Today in Mississippi Nov-Dec 2017 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

News for members of Electric Cooperatives in Mississippi

Two Museums devoted to Mississippi history open Dec. 9 in Jackson.

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

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

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

www.centralepa.com

Central Electric Engineer teaches students about electricity

Chance Sistrunk, electrical engineer for Central Electric Power Association, spent the day teaching 5th graders from schools in Leake County about how electricity works and the importance of safety around power lines.

Holiday lighting safety tips This year is rapidly drawing to a close and that means the holiday lighting season is back. If your home space is in need of a decorative refresh, here are some tips to take your artistic stylings to the next level. There are two areas to cover, so let’s get started. Safety is up first. If your lights are ground mounted or can be installed standing on the floor or ground, you can skip ahead. However, since most decorations involve some installation at height, you need to do the following: 1. Have a ground crew (one or two people) to steady your ladder and pass up the decorations… an invaluable part of safety and for keeping you supplied with untangled light strings, fasteners and encouragement. 2. Remember to keep a safe distance from your overhead electric service. 3. Don’t overreach. If you cannot get to a point with your body completely centered between the sides of the ladder, get down and relocate it. 4. Don’t overextend the ladder. If your ladder is too short, rent or borrow a longer one. A ladder extended beyond its working limits is dangerous as is standing on rungs too close to the top. 5. Do not overload circuits by stringing more light sets together than the manufacturer recommends. Check the packaging for details.

6. Check your wires for breaks and cracks in the insulation that can lead to shorts. Most of these tips apply equally to inside and outside decorating activities. Light selection is next. If at all possible, invest in LED lights this season. Unlike the first versions to hit the market that were characterized by rather harsh and unattractive colors, the newest generation’s colors are reminiscent of the incandescent lights of yore. Why go the LED route? Longevity and cost of operation are the two key reasons. Unlike incandescent lights, whether the large or mini bulb, LEDs will last for many, many, years. LEDs have no filaments to burn out. Aside from physically destroying the bulb, the LED is amazingly robust. Given the modest number of hours of operation, you can expect LEDs to last seven or more years. Then there is the cost of operation benefit from LEDs. These gems of technological advancement truly sip electricity. A reasonable estimate of power consumption is 7 watts per 100 lights. How does that compare to the old incandescent? Each of those bulbs used 12 watts so a string of 100 devoured 1200 watts. Truly want to manage the cost of operating holiday lights? Invest in timers to turn the lights on and off automatically. Really into gadgets? Invest in a

smart plug for your lights you can program and control from your smart phone. Once you have your design finalized and installed, it is my recommendation to leave as much of the outside portion of lights in place. No, don’t be that person who leaves the holiday lights on all year. Simply disconnect them after the holidays, protecting the plugs and sockets from dirt and debris. Think of the reduced stress and risk if you set and forget your design. With the longevity of the LEDs, you can enjoy this freedom and practically eliminate the risks associated with high-wire seasonal gymnastics.

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Local cookbook publisher releases two new cookbooks just in time for the holidays

Check out these great new cookbooks from Great American Publishers Blue Water, Sea Breezes and Seafood... It doesn't get better than this.

Betty B's Having a Party! A Holiday Dinner Party Cookbook

Renowned cookbook author and beach lover Kent Whitaker, takes readers on a delicious and scenic journey through the Gulf Coast states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida in this vividly colorful new cookbook. The book features the Gulf Coast’s most popular seafood dishes, as well as fresh new recipes that are sure to become classics. There are so many delectable recipes to choose from in this book. From Grilled Gator Bites with Tangy Orange Dipping Sauce to Coastal Key Lime Pie, Creole Baked Redfish with Tangy Chili Mayoto Crab Coleslaw Salad. Recipes like Grilled Zesty Shark Steaks with Easy Pineapple Salsa will please even the most discerning seafood fan who can then indulge their sweet tooth with

Betty B’s Having a Party… and now you can too with 32 holiday-themed dinner-party menus that will make your friends and family rave. With 250 easyto-follow recipes, you will host the perfect party for a range of special occasions, including: • Holiday Dinner Party: Sweet Bourbon Salmon Fillet, Sauteed Julienne Carrots, Roasted Asparagus and Fuzzy Navel Cake. • New Year’s Eve Celebration: ShowStopping Torte, Burgundy Mushrooms and Upside Down Bananas Foster Cake • German Lenten Dinner: Brats & Kraut Spatzel, German Potato Pancakes, Red Cabbage, Black Forest Cherry Cake • Easter Dinner: Strawberry-Melon Spinach Salad, Stuffed Fresh Ham, Chet’s Potatoes, Black and White Cream Pie • Mexican Fiesta: Mexican Two-Bean Salad, Tangy Taco Ring, King Ranch

mouth-watering Coastal Sunshine Orange Squares. Beach lovers who live with the sand between their toes or those who simply enjoy the occasional beach vacation will love Fried Apalachicola Oysters and Kent’s Cheese Hushpuppies. And anyone who loves the heritage and history of the Gulf Coast will appreciate the versatility of this beautiful new seafood cookbook.

Cheesy Casserole, and Mexican Banana Pudding • Thanksgiving Dinner: Orange Fluff Salad, Green Beans Almondine, Corn Pudding, Pecan-Cranberry Pie. Nothing beats a cozy dinner party celebrating with friends gathering around your table for a delicious meal. The recipes in the book are doable and affordable and are made with familiar ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store. Betty B takes the guesswork out of putting together flavorful and practical menus making you a confident and stress-free party host.

