Today in Mississippi September 2019 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

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SEPTEMBER 2019

September surprise

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

Don’t wait. Be prepared

before the storm. Let’s play a game of “what if” for a moment. Imagine a worst-case scenario of the perfect storm. A major weather event was predicted and this time, the predictions were right. Many power lines are down, and your electricity may be out for several days. You are low on everything—food, pet supplies, toilet paper, batteries, diapers and your medication. Brian Clark Imagine how you would feel in this situation. You can plan ahead so when a severe weather event strikes, you have the tools and resources to effectively weather the storm. The Department of Homeland Security offers several resources to help you prepare for major weather events and natural disasters. Visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan. Preparedness actions and items • Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries). • Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies, including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer. 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

• Ensure your first-aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current. • Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV. • Organize emergency supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location. With advance warning If a severe storm is expected with high winds and sustained rain, you may need to take extra steps to safeguard your home. Shutter windows and securely close exterior doors. Fully charge all cell phones, laptops and devices so you have maximum power in the event of a power outage. Power in planning Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and can lessen the impact of the storm’s effects. Sign up for NOAA emergency alerts and warnings and check 4-County’s Facebook page to stay abreast of restoration efforts and other important co-op news and information. Act today, because there is power in planning.

■ Lights out Automatic controls can keep lighting costs in check Whether you can’t train your kids to turn out lights when they leave a room or need a better outdoor lighting scheme, automatic controls might be a cost-effective solution.

■ Indoors Occupancy sensors are helpful indoors, as long as they’re positioned to detect people in any corner of the room. There are two types of occupancy sensors: ultrasonic and infrared. Ultrasonic sensors detect sound; infrared sensors detect heat and motion. Timers make an empty home look occupied. If kids are still running in and out, however, timers aren’t as effective as occupancy sensors. Plug timers into a wall outlet or install them in the wall, like a light switch or thermostat. New varieties are digital. Photosensors are generally best outdoors, but new applications have found they’re also useful for LED nightlights. When an overhead light is on, the nightlight shuts off automatically.

■ Outdoors If you already have or are thinking about installing an outdoor security light, consider combining it with a photosensor to keep it from burning all day. A motion sensor goes one step further, if you don’t want continuous light. Timers are commonly used for aesthetic or holiday lighting, sometimes in conjunction with a photosensor—so they turn on at dusk and turn off at a designated time.

■ Holiday ofﬁce schedule 4-County offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day. A dispatcher will be on hand to handle emergencies.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Maria Garcia answers the call

Just call and she’ll be there. Maria Garcia is a familiar voice for 4-County Electric Power Association members. She is a consumer service representative at the co-op’s call center in West Point. If you call a 4-County telephone number seeking information, she very well may answer the phone and your question. “It’s great to help our members. I’m here for them,” Maria explained. She joined 4-County in March 2018. Maria enjoys explaining the process of delivering electric service to members. “There is a lot involved that most people

Maria Garcia is a key member of the 4-County Call Center. She is a familiar voice for those calling the cooperative. Maria joined 4-County in March 2018.

don’t know about. I enjoy teaching our members about that process,” she said. Prior to 4-County, Maria worked at Rose Drug Store, a cornerstone in downtown West Point. She and her husband, Ziad, live in West Point. Originally from Mexico, Maria moved to West Point with her family when she was 10. She is a graduate of West Point High School. Maria attends Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in West Point. Her hobbies include exercise. “I like to work out,” Maria said. “It keeps me healthy and is a good stress reliever.” She particularly enjoys lifting weights and running. She is bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish, and is learning Portuguese and Arabic. “I like to learn new things.” And she often serves as an interpreter for the cooperative. “I’ll get people on the phone that are excited to speak with someone who knows Spanish,” she added. Maria feels 4-County is a home away from home. “I have amazing people that I work with,” she said. “My co-workers help me and support me. Everyone is respectful. They take care of me.”

Adams joins 4-County team Collin Adams, originally from Winona, has joined the 4-County Electric Power Association team. Collin will serve as an Apprentice Lineman 4, working on Glen Ledbetter’s crew at the Columbus-based Corporate Center. Prior to 4-County, Collin worked as a lineman for Pike Electric and Southern Electric Corporation. He is a graduate of Holmes Community College’s Lineman School. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his son, Phoenix, 3. Welcome to the 4-County team, Collin!

Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $731,884 on prescription drugs through July. Look here each month to see the savings total!

Collin Adams

4-County asking young leaders to step up Three high school juniors in the 4-County Electric Power Association service area can win an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Tour, June 20-26. 4-County’s 2020 Youth Leadership contest, set for Nov. 13, 2019, 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’s Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Feb. 26-28, 2020. This workshop is designed to help participants sharpen their leadership skills and acquaint them with state government. In addition, 4-County’s overall winners will travel with other Mississippi students to join hundreds of students from across the nation in Washington, D.C. During their stay, students will tour historical memorials and monuments, the nation’s Capitol, the Smithsonian Institute, Arlington Cemetery and other national landmarks. 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. 13, 2019 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 662-245-0714.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

“

Earl McIlwain has never been one to keep his enthusiasm for things bottled up. The 87-year-old Oktibbeha County resident has collected bottles for many years, some dating from the 1800s.

I tell people all the time that it’d be nice to go back to the old days when we could leave the door open. We didn’t have much, but we were happy. Earl McIlwain

A little piece of history in a

bottle By Brad Barr What’s the best way to immerse yourself in history? Find a little piece of it, according to Earl McIlwain of Oktibbeha County. Earl has done his part to uncover a little bottled-up piece of history, excavating a collection of bottles that dates to the 1800s. The 87-year-old retired 4-County Electric Power Association meter reader has always enjoyed collecting historical items. He started with stamps, collected coins and then switched to bottles. In his travels, Earl would sometimes come across old, abandoned houses and property. After gaining permission from the owners, he would look around and, more often than not, find hidden treasures. “I found some fabulous stuff through the years,” he said. Bottles of all shapes, sizes and colors. His collection, at times, has numbered in the thousands. The history hunter even joined a group of archaeologists from Mississippi State University, traveling around the state exploring abandoned dumping sites. The result? Stone jugs, stone bottles, medicine bottles and a bevy of soda bottles. “I’m fascinated with history,” he said. A self-admitted jack of all trades, Earl made a little history of his own in his 43-year association (1966 to 2009) with 4-County. “I really enjoyed it,” he said. Through the years as a meter reader, Earl was often asked his name by children. “I’m Earl the Squirrel,” he replied, drawing giggles from his young audience. The name stuck. “Years later, this tall fellow with a big grin came up to me at Wal-Mart. He wanted to know if I was Earl the Squirrel. He was one of the kids I saw on my routes. That was kind of neat.” As a child, Earl grew up working 30 acres of cotton and corn on the family farm. Hard work was a way of life in those days. At five years old, Earl begged his father for a tricycle. “He told me that if picked a bale of cotton,

he’d get one for me. I started at sunup and worked until sundown. I picked my bale of cotton and he got my tricycle.” His father, a farmer and carpenter, turned over the farming and responsibility to a 15-year-old Earl. “It was a full-time job,” he said, adding that he was still going to Maben High School. He also drove a school bus his senior year. “I tell people all the time that it’d be nice to go back to the old days when we could leave the door open. We didn’t have much, but we were happy,” he said. After high school, Earl served in the Navy and was stationed in California. He later worked in the San Diego area as a plant nursery supervisor for eight years. California was nice, Earl said, but it wasn’t home. He returned to Mississippi, settling in Oktibbeha County and went to work for I.G. “Big” Daniels at 4-County Electric Power Association. He also worked closely with early 4-County pioneers Louis Wise and Chloe Miller. Today, Earl and his wife of 41 years, Juanita, live on 60 acres of family land in the Self Creek area of Oktibbeha County. His wife is a collector, too, keeping an eye out for antique glass and china bells. The couple are members of First Baptist Church of Mathiston. Earl has four children, nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Earl said he stays away from doctors (other than an annual checkup at the VA Center) and doesn’t take any medicine. “I do what I want to do,” Earl said with a twinkle in his eyes. “I just have to do it a little slower than I used to.” Collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, Earl said. “I’ve made a lot of friends through this hobby. I’ve learned a lot about history. And, most importantly, I’ve had a lot of fun.”

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Co-ops learning new approach to training

An aging lineman population and an influx of new utility employees has the electric industry looking at newer, more efficient training methods. This summer, for example, 4-County Electric Power Association enhanced its training protocol by taking an unused piece of land at its corporate center and turning it into an overhead line training field. Previously, training like this was sometimes done offsite, requiring travel and multiple days away from work.

“

We can train the day-to-day basics, when needed, to help our lineman progress in their job skills. Also, they’ll be able to use the site to participate in the ECM lineman apprentice program. Joe Miller The field will be used by 4-County for its internal training needs and by electric cooperatives around the state undergoing lineman apprenticeship training through the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM). The field is just over two acres and is equipped with 12 poles and wire. The equipment is de-energized for training purposes. Joe Miller, 4-County safety, training and loss prevention coordinator, said the new training site has obvious benefits. “We can train the day-to-day basics, when needed, to help our lineman progress in their job 18 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

skills. Also, they’ll be able to use the site to participate in the ECM lineman apprentice program,” Miller said. The 4-County official said the site was a good space that wasn’t being utilized. Sometimes, Miller explained, there is no substitute for hands-on lineman training. “Studying a book is not always the complete package. If you combine it with hands-on experience, you can get there. What they learn from books can be tested in exercises completed at the training site,” he added. In addition to 4-County’s use of the site as a day-to-day training area, ECM will use the site as an advanced training testing ground for cooperatives around the state with lineman going through the apprenticeship program. Chad Crockett, director of education and apprenticeship training at ECM, said the apprenticeship program is important in the development of safer, more efficient and better trained electric linemen. ECM and 4-County, Crockett stressed, are taking a proactive approach to training. “It’s great that 4-County has this training area, for the co-op’s educational purposes and for co-ops around the state,” he said. Crockett said 4-County’s training site is a great location. “Logistically, 4-County has the space and resources conducive to a good learning environment,” he explained. “And 4-County is very open and supportive of the statewide apprenticeship program.”

Meet your Director Jay Gilliland President

Hometown: Mathiston Serving since: 1988 Family: Wife, Sandy; two daughters, one son, and three grandchildren Occupation: Co-owner and manager of Gilliland’s Piggly Wiggly; President of Gilliland’s of Mathiston Inc.; and Owner/Manager of Gilliland Outdoors LLC. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a: Football player, collegiate and/or professional. I was also interested in being a United States Marshall. Something few people know: I’m involved in competitive shooting and interested in DIY projects and cooking. Favorite place to vacation: Smokey Mountain Area What accomplishment are you most proud of: To see my children and grandchildren use the lessons and skills they were taught to be successful in life. And as a 4-County Director, it has been my great pleasure and privilege to serve. What got you interested in serving on the 4-County Electric Power Association Board of Directors? My uncle, Charles Gilliland, worked at 4-County. He worked his way from a ground man to an executive staff member. He portrayed 4-County as an integral part of the community that made a difference in the lives of its members.

POWER SAVING

Tip of the

Month

Want to light up your outdoor space without increasing your energy use? Try outdoor solar lights! They’re easy to install and virtually maintenance free. Remember, solar lights work best when the solar cells receive the manufacturer’s recommended hours of sunlight. Source: energy.gov

Legal Bucks Northeast, East Central, Southwest, and Southeast Zones A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 10 inches OR one main beam at least 13 inches long.

Mississippi’s 2019-2020

How to estimate a 10 inch inside spread:

How to estimate a 13 inch main beam:

10” Inside Spread

13” Main Beam

HUNTING SEASONS

Estimating a 10 inch spread is accomplished by observing a buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately 14 inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam is 1 inch inside the ear-tip, the inside spread is approximately 10 inches.

To estimate a 13 inch main beam, the buck’s head must be observed from the side. If the tip of the main beam extends to the front of the eye, main beam length is approximately 13 inches.

Delta Zone

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 12 inches OR one main beam at least 15 inches long. How to estimate a 12 inch inside spread:

How to estimate a 15 inch main beam:

For a complete list of12”hunting seasons, bag limits and Inside Spread To estimate a 15 inch main beam, the buck’s other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com. head must be observed from the side. If the

Estimating a 12 inch spread is accomplished by observing a buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately 15* inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam reaches the ear-tip, the inside spread is approximately 12 inches. (Therefore, if the outside of both antler beams reach the ear tips, the buck is legal).

DEER ZONES

15” Main Beam

tip of the main beam extends between the front of the eye and the tip of the nose, main beam length is approximately 15 inches.

Wear Orange

*Due to body size differences in the Delta Zone, ear-tip to ear-tip measurements are slightly larger compared to the other zones.

WHITE-TAILED DEER

DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery

Oct. 1 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF

Nov. 9 - 22

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands.

Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Nov. 11 - 22

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Youth Season (15 and under)

SEASON

(SEEdogs) OPEN AREAS) GunFALL (without

Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Fall Either-Sex Turkey on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF.

Weapon of choice may be used on private land BAG with appropriate license. DATES LIMIT

on private landTWO and (2) Holly SpringsEITHER NF. OCT. 15 - NOV.Either-Sex 15 TURKEYS, SEX

Dec. 16 - 23

Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Open Areas: In the following counties or portion of counties, on private lands where the landowner/lease holder completes a fall turkey Either-Sex private Regional land and Holly huntingGun application and provides a copy property deed or lease agreement at on a MDWFP OfficeSpring or the NF. Jackson Office. (with dogs) Dec. of 24the - Jan. 22

Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Delta Zone: Bolivar County - west of the main Mississippi River levee and those lands east of the main Mississippi River levee known as Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs . Legal Bucks only on open 27Archery/Primitive Break Hunting Club; Coahoma, Desoto, Tunica, and Washington counties - west of theNF main Mississippi River levee.public Weapon Jan. Issaquena, 23 - 31

land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

North-Central Zone: Benton, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Tippah, and Union counties.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

METHOD

SEASON DATES

BAG LIMITS

LEGAL DEER

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

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Season (15 and under)

Nov. 9 - 22

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Spring Turkey Either-Sex on private land and open public land. Weapon of choice may be

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Youth Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

SEASON

DATES

(Private and authorized state and federal Gun lands. (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 22 public Youth 15 and under) Spring

Archery/Primitive Weapon

BAGlicense. LIMIT used on private land with appropriate

One (1) adult gobbler orpublic 1 gobbler Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open land.with

Mar. 7 - 13

a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest 1 gobbler of

Jan. 23 - 31

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open land. Weapon of choice (anypublic age) per day, Mar. 14 - May may 1 choice be used on private land with license. perappropriate Spring season.

Feb. 1 - 15

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

SEASON

SMALLGame GAME Small 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 8

Rabbit

Oct. 12 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 28 - Mar. 7

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

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

SEASON FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

FALLTurkey TURKEY Fall DATES

BAG LIMIT

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

■ In All Zones: For youth hunters fifteen (15) years of age and younger, hunting on private land and authorized state and federal lands, all three (3) of the three (3) buck bag limit may be any antlered deer. ■ Antlered Buck Deer: The bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season. One of these three may be any antlered deer on private land and Holly Springs National Forest. Legal bucks must meet the antler criteria within the appropriate deer management zone. ■ Antlerless Deer: Private lands: The bag limit on Northeast, Delta, East Central, and Southwest Zones antlerless deer is five (5) per annual season. The bag limit on Southeast Zone antlerless deer is one (1) per day, two (2) per annual season. ■ U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed five (5) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season/one (1) per day.

