Today in Mississippi July 2019 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

News for members of Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

My Delicious Mississippi Life pages 5-6

Picture This: American Pride pages 8 -9

Mississippi Invitational Art Exhibit

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

pages 18 -19

pages 14 -16

12 I Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Central Electric Power Association

Keep cool for

less

There are many easy ways to make your home more efficient, like reducing solar gains, insulating and ventilating the attic and sealing air leaks. However, if you are experiencing higher electric bills, you may need to focus on inefficiencies in your home’s cooling system. Weather can have a major impact on energy bills, and when the outdoor temperatures become extreme, your heating and cooling equipment works harder to keep your home comfortable. But before we address the cooling system, let’s look at some other potential problems: • Do you have a freezer or second refrigerator in the garage? This can be a major energy hog, especially if it’s old and you live in a warmer climate. • Do you have a well? Your pump may be draining your energy use as you rely on it more during the summer. Start by looking for leaks in the system, and if necessary, reduce irrigation. • How about a swimming pool? It may be time to overhaul or replace the pool pump. If the pump is in good shape, try putting it on a timer. If you have central air conditioning (A/C) or a heat pump, make sure your filter has been changed or recently cleaned. The next step is to call an HVAC contractor for a tune-up and a complete assessment of the system. A tune-up can improve the efficiency and extend the life of the unit. The tune-up includes cleaning the condenser coil, a check of the refrigerant levels and a good look at the pump and electrical contacts. Talk to the

Tip

of the

MONTH

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937

contractor about the efficiency of the A/C unit. If it’s old, it may be cost-effective to replace it, even if it’s still functional. Ductwork is equally important as the A/C unit, so make sure the contractor you choose is capable and willing to provide an expert assessment. A real pro will know how to measure the air flow at each supply and return register. If you’re not getting cool air to the rooms that need it, the contractor may be able A/C unit is installed flat or according to manufacto make modifications to the duct- An HVAC inspector can tell you if your ducts are leaking or in need turer’s directions, so that it drains properly. of insulation. work. Photo by: Julep67Weimer Photo by: Your best digs Leaky ductwork could be your problem. If the ducts are in unconditioned areas like a crawl space or attic, it’s especially important to make sure they’re sealed and insulated. It will also help to seal ducts that are in conditioned spaces. Some HVAC contractors can do a duct-blaster test to measure duct leakage. Discuss whether you should ever close any supply registers. Most experts recommend that supply registers are always open. If you cool your home with window A/C units, there are a few That old fridge or freezer in your garage A Duct Blaster test can identify air leaks in your home’s ductwork. Photo by: Ket555 things you can do to maximize your could be taking a bite out of your wallet. Photo by: Alex Weimer cooling while keeping costs as low as possible: • Use window A/C units in rooms that can be closed off cold air throughout the area you are cooling. with a door, to make the cooling as effective as possible. • Turn off the A/C unit when no one is in the room. • Make sure you have the right sized unit for the size • If your window A/C unit isn’t cooling properly, it of the room. A unit that’s too big will cool the room may need to be replaced. Look for an ENERGY STARbefore the humidity has been lowered, which will make certified unit to make the most of your cooling dollars. it feel less cool, while a unit that’s too small will have Of course, the simplest way to save money on your to work harder, causing a shorter lifespan – and it may A/C is to not use it. As much as possible, keep your not do the job. activities limited to rooms that are easily cooled. Try • Use an electric fan or ceiling fan to help distribute the to spend more time cooking and eating outdoors.

When it’s warm out,

avoid using the oven. Try cooking on the stove, using the microwave or grilling outside instead.

Source: energy.gov

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

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

Coming in

Local Student Receives TVA Power Distributors Scholarship

SEPTEMBER...

We all recognize that student leaders of today are the business leaders of tomorrow. The Power Play Scholarship Association is a program that recognizes those student leaders who excel in both the classroom and the community. Made up of 16 local power company (LPC) managers representing the Valley region’s 154 LPCs and TVA representatives, the Power Play Scholarship Association has awarded 608 scholarships (including this year’s recipients) totaling more than $2.3 million to children of LPC employees since being established in 1995. Noah Pickett has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship through a special program made possible by Central Electric Power Association, the Tennessee Valley Authority and other local power companies across TVA’s seven-state service area. Noah, the son of Darrin and Linda Pickett, is among 30 recipients of this year’s scholarship. Noah recently graduated from Neshoba Central and will be pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication's content will continue to reflect Central Electric Power Association’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. For more than 72 years, Today in Mississippi has been the primary resource to keep our cooperative members informed while also offering a unique blend of feature stories, columns, photo contests, recipes and more – all centered around life in Mississippi. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a highquality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. As we transition

to the new format, we will also improve the online digital offerings of Today in Mississippi. What will not change? Our commitment to our loyal readers. Since our beginning in 1948, we have listened to you – through phone calls, letters, emails and surveys – and can proudly say that our publication has been designed and inspired by our readers. We will continue to work hard to maintain the trust you have placed in us. We look forward to sharing with you soon the fresh, new look of our publication and also a renewed commitment to delivering quality stories and familyfriendly content celebrating life in Mississippi. And, it continues to be our privilege to be your source for valuable information about your cooperative, new recipes, travel, events, gardening, outdoor life and so much more. Thanks for being a Today in Mississippi reader.

Stay back and stay safe Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for Central Electric, safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our consumer-members. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to you, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help!

Distractions can be deadly While we appreciate your kindness and interest in the work of our crews, we ask that you stay back and let them focus on their task at hand. Even routine work has the potential to be dangerous, and it takes their full attention and that of their colleagues, who are also responsible for the team’s safety. Distractions can have deadly consequences. If a lineworker is on or near your property during a power outage, for vegetation management or for routine

maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews – and you. If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while lineworkers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet “supervising” the job. We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize Central Electric employees by their blue uniform shirts with the Central Electric logo, and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community.

Slow down and move over In addition to giving lineworkers some space while they are near your property, we also ask that you move over or slow down when approaching a utility vehicle on the side of the road. This is an extra barrier of safety to help those who help all of us. It’s also the law! The Mississippi “Move Over Law” is in place to protect our crews as well as medical, maintenance and law enforcement personnel.

12 I Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Keep cool

for less

Tip

of the

MONTH

may be cost-effective to replace it, even if it’s still functional. Ductwork is equally important as the A/C unit, so make sure the contractor you choose is capable and willing to provide an expert assessment. A real pro will know how to measure the air flow at each supply and return register. If you’re not getting cool air to the rooms that need it, the contractor may be able to make modifications to the ductwork. Leaky ductwork could be your An HVAC inspector can tell you if your ducts A/C unit is installed flat or according to manufacare leaking or in need of insulation. turer’s directions, so that it drains properly. problem. If the ducts are in Photo by: Julep67Weimer Photo by: Your best digs unconditioned areas like a crawl space or attic, it’s especially important to make sure they’re sealed and insulated. It will also help to seal ducts that are in conditioned spaces. Some HVAC contractors can do a duct-blaster test to measure duct leakage. Discuss whether you should ever close any supply registers. Most experts recommend that supply registers are always open. If you cool your home with window A/C units, there are a few things you can do to maxiThat old fridge or freezer in your garage A Duct Blaster test can identify air leaks in your home’s ductwork. Photo by: Ket555 mize your cooling while keeping could be taking a bite out of your wallet. Photo by: Alex Weimer costs as low as possible: • Use window A/C units in rooms that can be closed off with a door, to make the cooling cold airthroughout the area you are cooling. as effective as possible. • Turn off the A/C unit when no one is in the room. • Make sure you have the right sized unit for the size • If your window A/C unit isn’t cooling properly, it of the room. A unit that’s too big will cool the room may need to be replaced. Look for an ENERGY STARbefore the humidity has been lowered, which will make certified unit to make the most of your cooling dollars. it feel less cool, while a unit that’s too small will have Of course, the simplest way to save money on your to work harder, causing a shorter lifespan – and it may A/C is to not use it. As much as possible, keep your not do the job. activities limited to rooms that are easily cooled. Try • Use an electric fan or ceiling fan to help distribute the to spend more time cooking and eating outdoors.

When it’s warm out,

avoid using the oven. Try cooking on the stove, using the microwave or grilling outside instead.

Source: energy.gov

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

THINK SAFETY

Your pool and electricity:

POTENTIAL TROUBLE Any conversation about swimming pool safety will revolve around drowning. But it should also address electrocution. Although far less common than drowning, electrocution in or near a swimming pool also takes the lives of people every year.

Here are a few tips for preventing

ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS WHILE YOU’RE ENJOYING YOUR POOL: • Keep TVs, radios and extension cords • Keep electrical devices and cords at least far away from the water. 5 feet away from the edge of the pool. • Have your pool equipment inspected • Supervise children and party guests who are using the pool. and maintained every season. • Look for signs of trouble, like Faulty, malfunctioning or improperly installed equipflickering lights or equipment ment – like pool lights – that performs erratically. WATER • If a swimmer is twitching can be hazardous. AND ELECTRICITY • Have the pool inspected or unresponsive, it’s possible the water is electrified. when it is first installed, or • Make a plan in case someone gets electrobefore you buy a new house that cuted at the pool. You’re less likely to panic comes with an already-installed pool. • Don’t do your own electrical work if you know exactly what to do: turn off the on your pool lights or other electrical power, clear the pool area without touching anything metal and call an ambulance. components. Call a licensed electrician.

Coming in

SEPTEMBER... We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication's content will continue to reflect Coahoma Electric Power Association’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. For more than 72 years, Today in Mississippi has been the primary resource to keep our cooperative members informed while also offering a unique blend of feature stories, columns, photo contests, recipes and more – all centered around life in Mississippi. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a highquality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. As we transition

Stay back and stay safe Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for Coahoma Electric, safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our consumer-members. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to you, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help!

maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews – and you. If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while lineworkers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet “supervising” the job. We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize Coahoma Electric employees by their brown uniform shirts with the Coahoma Electric logo, and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community.

12 I Today in Mississippi

July 2019

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

Where our members have the power

It's always a good time to be involved in your co-op

CEO’s message

Summer is in full swing and July brings fireworks, barbeques and fun on the water. While you celebrate summer and our nation’s independence this month, make sure you keep electrical safety a priority. For tips on Ron Barnes keeping your family safe President and CEO this summer, and all year, visit www.myelectriccooperative.com/safety. Even though we are in the heat of the summer, Coast Electric employees are already preparing for our Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Night in November. You can find our Annual Meeting notice on page 12b. While it might seem like it is early to prepare for a meeting in the fall, meeting registration will begin in September. Our

Tip

Annual Meeting is important to us, and it’s important to you. As a cooperative owned and led by our members like you, attending or registering for the Annual Meeting means you are taking an active role in your cooperative. It gives you an opportunity to learn more about our process for electing board leaders who represent you. So, while November may seem far away now, there’s no better time to participate in a process that gives you a voice in the way your cooperative operates. In the coming months, we will be publishing more information about the meeting, how you can be involved and what benefits you receive from being an active member of your local electric cooperative. I hope to see you all at the meeting but for now, I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. Take time to enjoy your families while school is out and the pace of life is a little slower.

of the

MONTH

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

12a

I Reduce Your

12b

I Member

12c

I Coming in September...

12d

I Operation Round Up

PAGE

13 PAGE

Use contest

Appreciation Night

I Glow Run winners

When it’s warm out,

avoid using the oven. Try cooking on the stove, using the microwave or grilling outside instead.

Source: energy.gov

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

12a

Reduce Your Use contest

Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and save on your monthly energy costs! Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home. All you have to do is visit www.coastepa.com and fill out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds and you could win a prize that helps you save!

July Reduce Your Use prize announcement Most of us have heard that you should turn the lights off when you leave the room. Turning lights off saves energy and money. To calculate how much energy you save for every hour each light bulb in your house is switched off, first check the watt rating printed on it. If the bulb is a 60-watt bulb and it is off for one hour, then you are saving .06 kilowatt hours. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use at least 75 percent less electricity and last five to 10 times longer, reduces energy and maintenance cost. Using natural lighting or

daylight when possible will also help reduce your costs. This month's energy-saving prize is a motion sensing light bulb socket. The bulb socket will activate when motion is detected and will turn off automatically after a period of time when motion stops. For more information and how you can enter for a chance to win, visit www.coastepa.com.

