outage: Meat, poultry or seafood products Milk, yogurt and other dairy products Cooked or sliced produce

Eggs and egg products Soft and shredded cheese Opened baby formula Dough and cooked pasta Source: USDA

10 I Today in Mississippi

July 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 As Americans, we are blessed to live in a employees working great country that values—and requires— toward that goal every participation from its citizens for our demoday. Whether it’s the cratic process to work. The same principles linemen who restore are at work at your electric cooperative. We your service after a value each member equally and want our storm, an employee in Ron Barnes President and CEO members to participate in co-op elections IT who works to keep and have a voice in the way their cooperayour information safe or tive operates. We are stronger when we come a member service rep who answers your call, together to work for a common goal. This has we are all working to make your life a little been true from the time our nation was brighter. formed. Coast Electric’s goal is to provide We hope you will exercise your rights as a your homes and businesses affordable, reliable cooperative member to be an active part of electric service and improve the quality of life the Coast Electric family. in the communities we serve. There are 249

Autonomy and Independence It seems appropriate in July, when we celebrate our nation’s independence, to focus on Cooperative Principle Four: Autonomy and Independence. Cooperatives are autonomous organizations

controlled by their members. What does that mean for you? That as member-owners of Coast Electric, you are an important part of the way our co-op operates. You having voting privileges and a voice!

A child stands center stage, her tutu sparkling, the spotlight shining down as she leaps and twirls with a professional ballet company. A pint-sized super hero saves his city from the clutches of an evil villain. A family watches fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World after a day of rides and treats. These are the kinds of dreams the Make-A-Wish Foundation helps thousands of children with lifethreatening illnesses realize each year.

10a PAGE

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

I Summer safety

10b-c

I Avian Protection Plan

10d-11

I Glow Run results

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10d-11

Coast Electric employees recently saw one of their own benefit from the generosity of Make-AWish supporters, and we want to help make wishes come true for others facing difficult times. During the month of July, our member service representatives will be selling paper stars to display in our lobbies for Make-A-Wish. All of the proceeds from star sales will benefit children in south Mississippi. We hope you will consider helping us make wishes come true for those who need it most.

PAGE

I Scam alert!

July 2017

Beat the Extreme Heat During periods of extreme heat, hot weather mixed with outdoor activities can lead to dangerous situations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. During extreme heat, follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your loved ones.

HEAT

ALERT

for extreme-heat alerts.

Stay cool: If you do not have access to an air-conditioned space, visit a shopping mall or public library for a few hours. Call your local health department to locate heat-relief shelters in your area.

Take control of your summer energy bills in five easy steps:

10a

a sort of “wind chill” effect. When the fan is running, you can move your thermostat three to four degrees higher without noticing a difference in your comfort level.

• Cool touch.

For every degree you turn your thermostat up during air conditioning season, you’ll save up to 2 percent on your cooling costs. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, and turn on a ceiling fan to help circulate the air.

• Quick change.

Don’t leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle

• Wind chill.

fluids regularly, regardless of your activity level. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

energy savers

A filter for your air conditioning system costs little (about $5 for a high-quality, pleated model), but can save you much more if you change it every month. Dirty air conditioning filters prevent air flow and make the air conditioning system work harder. That means a higher power bill.

Stay hydrated: Drink (nonalcoholic)

Today in Mississippi

SUMMER

• One degree.

Stay informed: Check local news

Fans don’t cool the air, but they make the air feel cooler by moving it around the room and against your skin, which creates

Replace incandescent light bulbs in your house with LED fixtures. The replacements cost more at first than incandescents, but LEDs use less than one-tenth the energy. Both of these energyefficient versions pay for themselves and then some over their lifetimes. Plus, they emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t add heat to your home’s air or make the air conditioner work harder.

• Sun block. Half of all the heat that enters your home comes in through the windows. Invest in a thick shade or window film to block out the summer sun. Save up to 15 percent on your cooling bill by shading west-facing windows, which absorb the most afternoon sun. For the hottest parts of your house, consider installing an awning or planting trees in front of the window to shade the house.

Do check on elderly friends and neighbors.

Tip Heat Stress: Who’s At Risk? Adults over the age of 65, children under the age of four, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, and those without access to air conditioning. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

of the

Month

10b

Today in Mississippi July 2017

Stay safe this summer Summer is in full swing, and that means it is time for fun in the sun! As you find yourself spending more time outdoors, Coast Electric reminds you to stay safe. Planning a home improvement project? When working outdoors, you may be using tools, such as ladders, power tools, shovels—or even paintbrushes with extendable arms. These items help

head power lines. • Planning to take a dip in the pool? Electrical devices, such as stereos, should be kept at least 10 feet away from water sources, and outdoor electrical outlets should always be covered. If you hear a rumble of thunder, exit the pool right away. • Speaking of thunder, summer storms can be dangerous if you’re caught in the

you get the job done but have the potential to be dangerous if used improperly. Pay attention to where you place metal ladders or dig for fence posts. Before you start any project, always look up and avoid overhead power lines. Keep a minimum of 10 feet between you and overhead lines. If you are planning a project that requires digging, remember to dial 811 first to find out if the area you will be working in is clear of underground power lines. Power tools should be kept away from wet surfaces, and outlets should not be overloaded. Exploring the great outdoors is a great way to spend time with the family, but keep these safety tips in mind: • Children should never climb trees near power lines—always assume a wire is live. Fly kites and radio-controlled airplanes in large open areas like a park or a field, safely away from trees and over-

wrong place at the wrong time. If you find yourself outdoors during a storm, move toward suitable shelter with covered sides, and stick to low-lying ground if possible. • When boating, don’t allow yourself or anyone else to swim near the dock. Avoid entering the water when launching or loading your boat. Docks or boats can leak electricity into the water causing water electrification. You should always be aware of your surroundings and potential electrical hazards by checking the location of nearby power lines before boating, fishing or swimming. Always maintain a distance of at least 10 feet between your boat and nearby power lines. These are just a few tips to remember when you are spending time outdoors this summer with your family. Have some fun out there, and always keep safety in mind!

July 2017

Today in Mississippi

10c

Tzatziki

Frozen Lime Pie

Beat cream cheese in a small mixer bowl until smooth. Gradually add

Before

power outage

During

power outage

After

power outage

If you anticipate an extended power outage, buy dry or block ice to keep the fridge and/or freezer cold.

If the doors stay closed during the length of the outage:

Check the temperature inside your refrigerator and/or freezer.

A full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours. If the temperatures are safe, the food should be safe to eat. A refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours.

Foods that should be thrown out after an extended power outage: Meat, poultry or seafood products Milk, yogurt and other dairy products Cooked or sliced produce

Eggs and egg products Soft and shredded cheese Opened baby formula Dough and cooked pasta Source: USDA

10d

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

Coast Electric’s

Avian protection plan One of the things that make Mississippi beautiful is the wildlife, and Coast Electric is making efforts to protect the birds that live in, or migrate through, our service area. To effectively serve our members’ homes and businesses, Coast Electric has a solid infrastructure of substations, poles and lines. Sometimes birds come into contact with or build nests on that infrastructure, causing harm to the birds and damaging the electrical system. It is important to Coast Electric to be a good steward of our environment, so we have put policies and procedures in place to reduce bird deaths and injuries while continuing to provide reliable electric service for our members. The cooperative’s Avian Protection

Plan will: • Ensure Coast Electric’s actions comply with applicable laws, regulations, permits and procedures • Seek to educate Coast Electric employees and members on bird encounters, reporting procedures and preventative measures • Document bird interactions with power lines that cause injury or death to the bird • Use the data collected to make informed decisions about pole and line placement in nesting areas • Participate in the voluntary U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Bird Fatality and Injury Reporting program • Assess structures where protected bird interactions have occurred and make appropriate modifications.

A pair of ospreys attempt to build a nest on Coast Electric poles just off Menge Avenue.

Because the nest was inactive, Coast Electric employees removed debris from the pole to ensure the birds were not killed or injured, and that the electrical infrastructure wasn’t damaged.

Employees placed a cover on the top of the pole to allow the birds a place to perch safely but not build a nest.

If you see a bird injured or killed near Coast Electric lines, please report the incident to any of the following: Coast Electric email: engineering@coastepa.com Attention APP Administrator U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 Special Agent Brad Rabalais (601) 965-4699 Wildlife Care and Rescue Center Ocean Springs

(228) 669-2737 www.wildlifecareandrescuecenter.org Gulf Coast Wildlife Rehab (228) 238-5505 email: info@gulfcoastwildliferehab.org Encounter Mississippi’s birds: Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR www.fws.gov/refuge/mississippi_sandhill_crane/piedmont/

Visit a raptor rehabilitation center: Wildlife Care and Rescue 13409 Leila St., Ocean Springs, MS (228) 669-2737 www.wildlifecareandrescuecenter.org

July 2017

Today in Mississippi

Coast Electric’s 3rd annual Glow Run raises over $3,000 for cancer research With faces decorated with glow paint and arms and necks stacked with shining bracelets and necklaces, 117 runners and walkers competed in this year’s Glow Run on the beach in Bay St. Louis. This was Coast Electric’s third annual Glow Run, an event that includes a one-mile fun run for kids and a 5K. All

raising funds for a great cause. This year’s event raised $3,000 for the Cancer Society. Those funds will stay in south Mississippi to help raise awareness for the disease and to fund research efforts that will help cancer patients. Coast Electric thanks all sponsors and runners for making this year’s event a success.

proceeds from the race benefit the American Cancer Society. As a not-for-profit cooperative, giving back to the people they serve is one of the principles that guide Coast Electric employees every day, and the Glow Run is a fun way to get the community involved in

5K Medal Winners Overall Winners Male - Charles Wambolt with a time of 19:02.9 Female - Auburn Guild with a time of 24:47.0 12 & under females 1st Avery Saulter 2nd Gabby Venable 3rd Hadyn Miller 12 & under males 1st Dallas Stricker 2nd Jacob Harper 13-19 year-old females 1st Hannah Houston 2nd Karly Wilson 3rd Sarah Lyons 13-19 year-old males 1st Samual Ortiz 2nd Nathan Houston 20-29 year-old females

1st Auburn Guild 2nd Alexandra Early 3rd Claudia Landry 20-29 year-old males 1st John Ingle 2nd Paul Tassin 3rd Nathan Drummond 30-39 year-old females 1st Catherine Rogers 2nd Tiffany Harper 3rd Amanda Foxworth 30-39 year-old males 1st Shay Menon 2nd Patrick Guild 3rd Gerard Esler 40-49 year-old females 1st Ginger Mckinney 2nd Tonya Savarese 3rd Brandy Maulden 40-49 year-old males

1st Bryan Mensi 50-59 year-old females 1st Jill Moore 2nd Veronica Torres 3rd Cindy Burnett 50-59 year-old males 1st Charles Wambolt 2nd Bill Burnett 3rd David Tuminello 60 and over females 1st Tanya Krause 2nd Kathy Fayard 3rd Donna Suddith Thanks to our sponsors! The Blind Tiger Daiquiri Shak Discount Tire Spot Mayley’s Pest Control Walmart Sign Gypsies Bay St. Louis

One-Mile Fun Run Winners Overall Winners Female: Ariana Rieben with a time of 8:26.9 Male: Christian Campbell with a time of 9:22.p Male 9 and under

1st Christian Campbell 2nd Vaught Lollar 3rd Jobe Foxworth Female 9 and under 1st Audrey Foxworth 2nd Allie LaFontaine

3rd Ava Rieben Male 10-12 1st Sienna Franceski Female 10-12 1st Ariana Rieben 2nd Mikayla DeSarkey

Beware SCAM ALERT Scammers are at it again this summer. Scams are targeting not only residential members but businesses as well. Members have reported that scammers are calling or, in one case, texting, to tell members they need to pay or face disconnection. We urge our members to be aware so you don’t fall victim to scams. How can you spot a scam? • Coast Electric employees will never call you to ask for payment. • Coast Electric accepts any valid form of payment and will not require you use one particular payment method over another. What should you do if you suspect a call is a scam?

• Do NOT give any financial information to the caller. • Hang up. Call local law enforcement and Coast Electric at 877-769-2372. While the scams reported this summer have been attempted only via phone, we also want members to be prepared if scammers target them in person. Remember these tips if scammers try to enter your home: • There is absolutely no reason a Coast Electric employee should enter your home. The only exception to this rule is if the member has contacted Coast Electric and made an appointment for a home energy audit.

• Coast Electric does not service any equipment inside of members’ homes, and employees will never need access to the inside of your home to do electrical work. • Employees will be in marked vehicles, wearing clothing with a company logo and should be able to produce a company badge if asked. If someone tries to gain access to your home or property: • Do not let them in. • Call local authorities. • Call Coast Electric at 877-769-2372 to report the incident.

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

Greenwood • Winona • Cleveland • Indianola

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energy savers

Tip of the

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SUMMER

Month

July 2017

Today in Mississippi

Tzatziki

Frozen Lime Pie

Beat cream cheese in a small mixer bowl until smooth. Gradually add

Before

power outage

During

power outage

After

power outage

If you anticipate an extended power outage, buy dry or block ice to keep the fridge and/or freezer cold.