DOVE Mourning and White-Winged Doves

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.

North Zone - Sept 1-Oct 6, Oct 19-Nov 16, Dec 21-Jan 14

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.

South Zone - Sept 1-Sept 15, Oct 5-Nov 6, Dec 21-Jan 31

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.

SEASON Youth (Private and authorized state and federal

Spring Turkey

• 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.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 19

DATES

BAG LIMIT

Mar. 7 - 13

One (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per

107 E. Main Street Carthage, MS 39051 Carthage: 601-267-5671 Philadelphia: 601-656-2601 Rankin: 601-829-1201 Sebastopol: 601-625-7422

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937.

DON’T WAIT.

Be prepared before the storm. It’s your worst-case scenario. A major storm was predicted and this time, the predictions were right. Many power lines are down, and your electricity may be out for several days. You are low on everything — food, pet supplies, toilet paper, batteries, diapers and your medication. Imagine how you would feel in this situation. While you can’t predict which weather forecast will come true, you can plan ahead so when a severe weather event strikes, you have the tools and resources to effectively weather the storm. The Department of Homeland Security offers several resources at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan to help you prepare for major weather events and natural disasters. ■ With advance warning If a severe storm such as a hurricane is expected with high winds and sustained rain, you may need to take extra steps to safeguard your home. Shutter windows and securely close exterior doors. Fully charge all cell phones, laptops and devices so you have maximum power in the event of a power outage. If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely. ■ During a prolonged outage In the event of an outage, turn off appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from a power surge and will also help prevent overloading the circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. If utilizing a small household generator, consider using LED holiday lights to illuminate a living area. A strand of 100 white lights draws little energy yet produces considerable light. Solar lights also work, if they can 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

receive some sunlight during the day for charging. During thunderstorms, the American Red Cross recommends avoiding electrical equipment and land-based telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead. Keep away from windows. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. After the storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for utility crews to safely perform their jobs — including on your property. ■ Power in planning Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and can lessen the impact of the storm’s effects. Have an emergency preparedness kit handy for you and your family. Visit www.weather. gov/ama/severesafetyplan for more information on how you can plan to stay safe during extreme weather events. Act today, because there is power in planning.

PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS AND ITEMS Stock your pantry with a threeday supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries). Conﬁrm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer. Ensure your First Aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials and make sure your prescriptions are current. Set aside basic household items you will need, including ﬂashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV. Organize emergency supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location.

TIP of the

Month

Cookware Efﬁciency Tip: Copper-bottomed pans heat faster on the stove. In the oven, ceramic and glass dishes are better than metal. With ceramic and glass dishes, you can turn the oven down about 25 degrees, and your meal will cook just as quickly. Source: energy.gov

Are you a high school junior served by Central Electric? Make this year memorable by participating in the

2020 Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Miss., and the Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.

Look for the Youth Leadership application in October’s issue of Today in Missisissippi.

APPLIANCE WORD SEARCH

Did you know major appliances account for a large portion of your home’s energy use? Circle the names of all major appliances in the puzzle below. Use the word bank for clues!

R D M I C R O W A V E Y J W P

E I T V K S I H I O C N A O Q

T S N X G X T P R N M S R Y I

A H C E L T J J C V H E Y G I

E W O H V R Z W O I Y Y N Z Z

H A R U H O G E N R E H S L N

R S B D K R T G D Z V N N X S

E H O P E V M S I A O L I X H

T E C T H A E K T Q T L U X D

A R A U C H H Z I C S E Y I Y

W E I H T C U G O N I X Y H X

H X I O H Q M V N Q F F T R N

C N L Y A A J M E I D N S C G

E C P D K D W N R Q N V S L L

Central Electric needs your

CURRENT phone number! Please call your local Central EPA office and verify/update your telephone number you are most likely to call from when reporting an outage, including cell phone numbers. These numbers will be used by the automated outage reporting system to quickly locate your account and more quickly address your power outage!

R E F R I G E R A T O R K F C

Please call today to update your information!

1-866-846-5671

REFRIGERATOR

DISHWASHER

AIR CONDITIONER

STOVE

WASHING MACHINE

MICROWAVE

HEATER

WATER HEATER

CLOTHES DRYER

OVEN

WORD BANK SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

P.O. Box 188 • 340 Hopson Street • Lyon, MS 38645 662-624-8321 • Fax: 662-624-8327 www.coahomaepa.com cepa@coahomaepa.com

Time of use

matters

Did you know you can help your electric co-op by simply glancing at the clock?

The key to that help is a term used in the energy industry called “time of use.” Electricity follows the basic economic laws of supply and demand — when a lot of people want something, it’s expensive; when they don’t, it’s cheaper. Energy is more expensive during certain times of the day because more people are using it. Behind that statement, there’s a story of a complex industry that’s changing as fast as digital technology. The role you play can be as simple as washing and drying your clothes a couple hours later than usual. Why would you want to do that? One reason has to do with the fact that as a co-op member, you and your neighbors own your electric cooperative. ■ Peak times for power By paying attention to times of energy use, co-op members can feel like they’re a part of something. Essentially, if you’re helping your co-op, you’re helping your neighbors. But helping with time of use can be more than a feeling. It can translate to real dollars. To understand that, it helps to go to the basics of time of use, which involves the routines of our daily life. Allison Hamilton, senior principal for markets and rates at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, explained it this way: “People wake up in the morning, they turn on their coffee makers, they take showers, they get ready to go to work, they go to work, then all the computers and buildings are powering up, and there’s this peak demand for electricity that has to be met. The infrastructure has to be there to serve that demand. Then later in the day, people go home, turn on their lights, eventually go to bed, and then they aren’t using as much power, but there still needs to be the infrastructure there for the next morning when they get up and start all over.” 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

Your electric co-op pays more for electricity during those morning and evening energy rush hours in two ways: either by having a power plant there to make sure enough electricity is available, or by actually paying more to purchase electricity from another utility with excess power at the time. And those peaks in energy use get even higher when it’s especially hot or cold outside, as air conditioners or heaters use extra power. So, you can help level out that pattern of energy peaks and valleys by simply adjusting when and how you use electricity. Depending on where you live, changing those energy use habits could even make a difference on your electric bill. Different parts of the country use different fuels to make electricity — some regions use more hydroelectric power, some use more coal or natural gas, some use more wind power. ■ Technology gets smarter Two trends are encouraging wider use of time-of-use rates: technology and a desire for more choices. New digital electric meters track energy use more precisely. The data those meters collect can be analyzed through computer

databases and algorithms to craft rates that can follow the changes in electricity costs throughout the day. “Make your decisions based on your lifestyle and energy objectives,” said Hamilton. “If you have an electric vehicle or if you’re trying to save on energy bills, you can choose the options that make the most sense for you.”

By shifting the time of day you use energy for common chores, like doing laundry or running the dishwasher, you can help your electric co-op keep energy rates lower, which also helps your fellow co-op members.

Don’t wait. Be prepared before the storm. It’s your worst-case scenario. A major storm was predicted and this time, the predictions were right. Many power lines are down, and your electricity may be out for several days. You are low on everything — food, pet supplies, toilet paper, batteries, diapers and your medication. Imagine how you would feel in this situation. While you can’t predict which weather forecast will come true, you can plan ahead so when a severe weather event strikes, you have the tools and resources to effectively weather the storm. The Department of Homeland Security offers several resources at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan to help you prepare for major weather events and natural disasters. ■ With advance warning If a severe storm such as a hurricane is expected with high winds and sustained rain, you may need to take extra steps to safeguard your home. Shutter windows and securely close exterior doors. Fully charge all cell phones, laptops and devices so you have maximum power in the event of a power outage. If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely. ■ During a prolonged outage In the event of an outage, turn off appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from a power surge and will also help prevent overloading the circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. If utilizing a small household generator, consider using LED holiday lights to illuminate a living area. A strand of 100 white lights draws little energy yet produces considerable light. Solar lights also work, if they can

TIP of the

Month

PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS AND ITEMS Stock your pantry with a threeday supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries). Conﬁrm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer. Ensure your First Aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current. Set aside basic household items you will need, including ﬂashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV. Organize emergency supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location.

Going the extra mile

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

1 mile of power lines

Electric Co-ops Consumers served per mile: 8 Revenue: $19,000

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

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

RATE CHANGE Where our members have the power Communicators: April Lollar & Merilee Sands For Today in Mississippi information, call 877-7MY-CEPA (877-769-2372) www.coastepa.com

CEO’s Message

Welcome to a new Today! Welcome to the first issue of Today in Mississippi, the magazine! This publication has been a constant for Coast Electric members for years and we are proud to offer a product that has a fresh look with content we Ron Barnes President and CEO think you will love. There are more great updates and features coming so keep reading each month. This month, we begin Annual Meeting registration for members who won’t be able to attend our meeting on Nov. 7 at the Hancock Performing Arts Center. We hope you can attend, but if you can’t, you can still register your proxy to make sure your opinion is represented at the meeting. We will be mailing proxy cards to your homes again this year or you can register online at www.coastepa.com.

You will also be able to use iPads in our offices that allow quick and easy registration. This year, we have an enhanced webpage that will give you more details about those who are up for election and about why it is important to attend or register for the Annual Meeting. For our cooperative to thrive, as it has for more than 82 years, we need you. As owners and leaders of this cooperative, you are a integral part of our business. The electric utility industry is changing every day. From emerging technologies in renewable power generation resources to the increased number of electric vehicles on the roads and so much more, it is an exciting time. We want you to be part of what is happening at your co-op and we hope you will join us at our meeting or by registering your proxy. Your voice counts at your co-op so make sure you are part of the conversation.

Byrd’s Chapel 37th Annual Fall Festival Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

FEATURING Arts and Crafts Bake Sale Live Entertainment Rummage Sale

General Store Live Auction Antique Cars Great Food

enjoy d n a e m o C d and o o f , n u f f a day o wship! fello

Just off Hwy 43 north, 3 miles south of Hwy 26 and 17 miles north of Hwy 11

Beginning in October, Coast Electric members will see an increase in the amount of their daily service charge. Daily service charges will increase from $1.13/day to $1.23/day, a total increase of $3 per month. The cooperative has not had a daily service charge increase in three years.

WHAT IS THE DAILY SERVICE CHARGE? The daily service charge covers Coast Electric’s costs of running a business. It pays for the poles, lines, facilities and equipment it takes to safely deliver power to your homes and businesses every day. The daily service charge ensures you are being served by highly-skilled and trained employees and also helps Coast Electric maintain a healthy financial status for members like you who have invested in your cooperative.

WHY THE INCREASE? As business costs increase, Coast Electric passes those costs along to members to ensure costs are aligned with charges. Coast Electric employees work to deliver reliable electricity to members at cost. We strive to balance the cost of providing exceptional service with bottom line costs for the people we serve. If you have any questions about these or any other charges, please call 877-769-2372.

POWER SAVING Want to light up your outdoor space without increasing your energy use? Try outdoor solar lights! They’re easy to install and virtually maintenance free. Remember, solar lights work best when the solar cells receive the manufacturer’s recommended hours of sunlight.

Tip of the

Month

Source: energy.gov

14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

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

September Reduce Your Use Prize Announcement Heating/cooling systems and humans are alike in an interesting way – we both need enough air to function properly. If we can’t catch our breath, it’s hard for us to move and do the things we need to do. The same goes for your HVAC system. Your HVAC is designed to move a certain amount of air throughout your home to condition the space it is occupying. The system can push air into the home but getting it back can be a different story. To work at its highest efficiency the HVAC system must be able to get back the same amount of air it puts into your home. When this airflow system is unbalanced, the unit loses efficiency, you aren’t as comfortable and you use more energy. There are a few areas where airflow can be unbalanced in your unit. If there are leaks in your system, then your HVAC unit is putting conditioned air outside. If you believe you may

have leaks, call your trusted HVAC technician and have them inspect and make any needed corrections to the airflow system. One of the main causes of airflow issues are dirty filters and dirty cooling coils. These obstructions make it difficult for the system to move the amount of air that it needs to properly condition the space. Filters can clog quickly and decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system. In our climate there is no such thing as a threemonth air filter. It is recommended that you change your filters once a month to ensure that the system can breathe and stay cleaner longer. One lucky winner in this month’s Reduce Your Use contest will win a one-year supply of A/C filters. Remember to change them out every month – your HVAC system and energy bill will thank you!

You can only enter once per month, but you can enter every month for a new prize! If you would like more information on energy savings or to sign up for Coast Electric’s Time of Use program call 1-877-769-2372.

July’s Reduce Your Use contest winner! Congratulations to our July Reduce Your Use contest winner, Mindy Lee! Mindy won a smart power strip!

Visit www.coastepa.com to enter Reduce Your Use!

Broadband Update In the months since the Mississippi legislature passed the bill allowing electric cooperatives the ability to provide rural broadband service, Coast Electric personnel have been busy working to determine the best plan of action for our members. We know you are curious about the progress and wanted to let you know what we’ve been doing. • We have completed two feasibility studies. A third and final feasibility study may be conducted in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2019. • A team of management leadership has worked diligently since the Broadband Enabling Act was passed into law in February 2019 to learn as much as possible about broadband networks, terminology and types of broadband systems. This learning process is on-going.

• A team of leaders from your cooperative have met with numerous broadband companies to get proposals for installing a broadband network. These proposals often contain engineering, design and cost estimates to install a broadband network that can benefit Coast Electric and our members. • We began a survey of members in August to determine interest

throughout the service territory. As of press time, we were still conducting the survey and will keep you posted on results. • Coast Electric management intends to make a recommendation to its board of directors on whether to pursue a broadband network in early 2020. This timeframe allows us to complete the due diligence required to make a sound business decision and recommendation.

We know many of you are eagerly waiting for results of these studies and for a decision regarding broadband service. We appreciate your patience as we work to determine the path forward. Coast Electric has served homes and businesses in south Mississippi for more than 82 years and we take our responsibility to our members seriously. Your cooperative is on firm financial footing and we want it to remain that way. Access to reliable, affordable internet service is just as important now as reliable, affordable electric service but we must make sure that, if we decide to offer new services, it will be for the benefit of our members, like you and won’t negatively impact our core job – powering your homes and businesses. Look for more updates to come soon! SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

MEMBER OWNED MEMBER OWNED

2019 ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE A meeting2019 of the members of Coast Electric Power Association will beNOTICE held at the ANNUAL MEETING

for your official Annual Meeting notice. Notices will be mailed this month. 877-769-2372 • www.coastepa.com PO Box 2430 Bay St. Louis, MS, 39521 877-769-2372 • www.coastepa.com We exist to safely providePO ourBox member-owners superior 2430 Bay St. Louis, MS,service 39521and

• • • •

• meeting Doors open andtoregistration begins Business called order at 6:30 p.m.at 5:00 p.m. our proxy registration that • Drawing for door prizes Chairman’s report • Business meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. CEO’swill report be mailed to your homes • Chairman’s report Operation Round Up report • CEO’s month. If you have any Youththis Tour guestreport speakers • Operation Round Up report Election of Board of Directors for Position Two: Hancock, Harrison and questions how you can • Youth Tour guest about speakers Pearl River counties • Election of Board of Directors for Position Two: Hancock, Harrison and Unfinished business register, please call us at Pearl River counties New business • Unfinished business 877-769-2372. Adjournment of business meeting • New business Drawing for prizes • Adjournment of business meeting • Drawing for prizes FOLD & TEAR ON DOTTED LINES

• • • • • •

When making a payment or reporting an outage, the three digits after your member number are required as shown on your bill.

