Today in Mississippi September 2018 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

News for members of Electric Cooperatives in Mississippi

Billups nostalgia

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

drives diner concept

Guy Billups III

MFWC cookbook supports heart health

Historic school to be preserved

10 I Today in Mississippi

September 2018

Central Electric Power Association

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937

Guess where we

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

went last summer.

PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION BELOW AND RETURN TO CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION. Are you currently a high school junior and your parent(s) or legal guardian receives electric service from Central Electric Power Association? If so, you are eligible to apply to represent Central Electric Power Association for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2019, and the NRECA Washington, D.C., Youth Tour June 15-21, 2019. GUIDELINES: 1. Applicant must be a high school junior (11th grade) whose parent(s) or legal guardian receives electric service from Central Electric Power Association. 2. The top applicants will be selected by an independent panel of judges to participate in an interview process for the selection of two (2) winners who will represent Central Electric Power Association in the Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson, MS and the NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. 3. If selected, student must commit to attend both the Leadership Workshop Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2019, in Jackson, Miss., and the NRECA Youth Tour June 15-21, 2019, in Washington, D.C. 5. Application must be filled out by the student and postmarked by Friday, September 28, 2018. Please mail to:

STUDENT’S FULL NAME __________________________________________ NAME STUDENT GOES BY _________________________________________

PLEASE LIST ANY SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS AND LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:

STUDENT’S MAILING ADDRESS ______________________________________ STUDENT’S 911 ADDRESS _________________________________________ PARENT(S) OR LEGAL GUARDIAN ____________________________________

PLEASE LIST ANY AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION:

NAME CENTRAL EPA BILL IS LISTED IN _________________________________ ACCOUNT NUMBER ____________________________________________ DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER ________________________________________

WHAT ARE YOUR COLLEGE AND CAREER GOALS?

ALTERNATE NUMBER ___________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS ______________________________________________ SCHOOL __________________________________________ 11TH GRADE

Youth Leadership Program

STUDENT’S SHIRT SIZE __________________________________________

Central Electric Power Association Attn: Jessica Patterson Post Office Box 477 Carthage, MS 39051

STUDENT SIGNATURE ___________________________________________ PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN SIGNATURE _________________________________

WHAT ARE TWO CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LEADER AND WHY?

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Either-Sex on private and open public land. Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands. Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Nov. 5 - 16

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

METHOD

SEASON DATES

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license. Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

In all zones: For youth fifteen (15) years of age and younger hunting on private lands and authorized state and federal lands, all three (3) of their three (3) buck bag limit may be any antlered deer.

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Primitive Weapon Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

BAG LIMITS: Antlered Buck Deer: The bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season. Legal bucks must meet the antler criteria within the appropriate deer management zone.

Antlerless Deer: Private lands: The bag limit on Northeast, Delta and East Central, and Southwest Zones antlerless deer is three (3) per annual season. The bag limit on Southeast Zone antlerless deer is one (1) per day, two (2) per annual season.

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license. Legal Bucks only on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

LEGAL DEER

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Dove â&#x20AC;˘ White-winged & Mourning Dove (North Zone) ** Sept. 1-Oct. 7; Oct. 27 Nov. 7; Dec. 22 - Jan. 31 (South Zone)*** Sept. 1-9; Oct. 6-Nov. 7; Dec. 15-Jan. 31 **(Dove North Zone) Areas north of U.S. Hwy 84 plus areas south of U.S. Hwy 84 and west of MS Hwy 35 ***(Dove South Zone) Areas south of U.S. Hwy 84 and east of MS Hwy 35.

Fall Turkey SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

Open Areas: In the following counties or portion of counties, on private lands where the landowner/lease holder completes a fall turkey hunting application and provides a copy of the property deed or lease agreement at a MDWFP Regional Office or the Jackson Office. Delta Zone: Bolivar County - west of the main Mississippi River levee and those lands east of the main Mississippi River levee known as 27 Break Hunting Club; Coahoma, Desoto, Issaquena, Tunica, and Washington counties - west of the main Mississippi River levee. North-Central Zone: Benton, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Tippah, and Union counties.

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

10 I Today in Mississippi

September 2018

The Power in Preparation Preparation is the key to success in many things we do in life. Planning, practice and thoughtful assessment provide opportunities to work out potential problems in advance. September is National Preparedness Month, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all of us to prepare for emergencies. But most of us do better when we prepare for the routine, the extraordinary and the unexpected. For electric cooperatives in Mississippi, preparation plays a huge role in ensuring that our members have the electricity they need as soon as they flip a light switch or start an appliance. When a co-op crew pulls a truck into a loading bay, warehouse workers have already pulled the parts and equipment needed for that crew’s scheduled day’s work. When a member services representative discusses balanced billing by telephone, they’re helping a member with preparations to ease the impact of seasonal high bills. When meteorologists call for exceptionally hot or cold weather, electric co-ops work closely with their generation and transmission cooperatives (G&Ts) to ensure adequate supplies of electricity are reserved to meet anticipated demand. Mississippi’s electric co-ops are constantly

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preparing for the future. Engineers and construction crews design, build and upgrade the electric system to move electricity from power plants and substations to farms, homes and businesses. All of these actions prepare electric co-ops to deal with the daily challenges of meeting the electricity needs of their members. But working together, we put in just as much effort preparing for the uncertainties posed by flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, high winds, blizzards and ice storms. Electric co-ops maintain and constantly update emergency response plans. Employees train for major events and know in advance what their primary and secondary roles would be. Electric co-ops also subscribe to mutual aid agreements. That’s why you see trucks and crews from co-ops in other states in your communities when major power outages occur. We also work with state and national officials to help ensure that crews can get to your communities when they are needed and have the lodging, food and support necessary to work effectively far from home. September may be National Preparedness Month, but Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are committed to preparedness every day––for the routine, the extraordinary and the unexpected.

Turn off kitchen, bath and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you’re done cooking or bathing. When replacing exhaust fans, consider installing high-efficiency, low-noise models. Source: energy.gov

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Nov. 5 - 16

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

SOUTHEAST ZONE

METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Fall Turkey SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

10 Today in Mississippi

September 2018

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 CEO’s message

Coast Electric is offering more ways to register for the Annual Meeting You may have noticed that we are preparing earlier than usual for our 2018 Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Night in November. This year, we’re beginning registration for our meetings in September and are offering more ways for you to register. We hope you will all join us at the Robert J. Occhi Headquarters Building in Kiln on Thursday, Nov. 1, but we understand how busy life is and want to make sure you are able to actively participate in your cooperative’s election process. If you can’t make it to the meeting, there are other ways you can participate. In-office registration will begin Sept. 14, and it will look a little different than it has in the past. This year, we will have kiosks in each lobby where you can register. This gives you more privacy as you register and allows for shorter wait times for everyone. But don’t worry – our member service reps will be ready to help if you have any questions or need assistance. You will also receive your annual meeting notice in the mail along with your Coast

Coast Electric is a not-for-profit business that is owned and led by those we serve. As someone who receives service from Coast Electric, you are a member and owner of the cooperative. For the co-op to function effectively, it takes

Electric membership card in midSeptember. You can follow the instructions on the mailer to send in your card. We are also offering a new way to register this year online. Beginning Sept. 14, you will Ron Barnes find a link on President and CEO www.coastepa.com that will help you register your proxy online. These options are available to ensure we have the most member participation possible for this year’s meeting. As a cooperative, we were founded by and are led by the people we serve. We hope you will be part of the process and learn more about what it means to be a cooperative member. I hope to see you all at our Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Night in November!

everyone doing their part – employees, board members and you – to work toward a common goal. Although the tasks in each department may differ, the goal is the same – to provide superior service to the people of

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Watt’s up this month

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Coast Electric Accountant Tommy Foster is part of the team that provides financial and accounting services for your cooperative.

Coast VP named

community leader Annual Meeting notice Coast employees serving

our communities 2018 -19 Hunting seasons

and bag limits

south Mississippi. Our accounting and finance departments are responsible for providing accounting services and financial support to Coast Electric and for accurately recording and reporting the financial transactions of the cooperative. With transactions occurring constantly, whether it be purchasing a new pole, a member paying a bill or issuing capital credit checks, it is vital to maintain accurate records. Our accounting department employees are highly trained and work to ensure that we are properly managing our finances.

September 2018

Coast Electric named Four-Star Cooperative by Touchstone Energy Coast Electric recently received national recognition from Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives for earning Service Excellence FourStar Cooperative status. Coast Electric became one of 17 electric co-ops across the nation to earn this prestigious Four-Star Cooperative recognition. The Touchstone Energy Service Excellence Program includes on-site workshop sessions that empower employees to become ambassadors of Coast Electric and other electric cooperatives. During trainings, cooperative employees

master advanced communication skills, a “can-do” attitude and learn how to better assist members by proactively anticipating their needs. Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 47 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million member-owners every day.

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Today in Mississippi

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Coast Electric VP named community leader Coast Electric’s Vice President of Purchasing and Energy Management Bruce Marie was recognized as a Community Leader at the One Coast Awards last month. The One Coast Awards program is a joint effort of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc., the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the One Coast Awards recognize members of the community who have proven to uphold and demonstrate the belief that our communities are made stronger when we work together toward a common goal. Each year, leaders are recognized for their efforts to improve the quality of life where we live, work and play. Marie, a lifelong resident of the coast, is active in the Rotary Club of Biloxi and has served as president of the

organization and has been named the Rotarian of the Year. He is also a member of the board of directors for the St. Vincent DePaul Community Pharmacy and the March of Dimes Mississippi Coast Division. Marie currently serves as the campaign co-chair for the United Way of South Mississippi. He is a graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast and formerly served on the boards of the Girls and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Biloxi Economic Development Foundation and the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce. “Bruce has been an integral member of the Coast Electric family for 20 years,” said Coast Electric President and CEO Ron Barnes. “Not only does his leadership have an impact at work, he has put lots of effort into improving the quality of life in our community, being a living example of our co-op principles.”

Household Hazardous Waste Day Saturday, October 20 Coast Electric HQ 18020 Hwy. 603, Kiln

8:00 a.m. - 1: 00 p.m.

Look for details in next month’s Today in Mississippi

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Today in Mississippi

September 2018

Check your m ailbox for your off icial Annua l Meeting no tice. Notice s will be mail e d th i s m o n th.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

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Today in Mississippi

September 2018

Coast Electric, CoBank donate funds to Loaves and Fishes Each month, employees in Coast Electric’s accounting department take a day away from their desks to put on aprons and pick up serving spoons to volunteer at Biloxi’s Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen. The group has been volunteering with the organization for around six years and have seen a dedicated staff work to bring tasty, healthy food to those in need in Biloxi. When they learned a local WinnDixie store that was a major source of food for the non-profit organization was closing, they wanted to do even more. In partnership with CoBank, a national cooperative bank that serves utilities in rural America, Coast Electric can make donations to local organizations through the bank’s Sharing Success program. Sharing Success allows CoBank members like Coast Electric to apply for grants and receive matching funds for local charitable organizations. Employees in the accounting department proposed a matching grant for Loaves and Fishes through Sharing Success and were able to secure $4,000 in funds from CoBank, meaning a total donation of $8,000 for the soup kitchen. Loaves and Fishes Board Treasurer Bob Learned said the donation ties with the organization’s secondlargest donation this year. “Without you and other groups like you, we wouldn’t be able to keep our doors open,” said Learned. Learned and Loaves and

Fishes Program Coordinator Bryan Morales noted that the organization has had to borrow funds from their rainy-day account for several months of the year but this donation, along with others, means that for the second month in a row, no funds will be taken from that account for operations expenses. Loaves and Fishes is open four days a week for two meals a day, serving a total of 4,000 meals each month. “I am proud of our employees for volunteering their time to help people in our community,” said Coast Electric Chief Financial Officer John Holston. “They not only take time each month to help; they saw a need and found a way to get more funding for a deserving organization through the Sharing Success program.” Volunteerism is an important part of what keeps Loaves and Fishes running. According to Learned, “Donations like this are the icing on the cake. The time people like your employees spend here each month serving is the cake.” One of Coast Electric’s operating principles is showing concern for the communities the cooperative serves. Volunteerism is an important part of the culture at the cooperative. To learn more about Coast Electric and its community efforts, visit www.coastepa.com. For information about how you can volunteer at Loaves and Fishes, search for “Loaves and Fishes Biloxi” on Facebook.

Employees clean up McLeod Park On the banks of the Jourdan River, McLeod Park in Hancock County is a place where families can enjoy the natural beauty of our area’s land and waterways. After opening new camp sites in July, the park had a busy summer. Last month, 45 volunteers from Coast Electric spent time on a Saturday cleaning the land and waterways in and around the park. Coast Electric employees and their family members removed a dumpster of trash from the park, ensuring that fall campers will enjoy a beautiful,

natural setting for their camping experience. One of our youngest volunteers, four-year-old Jaxton Culpepper said picking up trash was hard work and that he, “will never throw stuff on the ground again.” We agree with Jaxton and hope that others do too! At Coast Electric, we believe it is our duty to be good stewards of our environment and hope everyone will work together to make sure they leave beautiful places like McLeod Park as they found them when they arrived.

Coast Electric recently donated $8,000 to Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen in Biloxi through a matching funds grant program called Sharing Success. Members of Coast Electric’s Accounting staff, who volunteer at Loaves and Fishes each month, presented the funds to Loaves and Fishes representatives. From left, Coast Electric’s Shannon Crowder, Mary Thomas of Loaves and Fishes, Coast Electric’s Greg Childers, Vickie Cuevas and Tommy Foster, Loaves and Fishes Chef Charles “Abe” Smith, Loaves and Fishes Board Treasurer Bob Learned, Loaves and Fishes Board President Cynthia Mangum, Coast Electric’s Shelly Odo and Loaves and Fishes Program Coordinator Bryan Morales.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Nov. 5 - 16

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

METHOD

SEASON DATES

SOUTHEAST ZONE

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Primitive Weapon Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

LEGAL DEER

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Fall Turkey SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

Today in Mississippi

September 2018 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

Greenwood • Winona • Cleveland • Indianola

YANKY

72 MEMORIAL ENSURES

We won’t forget By Debbie Stringer On July 10, 2017, a Marine KC-130T aircraft on its way to California broke apart 20,000 feet above Leflore County. Everyone onboard—15 Marines and one Navy corpsman—perished in the crash. Two months later, efforts began to create a memorial to the fallen service members, to ensure their sacrifice would not be forgotten. When Greenwood businessman Allan Hammons heard talk of a historical marker for the crash site, he wanted to

help take the idea further. “This was a significant event for our community and really, for our state,” Hammons said. “It was the largest aviation accident in the history of Mississippi. So I had begun to think in broader terms of what we might be able to do, and even made some sketches of what I saw in my head.” Hammons connected with Clifton Addison of Purvis, senior vice commandant of the Marine Corps League, Mississippi Department, and chairman

of its Yanky 72 memorial committee. The two men began sharing ideas. When Hammons produced a rendering of his proposed memorial design, Addison went to work making calls and using social media to kickstart fundraising for the project. “In three weeks and two days’ time, we pulled in $80,000 from all over the world. I knew then that this was going to happen,” Addison said. Donations eventually topped $100,000, coming from military mem-

Allan Hammons produced the Yanky 72 memorial concept and artwork. The flat, circular design comprises an image of the KC-130T aircraft encircled by the names of the 16 crash victims. Hammons is president of Hammons & Associates advertising agency in Greenwood.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

The Yanky 72 memorial honors:

Maj. Caine Goyette (KC-130T pilot) Capt. Sean Elliott (co-pilot) Sgt. Joseph Murray Staff Sgt. William Joseph Kundrat Sgt. Dietrich Schmieman Sgt. Owen Lennon Petty Officer Second Class Ryan Lohrey Lance Cpl. Dan Baldassare