If the doors stay closed during the length of the outage:

Check the temperature inside your refrigerator and/or freezer.

A full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours. If the temperatures are safe, the food should be safe to eat. A refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours.

Foods that should be thrown out after an extended power outage: Meat, poultry or seafood products Milk, yogurt and other dairy products Cooked or sliced produce

Eggs and egg products Soft and shredded cheese Opened baby formula Dough and cooked pasta Source: USDA

Today in Mississippi I July 2017

Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

We are your source for power and information You pay your utility bill every month with Dixie Electric and more than likely you think to yourself, “That’s done.” But, the truth is we’re more than just a utility provider that you pay each month for electricity. Everyone at Dixie Electric is committed to building stronger connections with you and the local communities we serve. One of the ways we are delivering on this goal is by providing you with information, resources and services that are as reliable and useful as the electricity we supply. We want you to view us as your energy partner and your first stop whenever you have a question about energy efficiency, renewables or other information about your co-op. Recently our board and management looked at ways to offer more services to you. As a way to accomplish that, we joined Touchstone Energy as you will see on page 10c. Our Touchstone Energy partnership will

offer more resources for you and training opportunities for our employees. In addition to joining Touchstone Energy, we began offering Prepay billing to our members earlier this year. Here are just a few of the ways we are sharing our energy expertise with you and leveraging the cooperative advantage to benefit every member. • We help you keep energy use in check by providing energy efficiency tips and calculators on dixieepa.com. As part of the Touchstone Energy partnership, we recently added an interactive game called the Home Energy Adventure that teaches you and your family about energy savings or myths related to energy use. • Electrical safety is priority for us, and we are committed to providing electrical safety tools and tips to help keep you and your family safe. Visit BeAwareEverywhere.com for life-saving tips.

Membership in Dixie Electric is a powerful thing. It means we are owned by you—our members. It means you have an energy partner to look out for your community’s best interests, not its own bottom line. When you have energy-related questions or needs, or Randy Smith questions about your memberGeneral Manager ship, we are ready to work with you. At the end of the day, that’s the cooperative advantage that allows us to be your community’s trusted partner, provide you with the electricity you need to power your daily life, and to be your source for power and information.

Touch a Truck raises funds for American Cancer Society Dixie Electric’s employees volunteered for the Touch a Truck event in Petal on Thursday, June 8. Nearly 300 people viewed bucket trucks, tow trucks, a school bus, a delivery truck, a racecar and emergency vehicles, like a rescue helicopter, fire trucks and a police car. The event raised $1,475 for the American Cancer Society.

July 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Board member Albert Hutto retires Long-serving board member Albert Hutto retired from the Board of Directors in March 2017 after nearly 30 years of service to Dixie Electric Power Association. During Hutto’s service to the board, he saw numerous changes at Dixie Electric, including the widespread use of technology, a change in management due to retirements and growth in both the number of members and employees. “When I started on the board, Dixie Electric wasn’t that big, it really grew over 30 years,” Hutto said. “Albert Hutto has served Dixie Electric well. He took his role as a board member very seriously and offered insightful guidance in our board room,” Board President Mack Mauldin said. “Albert has a whit about him that we will certainly miss.”

“I loved everyone that I served with on the board,” Hutto reminisced about his time on the board and the many different individuals that he served alongside. “They have been good to me always.” The members don’t realize that Dixie Electric has to pay a power bill each month too, Hutto explained. “Biggest change I saw was the monthly bills for Dixie go from $1 million to $3 million and as high as $8 million.” Dixie Electric receives wholesale electric energy from Cooperative Energy, formerly South Mississippi Electric Power Association Hutto has represented District 7 in Wayne County since August 1987. He and wife Jane live in Clara and have two children and two grandchildren. They are members of First Church of God in Clara.

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. 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, SandersvilleEucutta 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.

Same login, more tools, all in one place. Access your payment/billing information and report power outages anytime, anywhere. With the SmartHub app:

Pay your bill I Check your energy use I Report an outage I View a live outage map I Review billing history I Contact Dixie Electric I

Report power outages and view Dixie Electric’s live outage map easily on your device with SmartHub or view the outage map on prepared.dixieepa.com.

Getting SmartHub is EASY! To sign up through website: 1. Go to www.dixieepa.com and select “My Account.” 2. Enter your email address and password or click on “New User” if you do not already have a password. Or download the app to your smartphone: 1. Download the app from the iPhone app store or Android marketplace by searching “SmartHub.” If duplicate apps appear with the same name, National Information Solutions Cooperative provides the correct app. 2. Find Dixie Electric Power Association by location or name and confirm. 3. Enter your email and password or select “New User” if you do not already have a password.

10a

10b

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

ways Tip to save

of the

Month

SUMMER energy savers

Take control of your summer energy bills in five easy steps: • Sun block. Half of all the heat that enters your home comes in through the windows. Invest in a thick shade or window film to block out the summer sun. Save up to 15 percent on your cooling bill by shading west-facing windows, which absorb the most afternoon sun. For the hottest parts of your house, consider installing an awning or planting trees in front of the window to shade the house. • Quick change. A filter for your air conditioning system costs little (about $5 for a high-quality, pleated model), but can save you much more if you change it every month during the summer. Dirty air conditioning filters prevent air flow and make the air conditioning system work harder. That means a higher power bill. • One degree. For every degree you turn your thermostat up during air conditioning season, you’ll save up to 2 percent on your cooling costs. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, and turn on a ceiling fan to help circulate the air. • Wind chill. Fans don’t cool the air, but they make the air feel cooler by moving it around the room and against your skin, which creates a sort of “wind chill” effect. When the fan is running, you can move your thermostat three to four degrees higher without noticing a difference in your comfort level. • Cool touch. Replace every incandescent light bulb in your house with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb or an LED fixture. The replacements cost more at first than incandescents, but CFLs use 75 percent less energy and LEDs use less than one-tenth. Both of these energyefficient versions pay for themselves and then some over their lifetimes. Plus, they emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t add heat to your home’s air or make the air conditioner work harder.

Before

power outage

During

power outage

After

power outage

If you anticipate an extended power outage, buy dry or block ice to keep the fridge and/or freezer cold.

If the doors stay closed during the length of the outage:

Check the temperature inside your refrigerator and/or freezer.

A full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours. If the temperatures are safe, the food should be safe to eat. A refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours.

Foods that should be thrown out after an extended power outage: Meat, poultry or seafood products Milk, yogurt and other dairy products Cooked or sliced produce

Eggs and egg products Soft and shredded cheese Opened baby formula Dough and cooked pasta Source: USDA

July 2017

TOUCHSTONEENERGY.COM

Today in Mississippi

10c

Dixie Electric joins Touchstone Energy® It’s official. By now you may have seen, or soon you will, a new graphic symbol accompanying the familiar name and logo of Dixie Electric on utility bucket trucks, your power bill, and on dixieepa.com. Earlier this year, Dixie Electric joined other electric cooperatives from across the state and nation as a Touchstone Energy® cooperative. Touchstone Energy® is a national network of electric cooperatives that provide resources and leverages partnerships

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

to help its member cooperatives, like Dixie Electric, and their employees better engage and serve members. Electric cooperatives across the United States launched the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives brand to represent the advantages of locally owned electric cooperatives, which are rooted in the direct link between the cooperative and its members. “The dictionary definition of touchstone is a test of genuineness. Touchstone Energy® symbolizes everything that electric cooperatives represent today: electric power, human connections, and the strength of co-ops’ commitment to the communities and the members they serve,” Communication Manager Lydia Walters explained. “By pooling resources through the brand with other cooperative utilities, Dixie Electric will be our member’s source for energy-related information, such as energy efficiency, safety and disaster response.” More than 750 Touchstone Energy cooperatives in 46 states are delivering energy and energy solutions to more than 32 million members every day. “It’s much more than a graphic addition to our name and logo. It’s another way that we can show commitment to our residential and business members. As a locally based and governed utility, that commitment is to deliver reliable, affordable electric energy and to be an advocate and source for our member’s energy and community needs,” General Manager Randy Smith said. Touchstone Energy provides numerous programs, such as energy efficiency website tools, training for employees and educational information on topics like solar energy, just to name a few. To learn more about Touchstone Energy, visit touchstoneenergy.com or dixieepa.com.

10d

Today in Mississippi July 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).

July 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-

Plant the right tree in the right place

Today in Mississippi

MEDIUM TREES

SMALL TREES

30-35 feet from lines

Avoid planting within 20 feet of power lines.

• Red Maple • Spruce • Lacebark Elm • White Oak • Hemlock • Shagbark Hickory

• Bradford Pear • Carolina Silverbell • Golden Raintree • Ornamental Cherry • Saucer Magnolia • Serviceberry • Sourwood • Fraser Fir • Winter King Hawthorne

20-25 feet from line

6 0 ft.

50ft.

4 0 ft.

30 ft.

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.

40-45 feet from lines

70 ft.

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. LARGE TREES

20ft.

• Flowering Dogwood • Japanese Lilac • Kousa • Dogwood • Stewartia • Redbud • Ornamental Crabapple

10 ft.

This ad is an updated version according to Dixie Electric’s tree planting guidelines.

Today in Mississippi

July 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

The path to efficiency independence While fireworks and Independence Day parades are synonymous with the 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 CEO Randy Carroll 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 co-op 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 investment in other areas. As importantly, 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 appli-

ance or 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 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, East Mississippi Electric Power Association can help you on the journey. For information about energy efficiency programs, contact us a 601-581-8600 or EMEPA.com.

Keep your family comfortable.

July 2017

Today in Mississippi

10a

Groundbreaking ceremony for solar facility held at NAS Meridian become more resilient and secure." The Department of the Navy (DON), Tennessee turn aids in the growth of our community." The facility will provide power to the grid for con"Silicon Ranch is honored to partner with the Valley Authority (TVA), East Mississippi Electric sumption by TVA and EMEPA customers, including Power Association (EMEPA) and Silicon Ranch Department of the Navy, TVA and EMEPA on this Corporation (Silicon Ranch) broke ground May 25, on NAS Meridian. In exchange for the use of on-base land important solar energy project," said Kisber. "Forwardfor the solar facility, NAS Meridian will receive in-kind thinking organizations like the U.S. Navy have an a solar generation facility at Naval Air Station (NAS) consideration in the form of electrical infrastructure Meridian, Mississippi. opportunity to drive positive change, and the leadership for each of our partners on this project deserves Approximately 51,000 solar photovoltaic panels will upgrades, microgrid controls and access to the onsite tremendous credit for their vision and commitment to be installed on land leased from the DON. The facility solar energy generation during utility outages, thus, increasing the energy resiliency and security of the bring cost-effective, renewable power to NAS Meridian will generate up to six megawatts of direct current base. and to Lauderdale County." power. Silicon Ranch will fund, build, own, operate "TVA is committed to being a trusted energy partAdding cost-effective alternative energy provides fuel and maintain the facility, which is expected to be comner as part of our mission of service to the Valley," said diversity and increases regional energy resiliency and pleted in 2018. security. Notable ceremony presenters "Projects like this prove that we included Capt. Scott Bunnay, comcan achieve multiple savings and manding officer, NAS Meridian; benefits for the people of Mississippi John Kliem, executive director, and enhance the national security of DON's Resilient Energy Program America while enhancing military Office; Steve Noe, Renewables bases in our state," said Manager, TVA; Randy Carroll, Commissioner Presley. "This is a CEO, EMEPA; Matt Kisber, presiwin-win project. Using cost effective dent and CEO, Silicon Ranch; and solar power is using common sense." Mississippi Public Service Officials from EMEPA, DON, TVA and Silicon Ranch break ground on EMEPA CEO Randy Carroll addresses the crowd gathered for the "The MS Public Service Commissioners Cecil Brown and a new 6 MW solar facility at NAS Meridian. groundbreaking ceremony. Commission is proud to be a part of Brandon Presley. "Partnerships, like the one between the Department Noe. "The solar installation at NAS Meridian is a great today's ribbon cutting for this important project," said Brown. "We commend the Navy for leading the way of the Navy, TVA, EMEPA and Silicon Ranch make example of how renewable energy sources can provide in making renewable energy a reality for supplying our us stronger and better equipped to complete our misclean, local generation as a fully integrated part of the sion," said Bunnay. "NAS Meridian's success in effecmilitary with power." larger power system." tively managing energy resources has been recognized The DON continues to improve readiness, combat "EMEPA has been a partner of NAS Meridian for at the highest levels of the Navy, and efforts like the nearly 59 years and we continue to support their efforts effectiveness and flexibility through initiatives that solar project, to diversify energy sources help bases focus on energy reliability, resiliency and efficiency. in improving their viability," said Carroll. "This in

The Department of the Navy, Tennessee Valley Authority, Silicon Ranch Corporation and EMEPA recently broke ground on a 6 MW solar facility, which is expected to be completed in 2018 at Naval Air Station Meridian.