EGISTER YOUR PROXY ONLINE, IN THE MAIL OR AT A LOCAL OFFIC TO ENTER TO WIN A $1,000, $500 OR $250 ELECTRICITY CREDIT!

HANCOCK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 7140 STENNIS AIRPORT RD, KILN

NOVEMBER 7 AT 6:30 P.M.

2019 MEMBER APPRECIATION NIGHT AND ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE

COAST ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Check your mailbox

Report outages, pay your bill and more on the CE On The Go mobile app for Android or iPhone. Report outages, pay your bill and more on the CE On The Go mobile app for Android or iPhone.

AGENDA Please take time to familiarize • Doors open and registration begins at 5:00 p.m. AGENDA yourself • Drawing for door prizes with this sample of

8/13/19 4:07 PM

E L P M A S

As a member of Coast Electric, you have the advantage of being part of a cooperative that is led by consumers just like you. Having fellow members As a member of Coast Electric, you have the advantage of being part of a serve as co-op leaders means you have people working on your behalf who cooperative that is led by consumers just like you. Having fellow members understand the needs of our communities. serve as co-op leaders means you have people working on your behalf who We hope to see you atthe ourneeds Member Appreciation Night and Annual Meeting understand of our communities. on November 7, but if you are unable to attend, you can still participate. We hope to see you at our Member Appreciation Night and Annual Meeting Please take a few minutes to sign and return the attached proxy card, register on November 7, but if you are unable to attend, you can still participate. at www.coastepa.com or visit any Coast Electric office to register with a Please take a few minutes to sign and return the attached proxy card, register member service representative by November 1. at www.coastepa.com or visit any Coast Electric office to register with a Your newmember memberservice card is attached below.byPlease keep these representative November 1. cards in your wallet as they can be handy when registering your proxy online, paying your Your new member card is attached below. Please keep these cards in your bill, reporting an outage and more. Show your member card every time you wallet as they can be handy when registering your proxy online, paying your visit an office to be entered into our quarterly drawings. bill, reporting an outage and more. Show your member card every time you visit an office to be entered into our quarterly drawings.

When making a payment or reporting an outage, the three digits after your member number are required as shown on your bill.

100 % 100 %

Hancock Performing Arts Center, 7140 Stennis Airport Rd, Kiln, MS 39556 the of members of Coast will bematters: held at the at 6:30 p.m.A meeting on the 7thofday November, 2019,Electric to takePower actionAssociation on the following Hancock Performing Arts Center, 7140 Stennis Airport Rd, Kiln, MS 39556 1. Report on the existence of a quorum at 6:30 p.m. on the 7th day of November, 2019, to take action on the following matters: 2. Reading of the notice of the meeting and proof of the due publication or mailing 1. orReport on the of existence a quorum thereof, the waiver(s) notice ofofthe meeting 2. Reading of the notice of the meetingminutes and proof of the duemeetings publication or mailing 3. Reading, or the waiver thereof, of unapproved of previous of the thereof, or the waiver(s) of notice of the meeting members and the taking of necessary action thereon 3. Reading, or the waiverofthereof, minutes previous meetings of the and consideration reports of of unapproved officers, directors andofcommittees 4. Presentation members and the taking of necessary action thereon (a) Receive report of Committee on Nominations 4. Presentation consideration reportsforofnominations officers, directors and committees (b) Secretary to presentand petitions filed andofposted of directors (a) Receive report of Committee on Nominations (c) Election of Directors for Position Two: Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River counties Secretary to present petitions filed and posted for nominations of directors 5. Unfinished(b) business (c) Election of Directors for Position Two: Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River counties 6. New business 5. Unfinished business 7. Adjournment 6. New business 7. Adjournment

NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTORS The following members have been nominated for directors forFOR PositionDIRECTORS Two NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS by the Committee on Nominations, pursuant to Section 4.04, Article IV, of the bylaws of The following members have been nominated for directors for Position Two the association:

by the Committee on Nominations, pursuant to Section 4.04, Article IV, of the bylaws of 2019 COAST ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION dependable electricity at the lowest possible price, and to improve theWe economy and quality of life in our community. Hancock County Pearl River County the association: exist to safely provide our member-owners superior service ANNUAL and MEETING NOTICE dependable electricity at the lowest possible price, and to improve Gilbert Arceneaux Frank McClinton 09/19

the economy and quality of life in our community.

Hancock County River County Diamondhead DriveCARDS W 441 Sones Pearl Chapel Road 2019 PROXY &85546 MEMBERSHIP ENCLOSED 09/19

Report outages, pay your bill and more on the CE On The Go mobile app for Android or iPhone. Report outages, pay your bill and more on the CE On The Go mobile app for Android or iPhone.

Gilbert Frank McClinton Diamondhead, MSArceneaux 39525 Carriere, MS 39426 85546 Diamondhead Drive W 441 Sones Chapel Road Diamondhead, MS 39525 Carriere, MS 39426 TODAY! YOUR VOTE COUNTS. HarrisonREGISTER County Teri Eaton…AND YOU MAY BE REWARDED IN A BIG WAY! Harrison County PO Box 2728 Teri39505 Eaton Gulfport, MS PO Box 2728 Gulfport, MS 39505 Nominations by Petition: None filed as of September 8, 2019. Certified, this 12th day

NEW LOCATION:

877-769-2372 • www.coastepa.com of September 2019. PO Box 2430 Bay St. Louis, MS, 39521 Nominations by Petition: None filed as of September 8, 2019. Certified, this 12th day 877-769-2372 • www.coastepa.com This year’s Annual Meeting will be held at the Hancock Performing Arts Center. of September 2019. We exist to safely providePO ourBox member-owners superior 2430 Bay St. Louis, MS,service 39521and

09/19

16 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

16-746-0919 2019 proxy mailer .indd 2

Secretary Secretary

…and could reward you in a big way!

09/19

dependable electricity at the lowest possible price, and to improve the economy and quality of life in our community.

REGISTER ONLINE OR AT A LOCAL OFFICE OR RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY BY NOVEMBER 1, 2019, FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000 CREDIT ON YOUR COAST ELECTRIC BILL!

dependable electricity at the lowest possible price, and to improve theWe economy and quality of our life in our community.superior service and exist to safely provide member-owners

I R E

If you choose to have the board of directors vote on your behalf, sign on the signature line provided. If you choose to have another member attend the meeting and vote on your behalf, check the box and write the name and member number of the person representing you in the space provided, then sign on the signature line provided. The designated member must be in attendance at the meeting.

REGISTER YOUR PROXY ONLINE 8:00 A.M. SEPTEMBER 12 UNTIL 10:00 A.M. NOVEMBER 1. • Visit www.coastepa.com • Click “Register Your Proxy” • Review candidate bios/meeting information and click “Register Here” • Enter your member number and billing zip code • Click the “Login” button • Follow the instructions

OR 3

www.facebook.com/ coastelectric

www.instagram.com/ coastelectric

www.twitter.com/ coastelectric

subscribe at www.coastepa.com

www.pinterest.com/ coastelectric

search for Coast Electric Power Association on YouTube

I HEREBY APPOINT the Board of Directors of Coast Electric Power Association as my agent and proxy to represent me at the Annual Members Meeting on November 7, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hancock Performing Arts Center, 7140 Stennis Airport Rd, Kiln, MS, 39556 , with full authority to cast my vote upon all matters before the said meeting.

E SAMPL

MAIL THIS OFFICIAL PROXY IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING AT THE HANCOCK PERFORMING ARTS CENTER.

COAST ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION, C/O SURVEY & BALLOT SYSTEMS 2089 ANAGRAM DRIVE EDEN PRAIRIE MN 55344-9833

FILL OUT THE ATTACHED OFFICIAL PROXY AND DROP IT IN THE MAIL TO BE RECEIVED BY NOVEMBER 1.

TEAR OFF AND MAIL YOUR SIGNED PROXY TODAY TO REGISTER TO WIN $1,000, $500 OR $250 OF ELECTRICITY • TEAR OFF AND MAIL YOUR SIGNED PROXY TODAY TO REGISTER TO WIN $1,000, $500 OR $250 OF ELECTRICITY

I do not appoint the board of directors as my agent and proxy but, instead, appoint:

MEMBER: ______________________________________

MEMBER NUMBER: _____________________________ as my agent and proxy to represent me at the Annual Meeting of the members. (Proxy agent must be a member and in attendance at the meeting.)

SIGN, DETACH & MAIL.

SIGNATURE: ___________________________________

DATE: _________________________________________ (proxies without signatures are invalid and will not be eligible for prizes) Signed proxies must be received by Coast Electric Power Association no later than November 1, 2019.

Register your proxy at www.coastepa.com, at any Coast Electric office or return the attached card by November 1 for a chance to win

TEAR OFF AND MAIL YOUR SIGNED PROXY TODAY TO REGISTER TO WIN $1,000, $500 OR $250 OF ELECTRICITY • TEAR OFF AND MAIL YOUR SIGNED PROXY TODAY TO REGISTER TO WIN $1,000, $500 OR $250 OF ELECTRICITY

ENSURE YOUR VOICE IS HEARD.

VOTE BY PROXY IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING.

PRSRT STD

OFFICIAL PROXY

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, REGISTER YOUR PROXY ONE OF THREE WAYS SO YOU CAN ELECT YOUR LOCAL BOARD REPRESENTATIVES.

$1,000, $500 or $250

OF ELECTRICITY!

16-746-0919 2019 proxy mailer .indd 1

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 8/13/19 17

4:07 PM

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

✓GET ACCOUNT INFO ✓MAKE A PAYMENT ✓REPORT AN OUTAGE ✓MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT USE IT ANY TIME 24/7

& Leﬂore County

Bringing luxury to outdoor kitchens around the world

By Sandra M. Buckley These days, luxury lines of cooking appliances and outdoor grills aren’t just for professional chefs and restaurants — thanks to Mississippi visionary Fred Carl, founder of Viking. The Viking name is long established as a market leader in high-end residential kitchen appliances, being the first to market commercial quality products for home use. Owned by Middleby Corporation, which is the global frontrunner in commercial, residential and industrial foodservice appliances, Viking manufactures its products in Mississippi and employs more than 570 people in the state. Middleby also owns Lynx Grills, an elite brand of outdoor kitchen appliances. Recently, Middleby announced big news for Mississippi with the relocation of its California-based Lynx Grills headquarters and manufacturing operations to Viking’s facilities in Leflore County, between Greenwood and Itta Bena. This central location will also allow for better, quicker delivery to its worldwide customer base. “With the addition of Lynx Grills to

our existing Viking operations, we are proud to have expanded local production with two of the finest and most highlyrecognized, luxury appliance brands now headquartered in our state,” said Viking president, Kevin Brown. A ribbon cutting ceremony for Lynx Grills was held at their new facility July 19. “It was a who’s who of state, county and city officials and leaders,” said Tim Tyler, director of marketing for Viking. “There was a sense of excitement and pride when Governor Bryant spoke of the Mississippi Delta now having two world-class, premium brands being made here. Many local citizens and local businesses from the community also came to the event to show support.” This relocation means a boost in economic development as well as jobs for the area’s workforce. “This will create 200 jobs, 100 of which will be added immediately as we ramp up production and an additional 100 jobs being added over the next five years,” Tyler added. “We are very excited about the reloca-

Governor Phil Bryant officiated the ribbon cutting ceremony for Lynx Grills July 19

14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

tion of the Lynx Grill manufacturing operation from California to the Viking west campus in our Greenwood area service territory,” said David O’Bryan, Delta Electric general manager. “Our members will directly benefit from the additional jobs that will be created by this operation.”

“

We are very excited about the relocation of the Lynx Grill manufacturing operation from California to the Viking west campus in our Greenwood area service territory. Our members will directly benefit from the additional jobs that will be created by this operation. David O’Bryan Delta Electric General Manager Middleby has committed to an investment of $5 million to this project over the next five years. Key support from others has also been essential to the success of the transition. The Mississippi Development Authority is assisting with workforce training, building improvements and relocating manufacturing equipment from California to Mississippi. Cooperative Energy is also providing assistance for workforce training. In addition, the City of Greenwood, Leflore County and the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation are

offering $500,000 in local incentives for the new location as well as local tax abatements. “We appreciate Cooperative Energy, our generation and transmission cooperative, providing Viking with $25,000 in grant funds for startup workforce training at Lynx Grill,” added O’Bryan. Production of Lynx Grills has already begun in the state-of-the-art plant, which is where Viking dishwashers were previously manufactured but has sat empty since 2013. While the facility will be fully equipped by October, this 86,000-squarefoot, air-conditioned plant was already outfitted with some equipment that could be repurposed for this project – including three manufacturing robots designed for metal finishing. “This will be new to the Lynx brand,” said Ben Harper, Lynx Grill plant manager. “We are taking an engineer’s approach and trying to automate as much as possible to streamline the manufacturing process.” A proprietary welding technique and new laser cutting equipment, robotic

grinding and polishing equipment have also been added to the new Lynx design process, which practices lean manufacturing procedures. These stainless steel appliances are sleek, durable and safe, and finely crafted with smooth, unbroken corners. “Every sheet of metal is formed into a seamless, solitary piece,” said Kirk Clements, general manager of Lynx Grills. In addition to both Viking and Lynx brand grills, related products within the Middleby and Lynx family are being manufactured in this facility too. “We will produce about 240 different types of products in the plant,” Harper explained. “They will range from Lynx and Sedona Grills, Napoli Pizza Ovens, Asado Griddles and all the accessories and companion units that go with these.” While all of these products are designed to look and perform on par with commercial quality equipment, they can easily prepare meals from the traditional backyard barbeque to 5-star feasts. For example, Lynx Grills incorporate a high-tech infrared technology for precision heating as

Root Beer Jerk Chicken 1 chicken, divided into breasts, wings, legs and thighs 1/2 cup root beer soda 3 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning, divided 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/4 cup green onion/scallions Pre-heat grill to low heat, 275-300 degrees. Combine chicken, soda and 2 tablespoons Jerk seasoning in a bowl. Cover, refrigerate and marinate for 1 hour (or overnight, preferably). Then, gently pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Place chicken pieces in a bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil and add remaining Jerk seasoning. Mix well, coating chicken evenly. Place chicken on grill and cook for about 12 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature of thickest part reads 165 degrees with a meat thermometer. Place chicken on a serving platter, sprinkle with scallions and serve. Yields: 5 servings.

Visit www.lynxgrills.com for more recipes.

well as innovative ceramic briquettes that are burn-resistant and easy to clean. “Lynx Ceramic Briquettes allows your gas grill to evenly heat across the base of your grill,” Clements added. The Lynx brand, alongside Viking, is synonymous with luxury and is acclaimed by many in exclusive culinary circles as “pure works of art.” “My Lynx outdoor kitchen is beautiful, powerful and uses the latest technology,” said Donatella Arpaia, Iron Chef judge and restaurateur in New York. “The grill cooks more evenly than any other grill, and the made-in-America craftsmanship made it the only choice for me. Our outdoor kitchen has become the heart of our home.” “Lynx Grills apply high standards, premier materials, skilled craftsmanship and never-ending innovation to the world of outdoor cooking,” Tyler added. “Lynx takes outdoor cooking beyond the grill – expanding it to a luxury experience, with craft and quality that ensures the products last, year after year.”