Sgt. Julian Kevianne Gunnery Sgt. Brendan Johnson Staff Sgt. Joshua Snowden Staff Sgt. Robert Cox Sgt. Talon Leach Sgt. Chad Jenson Gunnery Sgt. Mark Hopkins Cpl. Collin Schaaff

Far left: Families of the fallen service members attend the memorial dedication on July 14, 2017. Photo: Joe Seawright Near left: A marker at the site tells the story of the crash and lists the names of the victims. U.S., Marine Corps and Navy flags fly over the memorial, which is lighted at night.

bers stationed around globe, various military associations and individuals, as well as the City of Greenwood and the Leflore County Board of Supervisors. County supervisors donated land for the memorial at the county-owned building that served as the emergency operations center for hundreds of Marines during the recovery effort. Assisted by military members and crews from various local and state agencies, they worked weeks in scorching heat to search soybean fields for victims’ remains and aircraft wreckage. “They walked every square inch of several square miles,” Hammons said. “There was not a piece of land that they did not step foot on.” One year after the crash, the Yanky 72 memorial, named after the lost aircraft’s call sign, was completed. “It’s very subtle,” Hammons said. “But we didn’t do it for the public. We did it for the families, to be honest. It’s a place for them to go and just reflect and remember.” Hammons’ design is simple yet complete. The 30foot base encircles the image of the aircraft, cut from flamed marble and set in granite. The aircraft is oriented toward its last known heading of 270 degrees. The names of the 16 service members are engraved in the outer ring. Seven of the men were with Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command 2nd Raider Battalion, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C., heading to pre-deployment training in Arizona. The other nine were aircrew with the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452 (VMGR-452), a reserve unit based in Newburgh, N.Y. Insignia representing both groups are depicted in the memorial. The marble, granite and limestone used in the

Columbus Marble Works employees install the granite and marble pieces they cut for the memorial. Photo: Joe Seawright

memorial construction were cut, engraved and installed by Columbus Marble Works. “They did a spectacular job,” Hammons said. U.S., Marine Corps and Navy flags fly above the memorial day and night. A Delta Electric Power Association crew installed electric service to power lights illuminating the flag display. A cast-aluminum marker relates the story of the crash and lists the names of the service members. Hammons said their families’ requests for “special little things” were honored during the development of the memorial. One widow asked him to place her husband’s Raider wings beneath the memorial slab during construction. “We sent her a photo of the wings being placed,” Hammons said.

Every service member who died in the crash had family members attending the dedication of the Yanky 72 memorial on July 14, one year and four days after the crash. Mississippi Valley State University hosted the ceremony prior to the unveiling of the memorial. (During the recovery work, Marines were billeted in MVSU’s dorms.) Guests included Gov. Phil Bryant, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Marine Corps officials. Afterward, Marines in dress uniform pulled away the large military parachute covering the memorial, and the families immediately went to touch their loved one’s name carved in the granite. Near sunset, each family was taken to the location where their Marine or sailor’s body was recovered. Hammons recalled one mother’s response to the day’s events: “She said it was the first time she’d been able to let go.” Hammons still marvels at the generosity and commitment of the community, state agencies, military members and emergency responders during the Yanky 72 disaster and the memorial dedication. “The people of Greenwood, Leflore and Sunflower counties, and perhaps all Mississippians, felt a deep sense of loss,” he said. “Perhaps it’s in our DNA, but people in our great state have always supported our men and women in uniform. “The loss of these men, while not in combat, was no less significant. Each family’s loss was just as great, and we grieved with them. Each of these brave men was willing to sacrifice his life so the rest of us could remain free. “I felt an obligation to do something to ensure their loss would be remembered and their lives celebrated. I was simply part of our collective desire to never forget,” Hammons said. “It was awesome to be part of this,” said Addison, a Marine Corps veteran. He is already making plans for the next Yanky 72 memorial observance, on July 13, 2019. The ceremony will become an annual event for the family members. The Yanky 72 memorial is located on US Highway 82, across from Mississippi Valley State University at Itta Bena. The site is wheelchair accessible and may be visited at any time.

10 I Today in Mississippi I August 2018

Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Just what the doctor ordered your next trip to the Each and every month pharmacy. The average Dixie Electric looks out for discount nationwide on its members by providing prescription medication is them with the most reliable 46 percent. National and electric service at the lowest regional pharmacy chains possible cost. That’s the and local independent foundation of our co-op pharmacies accept the and something we’re very card. The card cannot be proud of. used with your insurance, Another way we look out for our members is by but ask your pharmacist Randy Smith providing every household to compare the out-ofGeneral Manager with the Co-op pocket price between your Connections Card. The insurance and the Co-op cards will be mailed to you in midConnections Card. September. This member benefit card Our hope is that the Co-op helps you save money on everyday Connections Card will provide a beneexpenses, like clothing and groceries, at fit to you and your family by providthousands of local and national retailing savings on items you purchase ers. The Co-op Connections Card can every day, including medications. It’s also be used online and allows memanother member benefit from your bers to access special partner sites for local electric cooperative Dixie additional savings on things like groElectric. ceries, clothing, tickets for concerts or For more information or to locate a sporting events plus so much more. list of stores or pharmacies in your One of the biggest benefits of the area, visit Connections.coop, downCo-op Connections Card is the preload the Co-op Connections app or scription discounts you can receive on call our office at (601) 425-2535.

Be a leader and win a trip to Washington, D.C.! If you're an 11th grader served by Dixie Electric Power Association, make this year memorable by participating in the 2019 Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Miss., and Tour of Washington, D.C.

See your guidance counselor. Homeschooled students, call Dixie Electric for more information 601-425-2535.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

10a

Dixie Electric Power Association

ANNUAL MEETING of the MEMBERS Dixie Electric’s Annual Meeting of the Membership will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in the auditorium of Dixie Electric Power Association’s main office on Highway 184, Laurel.

Prizes to be given away! Overall Prize

Seven District Prizes

Vote Online Prize

(one prize awarded)

(one prize awarded per district)

(one prize awarded)

$500 credit on electric bill

$250 credit on electric bill

To be eligible for prizes, sign your proxy, mail in your absentee ballot, vote online or vote in person at the annual meeting. You need not be present to win. Dixie Electric employees and board members are not eligible.

Submit a Proxy

Vote by Ballot

Look for your proxy inside Dixie Electric Power Association’s annual meeting pamphlet, which will be mailed on Sept. 20, 2018, or at any Dixie Electric location. See instructions in the pamphlet for complete details on completing your proxy. You may vote by absentee ballot, vote online or execute your proxy, but you can only choose one. Mail or give your proxy to a Dixie Electric employee before the deadline. Don’t delay! All proxies must be in Dixie Electric’s office by 5 p.m., Oct. 15, 2018.

Vote by absentee ballot when your annual meeting pamphet arrives in the mail in late September.

How to complete your proxy.

Or Vote Online How to vote online. Option 1: Login to your

If you want the board of directors to vote your proxy, put an “X” here.

If you want someone who is attending to vote your proxy, put an “X” here, and fill out the person’s name, account number and mailing address.

Date proxy.

Write your name, account number and mailing address just as it appears on your bill stub.

Sign proxy.

SmartHub account through dixieepa.com and click “Vote Now.”

Option 2: Check your email for a direct link to the vote online site. Your account number and member number, which is your unique login information, is included in the email too. Follow the link, login, and vote absentee ballot or proxy.

Option 3: If you would like to vote online and don’t have a SmartHub account or email address on file with Dixie Electric, set up an account online at dixieepa.com or call one of our office locations and provide your email address and password to us. For more information on SmartHub, visit dixieepa.com/smarthub/. Contact Dixie Electric at 601-425-2535 or dixieelectric@dixieepa.com for your voting credentials. Please include your name, account number, service address and phone number in the email to help us serve you better.

10b

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

SAVE!

Use your Co-op Connections card and

p o o C e Th s n o i t c Conne be in ill w d r a C ailbox in

your m mber. e mid-Sept

Use your discount card at local and national

businesses. Download the Co-op Connections app for a list of participating businesses. To receive discounts, simply show your Co-op Connections card or app card to participating businesses. Turn on the location services for the app, so youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know which businesses are participating wherever you travel. There are no sign-up or participation fees.

The Co-op Connections Card is given to you because youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a member of Dixie Electric, a local electric cooperative.

To get started:

1 Visit connections.coop 2 Create an account 3 Download the Co-op Connections app in the App Store or Google Play

4 Sign in with your new account 5 Browse local and national discounts 6

Start saving!

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

Co-op Connections Business Spotlight In Ellisville:

In Waynesboro:

Hall’s Welding Service

Pizza Inn Pizza Inn in Waynesboro offers a large single topping pizza for $9.99 and two free drinks for its Coop Connections discount. Pizza Inn also offers a daily pizza buffet. Pizza Inn is located at 902A MS Drive, Waynesboro and is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. Call 601-735-5600 to place your order.

Hall’s Welding Service is offering a 10 percent discount on the purchase of trailer parts. Owner Chris Hall offers trailer part sales and repair, portable and shop welding and sandblasting and painting. Visit Hall Welding Service Monday-Friday at 101 Front Street in Ellisville. Call 601-477-3925 for their services.

In Laurel:

In Petal:

The Cotton Boll

Sweet Blossom

The Cotton Boll at 435 N Magnolia Street in downtown Laurel is a uniquely creative gift shoppe, offering a 10 percent discount on products with some exclusions on certain brands. Owner Kelly Lambert encourages you to come by Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. or until 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Sweet Blossom on the Evelyn Gandy Parkway in Petal is a florist shop that also offers home décor and gifts. When you purchase a floral arrangement or spend $30 or more, you’ll receive one mylar balloon and two latex balloons for free. Sweet Blossom Owner Leah Witting invites you to come by her store Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

10c

10d

Today in Mississippi I September 2018

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Nov. 5 - 16

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

SOUTHEAST ZONE

METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Primitive Weapon Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Fall Turkey SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

Shine the light on savings with LED Bulbs When shopping for light bulbs, one could find themselves quickly overwhelmed. An easy tip when trying to purchase lighting with energy savings in mind is to always look for the ENERGY STAR logo on the product. In order for a product to earn the ENERGY STAR certification, the product must meet strict energy efficient guidelines that are set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. These lighting products will deliver exceptional features while also using less energy.

What sets ENERGY STAR bulbs apart from the rest? ENERGY STAR certified bulbs use less power (watts) than incandescent bulbs and are available in a variety of shades. They also produce 70-90 percent less heat, so it’s safer to operate while also providing energy savings for cooling the home. An ENERGY STAR certified light bulb uses about 70-90 percent less energy and lasts 10 to 25 times longer. One bulb saves an average of $55 in electricity cost over its lifetime. That also means savings for

your wallet. If you feel you need additional guidance in finding which ENERGY STAR certified light bulb is right for you, visit https://www.energystar.gov/products/lig hting_fans/light_bulbs for more information and use their interactive lighting calculators to see where your savings add up. Do a little. Save a lot!

Maintaining reliable service Right-of-way clearing projects underway Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Here are the substations and surrounding communities that are either currently being cleared or will be cleared soon:

How often should I change my airElectric filter? utility pole inspections

in yourwill be performing inspection and your filter changeUtilities You shouldOsmose Services • South Waynesboro substation – once aofmonth. system maintenance on some Dixie Electric Power Association’s poles Winchester, Denham-Progress, Sunlight, heating/cooling next fewtomonths, is to began in August and will continue do this which remember way tothe An easyduring Big Rock and the Central School area for approximately four to five months. The general areas to be inspect• Glade substation – Glade, Antioch and change your filter on the day that your will bebill thearrives. Whistler, Eucutta, West Waynesboro, Clara, Pleasant monthlyedpower Powers communities Grove, Beat Four and Strengthford communities. • Indian Springs substation – Sunrise and This work will generally consist of excavating a hole about 18” Petal deep around the poles to inspect them and applying a preservative Clearing the right-of-way protects and/or remedial treatment to the poles as needed. The purpose of the individuals from the hazards of electricity inspection and treatment is to identify poles that do not meet industry and makes power restoration quicker and strength standards and to extend the useful life of all others. safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and If you have any questions, please contact the engineering departpersonnel. ment at (601) 425-2535.

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

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

Member engagement empowers community East Mississippi Electric Power Association is a member-owned, member-governed cooperative. When the coop was founded back in 1938, members of the community knew that we were a locally owned business – likely because they or someone they knew played a part in helping found the cooperative. Over time as the novelty of receiving electricity waned, the founders passed on and new people moved into the community, viewing the electric co-op like any other energy provider. But we are different and the key to that difference is you, the member-owner of our cooperative. Without your support and commitment, we would not exist. For many years, people had no choice in the company that provided them with the electricity they so greatly depended upon, but today, the electric utility industry is changing. Research proves that when people own something they treat it differently, which is why we encourage EMEPA members to act as an owner rather than a

customer. As an owner, you play a critical role in our success. Each year, if our revenue exceeds our expenses (which is always our goal), a certain percentage is allocated back to you – because you are a member of the co-op. With that ownership comes certain rights like the opportunity to participate in the annual elections. EMEPA’s 80th annual meeting is set for Saturday, Oct. 6th, and we encourage your participation through either attending the meeting or returning the proxy card you received by mail. We welcome your feedback as we continually look for innovative ways to help you use energy efficiently and in a more cost-effective manner. Through our prepay service, you can better track your daily energy use and pay forward to fit your budget and schedule. Additionally, we have resources through emepa.com and our free smartphone app to help you manage your energy use, discover ways to save as well as report and view outages. There are a number of convenient 24/7 payment options available

Noxapater

Cotton Gin September 29

Festival

The Noxapater Community Alliance and Mississippi Main Street Association will host the Annual Cotton Gin Festival at J.W. Young Park in Noxapater on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Events and entertainment include children’s activities, a variety of local entertainment, food booths, beauty pageant and car show. Booth spaces are available for interested vendors. For more information, contact the

Noxapater Community Alliance P.O. Box 35 Noxapater, MS 39346 or noxapateralliance.org.

as well, such as online, smartphone app, payment kiosks at each branch office and automatic bank draft. As a local business, we have a real stake in the comCEO Randy Carroll munity, just as you do. That is why we seek opportunities to engage with local organizations like our community volunteer fire departments, Relay For Life, United Way and others. While electric power is the commodity that your coop delivers, the real power is that together, we empower this local community. When people feel empowered they accomplish great things. True, the world is different today than it was in 1938 when EMEPA was founded, but our mission of serving you and our community is constant. Working together with your active, inspired engagement, we can continue to accomplish great things.

Gue uess wher ere we

September 2018 I Today in Mississippi

we ent last summer er.

10a

memorable by participating in the h 2019 Leadersship Works kshop in Jackkson, Misss., and Tour of Was a hington, D.C.

Washington National Cathedr e ral I Jeffferson I FDR I MLK Memorials I Newseum I Arllington National Cemeter y I Iwo Jima I World War II Memorial I Vietnam Wall

Lydia Palmer, Grace Chriistian School; Maya Clay, Louisvill ille High School; Shon Willis, Southeast Lauderdale High School; Sierah Roberts, Lamar High School; and Michaiah Bolar, Weest Lauderddale High School

See your Guidance Counselor or call EMEPA for infomation at 601-581-8600.

Co-op Connections Business Spotlight EMEPA has been delivering value to our communities for more than 80 years and now we are proud to offer another member benefit – the Co-op Connections Card. Through this free program, you will receive discounts on products and services from participating local and national businesses. The card is a simple membership card that in identifying you as a member, also qualifies you for special discounts and offers at local participating businesses. There are no sign-up or participation fees and we do not track your participation or purchases. There is no charge to you for this program. This is just one more way you benefit from being a cooperative member. To receive discounts, simply show your Co-op Connections card to any participating business.