10b

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

SUMMER energy savers

Take control of your summer energy bills in five easy steps:

• Sun block. HEAT

ALERT

Stay informed: Check local news for extreme heat alerts.

Stay hydrated: Drink (nonalcoholic) fluids regularly, regardless of your activity level. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Don’t leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle

Half of all the heat that enters your home comes in through the windows. Invest in a thick shade or window film to block out the summer sun. Save up to 15 percent on your cooling bill by shading west-facing windows, which absorb the most afternoon sun. For the hottest parts of your house, consider installing an awning or planting trees in front of the window to shade the house.

• Quick change. A filter for your air conditioning system costs little (about $5 for a highquality, pleated model), but can save you much more if you change it every month during the summer. Dirty air conditioning filters prevent air flow and make the air conditioning system work harder. That means a higher power bill.

• One degree.

Do check on elderly friends

For every degree you turn your thermostat

up during air conditioning season, you’ll save up to 2 percent on your cooling costs. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, and turn on a ceiling fan to help circulate the air.

• Wind chill. Fans don’t cool the air, but they make the air feel cooler by moving it around the room and against your skin, which creates a sort of “wind chill” effect. When the fan is running, you can move your thermostat three to four degrees higher without noticing a difference in your comfort level.

• Cool touch. Replace every incandescent light bulb in your house with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb or an LED fixture. The replacements cost more at first than incandescents, but CFLs use 75 percent less energy and LEDs use less than one-tenth. Both of these energy-efficient versions pay for themselves and then some over their lifetimes. Plus, they emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t add heat to your home’s air or make the air conditioner work harder.

and neighbors.

of the

Month

July 2017 Today in Mississippi

10c

Tzatziki

Frozen Lime Pie

Beat cream cheese in a small mixer bowl until smooth. Gradually add

Before

power outage

During

power outage

After

power outage

If you anticipate an extended power outage, buy dry or block ice to keep the fridge and/or freezer cold.

If the doors stay closed during the length of the outage:

Check the temperature inside your refrigerator and/or freezer.

A full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours. If the temperatures are safe, the food should be safe to eat. A refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours.

Foods that should be thrown out after an extended power outage: Meat, poultry or seafood products Milk, yogurt and other dairy products Cooked or sliced produce

Eggs and egg products Soft and shredded cheese Opened baby formula Dough and cooked pasta Source: USDA

10d

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

EMEPA’s oldest rookie completes lineman training By Jessica Hamburg May 22, 2017, marked the start of the annual Basic Lineman School, hosted by East Mississippi Electric Power Association (EMEPA). The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, along with several cooperative employees from across the state, were prepared to bring the best knowledge of safety and training practices to rookie lineman. Though some might assume it is almost time for retirement, an unexpected rookie was in attendance this year. Jimmy Andrews has been with EMEPA for over 13 years, but at age 59, he is just getting started. As a Service Technician in Clarke County since 2004, Jimmy is frequently on-call. His day-to-day responsibilities range from changing yard lights and meter bases to helping line crews Jimmy Andrews when they need an extra set of hands. However, his on-call shifts can easily be after-hours or in the middle of a storm, where his assistance to the crews has been limited due to training and proper certification. He knew that he could do more to serve his co-op and help his team, so he finally bit the bullet and signed up to participate in The Basic Lineman’s School. For several months leading up to the course, and through good-humored fun, Jimmy was given a hard time about how he was going to perform at his age during the training. “I don’t feel like my age hindered me during training. But in my personal life, I stay active even when I get home from work – I don’t sit around much so that helps me have a lot of energy. The hardest part was changing threephase cross arms. Those things are heavy, and it isn’t easy leaning that far out from the pole,” said Andrews. Training dates neared, and Jimmy was stoked

about the opportunity to become a certified Lineman. His favorite quote during the week for the young guys was, “You can call me anything you want, just don’t call me sir.” When asked how it feels to be the oldest rookie in the state, Jimmy humbly responded, “COOL! But I’m also very honored to have been allowed to participate.” His advice to others that might be considering completing this type of training is to “go for it- age is just a number, and we definitely should not act our age!” He has a long list of coworkers and friends to credit with the encouragement he needed to take on this task. Jimmy knew his team would not give up on helping him, so he was ready to prove to everyone that he was not ready to give up on helping them. Passion is often hard to come by these days, but not for Jimmy. His passion radiates through his interaction with management, coworkers and most importantly EMEPA members. He truly has a servant’s attitude, and it is not surprising that members comment on his positive, trusting demeanor often. Completing an additional training for his job is just another way Jimmy proves to go above and beyond to serve his co-op. “Jimmy has always been a pleasure to work with – his dedication to members, and passion to do a good job makes him invaluable,” said Randy Carroll, CEO of EMEPA. For now, Jimmy plans to stay in his current role as a Service Technician. “If a position opens for an apprentice lineman, I would certainly consider it, but I’m also happy where I am,” said Jimmy, “I’ll let my supervisors decide where they need me most.” However, his new training allows him to feel more reliable and be a better asset to his Clarke County team during on-call shifts.

East Mississippi Electric 79th Annual Meeting

ATTALA COUNTY

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 7, and make plans to attend our 79th annual meeting. If you have any questions about the annual meeting or just want to know more, please contact EMEPA at 601.581.8624 or visit our website at www.emepa.com.

Louisville WINSTON COUNTY

NOXUBEE COUNTY

De Kalb

16 NESHOBA COUNTY

KEMPER COUNTY

LAUDERDALE COUNTY Meridian

I-20 NEWTON COUNTY

JASPER COUNTY

I-59 CLARKE COUNTY Quitman

WAYNE COUNTY

July2017

Today in Mississippi

ECM Foundation scholarships awarded The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation provides scholarships to the children of Mississippi cooperative employees that are qualifying high school seniors enrolled full time at accredited institutions for the following fall semester. This year’s recipients are Ryan Wakefield

of Clarkdale Attendance Center and son of Charlie and Mandy Wakefield and Jonathan Sloan of West Lauderdale High School and son of Ernie and Lorie Sloan.

Sloan awarded Power Distributors Scholarship

Congratulations to Ryan Wakefield, pictured with EMEPA CEO Randy Carroll, on receiving the 2017 ECM Foundation Scholarship.

Jonathan Sloan of Meridian was awarded a $4,000 college scholarship from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). TVA’s Power Play Scholarship Association rewards students for academic and community service excellence. Through this scholarship program, TVA and East Mississippi Electric Power Association aim to support its recipients in becoming tomorrow’s guiding light by investing their time and talent in community development, personal growth and team accomplishments. One of only 31 scholarship recipients across five states, Sloan graduated with High Honors from West Lauderdale High School. He is the son of Ernie and Lorie Sloan, who is an employee of EMEPA in the association’s Meridian office. TVA and distributors of TVA power created the scholarship program in 1995 for the

Congratulations to Jonathan Sloan, pictured with EMEPA CEO Randy Carroll, on receiving the 2017 ECM Foundation Scholarship and TVA Power Play Scholarship.

children of distributors’ employees to encourage students to excel and to recognize the strength of the partnerships between TVA and its distributors. Scholarship recipients are selected by a panel of college professors from across the Tennessee Valley. While at West Lauderdale, Sloan was an active member of the marching and concert bands, numerous clubs and honor societies including Boy Scout Troop 16 where he earned the rank of Eagle. He attends Midway Baptist Church where he serves in the youth group and media team. Sloan will attend Mississippi State University as part of the Shackouls Honor College with numerous scholarships including Mississippi Scholars and Eagle Scout scholarships. He plans to pursue a degree in software engineering.

Co-op Connections Business Spotlight 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.

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

Tooney’s Tire Center 47 Walnut Ave, DeKalb

off services

601-743-5588

Service Plus 3419 Grandview Ave, Meridian

off services

601-527-4098

Today in Mississippi

July 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 By Joe Cade CEO/General Manager

Gee-whiz electronics can be quite helpful One of the things I love most about the ever-changing world of electronics is the fact that so many different devices have entered our homes and businesses in a useful way. I get excited when I hear that the latest gadget can save me money, help me monitor the safety of my family or help me save on home energy costs. This may sound too good to be true, but there are many products on the market that do all these things and more! Take, for example, smart lighting systems. This energy efficient technology is fun and easy to use, and you can control many systems through the convenience of a smartphone app. The bulbs used with smart lighting systems typically use less energy than standard incandescent bulbs, and since the system can be controlled through your phone or tablet, you can turn off your lights from anywhere. No need to worry about spending money lighting an empty house! Just like smart lighting, smart security systems allow you to access and control your system through an app on your smartphone. Most smart security systems are customizable, and you can choose whether you want to install the system yourself or hire a professional

to set up the system for you. Some smart security systems even offer professional monitoring as a feature. Knowing your home is safe, no matter where you are, is comforting. Of all the new technologies out there, one I think helps 4-County Electric Power Association members most is an online energy-monitoring tool. Go to www.4county.org for a variety of energy-saving tips, tools and calculators. Just follow the prompts, like those on the home page banner and the “energy savings” link. With these systems, you can monitor your energy use anytime from anywhere, and in some cases, you can remotely operate your appliances through a smartphone app. These systems can help reduce your energy consumption, which will decrease your monthly electric bill. It seems like there are new innovations in electronics and technology every day. It can be hard to keep up and determine the systems that are right for your family. To learn more about smart home technologies that will save energy and work best for your home, contact the energy experts at 4-County, 1-800-431-1544, or go to www.4county.org.

Here’s An Idea

Stealing electricity is illegal and dangerous In these current times of economic difficulties, many customers are concerned with their electric bills. While there are numerous ways to cut down on the amount of electricity used in a home, in some cases customers resort to trying to steal electricity. Tampering with an electric meter is both illegal and dangerous. Under Mississippi law, anyone who intentionally tampers with a meter is guilty of a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine and imprisonment. “Those who tamper with their electric meters in an effort to reduce their power costs are stealing from their energy providers and their fellow cooperative members,” said Joe Cade, CEO/general manager at 4-County Electric Power Association. “Like any other business that is required to cover the costs of theft by increasing its prices, memberowned electric cooperatives must cover the costs of meter tampering in their rates.” Electric meters are designed to accurately record the electricity used each month and are routinely tested. Meters are sealed for the protection of the homeowner and the energy provider. Members who break a meter seal are exposing themselves and their home to the risk of electrocution and fire. Once a meter has been tampered with, it becomes both unsafe and unstable. Interrupting the flow of electricity through a line also poses serious risk to linemen working nearby. Your cooperative is dedicated to providing safe and reliable electric energy. Meters owned by 4-County are regularly inspected for signs of wear and damage. Employees are also trained to recognize the signs of meter tampering; they will report the crime and action will be taken. As members of an electric power association, you can assist in cracking down on energy thieves. If you are aware of or suspect that someone is tampering with a meter, please let us know. “If members are having trouble with their bills, they should not hesitate to contact us,” Cade said. “We’re happy to help suggest energy-efficient options and other ways they can reduce their use. Tampering with meters should never be an option.”

Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $546,464 on prescription drugs through April.

Look here each month to see the savings total!

July 2017

Today in Mississippi

Annual meeting a day of fellowship and fun Some 700 members of 4-County Electric Power Association attended the cooperative’s annual membership meeting Thursday, June 1, at the East Mississippi Community College auditorium in Mayhew. Those attending the event enjoyed a day full of food, fun, fellowship and information. Registration and a health fair for members began at 9 a.m. A catfish lunch with all the fixings for members began at 10:15 a.m. The business portion of the meeting began at noon. Members viewed a variety of displays featuring 4-County programs, services and equipment. Clara Hemphill of Weir, at right, participates in the 4-County 4-County CEO Joe Cade said there health fair June 1 at the co-op’s annual meeting. Willie B. Robinwas something for everyone at the meet- son of West Point, below middle, won the grand prize of a ing. “We provided our membership with retired 4-County fleet truck, presented by Board President Marty good information, elected two directors Crowder, left, and 4-County CEO Joe Cade. and, of course, gave away some great door prizes, including a truck,” Cade said. Held in conjunction with the annual meeting, the health fair provided members the opportunity to receive a variety of healthcare screenings. In addition to the pre-meeting health fair, the business session included financial and management reports along with the election of two directors to the Association’s board of directors. Two incumbent directors were re-elected: Mike Banks of Macon, District 4 (Noxubee County), and Bill Bell, also of Macon, District 7 (at-large). They will serve three-year terms. Willie B. Robinson of West Point won the grand prize, a retired 4-County fleet truck. There were a variety of other attendee prizes.

Clay County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy Dubois talks with co-op members about the unit’s new canine officer (purchased partly with funds from the 4-County Foundation).

Members of the East Oktibbeha County Volunteer Fire Department show off their Jaws of Life, funded through an award from the 4-County Foundation.