Lynx Grills is currently hiring for new positions, which meet or exceed the average annual wage of Leflore County. Employment opportunities include: Accountants; assemblers; electronic specialists; engineers; inventory specialists; metal finishers; machine operators; maintenance mechanics; warehouse supervisors; and welders. Email or mail resumes to: bkittle@vikingrange.com Win Job Center Greenwood Mall Shopping Center 812 W. Park Ave., Greenwood, MS 38930 Call 662-459-4600 for more information. SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

CONTACT INFORMATION 601-425-2535 • www.dixieepa.com @DixieElectricMS

@DixieEPA

@dixie_electric

“Powering communities and empowering lives” Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

CEO’s Message Whether preparing for the start of school, preparing your home for warm weather or preparing for hurricane season, many things can be made easier or quicker with little effort. Preparation is key. Preparing your home for the heat of the summer can lower power bills this time of year. We have tips and energy calculators under the Energy Randy Smith Solutions section of our General Manager website, dixieepa.com to guide you. Also, caulk and weathering stripping are quick and inexpensive projects that seal your home, providing energy savings. Power bills can be higher this time of the year due to air conditioners running to keep up with the extreme heat, and

Preparation makes everything easier we’ve certainly experienced that in August. The height of hurricane season is traditionally the end of August into September. We have a website, prepared.dixieepa.com, dedicated to helping you prepare for hurricanes and other types of severe weather. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security offers several resources to help you prepare for major weather events. Visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan. At Dixie Electric, we prepare for potential hurricanes too. We have a detailed emergency response plan that we review each summer. If we have a major storm, we will post updates on our social media sites, websites and through the local news media. There are several ways to report outages, including the SmartHub app, the outage map option at prepared. dixieepa.com or our automated call system. Lastly, our board and management

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. Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel. 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

team are preparing to make a multi-million decision on whether to offer high speed internet across our seven-county service territory. Part of that decision-making process was to survey our membership. You, our members, overwhelmingly participated in the survey. We appreciate your feedback and will use the survey results to help guide our decision. Some of the survey participants provided comments or asked for a call back, we have either called or attempted to contact you to answer any questions you might have. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will continue to prepare our business to serve you. Hopefully, you will take a few moments to prepare for hurricane season and your home for the summer heat that we’ve experienced. Let us know if you need tips and information on either one of those topics. We’re here to help you.

Hebron substation: Hebron, Big Creek, Gitano and Soso Sharon substation: North Laurel, Sharon and Hoy

Indian Springs substation: Sunrise and Petal Glade substation: Glade, Myrick and Tuckers Crossing South Waynesboro substation: Waynesboro, Clara, Dyess Bridge, Winchester and Buckatunna

ion:

Don’t wait. Be prepared before the storm. It’s your worst-case scenario. A major storm was predicted and this time, the predictions PREPAREDNESS were right. Many power lines are down, and your electricity may be out for several days. ACTIONS AND ITEMS You are low on everything — food, pet supplies, toilet paper, batteries, diapers and your medication. Stock your pantry with a threeImagine how you would feel in this situation. While you can’t predict which weather foreday supply of non-perishable cast will come true, you can plan ahead so when a severe weather event Policy strikes, you have StraightTalk® Images License food, such as canned goods, the tools and resources to effectively weather the storm. The Department of Homeland NRECA voting members (“Members”) have the right to use, distribute, reproduce, publish, energy bars, peanut butter, Security offers several resources at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan to help you prepare for and publicly display in any media whatsoever (“Use”) any graphic contained ininstant the Straight powdered milk, coffee, major weather events and natural disasters. Talk library (“Graphics”) for the purpose of promoting their business. Members are permitWith advance warning If a severe storm such as a hurricane is expected with high winds and sustained rain, you may need to take extra steps to safeguard your home. Shutter windows and securely close exterior doors. Fully charge all cell phones, laptops and devices so you have maximum power in the event of a power outage. If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely. During a prolonged outage In the event of an outage, turn off appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from a power surge and will also help prevent overloading the circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. If utilizing a small household generator, consider using LED holiday lights to illuminate a living area. A strand of 100 white lights draws little energy yet produces considerable light. Solar lights also work, if they can receive some

TIP of the

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andnames otherand essentials ted to modify Graphics for the purpose of incorporating theirwater respective logos within a Graphic. Members are also permitted to resize or alter the layout of a Graphic to fit (i.e., diapers and toiletries). sunlight during the day for charging. the dimensional needs of a particular publication; however, Members shall neither crop nor During thunderstorms, the American edit the Graphics as to substantially change or modify the original design.

Red Cross recommends avoiding electrical Conﬁrm that you have adequate Members are notland-based permitted totelephones. Use only portions equipment and Use of a Graphic. Members also may not sanitation hygiene supplies sub-license, sell, lease, rent Graphics to third parties. Members mustand include any attribubattery-powered TVs or and radios instead. tion or source language if any is contained in the original including file. towelettes, soap and Keep away from windows. Listen to local hand sanitizer. news NOAA Weather Radio for If youor have a questions pertaining to this Policy, please contact Abby Berry at abby.berry@nreca.coop 571-319-6231. emergency updates, ororcheck online at prepared.dixieepa.com for restoration Ensure your First Aid kit is updates. stocked with pain relievers, After the storm, avoid downed power lines bandages and other medical and walking through flooded areas where essentials and make sure your power lines could be submerged. Allow prescriptions are current. ample room for utility crews to safely perform their jobs — including on your property. Power in planning Set aside basic household Advance planning for severe storms or items you will need, including other emergencies can reduce stress and ﬂashlights, batteries, a manual anxiety caused by the weather event and can opener and portable, can lessen the impact of the storm’s efbattery-powered radio or TV. fects. Sign up for NOAA emergency alerts and warnings and follow us on Facebook, Organize emergency supplies Twitter or Instagram or visit dixieepa.com to so they are together in an easily stay abreast of restoration efforts and other important co-op news and information. Act accessible location. today, because there is power in planning.

Going the extra mile

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

1 mile of power lines

Electric Co-ops Consumers served per mile: 8 Revenue: $19,000

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

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Dixie Electric Power Association Annual Meeting of the Members Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 Registration – 10 a.m.; Meeting – 11 a.m. Dixie Electric’s Auditorium, 1863 Highway 184, Laurel

500

VOTE

and you could win!

250

Grand Prize: $500 credit on electric bill (one prize awarded) Seven District Prizes: $250 credit on electric bill (one prize awarded per district) Vote Online Prize: $250 credit on electric bill (one prize awarded) Winners do not have to be present to win. Employees and board members of Dixie Electric are not eligible.

VOTE and HELP YOUR COMMUNITY! For every vote cast, proxy submitted or person attending, Dixie Electric will donate $1 to the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter of Laurel, benefiting residents in Clarke, Jasper, Jones and Wayne counties.

Choose ONE of three ways to VOTE!

1 2

MAIL in your ABSENTEE BALLOT or PROXY! You’ll receive the annual meeting voting brochure around Sept. 15, 2019. Choose one, either the absentee ballot or the proxy. Tear it out along the perforation and return it using the enclosed, postage-paid envelope.

Use the ONLINE BALLOT. You’ll receive access through an email link, so check your email, or visit My Account on dixieepa.com and click Vote Now.

Dixie Electric Power Association Board of Directors

CLARKE JASPER

SANDERSVILLE

COVINGTON

HWY 11

LAUREL

LEAF RIVER

Dist. 4 - Mack J. Mauldin, President Dist. 3 - Robert M. Smith, Vice President Dist. 2 - Allen M. Sledge, Sr., Alt. Sec.-Treas. Dist. 6 - Faye Bonner, Sec.-Treas. Dist. 1 - Mike H. Shows Dist. 5 - Sears Ward Dist. 7 - Dale McKee

Vote IN PERSON at the annual meeting on Saturday, Oct. 19.

HWY 84

WAYNE

SPURLINE RD.

HWY 588

ELLISVILLE

JONES

WAYNESBORO

1 RICHTON

PETAL

PERRY FORREST

NEW AUGUSTA

Meet the new candidates here! 16 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

The Credentials and Election Committee certified the following individuals as candidates in their respective districts. The certification includes verifying the qualifications and the petitions submitted by the candidates. The following individuals were the only members who submitted the qualifying documentation:

Meet the

BOARD CANDIDATES Lucy Cooley - District 1 Lucy Cooley of Ovett qualified as a candidate in District 1, serving members in southeast Jones County and Perry County. Lucy is married to Tony and retired from the Jones County School District with more than 30 years of service. She is currently working part time as the counselor for the Jones County Learning Center and part time at Landrum’s Homestead and Village. Lucy and Tony have one daughter and are members of Tiger Creek Baptist Church.

Co-op Connections

Business Spotlight In Laurel

Country Lane’s Entertainment Center Country Lane’s Entertainment Center was created to give families a great place to go to have a good time. Located at 10 Shady Grove Moss Road in Laurel, Country Lane’s offers one of the most modern facilities in the state. Present your Co-op Connections card and receive 10 percent off your bowling game.

In Petal

Poppa’s Original Wharf Seafood Poppa’s Original Wharf Seafood, located in Petal, offers great food, large portion sizes and fast service! In addition to a large menu including fresh market seafood, casual seafood and sandwiches, Poppa’s also has a wide variety of authentic Cajun cuisine. Present your Co-op Connections card and receive 10 percent off all menu items.

Sears Ward - District 5 Sears Ward has served the members of northeastern Jones County on the board of directors for the past three years. He lives in the Mt. Olive community and is married to Patricia Ward. Sears is an insurance agent for Humana. He is a Deacon at Judah Missionary Baptist Church and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Sears has three children.

Maintaining reliable service Pole inspection begins in August Osmose Utilities Services will be performing inspection and maintenance on some of Dixie Electric Power Association’s poles, beginning in August and continuing for approximately four months. The general areas to be inspected will be the Petal, Runnelstown, Richton, Sunrise, Indian Springs, McSwain and New Augusta areas. This work will generally consist of excavating a hole about 18-inches deep around the poles to inspect them and

applying a preservative and/or remedial treatment to the poles as needed. The purpose of the inspection and treatment is to identify poles that do not meet industry strength standards and to extend the useful life of all others. All Osmose contract workers will be identifiable by their yellow and orange Osmose work vests and hard hats. Osmose vehicles should be marked with Osmose Utility decals as well as Dixie Electric Power Association “Contractor” decals. SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

FOR AFTER-HOURS OUTAGES, CALL

601-581-8600 DeKalb 601-743-2641 Louisville 662-773-5741 Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

Meridian 601-581-8600 Quitman 601-776-6271

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Powering you on the hottest of days As I write today, we are experiencing some of the hottest days we have seen this summer. Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits today. It’s days like today that I am thankful for the invention of air conditioning. People have always looked for ways to cool off during hot summer days. I can remember as a child looking for a cool body of water to jump into or sitting in front of a fan at my grandparent’s home for relief. I can remember moving my bed from one side of my bedroom to the side that had a window and posiCEO Randy Carroll tioning it below the window so that the attic fan would pull the outside night air over me to stay cool enough to sleep. Summers were spent working with my dad in his welding business and helping my grandfather haul hay to the barn so we were able to feed the cattle during the winters. To help us cool off, my grandmother would deliver ice-cold lemonade to us in the hayfield on those hot days, and we would spray each other with a water hose when we overheated. Some of my younger coworkers today are amazed that I can remember when my family installed the first air conditioning system in our home when I was a teenager. 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

The earliest version of our current air conditioning technology was developed in 1902 by Willis Carrier, but many households did not begin installing systems until the late 1960s. The primary intention of Mr. Carrier’s invention was to control humidity. By using various refrigerants that could be converted between liquid and gaseous states, moisture could be pulled from the air and thus make the air colder. While the technology has not changed much, the availability and use of air conditioning has grown over the years. Virtually every home and building today utilize air conditioning and relies on the un-interrupted electrical service we work to deliver to the members of East Mississippi Electric Power Association. So how does EMEPA ensure the needed electricity is available when we experience weather extremes? Long before the power is needed, we work with wholesale power suppliers to ensure the generated power is available for delivery. Our distribution system is constantly evaluated by our engineering team, and they begin planning for weather events, like these, years in advance. Load levels are projected using econometric modeling and historical use patterns. Construction work plans are developed to meet the critical peak loading and time schedules are implemented to ensure construction begins early enough to meet the demand for electricity. Rights-of-way are evaluated and cleared

to eliminate any trees and limbs that might cause an interruption. Equipment is checked and maintenance performed to ensure peak performance of the system. While we cannot keep the stormy weather from causing the occasional outage, we can work to ensure the system is in tip-top shape and can be restored quickly. EMEPA also works to educate our members about how to efficiently use electricity. High-efficiency heat pumps, pulling window shades facing the sun and proper settings on thermostats all help to reduce energy demand.

POWER SAVING

Tip of the

Month

Guess where we went last summer! ■ Washington National Cathedral ■ Arlington National Cemetery ■ World War II Memorial ■ Jefferson Memorial ■ Newseum ■ FDR Memorial ■ MLK Memorial ■ Iwo Jima ■ Vietnam Wall

If you’re an 11th grader served by East Mississippi Electric Power Association, make this year memorable by participating in the 2020 Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Miss., and tour of Washington, D.C.

Shelbie Dean Reid, West Lauderdale H.S., Khadijah Bell, Lamar School, Judson Moore, Russell Christian School, Daneel Konnar, Northeast H.S., Maggie Phillips, Grace Christian School

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

MEP Contact Information: P: 3027 Highway 98 West • Summit, MS 39666 M: P.O. Box 747 • McComb, MS 39649

TO REPORT OUTAGES:

601-684-4011 Visit us online at www.MEPCoop.com Follow us on FaceBook and Twitter

Pay by Phone: 1-877-779-7740

Giving our residential Members power to choose Regular Billing

Budget Billing

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

is a billing method that helps residential members avoid the wide variations in monthly bills brought about by use of electric heat and air conditioning. The program spreads the cost out across the year so monthly bills do not vary drastically. To qualify you must:

Flexpay Only requires $110 to start service and no deposit. Pay for use as you go. Available for new and existing Members.

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

• receive service at the specific location for 12 months • have a good credit history • use more than 930 kilowatt hours a month

PAYMENT OPTIONS ■ SmartHub Use the mobile app or go online at MEPCoop.com

■ Bank Draft Call us to enroll in auto monthly bank draft

■ Pay by Phone 24/7 1-877-779-7740 - with credit/debit cards or by eCheck

■ Pay Centers Summit — MEP Office Tylertown — Kiosk (Market Max) Pike National Bank Citizens Bank Liberty — Kiosk (B-Kwik Shell) Brookhaven — Pike National Bank McComb — Pike National Bank Magnolia — Citizens Bank

■ U.S. Mail Mail your bill stub and check or money order to P.O. Box 747, McComb, MS 39649

SmartHub lets you manage all aspects of your Magnolia Electric Power account. SmartHub allows you to view your daily use and manage your account right from your mobile device. With SmartHub, you have the tools you need to manage your accounts with mobile and Web apps fully integrated with Magnolia Electric Power. SmartHub delivers account information, mobile payments and more in a secure environment.