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

10% off

1000 14th Street, Meridian 601-693-4527

windshield replacements and

$25 off for windshield repairs

Penny’s From Heaven 532 East Main Street, Louisville

10% OFF all merchandise.

10b

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

EMEPA to hold 80th Annual Meeting Join East Mississippi Electric Power Association for our 80th Annual Meeting of the membership Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in the Association’s Meridian Auditorium. Official notices were mailed in August to invite you and all EMEPA members to attend our Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will inform members of actions taken during the past year, in addition to conducting the Association’s business and the election of three directors. Members in attendance at this year’s Annual Meeting will have the chance to win one of two $250 electricity credits or the grand prize of a $500 electricity credit. 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.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 6 and make plans to attend our 80th Annual Meeting celebration. If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting or just want to know more, please contact EMEPA’s Marketing and Communication Department at 601.581.8624 or visit our website at www.emepa.com.

Return your EMEPA Annual Meeting proxy card for a chance to win a $500 electricity credit The Annual Meeting notice and proxy were mailed to members the week of August 6, 2018. Attending the Annual Meeting If you plan to attend the annual meeting in person, the meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, at East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s auditorium in Meridian beginning at 10 a.m. To vote and be eligible for prizes, you need to register at the door.

Returning your proxy If you do not plan to attend, you may appoint the Board of Directors or any other member of the association as your proxy. To do this you must sign and date the proxy card and return it to EMEPA by Tuesday, Sept. 25. The postage to return the proxy is paid. All you need to do is sign, date and mail it. You may also drop off your proxy at your local EMEPA office.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 6 and make plans to attend our 80th Annual Meeting.

September 2018

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF 2018 AANNUAL MEETING &# 0& ++1 ) ##0'+% % ,$ 0&# *#* #./ . ,$ /0 '//'//'--' )#!0.'! ,3#. //,!' 0',+ 3')) 3 # held at the East Mississippi Electric Power Association au uditorium in Meridian, Mississipp pi, on 01." 5 !0 00 * $,. 0&# -1.-,/# ,$

#-,.0/ ,$ '.#!0,./ . . +/ !0',+ ,$ 1/'+# #//

Today in Mississippi

Financial Statement Fiscal Year Ending

June 30, 2018

)#!0',+ ,$ 0&.## '.#! !0,./ $,. 0&.## 5# . 0#.* In connection with the elecction of three Directors scheduled for this meeting g, 0&# $,)),3'+% *#* #./ . & 2# ##+ # +,*'+ 0#" '+ !!,." +! !# 3'0& 0&# 5 ) 3/ ,$ 0&# //,!' 0',+

Bill Clay

8293 Hwy H 493 DeKalb, MS 39328 â&#x20AC;˘ Kemper County

Mike Kennedy

276 Keennedy Lane Quitman, MS 39355 â&#x20AC;˘ Clarke County

Larry Pace

1077A A Masonic M Lodge Road Meridian, MS 39305 3 â&#x20AC;˘ Lauderdale County

u must return a proxy or attend the meeting. Note: In order to vote, you

Welch G Gloria MEP PA Secretaryy, EM A 8/9/18

Yo Y ou will be eligiible to win a $500 electricity c credit by mailing in your proxy xy y,, or up to $500 in electricity credits by attending the meeting.

IF YOU PLAN TO AT ATTE END IN PERSON

IF F YOU DO NOT PLAN TO A AT T TTEND

Each member is invited ed to attend this Annual Meeting so that at a quorum will be available to transact th he business of the Association. To attend the meeting, you e East Mississippi should be present at the

It is still important for you to participate. ate. If you are re not going to attend, you may ap ppoint the Board of Directors or any other me ember of th he Association as your proxy who will vote acccording to your wishes. To do this, you

Meridian, Mississippi, Saturday S Oct. 6, 2018, by 10 a.m. To vote te and be eligible for the prizes, you need ed to register as you enter.

EPA. The to o this notice and return it to EMEP postage ostage has been paid and the card is allready addressed. All you need to do is sign, da ate and mail it.

You o m must do one of the above to o be eligible to win. EMEP PA Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Financial Stattement can be found in the Sep ptember issue of To Today in Missiissippi +" 0 5,1. ),! ) ,6!#

If you are not coming to th he EMEP PA A Annual Meeting: RETURN N THIS CARD by September 25, 2018. 2

Assets Electric plant less accumulated depreciation investments 129,116,206 CFC capital term certificates 1,440,393 Cash and temporary investments 3,761,617 Other investments 3,340,569 Accounts Receivable Customer electric bills Misc. accounts receivable

4,708,238 176,110

Stock of materials and supplies Prepayments and current assets Deferred debits

1,769,411 6,539,975 18,040

INSTRUC CTIONSS

If you want the Bo oard of Directors of EMEP PA A to cast yyour vote, sign, date and re eturn the proxy to EMEP PA. A. Otherwise, wise, you may appoint as your y agent and proxy an EMEP PA A member who will be present esent at the annual meeting. Alll proxies designating the B Board of Directors as proxy will be vvoting for the Directors nominated minated by the committee on nominations, minations, and for resolutions ns recommended by the Board of D Directors.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tt forget to sign and datte the card FOR YOUR CHHANCE TO win a $500 electricity credit!

2018 PROXY X I hereby appoint the Board of Directors of East Mississipp pi Electric Power Association as my m agent and proxy to represent me m at the Annual Meeting of the East st Mississippi Electric Power Asso ociation, '+ #.'"' + '//'//'--' 0 * ,+ 01." 5 !0 3'0& $1)) 10&,.'05 0, ! /0 *5 2,0# 1-,+ )) * 00#./ #$,.# 0&# / '" *##0'+% ,. +5 "(,1.+*#+0 0&#.#,$

Total assets

150,870,559

Liabilities and Margins Long Term debt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cobank

41,829,706

Long Term debt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CFC

1,862,181

Other long term debt Post retirement obligation Notes payable Accounts payable Customer deposits Current liabilities and deferred credits

595,926 7,147,550 3,905,868 8,017,017 1,822,816 3,264,170

Signature: ___________ _ ________________ _ _ _ __________ ________Date: _____________ ______ ____

OR I do d nott appoint i t the th B Board d off Directors Di t as my agentt a and d proxy but, b t instead, i t d appoint i t as my agen nt and proxy to represent me at the Annual Meeting: ____________________________________________

______________________________________

Representativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Name

Re epresentativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Account Number

(Must be an EMEPA member and present at the Annual M Meeting. Must NOT be a Board member.) .

Equities Memberships Earnings reinvested in system assets

480,890 82,425,325

&'/ -.,45 *1/0 # .#01.+#" 0, 5 - * #-0#* #.

This is a copy of the Annual Meeting proxy. Actual proxies were mailed in mid-August and they are also available at each EMEPA office.

10c

Total Liabilities and Margins

150,870,559

10d

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

LEAVE THE POLE ALONE

Placing a sign on a utility pole could

endanger a life What do yard sale and political campaign signs, basketball hoops, deer stands, satellite dishes and birdhouses have in common? They’re often found illegally attached to utility poles. But this isn’t only a crime of inconvenience. Safety issues caused by unapproved pole attachments place the lives of lineworkers and the public in peril. It may seem innocent, but a small nail partially driven into a pole can have deadly results around high-voltage electricity. Your local electric cooperative line crews climb utility poles at all hours of the day and night, in the worst of conditions. Anything attached to utility poles can create serious hazards for our line personnel. Sharp objects like nails, tacks, staples or barbed wire can puncture rubber gloves and other safety equipment, making linemen vulnerable to electrocution. And even when nails are removed, the leftover holes provide easy entry for bugs and water, causing a pole that should have lasted four decades or more to weaken much faster. Electric cooperatives, like East Mississippi Electric Power Association, rely on more than 41 million utility poles to deliver more than 2.5 million power lines, and these staunch supporters of electricity are under constant attack from the elements – storms, woodpeckers, insects, moisture and harsh soils. But people play a part in pole erosion, too. Lineworkers with electric cooperatives have reported poles used as community bulletin boards, satellite mounts and even support legs for deer stands, lights and carports. And with political campaign season upon us, it’s becoming an even bigger issue. Abandoned nails or tacks can rip through protective gloves, leaving the lineworker potentially exposed to thousands of volts of electricity. Not only do these attachments put line crews at risk, anyone illegally placing these items on poles comes dangerously close to energized power lines with thousands of volts of energy pulsing overhead. It’s always wise to keep any structure at least 10 feet away from utility poles. Unauthorized pole attachments violate the National Electrical Safety Code, the accepted manual containing guidelines for safe electrical engineering standards. Utilities strictly follow this code that includes a section that reads, “Signs, posters, notices and other attachments shall not be placed on supporting structures without concurrence of the owner (the utility is the owner of the pole).

Supporting structures should be kept free from other climbing hazards such as tacks, nails, vines and through bolts not properly trimmed.” We need your help. If you notice anyone trying to attach something to a utility pole, let them know it’s dangerous and against the law. Whenever we see an illegal attachment – whether it’s a satellite dish, a birdhouse, a basketball hoop, deer stand, political sign or anything else – our employees will remove it and are not responsible for any damages caused to the unauthorized item. Please help us keep our linemen—and our community— safe. Don’t attach any of these unauthorized and dangerous items to utility poles. Thanks for your help as we work together to prolong the lifespan of our utility poles that provide us with safe, reliable and affordable electric service.

UTILITY POLES ARE NOT BULLETIN U BOARDS

THINK LINEMAN SAFETY

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Nov. 5 - 16

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

SOUTHEAST ZONE

METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Primitive Weapon Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Fall Turkey

SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

Board of Directors

www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544

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

Here’s an Idea

YOUR COOPERATIVE By Joe Cade CEO/General Manager

Thanks for the memories It’s funny how things change. By this time next month, I will have officially retired, enjoying time with my wife, my children, my grand- and great-grandchildren, and yes, my cars. It will be quite a change and I hope that Phyllis doesn’t get too tired of having me around the house. As much as I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life, to be honest I will miss this. I’ll miss the challenge of solving problems, of finding solutions, of working to figure out what’s next, what’s best for 4-County and our members. I’ll miss the people and places and the hundred little things, good and bad, that make up a normal day. I have enjoyed all of it, and my fondest hope is that everyone will be as blessed as I was to work at such a great place, with such great people and for such great members. But that’s the problem, isn’t it? How do you say goodbye? That’s a hard one. Maybe, instead of goodbye, I can say thank you. Thank you to the 4-County board of directors who welcomed me back eight years ago and allowed me to finish my career at the place I started, and the place where my heart was (and will be). Thank you to the members I helped serve. Thank you for supporting the cooper-

ative and all the work we do. Thank you for your input—kind words and criticism both. And thank you most of all for understanding that we are here to serve you. Thank you to the people I work with, the men and women of 4-County who come to

work every day with the goal of bringing our members power and helping make their lives better. Thank you for your dedication, for your willingness to go out in the middle of the night—in rain and storm and heat and cold—to get the lights back on. Thank you for coming in early and staying late and doing all the little things that nobody notices, but that make such a big difference. Thank you, all of you. And goodbye.

There are two types of occupancy sensors: ultrasonic and infrared. Ultrasonic sensors detect sound; infrared sensors detect heat Automatic controls can and motion. keep lighting costs in check Timers make an empty home look occuWhether you can’t train your kids to turn pied. If kids are still running in and out, out lights when they leave a room or need a however, timers aren’t as effective as occubetter outdoor lighting scheme, automatic pancy sensors. Plug timers into a wall outlet controls might be a cost-effective solution. or install them in the wall, like a light No matter what type you use, “the most switch or thermostat. New varieties are digimportant thing to remember for any light- ital. Photosensors are generally best outdoors, ing control is to use a type of lightbulb that doesn’t need to ‘warm up,’” says Brian Slo- but new applications have found they’re boda, a senior program manager specializ- also useful for LED nightlights. When an ing in energy efficiency for the Cooperative overhead light is on, the nightlight shuts off Research Network, the research and devel- automatically. opment organization for the nation’s elecOutdoors tric co-ops. “All of the lightbulbs for residential use now on the market will work— If you already have or are thinking about incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps installing an outdoor security light, consider combining it with a photosensor to keep it [CFLs] and LEDs [light-emitting diodes].” from burning all day. A motion sensor goes Indoors one step further, if you don’t want continuOccupancy sensors are helpful indoors, as ous light. long as they’re positioned to detect people Timers are commonly used for aesthetic in any corner of the room. They’re also good or holiday lighting, sometimes in conjuncas task lighting—above places like a desk tion with a photosensor—so they turn on or kitchen sink—so you get the extra light at dusk and turn off at a designated time. you need while working but you don’t for- Visit EnergySavers.gov to learn more about get and leave it on all night. energy efficiency in your home.

Lights out

Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $683,019 on prescription drugs through July. Look here each month to see the savings total!

CEO Joe Cade

to retire at end of month 4-County Electric Power Association CEO and General ly to their vehicles regardless of where they were in the Manager Joe Cade has announced he will be stepping service territory. Other technology allowed members to away from the cooperative. Cade, who has led the cooper- begin reporting outages online and soon, via text message. ative since 2010, will officially retire Sept. 30. In economic development efforts, Cade and the Cade says it’s the right time for him to make the 4-County staff worked hard with local development move. “I have enjoyed my time here and I am proud of groups and governments and the Tennessee Valley what we have accomplished, but I feel like it is a good Authority (TVA) on the creation of two TVA Megasites, time to get out of the way and let the next generation which in addition to one already in place, makes the move us forward,” he explained. 4-County service territory the only place in the TVA area 4-County board of directors President Jay Gilliland to have three megasites. That has helped land industries says the board, the members and the cooperative all owe like Yokohama Tire in Clay County. Cade a debt of gratitude. “Joe Cade is one of the finest Under Cade’s watch, 4-County consolidated from five men I have had the pleasure of working district offices to one office and the corpowith. In the eight years he has served as rate center, and added a call center staffed CEO, he has earned the respect and locally by consumer service representatives, trust of the board and employees, and he empowering them to help solve member has worked tirelessly for our members,” issues and bringing a “one call” solution. Gilliland said. “We have always been a The consolidation allowed 4-County to leader in the cooperative world, but Joe save hundreds of thousands of dollars in pushed us to be even better,” he added. overhead, and absorb a TVA rate increase Cade began his second stint at in 2016 instead of passing it on to mem4-County in 2010, bringing a wellbers. Cade also oversaw the privatization earned reputation for success and a pasmeasures for Columbus Air Force Base sion for progress. He began his career in that allowed 4-County to serve base housthe electric cooperative business at ing as well as maintenance of the distribu4-County in 1983, leaving in 1990 to tion system. become general manager of Coosa Valley Cade has always been passionate about Electric Cooperative in Talladega, Ala. making things better for members of the Cade was then named president/CEO of Flint Energies in Association. One of his most cherished accomplishments Reynolds, Ga., in 1997. is the formation of the 4-County Foundation and OperaAt every stop, he made safety the No. 1 priority, and it tion Roundup in 2015. The Foundation gives grants to shows. From late 2011 to mid-2016, 4-County employees area groups and individuals. The Foundation has awarded worked nearly 1.4 million man-hours without a lost-time some $645,000 to area schools, fire and law enforcement injury. The cooperative is and other groups since its up to more than 600,000 inception. It is funded “In this business, there are many unsung through the generosity of hours during its current string of no lost-time members who allow their bills heroes who risk death and injury every day hours. Cade says making to be rounded up to the next to bring us power. Every day. Making sure sure the men and women dollar, with that spare change who worked under him get collected monthly to fund the they have the tools and training to work well home safely every day is grants. and safely is what drives me.” something he treasures. “In “Leaving really is bitterthis business, there are sweet. These are the best peomany unsung heroes who ple I’ve ever worked with, the risk death and injury every line folks, the staff, the day to bring us power. Every day. Making sure they have board—everyone. I will miss them all,” Cade admitted. the tools and training to work well and safely is what “It will be an adjustment but I am looking forward to drives me,” Cade said. kicking back, spending more time with my grandchildren Under his leadership, 4-County implemented a plan to and great-grandchildren, and my ‘homework.’ And maybe streamline processes and utilize technology to improve I’ll get to mess around with my Mustangs,” he added. member service while controlling costs. Gilliland says the board has a process in place for findOn the technological side, Cade oversaw the installaing Cade’s successor. “We know we have some big shoes tion of a digital microwave communication system, allow- to fill, but we are confident that we will find the right pering data to flow quickly and securely to and from all son very soon,” he said. Gilliland says a search is already 4-County substations. Technology was employed to allow underway and the board hopes to have someone in place service personnel to receive their work assignments direct- by early fall.