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Today in Mississippi

July 2017

Running for her

By Brad Barr Some people run away from things. But for the past six years, Melinda Howard has been running towards something—a healthier lifestyle and a renewed sense of purpose. When Melinda and her husband, Chris, moved to Lowndes County from Colorado eight years ago, her future was uncertain. Melinda was on oxygen 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In her own words, she was not in good physical condition and didn’t expect to live another five years. “I had to have people put my shoes on for me.” At the encouragement of her sister, Melinda began a regimen of healthy eating and exercise. “It needed to be done,” she said. “I needed something to kick-start my metabolism.” Melinda said during her efforts to change her diet, she never felt hungry or deprived. “I just ate the right things. It was not an overnight thing,” she explained. “Patience is a virtue. There is no quick fix.” And her exercise program progressed to training for a 5K race. The new runner started and finished it. She began running Labor Day 2011 and hasn’t stopped. Today, she’s 170 pounds lighter and running marathons. Her husband and children are “ecstatic” with her transformation. Melinda has participated in about 30 races in the

life

past six years. She competes in marathons and ultramarathons (50 miles or more). The longest she has run is 55 miles at the Brazos Bend Ultra-Marathon in Texas. “Speed is not my friend; so I concentrate on distance.” Other than the obvious health benefits of running, what does Melinda enjoy about the sport? “I like the challenge. I like the ‘me’ time. And I enjoy seeing all the scenery and other cool things in Mississippi,” she said. Fellow runner Thomas Witter of Columbus, and recent top Mississippi finisher in the 2017 Boston Marathon, agrees that running is a challenge. “The part of running I enjoy the most is the mental aspect. Running really helps me filter out the extra noise and focus on a particular thought. I perform my best problem solving during a long run,” he said. Witter was quick to add, “Running hurts; it doesn’t matter what level you are at. Physically, running is exhausting. However, I find running is very rewarding. It offers me an infinite number of goals and milestones to achieve.” Melinda grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, in a nice, cozy home. She took piano for 16 years and had little interest in physical activities. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Summit University in Pennsylvania. She taught for a while and was a youth director at a YMCA. Melinda is now retired, but Chris still

works as an IT professional. She and Chris have known each other since eighth grade, and have been married for 32 years. “We’ve grown up together.” The couple has two grown children: a son, Thomas, who is attending the University of Alabama, and a daughter, Laura, who is soon to be married. Melinda has three pets: Paxton, the necktie-wearing Boxer, and cats Kali and Castro. She often trains on the roadways in and around Lowndes County. Her coach, Brent Cunningham, offers her tips from Texas. What does she think about when she runs? “I have solved all the world’s problems out on the road,” she joked. But, seriously, she often thinks about an upcoming race and the strategies/routes involved with that race. She also concentrates on form, cadence, heart rate and the weather. She always keeps a close eye on traffic, animals and people. Melinda has had some interesting encounters on the road. Dodging lumber trucks, for example, can be quite a trick. “I’ve been blown backwards by a truck,” the runner said. And she has been matched pace for

July 2017

Melinda Howard of Columbus has run her way into a better life and a number of marathons.

Today in Mississippi

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“You know, running can be a very selfish sport. Participating in this program counteracts that and encourages me to do my best for Aiden. I love him.”

Howard partners with young Aiden, above, in the “I Run for Michael” program.

She has even taken her show on the road, participating in the London Marathon, above, and earning a medal there, above left.

pace by a four-legged friend. “I’ve run with cows,” she said with a laugh. Once, a cow got out of an adjoining field and trotted along behind her. “We had an interesting conversation.” She’s even been dive-bombed by vultures. Melinda doesn’t, she stressed, run with headphones. “I need to be aware of my surroundings.” She sometimes, however, does sing in her head. “And I will yell at myself too. I have to button my lip when I’m racing.” Ultra-marathons are often run on trails and varying types of terrain. Timing is not the focus. Finishing is. “They want to know if you have the grit to finish,” she said. Melinda has competed in the Chicago Marathon and the Berlin Marathon. She even competed in the London Marathon, just weeks before a recent terrorist attack there. “It’s really sad. We were at the same spot where that happened.” She has also made some lasting friendships through running. Melinda participates in a program called “I Run for Michael.” This unique program partners run-

ners like Melinda with those who have medical challenges. Runners give reports to their partners during training and dedicate their runs to them too. Melinda even gives duplicate medals to her partner, Aiden, a 5year-old who lives in Michigan. “I really wanted to be a part of this,” she said. Melinda has become good friends with Aiden and his mom, Andrea. “I post to him every day and tell him about my training sessions,” she said. “You know, running can be a very selfish sport. Participating in this program counteracts that and encourages me to do my best for Aiden. I love him.” Andrea says the relationship with Melinda has been a blessing. “She has been absolutely wonderful to Aiden and us. It is nice knowing that there are genuinely caring people out here that want to make sure that those who can’t do things on their own feel included and cared about by other people besides their families,” she explained. The duplicate medals are just icing on the cake, Andrea said. “Aiden has his own wall with his ‘race bling’ that Melinda has sent him along with her many other gifts.” She recommends participation in the I Run for Michael program. “If you can run (or whatever you are capable of doing) for others, it will surely make them feel special,” Andrea added. Those interested in becoming a buddy in the pro-

gram can go to www.irunformichael.com to get an application. They also run for the siblings of those with medical challenges. “They’re always in need of buddies,” Melinda said. Just like any other sport or hobby, running has its own tools of the trade, she said. Those necessities include a pair of carefully researched running shoes, quality socks, reflective clothing, a headlamp and a hydration vest. “I’m lit up like Christmas. It’s just smart.”

Her advice for new runners? • Work your way up to a run (consult with a medical professional) • Get the right shoes (research) • Get a runner’s store to fit you • Dress properly for the weather • Hydrate before and after run • If running on a roadway, run against the traffic Melinda’s plans for the future include putting one foot in front of the other. Recently, she said, a 94-yearold woman broke a half-marathon world record. “I’m going to do that,” Melinda said. “I’m going to break that record when I reach 94.” Running has provided her with something even more special than records. “I got a new lease on life.”

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Today in Mississippi

July 2017

4-County leadership trio tour D.C. Charlie Brand of Maben, Noah Methvin of Starkville and Tyler Dickerson, also of Starkville, were among more than 1,500 high school students from across the country who participated in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour held June 10-16 in Washington, D.C. The 4-County Electric Power Association delegates travelled to Washington with a group of 70 high school juniors from across Mississippi. The Youth Tour is designed to offer students from across the nation the opportunity to meet their elected officials, watch government in action and tour historically

significant sites, memorials and museums. Highlights of the event included meeting with their elected representatives in the U.S. House and Senate to discuss the process of government and issues of the day, and learning more about electric cooperatives and American history. The Youth Tour is a joint effort of 4-County, the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Look for more details and photos in next month’s issue of Today in Mississippi.

Stevenson joins 4-County Dedrick Stevenson has joined the 4-County Electric Power Association team. Dedrick and his wife, Kimberly, live in Macon with their daughters, Aymelia, 13, and Dedrianna, 5. He will work as an Apprentice Lineman III on the Corporate Center crew of Glen Ledbetter. Dedrick worked in a similar position for the City of Macon.

Welcome to 4-County, Dedrick! 4-County Youth Tour delegates, from left, Tyler Dickerson, Noah Methvin and Charlie Brand toured Washington, D.C., in June.

Watts Happening

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.

THURSDAY, JULY 6

SATURDAY, JULY 8

Monthly Gallery Opening and Reception; Main

Possum Town Quilters; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501

Gallery of the Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787. Free Small Business Workshop; Developing Your Business Plan; Mississippi State University Business Incubator Building Conference Room, 60 Technology Blvd. in Starkville; 1 to 3 p.m.; details, (662) 325-8684. Free Small Business Workshop; Starting a Business – First Steps; Mississippi State University Business Incubator Building Conference Room, 60 Technology Blvd. in Starkville; 1 to 3 p.m.; details, (662) 325-8684.

Main St. in Columbus; 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; details, (662) 3282787. Columbus Disc Golf Club Tournament; Lake Lowndes State Park Disc Golf Course, 3319 Lake Lowndes Road in Columbus; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191.

FRIDAY, JULY 7

2017 Black and White Ball; Trotter Convention Center, 123 Fifth St. N. in Columbus; 7 p.m.; tickets $25 each; details, (662) 251-7355.

through Thursday, July 13, and runs again July 24-27; $60 for wellness members, $70 for non-members; details, (662) 3239355.

CAC Summer Arts Camp; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; continues through Friday, July 21, and second camp runs July 17-21; $100 per week for each camp; details, (662) 328-2787.

MONDAY, JULY 10

SATURDAY, JULY 15

OCH Summer Camp for Kids; Oktibbeha County Hospital

Lion Hills Member – Guest Golf Tournament; Lion

Regional Medical Center Wellness Connection, 400 Hospital Road in Starkville; 8 a.m. to noon; continues

Hills Center and Golf Course, 2331 Military Road in Columbus; continues through Sunday, July 16; details, (662) 328-4837. FRIDAY, JULY 28

“Mississippi Characters” – CAC Youth Theatre; Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 7 to 9 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787.

July 2017

Payment options include kiosks 4-County Electric Power Association looks for ways to make doing business with the cooperative easier for its members. One of those easy payment options is kiosks located throughout the 4-County service area. Kiosk locations at the 4-County Corporate Center in Lowndes County and the coop’s Starkville office are available 24 hours a day. Other kiosks are available at various times throughout the co-op’s service area. The kiosks will accept check, credit cards or cash. The payment machines do not give change. Money taken in that exceeds the payment total will go toward the member’s next bill. The kiosk payment method is but one option. Members can continue to pay their bills in person, by mail, bank draft or online.

The cooperative now has 20 kiosk locations: Choctaw County Zippin – 1000 W. Main St. in Ackerman Piggly Wiggly – 24844 Miss. Hwy. 15 in Mathiston

Noxubee County Tem’s Food Market – 179 N. Oliver St. in Brooksville Tem’s Food Market – 101 W. Pearl St. in Macon Tenn-Tom One Stop – 14636 Hwy. 388 in Brooksville

Clay County West Point Shell – 1443 Hwy. 45 N. in West Point Knox Grocery – 9672 Brand Una Road in Prairie Sprint Mart – 631 W. Main St. in West Point McKee’s Kwik Stop – 8200 Hwy. 50 W. in Pheba

Oktibbeha County University Hills Shell – 1125 Hwy. 82 E. in Starkville State Shell – 801 Blackjack Road in Starkville Walmart – 1010 MS-12 in Starkville

Lowndes County Dutch Village Shell – 1245 Lehmberg Road in Columbus Sprint Gasoline – 3115 Hwy. 45 N. in Columbus New Hope Shell – 5780 Hwy. 182 E. in Columbus Sprint Mart – 1313 Hwy. 69 S. in Columbus Walmart – 1913 U.S. 45 in Columbus Sprint Mart – 111 Lehmberg Road in Columbus

4-County locations Starkville office – 9776 Mississippi Hwy. 25 S. Corporate Center – 5265 S. Frontage Road in Mayhew

Today in Mississippi

Deadline approaching to participate in extreme savings program A groundbreaking energy-efficiency program for homeowners is continuing to make life better for those eligible in the 4-County Electric Power Association service area. The 4-County Extreme Energy Makeover (EEM) program may sound too good to be true. But 4-County officials say the program is as true as they come. To participate in the limited time program, however, members must sign up quickly. The program offering is entering its final stages. Jon Turner, manager of public relations and marketing, is encouraging members to learn more about this valuable assistance. “This is a great program. Everything starts with an application and could end with a lengthy list of home energy-efficiency improvements. That likely means ensuing lower electric bills for those participating,” Turner stressed.

To participate, a member’s home/unit must be: • The primary residence • Site built and owner occupied • 20 years old or older • Heated by electric heat and have an electric water heater George Spain of Steens, owner of Spain Blowing and Wall Service, said the company is excited to be part of the EEM program. “It’s a good program. This work is going to help,” Spain said recently, while preparing to work on an EEM program home in Brooksville. “Basically, anything we do in these homes is helpful. They all need insulation.” Spain Blowing and Wall Service is located in Steens. It began serving customers in 1994. The company specializes in insulation. For more information on Spain Blowing and Wall Service, call 662-549-9228. The program needs more applicants, Turner said. “EEM is designed to help eligible homeowners living within 4-County’s service area to increase the energy efficiency, comfort and durability of their homes. The program starts with a home energy audit to identify opportunities for improving efficiency. If a member meets the eligibility requirements, then a participating contractor will install a variety of energy-saving upgrades in his/her home that will reduce the energy use,” he explained. The best information about the program? It’s free for those who qualify, Turner said. How does a member get started? Call Turner at 1-800-431-1544, or members can download the EEM application from 4-County’s website, www.4county.org/EEM.

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

Do you remember what life was like BEFORE electricity?

We want to hear your stories

If you ask someone born in the mid-1940s and beyond, many of them will not remember what it was like not to have electricity in their home. As time quickly passes around us, it has been almost 80 years since a small group of men gathered in Magnolia, with one goal in mind â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and that was to bring electricity to the rural areas of southwest Mississippi. We are searching for people who remember what life was like BEFORE electricity came into their lives. We want to document your story.