Visit www.coastepa.com to enter Reduce Your Use! Remember to visit us online each month for a chance to win! Winners will be announced in future issues of Today in Mississippi and on our social media channels.

May’s Reduce Your Use contest winner! Congratulations to our May Reduce Your Use contest winners, Patrick and Ashley Hines! Patrick and Ashley won LED lights for their entire home!

ELECTRICAL SAFETY QUIZ Test your electrical safety knowledge by taking the quiz below! Use the answer key if you need help. 1. Smoke alarms in your home should be tested ________. A. once a week B. twice a year C. once a month

2. Overloading electrical outlets and power strips can create an electrical fire hazard. A. True B. False

3. What’s the most dangerous place to use electricity? A. Outdoors B. Near other electrical equipment C. Near water

4. It’s safe to run an electrical cord under a rug or carpet as long as the cord is not damaged. A. True B. False

5. Which is safest to play near? A. Power lines B. Pad-mounted transformers C. Neither A or B – both are dangerous Answer Key: 1. C 2. A 3. C 4. B 5. C

12b

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

COAST ELECTRIC’S

Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Night notice of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of board members to be elected and The annual meeting of the members of Coast the names and addresses of the candidates nomiElectric Power Association will be held on Nov. nated by the Committee of Nominations. Any 25 7, 2019, at the Hancock Performing Arts Center members acting together may make other nomiin Kiln. The following information is provided in nations by petition and the secretary shall post accordance with association bylaws. such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the committee is posted provided same is filed with and approved by the Committee on Nominations at least 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Any petition for nominaIt shall be the duty of the board to appoint no tions shall be submitted on a form designated and less than 40 days nor more than 120 days before provided by the association. Each member signthe date of the meeting of the members at which ing such petition shall place thereon the date of directors are to be elected, a committee on nomi- signing, address, account number and service nations consisting of not less than five nor more location of the member. No nomination by petithan 11 members who shall be selected from dif- tion will be accepted by the Committee on ferent selections so as to insure equitable geoNominations which are not filed with such comgraphic representation. The committee shall mittee at least 24 hours prior to the meeting date receive and consider any suggestions as to nomiand time, if such a petition is timely filed, such nees submitted by members of the association. person shall be a write-in candidate. A complete The committee shall prepare and post at the prin- copy of the association bylaws is available upon ciple office of the association at least 30 days request at all offices of Coast Electric Power before the meeting a list of nominations for board Association. members. The secretary must mail with the

Notice of Annual Meeting

Committee on Nominations; Credentials and Elections

What is an Annual Meeting and why should you go? Co-ops like Coast Electric were founded by and are led by the men and women we serve. If you have a Coast Electric account, then you are a member of the cooperative. That means our business runs a little differently. We don’t have shareholders, instead we have you – local people who have a vested interest in our company. Since we don't have shareholders who are making money on their investment, we can focus on you, our member-owners. It also means we operate on a not-forprofit basis and work to keep costs down for you. We need our members to operate effectively though. We need your participation in the company. You can participate in many ways like serving in leadership roles, giving us feedback about your service and attending our Annual Meeting. We hope to see you this fall! If you have any questions before then, we hope you will visit coastpea.com, give us a call at 877-769-2372 or stop by any local office. We love getting to know our members!

New Location!

This year’s Annu al will be held at th Meeting e Performing Arts Hancock Center on Thursday, Novem ber 7.

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

12c

THINK SAFETY

Your pool and electricity:

POTENTIAL TROUBLE

Coming in

Any conversation about swimming pool safety will revolve around drowning. But it should also address electrocution. Although far less common than drowning, electrocution in or near a swimming pool also takes the lives of people every year.

Here are a few tips for preventing

ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS WHILE YOU’RE ENJOYING YOUR POOL: • Keep TVs, radios and extension cords • Keep electrical devices and cords at least far away from the water. 5 feet away from the edge of the pool. • Have your pool equipment inspected • Supervise children and party guests who are using the pool. and maintained every season. • Look for signs of trouble, like Faulty, malfunctioning or improperly installed equipflickering lights or equipment ment – like pool lights – that performs erratically. WATER can be hazardous. • If a swimmer is twitching AND ELECTRICITY or unresponsive, it’s possible • Have the pool inspected the water is electrified. when it is first installed, or • Make a plan in case someone gets electrobefore you buy a new house that cuted at the pool. You’re less likely to panic comes with an already-installed pool. • Don’t do your own electrical work if you know exactly what to do: turn off the on your pool lights or other electrical power, clear the pool area without touching anything metal and call an ambulance. components. Call a licensed electrician.

SEPTEMBER... We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication's content will continue to reflect Coast Electric Power Association’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. For more than 72 years, Today in Mississippi has been the primary resource to keep our cooperative members informed while also offering a unique blend of feature stories, columns, photo contests, recipes and more – all centered around life in Mississippi. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a highquality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. As we transition

Stay back and stay safe Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for Coast Electric, safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our consumer-members. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to you, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help!

maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews – and you. If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while lineworkers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet “supervising” the job. We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize Coast Electric employees by their brown uniform shirts with the Coast Electric logo, and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community.

12d

Today in Mississippi

June 2019

Operation Round Up By the Numbers: Total donations from Coast Electric members, $217,087.66 *Data collected from Dec. 1, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 31, 2019

Where the money is going: Amounts shown reflect the donated amounts for Dec. 1, 2018-May 31, 2019. While we track donations monthly, and Share Your Blessings funds are distributed monthly, grants are awarded quarterly.

Coast Electric Community Trust - $141,106.98

Will fund grants for local charitable organizations. ($71,800 of this money was distributed to local charitable organizations in the first quarter of 2019. Second quarter funds will be distributed in September.)

Share Your Blessings energy assistance - $54,271.92 (Funds energy assistance for Coast Electric members in need.) Endowment fund to be used for future charitable grants - $21,708.77

Share Your Blessings While there are other agencies that offer energy assistance in our area, we encourage Coast Electric members in need to contact Catholic Charities. Since Coast Electric members participating in Operation Round Up are donating monthly to Share Your Blessings, there is a steady source of funding for the program.

Q: Why Catholic Charities? A: Catholic Charities funds are continuously monitored and they are audited on a regular basis. Their reporting process ensures funds are properly managed and distributed in a way that is beneficial to Coast Electric members. Q: Do you have to be Catholic to receive funds from Catholic Charities? A: No. Any Coast Electric member meeting the criteria for the program can receive funds from Catholic Charities. Q: How can I apply for funds? A: Contact Catholic Charities at 855-847-0555. You must call to make an appointment before visiting an office. Offices are located at: 1450 North Street, Gulfport, MS 39501 and 640 Hwy 90 Suite A, Waveland, MS 39576. Members living in Pearl River County should call to schedule a phone interview since there is not an office in your county.

June 2019

Overall 5k Winners Matt Seeley Clayton Andrews Cole Bryant

Today in Mississippi

5k Results

5k 12 and Under Females Dixi Howell Brigid McCleen 5k 12 and Under Males Cole Bryant Tucker Hines Andrew Bourg 5k 13-19 Year-Old Females Lynden Seals Samantha Shows 5k 13-19 Year-Old Males Clayton Andrews Samuel Ortiz Logan Marquar 5k 20-29 Year-Old Females Nicole Hobn Carly Branch Heather Shows 5k 20-29 Year-Old Males David Moffitt Daniel Branch 5k 30-39 Year-Old Females Ashley Shuck Nichole Rankin Celena Shoemaker

5k 30-39 Year-Old Males Matt Seeley Phillippe Michel Jonathon Rogers 5k 40-49 Year-Old Females Brandy Maulden Natalie Bourg Jessica Howard 5k 40-49 Year-Old Males Buddy Bourn Kenneth Howard 5k 50-59 Year-Old Females Latisha Wisniewski Cindy Burnett Angie Crawford

Runners from across the coast gathered in Bay St. Louis last month for the 5th annual Ready, Set, Glow fun run and 5k to benefit the American Cancer Society. Thanks to the runners who lit up the race course and enjoyed a beautiful night on the beach, raising funds for a great cause.

1 Mile Fun Run Results 9 and Under

10-12

Allie Lafontaine Maggie Green Addison Oliver

Trinity Sullivan Ariana Rieben

5k 50-59 Year-Old Males Bill Burnett Dennis Wisniewski Daniel Lang 5k 60 and Over Females Jeannie Rankin Rita Edwards 5k 60 and Over Males Archie Reeves

Kiln, Miss.

Today in Mississippi

July 2019 USE IT ANY TIME

Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425.

24/7

GET ACCOUNT INFO MAKE A PAYMENT REPORT AN OUTAGE MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT

Black Hawk Orchard and Apiary Delivers Delicious Apples in a Different Way

By Nancy Jo Maples An apple a day might keep the doctor away; however, in north Mississippi it’s a doctor who keeps the apples coming. Dr. Todd Fincher has been creating beautiful smiles for his dental patients for the past 32 years in his hometown, Greenwood. An avid deer and turkey hunter, Fincher had been using apples to supplement wildlife food plots. Three years ago, he started an apple orchard and soon added bees for pollination and honey. He calls the place Black Hawk Orchard and Apiary. “We had planted several varieties, namely Terry Winter Apples that hung well into December, for hunting and provided late season food. This piqued my interest in a larger operation,” Fincher said. “At the same time, I had begun beekeeping and the two, raising apples and beekeeping, intertwined nicely. I put the bee hives near my wildlife plots for added pollination and the food plots exploded.” With an interest in developing an actual orchard, Fincher researched varieties compatible with Mississippi’s climate. He also studied ways of growing the trees and settled on using two different orchard types, the conventional style and the high-density model developed by Cornell University in New York. Conventional orchards have 40 foot spacing between trees; however, the high-density method uses trellising and tight spacing in which trees are about three feet apart. Fincher has four acres planted in the conventional style where he grows Heirloom apples from the Jamestown Colony of the 1600s and the Williamsburg Colony of the 1700s. Heirloom trees have been grafted over the years from trees more than 100 years old. Fincher’s are not harvested and are left for wildlife. In the high-density model, 4x4x15 foot posts are secured three feet deep and three feet apart. Twelve-

Black Hawk Orchard and Apiary, near Greenwood, Miss., markets Gala, Fuji and Granny Smith apples to local farmers' markets and consumers.

“You can now enjoy the actual ‘fruits’ of our labors.” Dr. Todd Fincher gauge galvanized wire is rung through staples placed every two feet in the posts. The farm has a maximum tree count of 588 trees on a quarter-acre with trees clamped to a trellis. “The trellis supports the trees so the apples don’t break the limbs off the trees,” he said. The result resembles the way Napa Valley vineyards grow grapes.

Gala, Fuji and Granny Smith trees are grown for marketable production in the high-density field. “Each matures a little differently, so the harvest is staggered over six weeks in the fall,” he said. Production is largely due to much help from his wife of 39 years, Laura. His brother, Stuart Fincher, from nearby Carrollton is also involved, especially with the beekeeping and honey harvesting. Honey is collected three times a year – in May, July and September – and is sold locally. Apple season is September and October. Harvesting apples is a full-day family affair that includes the Finchers’ daughter Kaley and their three grandchildren. Apples are then sold by the bushel, pound or basket at local farmers’ markets in Greenwood and Starkville, by word of mouth and to area grocery stores. Extra fruit is donated to the local food pantry. The oldest trees at Black Hawk are four years old, and last year was their first year to produce. He receives the trees when they are one year old and plants a few additional trees each year. Maximum production occurs in the 10th year of a tree’s life, and trees can live 15 to 25 years. Fincher’s end-goal is to produce enough apples to supply area schools that offer locally grown produce in their cafeterias. He has also begun blueberry, nectarine and plum orchards. “The nectarines are as good as Florida, and they’re local,” he said. Black Hawk Orchard and Apiary earned its name because it is located in Black Hawk, a rural community about 20 miles from Greenwood. Fincher grew up in Greenwood and returned there to live and work in 1986 after earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree

July 2019

Dr. Todd Fincher and his brother Stuart Fincher collect honey from the bee hives at Black Hawk Orchard and Apiary. from Louisiana State University. He met his wife at Mississippi State where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. They married while he was working on his master’s degree at Delta State. Black Hawk is the family’s get-back-to-nature place, a 350-acre farm he shares with his brother. His dental practice involves all types of proce-

Going the extra mile Electric cooperatives maintain more miles of power lines per consumer than other types of electric utilities. Even though they serve fewer consumers and acquire less revenue, electric co-ops always go the extra mile to power the communities they serve.