September 2018

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September 2018

REVEAL HUMA

Angel, the largest of Ballard’s robotic creations, stands guard at the front of her downtown studio.

By Brad Barr Columbus-based artist Amy Watson Ballard scours yard sales, thrift shops and antique stores for materials to build her collection of Adopt-A-Bots, a whimsical race of robots made from a variety of discarded odds and ends. “It’s like a treasure hunt,” Ballard said of her search for materials. Making sculptures from scrap is not as easy as it seems. “Art—any art—is work. It’s fun, but it’s work,” she stressed. For example, each robot has a distinct look and, by extension, a distinct personality. Old disco balls often serve as a head, duct work for arms and a screw rod makes an excellent back. Throw in a few door knobs, tin cans, wires and choice antiques, bolt them down and you have a new character. “Some people see a colander, I see a helmet. I can walk down the street and see the makings of arms and legs all over the place,” she said with a grin. Open the doors of her cozy studio in downtown Columbus and the robots are waiting. They don’t look like they’re ready to take over the world, however; they just look ready to help. In reality, the robots are garden sculptures. They have their own names and adoption certificates. The largest one is named Angel, and he is a soldier in the Lord’s Army. He is a protector that wards off evil. The dog is Bella. She serves as a soother and has movement when the wind blows. She is made from a metal box, and you can hide things in her. The legs are vase-like if you want to place water and flowers in them. Life Saver is the metal caterpillar. His job is silliness and fun. He wards off depression. Miss Priss is a princess bot. This pre-teen robot is a little self-absorbed and trying to figure things out. She is made of toys. The queen of the Adopt-A-Bots is Priscilla. She is painted in a calming blue and is a mentor.

Mojo Monkeybot is the moody king of the monkeys. He represents those battling bipolar disorder. Chef Bobby Bear Bot is an ode to Bobby Flay, the celebrity chef. Ballard lives in Lowndes County with her husband, Dale, (an area firefighter) and their 16-year-old son, Houston. She also mentors art students at Victory Christian Academy. She and the young artists have

Elle, Lucille and Betty draw plenty of attention in Ballard’s studio window.

a September showcase at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in Columbus. “Characters of Distinction” will stand at attention for all to see and enjoy. Her interest in art began at age 3 in the Webster County town of Eupora. When Ballard was 16, her sister purchased an art kit from the Sears catalog. “She had me wrap it like it was for someone else. But it was for me. I just looked at it for a year. I was so excited. I was a small town girl, and didn’t know how to use it. I finally did a painting of Jesus Christ for my grandmother,” she said. Much of her work is influenced by her Christian faith. Ballard graduated from Mississippi University for Women (MUW) with a degree in fine arts (emphasis in education). Much of her technical skill came from longtime MUW art professor Thomas Nawrocki. “He taught me how to do art in a three-dimensional design.”

ots

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

AN NATURE

Ballard specializes in several varieties of art, including oil, acrylic and watercolor paints.

The local craftsperson works in several artistic styles, including oil, acrylic and watercolor paints. Now, she is focusing on mixed-media art like the robots. “All my art, however, takes on the persona of a character,” she said. Everyday life serves as her artistic inspiration. “I see everything as art. My mind never shuts off. I see pictures in my mind. Art brings calm to me. It’s my happy place,” she said. Ballard said there’s something to be said for the role of starving artist. “Sometimes, I buy art supplies before I buy groceries,” she joked. Seriously, though, the robot artist is successful. “My work sells almost as soon as I make it. I’ve had over 20 jobs. Nothing works except art.” An artist’s work must elicit emotion within three seconds or attention is lost, she explained. What do people think when they see her work? “They’re excit-

ed. When sun hits the Adopt-ABots, there’s light everywhere. That’s the ‘wow’ factor,” Ballard said. Her studio also serves as home to the characters in her oil and acrylic paintings, and the painted bowling pins that stand guard in her front window. Elle (resplendent in 1914 Egyptian attire), Lucille (the flapper girl) and Betty (the glamour girl) command their own attention. Ballard’s artwork is a combination of recycling and putting everyday items in the limelight. “There’s an artist in everyone,” she said. “But you have to have the drive. I don’t believe in sitting around and thinking about doing something. Just do it.”

The local artist will have her work displayed this month at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in Columbus. Life Saver, the metal caterpillar, will be there. Ballard uses odds and ends, bolts them together, and creates art. She is a fulltime artist.

There’s nothing robotic, however, about creating her colorful and eclectic garden sculptures. Take Ballard’s nickname, for example. “They call me the MojoBot,” she said. “Art happens when the mojo is flowing.”

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Today in Mississippi

September 2018

4-County asks young leaders to step up Guess where we

Three high school juniors in the 4-County Electric Power Association service area can win all-expense paid trips to Washington, D.C., to attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Tour, June 15-21, 2019. 4-County’s 2019 Youth Leadership contest, set for Wednesday, Nov. 14, is open to high school juniors who attend school in, and whose parents or guardians live in, the 4-County service area. The three winning students will represent 4-County at the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Feb. 27 to March 1, 2019. This workshop is designed to help participants sharpen their leadership skills and acquaint them with state government. They will enjoy presentations by government and business leaders and rural electric power association professionals.

went last summer.

Washington National Cathedral Jefferson FDR MLK Memorials Newseum Arlington National Cemetery Iwo Jima World War II Memorial Vietnam Wall

At the Youth Leadership Workshop, one student will be selected to represent Mississippi on the NRECA Youth Leadership Council. The selection is made through a comprehensive

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

THURSDAY, SEPT. 6 Monthly Gallery Opening and Reception – Amy Watson Ballard; Main gallery of the Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; details, (662) 3282787.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 11

from across the nation in Washington, D.C. During their stay, June 15-21, 2019, students will tour historical memorials and monuments, the nation’s Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, Arlington National Cemetery and other national landmarks.

ty in Starkville; 7 p.m..; details, (662) 323-3322.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 13

Art in Public Places Abstract Show Reception; Greater Starkville Development Partnership, 200 E. Main St.; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 28

MSU Lyceum Series: DSQ Electric; MSU Bulldog Bash; west Main St. in Bettersworth Auditorium in Lee Hall on Starkville; all-day event; ; details, (662) the campus of Mississippi State Universi- 323-3322.

process including personal interviews. The winning student serves a one-year term and participates in both the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi and NRECA annual meetings. In addition, 4-County’s overall winners will travel with other Mississippi students to join hundreds of students

Each public and private school in the 4-County service area may nominate a student to participate in the 4-County contest. Student winners will be selected during an interview process to be held Nov. 14 at the cooperative’s corporate center. Information packets will be sent to area schools in September. Teachers or counselors may also request additional information by contacting Brad Barr, 4-County’s Youth Tour coordinator, at 662-245-0711.

Rate changes coming in October 4-County members will see some changes in rates this fall. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board of directors in August approved a budget that included a rate increase of 1.5 percent. The increase will go into effect Oct. 1 for TVA customers. This increase will be passed through to 4-County members. The average 4-County residential member will see this increase as about $2.18 per bill. The TVA increase is not unexpected. “TVA has let all of their local power companies (LPCs) know that they plan

to ask for about a percent and a half increase for the next several years,” said Joe Cade, 4-County CEO/general manager. According to TVA, the increase reflects the continued rise in costs to produce the power they sell. Cade says 4-County is committed to keeping rates as low as possible. “We work every day to be as efficient as we can be, and our overall goal is to make sure that we do everything we can to mitigate the impact that costs outside our control have on rates,” he explained.

September 2018

4-County excels in safety accreditation Dedication, hard work and preparation are a winning combination for any organization. 4-County Electric Power Association mixed those ingredients in a successful recipe for achievement as the cooperative recently received exceptionally high marks for excellence from safety accreditation site visitors. As part of its National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) safety reaccreditation process, 4-County hosted a four-person team of inspectors.

Pole inspections underway A 4-County Electric Power Association contract crew is working in the co-op’s northwest Lowndes County service area. The work involves inspecting and treating wooden poles in the area, primarily around Motley Road, Old West Point Road and the West Bank access area. The work (about 1,370 poles) will take about four weeks. Crews will then move to areas in Webster and Oktibbeha counties (about 8,500 poles), primarily in and around Maben and Mathiston. That work will take approximately five to six months. Then, the Osmose team will move to the New Hope area (3,300 poles). That work will take about two to three months. The inspection and work require digging around poles, which means Osmose employees will sometimes be working in 4-County members’ yards and/or properties. The workers will be wearing clothing clearly identifying them as Osmose workers, and their trucks will also have 4-County contractor signs. For more information, call 4-County at 1-800-4311544.

Joe Cade, 4-County CEO/general manager, said the successful accreditation process is an accomplishment for all 4-County employees. “We can all feel quite proud of this accomplishment and the fact that we work for an Association that puts emphasis on safety always. The most important safety goal is to eliminate all accidents from our workplace because employees know and follow safety rules,” Cade said. Job Safety and Training Coordinator Joe Miller said the cooperative’s success was the result of an organized approach to teamwork. “This was the result of a combined

Today in Mississippi

Congratulations,

people attended her retirement reception. effort, a true team approach. Over Safety100 is a top priority

Ora JJoones! In 1984, Ora took a job as a data entry clerk at 4-County’s Corporate Center. In 1988, she continued her progression in the emerging technology field as she became a computer operator. Ora was promoted to senior computer operator in 2001. She has served as utility billing specialist since 2013. “4-County has been a home awaay frrom home,” Or Ora saidd. “I’v ’ve made a lot of frriends herre through the years. I’m bleessed to have had such a wonderful work family l .”

effort. Safety is a top priority here at 4-County, for inside and outside employees. The inspectors were very pleased. Our inspection result was indicative of the emphasis we place on safety. I’m very pleased and excited with the results of this accreditation process.” Accreditation through the NRECA safety program ensures that 4-County will achieve high standards. The accreditation process involved two separate evaluations based on a three-year review period, which consisted of an on-site field observation and a committee evaluation of its safety policies and procedures. Officials say the accreditation is valid for a period of three years.

4-County’s Ora Jones retired in June

34 Years of Service!

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

Retiring inactive lines reduces co-op costs

In an effort to reduce costs for Magnolia Electric Power, and due to RUS (Rural Utility Services) guidelines, MEP is working to retire inactive lines and services. However, our members that may have inactive MEP facilities on their property can keep them in place if they adhere to policy and agree to pay a monthly minimum fee. “Although MEP has always maintained a policy of retiring inactive services, RUS recently tasked MEP to remove inactive services from our system, where possible, to help control maintenance cost and needless inventories,” said Manager of Engineering and Operations Aaron Achord. “At this time, MEP records show as many as 4,500 inactive accounts,” said Achord. “These accounts are ones that have been disconnected and the member has received a final bill. Some of these power lines I am talking about have been inactive for as long as five years and in some cases we have no information who the current property owner is,” said Achord. Although MEP has always worked at retiring power lines that are no longer in use, RUS, who is a federal agency and sets guidelines over electrical cooperatives nationally, are now requiring MEP to remove the unused lines that were identified during an operational audit. However, MEP knows there are some members who would like to keep the powerlines that are on their property in place, so the minimum bill has become a compromise. “According to RUS and National Electric Safety Code (NESC), we have to maintain and upkeep these lines to current safety standards. Our ROW costs are one of our highest expenses at MEP. “Trimming these unused power lines create additional costs to the company,” Achord explained. “In addition, restoration expenses are increased because these lines have to be patrolled before we can restore

power to an area.” Another viewpoint is that the facilities that are sitting unused can be used in a better capacity. “The MEP inventory at vacant locations can be recycled. For example, a transformer costs approximately $1,200 and when it is hanging on a pole not serving a purpose, it is not doing anyone any good. MEP could move that inventory and use it to serve someone else at a different location, thereby eliminating the purchase of a new transformer and keeping costs down to the company and eventually to the MEP members,” Achord said. Retiring idle lines and services means removing all of our facilities from the property, which includes poles, wires, transformers, anchors, and meters, if they are present. “We have been working on this program aggressively for a year, and extremely aggressively for the last two months because there are so many inactive lines out there,” said Achord. “James Jackson, with our Engineering Department, is heading up this program.” Jackson, who has been working on this project for the last five years, checks in to any locations that are identified as inactive during an annual inspection service provided by a contracted service. Once any location is identified and checked out, Jackson will send a crew to the location to remove the MEP facilities. “As members of a cooperative, we should remember MEP was formed by a spirit of helping deliver electricity at an affordable cost to all members. MEP is calling on this spirit from the membership again to help keep cost down,” said Jackson. “If you, as a member have an idle service, (a service on which no one is paying a minimum monthly bill), and you would like to keep the line or service in place for future use, MEP is asking you to call our office and start monthly payments on the idle account,” Jackson said. “Thank you so much for your efforts to help control this needless expense.” If you have any questions, please contact James Jackson at 601-684-4011.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

10a

WhyYouth Tour? should you

apply for

It’s sponsored by Magnolia Electric Power. Your electric coop completely covers the costs of Youth Tour, including airfare, hotels, meals and attractions.

Meet new people!

Approximately 80 of your peers from around Mississippi go on this tour each year. But why just make friends with teens from your home state when there’s over 1,800 students around the country that go on Youth Tour?

It’s a lot of fun! If you are currently a high school junior, why stay home this summer, when you can tour the nation’s capital city. You’ll see every thing that Washington, D.C., has to offer.

Meet your congressmen. This tour gives students an incredible experience to meet their congressmen personally and have the opportunity to talk with them about issues in their communities.

You gain leadership experience and can put it on your resume. All of the students that attend this tour have been selected as leaders in their community.

All official entry forms must be returned to MEP by September 19, 2019. Call Lucy Shell at (601) 684-4011, or visit your guidance counselor for more information.

6. Traveling is exciting! There are many places and adventures to seek on this tour.

Learn about govenment Emerse yourself in American history.