Tip of the

Month

Renowned Mississippian Walt Grayson will be conducting the interviews and documenting the information for us on Monday, July 24. (Exact time and place will be set up if you are chosen to be interviewed.) For anyone interviewed for the video, you will receive a $75 Visa Gift Card from Magnolia Electric Power as a gift of our appreciation for taking part in this historical-preservation project. Please contact Lucy Shell at 601-684-4011 to have your name put on an interview list.

Let the sun work for you! Consider solar lights for outdoor lighting. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity that can be stored in a battery and tapped at night to make light. Check manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instructions to make sure your solar lights are situated to receive sufficient sunlight to recharge during the day. Source: U.S Department of Energy

July 2017

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

Providing affordable, reliable electricity to our members since 1936.

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

B Beat eat tthe he Extreme Extreme Heat Heat extreme heat, hot weatherr mixed During periods of ext ed with outdoor activities can lead to dangerous situations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. During extreme heat, follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your loved ones.

HE HEAT AT

ALERT

S Stay tay informed: informed: Check local nnews ews for o e xtreme he at alerts. for extreme heat

ccess ou do not h ave aaccess S Stay tay c cool: ool: If yyou have to an airconditioned space, space, visit a shopping to air-conditioned mall or public lib rary for for a ffew ew hours. Call library your local health department tto o locate your heat-relief shelters shelters in yyour our area. area. heat-relief

coholic) S Stay tay h hydrated: ydrated: Drink (nonal (nonalcoholic) our activity egularly, rregardless egardless of yyour fluids rregularly, llevel. evel. W weight, lightcolored, ear light Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

ave anyone anyone in a closed, Don’t le leave parked vvehicle ehicle parked

Do check on elderly friends and neighbors.

child Adults over the age of 65, children under the cch age of four,, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, and those without access to air conditioning. Source: e: Centers for Disease Control ol and P Prevention

energy savers

Tip of the

He Heat at S Stress: tress: W ho’s At At Risk? Who’s

SUMMER

Month

July 2017

Today in Mississippi

Tzatziki

Frozen Lime Pie

Beat cream cheese in a small mixer bowl until smooth. Gradually add

Before

power outage

During

power outage

After

power outage

If you anticipate an extended power outage, buy dry or block ice to keep the fridge and/or freezer cold.

If the doors stay closed during the length of the outage:

Check the temperature inside your refrigerator and/or freezer.

A full freezer will hold its temperature for 48 hours. If the temperatures are safe, the food should be safe to eat. A refrigerator will keep food safe for four hours.

Foods that should be thrown out after an extended power outage: Meat, poultry or seafood products Milk, yogurt and other dairy products Cooked or sliced produce

Eggs and egg products Soft and shredded cheese Opened baby formula Dough and cooked pasta Source: USDA

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

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

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

Tracie Russell receives Chamber of Commerce 2017 Outstanding Service Award By Elissa Fulton North East Mississippi Electric Power Association is an active member of the Lafayette-Oxford-University (LOU) Chamber of Commerce. General Manager and CEO Keith Hayward is on the Economic Development Foundation board of directors, Marlin Williams, manager of member services, serves as a Chamber board member and Tracie Russell, billing manager, has served as a Chamber Ambassador since September 2016. The Ambassador program is unique to the LOU Chamber and has been around for approximately four years. The red coats they wear designate their standing with the organization, and at grand openings, ribbon cuttings and community events their presence is undeniably recognized. It is a yearly commitment and a member can serve as long as they choose. Currently, there are about 30 Ambassadors for the Chamber. As a growing community, they are actively seeking those who would like to serve. There is an application and interview process making the Ambassadors a select group of members. As a Chamber Ambassador, Russell is a liaison for the Chamber of Commerce and works many volunteer hours promoting the businesses of Oxford. She works hard for North East Power, but she also works hard for the businesses of Oxford. Her hard work was recognized on May 17 at the Economic Development Foundation Annual Meeting luncheon when she was recognized as the winner of the 2017 Outstanding Service Award for the Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon was for all members and approximately 300 of those members were in attendance. “I’ve never been more shocked in my life to receive this award,” said Russell. “I was listening to the speech about this person and when they called my name I was shocked. Very honored, but I’ve never been more surprised in my life.” Russell has a servant’s heart and she is very active in the community – always willing to go the extra mile to help her family, friends and colleagues. Russell’s involvement with the Chamber began in 2009 when she approached the management about becoming involved with the organization. She went through the Leadership Lafayette Program, which is an eight-month program in which participants learn about their county and city. Once she finished the program, she was asked to be on the steering committee for the Junior Leadership Lafayette and has served ever since. The junior program is designed to be an abbreviated version of the Leadership Program and is offered to tenth graders at

Oxford High School and Lafayette High School. Participating in that committee and her participation in countless events led her to the Ambassador Program. “I have to thank Keith Hayward because he allows me to do this. If it weren’t for his support, I would not be able to participate in these events,” said Russell. “This is something that must be supported through your employer because it takes you away from work and your office to do these things.” Being a member of the Chamber doesn’t come without benefits, according to Russell. “As the billing manager Tracie Russell is presented with the 2017 Outstanding Service Award. at North East Power, I am able to talk to our members She is pictured with Ryan Miller, president of the Lafayette-Oxfordwhen I am out and about at these functions. Our University (LOU) Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Ambassador name tags list our names, along with our place of business, and I love running into members at Chamber events when I get to tell them things they may worked together for 16 years and she helps out like that not know about North East Power. I feel like I’m putting here also.” that public relations aspect out there as I’m talking faceThe LOU Chamber of Commerce has over 700 memto-face with these members and it’s a huge asset to our bers and it is growing every day. In addition to the freorganization.” quent ribbon cuttings, grand openings, monthly meetings Tabatha Judkins is a friend and colleague who has and after-hours networking events, Russell also has her worked with Russell for over 11 years. She said, “I think assigned businesses that she checks in on frequently to this award is great because Tracie is so involved in the make sure they are aware of their Chamber benefits. community and she loves her little town, and we are very “Our Chamber of Commerce is amazing. They really proud of her.” keep things going here,” said Russell. “I feel like you have As a 30-year employee, Russell loves her job and her a really strong town if you have a really strong Chamber, community. She feels her position with the Chamber is a and I’m honored to work with them.” way she can promote Oxford and North East Power. She Russell puts in the time and effort for her community puts in long hours, mostly after hours, to work for the as well as North East Power, and she is very deserving of citizens of Oxford. the honor. Hayward said, “We are all very excited that “Tracie is very deserving. She puts forth the great Tracie was recognized for her hard work. She truly cares effort,” said Jennifer Knight, friend and colleague. “We’ve for the communities we serve.”

2017 Annual meeting preview The 2017 Annual Membership Meeting will be held on December 9, 2017. The Bylaws specify under Article IV, Directors, Section 4, Committee on Nominations, as follows: The Committee shall have prepared and posted at the principal office of the Association at least forty (40) days before the meeting a list of nominations for Directors in writing over their signatures. The Secretary shall mail with the Notice of the Meeting, or separately, a statement of the number of Directors to be elected and the names and addresses of those nominated by the Committee on Nominations. Any fifty (50) or more members acting together may make other nominations by petition, and the Secretary shall post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations made by the Committee is posted.

If a husband and wife hold a joint membership, either the husband or wife, but not both, may sign such petition. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the account number of the member as shown on the electric bill with the Association. Nominations made by petition, if any, received at the principal office of the Association at least twenty-one (21) days before the time of the meeting shall be included on the official ballot. Nominations are to be made in no other manner or form except as herein authorized and within the time herein prescribed. Members wishing to run for the Board of Directors should come by the office to pick up a packet which includes the Board of Director Qualifications and Eligibility and official nomination form.

July 2017

Today in Mississippi

NORTH EAST POWER

“I loved getting to know all the people here and getting to see all the things D.C., has to offer. It was a really great opportunity to see our nation’s capital.”

(Left to right) Keith Hayward, Cheryl Hayward, Mary Clark Hayward, Aubrey Kate Merrill, Hogan Linzy, Jacob Harrill, Eli Abel and Annemarie Fetter

- Mary Clark Hayward, Oxford, Miss.

Hundreds of high school juniors across Mississippi and thousands throughout the nation compete each year for the opportunity to take part in the trip of a lifetime, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Since 1964, the program has grown significantly, with more than 1,700 high school juniors now participating from 43 states. The goal of the program is to help educate and develop tomorrow’s leaders. North East Mississippi Electric Power Association sponsored six of the 70 students who represented Mississippi on this week-long adventure in our nation’s capital city. These students competed and won the opportunity to learn about their nation’s history and role of government in this hands-on leadership experience. The students selected are as follows: Eli Abel, son of Randall and Holly Abel of Oxford, will be a senior at Oxford High School. Annemarie Fetter of Etta will be a senior at West Union High School and is the daughter of Thomas and Jamie Fetter. Jacob Harrill will be a senior at Potts Camp High School. He is the son of Joey and Shelly Bailey of Waterford. Mary Clark Hayward, daughter of Keith and Cheryl Hayward of Oxford, will be a senior at Oxford High School. Hogan Linzy will be a senior at Lafayette High School and is the son of Shayne and Inda Linzy of Oxford. Aubrey Kate Merrell, daughter of Craig Merrell and Mary Carpenter of Oxford, will be a senior at Oxford High School. During the seven-day trip, the students visited all of the major monuments and memorials including the Lincoln, Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., Air Force, World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam Veterans memorials. The students also spent a day touring the Smithsonian Museums, including the museums of Air and Space, American History, Natural History and the National Gallery of Art. They also visited the Washington National Cathedral, toured

Hayward, who along with his wife Cheryl, were advisors this the Newseum, learning about their first amendment rights, year. and attended the popular Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps North East Power will be looking for next year’s Youth War Memorial (Iwo Jima). While at Arlington National Leadership participants in the fall. Information will be availCemetery, they watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visited the gravesites of sev- able in September. “The friends that I have made on this trip will last a lifetime eral of our nation’s prominent figures. One of the trip’s highlights is a full day on Capitol Hill, which and I am so happy that other students for years to come will be able to experience what I experienced,” said Aubrey Kate. began with a special tour of the Congressional House Floor, graciously hosted by Rep. Gregg Harper. After touring the rest of the Capitol, the students visited with Rep. Trent Kelly in the Longworth House Office Building, and also had the chance to meet with Sen. Roger Wicker. “2017 Youth Tour was an amazing opportunity for students to learn more about the nation’s history and have fun at the same time,” said Annemarie. “It was the trip of a lifetime! It’s so much fun and you always know you are in good hands.” The Youth Tour is part of an extensive youth leadership program supported by North East Power. “The long walks, late nights and heat were a small price to pay for the enjoyment I got experiencing our nation’s capital through the eyes of our future leaders. Above left: North East Power student representatives visit the Jefferson Memorial. Above right: Rep. Trent Kelly visits with the students residing in District 1. He answers The parents and teachers of these young questions and offers leadership advice in a meeting room at the Longworth House Office adults are to be commended, we are going Building on Capitol Hill. Bottom: The students visit the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. to be in good hands,” said CEO Keith

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

Low-cost plus no-cost energy saving tips There are plenty of things you can do around the • Add insulation to your attic, crawlspaces and any house to keep your electricity bill down—and many accessible exterior walls. of them will help you save energy and money with- • Seal exterior light switches and electrical outlets. out spending a penny. Get started today. Appliances plus electronics Low-Cost Tips • Use power strips for electronics and small appliLighting ances, turning them off when not in use. Many • Replace incandescent light bulbs with light-emit- electronics and appliances still use electricity even ting diodes (LED), which use 75% less energy and when the power is off. last 10 times longer. • Look for the ENERGY STAR label when replacing appliances, whether small or large. Insulation plus sealing • Replace worn-out seals on your refrigerator and • Caulk and weather-strip around windows and freezer. doors to stop air leaks. • Seal gaps where pipes or electrical wires come Water through walls or floors. • Install aerating, low-flow faucets & showerheads.

• Repair leaky faucets. One drop per second can add up to 165 gallons a month. • Wrap water heater with insulation or an insulating blanket and wrap the first 5 feet of pipe coming from your water heater.

No-Cost Tips

burner. Cover with lids whenever possible. • Run the dishwasher only when it’s full. • Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heated drying option. • Set the refrigerator temperature between 35°39°F and the freezer between 0°-5°F. • Clean refrigerator coils so they cool more efficiently. • Unplug or recycle your second refrigerator.

Daily Activities • Turn off lights, electronics and appliances when they’re not in use. Use sleep mode for computers. • Shorter, cooler showers reduce hot water use. Hot Water • Use cold water for laundry whenever possible and • Set your hot water heater to 120°F. wash only full loads. • Drain a gallon of water from your water heater In the kitchen once a year to remove sediment and improve • Match the size of pots and pans to the size of the performance.