1 mile of power lines

Consumers served per mile: 8 Revenue: $19,000

Other Electric Utilities Consumers served per mile: 32 Revenue: $79,000 Sources: EIA, 2017 data. Includes revenue and consumer averages per mile of line.

Today in Mississippi

Located in the Delta Electric Power Association service area, the Fincher farm grows apples using tight spacing and trellises that resemble the grape growing method in Napa Valley, Calif.

dures on children and adults, but he specializes in cosmetic makeovers, dental implants, and sleep apnea. A very active church member, Fincher serves as an Elder at Greenwood First Presbyterian Church. He and his wife have assisted with dental aid on many mission trips in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Cameroon, West Africa, and Belize.

Electric Co-ops

Fincher’s trees are chemical free; however, they are not certified organic because government regulations for organic farming are stringent. The marketable fruit trees are irrigated using a drip system on a timer. Future plans include a hoop house for growing salad greens like lettuce, kale, asparagus as well as a few flowers and some tomatoes. Delta Electric ran electricity to the farm so that he could maintain temperatures. “I want to especially thank Mike Oliver and Larry Walker, plus their crew, for doing beautiful line work and placement. The electricity will not only allow us the ability to put in fans and heaters, but also should we move to a well in the future due to the volume of water, we will be able to use electricity for the well head thanks to Delta Electric,” Fincher said. Fincher said the journey with Black Hawk Orchard and Apiary has been an intensive one, but it has been guided by biblical scripture from Matthew 6:33, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all things will be granted unto you.” “You can now enjoy the actual ‘fruits’ of our labors,” Fincher said. Award winning journalist Nancy Jo Maples has been writing about Mississippi people and places more than 30 years and is the author of Staying Power: The Story of South Mississippi Electric Power Association. Reach her via email at nancyjomaples@aol.com.

12 I Today in Mississippi I July 2019

Stay Back and Stay Safe Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. That’s why safety is the number one priority here at Dixie Electric. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable Randy Smith electricity to you, but equally important, we want our General Manager employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help! Distractions can have hazardous consequences. If a lineworker is on or near your property during a power outage, please allow them ample room to work. These small

accommodations help protect our crews–– and you. We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize our employees by their lineworker uniform with the Dixie Electric logo on it and our service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community. In addition to giving lineworkers some space while they are near your property, we also ask that you move over or slow down when approaching a utility vehicle on the side of the road. This is an extra barrier of safety, and it’s the law in Mississippi. We encourage you to talk to your kids about safety; visit dixieepa.com or myelectriccooperative.com/safety for more tips and information on electrical safety.

Bylaws govern Dixie Electric’s board elections Section 4.03. Tenure & Qualifications. (a) At each annual meeting of the members, approximately one-third (1/3) of the total number of directors shall be elected by ballot, by and from the members, to serve for a term of three (3) years as provided by law. If the election of directors shall not be held at the annual meeting or if such annual meeting is not held, each director shall hold office 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

July 2019 I Today in Mississippi

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 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 authority 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.

BROADBAND SURVEY In July, we will be working with NRECA Market Research Services to complete a survey to gauge interest in high speed internet service. The surveys will be both by phone and email, but not everyone will be contacted. If you are contacted, we would greatly appreciate a few minutes of your time to share your thoughts on cooperatives offering broadband in our local area.

We strive to provide information and services that are beneficial to you. By participating in this survey, you will help us make decisions that benefit you, your family and your neighbors.

MAINTAINING RELIABLE SERVICE

All information is confidential, and please note that we never ask for personal identifiable information during surveys, such as your account number, social security number or date of birth.

Notice of Dixie Electric’s Director Qualification Period

Candidates seeking election to represent Districts 1 or 5 on 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 during business hours between

JASPER COUNTY

CLARKE COUNTY

OVINGTON COUNTY

Collins

June 1 and July 31. The forms and petitions in the packet must be completed and returned by close of business on

July 31, 2019.

WAYNE COUNTY

Ellisville JONES COUNTY

Richton Hattiesburg

FORREST COUNTY

PERRY COUNTY

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. Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel.

Right-of-way clearing projects underway SPRAYING CLEARING SHARON SUBSTATION: North Laurel, Sharon and Hoy

CUTTING HEBRON SUBSTATION: Hebron, Big Creek, Gitano and Soso

INDIAN SPRINGS SUBSTATION: Sunrise and Petal GLADE SUBSTATION: Glade, Myrick and Tuckers Crossing SOUTH WAYNESBORO SUBSTATION: Waynesboro, Clara, Dyess Bridge, Winchester and Buckatunna

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

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 work continues It was my intent to write about something other than broadband internet service this month, but it seems to be the topic that keeps coming up CEO Randy Carroll and it is consuming a great deal of your leadership team’s time. It has been almost six months since the Mississippi legislature gave electric cooperatives permission to study what it would take to serve the rural areas of our state. In those six months, East Mississippi Electric Power Association has done a study that would provide fiber to the homes in our service territory. That study indicates an investment of over $100 million dollars over a three to five-year period. To put that into perspective, we typically spend just over $7 million dollars building new power lines each year to serve new members and maintain the capacity to serve the 37,000 existing accounts. A five-year buildout would require borrowing $20 million dollars each year for the next five years. While this is certainly a large capital expenditure to take on, it isn’t one that stops us from looking at how we might be able to move forward in providing this service. As I said in my last article, it all depends on how many members are interested in broadband service and at what price. That is why about 10 percent of you will receive a call or email from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in July or August asking for your input. Please, if you are called, give them your honest opinion. It will be extremely important to us as we continue forward. We are doing a second study through our National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) to get an alternate view, cost projections and technology suggestions about what, where and how we could build out a fiber network. Given that the cost of this network is almost half the cost of the total power system we have built over the last 80 years, we feel it prudent to gather all the information possible.

We are also monitoring the legislative process in both Mississippi and nationally. As this election cycle heats up, please let those running for office know how important it is that the legislation established in January continues to be the roadmap to follow. Typically, the year following the passage of legislation is when any challenges or changes would be introduced in the legislature. The established path of legislation we are currently using is challenging enough without any new hurdles or roadblocks. There has been discussion of possible changes to the legislation in the 2020 legislative session. Any changes would need to be carefully considered in order to not hinder our ability to move forward in providing an affordable option for broadband service to rural east Mississippi. As I have said before, my preference would be that the current internet providers offer the services they are structured to provide, but if they are not going to do so, please don’t impede us in trying. Your EMEPA employees, my TEAM members, are doing all this while still working to maintain the level of service you have come to expect from us. The April and May storms have been challenging but everyone here has responded to the task and worked hard to repair the damage mother nature dealt us. Mother’s Day was one of those outages. We lost a transmission line pole due to the heavy rains. It took all morning and most of the afternoon to get into the swamp and repair the damage. Moms, and my mom was one of them, I’m sorry your power was out but I’m glad we have the talented professionals needed to get the lines back up and the power restored. As I finish this article, I can’t help but think of the holidays we have and will be celebrating this summer. We remembered the brave souls that lost their lives 75 years ago on D-Day and in the Battle of Normandy. Those that were willing to give their all so that we might have the lives we have today. We honor those that made it back home to start families, build communities and advance our nation. On July 4th we

will celebrate the freedom we hold so dearly. This truly is a special nation with special people that can achieve great things when we as a community come together to enhance the lives of our families, neighbors and friends.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! EMEPA has commissioned NRECA Market Research Services to conduct a broadband survey on our behalf in July. The survey will be done both by phone and online, but not everyone will be contacted. If you are one who is randomly selected, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your views and interest in broadband service. The survey will take approximately five minutes. Our priority is delivering energy to empower lives, and your participation in the survey will help us make decisions that benefit you, your family and your neighbors.

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

12a

Teaching youngsters the important lesson of energy efficiency Electronic and mobile devices, TVs, computers and gaming stations have become ubiquitous fixtures in our homes, particularly those with children. Consumer electronics coupled with the proliferation of smart home appliances, technology and electric vehicles have slowly but steadily changed our homes and lifestyles. This ever-connected world is the modern environment in which children are growing up. And with lifestyles increasingly reliant on technology and in turn, energy consumption, teaching youngsters to save energy is an important life lesson. The why Before parents can teach their children how to save energy, they must first answer the question, “what’s in it for me?” As most parents can attest, convincing kids to care about energy efficiency is a hard sell. Parents need to explain why it’s important to save energy and how it benefits the child – otherwise they will not understand the need to change their habits and will be less motivated to do so. In the simplest terms, less money spent on an electric bill can mean more money used for fun activities (that’s something children can relate to!). Less tangible, but just as important, using less energy means running your home more efficiently, conserving natural resources and helping the environment. Learning by doing Because “saving energy” is an abstract concept for children, be specific about energy efficiency actions and set an example. We know that children learn by

observing what their parents do. Even if they don’t say anything, children are processing your actions. When you turn off the lights when leaving a room or unplug the phone charger once the device is fully charged, they will notice. Learning about energy efficiency doesn’t have to be a boring lecture. Make it fun for greater impact. For younger kids, turn energy efficiency into a “treasure hunt” game to locate all the things in your home that use electricity. Depending on the age of the children, challenge them to count and group the items into categories: electronics, appliances, lights, etc. If age appropriate, have them create a list. Ask which gadgets and appliances could be turned off or unplugged to save power every day. For older children, show them how to program the smart thermostat and appliances. Shop with them for LED lights and discuss ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. Show them the electric bill so they can see the costs, energy use and how their actions impact the bill. Kids of all ages can learn a few simple energy-saving habits that can last a lifetime: • Turn off lights, devices, computers and video consoles when not in use. • Open blinds and curtains during winter days to let warm sunlight in and close them during summer days to keep your home cooler. • If your children are old enough to run the dishwasher or wash their own clothes, teach them to run these appliances only with a full load and during offpeak energy hours.

Rewards Offer rewards for agreed upon milestones. Rewards provide positive reinforcement on energy-saving actions. The idea is to create a habit of being energy efficient. And for parents, this could mean less nagging about turning off the lights! Teaching your children about saving energy is not only a creative way to spend time with them; it helps your home to be more energy efficient and can instill good habits that will benefit your child long into adulthood. Visit the Kid’s Korner at EMEPA.com for more fun safety and energy efficiency resources for the kids in your life.

We Care Commitment

On Wednesday, June 12, a group of EMEPA employees volunteered at East Kemper Elementary in Scooba helping to give outdoor areas and one of the classrooms a fresh coat of paint. Through the We Care Commitment, EMEPA employees are dedicated to supporting the communities where we live and work. If you have a project idea, please let us know at ContactUs@emepa.com.

12b I Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Keep cool for

less

Tip

of the

MONTH

even if it’s still functional. Ductwork is equally important as the A/C unit, so make sure the contractor you choose is capable and willing to provide an expert assessment. A real pro will know how to measure the air flow at each supply and A/C unit is installed flat or according to manAn HVAC inspector can tell you if your ducts return register. ufacturer’s directions, so that it drains propare leaking or in need of insulation. If you’re not getting cool air Photo by: Julep67Weimer erly. Photo by: Your best digs to the rooms that need it, the contractor may be able to make modifications to the ductwork. Leaky ductwork could be your problem. If the ducts are in unconditioned areas like a crawl space or attic, it’s especially important to make sure they’re sealed and insulated. It will also help to seal ducts that are in conditioned spaces. Some HVAC contractors can do a duct-blaster test to measure duct leakage. Discuss whether you should ever close any supply registers. Most experts recommend that supply registers are always open. If you cool your home with A Duct Blaster test can identify air leaks in That old fridge or freezer in your garage window A/C units, there are a your home’s ductwork. Photo by: Ket555 could be taking a bite out of your wallet. few things you can do to maxi- Photo by: Alex Weimer mize your cooling while keeping costs as low as possible: cold airthroughout the area you are cooling. • Use window A/C units in rooms that can be closed • Turn off the A/C unit when no one is in the room. off with a door, to make the cooling as effective as • If your window A/C unit isn’t cooling properly, it possible. • Make sure you have the right sized unit for the size of may need to be replaced. Look for an ENERGY STAR-certified unit to make the most of your cooling the room. A unit that’s too big will cool the room dollars. before the humidity has been lowered, which will make Of course, the simplest way to save money on your it feel less cool, while a unit that’s too small will have A/C is to not use it. As much as possible, keep your to work harder, causing a shorter lifespan – and it may activities limited to rooms that are easily cooled. Try not do the job. • Use an electric fan or ceiling fan to help distribute the to spend more time cooking and eating outdoors.