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Today in Mississippi

September 2018

Lofton wins the GOLD! By Elissa Fulton

Over 4,000 athletes and coaches met in Seattle, Wash., in early July to compete in the 2018 Special Olympics Summer Games. Mississippi sent more than 30 athletes, along with volunteers to compete in various competitions for the gold. One of those athletes is Brookhaven’s Garrett Lofton who competed in the weightlifting competition. While in junior and senior high school, Garrett regularly lifted weights while playing on the Enterprise football and basketball teams. In his junior year, he was one of several students who tried to start a weightlifting team. Unfortunately, he and his peers were unable to get enough interest in the sport to form the team. However, he bought a weight lifting set for $80 and started working out in his back yard several days a week. Although he’s no longer in high school, for the past three years he has been completely dedicated to the sport. During any regular week, Garrett will lift weights a few times per week. However, when he is prepping for a meet, he is in the gym at least four times per week. He has always worked out at home until he started winning medals. That’s when Snap Fitness stepped in and gave him a membership to prep before meets. Garrett attended a conference several years ago and received a brochure about the Special Olympics. It was there that he discovered the competitions and realized he could excel at his hobby while competing for medals. He won the gold at the 2018 Special Olympics of Mississippi (SOM) state games at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, and won a lottery to compete in the national games. Mississippi athletes won 28 gold medals, five

bronze medals and a silver medal in numerous sporting events at the national games in Washington state. Garrett took home four of those gold medals. Garrett was beside himself with elation when he found out that he would be attending the games. “Actually, my mom pranked me. She told me that we were going shopping and we had to stop by the [Moose] lodge and drop some things

off,” he said. “So of course, I go in, and everyone surprised me. They congratulated me and told me that I was going to Seattle.” The Brookhaven Loyal Order of Moose raises money each year for SOM. According to Garrett’s father, Charles Lofton, it’s the primary organization that they

raise funds for. After the Lofton’s were informed that their son would be attending the national games for 2018, they contacted the lodge about a surprise announcement for their son. When it came time for the athletes to travel to Seattle, the SOM organization met in Jackson on June 29, to begin their Olympic travels. They met at the state Capitol building for an exciting sendoff. A police escort then guided the bus to the Louisiana border where they went on to fly out of New Orleans for a week of competitions in Seattle. The athletes stayed in the dormitories at the University of Washington, where the games were held. On the first day of arrival, Garrett attended assessments and declared his weight class. He went on to compete during the first day of the games. “I actually declared as a 53 kilo lifter. That’s 110 pounds. There was no one else in my weight class, so they bumped me up,” said Garrett. “I weighed in at 123.4 pounds, while everyone else was weighing in at 127-128. But it was just me and two other guys. Both of them were from the state of Washington.” Garrett didn’t let their weight class advantage get in his way, but it was no easy feat winning the gold. He took first in each division, lifting 160 pounds on squats, 160 pounds on bench press and 225 pounds on dead lifts, with a fourth medal awarded for a triple combination. Back home in Mississippi, the television stations were giving updates on the athletes daily and Garrett, his coach Richard Clayton, and the rest of the Mississippi athletes

September 2018

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“Seattle was very cool and very big, and it was the furthest my dad and I had ever traveled.”

Garrett is pictured in the top photo accepting his medal after winning the gold. Garrett is shown dead lifting in the photo above. Right: Lofton and teammate Jessie Wimms are pictured with Coach Richard Clayton (Photos submitted by Charles Lofton).

received a lot of publicity for their hard work and victories. “This was also the first time that we had two power lifters to go and compete in all three events,” said Garrett. “The previous two that went just competed in bench and dead lifts. When I first started power lifting, that was the very first year they ever did squats because it is just a little more dangerous. But not only that, we were also the first two to sweep our weight classes.” Although Garrett will not be attending the World Games in Abu Dhabi this year, he is eager to defend his title in the state games next year, and again in Orlando four years from now. “Unfortunately, I’m not going to Worlds this year because Mississippi did not draw a Worlds slot. We drew that slot in sailing,” said Garrett. “While I was there [Seattle] I actually got a chance to meet a guy who is going to the world competitions this

year. He’s going to Abu Dhabi from Ohio. And believe it or not, his name is Garrett too.” While lodging in the trendy college U District of Seattle, SOM arranged additional activities so that the players and volunteers were able to explore the city. A Major League Baseball game at Mariners stadium and a Fourth of July dance were highlights of the trip; and Garrett loved that he could see the Space Needle from his room. Garrett and his father Charles agree that the SOM organization and its volunteers, as well as the national organization did a fantastic job of arranging the event. Athletes from ages 8 to 70 competed. “This was the 50th Anniversary for Special Olympics, and there was a man who had competed in the first Special Olympics, who competed in these games,” said Garrett. “Seattle was very cool and very big, and it was the furthest my dad and I had ever traveled.”

Garrett met friends and other lifters while he was in Seattle, and feels a lot of pride for his hard work and accomplishments. He plans to continue competing as long as he can. “Mississippi was one of the smaller groups there, but we did really good in Seattle,” said Garrett. State games are every year, national games are every four years, and the world games are every two years. For more information about SOM, visit www.specialolympicsms.org.

10d

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

TIP of the

Month

ly preparing for the future. Engineers and construction crews design, build and upgrade the electric system to move electricity from power plants and substations to farms, homes and businesses. All of these actions prepare electric coops to deal with the daily challenges of meeting the electricity needs of their members. But working together, we put in just as much effort preparing for the uncertainties posed by flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, high winds, blizzards and ice storms. Electric coops maintain and constantly update emergency response plans. Employees train for major events and know in advance what their primary and secondary roles would be. Electric co-ops also subscribe to mutual aid agreements. That’s why you see trucks and crews from co-ops in other states in your communities when major power outages occur. We also work with state and national officials to help ensure that crews can get to your communities when they are needed and have the lodging, food and support necessary to work effectively far from home. September may be National Preparedness Month, but Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are committed to preparedness every day––for the routine, the extraordinary and the unexpected.

MEP new rates go into effect Magnolia Electric Power members will see their first significant rate change since before 1970, due to changes in the way wholesale power costs are being billed to the cooperative. “The main reason for the rate adjustment is to align our revenue with our wholesale cost of power from Cooperative Energy and our local operating environment,” said Tony Nettles, MEP manager of accounting and finance. Nettles further explained, the wholesale power costs rates have become more demand-based rates instead of kWh-based rates. MEP purchases its power from Cooperative Energy, a generation and transmission cooperative owned by 11 electric cooperatives in Mississippi. The facility is located in Hattiesburg. “Over the past several years the power supplier, Cooperative Energy, has changed its rates to be demand-based rates. Magnolia’s rates did not assure recovery of power cost during certain months as most MEP’s rates were based solely on kWH. This adjustment in rates will help us better recover our power cost,” Nettles said. To explain, a kW “demand” is a measurement of the member’s maximum amount of power that has to be generated and be available on MEP’s power lines at the service entrance to insure and serve that member’s required load at any given point of the day. If you turned on 10-100 watt lights at one time your demand is 1000 watts or 1kW demand. Some residential members may see a slight reduction in their residential rate due to the new rates. “A residential member using about the same use will have a lower bill with the new rate compared to the old rate,” he said. The modifications will also bring change for MEP’s commercial accounts/public building rates. The changes will help to bring commercial accounts more in line with the costs to supply electricity to their institutions. “Commercial and public building accounts will see the introduction of a small demand charge ranging from $1 to $3 per kW, currently this charge is at approximately $18 per kW from Cooperative Energy, MEP’s power supplier,” Nettles explained. Cost of service and rate studies are an ongoing focus of MEP and will be a continued process over the next several years to make sure our power costs and operations costs are aligned with the rates. If you have any further questions about the new rate structure, please contact our office and speak with Tony Nettles, Aaron Achord or Amanda McKenzie.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi 11

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Nov. 5 - 16

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

Primitive Weapon Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Fall Turkey SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

Providing affordable, reliable electricity to our members since 1936.

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

TIP of the

Month

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Nov. 5 - 16

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

Primitive Weapon Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Dove

Fall Turkey

â&#x20AC;˘ White-winged & Mourning Dove

SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

(North Zone) ** Sept. 1-Oct. 7; Oct. 27 Nov. 7; Dec. 22 - Jan. 31 (South Zone)*** Sept. 1-9; Oct. 6-Nov. 7; Dec. 15-Jan. 31

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

**(Dove North Zone) Areas north of U.S. Hwy 84 plus areas south of U.S. Hwy 84 and west of MS Hwy 35 ***(Dove South Zone) Areas south of U.S. Hwy 84 and east of MS Hwy 35.

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

From the CEO

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

2018 Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Election The Northcentral Electric Power Association Annual Meeting of the Members will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24, this year in the Northcentral Electric auditorium. Besides summarizing the work of past year, as well as future projects, a major current business task at the Annual Meeting is the election of three members of the Board of Directors. This year, board members are to be elected from District 2, District 6 and District 9 of our system area. A general description of the area served in District 2 would be the 1984 city limits of the City of Olive Branch. District 6 generally covers the area south and west of the new U.S. Hwy 78 and east of Coldwater River and north of Pigeon Roost Creek, except the area with the 1984 corporate limits of the City of Byhalia. District 9 represents the area served by the Association in DeSoto County, which constitutes an at-large district. More detailed descriptions can be found in Section 4.02 of the Northcentral Electric bylaws. Current board members representing these districts are: Don Dickerson – District 2, Morris Thompson – District 6 and Julie Niblett of District 9. Nominations to the Board of Directors, whether incumbent or a new candidate, will be made by twenty-five (25) or more members from the district. Nominations to the Board of Directors, whether incumbent

or new candidate, will be made by the membership. Any twentyfive (25) or more members from the district from which a director is to be elected shall make a nomination by signing a nomination form with the nominee’s name and district stated on the form. Nomination forms can be picked up from the receptionist’s desk in the Northcentral Electric Administrative Building. Nominations must be completed as required and received in the office no later that 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018. The Elections and Credentials Committee will meet Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, to verify the candidate nominations. A list of the valid nominations will be posted at the Northcentral office. Members can vote either by proxy prior to the Annual Meeting or in person by ballot at the Annual Meeting. Proxies will be mailed Oct. 4 and must be received in the Northcentral office no later than 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018. The Elections and Credentials Committee will review the proxies for validation beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018. For more details on the Board of Directors elections, the Annual Meeting, or the nomination process, a copy of the Northcentral Mississippi Electric Power Association bylaws can be found under the “My Cooperative” section on Northcentral Electric’s website, www.northcentralepa.com.

CHECK OUT OUR PODCAST

fused Video and audio episodes can be found on Apple podcasts, Podbean, and our social media channels. We’re coming soon

to Spotify!

Moving from August into September we see significant change. It’s a time of transition. William Faulkner tells us that August often gives us a foretaste of Fall. Kids are off to school, and the sounds of high school band rehearsal is in the air, as is the promise of a great year. A lot of change can take place in this transitional period. At Northcentral, we are committed to maintaining the quality service that we have provided our Members over the last 68 years with an eye to the future and the promise of change. The services we have offered have been of great benefit to those we serve, but we must continue to evaluate other products and services that Kevin Doddrige could enhance your General Manager/CEO quality of life. Northcentral must be able to change to properly serve our members who own us. The necessity that formed Northcentral was the need for electricity. This product enhanced the quality of life for the homes and farms in this area and provided the fuel for economic growth. We feel that high speed internet is potentially the next greatest thing that your cooperative can provide. High speed internet, through cooperative fiber and provided on a cost basis, is the next step to developing our rural areas and maintaining or urban ones. We will continue to work with our elected officials to find the best path to this. We truly feel that this is the next service we can provide to propel Mississippi from the unenviable 50th position. How do we plan to keep you informed on the change and transitions taking place at Northcentral? Check out our podcast, Northcentral Nfused, set to roll out in September. Stay tuned to our social media and be on the lookout for a new and improved website coming this fall! A good football coach and greater man once said, “Things never stay the same, you’re either getting better or getting worse. Those that attempt to tread water too long eventually drown.” At Northcentral we are not content to just tread water. We will continue to explore those products and services that your cooperative can and should provide. We’ll do this in a responsible and safe manner… Check out the podcast!

September 2018

Why

Today in Mississippi

10a

should you

enter the essay

contest for

Youth Tour?

It’s sponsored by Northcentral Electric. Your electric coop completely covers the costs of two trips, including airfare, hotels, meals and attractions.

2. 3.

It’s a lot of fun!

Meet new people!

Why stay home this summer, when you can tour the nation’s capital city. You’ll see every thing that Washington, D.C., has to offer.

Meet your congressmen. This tour gives students an incredible experience to meet their congressmen personally and have the opportunity to talk with them about issues in their communities.

6. Traveling is fun! There are many places and adventures to seek throughout your life.

You gain leadership experience. All of the students that attend this tour have been selected as leaders in their community. That’s over 1,800 potential contacts for your future.

Northcentral Electric Power Association is sponsoring the 33rd annual essay contest on rural electrification. The theme for the essay is “Electric Cooperatives: Meeting the Needs of the People-Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” The contest is open to all high school junior class members, including home-schooled students. Parents or guardians of participants are not required to be members of Northcentral Electric Power Association. Winning students will receive an allexpense-paid trip to the Youth Leadership Workshop held February 27-March 1, 2019, in

American history

So, why not emerse yourself in a city filled with American history?

Jackson, Miss. At the workshop, the students will join other essay winners from other electric power associations to learn about memberowned cooperatives and how they operate. They will also learn about state government and meet with elected officials. The three-day seminar will include inspirational speakers and plenty of fun and fellowship. Students will also vie for an opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C., June 15-21, 2019, at the Washington Youth Tour. For additional information and contest rules, contact Michael Bellipanni at Northcentral Electric by calling 662-895-2151.

10b

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

Career

Technical Center is no ordinary vocational program

Cory Uselton Superintendent of DeSoto County Schools

Phillip Sublett Director of CTC and principal of CTC East Campus

Allyson Killough Principal of CTC West Campus

By Elissa Fulton Northcentral Electric Power Association has a vested interest in the communities we serve. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative run by its members, we take every opportunity to highlight and support programs that are improving the quality of life in the communities we live, work and play. Education and training is one of our seven cooperative principles, and we believe it is the most important start we can give to our youth. The DeSoto County School District knows the importance of career education as well. It is indeed shown in the work and effort that has been dedicated to the Career Technical Center (CTC). DeSoto County Schools offer two campuses for students to learn vocational programs. But it’s not just traditional Vo-Tech as we have been accustomed to in the past. CTC is offering state of the art facilities and programs for high school juniors and seniors to get ahead in their career paths. “Technical education is something that has been evolving over the last several years,” said Cory Uselton, superintendent of DeSoto County School District. “Obviously it’s going to keep changing in the future. We’ve really put a strong emphasis on promoting the programs because it is important for our students and parents to know what we have to offer. Some of the programs that we have, we will see students go straight into the workforce and we have partnerships with companies that recruit our students straight out of high school. And then you have some students that are planning to go to college, and this is going to be their major. So we are trying to appeal to both sets of students.” Uselton pointed out that one of the main selling points for the economic council when attracting new industries to the area is public education. “Businesses coming to the area want to know that they are going to have an educated work force and a good school system for their children,” he said. “It’s also important for a school district to have partnerships with our industries. Especially with the career technical side of it, because our students get hands on education. We are able to offer a prepared workforce for those industries. But at the same time, those industries can assist our school district, so we are always looking for partnerships and ways that we can develop our program, and ways that we can better prepare students to be able to work as soon as they graduate from high school.” The DeSoto County School District’s program

began like many other vocational programs, and it was known as Vo-Tech. In 1998, Phillip Sublett, director of career technical education and principal at CTC East Campus, was teaching in the Vo-Tech program at Southaven High School. He was asked to become the director of the program and he rapidly began to see the shift to the Career Technical Center that is available today. As program director and principal of the East Campus, he has a unique situation. “I have to do what’s best in the interest of this campus as its principal, but I also have to do what’s best for the program as a whole. It can be a real challenge,” said Sublett. Under Sublett’s leadership, career technical education has developed by leaps and bounds and there are now two campuses that offer a wide variety of classes from Health Sciences to Digital Media and Culinary Arts. The CTC East Campus is offering five classes to the students at Center Hill High School, L Branch High School. “When the students come throug They earn four elective credits on th earn one credit each semester,” said On the west side of the district, CTC West. The West Campus is a Horn Lake, Hernando, DeSoto Cen offers eight programs. Killough was High School before joining the CT students’ success and knows she has cal education. She works diligently relations.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

10c

Left: Digital Media Technology is designed for students who wish to develop, design and implement projects in the field of digital media. They learn basic skills in computer graphics, audio production, multimedia, and animation. Below: Robotics and Engineering students work on the fundamentals of problem solving, program design, algorithms, and programming.