14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

Are you a leader

in your school and community Our Youth Leadership Program

offers the tools and knowledge that will enable you to sharpen your leadership skills in your classroom, community, church and family. Since 1986, students in Mississippi have competed for the opportunity to participate in this unique leadership program. This program is an educational and fun experience that makes a lasting impact on young people.

Our program is for high school juniors interested in enhancing their leadership skills. Step 1: Become a nominee

For our nominees, we go through the school counselors so that the students will have an excused absence from school. The counselors pick who they want to send to the competition based on leadership qualities and community service. A nominee’s parents or guardians must receive their electric service from Magnolia Electric Power (MEP). There are 15 high schools in our service area and the counselors are allowed to send up to three representatives per school. If a student lives on our lines and is home-schooled or at a private Christian school, they are allowed to compete. They would need to contact the program director to receive further information.

Step 2: Attend Cooperative University

Cooperative University is held in Magnolia Electric Power’s auditorium. Dress is casual for the day and parents are invited. Some of our speakers for Cooperative University include our MEP general manager, our state legislators, a MEP lineman, a representative from our generation and transmission cooperative, and former Youth Leadership winners.

Step 3: Advance to interview

A panel of mostly out-of-town judges and local business leaders will score the participants on various qualities during the Cooperative University. Because we have a high number of participants, we select the students with the highest scores, and they come back the second day for the interview competition. The students’ scores are added together and that is how the winners who move on to the statewide Youth Leadership program are determined. Generally two students out of the competitors are chosen, however the competition is sometimes so close, we have had three, and occasionally four winners named in a year. If you are selected to represent your school in our upcoming Youth Leadership Program, that means your school counselor sees a leader in you! Remember, you are competing for an investment in building your personal leadership skills valued at $3,500.

Once you win and become a Magnolia Electric Power representative, you will attend:

■ Youth Leadership Workshop

The Marriott, downtown Jackson, Miss. The three-day workshop features a true cooperative learning atmosphere. More than 85 students from across the state will experience cooperative team-building exercises, a breakfast with their legislators, a visit to the Capitol, a town hall meeting, and motivational speakers. We will also have a time for games and interaction between the students. You will have the opportunity to earn a $500 or $1000 scholarship.

■ Youth Tour

Washington, D.C. Each year, Mississippi’s student delegation joins more than 1,800 high school juniors from 43 states across the nation at the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., where they learn about cooperatives and rural electrification from a national perspective. The Youth Tour is a wonderful sightseeing experience that also offers an opportunity for making new friends. The Youth Tour is organized by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Find us at www.facebook.com/MagnoliaEPA You can also like our statewide youth leadership page www.facebook.com/ECMYLP and follow us on Instagram @msyouthleadershipprogram. Please contact Magnolia Electric Power’s youth leadership program coordinator if you have any questions.

Lucy Shell, Program Director Office - 601-684-4011 • lshell@mepcoop.com

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Time of use

matters Did you know you can help your electric co-op by simply glancing at the clock? The key to that help is a term used in the energy industry called “time of use.” Electricity follows the basic economic laws of supply and demand — when a lot of people want something, it’s expensive; when they don’t, it’s cheaper. Energy is more expensive during certain times of the day because more people are using it. Behind that statement, there’s a story of a complex industry that’s changing as fast as digital technology. The role you play can be as simple as washing and drying your clothes a couple hours later than usual. Why would you want to do that? One reason has to do with the fact that as a co-op member, you and your neighbors own your electric cooperative. Your electric co-op pays more for electricity during morning and evening energy rush hours, also known as peak energy hours.

Peak times for power By paying attention to times of energy use, co-op members can feel like they’re a part of something. Essentially, if you’re helping your co-op, you’re helping your neighbors. But helping with time of use can be more than a feeling. It can translate to real dollars. To understand that, it helps to go to the basics of time of use, which involves the routines of our daily life. Allison Hamilton, senior principal for markets and rates at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, explained it this way: “People wake up in the morning, they turn on their coffee makers, they take showers, they get ready to go to work, they go to work, then all the computers and buildings are powering up, and there’s this peak demand for electricity that has to be met. The infrastructure has to be there to serve that demand. Then later in the day, people go home, turn on their lights, eventually go to bed, and then they aren’t using as much power, but there still needs to be the infrastructure there for the next morning when they get up and start all over.” Your electric co-op pays more for electricity during those morning and evening energy 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

rush hours in two ways: either by having a power plant there to make sure enough electricity is available, or by actually paying more to purchase electricity from another utility with excess power at the time. And those peaks in energy use get even higher when it’s especially hot or cold outside, as air conditioners or heaters use extra power. So, you can help level out that pattern of energy peaks and valleys by simply adjusting when and how you use electricity. Depending on where you live, changing those energy use habits could even make a difference on your electric bill. Different parts of the country use different fuels to make electricity — some regions use more hydroelectric power, some use more coal or natural gas, some use more wind power. Technology gets smarter Two trends are encouraging wider use of time-of-use rates: technology and a desire for more choices. New digital electric meters track energy use more precisely. The data those meters collect can be analyzed through computer databases and algorithms to craft rates that can follow the changes in electricity costs throughout the day.

“Make your decisions based on your lifestyle and energy objectives,” said Hamilton. “If you have an electric vehicle or if you’re trying to save on energy bills, you can choose the options that make the most sense for you.”

Don’t wait. Be prepared before the storm. It’s your worst-case scenario. A major storm was predicted and this time, the predictions were right. Many power lines are down, and your electricity may be out for several days. You are low on everything — food, pet supplies, toilet paper, batteries, diapers and your medication. Imagine how you would feel in this situation. While you can’t predict which weather forecast will come true, you can plan ahead so when a severe weather event strikes, you have the tools and resources to effectively weather the storm. The Department of Homeland Security offers several resources at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan to help you prepare for major weather events and natural disasters. With advance warning If a severe storm such as a hurricane is expected with high winds and sustained rain, you may need to take extra steps to safeguard your home. Shutter windows and securely close exterior doors. Fully charge all cell phones, laptops and devices so you have maximum power in the event of a power outage. If you plan to use a small generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely. During a prolonged outage In the event of an outage, turn off appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from a power surge and will also help prevent overloading the circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. If utilizing a small household generator, consider using LED holiday lights to illuminate a living area. A strand of 100 white lights draws little energy yet produces considerable light. Solar lights also work, if they can

TIP of the

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receive some sunlight during the day for charging. During thunderstorms, the American Red Cross recommends avoiding electrical equipment and land-based telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead. Keep away from windows. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. After the storm, avoid downed power lines and walking through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for utility crews to safely perform their jobs — including on your property. Power in planning Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and can lessen the impact of the storm’s effects. Have an emergency preparedness kit handy for you and your family. Visit www.weather. gov/ama/severesafetyplan for more information on how you can plan to stay safe during extreme weather events. Act today, because there is power in planning.

Going the extra mile

1 mile of power lines

Electric Co-ops Consumers served per mile: 8 Revenue: $19,000

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

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662-895-2151. www.northcentralepa.com

NorthcentralEPA/

@NorthcentralEPA

@northcentralepa

Northcentral making progress with broadband studies will be selecting a design I was pleased to announce consultant, as well as engaging last February that the Missisattorneys and CPAs to detersippi Legislature passed the mine business models, legal Mississippi Broadband Enabling issues and other administrative Act. The Act allows electric matters. When complete, Northcooperatives like Northcentral central’s Board of Directors will to establish affiliates that could make a determinaprovide high-speed tion of if or how to internet service to its proceed. You should members. It’s been expect some news on seven months since this in the next six to this legislation was nine months. As we signed into law, and are contemplating ennow is a great time to tering a very competcatch you up on our itive market in some efforts. instances, NorthcenIn spring 2019, we tral will communicate completed our first this information in a phase of construction Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO strategic and conof roughly 72 aerial trolled manner. Any miles and 1.5 miles of announcement of an internet underground fiber-optic cable. affiliate will be accompanied All of our substations are now with thorough information interconnected and communicate data to aid in the operation on services offered, potential pricing and availability. of Northcentral’s “grid.” The In the meantime, we ask for next phase will address routes our members’ patience and with eventual fiber to the home capabilities. Moving forward, we help. Northcentral will need to amend its Articles of Incorpohave selected operating, mapration to allow us to enter the ping, and customer information telecommunications business if systems that will not only we choose. Your participation address Northcentral’s needs, in the Oct. 23rd Annual Membut also offer us technology bership Meeting will be vital in that should enhance your accomplishing this. The move member experience. does not put us in the telecomIn September, Northcentral

14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

munications business, it merely gives the cooperative the flexibility to make this decision. You can expect to receive notice of this by mail 30 days before our Annual Meeting.

This is a project that may not be moving fast enough for some, but the more thorough we are on the front end, the better the service we’ll be able to offer.

October 9, 2019 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Northcentral Electric 4600 Northcentral Way Olive Branch

Stop by and visit local businesses and see how they can benefit you and your employees personally and professionally.

FREE ADMISSION Over 50 Vendors, Door Prizes, & sample foods from some of the areas favorite restaurants.

For more info: Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce (662) 895-2600 Fax (662) 895-2625 info@olivebranchms.com www.olivebranchms.com

2019 Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Election The Northcentral Electric Power Association Annual Meeting of the Members will be held at 2 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 23, 2019 in the Northcentral Electric auditorium. Besides summarizing the work of the 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. The membership of Northcentral Electric will also vote to amend the Association’s Articles of Incorporation to allow for the flexibility to operate a telecommunications affiliate. This year, board members are to be elected from District 3, District 5 and District 7 of our system area. A general description of the area served in District 3 would be the area south and west of Highway 78/Interstate 22, and north and west of the Coldwater River, extending to the Tennessee state line and excludes the Jan. 1, 1984 corporate limits of the City of Olive Branch. District 5 generally covers the area north and east of the Highway 78/Interstate 22, and east of Highway 309, extending to the Tennessee state line, and excludes the Jan. 1, 1984 corporate limits of the City of Byhalia. District 7 represents the area south of Pigeon Roost Creek. More detailed descriptions can be found in Section 4.02 of the Northcentral Electric bylaws. Current board members representing these districts are Phil Lachaussee of District 3, Jerry Nichols of District 5 and Joan Childress of District 7.

Nominations to the Board of Directors, whether incumbent or a new candidate, will be made by the membership. Any 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 than 5 p.m. on Mon., Sept. 23, 2019. The Elections and Credentials Committee will meet Tues., Sept. 24, 2019 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. 3, 2019 and must be received in the Northcentral office no later than 2 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 21, 2019. The Elections and Credentials Committee will review the proxies for validation beginning at 2 p.m. on Mon., Oct. 21, 2019. 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 “Cooperative” section on Northcentral Electric’s website. Visit www.northcentralepa.com.

Northcentral celebrates the career of another retiree By Justin Jaggers In September 1995, Sue Lytle began her career at Northcentral Electric Power Association. For almost 24 years, Sue served our service area as a Meter Order Clerk. Her job included posting member payments, maintaining member records and the completion of service request orders. Friends and family recently celebrated Sue’s retirement with a reception in the Northcentral auditorium. Co-workers spoke fondly of Sue and her concern for her fellow co-workers. If someone was sick for an extended period of time, Sue would try to organize bringing them food to help their recovery so that she could see them back at work. Outside of her career, Sue is fond of the local rodeos and often works as a timekeeper for the events. We at Northcentral wish Sue the best in her retirement years. We hope that our members will join us in celebrating her career.

Northcentral Electric Power Association’s 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.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Mperform Musicians

for patients, families and staff

By Elissa Fulton Northcentral Electric is focused on its community. “Concern for Community” is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles that drives all cooperatives. As Kevin Doddridge, general manager/CEO of Northcentral said, “It is in our nature as a co-op to serve our community.” So, when the association was approached to sponsor the annual CD for Musicians for Le Bonheur and to participate in concerts held at the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, it was a project that was met with immediate support. Musicians for Le Bonheur is a special venture that raises money for the children’s hospital. Though all proceeds go to the hospital, the exposure helps to support local Mid-South musicians as well. Those involved in the project seek to lift the spirits of the patients and families of children suffering from illnesses and injury. The musicians and organizers believe that music can heal the soul, and that’s just what they

16 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

did through several performances over the summer. Local bands played for audiences in a common area of the hospital, and later visited patients in their rooms and played

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

live music for them and their families. Another exciting partnership was created through this project with Northcentral Electric and the DeSoto County Schools Career and Technical Center. Four of the second year Digital Media students were able to collaborate with Northcentral’s Media Specialist Justin Jaggers, who also organizes Musicians for Le Bonheur. The students joined Jaggers to work on a documentary and produce a music video for the project. Cassidy Carson, Jack Florence, Angel Morgan and Tanner Smart, along with their Digital Media teacher Teri Gordon were able to attend the performances at the hospital one day a month through the summer. The enthusiasm of the patients, musicians and hospital staff has been overwhelming. “For our patients here, a lot of them don’t get experiences like this outside of the hospital and so it’s really neat for them to get to hear live music; maybe for the first time,” said Morgan Morgan,

child life specialist. “Being exposed to so many cool and new things while they’re here also helps them to remember what it’s like to be a normal kid because these types of things bring so much joy to their faces.” The project equally brings joy to the musicians who play for the patients and their families. Richard Cushing, bassist/vocalist for the popular band FreeWorld, has had a personal experience with Le Bonheur. When his two sons were very young, they both had illnesses that led them to Le Bonheur. “I have a personal connection to this hospital, and not only for my kids,” said Cushing. “But how many kids in this region, and in this country, and in this world have they helped? Any way I can give back to that, or that we as a band

can give back. If we can come here and brighten some spirits and send some good vibes and some love, we want to do it – because music heals.” There have been four performances so far, which have been held each month from May through August. The final performance will be held on Sept. 3, which will also be the record signing day. The musicians will be onsite to sign the CDs they’ve worked so hard to create. Northcentral Electric is proud to have been a part of such a worthwhile cause in the community. Our employees were enthusiastic to participate.

Visit musiciansforlebonheur.com or email info@musiciansforlebonheur.com for more information.

Musicians who played live performances at the hospital: May 30th

August 15th

Chris and Daphnie Josh Shaw of Blvck Hippie RobenX

Adam McClelland with AM Whiskey My Friend Chris’ Cody Clark and Vinnie Longoria FreeWorld

June 13th Jodie Ross Everdeens Danny Cosby

July 18th Under the Radar The Fast Mothers Jeff Hulett

September 3rd Eric Hughes Ally Wallace Chris Pietrangelo of Fingertrick

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Are you a leader

in your school and community Our Youth Leadership Program

Our program is for high school juniors interested in enhancing their leadership skills As a Northcentral Electric representative, you will attend:

■ Youth Leadership Workshop

The Marriott, downtown Jackson, Miss. The three-day workshop features a true cooperative learning atmosphere. More than 85 students from across the state will experience cooperative team-building exercises, a breakfast with their legislators, a visit to the Capitol, a town hall meeting and motivational speakers. We will also have a time for games and interaction between the students. You will have the opportunity to earn a $500 or $1000 scholarship.

■ Youth Tour

18 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

■ It is an honor to be selected

The group of young Mississippians participating in the program represent electric cooperatives across the state. Students are selected through various forms of competition conducted by the local cooperatives. Annually, more than 1,000 young people are involved in the program selection process statewide.

■ Cost

Students’ expenses for all three events are funded entirely by Northcentral Electric. There are no hidden costs; Northcentral Electric pays for all travel, lodging, meals, educational materials and admission fees. Our support of the program demonstrates a commitment to our young people and a desire to provide an effective, high-quality leadership program to help prepare them for life’s challenges.