When it’s warm out,

avoid using the oven. Try cooking on the stove, using the microwave or grilling outside instead.

Source: energy.gov

July 2019

Today in Mississippi I 12c

THINK SAFETY

Your pool and electricity:

POTENTIAL TROUBLE

Coming in

Here are a few tips for preventing

SEPTEMBER... We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication's content will continue to reflect East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. For more than 72 years, Today in Mississippi has been the primary resource to keep our cooperative members informed while also offering a unique blend of feature stories, columns, photo contests, recipes and more – all centered around life in Mississippi. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a highquality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. As we transition

Stay back and stay safe Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for EMEPA, safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our consumer-members. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to you, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help!

maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews – and you. If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while lineworkers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet “supervising” the job. We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize EMEPA employees by their blue uniform shirts with the EMEPA logo, and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community.

12d

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

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: • Mallory Malone, daughter of Joe and Sharman Malone • Alyssa Gully, daughter of Greg and Glenda Gully • Luke Lott, son of David and Kris Lott.

East Mississippi Electric 81st Annual Meeting

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 If you have any questions about the annual meeting or just want to know more, please contact EMEPA at

ATTALA COUNTY

Louisville WINSTON COUNTY

NOXUBEE COUNTY

601.581.8624 or visit our website at

www.emepa.com.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 at EMEPA’s Meridian Auditorium.

East Mississippi Electric Power Association will conduct its 81st Annual Meeting of the membership Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 at EMEPA’s Meridian Auditorium. Notices will be mailed later this summer to invite you and all EMEPA members to attend our annual meeting. The Annual Meeting will inform our members of the actions taken during the past year in addition to conducting the Association’s business and the election of three directors. In accordance with the bylaws of East Mississippi 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 the directors. Any member of EMEPA may obtain a complete set of bylaws by contacting their district office in Louisville, DeKalb, Quitman or the main office in Meridian.

De Kalb

16 NESHOBA COUNTY

KEMPER COUNTY

LAUDERDALE COUNTY Meridian

I-20 NEWTON COUNTY

JASPER COUNTY

I-59 CLARKE COUNTY Quitman

WAYNE COUNTY

July 2019 I Today in Mississippi

Reporting a power outage can be EASY!

Update your phone number.

How to update your phone number: • Call any EMEPA office to change the number associated with your account. Meridian 601-581-8600 Louisville 662-773-5741 Quitman 601-776-6271 DeKalb 601-743-2641 • Email your contact information to contactus@emepa.com with “Verify Contact Info” in subject line of email. • Visit any EMEPA office. EMEPA’s new outage reporting system will automatically recognize your account if your phone number is correct.

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544

Board of Directors John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr., President • Mike Banks, Secretary/Treasurer • Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson

Johnny Johnson, Vice President Bill Bell • Kenneth Seitz • Marty Crowder

YOUR COOPERATIVE By Brian Clark, CEO/General Manager

Unplug to be More Connected “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Author Anne Lamott cleverly captures the benefits of unplugging in today’s device-driven, multi-tasking world. Keeping up with work, family and school activities or the latest trends on social media makes most of us feel compelled to constantly check our devices. Summer is a great time to take a family vacation, but it’s also a good opportunity to unplug from our devices and enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Research has Brian Clark shown that we all need downtime after a busy day to recharge––even though we may resist it. Take a moment to slow down and enjoy some peaceful hours away from technology. While you’re unplugging from your devices, take a look around your home to identify electronics that consume energy even when they are not in use (this is known as “vampire” energy loss). TVs, gaming consoles, phone chargers and computers are some of the biggest culprits. If your summer plans include a staycation, take time to recharge your relationships and be more present with those you love. Stop by your local Farmer’s Market, enjoy a park, get involved in your church. Enjoy our beautiful surroundings with your family and friends. Speaking of spending time outdoors, you can also enjoy energy savings by incorporating LED products and fixtures for outdoor use, such as pathway, step and porch lights. Many include features like automatic daylight shut-

off and motion sensors. You can also find solar-powered lighting for outdoor spaces. Save energy by keeping warm summer air outside where it belongs. Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows. You can also employ a programmable thermostat to adjust the settings a few degrees higher when no one is home. In our connected world, we have forgotten how to slow down. We multitask and text. We check email, then voicemail, then Facebook. Do yourself and your family a favor. Put down the device and smell the fresh air. We can help you save money and energy by connecting you with our energy-saving programs and services. When you do plug back in, we’re just a call or click away. And as we celebrate Independence Day this month, please take time to reflect on the freedoms and blessings we enjoy as Americans, as well as the sacrificices that have been made by so many so that we, at least for today, remain free. Democracy is not a spectator sport; it takes active civic engagement by citizens to thrive. This Independence Day, I hope you will embrace the local celebrations and actively participate in your community – and vote at every opportunity! Be safe! Happy 4th of July!

Coming in

SEPTEMBER... We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication's content will continue to reflect 4-County Electric Power Association’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. For more than 72 years, Today in Mississippi has been the primary resource to keep our cooperative members informed while also offering a unique blend of feature stories, columns, photo contests, recipes and more – all centered around life in Mississippi. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a highquality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. As we tran-

sition to the new format, we will also improve the online digital offerings of Today in Mississippi. What will not change? Our commitment to our loyal readers. Since our beginning in 1948, we have listened to you – through phone calls, letters, emails and surveys – and can proudly say that our publication has been designed and inspired by our readers. We will continue to work hard to maintain the trust you have placed in us. We look forward to sharing with you soon the fresh, new look of our publication and also a renewed commitment to delivering quality stories and familyfriendly content celebrating life in Mississippi. And, it continues to be our privilege to be your source for valuable information about your cooperative, new recipes, travel, events, gardening, outdoor life and so much more. Thanks for being a Today in Mississippi reader.

Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $722,239 on prescription drugs through May. Look here each month to see the savings total!

July 2019

Today in Mississippi I 12a

Book has roots in family

trees

By Brad Barr row crops, lumber, cattle and dairy cows. “Our family Benny Graves has deep roots in the rich soil of history mirrored what was going on in Mississippi at Choctaw County. the time, the way we utilized our land,” he added. If you don’t believe it, just ask him. He has a tower- 4-County Electric Power Association played a key role ing story to tell, one tree at a time. in expanding their dairy business. “The advent of elecIn “Dancing with Trees: A Family Journal,” the tricity in this area definitely upgraded the lifestyle of first-time author tells the story of five generations of his my family,” he said. family’s toils and struggles, celebrations and milestones Pines, oaks, gums and cedars dot the landscape. The on a 120-acre plot of land in Ackerman. old Sweet Gum tree, for example, is inspiration for the The book, published March 15 by Sartoris Literary account of “Buster,” one of several tenant farmers who Group in Brandon, is a series of short stories rememworked their crops on the farm. Today, Buster’s shack bered against the backdrop of 28 ancient trees on the remains and so does the gum tree just next to it. “I family farm. “Every tree has witnessed something. never knew Buster. He was before me. But I always Every person has special memoheard stories about him as we ries associated with particular approached the Sweet Gum. He trees. I’m no different. I just and his wife lived in that 800 decided to sit down and write square-foot shack with 13 chilabout it.” dren,” Benny said. Silent sentinels like the Big A lifelong resident of Oak were witness to the blood, Choctaw County, Benny is a sweat and tears invested in cargraduate of Mississippi State ing for the family farm. Older University (MSU), with a bachoak trees, Benny explained, were elor’s degree in plant pathology often spared when land was and a master’s degree in forest cleared for farming. The reason? pathology. He retired recently “I know every tree on the farm. Shade from the blistering heat from the Mississippi Departof a Mississippi summer. The ment of Agriculture after 33 I realized that each tree had a Big Oak, 17 feet in circumferyears of service. Based at MSU, story to tell.” ence and over 100 feet tall, was Benny also worked as director a fine place to take a break. “I remember, as a boy, of the Sweet Potato Council. drinking Mason jar water with my father under that He and his wife of 35 years, Deanie, have two chiltree. He’d take a break from the tractor and we’d spend dren: Claire, who works in public policy for First Place some time under that big old tree,” he said. for Youth, a non-profit organization based in Jackson; Growing up, Benny said, the family farm was used for and Ellen, who works at MSU in the Agriculture Com-

munications department. Benny was the only child in his immediate family who came back to the farm. He never really left, the self-taught naturalist explained. “I knew the ropes,” he said. “I could have gone to a larger city after college, but I felt like I could raise a family just as well back here. I wanted to raise my family in a small town.” How did he become an author? In 2015, while they were walking around the farm, he and Deanie began noticing that Benny had special memories associated with each tree. “I know every tree on the farm. I realized that each tree had a story to tell.” He spent four years writing and conducting research for the book. Deanie, a native of Crystal Springs and a graduate of Mississippi University for Women and Vanderbilt University, assisted with editing. “It’s been a fun process,” he said. In addition to writing the book, Benny took most of the photos. People relate to trees, Benny said. They climbed them, took respite under them and harvested from them. “I respect them and what they provide,” he added. The book has spent time as the No. 1 new release in Amazon’s Forest and Forestry category. Here’s an excerpt: “Sitting on a bucket, alone in the silent moonlight, I feel the beat of my heart. I see my breath rise in the cool evening air, and I realize I’m living and breathing exactly where I’m meant to be.” And that, Benny explained, pretty much tells the story. “Dancing with Trees: A Family Journal” can be found online at Amazon, Books a Million and Barnes and Noble. For more information, go to Facebook and type in Dancing with Trees.

12b

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

June 6 annual mee

Amanda Pippins of Columbus, bottom, is joined by 4-County CEO Brian Clark and board members as she receives the keys to the annual meeting grand prize, a retired 4-County fleet truck.

Some 500 members of 4-County Electric Power Association attended the cooperative’s annual membership meeting Thursday, June 6, 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. 4-County CEO Brian Clark said there was something for everyone at the meeting. “We provided our membership with good information, elected two directors and, of course, gave away some great door prizes – including a truck,” Clark 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 4-County’s Brian Clark conducts his first directors. Two incumbent directors were reannual meeting as CEO June 6 at the Golden elected: Johnny Johnson of Columbus for Triangle East Mississippi Community District 1, Lowndes County; and Marty College lyceum. Crowder of Ackerman for District 5, Choctaw and Winston counties. They will serve three-year terms. Amanda Pippins of Columbus was the winner of the grand prize, a retired 4-County fleet truck. There were a variety of other attendee prizes.

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

eting a day of fellowship and fun

4-County members took advantage of a variety of displays and presentations at the meeting. Retired veteran Buck Ray of Ackerman, above left, led the pledge of allegiance.

12c

12d

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Watts Happening This listing of area events is compiled from information provided by area chambers of commerce and visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bureaus. The events listed are subject to change. Please call to confirm dates, times and additional details.

FRIDAY, JULY 5 Western Horizons (art by local artists) and a movie showing of Monte Walsh; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 5:30 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787. SATURDAY, JULY 6 End of the Trail Concert & Dinner with Shane Tubbs; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; dinner, 6 p.m., concert 7 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787. Starkville Community Market; intersection of Lampkin and Russell Streets; 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.; details, (662) 323-3322.

things The more

change...

stthae y

The more they

MONDAY, JULY 8 Story hour with Mrs. Rainey; Starkville Public Library, 326 University Drive; 10 to 11 a.m.; details, (662) 323-2766. TUESDAY, JULY 9 Summer Reading Ages 5-12; ColumbusLowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N.; 10 a.m.; continues each Tuesday through July; details, (662) 329-5300. Harveyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebrity Wait Night; 406 Hwy. 12 E. in Starkville; 5 to 9 p.m.; details, (662) 323-1669.

same

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 Camp Chick-fil-A; 701 Hwy. 12 E., in Starkville; 1:30 to 3 p.m.; details, (662) 3244460. THURSDAY, JULY 18 Movie Night at the Library: Iron Giant; Starkville Public Library, 326 University Drive; 3 to 5 p.m.; details, (662) 323-2766. Jazz Open Mic Night; Colvard Student Union, 198 Lee Blvd. on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville; 7 to 9 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322. FRIDAY, JULY 19 Lego Engineering at the Library; Starkville Public Library, 326 University Drive; 10 a.m. to Noon; details, (662) 323-2766.