The Health Sciences cources offer training for students to work in entry-level positions or to be in the health care field. Students earn their certification in CPR and are required to complete 100 hours of clinical experience during their senior year. Students in Health Sciences go on to study a broad range of fields in college from EMT’s to physician levels.

Lewisburg High School and Olive

gh this program, it’s for two years. heir high school diploma. They d Sublett. Allyson Killough is the principal of available to students of Southaven, ntral and Lake Cormorant and s the principal at Olive Branch TC team. She is passionate about the s found her calling in career techniin community and business

“I try to take the lead on working with the community,” said Killough. “If I can make a partnership happen, I’m going to get the instructor involved to continue the relationship, because the instructor knows what they need for the classroom. We try to get businesses involved not just with monetary donations, but also with mentorship.” When selecting programs for CTC, there must be a workforce need within the DeSoto County area. “As someone said to me recently, we don’t have an agriculture program here because we don’t harvest cotton here, we harvest rooftops,” said Killough. “And that is so very true. There’s such a need in DeSoto County for contractors because of all the residential growth.” Even the building at the West Campus, which is the newest facility of the two campuses, was designed as a teaching tool. To visit the

campus, the halls look like a very modern design, however it’s a very clever design. “The HVAC is exposed in the ceiling, which is a part of the construction classes. “The wires represent Information Technology. The acoustical tiles represent Digital Media and working with sound. And the metal fabrication over the windows represent our welding program. So this design became a teaching tool in itself,” said Killough. Not only do the instructors teach career technical courses, but they also offer student services to those struggling academically in high school. ACT preparation, college applications, resumes – all of these services are offered at CTC to help students to be successful and find a career that is right for them. “A really neat thing with career technical education is, you may have a student who is struggling at the high school and not really finding their fit, but they can come here and work on an engine and be a rock star! That’s so exciting because you can help these students find their way. They can find what they love to do and can be successful and fulfill the workforce need that we have,” said Killough. “When I got this job, I kept hearing it was the best kept secret. It is, but let’s not let it be a secret anymore, because this is a great opportunity for our students and our employers to know that they can come in and help work with our kids, and have some great employees coming out in the field.” The DeSoto County School District is dedicated to workforce development. Eighth graders will attend the DeSoto County Pathways 2 Possibilities Career Fair on Oct. 16-17, offered by the DeSoto County Economic Development Council, to highlight career options to the middle schoolers. Pathways 2 Possibilities will be open to juniors and seniors in the afternoon. As a title sponsor of the career fair, Northcentral encourages business leaders in the community to get involved with the local schools and partner with them to help our students have the brightest future they can have. "Site consultants and company executives constantly emphasize the need for an able and ready workforce. I think that this is why Mississippi has been so successful in the economic development game,” said Kevin Doddridge, general manager/CEO of Northcentral Electric. “Our folks have a strong work ethic, and our state's community college system leads the country in preparing them to go right into the workforce. Programs offered at Career Technical Centers give our students a running start into the fields that they enjoy." For more information about the complete list of programs offered at the Career Technical Centers, how to apply or how to become involved as a business mentor, vistit the East Campus at www.ctce.desotocountyschools.org or the West Campus at www.ctcw.desotocountyschools.org.

10d

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

struction crews design, build and upgrade the electric system to move electricity from power plants and substations to farms, homes and businesses. All of these actions prepare electric co-ops to deal with the daily challenges of meeting the electricity needs of their members. But working together, we put in just as much effort preparing for the uncertainties posed by flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, high winds, blizzards and ice storms. Electric co-ops maintain and constantly update emergency response plans. Employees train for major events and know in advance what their primary and secondary roles would be. Electric co-ops also subscribe to mutual aid agreements. That’s why you see trucks and crews from co-ops in other states in your communities when major power outages occur. We also work with state and national officials to help ensure that crews can get to your communities when they are needed and have the lodging, food and support necessary to work effectively far from home. September may be National Preparedness Month, but Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are committed to preparedness every day––for the routine, the extraordinary and the unexpected.

Statement of non-discrimination Northcentral Mississippi Electric Power Association is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and the rules of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provide that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of its organization’s programs or activities. The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is Kevin Doddridge, General Manager/CEO. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may file a written complaint with this organization; or the Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250; or the Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Washington, D.C. 20250. Complaints must be filed within 180 days after the alleged discriminatory action, or by such later date to which the Secretary of Agriculture or the Administrator of RUS extends the time for filing. Identity of complainants will be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

We have an app for that! Northcentral Electric has an app that lets you I I I I I

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

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Nov. 5 - 16

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

METHOD

SEASON DATES

SOUTHEAST ZONE

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Primitive Weapon Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

LEGAL DEER

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Fall Turkey SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

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) Visit us on line at www.PRVEPA.com Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

President’s Report The same cooperative spirit that created Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association 80 years ago has contributed to another successful B. F. Hudson Jr. year for your President of the Board Association. of Directors Our goal remains to provide high quality electric service at the lowest possible cost in keeping with sound business practices. Your Board of Directors is committed to meeting the needs of our member-owners. Throughout these years of service, we have worked hard to gain the trust and respect of our members—for it is that trust and respect we value most. As your Board, we will continue to work toward maintaining the

economic strength and stability of your Association. WHOLESALE POWER COSTS Purchasing wholesale power accounts for nearly 80 percent of our overall cost of providing electric service to members. PRVEPA is a member-owner of Cooperative Energy, a generation and transmission cooperative. This arrangement ensures us of having our wholesale power delivered on a not-for-profit basis. Cooperative Energy’s strategy to generate electricity is to use a broad mix of fuels—including coal, gas, nuclear, hydro and other renewable sources—which helps keep costs as low as possible. Finding new, cost-effective ways to meet our wholesale power needs is a continuing priority and your PRVEPA Board will be closely watching developments throughout the industry. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Your Association is very active in promoting

economic development for our 12-county service area. We work with state and local organizations, as well as Cooperative Energy, to encourage new and existing businesses to expand where possible, so that additional employment and other economic benefits will come to our area. CORE BUSINESS Many electric power associations have undertaken various business enterprises other than their primary function of providing electricity to customers. We have studied this matter carefully at different times over the years. Each time your Board of Directors has determined that our primary purpose should continue to be furnishing electric service to our members at the lowest possible cost. Furthermore, no activities will be engaged in which will interfere with, or diminish, that purpose. However, we will not close the door on looking at different business activities should opportunities

present themselves in the future. ANNUAL MEETING Pearl River Valley is an electric cooperative owned by the consumers it serves. The annual meeting gives members an opportunity to learn about the progress of your Association and to participate in its business plans. We encourage you to be an active, informed member and attend the annual membership meeting. Pearl River Valley has developed a strong membership and a level of service comparable to any utility in the nation. This annual report supports the fact that we continue to operate a financially sound cooperative under the control of its membership. Your Board of Directors remains committed to this tradition. As President of your Association, I am proud to present this report for your consideration.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Report The Association’s records and accounts were audited by Topp, McWhorter, Harvey, PLLC, Certified Public Accountants. The report was complimentary of your General Manager and staff. It also showed the records and accounts in excellent condition and that the Association is in a financially strong condition. The following is from the annual audit dated December 31, 2017: • Total electric plant increased $1,185,402, bringing the total to Danny Wilks $165,876,154. Secretary-Treasurer • Assets total $236,164,926, which reflects an increase of $2,505,988 for of the Board of Directors the year. • The member-owners of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association have equity of 39.8% in the system. REGULAR PATRONAGE REFUND Your Board of Directors is dedicated to the principal of returning patronage capital to our memberowners—in fact, we were the first electric power association in Mississippi to start paying regular patronage refunds. This year we refunded $2,200,000 to our members. In addition, Cooperative Energy, our wholesale power provider which is a cooperative owned by PRVEPA and 10 other electric power associations, began returning capital credits in 2015. Those credits, totaling $460,614 for 2017, will be returned to applicable PRVEPA members, increasing the total amount returned to $2,660,614. We have now made patronage refunds to our member-owners for 55 years, totaling more than

$48 million. Very few 42 49 43 electric 13 cooperatives 35 587 in the nation 44 can surpass 98 our record 589 of paying patronage refunds to their 13 11 43 members. PATRONAGE 59 REFUNDS TO DECEASED AND FORMER MEMBERS In 1988, your Board of Directors started a program where we return the accumulated patronage capital to the estates of deceased members. In addition, a program for offering discounted capital credit refunds to former members was initiated in 2016. We have returned more than $13 million through these programs, including $741,000 in 2017.

26 15

September 2018 Today in Mississippi

General Manager’s Report I am pleased to present this annual report to our members. Pearl River Valley Electric was founded in 1938 by a handful of people coming Randy Wallace together to meet a General Manager common need. Now 80 years later, that spirit of working together is still very much alive in all we do. Because Pearl River Valley Electric is memberowned, it is vital that each of you be aware of the changes and challenges that we face together. As a local, not-for-profit organization, our Association’s overall priority is to provide electric service that is affordable, safe and reliable. I am proud to be able to say that we have seen many good results over the past year. SYSTEM GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENT For 2017, the number of meters served by the Association increased 0.7% from 48,951 to 49,318, while our annual sales of electricity—992,821,799 kilowatt hours (kWh)—were about 3.9% below 2016. Maintaining reliable service to members requires continual planning and upgrading of our lines and equipment. In 2017, our crews added nearly 90 miles of new overhead and underground lines to our system, which now has more than 6,000 miles of lines and 25 substations throughout our 12-county service area. RIGHT-OF-WAY TRIMMING Right-of-way (ROW) trimming is an essential part of our maintenance program. Our goal is to rotate through our entire system every 6-7 years, which means we trim nearly 1000 miles of ROW annually. We sincerely appreciate all the cooperation we receive from members in allowing us to cut adequate right-of-way. Your continued help and understanding are vital when crews are clearing lines that serve your home. It could mean the difference in the reliability of your electric service as well as your safety. SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND OUTAGES Pearl River Valley Electric has an excellent outage record that is well below the national average. On average, our members experience very few outages lasting only short amounts of time, which is remarkable when you consider that electric service is a 24/7 commodity. We continue to implement a pole inspection program to change out bad poles that could possibly cause power outages. As always, over the past year we also replaced, upgraded or retired

Annual meeting

set for September 22 equipment and facilities as needed. essay contest for junior class students in high SAFETY schools located within our service area. A judging All members of Pearl River Valley Electric All of our employees are committed to working committee reviews the essays and selects the Power Association are invited to attend the safely. They have adopted a full time culture of winners. The winners attend a three-day youth annual meeting of members on Sat., Sept. safety and strive to work accident free each and leadership workshop in Jackson and during the 22, 2018. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. every day. An effective safety program not only summer they travel with other Mississippi at the Association’s meeting room facility ensures the well-being of employees, but also students to Washington, D.C. for the week-long saves your Association money. Youth Tour. (Lawrence Building) in Columbia at 1428 MEMBER PROGRAMS This year’s winners were Thomas Hahn of Highway 13 North. The meeting will begin Pearl River Valley has always been committed Columbia High School and Katie Norris of West at 10:30 a.m. to building strong, enduring relationships with our Marion High School. Both of these young people Member participation at the annual members because you are the reason our organiza- have been outstanding representatives for Pearl meeting is important to elect directors, tion exists. And because we are operated locally, River Valley Electric. hear reports covering the operation of the we are also dedicated to assisting the THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION ENHANCES Association and to transact other business communities in which we live. QUALITY OF LIFE that may come before the meeting. Our member services department is constantly I would again like to say thank you to our Included on the agenda is the election looking for new ways to provide valuable informa- members. We appreciate your support, patience of three directors to three-year terms. tion and programs. I would encourage everyone to and trust. It has been a privilege to serve you Nominated for director posts are: make use of our website as often as possible, as it this past year, and we will continue to work District 3: Hugh Gene Smith has features related to wise energy use and other hard in coming years to meet and exceed your District 6: Joe Shelton, III services designed to make your dealings with us expectations. District 8: Lawrence Warren more efficient. We offer a mobile app that offers I am very proud to be your general manager PRVEPA will award 12 attendance prizes, similar services. You may also call us about home and to be a part of the cooperative way of doing including a $1,250 certificate for electricity. energy audits, advice on the proper sizing on business. I’m also proud of our employees’ You must be present at the meeting to be heating and air-conditioning systems, and dedication and hard work. By communicating eligible for the attendance prizes. If you educational programs for civic groups and schools. and working together, we can ensure our ability cannot attend the meeting, mail in your This will be our sixth year of operating Round Up to continue providing the affordable, safe and annual meeting ballot today. By returning for Education, a community college scholarship reliable electric service that enhances the quality your ballot you will be eligible for the program designed to encourage members and of all of our lives. absentee prizes. their children to continue their education. The vast majority of our members are rounding up their bills each Be looking for more information on month, which is providing the money to fund the scholarships. Over the past five years, more than 1,000 students have received nearly $935,000 in scholarships P R O G R A M 2 0 1 9 to help with their education costs, and this year we have more than 270 applicants. Without doubt this program is a unique and collaborative way to improve the quality of life for hundreds of families in the communities we serve. It is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished by cooperative members working together; I don’t think there’s another program like it in the country. YOUTH LEADERSHIP ESSAY CONTEST Each year Pearl River You may go to our website at www.prvepa.com, and also look for Valley Electric sponsors an information in the upcoming October issue of Today in Mississippi.

Youth Leadership

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

“Pioneers In America’s Rural Electrification”

B. J. Farmer finds satisfation in service By Jennifer Johnson ate a favorable impression of the company. Pontotoc Electric Bruce Right-of-Way Coordinator “I like to talk to the people who reach out to us. B. J. Farmer is a little partial to helping others. A I want them to know I will try to help.” Bruce native, Farmer said it’s even something he loves Farmer said the team at the Bruce District of about his hometown. “If something bad happens to a Pontotoc Electric shares his desire to do for neighbor, we all come together and try to help out. others. “We collect money to help out other My wife once asked me if I would consider moving, employees if they’re going through a hard but I told her I wanted to be here. I’ve even had some time. It’s like we’re all family.” job offers on the coast, but this area is like a family.” Speaking of family, Farmer can often Farmer’s giving spirit plays into every facet of his be found at the ball field in the life. He’s a member of Antioch Baptist Church in evenings to watch son Caiden, age 10, Bruce, where he takes care of all the yard mowing for play peewee football or travel basethe church and cemetery. At a size of about five acres ball. Six-year-old daughter Harleigh to mow, Farmer has a big job, but he said he enjoys Jo has started her first year of cheercontributing to the upkeep of his church. “I’ve been a leading. Farmer said he and his member for the past 14 to 15 years, and this is a way I daughter have piled into the recliner can help out.” at home to watch videos of cheer Before joining the team at Pontotoc Electric in performances as Harleigh prepares 2006, Farmer worked for Magnolia Tree Service in for her season. Wife Stacey, a fourth Batesville, followed by a stint at W. A. Kendall where grade teacher at Bruce Elementary he operated a Jarraffe and bucket truck. He worked for and son Colby Roberts, age 19, round S and S Line Clearing for two years and then took a out the family. position at Pontotoc Electric as an apprentice lineman. “I love spending time with my kids. He shared fond memories I try to do as of his time working as a linemuch as I can “I like to talk to the people who reach out to us. for them. I’ve man, including assisting in I want them to know I will try to help.” the states of Louisiana and never pressured Virginia and right here in them to play any parMississippi after storm damticular sports or activiage. “I like to go out there to help people in their time ties, but if they want to try it, I’m right there with of need. That’s what it’s all about. It’s not about mak- them.” ing money. It can be hard to see what’s happened after Between family and work obligations, Farmer said a tragedy. Folks have lost everything. We try to help, he doesn’t have a lot of time for hobbies, but he does but we always want to do more. I’ve seen little kids enjoy deer and turkey hunting. Two years ago he holding onto their teddy bear because it’s all they have killed a 17-inch eight-point deer. He has a hunting club membership in Bruce and also spends time huntleft. It sure makes you appreciate your life.” Farmer spent nine years on the line crew before taking on family-owned land. Now that Pontotoc Electric has an internal crew to ing an opportunity to serve as right-of-way coordinator for the Bruce District of Pontotoc Electric. He said he assist with line clearing, Farmer has gained responsibilities that allow him to help others. He’s training the enjoys the job because he gets to meet people and cre-

three men on cutting trees, chipping branches, and working safely. “It’s great to see them grow and learn every day. They’re really picking up different techniques. Those guys have already come a long way.” Farmer said his advice to his crew is the same advice he has always given himself: “Work to the best of your ability every day. Be safe so you can go home to your family each and every day.”