■ How to get involved

Northcentral Electric’s Youth Leadership Program Director will contact the guidance counselor at our area schools and provide program details. If you are interested in being a representative contact your school guidance counselor or stop by the receptionist’s desk at Northcentral Electric’s office to pick up an application. Please contact Northcentral Electric’s youth leadership program coordinator if you have any questions. Michael Bellipanni, Program Director

1- 800-325-8925 • mbellipanni@northcentralepa.com

Legal Bucks Northeast, East Central, Southwest, and Southeast Zones A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 10 inches OR one main beam at least 13 inches long.

Mississippi’s 2019-2020

How to estimate a 10 inch inside spread:

How to estimate a 13 inch main beam:

10” Inside Spread

13” Main Beam

HUNTING SEASONS

To estimate a 13 inch main beam, the buck’s head must be observed from the side. If the tip of the main beam extends to the front of the eye, main beam length is approximately 13 inches.

Delta Zone

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 12 inches OR one main beam at least 15 inches long. How to estimate a 12 inch inside spread:

How to estimate a 15 inch main beam:

DEER ZONES

15” Main Beam

tip of the main beam extends between the front of the eye and the tip of the nose, main beam length is approximately 15 inches.

Wear Orange

*Due to body size differences in the Delta Zone, ear-tip to ear-tip measurements are slightly larger compared to the other zones.

WHITE-TAILED DEER

DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery

Oct. 1 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF

Nov. 9 - 22

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands.

Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Nov. 11 - 22

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Youth Season (15 and under)

SEASON

(SEEdogs) OPEN AREAS) GunFALL (without

Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Fall Either-Sex Turkey on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF.

Weapon of choice may be used on private land BAG with appropriate license. DATES LIMIT

on private landTWO and (2) Holly SpringsEITHER NF. OCT. 15 - NOV.Either-Sex 15 TURKEYS, SEX

Dec. 16 - 23

Legal Bucks only on open public land.

land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

North-Central Zone: Benton, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Tippah, and Union counties.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

METHOD

SEASON DATES

BAG LIMITS

LEGAL DEER

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

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Season (15 and under)

Nov. 9 - 22

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Spring Turkey Either-Sex on private land and open public land. Weapon of choice may be

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Youth Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

SEASON

DATES

(Private and authorized state and federal Gun lands. (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 22 public Youth 15 and under) Spring

Archery/Primitive Weapon

BAGlicense. LIMIT used on private land with appropriate

One (1) adult gobbler orpublic 1 gobbler Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open land.with

Mar. 7 - 13

a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest 1 gobbler of

Jan. 23 - 31

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open land. Weapon of choice (anypublic age) per day, Mar. 14 - May may 1 choice be used on private land with license. perappropriate Spring season.

Feb. 1 - 15

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

SEASON

SMALLGame GAME Small 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 8

Rabbit

Oct. 12 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 28 - Mar. 7

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

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

SEASON FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

FALLTurkey TURKEY Fall DATES

BAG LIMIT

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

DOVE Mourning and White-Winged Doves

North Zone - Sept 1-Oct 6, Oct 19-Nov 16, Dec 21-Jan 14

South Zone - Sept 1-Sept 15, Oct 5-Nov 6, Dec 21-Jan 31

SEASON Youth (Private and authorized state and federal

Spring Turkey

• 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.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 19

DATES

BAG LIMIT

Mar. 7 - 13

One (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per

Fiber to the home update

https://join.nemepa.org

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association (NEMEPA) was one of 17 electric cooperatives nationally, four from Mississippi, to apply for a ReConnect America Broadband grant through Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The RUS program provides grant funds for the costs of construction, facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. “Our grant application, if awarded and accepted, will provide $10.4 million of assistance to install fiber optic cable in some of NEMEPA’s most underserved areas,” said Randall Abel, manager of engineering and operations. “Fiber will provide the critical backbone for smart grid technology as well as fiber to the home internet.” In addition, recently completed feasibility studies have estimated the total cost to install fiber throughout our entire service territory at approximately $50 million. NEMEPA is currently soliciting feedback to determine if the project would be supported by our members. This information is critical to determine if the project will be successful and viable. “Any funds received from a grant program significantly helps the feasibility of a project this size,” said Abel. “But prior to going further we need to understand if our members support it.” We now are asking for our members’ help. To take part in the survey please go to the link provided to the left.

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association headquarters construction continues Thank you for your patience while the construction work continues at NEMEPA. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for updates on the drive-through window. The drive-through will remain closed during the final stages of construction.

14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association

2019 Annual Meeting PREVIEW AND BYLAW CHANGES

NEMEPA’s Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. Recently, NEMEPA made some changes to our Bylaws related to the Annual Meeting and the election of directors. The changes are intended to make it easier for members to qualify for the election as well as separate the election process from the business of the Annual Meeting. Members are required to have lived in the district they are to serve for a period of three years. Members interested in running for the board of directors must come by the office and request a board qualification packet. The packet consists of a copy of the current Bylaws, Policy 125 – Board of Directors Qualification and Eligibility, an Affirmation of Director Qualification form and an official Petition for Nomination. In the past, members seeking to be placed on the official ballot were required to get 50 signatures from any member of the association. The new Bylaws allow for 35 signatures from members of the district to be represented. All petitions must be received 45 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Each sitting director, whose term is expiring, shall automatically be a candidate for re-election unless they give notice otherwise. The election for directors is now a separate process from the Annual Meeting and will be overseen by an independent accounting firm. Previously, the Bylaws allowed for votes to be cast by mail-in, in person and represented in person by proxy. The use of in person or proxy voting is no longer permitted in director elections. This year, all ballots must be cast by mail and received at the office of the independent accounting firm two days prior to the Annual Meeting. In the future, we hope to also offer electronic voting.

Being separated from the Annual Meeting, the election of directors is no longer dependent on a quorum attending the Annual Meeting to have a valid election. For an election of directors to be valid, ballots must be received from a minimum of five percent of the association’s active and non-delinquent members. In the event this minimum number of votes is not received, the election will be determined invalid due to lack of interest of the membership. While the election has been separated from the Annual Meeting, we still encourage members to attend the meeting and conduct the business of the association. The quorum for the Annual Meeting remains at three hundred, represented in person or by valid proxy. This year’s agenda will include a vote to amend the Articles of Incorporation to allow NEMEPA to operate under the new Mississippi Rural Broadband Act. Without a quorum, we cannot take official action to amend the Articles. Separate notices will be mailed to the membership this year. The first will be a notice of the Annual Meeting containing a proxy. For those unable to attend the meeting, they can assign their proxy to another member to represent them at the meeting. Prizes will be given out at the meeting for both categories, members attending in person and members attending by proxy. The second notice will include the ballot for the election of directors. It will contain the official ballot to be completed and mailed to the independent accounting firm. Prizes will also be drawn from the members participating in the election process. Please visit our website at www.nemepa.org for a copy of our Bylaws. Thank you for allowing us to serve you, our Members.

Due to important information that we needed to get out to our membership, we made the decision to print in September instead of October.

Board Election Process To be nominated as director, you must: • Obtain a petition with not less than 35 active, non-delinquent members that live in the district from which he/she is to be a candidate for director. • Nominations must be received at least 45 days before Annual Meeting in order to be included on the ballot.

www.nemepa.org • Click on ABOUT at the top of the home page and then select Bylaws. Election Process (NEMEPA Board Elections) ATTENTION: A duly completed ballot shall constitute the sole and exclusive means of voting for candidates for Director. Members wishing to run for the Board of Directors should come by the office to pick up a packet which includes the Board of Director Qualifications and Eligibility and official nomination form. Guidelines taken from updated Bylaws. To view the Bylaws visit NEMEPA.org.

North East Mississippi Electric Power Association Annual Meeting IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

Petitions due n Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019

Annual Meeting n Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

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 online at www.PRVEPA.com Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Hugh Gene Smith The same cooperative spirit that created Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association 81 years ago has contributed to another successful year for your Association. 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. n 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. n 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. n CORE BUSINESS Many electric power associations have undertaken various business enterprises other than their primary function of providing electricity to customers. We have studied several options 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 — that no activities will be engaged in that interfere with, or diminish, that purpose. In January 2019, the Mississippi legislature passed a bill allowing electric cooperatives to consider offering broadband internet service 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

to members, but only if all members are included. This is an extremely complicated issue and a project of this scale would likely be more involved and costly than anything PRVEPA has ever undertaken. In effect, we would have to build out more than 6,000 miles of fiber optic line (it does not come through your electric lines), with an estimated cost well exceeding $130 million. We’re still examining all sides of the issue, but based on preliminary studies it would appear that it would be financially imprudent for Pearl River Valley Electric to undertake such a project. We will, however, continue to evaluate options to see if anything develops that might make it more feasible in the future. n ANNUAL MEETING Pearl River Valley Electric 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 Electric 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 our 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 Lavell Bond 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, 2018: • Total electric plant increased $4,925,172, bringing the total to $170,801,326. • Assets total $245,224,057, which reflects an increase of $9,059,131 for the year. • The member-owners of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association have equity of 42.2% in the system. n REGULAR PATRONAGE REFUND Your Board of Directors is dedicated to the principal of returning

ANNUAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2019 All members of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association are invited to attend the annual meeting of members on Saturday, September 28. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Association’s meeting room facility (Lawrence Building) in Columbia at 1428 Highway 13 North. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. Member participation at the annual meeting is important to elect directors, hear reports covering the operation of the Association and to transact other business that may come before the meeting. Included on the agenda is the election of three directors to three-year terms: District 1:

District 4:

Danny Wilks (Nominated by Nominating Committee)

Jack Bradshaw (Nominated by Nominating Committee)

Robert K. Speights, Jr. (Nominated by Petition) District 9:

Lavell Bond (Nominated by Nominating Committee)

PRVEPA will award 12 attendance prizes, including a $1,250 certificate for electricity. You must be present at the meeting to be eligible for the attendance prizes. If you cannot attend the meeting, mail in your annual meeting ballot today. By returning your ballot, you will be eligible for the absentee prizes.

patronage capital to our member-owners — in fact, we were the first electric power association in Mississippi to start paying regular patronage refunds. This year, we refunded $2,500,000 to our members. In addition, Cooperative Energy, our wholesale power provider that is a cooperative owned by PRVEPA and 10 other electric power associations, began returning capital credits in 2015. Those credits, totaling $411,049 for 2018, will be returned to applicable PRVEPA members, increasing the total amount returned to $2,991,049. We have now made patronage refunds to our member-owners for 56 years, totaling nearly $51 million. Very few electric cooperatives in the nation can surpass our record of paying patronage refunds to their members. n PATRONAGE 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 $14.7 million through these programs, including $908,000 in 2018.

GENERAL MANAGER’S ANNUAL REPORT Randy Wallace 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 together to meet a common need. Now 81 years later, that spirit of working together is still very much alive in all we do. Because Pearl River Valley Electric is member-owned, 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. n SYSTEM GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENT For 2018, the number of meters served by the Association increased 1.4% from 49,318 to 50,039, while our annual sales of electricity — 1,072,314,528 kilowatt hours (kWh) — were about 7% above 2017. Maintaining reliable service to members requires continual planning and upgrading of our lines and equipment. In 2018, our crews added nearly 80 miles of new overhead and underground lines to our system, which has 6,100 miles of lines and 25 substations throughout our 12-county service area. n 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 1,000 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. n 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 equipment and facilities as needed. n SAFETY All of our employees are committed to working safely. They have adopted a full-time culture of safety and strive to work accident free each and every day. An effective safety program not only ensures the well-being of employees, but it also saves your Association money. n MEMBER PROGRAMS Pearl River Valley Electric has always been committed to building strong, enduring relationships with our members because you are the reason our organization exists. And because we are operated locally, we are also dedicated to assisting the communities in which we live. Our member services department is constantly looking for new ways Continued on next page

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

GENERAL MANAGER’S ANNUAL REPORT Continued from page 15

to provide valuable information and programs. I would encourage everyone to make use of our website as often as possible, as it has features related to wise energy use and other services designed to make your dealings with us more efficient. We offer a mobile app that offers similar services. You may also call us about home energy audits, advice on the proper sizing on heating and air-conditioning systems, and educational programs for civic groups and schools. This will be our seventh year of operating Round Up for Education, a community college scholarship program designed to encourage members and their children to continue their education. The vast majority of our members are rounding up their bills each month, which is providing the money to fund the scholarships. Over the past six years, more than 1,250 students have received nearly $1.1 million in scholarships to help with their education costs, and this year we have more than 230 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.

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■ YOUTH LEADERSHIP ESSAY CONTEST Each year, Pearl River 43 Valley Electric sponsors an essay contest for junior class students in high schools located within our service area. A judging committee reviews the essays and selects the winners. The winners attend a three-day youth leadership workshop in Jackson, and during the summer they travel with other Mississippi students to Washington, D.C. for the week-long Youth Tour. This year’s winners were Eli Johnson of Columbia High School and Hannah Phipps of Oak Grove High School. Both of these young people have been outstanding representatives for Pearl River Valley Electric. ■ THE SPIRIT OF COOPERATION ENHANCES QUALITY OF LIFE I would again like to say thank you to our members. We appreciate your support, patience and trust. It has been a privilege to

98 589 98 49 13

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serve you this past year, and we will continue to work hard in coming years to meet and exceed your expectations. I am very proud to be your general manager and to be a part of the cooperative way of doing business. I’m also proud of our employees’ dedication and hard work. By communicating and working together, we can ensure our ability to continue providing the affordable, safe and reliable electric service that enhances the quality of all of our lives.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 2020

If you’re an 11th grader served by Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, make this year memorable by participating in the 2020 Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Miss., and Youth Tour of Washington, D.C For details, visit www.prvepa.com and also look for information in the upcoming October issue of Today in Mississippi.

16 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

Homochitto River Festival Headlining Marty Stewart and Ronnie McDowell Meadville, Saturday, October 26 By Elissa Fulton Many towns have community events and festivals that celebrate the culture and history of its people. For Franklin County, one of its attractions is the outdoors and the beautiful Scenic Rivers environment of southwest Mississippi. The town of Meadville began celebrating the Homochitto River region by hosting the Annual Homochitto River Festival — and according to Lane Reed, the town’s mayor, the festival was started by the Junior Women’s Club and has evolved into a popular event and tourist destination. In recent years, the small community has had a revival of townspeople who have volunteered to take the festival up a notch and offer an event that will draw a crowd 20 times larger than the population of Meadville. As the event continues to grow each year, organizers are expecting nearly 10,000 attendees on their beautiful Main Street this October 26. “This year, we have had a number of sponsors that have recognized that we are on solid footing with our third festival,” said Reed. “The Chamber of Commerce is our actual sponsor, but we’ve had so many people step up and put their money and their efforts behind this festival. It’s an event that we are really proud of, and we are ready to show our town off to our visitors.” The Chamber of Commerce staff, who are all volunteers, along with Reed and many other community volunteers work year-round to host this special day in the City of Meadville. This year, the festival committee has upped their game with the headline entertainment, including Mississippian and multiple Grammy Award-winning country music singer-songwriter Marty

Stewart. Also headlining is country music artist Ronnie McDowell, who is best known for his 1977 song “The King Is Gone,” a tribute to the late Elvis Presley. There will also be local talent that will play on three stages throughout the day.