Rain, sleet or snow! For 80 years, 4-County employees have done what it takes to keep em the liights on. Technology, equipment and training may have changed, but our commitment to serviice has not.

SATURDAY, JULY 27 10th Annual Dancing in the Park; McKee Park, 405 Lynn Lane in Starkville; details, (662) 323-3322. MONDAY, JULY 29 Golden Triangle Alliance for Arts and Education Summer Camp; Academy of Performing Arts, 2133 N. Eshman Ave. in West Point; details, (662) 323-3322.

We are Powered by you ...the 4-County members!

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

4-County continues rights of way management Keeping your lights on is “job one” at 4-County Electric Power Association. And when one tenth of all power outages can be traced to vegetation issues – trees, branches, etc. – maintaining a healthy right-of-way (ROW) is a key component of getting the job done. 4-County uses an integrated vegetation management program that incorporates several methods of ROW maintenance, including using mechanical methods. 4-County has hired Deviney Construction to begin mechanical rights-of- Hwy. 15 between Hwy. 12 way line clearance work in July. and Sherwood, Hwy. 9 Deviney will be working in areas to between Hwy. 12 and the include Hwy. 15 between Hwy. 12 and Natchez Trace and Sherwood, Hwy. 9 between Hwy. 12 intersecting roads and the Natchez Trace and intersecting between. roads between. Workers with the company will be driving vehicles that have signs identifying them as 4-County contractors. For more information about where the pruning will be taking place, please contact 4-County by calling 1-800-431-1544.

CAUTION

Morning light, morning bright for Dawkins Most mornings, Journeyman Lineman Derek Dawkins can be found jump-starting his day by reading scripture from the Holy Bible. “It’s a great way to begin the day,” Derek said prior to joining his 4-County Electric Power Association crew for a venture in the field. “I appreciate a company that allows us to worship. Without prayer, nothing works.” Derek relies on that divine intervention to take care of his work family and his home family. “I enjoy spending time with my boys and teaching them what life is all about, how everything revolves around the Lord. That’s my goal,” he explained. A member of Tommy Reed’s Corporate Center crew, Derek lives in Starkville with his wife, Lena, and their sons, Clark, 9, and Luke, 5. They are members of Calvary Baptist Church in Macon. The Dawkins clan lives on a 300-acre cattle farm, watched over by Jake, a jovial bloodhound who has a tendency to announce visitors in a most resounding way. “He’s a good house alarm and a good deer tracking dog, too,” Derek said. Turkey hunting is actually his outdoor hobby of choice. Derek has hunted in Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee and Wisconsin. “I’m planning to go to Texas soon and anywhere else

that’s open to a Mississippi turkey hunter,” he said. The family also spends much of its time on ball fields, fishing and spending time with other family members. They attend an annual wooden boat show each year at Pickwick Lake. His wife’s grandfather restores and builds wooden boats. Derek began his 4-County career March 2010. Prior to 4-County, he worked for the City of Macon as a lineman. The Noxubee County native has served on 4-County’s Activities Committee. His wife is in the midst of starting her own business venture, a wedding design/coordinator business. Derek said his main focus in life is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. His favorite verse is Romans 10: 9-10: “That is you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” His faith drives him to do the best job possible at work, Derek said. “This job is not for everyone. People need us. I enjoy outage work, for example. People always come by and express their thanks. It gives you a surge,” he stressed. “I know about 80 percent of the people in Noxubee County. They can count on us to get the lights on.”

From left: Ethan Sevier, Carrington Davis, Zachary Wilson and Ben Brown stopped for a photo in front of the North Lawn of the White House while touring the nation’s capital.

4-County leadership group tours D.C. Ethan Sevier of West Point, Carrington Davis and Zachary Wilson, both of Columbus and Ben Brown of Starkville, were among more than 1,800 high school students from across the country who participated in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour held June 15-21 in Washington, D.C. The 4-County Electric Power Association delegates traveled to Washington with a group of 77 other 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.

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Keep cool for

less

Tip

of the

MONTH

may be cost-effective to replace it, even if it’s still functional. Ductwork is equally important as the A/C unit, so make sure the contractor you choose is capable and willing to provide an expert assessment. A real pro will know how to measure the air flow at each supply and return register. If you’re not getting cool air to the rooms that need it, the contractor may be able to make modifications to the ductwork. Leaky ductwork could be your An HVAC inspector can tell you if your ducts A/C unit is installed flat or according to manufacare leaking or in need of insulation. turer’s directions, so that it drains properly. problem. If the ducts are in Photo by: Julep67Weimer Photo by: Your best digs unconditioned areas like a crawl space or attic, it’s especially important to make sure they’re sealed and insulated. It will also help to seal ducts that are in conditioned spaces. Some HVAC contractors can do a duct-blaster test to measure duct leakage. Discuss whether you should ever close any supply registers. Most experts recommend that supply registers are always open. If you cool your home with window A/C units, there are a few things you can do to maxiThat old fridge or freezer in your garage A Duct Blaster test can identify air leaks in your home’s ductwork. Photo by: Ket555 mize your cooling while keeping could be taking a bite out of your wallet. Photo by: Alex Weimer costs as low as possible: • Use window A/C units in rooms that can be closed off with a door, to make cold airthroughout the area you are cooling. the cooling as effective as possible. • Turn off the A/C unit when no one is in the room. • Make sure you have the right sized unit for the size • If your window A/C unit isn’t cooling properly, it of the room. A unit that’s too big will cool the room may need to be replaced. Look for an ENERGY STARbefore the humidity has been lowered, which will make certified unit to make the most of your cooling dollars. it feel less cool, while a unit that’s too small will have Of course, the simplest way to save money on your to work harder, causing a shorter lifespan – and it may A/C is to not use it. As much as possible, keep your not do the job. activities limited to rooms that are easily cooled. Try • Use an electric fan or ceiling fan to help distribute the to spend more time cooking and eating outdoors.

When it’s warm out,

avoid using the oven. Try cooking on the stove, using the microwave or grilling outside instead.

Source: energy.gov

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

THINK SAFETY

Your pool and electricity:

Here are a few tips for preventing

ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS WHILE YOU’RE ENJOYING YOUR POOL: • Keep TVs, radios and extension cords • Keep electrical devices and cords at least far away from the water. 5 feet away from the edge of the pool. • Have your pool equipment inspected • Supervise children and party guests who are using the pool. and maintained every season. • Look for signs of trouble, like Faulty, malfunctioning or improperly installed equipflickering lights or equipment ment – like pool lights – that performs erratically. WATER can be hazardous. • If a swimmer is twitching AND ELECTRICITY or unresponsive, it’s possible • Have the pool inspected the water is electrified. when it is first installed, or before you buy a new house that • Make a plan in case someone gets electrocuted at the pool. You’re less likely to panic comes with an already-installed pool. • Don’t do your own electrical work if you know exactly what to do: turn off the on your pool lights or other electrical power, clear the pool area without touching anything metal and call an ambulance. components. Call a licensed electrician.

Coming in

SEPTEMBER... We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication's content will continue to reflect Magnolia Electric Power’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. For more than 72 years, Today in Mississippi has been the primary resource to keep our cooperative members informed while also offering a unique blend of feature stories, columns, photo contests, recipes and more – all centered around life in Mississippi. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a highquality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. As we transition

Stay back and stay safe Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for Magnolia Electric Power, safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our consumer-members. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to you, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help!

allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews – and you. If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while lineworkers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet “supervising” the job. We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize Magnolia Electric Power employees by their brown uniform shirts with the Magnolia Electric Power logo, and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community.

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Providing affordable, reliable electricity to our members since 1936.

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Keep cool for

less

Tip

of the

MONTH

may be cost-effective to replace it, even if it’s still functional. Ductwork is equally important as the A/C unit, so make sure the contractor you choose is capable and willing to provide an expert assessment. A real pro will know how to measure the air flow at each supply and return register. If you’re not getting cool air to the rooms that need it, the contractor may be able to make modifications to the ductwork. Leaky ductwork could be your An HVAC inspector can tell you if your ducts A/C unit is installed flat or according to manufacturer’s directions, so that it drains properly. problem. If the ducts are in uncon- are leaking or in need of insulation. Photo by: Your best digs ditioned areas like a crawl space or Photo by: Julep67Weimer attic, it’s especially important to make sure they’re sealed and insulated. It will also help to seal ducts that are in conditioned spaces. Some HVAC contractors can do a duct-blaster test to measure duct leakage. Discuss whether you should ever close any supply registers. Most experts recommend that supply registers are always open. If you cool your home with window A/C units, there are a few things you can do to maxiThat old fridge or freezer in your garage A Duct Blaster test can identify air leaks in your home’s ductwork. Photo by: Ket555 mize your cooling while keeping could be taking a bite out of your wallet. Photo by: Alex Weimer costs as low as possible: • Use window A/C units in rooms that can be closed off with a door, to make the cooling cold airthroughout the area you are cooling. as effective as possible. • Turn off the A/C unit when no one is in the room. • Make sure you have the right sized unit for the size • If your window A/C unit isn’t cooling properly, it of the room. A unit that’s too big will cool the room may need to be replaced. Look for an ENERGY STARbefore the humidity has been lowered, which will make certified unit to make the most of your cooling dollars. it feel less cool, while a unit that’s too small will have Of course, the simplest way to save money on your to work harder, causing a shorter lifespan – and it may A/C is to not use it. As much as possible, keep your not do the job. activities limited to rooms that are easily cooled. Try • Use an electric fan or ceiling fan to help distribute the to spend more time cooking and eating outdoors.

When it’s warm out,

avoid using the oven. Try cooking on the stove, using the microwave or grilling outside instead.

Source: energy.gov

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

THINK SAFETY

Your pool and electricity:

POTENTIAL TROUBLE

Coming in

Here are a few tips for preventing

SEPTEMBER... We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication's content will continue to reflect Monroe County Electric Power Association’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. For more than 72 years, Today in Mississippi has been the primary resource to keep our cooperative members informed while also offering a unique blend of feature stories, columns, photo contests, recipes and more – all centered around life in Mississippi. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a highquality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. As we transition

Stay back and stay safe Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for Monroe County Electric, safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our consumer-members. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to you, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help!

maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews – and you. If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while lineworkers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet “supervising” the job. We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize Monroe County Electric employees by their gray uniform shirts with the Monroe County Electric logo, and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community.

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Like us on Facebook by searching for “North East Power” 10 PR 2050 • Oxford, MS 38655 662-234-6331 • Toll Free: 877-234-6331 • Fax: 662-234-0046

There are many exciting things happening at NEMEPA North East Mississippi Electric Power Association employees take pride in providing convenient options to you, our members. In the last several years, we have offered more ways to connect with us using online tools and payment options through our website and app, which is available in the Apple Store and Android Marketplace. We have Keith Hayward General Manager/ many exciting things happening at CEO NEMEPA I would like to address: • Prepay is going automatic – Prepay is a great energy efficiency tool, as well as a great tool to manage your finances. The service sends daily text and emails to our members with usage amounts and current balance. We have been operating our prepay service in manual mode. Due to upgrades in our metering system, we are now able to operate in an automated platform. When a prepay account runs out of funds, the member receives an email or text message that they are due to be disconnected. If payment is not received soon, the meter automatically disconnects. Once full payment of the past due amount, reconnection fee and a $50 credit is received, either electronically or in the office, the meter automatically reconnects within minutes. The new automatic mode allows us to operate the system more efficiently and thus lower our deposits and fees associated with prepay. The deposit has been reduced from $50 to $25 and we are now only charging a reconnect fee, as opposed to the disconnect and reconnect fees charged in the past. • Outage texting – We are focused on providing convenience for our members so you can skip the sometimes inconvenient visit to our office. This allows members the opportunity of doing business with us when it is convenient for them. The newest addition to this convenience is outage texting. Our billing system is now tied in with

our outage management system. This means that you can text outages and will receive notices when outages will be restored. We also have the capability of texting as we are working on outages by giving updates throughout the restoration process. This service will pair well with the fact that you can receive balances, pay bills and receive usage notifications. Everyone should set up an online account to manage your own notifications. Please see the ad below on how to sign up for outage texting and notifications. • Fiber to the home update (FTTH) – As you may be aware, the state legislature passed the Broadband Enabling Act to allow electric cooperatives, like NEMEPA, to offer high speed internet service. Many of you have asked; therefore, we are in the process of researching and studying the feasibility of offering fiber to the home (FTTH). We have had one feasibility study completed and we are waiting on the results of another. There is a move for the federal government to provide grant assistance for offering high speed internet services. We are looking into these grants and hope that this may be an option that could help in serving some of the more difficult rural areas. We are visiting with some other cooperatives that are currently offering the service to learn more about their construction process. Rural areas are harder to serve and we are trying to learn all that we can about how to provide the service at a lower cost. Once we determine if we can enter into this venture, we will be reaching out to our membership to determine the want or need for this service. I encourage you to follow us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook for updates on high speed internet. I am always willing to speak to our members about this. If you have a group or forum you would like for me to address, please call our office. • Magazine – Also, in October of this year, our publication, Today in Mississippi, will convert to a magazine. We