It’s All in a Day’s Work…Pontotoc Electric’s Internal Right-of-Way Crew September 2018

Pontotoc Electric Right-of-Way Trimmer/Laborers Stewart Owen and Erik Gentry prep a chainsaw before continuing their tree trimming work.

Algoma 22nd Annual Cross-Tie Festival Saturday, October 6 at the Algoma Park beginning at 7:00 a.m. The Town of Algoma will host their 22nd Annual Cross-Tie Festival on Saturday, October 6, at the Algoma Park beginning at 7:00 a.m. Activities include: Guns Raffle – You do not have to be present to win. Judge Phil Weeks “Classic” Domino Tournament – Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Tournament will be held in the Algoma Community House. Jumping House for Children – Begins at 8:00 a.m. Great Entertainment – Begins at 9:30 a.m. Feature from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Train Rides – Begin at 8:00 a.m. Walk the 39 Steps – Cake Walk and Toy Walks – 10:30 -10:45 a.m., 1:001:15 p.m., and during the 4:00 p.m. auction. Algoma School Class Reunion – 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Meet under the

TIP of the

Month

pavilion beside the old town hall at the Park. For more information, contact Linda Weeks at 662-509-0252. Horseshoe Throwing Contest – Registration and contest begin at 2:00 p.m. Located in second loop in the Park. Touch a Truck – 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Auction – 4:00 p.m. until We’ll also have: Crafts, flea market and yard sale items, and food vendors (Contact Hilda Smith at 662-760-3670 for more information or to reserve a space.) Join the fun and festivities in Algoma, located off Highway 15 South, one mile down Algoma Road. Turn left in front of Algoma Grocery, just behind Seafood Junction. Bring your lawn chairs and stay awhile! Proceeds go toward the upkeep of the Algoma Park.

Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after you’re done cooking or bathing. When replacing exhaust fans, consider installing highefficiency, low-noise models. Source: energy.gov

Today in Mississippi

Pontotoc Electric Right-of-Way Trimmer/Laborer Jacob Beard watches as a large portion of a tree he has cut falls 60 feet to the ground.

Watts Cooking? Banana Nut Bread Lavonia Lackey, Head Cashier (Pontotoc) 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp salt 1 large egg 1 cup mashed ripe banana ½ cup chopped pecans 2 ½ tsp baking powder ½ cup sugar ½ cup milk 1/3 cup vegetable oil Combine first four ingredients in large bowl. Make a well in center of mixture. Combine egg, mashed banana, milk, and oil. Add mixture to dry ingredients, stirring until moistened. Stir in pecans. Spoon batter into greased 8 ½ x 4 ½ loaf pan. Bake at 350 for one hour or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. (Can also use this batter for muffins.)

Skillet Burgers Tessie Campbell, Service Clerk 2 lbs. ground beef 1 bell pepper Chopped onion ½ bottle ketchup a pinch of sugar melted butter Brown hamburger meat (or ground deer meat) and drain. Saute bell pepper and onion in butter. (Can use frozen onion.) Pour bell pepper and onion mix in meat and add about ½ bottle of ketchup and pinch of sugar. Stir and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Serve on hamburger buns. (This dish is kind of like Manwiches.)

10 Today in Mississippi September 2018 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

Embrace the heat until fall arrives I love this time of year. Maybe it’s the anticipation of football season in the South, the upcoming county fairs, or perhaps Brian Hughey General Manager and CEO preparing for hunting season. Singing River Electric While September marks the beginning of fall, our area usually doesn’t experience that first nip in the air until late September or even October. The arrival of cool air to our region is exciting and once it’s finally here, it usually drives our families outdoors to enjoy various activities. Even my dog gets a little pep in her step during this time of the year. Along with the first wave of cooler air comes lower energy

use, which results in a lower power bill for our members. However, with Mississippi ranking 5th nationally in the highest average summer temperatures, it is common for electric bills to be higher until fall temperatures officially arrive. As a reminder, there are several things you can do to help control your bill during the heat. Please take the time to view the Ways To Save and Manage My Bill pages at www.singingriver.com for details. Remember, September is that transitional month between seasons for the southeast. Like many of you, I can’t wait to experience the crisp morning air and see the changing of the leaf colors. Unfortunately, if tradition holds true, we will need to be patient and embrace the heat for a few more weeks.

Lighting, Labels and Lingo

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

Lighting has become an upgrade that offers payback quicker than nearly any other energy efficiency project homeowners can invest in. The Department of Energy saw the value in upgrading to LED lighting and deemed

WE RELY ON OUR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ENERGY EFFICIENCY. In our community, power is more than electricity. It’s the expert information we receive to help us use less energy and save money. Learn more at www.singingriver.com.

YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND INFORMATION.

it necessary to have lighting manufactures label each of their lamps to help consumers identify which light best meets their need. Please refer to the lighting label above and our newly updated website at singingriver.com for more lighting insight.

Thi h s coulld be YO OU n xt summe ne m r!

September 2018

Today in Mississippi 11

Check out last year ’s hashtag: #msyouthleaders18

Repreesent your school and compete for 2 FREE TRIPS to: I I

Jackkson, MS – 3- Day Leader e ship Workkshop – Feb. 27 – Mar. 1, 2019 Waashington D.C. – 7- Day Tour of our Natiion’s Caapital – June 15 –21, 2019

Waashington National Cathedral I Jeffferson I FDR I MLK Memorials I Newseum I Arllington National Cemeter y I Iwo Jima I World War II Memorial I Vietnam Wall

Zikeya Byrd Fruitdale High School

Cari Sims Vancleave High School

Micah Pickering Perry Central High School

Eli Ramirez Pascagoula High School

11tthh Grraaddeers rs: See yyoour Guiidda danccee CCoounselloor TTOODDAAYY!!

Cooperative Power. Community Power. Domestic violence survivors receive a helping hand

RCS Elementary students go high places with grant

The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence domestic violence shelter, Adrienne’s House, recently received a Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant. The grant will add a safety railing and handicap-accessible ramp to the entrance of the facility. SRE Public Relations Specialist Amanda Parker (left) presented the check to Adrienne’s House Director Amanda Johns

Resurrection Elementary students will soon be playing on new playground equipment thanks to a Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant. Pictured (from left) are Assistant Principal Aron Frederic, SRE Manager of Public Relations Lorri Freeman, Teacher Laura Hudson, and Principal Noah Hamilton.

Find Out More: www.singingriver.com/my-community

10 Today in Mississippi September 2018

It’s much more than a wire My morning and evening commutes provide a serene chance to let my mind wander in whatever direction it pleases. It’s my own little sanctuary of time to clear my thoughts before the day begins or after it ends so that I can devote my full attention to what lies ahead of me either at work or at home. While this sounds like a great concept, I’ll be the first to admit that it doesn’t always work out as planned. You can ask anyone who works in this industry, especially within the operations sector, and they will tell you that no matter where they go, they are constantly looking up. Not necessarily at the beauty of their surroundings—no, they are looking at the power lines. It never fails. I can be on the way to the beach or in the mountains enjoying Jason S. Siegfried vacation time with my family, and I President/CEO can’t help but look at the power lines as we’re driving down the road. I’m constantly comparing the structures and design to that of Southern Pine Electric. On a recent morning trip into the office, I caught myself eyeing a Southern Pine three-phase line that runs along Highway 18 in Rankin County, and I reflected on what those lines actually do. Sure, everyone knows they carry electricity, but I started to think about where they go and what they accomplish. Distribution power lines originate at a substation,

and from there follow routes along major highways, through wooded swamps or down bumpy dirt roads until they eventually reach a delivery point. That point could be a multimillion-dollar industry or the simplest of homes, but regardless of the destination, the product is the same—or is it? For a member of Southern Pine Electric, that product is significantly more. At Southern Pine, those lines have brought existence to our members. They established the roots for generations of families throughout our service territory who might have left if the REA (Rural Electrification Administration) had not brought electricity to their farms all those years ago. Those lines provided the foundation for economic development in our communities, which changed the societal landscape forever. Most important, those lines provide security in knowing that in the future our children and grandchildren will not have to do without what has now become a basic necessity for prosperity in this country. You see, I would argue that those are not power lines … they are in fact lifelines that provide power to the rural areas of this state that were forgotten by profit-minded utilities. They represent a vision that in 1938 led to the creation of Southern Pine Electric. The decision was made to

make a difference, and through the hard work and dedication of directors, employees and members alike, these lifelines were established. This year, Southern Pine celebrates our 80th anniversary. It’s hard not to wonder in awe of how this association was built and what it has become. Over the years, faces and processes have changed, but one constant remains the same. We will forever be committed to Bringing the Power to the lives of our members.

Southern Pine Electric now accepting applications for

Southern Pine Electric

2019 Mississippi Youth Leadership Program

Making Life Better for 80 Years!

Southern Pine Electric will sponsor two deserving high school juniors from within our service area to participate in the 2019 Mississippi Youth Leadership Program. This program is sponsored by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. It is an excellent opportunity for area students to learn about electric power cooperatives and how they operate within our region. Applications for the program have been sent out to area high schools. Interested students should contact their school counselor. Due to limited space, only two nominations are accepted from each school. Home school students can secure an application by contacting Gwen Creel at gcreel@southernpine.coop or 601-452-8127.

Please join Southern Pine Electric for our 80th Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 8, at the new building complex located on Highway 28 in Taylorsville, Mississippi. Activities start at noon when members can have lunch with our linemen. After lunch, members can visit a variety of booths and exhibits before the business meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. While supplies last, attending members will receive a limited edition, 80-year history book, “Making Life Better.” Showcasing 80 years of service, the book provides an enjoyable, nostalgic look at life before electricity and the birth of Southern Pine.

September 2018 Today in Mississippi

Cooper Farms & Vineyard MEMBER SPOTLIGHT When people think about visiting a vineyard, areas such as Napa Valley in California or the Finger Lakes of New York come to mind. Yet, if you drive I-20 east toward Morton, you’ll discover that a vineyard sits within the Southern Pine Electric territory. Cooper Farms & Vineyard rests on 17 acres and presents a picturesque scene of beauty and tranquility for those who visit. Moreover, the vineyard offers an abundance of succulent muscadine grapes, both black and bronze, which can be hand picked from the vine by visitors in the months of August and September. We recently visited owner and operator Tim Cooper to learn more about Cooper Farms & Vineyard.

Visitors are invited to pick muscadine grapes through September at Cooper Farms & Vineyard, a Southern Pine Electric member located near Morton. Owner Tim Cooper produces 30 varieties of muscadine grapes as well as seasonal vegetables on his 17-acre farm.

How did Cooper Farms & Vineyard get started? It started as more of a small-scale hobby in 1981. I was encouraged by a friend that was growing muscadines on their farm. It was something new and different. I had a feeling that people would enjoy them. At the time I had no idea it would become such an essential part of my life, much less a business.

What varieties of muscadine do you grow? We produce 30 varieties of muscadine grapes in a variety of sizes, colors and tastes. In addition to their great taste, muscadines offer an array of health benefits. Muscadine grapes contain high levels of antioxidants and fiber, which help reduce the risk of developing heart disease, arthritis and many types of cancers.

front porch. Once a guest arrives they will find our vineyard peaceful and scenic. It’s also very clean and inviting, as we keep our farm landscaped. We’re also kid friendly and provide wonderful customer service. We provide picking buckets and welcome everyone to come out and enjoy our sweet muscadines.

What can a person expect when visiting your vineyard?

How has Southern Pine Electric generated a positive impact for Cooper Farms & Vineyard?

We’re located four miles off I-20 near Morton but it’s in the country. A first-time visitor could get overwhelmed by the back roads you have to take. We do have signs posted that will lead you directly to our

Southern Pine Electric is always quick to respond when we have an outage. When Katrina hit, we were at the peak of the muscadine harvest. It would have been a total loss without electricity to keep the equipment

and cooler running. However, because of their quick and efficient response, we were able to save our crop.

What else would you like to share about your farm? Muscadine harvest has started and will last through September. In addition to muscadines, we also offer seasonal vegetables, blueberries and blackberries. We’re open daily, Monday through Saturday. We except both cash and cards. We encourage everyone to visit. The address to our farm and vineyard is 1011 Rushing Road, Morton, MS 39117. If you have questions, please call us at 601-732-2908.

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

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.

Southwest Electric

www.southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric to retire capital credits totaling

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

ANNUAL MEETING

$1,340,488.44 Southwest Electric is a Member-Owned cooperative and does not operate for profit, unlike an investor-owned utility that operates to make profit for investors. Revenue received from Members paying their bills is used to cover operating expenses and the remaining funds are invested in the utility system. The invested funds represent the MemberOwners’ economic participation and are allocated to the Members in the form of capital credits. Active Members with a capital credit retirement of less than $50 will see

a credit on their September bills. On Sept. 11, over 8,700 checks will be mailed to Members with a capital credit retirement of $50 or more. Since 1960, Southwest Electric has returned over $25 million in capital credits to our Members.

No. 2018

1,340,488. 44 AMOUNT OF CHECK

CHECK NO.

002018

PAY

DATE

9-11-2018

Lorman, MS

One million, three hundred forty thousand , four hundred eighty eight dollars and 44 cents

TO THE ORDER OF

MEMBERS

Board of Directors

S So Sou Sout South Southw Southwe Southwes OF Southwest OF EEl Ele Elec Elect Electr Electri Electric

Nicholas Lambert Wisdom from His Word Homeschool

Door prizes were drawn and given to Members who attended the Annual Meeting on August 9. Winners pictured are: Carol Selman of Wilkinson County, Melvin Arnold of Claiborne County, Carolyn Anderson of Adams County, Shirley Brown of Jefferson County, Windell Carter of Jefferson County and Willie Pree of Adams County. All Members in attendance at the Annual Meeting or who returned their proxies were entered into a drawing to win an LED TV. Pictured are Craig and Paula Duplantis, Members in Franklin County. Their names were drawn at the Annual Meeting as the winners of the TV.

Are you a leader in your community? If you’re an 11th grader served by Southwest Electric, make this year memorable by participating in the 2019 Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Miss., and Tour of Washington, D.C.