“

It’s an event that we are really proud of, and we are ready to show our town off to our visitors. Mayor Lane Reed Other events are planned for the big day with activities that are sure to entertain the whole family. The town’s annual Trunkor-Treat will begin at 4 p.m., and there will also be a Kid’s Zone for the little ones, as well as a beauty pageant. Arts and crafts and food vendors will line Main Street, and there are plans to include an Outdoor Alley for the avid sportsmen. There will even be a Pet Parade for the fur-babies of the family. For athletes, the Homochitto River Race will be held at Camp Ridge Point on the Homochitto River. Brad Jones, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Bank of Franklin, said, “There will be a 1-mile fun run for kids, a 5k walk/run and a 5-mile canoe and kayak race down the river. You can do the run, the boat race or even the combo race.” Also on the agenda is the Tandem Simultaneous Exhibition chess game that will be played near the Franklin Chess Center on Main Street. The center’s teacher, Ohio

native Dr. Jeff Bulington, and Master Chess players will be competing in several matches concurrently. Franklin County was put on the map with a “60 Minutes” television episode spotlighting chess in this rural community being used as an extremely successful academic tool for young students. Ashley Johnson, a local attorney, is chairing the festival’s annual Culinary Cook-Off. “Barbeque, Cajun and Soul food will be our three categories this year,” she said. “The taste-testing will begin at 1 p.m., and we will have five out-of-town judges. There will be prizes for the Judges’ Favorite, the Voters’ Choice Favorite and finally, an overall award that is a combination of the Judges and Voters’ Choice. We will only sell 100 tickets to the cook-off this year, and we are expecting nearly 50 teams.” “This is really a big thing for our town,” added Reed of the festival. “I can’t say enough about our Board of Aldermen, our volunteers, local police/sheriff and fire departments, local businesses and sponsors. We couldn’t do any of this without them.”

Visit www.franklincountynow.org or call 601-384-2280 for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

CONTACT INFORMATION: PONTOTOC P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156 BRUCE P.O. Box 415 • 125 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

Museum features relics from

Pontotoc Electric’s 84-year history By Elissa Fulton In the early 1930s, some rural citizens and farmers decided that daily life would be enriched if they had electricity. In a mutual effort with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Pontotoc Electric Power Association became the second rural electric cooperative in the United States. The association was organized by regular citizens that believed they should have the same opportunities as urban citizens who had already been enjoying the conveniences of electricity. The first organizational meeting on Sept. 30, 1933 was met with great success; and today, Pontotoc Electric maintains 1,720 miles of electric lines and serves 19,464 residential, industrial, commericial, and other consumers. Much of the technology has changed through the 84 years that the electric cooperative has been in business. Not only has the technology that has been used to build and operate the electric lines improved, but office equipment and home and commercial appliances have modernized. Also, the amount of electricity that consumers use is vastly different than it was in 1935 when the cooperative began providing service to its members. As the second oldest rural electric cooperative in the country, Pontotoc Electric has collected many artifacts over the years that merit a permanent home. This is just what Chuck Howell, general manager of Pontotoc Electric, has worked so hard to secure. On Oct. 12, 2018, the cooperative opened the Pontotoc Electric Power Association 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

Historical Museum on East Reynolds Street next to the association’s downtown office building and had its official ribbon cutting on Nov. 7. Inside the 1,600-square-foot museum are more than 600 artifacts, some dating back to the 1800s, that have been used over the years to conduct association business. There are also some unique items that are noticeable as soon as you step into the building. To the left of the front door, there is an old glass bottle coke machine and antique Lion’s Club gumball machines that have become very popular with young children.

In the early days of the electric cooperative, Extension Home Economists were sent to Pontotoc Electric by the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service to demonstrate how to use electric appliances.

“This old coke machine from the year 1951 was used in our original office,” said Howell. “We sold Cokes for 10¢ in the office. In the 1970s, when soft drinks started selling for 25¢, no one changed out the money changer in this machine and we had a few employees of downtown merchants that would come to our building and buy a Coke because they didn’t want to pay 25¢ at their place of employment.”

The lower level of the museum is dedicated to the office aspect of Pontotoc Electric’s business. There are old manual typewriters, check embossing machines, an old adding machine, as well as a 1990s version of an 8-inch floppy disk reader on display. With the ability to pay online today, the artifacts exhibit how the business office has evolved through the years. The museum is segmented into distinctive facets of the cooperative’s operations, with another unique room on the lower level displaying artifacts from the early days of home appliances. “Back when electricity started being used, the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service was partnered with TVA to have electric demonstration kitchens,” said Howell. “They would send an extension home economist to our office and teach ladies how to use electric appliances.” The room even has an old crate from 1935 that a refrigerator was delivered in, which was donated to the association by a longtime member. As you walk up the stairs to the second level, the walls are lined with old photographs and news articles that take visitors through each decade of the association’s achievements. Two prominent photos are of a father and son team, M.L. and C. P. Shannon, both active supporters of the electric cooperative. “The Shannons and another gentleman named M.L. Higgs were probably the three people that had the most to do with starting Pontotoc Electric,” said Howell. “The Shannons also owned the local

A message to our members about electric service fees and taxes

Above: The Pontotoc Electric Power Association Historical Museum houses historical industry relics. Right: Chuck Howell, general manager of Pontotoc Electric, is proud of this surveyor’s transit that dates to April 1896. It is his personal favorite item in the museum. Below: This metering table dates back to the 1950s and was used to test electric meters for accuracy.

telephone company so they were familiar with setting poles and stringing wire. Then when the idea of electricity came, they were very much for it.” On the second level are four rooms dedicated to engineering and staking, line crew work, metering and transformers and old radio transmission. In the engineering room, there is a surveyor’s transit that has a patent date of April 1896. “TVA used the surveyor’s transit before us, and we bought it from them,” said Howell. “It was our only surveying instrument that we had until 1986, but it still works today. I don’t get asked this often, but when someone asks what my favorite item is in the whole museum, it would be the surveyor’s transit.” Before bucket trucks, the line crews used old hand tools and hot boards. The line crew room displays a power pole and how the linemen would have to mount the hot board to the pole to do their hot work, which is nothing more than a waxed wooden plank and supporting brace. The entire museum is a testament to how much hard work went into building the association that Pontotoc Electric is today. “We have a lot of artifacts that are not of use to us anymore, but they are too sentimental to throw away,” said Howell. “A few times a year we have school groups that come through and want a

tour of our facility, so we would bring things out of closets and storage areas. Now we have one location to display all of these items.” The museum was the idea of Howell but many Pontotoc Electric employees have come together and worked hard to make it a reality. It is a museum that the association founders, retirees, employees, board members, and members can be proud of. The museum is open by appointment or during special community events. For more information contact the Pontotoc Electric office at 662-489-3211.

Over the past two years The Tennessee Valley Authority has performed costof-service studies for the local power companies that distribute TVA power. TVA is our regulator of electric rates and service charges. Based on the results of these cost-of-service studies and through excellent cooperation with TVA, the electric “rates” themselves will remain the same for bills following October 1, 2019. However, certain service charges will increase slightly. The “customer charge” for residential, general power, metered traffic signals, and metered outdoor lighting installations will increase by $1.00 per meter per month. For three-phase general power customers of less than 250 kilowatts demand, the “three-phase” charge will also increase by $1.00 per meter per month. For residential and commercial customers located inside municipal limits, the two percent municipal franchise tax will now appear as a line item on these customers’ bills, where in the past this municipal franchise tax has been paid by the Association from electric sales revenue and has not been identified as a separate line item on the bill. A very limited number of larger commercial and industrial customers may see other specific changes in their bills also. On behalf of Pontotoc Electric Power Association, we appreciate the cooperation of the Tennessee Valley Authority by working with us to keep the “electric rates” the same as the previous year, and by keeping the fee increases as low and as simple as possible while still accomplishing the goals of the cost-ofservice studies.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

BRIAN HUGHEY

General Manager & CEO LORRI FREEMAN, APR Manager of Public Relations

Energy Tips

AMANDA PARKER Public Relations Specialist

80 years of serving our neighbors

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.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Planning is everything As you well know, we have experienced extremely high temperatures over the last several Brian Hughey weeks. The General Manager & CEO high heat plus humidity can make it difficult to enjoy being outdoors and can cause members’ energy use to rise with the mercury. Planning starts years in advance to ensure our electric system is ready to handle the increased electricity use and system load.

Singing River Electric’s team works every four years to develop and implement a Construction Work Plan. This is the key to fulfilling an integral part of our mission – to provide safe and reliable electric service to our members. The planning normally begins five to six years in advance, as the engineering department evaluates our present electrical system. Next, a growth rate is applied using computer models. When system growth is applied, any deficiencies in the electrical system are revealed to our engineers. This is what determines the large projects included in our Construction Work Plan. Each year, our construction crews implement the plan by safely replacing undersized

14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

lines, upgrading transformers and building new substations. This year is no exception, as crews are completing the construction of the Frank Snell substation located in northeast Jackson County. This substation is necessary to meet the needs of the growing Big Point and Hurley communities, as well as providing backup capacity to adjacent substations. Additional projects across our entire service territory will be completed this year. Your cooperative will continue to monitor system load during these times of elevated energy use. And as always, our crews are ready to respond to any unplanned event. In the meantime, we will all try to stay cool.

Jeff Gray Energy Services Representative gray@singingriver.com

Appliance size does not always rule energy use Refrigerators and freezers may be the largest appliances in your home, however, they normally use the least amount of electricity. Though everyone’s energy use differs, heating and cooling, water heating, lighting and electronics generally all use more. There are still actions you can take to ensure efficiency in refrigeration. Check that refrigerator door seals are clean and tight. A defective seal can cause the unit to run longer and use more electricity. According to Energy Star, the average refrigerator is opened 33 times a day. Keeping the door closed will increase the unit’s efficiency. Also, leave a few inches between the wall and the unit, and keep condenser coils clean if you have an older model. Freezers tend to use half the energy of refrigerators, but many of these same tips apply to them. All refrigerators and freezers, ideally, should be located in conditioned spaces and positioned away from any heat sources. Heat makes the unit run longer and use more energy. Unplug and recycle unused refrigerators and freezers. For more tips, visit singingriver.com/ways-tosave or energystar.gov.

A little efficiency goes a long way When it comes to making your home more efficient, Singing River Electric has the tools, resources and rebates to help. And small improvements today can lead to big savings tomorrow. Visit our website or join us on social media to learn more.

Are you an 11th grader served by Singing River Electric? Make this year memorable by participating in the 2020 Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Miss., and the Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. See your guidance counselor or visit singingriver.com/my-community.

Visit the: ■ Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials ■ Martin Luther King Memorial ■ Washington National Cathedral ■ Arlington National Cemetery ■ And more 2019 Youth Leaders: Sarah Hults from Resurrection Catholic School, Madisyn Peterson from St. Martin High School, Carly Jones from East Central High School, Jeb Wells from Vancleave High School

Ride 2 Recovery

P2P Career Fair

NHN Community Grant

Co-op Days of Service

Salvation Army Renew Our Rivers

Pascagoula River Audubon Center

How Singing River Electric helps your community shine. When communities need a hand, the people of Singing River Electric are quick to raise their hands to help. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find them working with kids. Helping the needy. Pitching in on community projects. And supporting organizations that change lives and save lives. See how Singing River Electric and other local electric cooperatives are making a difference in communities like yours. Visit MyElectricCooperative.com/community.

“

Visit www.franklincountynow.org or call 601-384-2280 for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Contact Information: P.O. Box 60 • 13491 Hwy. 28 • Taylorsville, MS 39168 BRANDON • 3215 Louis Wilson Drive, 601-824-7070 or 800-698-9574 NEW HEBRON • 2504 Ferguson Mill Road, 601-694-2711 or 800-698-9571 NEWTON • 1400 South Main Street, 601-683-2200 or 800-698-9573 HATTIESBURG • 7848 Highway 49 North, 601-264-0185

TO REPORT OUTAGES:

1-800-231-5240 Visit us online at www.southernpine.coop Follow us on social media @MySouthernPine

We never stop learning “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.” Henry Ford

The summer months are almost behind us and my favorite time of year is almost here, Fall. Like many of you, I look forward to the changing weather, football and hunting season. For my kids, it means the school year is well under way, the new shoes and backpacks have lost their excitement and the dreaded evenings of homework and studying for tests are back. For them it seems a never-ending cycle of forced learning and looking for- Jason Siegfried President/CEO ward to the next break. One of my oldest sons, almost 15, just entered high school. On the way to football practice one morning just before the start of school, I asked him who was the hardest working player on the field. He thought for a minute and named a couple players. I asked him why he was not on that list. He replied, “those guys are really good, very athletic.” I jumped on the opportunity to tell him that talent and athleticism had nothing to do with the choice he could make to be the hardest worker on the field and to learn as much as he could about the game and his role. Admittedly, I then began lecturing him about how the next four years of school (learning) would possibly chart the course of the rest of his life and that his choices mattered more than ever. I’m pretty sure he remembers that conversation the way I remember many of the 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

ones my dad had with me, blah, blah, blah. My frustration in realizing how well my son hears me reminds me that the best way to teach him is to show him. My inner desire to learn comes and goes, but I know people, like my wife, who have a natural desire to learn. I laugh, in adoration, every time I see her folding clothes or cleaning floors at home with her ear buds in listening to an educational podcast. She takes every opportunity to read or listen to a podcast about something that helps her grow. It’s a quality I admire. Like me, for many of us, learning and growing are things we have to be intentional about. We have to choose to participate in activities that help us to become better versions of ourselves. Accepting that learning and continuing education is not only for students but for everyone, is a good start in self-improvement. Zig Ziglar often said that “you don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” That statement is equally true if you are twenty or eighty. The best way to never reach your goals is to never start. Another favorite saying, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time!” At Southern Pine, an important part of “Bringing the Power” to our members is looking for every opportunity for employees to continue their education, learn how to be innovative and how to better themselves, their families and the cooperative. You know well that time marches on no matter what you are doing, and we believe

that you should spend that time learning all that you can. Refusing to learn is a guarantee that you will be left behind in a world of fast-paced technology that has changed the most basic elements of our industry and our daily lives. Pushing through our resistance to change and embracing change as an opportunity to grow will keep our minds young and improve our ability to navigate the world we will live in. As I challenge the man in the mirror, our employees and my family, I challenge you to evaluate where you are and where you want to be. If you struggle with where to start, ask the one closest to you and start. Start your new school year or your next season with the choice to learn something that will improve your life or the life of those that matter to you.

POWER SAVING

Tip of the

Month

Southern Pine’s Adopt-a-School celebrates another school year Another school year has begun, and the students and teachers of Southern Pine’s Adopt-a-School, The New William J. Berry Elementary, are hard at work. In August, teachers and students came back to their classrooms and immediately hit the ground running with teachers preparing lesson plans and students eagerly ready to learn. While it can be difficult to return to school after a summer off, they didn’t do it alone. Southern Pine Electric wanted to make the school year memorable for every student and teacher at The New William J. Berry Elementary. At the beginning of the school year, Southern Pine provided a back-to-school lunch for faculty and staff and cooperative employees gathered school supplies, including hundreds of pens, pencils, notebooks and backpacks for students at the school. Southern Pine servicemen also helped at the school’s Back to School Bash by showing a hotline demonstration that promotes electrical safety. Southern Pine Electric wishes the faculty, staff and especially students a wonderful school year. We have had a great time working with The New William J. Berry Elementary and hope for the school’s continued success.