PAY & REPORT OUTAGE by text is here! *Must have a mobile number on NEMEPA account

I Text “Join” to 352667 I Text “Start” when you receive welcome message I Text “Menu” to see options

To Manage Alerts and Reminders, a Member Service Portal Username and Password will need to be created.

are excited about this change and look forward to continuing to offer you a nice publication for your enjoyment, as well as information on your electric cooperative and changing electric power needs. • Community growth – NEMEPA continues to see growth each year. Though we’ve slowed down in recent months, we are close to reaching 27,000 meters this year with our economic and residential growth. We have averaged 3 percent growth over the last six years and are truly blessed to be in an area that continues to grow. • New building update – Through many weather delays, we are steadily progressing with the construction on our office building. We are nearly ready to open our temporary customer service center, which will be located in the auditorium wing. When we do that, we will close the main office for renovations. This will mean that our drive-thru window and the night deposit box will not be available during construction. To aid with this transition, we will have a drop box located near the new parking area that will allow members to drop off payments. This box is for checks only. We do not recommend putting cash in the box. This will be a time of transition and we are asking you to be patient with us. Please consider using our online and app services. The building renovations will be difficult, but it will allow us the needed updates and space we need to serve you – our members – most efficiently. Once we complete the renovations, the new drive-thru window will have a kiosk that will take cash and credit card payments so you can pay your bill at any time of the day or night. We look forward to the time when the building is complete, but we are going to have some growing pains from now until then. We wish to offer you all of the convenient ways to connect with us, so we can meet your needs. We encourage all of our members to take advantage of these timesaving tools. Thank you for allowing us to serve you!

EXAMPLES Account Alerts: Past Due Date Alert, Payment Confirmation, High Energy Use Outage Alerts: Declared, Restored and Enhanced To setup a Username and Password, go to www.nemepa.org and look for the New User buttom at the bottom left of our website.

July 2019

. ON, D.C T G N I H S

Today in Mississippi

High School Juniors experience Washington, D.C.

Below: Jed, Jonathyn, Murphy Grace, Mason and Tamyia visited the Jefferson Memorial.

Above: Students had fun with Albert Einstein’s statue.

Each year, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association sponsors high school juniors on a youth tour of Washington, D.C., in June. They join other students representing hundreds of cooperatives from Mississippi and across the United States. The delegates are all like-minded students who are motivated to succeed and become leaders in their communities. More than 1,800 students from 42 states participate annually. This year, Jonathyn Assad, Mason Bay, Jed Fitts, Tamyia Spencer and Murphy Grace Smith represented North East Power. They joined 76 of Mississippi’s brightest juniors on the tour and were chosen through an application and interview process. Jonathyn is the son of Wendy Assad and Brian Assad of Potts Camp and will be a senior at Potts Camp High School. Mason will be a senior at Lafayette High School and is the son of James Bay of Oxford and Amy Akil. Jed is the son of Brook Long of Oxford and Joseph Fitts and will be a senior at North Pontotoc High School. Murphy Grace will be a senior at Lafayette High School and is the daughter of Mary Smith and Chad Smith of Oxford. Tamyia is the daughter of Vickey Spencer and Lonnie Spencer of Potts Camp and will be a senior at Potts Camp High School. The weeklong trip featured visits to many of the city’s popular monuments and memorials, including the World War II Memorial, FDR Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The students also visited numerous museums, including the Newseum, a seven floor, interactive museum

dedicated to the first amendment rights and journalism throughout American history, as well as the Smithsonian Museums of Air and Space, American History, Natural History and the National Gallery of Art. A new addition to the tour this year was a visit to the African American Museum of History and Culture. In addition to sightseeing, the students also spent a day on Capitol Hill, which began with a special tour of the U.S. House Floor graciously hosted by Rep. Michael Guest. After the Capitol tour, the students joined a smaller group to visit with Rep. Trent Kelly in a committee room near his D.C. office. The congressman spoke to the group about what it takes to be a leader and the importance of setting goals and striving to achieve them. During the visit to Capitol Hill, students also had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Cindy HydeSmith. “This experience is memorable, not only because these young people are able to visit their nation’s capital, but they also make lifelong friendships that benefit them well into their adult years,” General Manager/CEO Keith Hayward said. “We are proud to take part in this program, which not only gives students an opportunity to learn about the cooperative business model and our nation’s history, but also helps to instill leadership in the students and impresses upon them the importance of participating in their government.” High school juniors living in NEMEPA’s service area can apply to participate in next year’s program beginning in September. More information can be found at www.nemepa.org.

Above: The students stopped for a photo in front of the White House. Left: The Vietnam Wall was a sight to see on Father’s Day. Many roses and mementos were left for the fallen soldiers. Right: The students had a tour of the Capitol building hosted by Rep. Michael Guest.

#########

Coming in

OCTOBER...

We are excited to announce that the October issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication’s content will continue to reflect NEMEPA’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a high-quality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. We look forward to sharing with you soon the fresh, new look of our publication and also a renewed commitment to delivering quality stories and family-friendly content celebrating life in Mississippi. And, it continues to be our privilege to be your source for valuable information about your cooperative, new recipes, travel, events, gardening, outdoor life and so much more.

12 I Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Cox earns MIP certification

For more information on Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662-895-2151.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Join us for Member Appreciation Days Membership Meeting. One of our core The transition into summer is an exciting cooperative principals is education. time of year. The days are filled with family Throughout the year, we strive to keep you vacations, youth sports, college planning informed on what it means to be a and summer jobs. Our nights are member of a cooperative. We also filled with the chirps of crickets want to keep you abreast on topics and the chatter of the upcoming college football season. that can help you save money, live safely and protect your family against For your electric cooperative, summer means capitalizing on dry fraud. Make plans to join us for weather to complete construction Northcentral’s Member Appreciation and maintenance projects. It is also Days July 24 through 26. Come meet a time where we keep an eye on the your cooperative’s dedicated employees weather for the late-afternoon thunderstorms that pop up when and sit in on daily educational workKevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO shops. We will have giveaways each the temperature rises. Northcentral’s operations personnel and line day, as well as snacks and drawings for some really great door prizes. Join us on Friday, crews will remain ready to respond. July 26, for a free hot dog lunch. We’ll have As member-owners of an electric cooperabounce houses for the kids and safety demontive, you drive everything that we do at strations for everyone. I hope to be able to Northcentral. Later this year, we’ll celebrate Cooperative Month and hold our Annual meet you there!

CHECK OUT OUR PODCAST

fused Video and audio episodes can be found on Apple podcasts, Stitcher, Podbean and our social media channels.

Northcentral Director of Safety and Loss Control J.D. Cox has completed an intensive program in electric utility management with the University of Wisconsin, in Madison. The Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program (MIP) is a series of workshops offered by the National Rural Electric J.D. Cox (left) receives MIP certificate from Gary Pfann, director of executive staff education at NRECA. Cooperative Association in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin. The program guides participants through all facets of the electric utility industry, including the many changes occurring around the nation. Cox is one of only a few electric utility executive staff that will graduate from the Management Internship Program this year. MIP participants go through three 10-day sessions designed to challenge and educate participants in new, innovative management techniques. Participants leave with a better understanding of what consumers want and how to ensure they get it. By also covering the unique principles that govern the operations of electric cooperatives, the program helps the co-op analyze other business ventures it may want to enter as well as enhancing the core organization. Rural electric cooperative CEOs and top level management participate in the program. This allows greater emphasis of study, on management challenges and the aspects of consumer-ownership that cooperatives enjoy. Participants learn to focus on member value as part of day-to-day decision making. Cox has completed one of the most exclusive educational programs in the nation for electric cooperative management. General Manager Kevin Doddridge graduated from the MIP program in 2002 and Director of Finance and Administration Mark Nichols also graduated in 2004. We want you to join us for

Member Appreciation Days!

July 24-26 Each day will include snacks, giveaways, and entries for some great door prizes. We’ll have educational seminars from

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 – 4 p.m. each day. Please follow us on Twitter, “Like” us on Facebook and tune into 95.3 The Rebel and DeSoto 100.1 for more details.

Wednesday, July 24th – Fraud Prevention Workshop Thursday, July 25th – TVA Energy Efficiency Workshop Friday, July 26th – Member Appreciation hot dog lunch, door prize drawings, bounce houses, and safety demonstrations throughout the day.

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

THINK SAFETY

Your pool and electricity:

POTENTIAL TROUBLE Any conversation about swimming pool safety will revolve around drowning; but it should also address electrocution. Although far less common than drowning, electrocution in or near a swimming pool also takes the lives of people every year.

Coming in

SEPTEMBER...

Here are a few tips for preventing

ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS WHILE YOU’RE ENJOYING YOUR POOL: • Keep TVs, radios and extension cords • Keep electrical devices and cords at least far away from the water. 5 feet away from the edge of the pool. • Have your pool equipment inspected • Supervise children and party guests who are using the pool. and maintained every season. • Look for signs of trouble, like Faulty, malfunctioning or improperly installed equipflickering lights or equipment ment – like pool lights – that performs erratically. WATER can be hazardous. • If a swimmer is twitching AND ELECTRICITY or unresponsive, it’s possible • Have the pool inspected the water is electrified. when it is first installed, or • Make a plan in case someone gets electrobefore you buy a new house that cuted at the pool. You’re less likely to panic comes with an already-installed pool. • Don’t do your own electrical work if you know exactly what to do: turn off the on your pool lights or other electrical power, clear the pool area without touching anything metal and call an ambulance. components. Call a licensed electrician.

We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication's content will continue to reflect Northcentral Electric Power Association’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. For more than 72 years, Today in Mississippi has been the primary resource to keep our cooperative members informed while also offering a unique blend of feature stories, columns, photo contests, recipes and more – all centered around life in Mississippi. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a highquality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. As we transition

Stay back and stay safe Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for Northcentral Electric, safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our consumer-members. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to you, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help!

maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews – and you. If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while lineworkers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet “supervising” the job. We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize Northcentral Electric employees by their uniform shirts with the Northcentral Electric logo, and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community.

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

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

Know how your home uses electricity Pearl River Valley Electric is continually looking for ways to improve service to members. As part of this commitment, we offer numerous programs to assist with wise energy use. Over the years, we have published a wide variety of brochures and booklets that offer energy savings tips, as well as suggestions on how to maximize your home’s energy efficiency. These publications are available at any of our offices or on our website at www.PRVEPA.com. The website has a wide variety of other information and interactive links related to wise energy use. Some of the most useful information now available to members is being able to check their home’s daily and hourly electrical use at any time. This information can be found by clicking on the “Pay My Bill” or “Manage My Account” tabs and following the steps at the

On the website, members can compare their daily electric use with temperature data.

member portal. Members can view the amount of kilowatt-hours recorded by their meter for any period of time, so they can compare one month with another. There is also a feature that adds the daily temperatures to each chart, so members can see the weather factors that can have such an impact on their electric use. “We have found that members better understand what drives their monthly

bill when they look at their daily use,” said Scott Arinder, member services representative. “By the time someone receives what they think is a high bill, they might have forgotten about a hot stretch of days early in the billing period or that maybe they had a house full of visitors for a weekend. When I talk with them and show them how they used electricity throughout the month, they are able to think back and remember something that might have been out of the ordinary. “There are also instances when we can pinpoint something like a pump or a heater or some other appliance that is running too much and contributing to higher electric use. On those occasions, the member can replace the unit or make repairs to it and we can see the home’s overall use drop afterward.” Members can call or visit any Pearl River Valley Electric office for information about their bill or wise energy use. Arinder can be reached at 601-731-7809.