We have an app for that!

July 2017 Today in Mississippi

HOW TO HAVE A

SAFE HOME

Northcentral Electric has an app that lets you

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

Clean cold coils

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

Eliminate dirt buildup that reduces energy and creates fire hazards.

Clean A/C units regularly A GFCI constantly monitors electricity flowing in a circuit. If it senses any loss of current, it quickly switches off power to that circuit.

Want to maintain a safe (and energy efficient) house? Here are some simple how-to’s to keep your appliances, outlets, and alarms working all year long!

Install GFCI outlets Air conditioners need to be cleaned at the beginning of every season to keep them running safely and efficiently.

Ensure your smoke alarm is working properly Test smoke alarms monthly by pushing the TEST button or using other procedures recommended by the manufacturer. Smoke alarm batteries should be changed at least once a year.

Replace home breakers with AFCIs. AFCIs provide a higher level of electrical fire protection, detecting hazardous arcing conditions traditional breakers were not designed to recognize, and shutting down the electricity before a fire can start.

Source: U.S Department of Energy Sources: Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Electrical Safety Foundation International

10 Today in Mississippi

July 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

A message from your general manager

Why your PRVEPA membership is different When you set up your electric service account with Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, maybe you thought to yourself, “That’s done. Now I just have to pay my monthly bill.” But the truth is we’re more Randy Wallace than just a utility General Manager provider that you pay each month for electricity. We have much more to offer – and we want our members to know about these benefits. There are more than 900 electric cooperatives in the U.S. that serve 42 million members. PRVEPA serves nearly 50,000 members with more than 5,900 miles of power lines. So what makes being a member of an electric cooperative like our Association unique? We’re all in this together. Any cooperative business is designed to ben-

efit its members. Pearl River Valley Electric was formed in 1938 by a group of people who lived in the rural areas that did not have electric service at the time. By joining together to form a cooperative Association, they hoped to improve their quality of life. Just like those early visionaries, you are a member of Pearl River Valley Electric – not just a customer. That means you have a voice when it comes to the way we do business. Each September you have the opportunity to vote for your board of directors and attend our annual meeting. Our directors play a key role in setting policy for our cooperative, which allows members’ voices to be heard. We’re local. It is likely that you know many of our employees. Because we all live and work here, we share the same concerns for our communities and want to continue improving the quality

of life for everyone living in our service area. We actively promote community involvement by offering a Youth Leadership Program, making school safety demonstrations, and participating in civic activities. Our Round Up for Education scholarship program, which was established only four years ago, has already helped more than 780 students attend Mississippi community colleges. That number will exceed 1,000 after awards are made this fall. We’re not-for-profit. Pearl River Valley Electric doesn’t make profits for investors – we assign any margins over and above our operating costs to our member-owners through our capital credits program. Beginning in 1963, PRVEPA was the first electric cooperative in Mississippi to return a portion of each member’s capital credits; since that time, members have received more than $42 million. In 1988, we also began returning capital credits to the estates of deceased members, and have returned

an additional $12 million in that time. We’re here for you. Our mission is to provide you with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. That’s why our employees are continuously finding innovative ways to improve our service and operations. They are dedicated to keeping your lights on and, when necessary, restoring service as quickly as possible during outages. Our automated meter system provides usage information to help members better understand their bills. We’ve also upgraded our website and launched a mobile app to help make it easier to pay bills, find energy efficiency information, and be well informed about all aspects of the Association. These are just a few facts about your electric cooperative that make us unique and provide value to members. To learn more about our mission to strengthen the communities we serve, as well as the services and programs we offer, please visit www.PRVEPA.com.

Stay connected by updating your contact information In the utility business, we know rough weather will happen, and sometimes power outages simply can’t be avoided. But did you know there are steps you can take to ensure that your electricity is restored as quickly and safely as possible? By keeping your contact information up to date, you can take full advantage of the services PRVEPA offers. Have you recently changed your cell phone number, or disconnected your land line? It’s important to let us know! If we don’t have the correct phone number linked to your home or business address, reporting an outage won’t be nearly as easy as it could be. You no longer have to speak to a customer service representative in order to report a power outage. Today, when you call 855-2PRVEPA (855-2778372), you can easily report an outage with the press of a button. We use the phone number you provide

to link your service address in our outage management system. When you call, the system recognizes your number and your outage is reported. It’s that simple! But remember – this only works if your current phone number is correctly linked to your service address. Updating your contact information is also helpful because it can help speed up the overall power restoration process. With accurate information, our outage management system can predict the location and possible cause of an outage, making it easier for our crews to respond to a problem, especially if it is widespread. So please be sure to let us know if your contact information changes. Give us a call or make a note of any change on your bill stub when you make your next payment.

July 2017 Today in Mississippi

SUMMER energy savers

Take control of your summer energy bills in five easy steps: • Sun block. Half of all of the heat that enters your home comes in through the windows. Invest in a thick shade or window film to block out the summer sun. Save up to 15 percent on your cooling bill by shading west-facing windows, which absorb the most afternoon sun. For the hottest parts of your house, consider installing an awning or planting trees in front of the window to shade the house. • Quick change. A filter for your air conditioning system costs only dollars (about $5 for a high-quality, pleated model), but can save you much more if you change it every month during the summer. Dirty air conditioning filters prevent air flow and make the air conditioning system work harder. That means a higher bill. • One degree. For every degree you turn your thermostat up during air conditioning season, you’ll save up to 2 percent on your cooling costs. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, and turn on a ceil-

ing fan to help circulate the air. • Wind chill. Fans don’t cool the air, but they make the air feel cooler by moving it around the room and against your skin, which creates a sort of “wind chill” effect. When the fan is running, you can move your thermostat three to four degrees higher without noticing a difference in your comfort level. • Cool touch. Replace incandescent light bulbs in your house with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs or LED fixtures. The replacements cost more at first than the old style bulbs, but CFLs use 75 percent less energy and LEDs use less than one-tenth. Both of these energy-efficient versions pay for themselves and then some over their lifetimes. Plus, they emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t add heat to your home’s air or make the air conditioner work harder. For additional tips to use energy wisely, call us or visit www.PRVEPA.com.

Applications for Community College Scholars program due August 11, 2017 Funded by members who are rounding up their monthly bills, these scholarships are intended to assist students who will attend a Mississippi community college as a freshman this fall.

Applications are available at PRV offices and online at www.PRVEPA.com. Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by August 11. Scholarship recipients must be a PRVEPA member, spouse or child of a member participating in the Round Up program. Recipients must be full time (12 hours or more per semester) freshmen students enrolled in academic or career-technical programs. Scholarship funds will be credited to each student’s college account—no checks will be issued to individuals. Scholarships should be awarded by the end of September. Students must be enrolled in good standing at the time funds are released to the colleges. More information is available at our website, www.PRVEPA.com.

HEAT

ALERT

Stay informed: Check local news for extreme heat alerts.

Stay hydrated: Drink (nonalcoholic) fluids regularly, regardless of your activity level. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Don’t leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle

Do check on elderly friends and neighbors.

Heat Stress: Who’s At Risk? Adults over the age of 65, children under the age of four, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, and those without access to air conditioning. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

10 Today in Mississippi

July 2017

“Pioneers In America’s Rural Electrification”

Hillhouse fulfilled with outdoor life, work By Jennifer Johnson Pontotoc Electric Apprentice Lineman Wes Hillhouse loves the great outdoors. Hillhouse is finishing up his second year of apprenticeship at the Bruce District Office and says one reason he loves his job is because it affords him the opportunity to work outside. “It’s a different location every day. I enjoy being outside and could not imagine being cooped up in a building all day.” But work isn’t the only thing that takes Hillhouse outside the walls of an office or his home. Wes Hillhouse Hillhouse is a skilled horseman, hunter and fisherman, even developing a passion for grabbling, a sport involving catching fish by hand. Hillhouse explained the process. “We build boxes that are 4 x 6 feet and put them in the bottom of a lake. We put sandbags on top of the boxes so they won’t float up to the surface or move around. The fish go into the boxes to lay their eggs. About a week later, we check on the boxes using GPS coordinates to locate them. Once we’re underwater at the box, we’ll stick our leg into the box to block the fish, then string it and pull it out of the box after we get our leg out.” Hillhouse said once he gets to the surface, another fisherman will help him get the fish into the boat, and it’s on to the next box. His group of friends normally puts out about 40 boxes at a time. He said he could always just fish with a pole, but “it’s not as much fun.” A well-rounded outdoorsman, Hillhouse enjoys running dogs for both deer and hog hunting, and he enjoys horseback riding. He’s been riding since around age seven when his dad bought him his first horse and taught him some basics. Hillhouse competed in Little Britches Rodeos all through high school and even had a chance to go to the finals.

He attends chuck wagon racing our fundraiser gives us a chance to help them.” events regularly and said he and As far as his own childhood, Hillhouse said he some friends are considering putting remembers spending time with his great grandfather, a team together. He’s not sure the late Leo Parker, who was a past employee of exactly just how much money he’s Pontotoc Electric. “He gave me my first truck, a 1992 won over the years for team roping, Ford Ranger with a five-speed manual transmission. and his prizes include two saddles He gave it to me before I actually got my driver’s and eight belt buckles. license, and I used to drive that truck around their Trail riding on horseback is a house over and over. They had a ‘dirt track’ around favorite pastime, and it even led that house because I made so many loops around it.” him to the woman he would evenHillhouse smiled as he recalled a time when Leo sent tually marry. “Jacy and I met at the him to a local restaurant to pick up some lunch for the Dixie National Trail Ride. After we two of them. This was again before Hillhouse was old met, I spent the next four and a half enough to have his driver’s license. That trip was a years driving about an hour and a secret between Hillhouse and Leo, with neither one half one way to see her.” Hillhouse daring to tell Hillhouse’s great grandmother Mattie.” Now as an adult, Hillhouse looks forward to the future, married Jacy on June 10, 2017. Hillhouse is excited about putting on the annual hoping it includes building a home and having children rodeo and trail ride he and some friends and relatives of his own. And he hopes he can live up to the role host to raise money for LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. model Leo was to him. “I just want to be a good man He said the initial plan was a get together with fun like he was. He was honest about everything…straight events and good food but the group quickly realized up. He was a good fella.” they could also help children battling serious illnesses. Last year they raised more than $15,000 between the ranch rodeo, the trail ride, and cooking of a whole hog and all the trimmings. “We knew some of the boys we had grown up with had been in LeBonheur when they were kids. Some of those guys even have kids who have been in LeBonheur. We figured it was a good thing to do. A representative from LeBonheur comes to our event every year to receive the check, and they’ve offered to let us tour the hospital, Pontotoc Electric Apprentice Lineman Wes Hillhouse and his friends raised more than but so far we haven’t done that. I $15,000 in October 2016 for LeBonheur by holding a rodeo and trail ride fundraiser. Front think it would be hard to see what row left to right: Courtney Hubbard, Ashlyn Lee, Javen Aron, Wes Hillhouse, and Jacy those families go through. Having Hillhouse. Back row left to right: Ty Hood and Patrick McGonagill.

July 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Union County

Right-of-Way Work

Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15 • • • • • •

Nearly two dozen vendors Traveling sawmill demonstration Car show 5K run Aqua Queen pageant T-shirts will be available for purchase

Friday night entertainment: • Oxford All Stars • Liberty Hill Gospel Band • Jess Moore Bluegrass Band Saturday night entertainment: • Lyrix • Sounds of Tyme • Lucy Dawn For more information about this event, please contact the Bruce Chamber of Commerce at 662-983-2222.

Pontotoc Electric Power Association is committed to the highest standards of service while providing safe and reliable electricity for every home and business we serve. To support that commitment, Pontotoc Electric has contracted with Asplundh Tree Expert Company to mow vegetation, trim, and if necessary, remove trees growing within Pontotoc Electric’s Union County right-of-way. (Rightof-way is the strip of land underneath and around power lines.) If you have

Watts Cooking?

Jalapeno Pimento Cheese

Noodle Casserole Lee (Assistant Foreman) and Pat Hobson 1 (12 oz.) bag egg noodles, cooked and drained 1 onion, chopped 1 stick butter 1 can green peas, drained salt and pepper to taste

questions or concerns about right-ofway work in Union County or need to make special arrangements due to locked gates or animals, please call (662) 489-3211 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

1 lb. ground beef 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 can Rotel 2 cups shredded Velveeta

Brown ground beef and drain. Mix all ingredients together (save enough cheese to sprinkle on top). Place in oven to melt cheese. Serve. (This is Auther Mae Chewe’s recipe.)

Betty Armstrong (Pontotoc Electric retiree) 4 cups Mexican style shredded cheese ½ cup jalapeno slices, diced (more jalapenos taste better) salt, pepper, garlic salt to taste

Mix all ingredients and serve.

4 oz. jar diced pimento 1 ½ cups mayo

10 Today in Mississippi July 2017 Pay Bill

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

Report Outages

Check

Singing River Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

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

CEO’s Message

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

View Outage Map

Why does a water heater’s Energy Factor matter?