Noah Lambert Wisdom from His Word Homeschool

Mallory Hinson

Damira McGruder

Cathedral High School

For more information, see your Guidance Counselor or call Southwest Electric at 601-437-3611.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Nov. 5 - 16

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

SOUTHEAST ZONE

METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Primitive Weapon Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Fall Turkey SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

For after-hours outages, call

866-897-7250

Twin County launches

New online services Managing your Twin County Electric Power Association account just got a lot more convenient. Twin County members can access a growing range of services on the cooperative’s website, including applying for new service and paying electric bills. Online bill payment is also available with Twin County’s new free mobile app, Twin Co EPA, which launched in August. “Everybody is focused on the little free time they have, and they don’t want to waste it. We’re trying to make it as easy and quick as possible for our members to conduct business with Twin County,” said Lonnie Moorman, IT supervisor at Twin County. “As a member-owned electric cooperative, Twin County is all about service to members, and these new online options were created specifically to meet their needs,” said Tim Perkins, Twin County’s manager. “It’s now possible for a farmer to pay an electric bill without leaving his field. How convenient is that?” he said.

How do I sign up?

Set up online access to your account by visiting www.TwinCoEPA.com. Clicking on the red Pay Online button takes you to the SEDC Customer Service Portal. Click on Login for prompts to create your unique user ID and password. You will need your member account number from your Twin County bill to create a user ID. The process is simple and fast, but if you

need help, simply call Twin County at 662827-2262 for assistance.

What about security?

pay them all at once. Log in to your Twin County account using the website or mobile app, and click on the Pay Online button to reach the SEDC Customer Service Portal. You choose whether to pay by credit card, e-check or draft options. And you can choose to save your payment information to your account profile, if you prefer. SEDC charges Twin County members a fee with each transaction to cover the cost of maintaining the service. These fees vary according to the payment option a member chooses. Fees for credit card transactions depend on the bill payment amount; the minimum fee is $2.95. The fee for an echeck transaction is $1, regardless of the payment amount. There is no fee for bank drafts. Your payment will be credited to your account the instant you hit Submit and receive a confirmation number.

Twin County partnered with SEDC to create its new online bill payment system with security taking top priority. Located in Atlanta, SEDC is a leader in cybersecurity for more than 500 utilities in the U.S. The company was formed in 1976 by a group of electric cooperatives to serve their data processing, IT and operational needs. When a Twin County member clicks the Pay Online button, they are actually connecting directly with SEDC. Twin County and SEDC have extensive security measures in place to protect every member’s online account and personal information. Both the website and app feature twopoint authentication. This means that upon logging in, you will key in two identifying bits of information so the system will know it’s really you—and not some hacker. What else can I do online? “There’s a lot of security taking place to While in the SEDC Customer Service keep our members’ information protected. Portal, you can view your billing history, We’ve locked it down tight,” Moorman said. payment history and manage your Twin How do I pay my bill online? County account profile. Paying online is the fastest, easiest way to “You can log in and view any of your manage your Twin County account 24/7. account information that you could get by Online payments are credited immediately calling our office,” Moorman said. to your account, regardless of the payment On the website, users can find: option you choose. • after-hours outage reporting number The feature is especially convenient for • contact information for Twin County’s farmers and business owners with multiple offices in Hollandale, Greenville, Belzoni electric meters. They can view their comand Rolling Fork bined account balances on one screen and • Twin County’s bylaws

• Smart apps user guide • meter pole specifications for mobile homes • electrical safety and energysaving tips • Twin County’s Cooperative Principles and service area statistics • current issue of “Today in Mississippi” • Twin County news and updates • application for new electric service Downloading the service application and filling it out in advance will drastically reduce the time a member will spend in a Twin County office to arrange for new electric service, Moorman said.

More features to come

Members are embracing Twin County’s new online payment services, and more online features are being developed for their use. All are designed to accommodate members’ preferences and offer convenience within a secure online environment. “I encourage our members to keep an eye on the News section of our website, especially in the months to come, because there’s a lot of big changes coming to Twin County,” Moorman said. “And we want every member that can benefit from them to be onboard.”

Find NEW online service

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

“We’re trying to make it as easy and quick as possible for our members to conduct business with Twin County.” – Lonnie Moorman

es at TwinCoEPA.com

“Twin County is all about service to members, and these new online options were created specifically to meet their needs.” – Tim Perkins

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

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

Annual Meeting set for November 13 The Annual Meeting of Members of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association will be held Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at the office of the Association in Yazoo City. At this meeting, two directors will be elected to serve a three-year term each. Of the two directors to be elected, one must be a Yazoo Valley member and resident of Yazoo, Holmes or Humphreys County. The other director must be a Yazoo Valley member and resident of Yazoo, Holmes, Humphreys, Warren, Sharkey or Issaquena County. A committee to consider and make nominations for directors of the Association was appointed at an August meeting of

Save time and money by signing up for our paperless E-Billing today. I Pay at our main office location 2255 Gordon Ave., Yazoo City I Pay at a U.S. payment kiosk • Super Junior 1035 Oakridge Rd, Vicksburg • Kangaroo Crossing 4850 Hwy 17, Pickens I Pay at Thurmond’s Hardware 120 Lexington Cir., Lexington I Enroll in AutoPay I Pay by phone I Download the Yazoo Valley app I Online at www.yazoovalley.com

662-746-4251

the board of directors. Members appointed to serve on this committee are Will Jones, Rosemary Watson, Gregory Moseley, Jamie Peaster, Houston Cohea and James T. Henry. The committee will meet at a time and place set by the board of directors and shall prepare and post a list of nominations for board members at the main office of the Association at least 30 days before the annual meeting. Any 50 members acting together may make other nominations by petition, and the Secretary shall post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the committee is posted. Nominations made by petition, to be effec-

tive, must be received by the Association at least 10 days before the meeting. At least 30 days before the date of the annual meeting, each member will receive a notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting. Such notice will include the number of directors to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates nominated by the committee on nominations. At the annual meeting, a report will be made to the members on the operation of the Association for the past year, and all business coming before the meeting will be transacted.

Paying your Yazoo Valley Electric bill is now easier than ever!

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

10a

WhyYouth Tour? should you

apply for

It’s sponsored by Yazoo Valley Electric. Your electric coop completely covers the costs of two trips, including airfare, hotels, meals and attractions.

Meet new people!

It’s a lot of fun! If you are currently a high school junior, why stay home this summer, when you can tour the nation’s capital city? You’ll see every thing that Washington, D.C., has to offer.

Meet your congressmen. This tour gives students an incredible experience to meet their congressmen personally and have the opportunity to talk with them about issues in their communities.

You gain leadership experience. All of the students that attend this tour have been selected as leaders in their community. That’s over 1,800 potential contacts for your future.

6. Traveling is fun!

Learn about government Emerse yourself in a city filled with American history.

All official entry forms must be returned to Yazoo Valley by September 14, 2019. Call Dennis McFee at (662) 746-4252, or visit your guidance counselor for more information.

10b

Today in Mississippi

September 2018

Holmes Community College and Yazoo Valley Electric celebrate 10-year affiliation

Students learn to climb poles, earn a Class A commercial driver’s license, learn to operate heavy machinery and learn first aid and CPR skills.

By Elissa Fulton One of the most important qualities to look for when hiring linemen is attention to detail and employees who know the importance of safety – not only for themselves, but for those around them. In order to provide young people with the tools to have a successful career in line work, Yazoo Valley has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Workforce Development Training Program for linemen at Holmes Community College in Goodman. This year marks the 10-year anniversary for the successful program. Instructors Clarence “Mac” McBride and Lamar Dumas are currently training the 21st class. The 16-week program offers students with fundametnal hands-on training. While enrolled, they earn a Class A commercial driver’s license, knowledge of the Electric Safety Code, Occupational Safety Lamar Dumas and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and rules pertaining to the different types of utility providers they could potentially find employment with. They also learn how to operate heavy machinery used in line work, first aid and CPR training and pole climbing skills. “The 16-week course is equivalent to about 18-months of on the job training,” Clarence “Mac’ McBride said McBride, head instructor at the lineman school. “It’s a big advantage for employers because these students know many of the basics and can step right on in the job and take off. It’s a really rewarding career, and if I had to do it all over again, I believe I’d try it.” McBride came to the program after a 38-year career with Entergy Mississippi Earl Sysco until retiring in 2008. He teaches two classes per year through the college along with Dumas who retired in 2011 from Natchez Trace Electric Power Association after 32 years of service. Together they teach the students every aspect line work.

Above: The 2018 Fall class is the 21st class to be taught by instructors Clarence McBride and Lamar Dumas. The program is 16-weeks of intense training that prepare the students to go into a career of electrical line work.

“Many of the students that we get here, this is kind of the last chance to find a decent quality job. Because some of them have been the academic route and didn’t adjust, and they come here, they like the outdoors and many of them find what they like. I’m really glad Left to they have this workforce program set up of the for these guys,” said Dumas. The program accepts only 14 students per se extremely competive entry process. Earl Sysco i nator and works part-time at the school. He aid process for the students that attend each semest “We advertise an informational meeting in lo before the start of each semester. Yazoo Valley s to talk to the students and we tell them about t aspects of a career in line work. We explain to p that it’s a career, not just a job,” said Sysco. “W application, and then they must bring that back high school transcipts, physicals and their CDL lengthy process. Then we interview them. We i dents for this class of 14. If you start with good good employees to come out of the program.” About half of the linemen at Yazoo Valley E ed the lineman program at Holmes, including L Hunter Vandevere. He was in the first class tha “This program has come a long way from th These students have more to work with,” said V into the workforce more prepared, but there wa out of the program. Some couldn’t climb poles of heights. Some people just aren’t comfortable you learn the basics of the job here and know w

For more information about Holmes Community College Workforce Development contact Mandy Clayton Burrel

September 2018

o right: Sam Lungrin, William Johnson, Hunter Davis, Wade O’Briant, Dennis McFee and Hunter Vandevere are a few e Yazoo Valley employees that are certified from the lineman program in Goodman.

emester and it is an is a program coordids in the selection ter. ocal newspapers sends a representative the good and bad potential students We give them an k along with their L permit. It’s a interviewed 28 stud people, you’ll have

Electric have completLine Foreman at graduated in 2008. he first class in 2008. Vandevere. “I went as those that dropped s or they were scared e on a pole. At least what you’ll be doing

and if you are cut out for this type of work, or if it’s even something you want to do. The program was very valuable for me when starting my career.” Yazoo Valley Electric provides materials and support for the program. Since the beginning, the program has seen over 300 students and an extremely high rate of job placement. The instructors contact contractors, electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities and municipalities for each of their classes, and make a great effort to help the students find employment once they receive their certification. “Probably half of the linemen we have at our cooperative have come through this program,” said Dennis McFee, manager of member services. “If we have an available position, this is one of the first places we seek employees.” McFee attended the program in 2009 and worked on the lines for several years before joining the executive staff at Yazoo Valley Electric. “It’s a very rewarding career and opens up many opportunities,” he said. Yazoo Valley Electric is proud of the relationship that they have forged with Holmes Community College to train qualified line workers. We hope that the relationship continues to grow and that the program will be successful in the years to come. Happy Anniversary!

ll at 662-472-9172 or email mburrell@holmescc.edu.

Today in Mississippi

10c

10d

Today in Mississippi I September 2018

Remembering blues icon

Skip James By Elissa Fulton Nehemiah “Skip” James was born in Bentonia in 1902. He grew up on the Woodbine Plantation near the home of Henry Stuckey. When he was a young boy, Stuckey taught Jack Owens and James how to play a style of music that he had learned to play and develop while overseas during the first World War. With this style, the tuning of the guitar was much different than most of the blues musicians of the time, and their music became known as the “Bentonia Blues.” James was also a skilled piano player, which was unusual for the blues musicians of the time. Typically musicians knew how to play one or the other, but rarely both. In 1931, when James was in his mid-20s, he

was determined to make a career with his music. He auditioned with H.C. Speir who owned a record shop on Farish Street in Jackson. Speir considered James to have a strong sound and sent him to record with Paramount Records in Grafton, Wis. The Great Depression, and perhaps the strange and unknown sound of James’ music led to very few sells of his first record, and very few of those original records have survived. It was not until 1964 that anyone ever heard him play again. Like Stuckey and Owens, James played his guitar in Dminor tuning and had a different style of strumming the guitar, known as fingerpicking. The details of James’ life are largely ambiguous for the next 30 years, up until the blues revival of the 1960s. The rebirth of American-folk

Dick Waterman snapped this photograph at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival, just as James sang the first note during his initial show 33 years after he recorded in Grafton, Wis., for Paramount Records in 1931. To view Waterman’s photography visit www.dickwaterman.com.

blues was sparked by the discovery of both James and Son House in 1964, during a time when the civil rights movement was stirring in America. Dick Waterman recalls coming to Mississippi and working with Son House. He was from Cambridge, and a graduate of Boston University, where he studied journalism. “So I found Mr. House. And I started to work with him in June 1964, and by the end of June 1965, Mr. House had worked quite a bit and he also had an album with Columbia, which at that point was the biggest record label in the world. Skip hadn’t had an album, so in 1965, Skip came to me in Newport and he said, ‘The boys handling Skip’s business are nice boys, but Skip doesn’t want a boy, Skip wants a man. You have been with Mr. House, and he has an album out, so I want you to do my business,’” said Waterman. “Those that discovered him couldn’t find anything for him to do in 1964 and then I took over, and I got him two albums on Vanguard.” Once Waterman took on James, he then had several bluesmen that he was working with. He started his business called Avalon Productions and set out to manage more of the blues artists. He came to Mississippi as a writer and a photographer before he started managing the artists’ schedules and affairs. Waterman secured his clients paying gigs and would book them for festivals all over the world. According to Waterman, at a time when most of the bluesmen were playing in a chair on the front lawn, James always considered himself the best. He

loved flattery and he set out to make a career with the blues. At the Newport Folk Festival in 1964, James sat down to play for a crowd in Rhode Island. It was the first time in more than 30 years he had played at a public venue. Waterman stated “After a nearly 31-year hole in his life, Skip went on stage and they said, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, Skip James.’ After 31 years that hole would be closed. So he sat down with his guitar and I said to myself, ‘I want to get this shot.’ So Skip touched the strings, and he brought his head back and click; I got the photograph as he sang the first note to ‘I’d rather be the devil than to be that woman’s man.’” James continued to record from 1964 until his death. He was living with this third wife in Philadelphia, Penn., when he died of cancer on Oct. 3, 1969. He was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1992 and earned a blues marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail in 2008. The marker stands at the intersection of Highway 49 and Highway 433 in Bentonia.

This concludes our series on The Mississippi Blues Trail. The life of Skip James and the artists we have featured in previous issues are part of our southern history. Fans from all corners of the world come to follow the blues trail and to get a glimpse of where these legends lived and played their soulful music. We encourage our readers to visit the markers in our great state and to proudly welcome our visitors to Mississippi.

September 2018

Today in Mississippi

DEER ZONES For a complete listing of hunting seasons, bag limits and other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com.

White-tailed Deer DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery Youth Gun (15 and under) Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Oct. 1 - Nov. 16 Nov. 3 - Jan. 31

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Nov. 5 - 16

Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Archery/Primitive Weapon

Jan. 17 - 31

METHOD

SEASON DATES

SOUTHEAST ZONE

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 16

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Gun (15 and under)

Nov. 3 - Feb. 15

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands. Legal bucks only after Nov. 17 on authorized state and federal lands.

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 17 - Dec. 1

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Primitive Weapon Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 16

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Jan. 17 - 31 Archery/Primitive Weapon Feb. 1 - 15

Small Game SEASON

SEASON DATES

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Rabbit

Oct. 13 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 22 - Mar. 2

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season.

LEGAL DEER

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

Fall Turkey SEASON

DATES

BAG LIMIT

FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.