How is my electricity dollar spent? Monthly electric bills are determined mainly by how much electricity your home uses. An average bill in south Mississippi is driven by the following categories:

45% 14% 12% 11% 9% 6% 3%

Heating & Cooling Water Heating Washer / Dryer / Dishwasher Other Refrigerator / Freezer Lighting Electronics 11%

14% 45% 12% 9%

6% 3%

Applications for Community College Scholars program due August 9, 2019 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 PRVEPA offices and online at www.PRVEPA.com. Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by August 9. 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.

Coming in

SEPTEMBER... We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication’s content will continue to reflect Pearl River Valley Electric’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a high-quality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. We look forward to sharing with you soon the fresh, new look of our publication and also a renewed commitment to delivering quality stories and family-friendly content celebrating life in Mississippi. And, it continues to be our privilege to be your source for valuable information about your cooperative, new recipes, travel, events, gardening, outdoor life and so much more.

July 2019 Today in Mississippi

Keep

cool for

less

your energy use as you rely on it more during the summer. Start by looking for leaks in the system, and if necessary, reduce irrigation. • How about a swimming pool? It may be time to overhaul or replace the pool pump. If the pump is in good shape, try putting it on a timer. If you have central air conditioning (A/C) or a heat pump, make sure your filter has been changed or recently cleaned. The next step is to call an HVAC contractor for a tune-up and a complete assessment of the system. A tune-up can improve the efficiency and extend the life of the unit. The tuneup includes cleaning the condenser coil, a check of the refrigerant levels and a good look at the pump and electrical contacts. Talk to the contractor about the efficiency of the A/C unit. If it’s old, it may be cost-effective to replaceit, even if it’s still functional. Ductwork is equally important as the A/C unit, so make sure the contractor you choose is capable and willing to provide an expert assessment. A real pro will know how to measure the air flow at each supply and return register. If you’re not getting cool air to the rooms that need it, the contractor may be able to make modifications to the ductwork. Leaky ductwork could be your problem. If the ducts are in unconditioned areas like a crawl space or attic, it’s especially important to make sure they’re sealed and insulated. It will also help to seal ducts

that are in conditioned spaces. Some HVAC contractors can do a duct-blaster test to measure duct leakage. Discuss whether you should ever close any supply registers. Most experts recommend that supply registers are always open. If you cool your home with window A/C units, there are a few things you can do to maximize your cooling while keeping costs as low as possible: • Use window A/C units in rooms that can be closed off with a door, to make the cooling as effective as possible. • Make sure you have the right sized unit for the size of the room. A unit that’s too big will cool the room before the humidity has been lowered, which will make it feel less cool, while a unit that’s too small will have to work harder, causing a shorter lifespan – and it may not do the job. • Use an electric fan or ceiling fan to help distribute then cold airthroughout the area you are cooling. • Turn off the A/C unit when no one is in the room. • If your window A/C unit isn’t cooling properly, it may need to be replaced. Look for an ENERGY STAR-certified unit to make the most of your cooling dollars. For more wise energy use tips, go to www.PRVEPA.com.

Right-of-way maintenance is underway in some areas Pearl River Valley Electric’s distribution system has grown significantly over the past 80 years to meet the needs of our members. We now have more than 6,000 miles of power lines across our 12-county service area. Maintaining clear rights-of-way (ROW) along those lines is vital to the Association’s ability to provide reliable service. It is also necessary to maintain a proper distance between trees and power lines to ensure public safety. We want members to understand that maintaining ROW is not an inconvenience, it’s a necessity. Controlling vegetation within the ROW floor assures safe access for employees when they are troubleshooting outages and repairing downed power lines. Clearing brush and other low-growing vegetation is accomplished by a combination of bush-hogging and herbicide application. We use off-the-shelf, non-restrictive herbicides because they are effective, economical and environmentally friendly. They are not harmful to humans, pets or livestock. Managing vegetation in this way also allows native grasses and wildflowers to grow, thereby improving the aesthetics and wildlife habitat along the ROW. In the upcoming months, crews will be spraying in the following areas:

Columbia District: Oloh, Rocky Branch, Old Salt Rd., Oloh Rd., Purvis-Oloh Rd., JD Broome Rd., Mill Creek Loop, Scruggs Rd., Highway 44, Singley Rd., Highway 98 East, Baylis Chapel, Seamon Bullock, Prospres Ridge, Enon, Tolar Cut-off, Columbia Chip Mill, Columbia Airport, East Cedar Grove, Highway 35 North, Emmanuel, Blue springs, Improve, Mt. Gilead, Foxworth, Baxterville, Baxterville-Purvis Rd., Bay Creek, Caney, Clear Creek, ColumbiaPurvis Rd., Highway 13 (North & South of Baxterville), Baxterville Oil Field, Bilbo Rd., Columbia-Purvis Rd., Highway 98 Bypass.

Purvis District: Camp Shelby, Highway 49, Lake Paul Johnson, McLaurin, Old Highway 49, South Gate Rd., Dixie, Elks Lake Rd., Carter Rd., Four Mile Rd., Highway 13, Little Black Creek Water Park, Lumberton Airport, Seneca, Wellstown, Baxterville-Purvis Rd., Corinth, Tallowah, Pistol Ridge Rd., Deaver Rd., Beach Rd., Lawler Rd., Gum Pond, Hillsdale, Lower Airport Rd., Springhill, Stanford Lake Rd., Wolf River Ranch, Lumberton Industrial Park, Bilbo Holston Rd., Redmond Rd., Gumpond Beall Rd., Lavelle Ladner Rd., Bass Lane, Hoadley Rd., Beaver Lake, Browns Bridge Rd., Highway 11,

Sherlock Herring Rd., Camp Dantzler, Churchwell Rd., Purvis-Brooklyn Rd., Rock Hill, Yawn, Baker Rd., Tatum Camp Rd., Old Highway 11, Highway 589, Pine Ridge Rd., Purvis-Oloh Rd., Whiddon Rd., Coaltown Rd., Pine Grove.

Hattiesburg District: Old Highway 24 (between Highway 589 and Parker Rd.), Backside of Lake Serene, West end of Cameron Rd., Grand Blvd., Summer Place, Franklin Place, Magnolia Trace, Pirate Drive, Ruby Lane, Lee Lane, Bellewood, Hidden Woods, Oak Forest, Oak Grove Rd. (East of Highway 11), Quail Hollow, Old Highway 11, Ray Simmons Rd., South Mill Creek Rd., Old Okahola School Rd., Slade Rd., Bellewood, Pecan Hills, Old Highway 24 (Old Highway 11 to Parker Rd.), Jake Johnson Rd., East Madden Rd., Windridge, Anderson Rd., Highway 11, Jervis Mims Rd., Okahola, Richburg Rd., Sullivan-Kilrain Rd., Tatum Camp Rd., Timberton, White's Chapel, Carter Circle, Hodge Rd., Poplar Rd., Weathersby Rd., Community Drive, Fairfield Drive, W. Park Dr. If you have any questions about our ROW maintenance program, please feel free to call any of our offices. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

“Pioneers In America’s Rural Electrification”

PONTOTOC HONORS RETIREES Two Pontotoc Electric retirees accept awards from the Pontotoc Chamber of Commerce

Watts Cooking? Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps 1 1⁄2 lbs. boneless/skinless chicken breasts 3 ⁄4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 lb. sliced bacon 2 Tbsp. chili powder

Jeanna Sorto, Assistant Manager of Accounting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap each chicken cube with bacon and secure with a wooden pick inserted on the diagonal starting where bacon seam overlaps. Stir together brown sugar and chili powder. Dredge wrapped chicken in mixture. Coat a rack and broiler pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken on rack in broiler pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 – 35 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

Tea Cakes

2 1⁄2 cups flour ⁄2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 egg 1-2 tsp. water Mix all ingredients. Drop by spoonful onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees until lightly brown. May be rolled out and cut into shapes.

Bobby Wells, Retiree 1

Pontotoc Electric Retirees Lee Hobson (left) and Claude Jones (right) each received an award at the Pontotoc Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet held on June 3. Hobson received the Humanitarian Award, and Jones received the Community Spirit Award. (Photo courtesy of the Pontotoc Progress.)

PONTOTOC ELECTRIC CREWS AT WORK Pontotoc Electric crews are working to install a threephase line at the southwest section of Magnolia Way. The addition of the line represents growth for your electric power association. Far Right: Pontotoc Electric Apprentice Lineman Cody Laster pulls material from a truck as he works to install the line.

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look.

Coming in

SEPTEMBER...

The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication’s content will continue to reflect Pontotoc Electric’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a high-quality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. We look forward to sharing with you soon the fresh, new look of our publication and also a renewed commitment to delivering quality stories and family-friendly content celebrating life in Mississippi. And, it continues to be our privilege to be your source for valuable information about your cooperative, new recipes, travel, events, gardening, outdoor life and so much more.

Trees and Power Lin es

Do Not M ix

Clint Patterson and Seth Moss helping to clear the way for our members. Jameel Hilliard

Jacob Russell

JT Pennington

Stop by our office in Pontotoc or Bruce to pick up a copy of our new brochure on tree planting and the importance of avoiding the power line right-of-way.

W Pontotoc hy is E lectric Trimming My Trees?

12 I Today in Mississippi I July 2019 Pay Bill Report Outages

Brian Hughey, General Manager & CEO Lorri Freeman, APR, Manager of Public Relations Amanda Parker, Public Relations Specialist For more information, call 601-947-4211, 228-497-1313 or visit our website at singingriver.com. SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Check Energy Use

Round Up Bill

View Outage Map

CEO’s Message

The importance of storm preparation As we move closer to the most active part of the 2019 hurricane season, we encourage you to finalize your preparations for Brian Hughey the unknown. General Manager & CEO Singing River Electric According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), this year’s Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be “near normal” with nine to 15 named storms. While this is not a topic any of us like to discuss, it is of utmost importance that we take storm preparation seriously.

We encourage you to finalize your preparations for this year’s storm season. Those preparations likely include storing such things as water, non-perishable food, fuel, batteries, etc. Some members may also have a storm evacuation route picked out ahead of time, depending on the magnitude of a potential storm. Singing River Electric maintains a storm plan and has recently concluded an annual review of our Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Should a hurricane or tropical storm approach our area, our plan contains specific steps to be taken as a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico. Employees are pre-assigned tasks such as preparing food, securing supplies/fuel and servicing vehicles. Line crews, service personnel and supervisors

are assigned areas of our system in an effort to safely and efficiently begin work once the storm has passed. As a member-owned electric cooperative, we are also responsible for being financially prepared to handle costs associated with restoring power during/following major events such as a hurricane. Being a part of the network of electric cooperatives provides Singing River Electric access to cooperative line personnel from other states who will assist us in restoring service following a disaster. Singing River Electric is prepared and ready to respond and restore service to our members as quickly and safely as possible.

WE NEED YOUR HELP. In July, we will be working with NRECA Market Research Services to complete a survey of our membership concerning broadband. The surveys will be both by phone and email, but not everyone will be contacted. If you are contacted, please spare five minutes to share your thoughts. We have not yet committed to move forward with providing high-speed internet service, as an initial feasibility study revealed staggering cost estimates for providing this service. We are committed to carefully consider this possibility, and part of that research is this membership survey. All information collected by the survey will be confidential. Thank you in advance for your participation.

En Energ Ener Ene Energy Tips T Ti Tip

Nick DeAngelo Manager of Energy Services deangelo@singingriver.com

Mini splits are affordable and highly efficient Ductless heat pumps or mini splits, provide a very efficient means for heating and cooling your home. According to Energy Star, they are highly-efficient units that deliver warm or cool air directly to different zones in your home instead of first routing the air through ductwork.

Mini splits Mini splits have become very common in households across the United States and have been used in Europe and Asia for many years. They are a cost-effective solution to replacing window air conditioners in older homes and are used frequently on new and remodel home construction projects.

Member Benefits As a member of Singing River Electric, you could qualify for a Comfort Advantage rebate of up to $500 with the installation of a new mini-split heat pump. For more details visit our website at singingriver.com.

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

Get Prepared. Stay Ready. Download our newest storm preparedness document or pick up a copy at any SRE office, and stay ready for severe weather.