Living the Sixth Principle:

Mike Smith General Manager and CEO Singing River Electric

There are seven cooperative principles by which all cooperatives operate. Principle number six is Cooperation Among Cooperatives. This principle has been very much at work for a number of Mississippi electric cooperatives this year. A few months ago, Singing River

Electric and other cooperatives assisted Dixie Electric in restoring electric service following the devastating tornadoes that hit the Petal area. Writing this column, I am reflecting on how we had crews assist Southern Pine Electric in Collins over Father’s Day weekend and have today already received requests for help from Louisiana co-ops, as we monitor Tropical Storm Cindy’s progress in the Gulf of Mexico. Singing River Electric has activated our emergency plan, and crews are ready to restore any service interruptions on our own system due to the tropical storm before assisting in other areas. Situations like this truly exemplify

the sixth principle. Cooperation among the network of electric cooperatives in this country provides Singing River Electric quick access to thousands of line personnel following a disaster, and it also allows us to help our neighbors if the disaster affects them. We have a plan and are prepared for severe weather this hurricane season – are you? Do you have a storm plan? Does each family member know your evacuation and preparedness plans and where to meet in the event of a natural disaster? Take time now to build a storm kit, finalize plans and ensure all family members are briefed on the plan. For more storm prep information, visit www.singingriver.com.

Nick DeAngelo, CEM Manager of Member Services and Facilities deangelo@singingriver.com

If you are in the market for a water heater, there are a few factors you should consider. The three biggest are: size/recovery, fuel type and efficiency. Today, we will discuss the Energy Factor (EF) rating, which measures the efficiency of a water heater. Factor ratings typically fall between .8 and 2.0. Solar water heaters with electric backup installations will have considerably higher factor ratings. In order to fully appreciate the Energy Factor rating, it is important to know how it relates to your electric bill. Assuming an 11¢ per kilowatt hour residential rate, Singing River Electric members can use the Department of Energy formula listed below to calculate savings for new water heater: 365 days/year x 12.03 kWh/day ÷ EF x Fuel Cost ($/kWh) For example, if a standard electric water heater’s Energy Factor is .92, the annual operating cost is $525. For a heat pump water heater with an Energy Factor of 2.0, the operating cost is $241.50, less than half the cost of the electric unit. Energy Factor is just one of the factors to be considered when purchasing a new water heater. For information on this other energyefficiency related information, visit www.singingriver.com.

July 2017

Today in Mississippi 11

Hurricane Prep What to do Before the storm Preparation prior to an event can mean all the difference. Take time now to reorganize your storm kit, establish an evacuation route and make sure all family members are aware of all plans and procedures. Update your contact information with Singing River Electric. Having your current phone number and email

can help speed restoration of power. All outages can be reported by phone, online or by the SmartHub app. When the system recognizes a memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phone number, it is able to more quickly pull up account information and schedule repairs. It also allows the system to offer a call-back feature to verify power has been restored.

Download and report power outages using the SmartHub app. With just a few taps of a screen, it is the fastest way to report a power outage and eliminates the need to wait on hold. For more information on how to prepare before a storm, visit our Storm Center online at www.singingriver.com.

Prepare your family and yourself Replenish or purchase hurricane preparedness supplies

(food, water, radio, batteries, etc.) Review evacuation plan with household and extended family Recharge cell phones and refill medications Trim trees, secure home and outdoor furniture Set refrigerator on coldest setting Update your and keep doors shut prior to storm landfall contact information Fill tubs and sinks with water for washing and with SRE flushing prior to storm landfall (via SmartHub app, Learn how SRE prepares by visiting online or phone) http://singingriver.com/storm-and-outage-center Like Singing River Electric on Facebook and follow SRECooperative on Twitter to stay informed Download SREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SmartHub app on your mobile device to report any power outages Stay tuned to local media for weather information

10 I Today in Mississippi I July 2017

Our employees’ call of duty knows no holiday As you are reading this, we will dedicated employees. They make sacrihave just celebrated our nation’s 241st fices of their own in carrying out Independence Day. Humbling, isn’t it, Southern Pine’s mission to provide to remember the patriots who gave safe, reliable and affordable power. their lives for our freedom over the The first past two-and-a-half centuries. While half of fireworks, barbecues and parades stir 2017 an air of celebration, many of us brought a observe the holiday with a real, heartrash of felt sense of gratitude for the sacrifices heavy others made for the freedom we enjoy. storm Whether you spent your Independactivity, ence Day at church, a gravesite, a war and I memorial or your own back yard, I would like hope you take pride in knowing we for you to live and work in the greatest nation on join me in the planet. I sure do and with that recognizing important day behind us, I turn to the Jason S. Siegfried our pride I feel to live in Mississippi and employees President/CEO to work for you, our Southern Pine for their Electric member owners. dedication to you, our members, when While Independence Day makes you need us the most. me think of our country on a grand Just imagine with me for a moment it’s late afternoon on a July 4th holiday with a large thunderstorm system Our team’s grit and making its way across central Missisdetermination inspire sippi. An engineer has just put some burgers on the grill while he watches me over and over again. the outage viewer on his iPad, waiting to see how bad the weather will damscale, the past several months I have age the system. found myself welling with pride to Phone calls start overwhelming the work alongside a team of talented and dispatchers, and Southern Pine

employees leave home to go to our offices to help answer and record outage calls. The servicemen and linemen are called away from their families, again, to their dangerous call of duty. A young child, excited to help daddy light the fireworks, watches him lace up his boots, having learned by now he probably will not be back before the next day. The child’s mother just prays her husband returns home safely. A large number of our employees will work through the night and many times into the next day until every member’s power is restored. Mother Nature has no regard for Independence Day or, for that matter, any other holiday. She seems to strike frequently at the most inopportune times, but our Southern Pine team answers the call and responds every single time. I have worked through some bitter storms that exposed our people to very rough, dangerous conditions. Our team’s grit and determination inspire me over and over again. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication and the sacrifices made on behalf of their families in bringing the power to our Southern Pine members.

Danger!

If you see a downed power line, don’t go near it! Always assume a power line that’s sagging or on the ground is energized. Touching it or just going near it could cause injuries or death. Call 911 or Southern Pine Electric at 1-800-231-5240.

Taylorsville – 110 Risher St.; 601-785-6511 Brandon – 3215 Louis Wilson Drive; 601-824-7070 Newton – 1400 S. Main St.; 601-683-2200 New Hebron – 2504 Ferguson Mill Road; 601-694-2711 Hattiesburg – 7848 U.S. 49 North; 601-264-0185

July 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Southern Pine bylaws outline annual meeting, election 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 on the second Thursday of the month of November of each year, at such place in one of the counties of Mississippi within which the Cooperative serves, and beginning at such hour, as the Board of Directors shall from year to year fix; PROVIDED, that, for cause sufficient, the Board of Directors may fix a different date for such annual meeting not more than thirty (30) days prior or subsequent to the day otherwise established for such meeting in this Section. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time and place shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Cooperative. 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.

Article IV: Directors Section 4.03: Tenure and Qualifications (a) At each annual meeting of the members, directors shall be elected by ballot, by and from the membership of the Cooperative, one director to be elected from each of the counties of Copiah, Covington, Newton, Scott, Simpson, Forrest, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Smith, Lawrence and Rankin Counties, Mississippi, each director to be elected for a term of three (3) years, in accordance with the following formula, to-wit: (1) At the annual meeting of November 1984, and every three (3) years thereafter, one director shall be elected from each of the counties of Copiah, Covington and Newton Counties, Mississippi, each of whom shall serve for a term of three (3) years from the date of election as provided by law. (2) At the annual meeting of November 1985, and every three (3) years thereafter, one director shall be elected from each of the counties of Scott, Simpson, Forrest and Jasper

Counties, Mississippi, each of whom shall serve for a term of three (3) years from date of election as provided by law. (3) At the annual meeting of November, 1986, and every three (3) years thereafter, one director shall be elected from each of the counties of Jefferson Davis, Smith, Lawrence and Rankin Counties, Mississippi, each of whom shall serve for a term of three (3) years from the date of election 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 their successors shall have been elected and qualified. (b) At any meeting, the Credentials and Election Committee shall determine the manner in which votes are to be cast and counted. 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 objections, the directors may be elected in any other proper manner. Drawing by lot shall resolve, where necessary, any tie votes. If an election of directors shall not be held on the day designated for the annual meeting, a special meeting of the members may be held for the purpose of electing directors within a reasonable time thereafter. (c) No person or non-natural person as described in subsection (e) of this section shall be eligible to become or remain a director or to hold any position of trust in the Cooperative who is not an active member in good standing of the Cooperative, has not been a bona fide resident of the county from which they are to be elected for six months 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 Cooperative, a

person must be a member of the Cooperative and receiving service therefrom, and not be a close relative as defined in Section 4.08 of an incumbent director, or the director being replaced. However, the operating or chief executive officer of any member which is not a natural person, such as a corporation, church, etc., or its designee, shall, notwithstanding that they do not receive service from the Cooperative, be eligible to become a director, from the county in which such member is located, if they be so designated. (1) Is in substantial permanent occupancy, direction or use of the premises served by the Cooperative, and (2) Is a permanent resident within the county where such member is served by the Cooperative; provided further, that no more than one (1) such person may serve on the Board of Directors at the same time. (f) No person shall be eligible to become or remain a director of, or to hold any other position of trust in the Cooperative, unless such person has the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract. (g) No employee of the Cooperative shall be eligible to become or remain a director of the Cooperative. (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 the establishment of the fact that any person being considered for, or already holding, a directorship or other position of trust in the Cooperative lacks eligibility under this Section, it shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to withhold such position from such person, 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 Cooperative. Section 4.04: Committee on Nominations, Credentials and Elections (a) Committee on Nominations. It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to appoint, at its regular August meeting of each year, a committee on nominations consisting of not less than five (5) nor more than eleven (11) members who shall be selected so as to ensure equitable geographic representation. No existing Cooperative employee, agent, officer, director or unknown candidate for director, may serve on such committee. The committee shall receive and consider nominees submitted by the members of the Cooperative. The submission should include the memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, address, account number and contact information and be mailed to the Committee on Nominations, P.O. Box 60, Taylorsville, MS 39168. Nominations must be received by August 10, 2017. The committee shall meet at a time and place set by the Board of Directors. The committee shall prepare and post at the principal office of the Cooperative within fifteen (15) days after the date of their appointment a list of nominations for directors. The Secretary shall mail with the notice of the membership meeting a statement of the number of directors to be elected and showing separately those candidates nominated by the Committee on Nominations and those candidates nominated by petitions, which have been received on, or prior to the second Thursday of September of the year of such meeting. Any fifty (50) members acting together may make nominations by petition and the Secretary shall post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the committee is posted. Any petition or nomination shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Cooperative. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address and account number of the member. At the membership meeting, the Chairman shall call for additional nominations from the floor. No member may nominate more than one candidate.

Today in Mississippi

July 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.

Billing options, giving our residential Members choices.

Member Choice Billing

Regular Billing Standard billing most familiar to our Members. Pay for use as metered on a monthly basis.

Alternate Payment Dates

Choose to have payments due on the 15th or 27th of each month allowing for flexibility with your budget and schedule.

Variable Monthly Payment Calculates and averages the last 11 months of use plus the current month’s use providing a levelized current bill. Makes monthly budgeting easier.

EZ-Pay

Payment Options: SmartHub online at southwestepa.com or through the mobile app

Bank or Credit/Debit Card Draft

Only requires $100 to start service ($55 is a credit towards electricity use) and no deposit. Pay for use as you go.

enroll through SmartHub online or the mobile app

Paperless Billing

Pay by Phone 24/7 1-877-607-6973 – with credit/debit

No more paper bills in your mailbox. Receive notification of your bill by text or email.

cards or by eCheck

Pay Centers • Lorman – Southwest Electric office • Port Gibson – RiverHills Bank and State Bank & Trust • Brookhaven – Franklin Check Service • Woodville – Whitakers Insurance Agency

U.S. Mail mail your bill stub and check or money order to P.O. Box 5, Lorman, MS 39096

For more information about SmartHub, please contact Les Southerland at 800-287-8564 or lsoutherland@swepa.coop.

July 2017 Today in Mississippi

Beat the Extreme Heat

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association Members will be held at 18671 Hwy. 61, Lorman, Miss., 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. Look for your annual meeting announcement and proxy in the mail. Proxies must be received by 4:30 pm on August 4, 2017.

During periods of extreme heat, hot weather mixed with outdoor activities can lead to dangerous situations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. During extreme heat, follow these guidelines to protect yourself and your loved ones.

HEAT

ALERT

Stay informed: Check local news for extreme heat alerts.

Stay hydrated: Drink (nonalcoholic) fluids regularly, regardless of your activity level. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle

ANNUAL MEETING 18671 Hwy. 61, Lorman, Miss. at 10 a.m., August 9, 2017

Do check on elderly friends and neighbors.

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.