Southern Pine shows area students its hotline demonstration at the Back to School Bash.

Energy Services Technician John Shoemaker unloads school supplies at The New William J. Berry Elementary.

Southern Pine employees Heather White and Gwen Creel along with Principal Stacie Collins and students from The New William J. Berry Elementary.

Faculty and staff enjoy lunch provided by Southern Pine Electric.

Faculty and staff show their school spirit at the Back to School Bash.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

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

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

www.southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

Southwest Electric to retire capital credits totaling

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

ANNUAL MEETING

1,546,843

Southwest Electric is a Member-owned cooperative. Unlike an investor-owned utility, we do not operate to make a profit. Revenue received from Members’ bills isStatement used toDate cover operating expenses and 07/30/2019 123456789 Account Number Southwest Mississippi the remaining funds are invested in the utility plant. Payment Due 08/15/2019 Electric Power Association This investment called capital credit patronage PO Box 5 Account Balance Summary Lorman, MS 39096 Balance 192.00on how is allocatedPrevious to our Members’ accounts based Thank You! 192.00 CR Payment Received Balance Forward 0.00 who much electricity they used that year. Members Mon – Fri 141.21 Current Charges westelectric.coop 8564 141.21 Total Amountwill Due have a bigger investment. use more electricity 6973 Likewise, Members who use less will have a smaller 4 41investment. Capital credits from 1988 and some from 2018 will be returned to Members who had accounts during TAFFFTFDTDDTATATFTADTDA those years. On Sept. 11, those Members with capital credits of $50 or more will be mailed a check. Page 1 ofMem2 sages Bill in Messages bers with less than $50 capital credits will see their The "past due" must be paid by 4:30pm on the "Total Due" date listed bill. If you paySeptember the past due by thatbills. date, the amount asonayour credit ondon't the entire amount is due to avoid disconnection. Payments placed in the night deposit after 8:00am will not be posted until the following business day.

Reading Dates From To 06/25/19 07/25/19

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Service Address: 123 Main Street Mult

Usage

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The 13th Annual Wildlife Expo was held on Thursday, Aug. 15. This highly anticipated event is organized by Highland Baptist Church of Natchez.

160.63 4.08

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2018 91 58

ANNUAL HIGHLAND WILDLIFE EXPO

Power Factor 0.0

Current Service Detail ELECTRIC SERVICE ENVIRONMENTAL COST

Previous Year

Above: During the 2019 Annual Meeting held on Aug. 7, door prizes were given to Members in attendance. Pictured from left: Elizabeth Grifﬁn of Franklin County, John Michael Chance Jr. of Lincoln County, Ricky Long of Franklin County, Lillian Edney of Adams County, Randy Graves of Franklin County and Lorraine Wince of Copiah County. Right: All Members who returned the bottom portion of their Annual Meeting notice were entered into a drawing to win an LED Smart TV. Pictured is Jerry Carter of Jefferson County who was the lucky winner.

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Left photo: Employees recently volunteered at the 2019 Highland Wildlife Expo. Standing left to right: Jeremy Smith, Les Southerland and Randy Cobb. Seated left to right: Amanda Cranﬁeld and Stephanie Knotts. Right photo: Chris Braley of Adams County won the drawing for the game camera donated by Southwest Electric as a door prize.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re delivering more to your community than electricity. It takes more than electricity to power a community. It takes people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. Every day, the people of Southwest Electric are working to build a better future in communities like yoursâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;by coaching and mentoring our youth, conducting safety programs, sponsoring community events and helping build Camp Kamassa, a very special camp for kids with special needs. See how Southwest Electric is changing lives in Southwest Mississippi and beyond. Check out the Camp Kamassa story at MyElectricCooperative.com/community today.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

FOR AFTER-HOURS OUTAGES, CALL

866-897-7250 HOLLANDALE

BELZONI

(662) 827-2262

(662) 247-1909

GREENVILLE

ROLLING FORK

(662) 334-9543

(662) 873-4233

SERVING MORE THAN 12,600 ELECTRIC METERS IN FIVE DELTA COUNTIES

HOLLANDALE CELEBRATES LOCAL BLUES LEGEND 9th annual Sam Chatmon Festival set for September 27-28 By Elissa Fulton There are many Delta towns that are proud of their local blues legends, and Hollandale is no exception. Since the revival of the blues genre in the late 1980s, Mississippi has celebrated its blues tradition by marking towns that have had a significant impact on the lives of its musicians and its culture. Hollandale was once home to Sam Chatmon in his later years. Many local residents remember him playing his celebrated ballads on street corners downtown. One resident who remembers Chatmon fondly is Roy Schilling, owner of the Stop N Shop on East Avenue. The local grocery store has been a family business for generations, and Schilling has fond memories of Chatmon while working in the store for his father in the 1980s. “Sam used to shop in the store,” said Schilling. “He was just a really loveable, likeable guy.” A music lover himself, Schilling learned to appreciate blues early on and he knew that Chatmon was special. Originally from Bolton, Chatmon was in a string band with his father and his brothers around the turn of the century. They called themselves The Mississippi Sheik. “They played fiddles, banjos and other 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

acoustic instruments,” said Schilling. “They were one of the very first blues groups that were recorded on a record label. They

Roy Schilling

had several songs that were later recorded by British rock bands who brought these songs back over to America and sold millions. “Sitting on Top of the World” was a famous hit for a group called Cream, whose guitar player was a guy named Eric Clapton.” Schilling is proud that many of those

famous songs recorded by huge recording artists originated right in his hometown. Though Chatmon died early in 1983, many of the local Hollandale residents chose to remember his legacy by organizing a community festival. “Sam loved barbeque,” said Schilling. “One of his albums in his later years was recorded with his band called Sam and the Barbeque Boys. In 1997, we had a barbeque contest and had some live music. There was a really great reaction to that, and it turned into an annual event. We did it in conjunction with graduation, so we held it on Memorial Day weekend and called it Summerfest. It got bigger and bigger every year, and we moved it to the ballpark and added a baseball tournament. We did Summerfest for about 20 years.” Once the Mississippi Blues Trail Commission began placing markers in communities commemorating blues artists, it was decided that Hollandale would get its own marker for Chatmon. “We had a big day over here in Hollandale and had live music again and everyone really liked it,” said Schilling. “It was in September, and at the same time, the Convention and Visitors Bureau was working with other CVB’s in Tennessee and Arkansas and they formed a three-state

“If you’ve never seen live gospel on a stage with 30 to 40 choir members, it will blow you away.” Roy Schilling

cooperative called Bridging the Blues. They worked together to set festivals where they weren’t competing with each other for the fans that come in from all over the world. That’s when we decided to name our festival The Sam Chatmon Festival and permanently move it to September. It’s always the last Saturday in September, and this year will be our 9th annual festival.” Though the festival no longer includes the ballgame and barbeque contest, it is still a fun event celebrating its local legend. This year, there will be food, vendors, crafts and a 5K walk/run. The two-day event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 27 and will continue on Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Gospel music will begin around 10 a.m. “We’ve got local church choirs that come out, and they are powerful,” said

A marker was placed in downtown Hollandale to commemorate the life and work of Sam Chatmon.

Schilling. “If you’ve never seen live gospel on a stage with 30 to 40 choir members, it will blow you away.” The best part about the event is that it is completely free. Last year, the event brought in nearly 3,000 attendees. Though the festival has evolved over the years, the residents have been proudly celebrating Sam Chatmon and his musical talents for three decades. So, grab your tents, coolers and lawn chairs and come on to downtown Hollandale to enjoy some live Delta blues music.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Contact Information: 2255 Gordon Avenue • Yazoo City, MS 39194 Mail: P.O. Box 8 • Yazoo City, MS 39194

TO REPORT OUTAGES:

662-746-4251 Visit us online at www.yazoovalley.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Pay by Phone: 1-866-484-4277

ANNUAL MEETING SET FOR NOVEMBER 12 The Annual Meeting of Members of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the office of the Association in Yazoo City. At this meeting, three directors will be elected to serve a three-year term each. Of the three directors to be elected, two must be Yazoo Valley members and residents of Yazoo, Holmes or Humphreys county. The other director to be elected must be a Yazoo Valley member and resident of Warren, Sharkey or Issaquena county. A committee to consider and make nominations for directors of the Association was appointed at an August meeting of 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 the names of any nominees properly made by petition and who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements of the bylaws at the same place where the list of nominations by the committee is posted. Nominations of eligible nominees properly made

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

662-746-4251 14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

by petition, to be effective, 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!

Are you a leader

in your school and community Our Youth Leadership Program

Our program is for high school juniors interested in enhancing their leadership skills Once you are selected as a Yazoo Valley Electric representative, you will attend:

■ Youth Leadership Workshop

The three-day workshop features a true cooperative learning atmosphere. More than 85 students from across the state will experience cooperative team-building exercises, a breakfast with their legislators, a visit to the Capitol, a town hall meeting and motivational speakers. We will also have a time for games and interaction between the students. You will have the opportunity to earn a $500 or $1000 scholarship.

■ Youth Tour

Each year, Mississippi’s student delegation joins more than 1,800 high school juniors from 43 states across the nation at the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., where they learn about cooperatives and rural electrification from a national perspective. The Youth Tour is a wonderful sightseeing experience that also offers an opportunity for making new friends. The Youth Tour is organized by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Find us at www.facebook.com/Yazoo-Valley-Electric-PowerAssociation. You can also like our statewide youth leadership page www.facebook.com/ECMYLP and follow us on Instagram @msyouthleadershipprogram

■ It is an honor to be selected

■ Cost

Students’ expenses for all three events are funded entirely by Yazoo Valley Electric. There are no hidden costs; Yazoo Valley Electric pays for all travel, lodging, meals, educational materials and admission fees. Our support of the program demonstrates a commitment to our young people and a desire to provide an effective, high-quality leadership program to help prepare them for life’s challenges.

■ How to get involved

Yazoo Valley Electric’s Youth Leadership Program Director will contact an official at each of our local schools and provide program details. This is generally the school counselor. If you are interested in being a representative contact your school guidance counselor today! Please contact Yazoo Valley Electric’s youth leadership program coordinator if you have any questions.

Dennis McFee, Program Director Office - 662-746-4251 • dmcfee@yazoovalley.com

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Fundraising

efforts aid victims of

By Elissa Fulton There is nothing that shows kindness and love quite like those who give selflessly in the wake of disaster. Those who have suffered from the recent backwater flooding in West Central Mississippi and the Delta know this all too well. For eight months, thousands of area residents have been affected and displaced by rising waters. Community members have rallied together and vowed that this flood will not defeat them. Many fundraising committees, individuals, businesses and churches have been working around the clock to ensure the needs of evacuees are being met during this ominous time. According to Michele Connelly, executive director for the United Way of West Central Mississippi (UWWCM), the community members have come together in a mighty way. “People are really giving of their talents no matter what it is,” said Connelly. “Whether it is physical labor, monetary donations, cooking, cleaning, entertaining or making sure the community and our children are educated about what we can do to overcome this — it’s been really encouraging to see how this is really in the fabric of all of us here.” 16 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. presented the key to the city to William Michael Morgan. More than 3,000 attendees enjoyed live music at Flood Fest. Flood Fest photos provided by Tommy Parker.

The UWWCM, along with Connelly and her staff of four, have been chosen to manage the fundraising efforts for Issaquena, Sharkey, Warren and Yazoo counties through the non-profit organization. “We are extremely honored to be trusted as the non-profit for these four impacted counties,” she said. “We are accepting these donations and making sure they are being spent effectively and efficiently for those who have suffered from the waters. One hundred percent of all money that comes in for disaster relief at UWWCM meets immediate needs for those affected.” Community members have been organizing several fundraising events with funds being managed by UWWCM. The first summer fundraising event was held on Aug. 3, at Guiding Star M.B. Church in Cary, a small town in Sharkey

County. Reverend Bernard Harvey and Michelle Bell organized the event that showcased various choirs from Mississippi and surrounding states. Donated items and funds of $6,250 were raised for Sharkey County residents affected by the flooding. On Aug. 17, Flood Fest was held at the Redwood Elementary School. This was a community-wide event that hundreds of businesses supported. The festival organizer Tommy Parker

Letter to the Editor

the green and live music. The barbeque of Eagle Lake, has been in radio, comcompetition fee is $200, and the event munications and promotions for most of entry fee is $10 to enjoy the food and his career, so this was a talent he used to events. organize this special event. With country The United Way staff is continuously music star and Vicksburg native William discussing fundraising efforts with comMichael Morgan headlining, the event saw munity members, businesses, churches more than 3,000 attendees and raised and schools in support of flood victims more than $30,000, with donations still as well as working to educate the public pouring in. about the devastating impact to the area. “Many people that I know personal“Every single day I am just amazed by ly have been affected by this disaster,” the generosity we have seen,” said said Parker. “For some of these victims, Connelly, “I’m not necessarily without someone stepping in shocked because I know and giving them a hand, how great the people in they won’t be able to Mississippi are, but I’m make it financially. The definitely amazed. God community was such bless our staff who a big part of this are on the front lines event and our comas case managers, munities will come because they are back bigger and seeing the devastabetter than ever.” tion first hand. They There are two are working so hard more fundraisers Michele Connelly through the week, on scheduled in Septemnights and on weekends to ber. The Mississippi Delta make a difference. We believe Backwater Flood Relief fundGod has called us to do this work.” raiser is scheduled for Sept. 14 at All assistance to victims of the backwathe Rolling Fork National Guard Armory. ter flooding are available only through the Food plates will be sold for $11 and can generous donations given to UWWCM or be picked up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. through fundraising efforts by community Tickets will be on sale at UWWCM. There members. One hundred percent of these will also be t-shirts for sale and funds go to aid flood victims. To view a live music. detailed current report of dollars raised On Sept. 28, local restaurant owner and expended in the affected service and flood advocate Perry Boyd has orgaarea, visit www.unitedwayvicksburg.org. nized the Buckos Bar-B-Que Challenge. He has partnered with Sports Force Parks, For more information on upcoming events or how you can help, contact UWWCM by the local recreational sports facility, to calling 601-636-1733. host the event. There will be a barbeque cook-off, a cornhole tournament, a pie-eating contest, a pig toss, movies on

“People are really giving of their talents no matter what it is.”

Dear Editor, Numerous letters and articles have addressed the flooding in the South Delta and the Yazoo Backwater Area in particular. The truth is, if you don’t live in the area, you can’t begin to appreciate the toll this flood has taken on lives and businesses in the South Delta. Moreover, in addition to the losses suffered by the residents and businesses in the area, the loss of wildlife and timber resources will be staggering. We may never fully comprehend the scope of this environmental and ecological disaster. No doubt, nature set the stage for the event, but (as has been pointed out) this is in part a man-made disaster. The Backwater Levee without pumps to drain excess water set the stage for this event and future events of equal or greater devastation. We all agree that it is a good idea to protect our natural wetland areas and preserve the ecology of the region. If the interests of the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club are strictly concerned with wetlands preservation and the environment, it is difficult to see how the pumps will negatively impact wetlands or the environment in the future. It is the future that should be our concern. Mitigating the damaging effects of future floods should be our goal. We feel the best option to reduce the damage from future backwater flooding is to install the pumps at the Steele Bayou Drainage Structure. Installation of the pumps will balance nature and society without tipping the scales in either direction in this sensitive part of our state. Ronald White General Manager, Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17