Staying Connected

www.singingriver.com Mobile App: SmartHub www.facebook.com/SingingRiverElectric www.twitter.com/SRECooperative @singingriverelectric on Instagram

singingriver.com

12 Today in Mississippi July 2019

AMERICA is at its greatest when we are united This month we celebrate the freedom that defines the United States of America. Freedoms that we all too often take for granted, and that we quickly forget were paid for by the sacrifices of our armed forces. Our history is a complicated one, but it is built on the simple, yet familiar statement, “One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.” These days, there seems to be a movement to take advantage of our freedoms and to undermine the work and good deeds of the generations that came before us. Never have I witnessed so many Americans that believe it is okay to bash our country simply because they don’t like the president, members of the other political party or how a group may or may not be represented. Along with changing values, respect for our country and the men Jason S. Siegfried and women who died to protect our freedoms has gone right out President/CEO the door. I agree wholeheartedly that not every elected official has earned respect, not every agenda is just, but the governing offices of this nation, especially the office of the President of the United States of America, deserves the respect of its citizens. Abraham Lincoln has been quoted many times as saying that he liked to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. He liked to see a man - Theodore Roosevelt live so that his place will be proud of him. He believed that America would never be destroyed from the outside; but that when we falter and forsake our freedoms, we will be destroyed by our own hands. We can’t give up on the things that make this nation great. Our inalienable rights were not bestowed upon us; but instead, fought for and won. America is a unique and wonderful place despite the fact that we do have poverty, we do have hardships, we do have broken systems and heartaches; but, we are AMERICAN – the last four letters represent all that we stand for – I CAN. I can choose. The fact that I can choose is the reason that I show respect for my country, the reason I stand while pledging my allegiance. I hope Independence Day 2019 is a good one for you and your family and that you enjoy all the benefits and blessings we have because we are Americans. May we all be united, even if only for a while, in our love and respect for this great land that we call home.

“Patriotism means to stand by the country.”

Patriotism on display Southern Pine Linemen Tyler Jenkins, Clint Hudson, Kevin Amason and Brandon Middleton proudly raise the American Flag at Southern Pine Electric’s new headquarters.

July 2019 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 other-wise 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 dis-solution 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 averse 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 8, 2019. 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 2019

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.

www.southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

Giving our residential Members power to choose

Member Choice Billing Regular Billing

Variable Monthly Payment

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.

Payment Options

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

or online at southwestelectric.coop

EZ-Pay

Credit/Debit Card Draft enroll through

Only requires $105 to start service ($55 is a credit towards electricity use) and no deposit. Pay for use as you go. Available for new and existing Members.

SmartHub online or the mobile app for monthly auto pay or one-time payment

Paperless Billing

through SmartHub or call us to enroll in auto monthly bank draft

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

SmartHub through the mobile app

Bank Draft one-time eCheck payment

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

Pay Centers • Lorman – Southwest Electric office • Port Gibson – RiverHills Bank and State Bank & Trust

MoneyGram • available at Walmart and CVS stores • $1.50 fee • Receive code 16381

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.

ANNUAL MEETING 7 The annual meeting of Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association Members will be held at the Holiday Inn in Brookhaven, 1212 Brookway Blvd., at 10 a.m., August 7, 2019. 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 2.

July 2019

employee

Today in Mississippi

Jason Delaney, Construction Crew Foreman Jason began his career at Southwest Electric in 1993. He was on a right-of-way crew for one year before moving to a construction crew. He worked under several foremen before he became a foreman of his own crew in 2011. Jason and his wife, Jackie, have two sons and four grandchildren.

Stephanie Knotts, Administrative Assistant Stephanie started working at Southwest Electric in 1996. She has worked as a data entry clerk, member service representative, service order clerk and assistant dispatcher. She moved to her current position as Administrative Assistant to the CEO in 2006. She has one son, CJ Holmes.

Southwest Electric Employee Recipes

Off the Cob Street Corn 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 (16 ounce) bag of frozen corn 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise 4 ounces of Cotija or Feta cheese, crumbled 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeno pepper

⁄3 cup of chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons of finely chopped red onion 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 ⁄2 teaspoon of chili powder Salt and pepper to taste

Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the corn and let it cook until the corn starts to char. This will take about 7-8 minutes and you need to stir the corn often while it cooks. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, cheese, lime juice, peppers, cilantro, red onion, garlic and chili powder. When the corn is done, fold into the other ingredients. Taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Tomato Pie by Jeremy Smith

ANNUAL MEETING 1212 Brookway Blvd. Brookhaven, Miss. 10 a.m. August 7, 2019

Spotlight

by Amanda Cranfield

Holiday Inn

2 pie shells (deep dish) 4 or 5 tomatoes, thinly sliced (do not peel) 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped 1 ½ cups of mayonnaise 1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese ½ to 1 teaspoon Cavender’s Greek seasoning

Press both pie crusts into a 9” x 13” baking dish to make one pie or make two pies in pie shells. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Layer tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise with seasoning and cheese. Make a second layer like the first. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Also great warmed over.

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

TWIN COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Visit R

y’s St re

for a peaceful, lakeside retreat

By Elissa Fulton Along the scenic Lake Washington in the small town of Chatham is a hidden gem for fishermen, vacationers and those looking for the tranquility that only nature can offer. Since the early 1950s, locals have known this place as Roy’s Store Cabins, RV Park and Fishing Campground. The little piece of paradise is located one mile off of Highway 1 South and is in the heart of the small community. In 1985, Pam Hammond purchased the property and little by little the establishment has grown to include 33 rental cabins – 23 on the north end and 10 on the south end of Lake Washington – 47 RV slots and the general store which houses the local Post Office, a grocery store, a bait shop and a café. Instantly when arriv- Pam Hammond, owner of Roy’s Store ing to the store, it’s like stepping back in time. With old signs, tractor seat bar stools, the bait shop and café, it contains everything one would need for an extended stay on the picturesque lake. “The original store burned in 1950, and that’s when Mr. Roy Shanks took over and rebuilt it in 1951,” said Hammond. “I’m not sure when the original store was built, but I purchased it in 1985 and I am the fourth owner.” According to Hammond, visitors come from far and wide to spend time at the 5,000-acre lake. She’s had visitors from as far as England and Africa, many while traveling along Mississippi’s cycling trail. “There are cycling trails that run through here, through Glen Allan and run all the way to Vicksburg,” she said.

“The cabin visitors mostly come here for the fishing. Most of our visitors hear about us through word of mouth because I do not advertise much at all.” Lake Washington is the appeal for most of Hammond’s guests, and many love the southern hospitality they receive when they walk through the doors of the general store. “Many of them just are not used to that coming from these big northern cities,” she said. “When they walk through the door, you just hug them and welcome them and that is what they really like. Because we are a small establishment, you really get to know the guests.” The cabins are available in small, medium and large and though they look the same on the exterior, the cabins are decorated in themes, such as the “Man Cave” decorated in brown tones, the “Beach House” with beach tones and the more feminine decorated cabins complete with chandeliers. Each cabin contains full bathrooms with daily towel service, heating and cooling, full kitchen, grilling areas and decks with beautiful Lake Washington views. Hammond’s business is seasonal and she has many repeat customers, with most of the guests traveling south between March and April for the Crappie fishing. They predictably make their reservations for the following year before they depart, and they typically try to reserve the same cabin. The summertime sees many boaters and water sport activities, and when harvest season approaches for the nearby farmers, the café feeds many of the farm workers daily. Over the 34 years that Hammond has run Roy’s Store, she has met some interesting people who have become great friends. She’s even traveled north to visit. “We have friends that come here on and off and you just get to know them. Many of my customers have been coming here for 15 or more years, so you form a bond with them.” Though Hammond has added cabins over the years and has expanded at times, she has her hands full with the business, managing rentals for a local farmer and acting as Postmaster for the town

of Chatham. She undoubtedly wears a lot of hats, so nine dedicated employees to help her manage the day day operations. The business is open year round and many events held on the grounds, including the Crappie Club To ment weigh-ins, as well as the recent Snake Grabbers which has been held at Roy’s Store for the past 10 ye first Saturday in June. This year’s Duck Dynasty cele Uncle Si, brought nearly 400 visitors to Roy’s Store. So, for those looking for a peaceful spot away from the hustle of daily life, Roy’s Store, Cabins, RV Park Fishing has everything one could need for a quiet esc The Lake Washington sunsets are certainly worth the For more information or rates, call 662-827-2588, visit royscabins.net or “Like” Roy’s Store and Cabins on Facebook.

“Because we are a small establishment, you really get to know the guests.”

The local Post Office is located in Roy’s Store.

o it takes y-to-

s are ournas Rodeo ears the ebrity

m all k and cape. e visit.

July 2019

Today in Mississippi

Twin County For after-hours outages, call

866-897-7250

annual meeting set for Sept. 17 Twin County Electric Power Association will hold its annual meeting of members on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, beginning at 2 p.m. at its home office in Hollandale, Mississippi. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. The primary purposes of the annual meeting of members are to elect three (3) directors, to hear and receive reports of Twin County’s officers, directors and committees, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. In accordance with Twin County’s ByLaws, a quorum of its members must be present in person or by proxy in order to conduct business at the meeting. The following is a summary of Section 4.04 of Twin County’s By-Laws relating to the process for nominations for directors: A. Any fifteen (15) members of Twin County may nominate a member by petition in writing filed with Twin County’s Secretary not less than forty-five (45) calendar days prior to its annual meeting. Such petition must be submitted on a form designated by Twin County, and each member signing such petition must include the following: signature, name, address, account number and service location. B. Twin County’s By-Laws require that Twin County’s Board of Directors appoint a Committee on Nominations which shall nominate one (1) candidate for each director to be elected at the annual meeting. The Committee on Nominations’ nominees shall be posted at Twin County’s office in Hollandale, Mississippi, as soon as practicable after the meeting of the Committee on Nominations. Any member of Twin County Electric Power Association may obtain a complete copy of its By-Laws by contacting Twin County’s office in Belzoni, Greenville, Hollandale or Rolling Fork. Twin County hopes that you will mark your calendar for September 17, 2019, and make plans to attend its annual meeting.

Today in Mississippi

July 2019

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association Manager of Member Services: Dennis McFee For Today in Mississippi information, call 662-746-4251 or email dmcfee@yazoovalley.com

Thank you to the members of the community who came out and donated to the Manna House during our “Stuff a Bucket” event!

Edward Jefferson (left) and Terry Jackson (right) volunteered to collect food items for Manna House at the local Walmart on Thursday, June 20. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we were able to fully stock the Manna House shelves.

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK

ssissippi tives of Mi ctric Coopera mbers of Ele me for ws Ne

-13

pages 12

2433) 1052 postage (ISSN

Periodical

Cuisine & a lifetime dream page 5

, Q&A on life learning & ip rsh de lea page 9

Summer vacation page 19

We are surveying some of our membership about our Today in Mississippi monthly publication. You may be contacted this week or next by phone or email. The survey is being conducted by NRECA Market Research. Please consider taking five minutes to answer the questions. We want your input! Thank you!

We have an app for that! YVEPA members can now access their account information from their smart phones. You’ll have the same helpful services found on our website in the palm of your hand.

• Pay your bill • Track your daily use • Keep up with multiple accounts • Set up alerts and reminders • View your billing history • Update your contact info Apps for Apple and Android devices are now available. Visit your app store and search for “Yazoo Valley” to download your app today. They’re free, convenient and easy to use!

July 2019 I Today in Mississippi

THINK SAFETY

Your pool and electricity:

POTENTIAL TROUBLE

A Mississippi Electric Cooperative

Here are a few tips for preventing

Coming in

SEPTEMBER... We are excited to announce that the September issue of Today in Mississippi will have a new look. The state’s most widely circulated publication will transition to a magazine format. The publication's content will continue to reflect Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association’s pride in the communities we serve and our beautiful home state. For more than 72 years, Today in Mississippi has been the primary resource to keep our cooperative members informed while also offering a unique blend of feature stories, columns, photo contests, recipes and more – all centered around life in Mississippi. What will change? The new magazine format will reflect a highquality, colorful and sophisticated design. By increasing to 32 pages, the additional space will allow us to deliver even more interesting and entertaining content along with dynamic photographs – and all in an easy-to-read layout. As we transition

Stay back and stay safe Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for Yazoo Valley Electric, safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our consumer-members. Yes, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to you, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance – and your help!

maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews – and you. If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while lineworkers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet “supervising” the job. We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize Yazoo Valley Electric employees by their uniform shirts with the Yazoo Valley Electric logo, and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community.