Heat Stress: Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s At Risk? Adults over the age of 65, children under the age of four, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, and those without access to air conditioning.

Source: energy.gov

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

10 I Today in Mississippi I July 2017

Twin County

For after-hours outages, call

Electric Power Association

866-897-7250

Tim Perkins assumes helm at Twin County The Twin County Electric Power Association board of directors has named Tim W. Perkins the new general manager of the memberowned electric cooperative. A 23-year Twin County employee (and member), Perkins succeeds John Mosley, who retired in June after serving the cooperative for 28 years, first as office manager and the past 10 as general manager. “Tim and I have worked together for many years,” Mosley said. “He is a valuable asset to Twin County. I know he will do a good job for Twin County and our members.” Perkins joined Twin County’s work force in 1994 after graduating in 1992 from the University of Mississippi with a degree in business administration. After working briefly as a staking technician in the Tim Perkins, a Twin County member, is the electric cooperative’s new general manager. engineering department, Perkins assumed the role he was hired for: managing Twin County’s conversion from a thirdparty computer service provider to an in-house computer system for engineering, billing and accounting functions. He became office manager in 2007, when the board of directors promoted Mosley to general manager. In addition to managing computer operations, Perkins’ responsibilities expanded to include insurance claims, purchasing, data communications among branch offices and the supervision of five office employees. He became the “go-to” employee for business-related problem solving at all four Twin County offices, a challenge he enjoyed. Perkins has served as assistant general manager since January. “I’d always planned to be a manager at an electric co-op. Maybe not at 47 years old, but at some point,” Perkins said with a laugh. His ambition can be traced to his boyhood, when he would

“My ultimate job is to keep costs down as much as I can and improve our service as best I can.”

ride with his late father, a right-of-way superintendent for Batesville-based Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association, to check on crews working along the lines. Perkins said even then he knew he would eventually make a career of working at an electric cooperative. Perkins champions the not-for-profit cooperative way of doing business: providing reliable, top-quality service to members as efficiently as possible to keep their costs as low as possible. “My ultimate job is to keep costs down as much as I can and improve our service as best I can,” he said. As general manager, he is answerable to the Twin County members who make up the cooperative’s member-elected board of directors. “They have the same outlook I do. They are all concerned with Twin County being a financially stable cooperative capable of providing the very best service,” Perkins said. “That’s what concerns everybody at Twin County, whether you’re the manager or a lineman or a cashier. “I hope we can continue to do as well as we are doing in providing our members with electricity, and hope we can improve on it,” he added. Under Perkins’ leadership, Twin County will explore more upgrades in technology and member benefits, including a new website with useful interactive features, and more convenient billpayment options. Like Mosley, Perkins will represent Twin County members’ interests on the boards of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi—the Ridgeland-based service organization for electric cooperatives—and Cooperative Energy in Hattiesburg, Twin County’s provider of wholesale electricity. The distribution of electricity is a complex industry constantly adapting to new regulations and legislation, adopting new technology and investing in the quality of its workforce. The challenges are great, but Perkins feels ready to continue Twin County’s service mission. “I would like to thank Mr. Mosley for the years of hard work and the dedication he’s given to Twin County Electric Power Association, Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi and Cooperative Energy,” Perkins said. “I appreciate John recommending me as his successor to our board of directors, and I’m honored to be given the opportunity to expand on the groundwork he has provided.” Perkins lives in Hollandale with his wife, Vanessa, an administrative assistant for the Greenville Clinic, and their son, Max, 16, a member of the football and track teams at Washington School. In his leisure time, Perkins enjoys turkey and raccoon hunting with his dogs.

July 2017

Clay Seymour named new office manager Clayton “Clay” Seymour Jr., a Certified Public Accountant, recently joined Twin County’s Hollandale staff as office manager. Seymour brings extensive experience in finance, insurance, auditing and accounting. The Delta State University graduate has been a self-employed Allstate agent as well as an accountant, a financial analyst and an auditor for financial and CPA firms. Most recently, he was inventory manager and accountant for Mississippi Ag and Arkansas Ag Co., in Yazoo City. Seymour is new to the electric cooperative industry, and he likes what he sees. “I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come here. The co-op world is a breath of fresh air. It’s unlike any other industry I’ve been in.” Seymour cited as an example the network of cooperation that exists among Mississippi’s 26 Clay Seymour is an enthusiastic newcomer to the electric cooperative industry. He brings not-for-profit electric cooperaextensive financial experience to Twin County that includes accounting, auditing, insurance and inventory management. tives. Each is an independent, locally owned cooperative, but experienced work force—but already Seymour they all work together to achieve common goals enjoys a good working relationship with manager more efficiently. “The people at other co-ops Tim Perkins and Kenneth Wolford, engineering couldn’t be more helpful to me, and they go out and safety director. of their way to offer help. The feeling you get “We’re all on the same page, and I think we’re from that, I can’t put in words,” he said. going to be able to make some positive changes,” Seymour experienced the same “helpful attiSeymour said. “We’ve got some challenges, but tude and positive outlook” from his co-op counwe all have similar ideas on how we’re going to terparts in other states while attending national meet them and do what’s right for our members. meetings hosted by the National Rural Utilities That’s the most important thing.” Cooperative Finance Corporation and the He expects working for Twin County members National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. to be a gratifying experience. Working at Twin County has personal mean“I want to make sure we’re as productive and as ing for Seymour as well; his parents were Twin County members for more than 40 years. “Twin efficient as possible for our members,” he said. “It makes my job even more enjoyable to know that County has a special place in my heart,” he said. I’ll be able to help make a difference.” This personal connection deepens his resolve to Seymour and his wife, René, live in Greenville, “help members get the best service at the best where she is a legal secretary. They have two chilcost.” dren, Jennifer Dunn, 29, a speech pathologist in Another of Seymour’s goals is to ensure Twin Conway, Ark., and Trey, 25, a tennis pro in County’s emergency plan has every aspect of power restoration covered in the event of a natu- Greenville. Seymour plays tennis and rides sport touring ral disaster. “I was in the Boy Scouts and I like to and adventure motorcycles. He enjoys long-disbe prepared,” he said. tance motorcycle rides with friends, including the He may be “the new guy” at Twin County— cross-country trip he made last year. an employer known for its long-time, highly

Today in Mississippi

Twin County annual meeting set for Sept. 19 Twin County Electric Power Association will conduct its annual membership meeting Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the home office in Hollandale. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. The primary purposes of the annual meeting are to elect directors, to hear and pass upon reports covering the previous fiscal year, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. In accordance with the bylaws of Twin County Electric Power Association, a quorum of the membership must be represented in person or by proxy in order to conduct the business meeting and hold the election of directors. Appearing below is an excerpt from the bylaws covering the process for nominations of directors: Section 4.04. Nominations; Committee on Nominations, Credentials and Elections (a) Any fifteen (15) members acting together may make nominations for directors by petition in writing filed with the Secretary not less than twenty-five (25) days before the annual meeting and the Secretary shall post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the committee is posted. Any petition for nominations shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, account number and service location of the member. (b) It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, no less than thirty days nor earlier than July 1 before the date of the meeting of the members at which directors are to be elected, a committee on nominations consisting of not less than five (5) nor more than eleven (11) members who shall be selected so as to give equitable geographic representation. No existing Association employees, agents, officers, or directors may serve on such committee. The committee shall meet at a time and place set by the Board of Directors. The committee shall prepare and post at the principal office of the Association at least twenty-five (25) days before the meeting a list of nominations for directors composed of one candidate for each director to be elected. 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 and addresses of the candidates nominated by the committee on nominations. (c) At the annual meeting, the chairman shall call for additional nominations from the floor. Any member of Twin County Electric Power Association may obtain a complete set of bylaws by contacting the branch office in Greenville, Belzoni or Rolling Fork, or the main office in Hollandale. We hope you will mark your calendar for Sept. 19 and make plans to attend.

Today in Mississippi

July 2017

Yazoo Valley’s McFee named Manager of Member Services ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Dennis McFee, Manager of Member Services

Cooperative Principle Number

Concern for Community

As of late May, Dennis McFee has been named Yazoo Valley Electric’s Manager of Member Services. McFee is no stranger to the cooperative business. In 2009 he graduated from the Holmes Community College lineman program and worked as a linemen for Yazoo Valley until he was moved into the staking department. He was recently promoted to Safety Coordinator and when the Manager of Member Services position opened, General Manager Ron White knew McFee was the man for the job. “Dennis has a proven record of success at Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association. Dennis has a servant’s heart and will be a great ambassador for the employees and members of the Association. We believe he has both the intelligence and creativity to develop and implement programs that benefit our membership.” said White. McFee’s diversity within the co-op will most definitely aid him in communicating with the members. He’s worked on the Dennis McFee, manager of member services, answers questions and provides energy efficiency material to an attendee lines, he’s worked with new construction at a recent public energy efficiency forum at the Vicksburg City Auditorium. and he certainly knows the importance of safety for employees, as well as the general public. He has big plans in his new position. “I am really excited about this new role. I’m looking forward to engaging Yazoo Valley with the community and building a

Cooperatives like Yazoo Valley are guided by a set of seven cooperative principles that have led co-ops for generations. One of those principles is Concern for Community. While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

strong relationship with our members,” said McFee. “I want to bring the message of what a co-op is and the benefit of being a member-owner of Yazoo Valley. I want to put that on the forefront with our members to help them understand how we are here because of them and for them.” Being a member of a cooperative is unique in that the goal is to fill a community need. As a Yazoo City native and a family man, McFee feels a pride working for his local electric cooperative. “It may be a cliche that co-op employees are family, but it really is true. Because of the nature of the business, we really spend more time together than we do with our own families most of the time because of outages or whatever it may be. You genuinely care for these people because you work right here with them,” said McFee. “That family extends to our state and national co-op family as well. When there’s a crisis, our co-op friends are going to be there for you.” Although McFee is glad for the opportunity, he is really looking forward to doing good things with it. “I really want our members to know that I am a member just like them, and I understand their love and frustrations and all the emotions that come with the benefit of having electricity and being served. I am just like every one of our members.” As Manager of Member Services, McFee will be responsible for employee and community relations as well as the Today in Mississippi publication. For story ideas or to contact Dennis McFee call 662-746-4251 or email dmcfee@yazoovalley.com.

It’s a matter of

PERSPECTIVE To most this is just a country road. But at Yazoo Valley Electric, we know it’s roads like this that lead to the future. Eighty years ago, some said our plan to bring power to rural Mississippians wouldn’t work. As a member-owned and not-for-profit cooperative, we listened to the people. Today, we’re still listening because we know that without power, there is no growth. And without growth, Mississippi’s future would look pretty dim. That’s why Yazoo Valley Electric continues to build and plan today, so all our tomorrows can be a whole lot brighter. ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

At Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association, we see things a little differently.

July 2017

Beat B eat the Extreme Extr eme Heat Heat a During periods of extreme heat, hot weather mixed ed with tuations. Accord rdoutdoor activities can lead to dangerous situations. ing to the CDC, people ple can suffer sufffer heat-r heat-related elated illness when their bodies aree unable to properly properly cool themselves. During extreme eme heat, follow these guidelines to pr protect otect yourself and your loved ones.

HEAT ALERT

Stay news S tay informed: informed: Check local ne ws extreme ffor or e xtreme heat heat alerts.

ou do not have have access access Stay S tay cool: cool: If yyou air-conditioned space, shop-tto o an air-c onditioned spac e, visit a shop library ping mall or public libr ary ffor or a few few hours. your Call y our local health department tto o locate heat-relief shelters your area. loca te hea t-relief shelt ers in y our ar ea.

oholic) Stay (nonalcoholic) S tay hydrated: hydrated: Drink (nonalc egardless of your your activity fluids rregularly, egularly y, rregardless level. W ear lightweight, lightweight, light-c level. Wear light-colored, olored, loose-fitting clothing.

leave anyone Don’t lea ve an yone in a closed,

park ed vehicle vehicle parked

Today in Mississippi

energy savers

your thermostat up during air conditioning season, you’ll save up to 2 percent on your cooling costs. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees, and turn on a ceiling fan to help circulate the air. • Wind chill. Fans don’t cool the air, but they make the air feel cooler by moving it around the room and against your skin, which creates a sort of “wind chill” effect. When the fan is running, you can move your thermostat three to four degrees higher without noticing a difference in your comfort level. • Cool touch. Replace every incandescent light bulb in your house with a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb or an LED fixture. The replacements cost more at first than incandescents, but CFLs use 75 percent less energy and LEDs use less than one-tenth. Both of these energy-efficient versions pay for themselves and then some over their lifetimes. Plus, they emit far less heat than incandescent bulbs, so they don’t add heat to your home’s air or make the air conditioner work harder.

Do check on elderly friends and neighbors.

Hea Heatt Stress: Stress: W ho’s At At Risk? Who’s Adults over the age of 65, children childr under the age of four, fourr,, individuals with chr chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, and those without access to air conditioning. Source: e: Cent C ers for Disease Control C ol and Pr Prevention

of the

Month

SUMMER

Tip