Black Bean Salsa 3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained ¾ cup fresh or frozen corn ½ cup finely chopped red onion ½ cup chopped roasted sweet red pepper 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro ¼ cup lime juice 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground coriander Tortilla chips

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except tortilla chips. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve with tortilla chips. Yield: 4 cups. Pick up your copy of Little Gulf Coast Seafood Cookbook or Betty B’s Having a Party! Both are available locally in bookstores and gift shops. For more information, visit the website at www.greatamericanpublishers.com or call Great American Publishers, 888.854.5954.

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Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

2018 Youth Tour Local students selected for 2018 Youth Leadership

Central Electric Power Association congratulates these students! Eight area high school juniors were recently selected through an interview process to represent Central Electric Power Association during an upcoming statewide leadership workshop in Jackson, Miss., and the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., this summer. Now in its 32nd year, the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Program is an enjoyable educational experience that makes a lasting impact on participants. The program seeks to: • help students develop the confidence and ability to become better leaders in their schools and communities; • stimulate their interest in governmental affairs and encourage their participation in the democratic process; • inform them about their electric cooperative, the cooperative form of business and the distribution of electricity; • foster interaction among students from communities throughout Mississippi and the nation. Wallace “Bubba” Bass is the son of Tracie Bass. He attends Leake County High School. After graduation, Wallace plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in mechanical engineering. Sarah Burns is the daughter of Bruce and Sheila Burns. She attends Leake Central High School. While her career choice is still undecided, Sarah plans to attend East Central Community College and then a university to obtain a master’s degree.

Gabrielle Caldwell is the daughter of David and Kathy Caldwell. She attends Northwest Rankin High School. After graduation, Gabrielle plans to attend Ole Miss and pursue a career as a neurologist. Allyson Crocker is the daughter of Ray and Leigh Ann Magee and Del Crocker, Jr. She attends Leake Central High School. After graduation, Allyson plans to attend Mississippi State University with goals of being an FBI agent or U.S. Marshall. Courtney Gill is the daughter of Robby and Stephanie Gill. She attends Leake Academy. After graduation, Courtney plans to attend East Central Community College and Mississippi State University to become a dermatologist. Brian Pace is the son of Derek and Patty Pace. He attends Neshoba Central High School. After graduation, Brian plans to attend college and become an optometrist. Alana Patterson is the daughter of Neil and Jessica Patterson. She attends Leake Academy. After graduation, Alana plans to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi where she will major in education and minor in dance choreography. Arrow Scott is the son of Rodney and Tina Scott. He attends Choctaw Central High School. After graduation, Arrow plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in sports medicine.

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winners

Wallace Bass

Sarah Burns

Gabrielle Caldwell

Allyson Crocker

Courtney Gill

Brian Pace

Alana Patterson

Arrow Scott

Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Whatever is beautiful, whatever is meaningful, Whatever brings you happiness... May it be yours this Thanksgiving And throughout the coming year.

WE WILL BE CLOSED November 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving.

In case of a power outage or emergency, please call

866-846-5671. CEPA Dispatcher on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

November/December 2017 I Today in Mississippi

MerryChristmas from

Central Electric Power Association

2017 HOLIDAY EVENTS LISTING ATTALA COUNTY

RANKIN COUNTY

November 30 – Lighting of the Tree – 5:30 p.m. December 4 – Christmas Parade – 6:30 p.m.

December 6-24 – Fa La La La “Local” December 1 – Brandon Christmas Parade – 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. December 2 – Brandon Breakfast with Santa – 8:00 a.m. – Tickets are $5.00 each. This event is for children up to the 5th grade. For more information please visit www.brandonms.org/santa2017/ December 7 – Christmas in the Park 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. – Grand lighting of the Park and Chili Cook Off – The Christmas Wonderland at Winner’s Circle Park with Santa and the Train will run on the following dates: December 7,8,9,11,12,13,14,15,16,18,19,20, 21 and 22 December 8 – Flowood Christmas Open House – 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. For more information please call Kay Shelton at 601-939-4243. December 9 – It’s a Wonderful Life in Historic Brandon – 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. For more information please contact Debbie Jones at dkjones388@yahoo.com. December 14 – Flowood, Polar Express Movie at Flowood Nature Park –movie begins at dusk.

NESHOBA COUNTY December 2 – Union Christmas Parade – 6:00 p.m. December 4 – Philadelphia Christmas Parade – 6:00 p.m. December 7 – Moonlight Madness – 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

LEAKE COUNTY November 30 – Lighting of the Tree – 5:30 p.m. November 30 – Christmas Parade – 6:00 p.m. December 7 – Sippin Cider – 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

SCOTT COUNTY December 1 – Forest Christmas Parade – 6:00 p.m.

Central Electric offices will be closed

December 22 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. In case of a power outage or emergency, please call

866-846-5671. CEPA Dispatcher on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

Bylaws outline procedure for annual meeting Coahoma Electric Power Association will hold its Annual Meeting of the Membership at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, at Coahoma Electric’s Training Center in Lyon, Miss. The following is an excerpt from the association’s bylaws pertaining to the Annual Meeting of the Membership.

ARTICLE III MEETING OF MEMBERS Section 3.01. Annual Meeting. For the purposes of electing directors, hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, the annual meeting of the members shall be held on the second Thursday of February of each year, at such place in the County of Coahoma, State of Mississippi, and beginning at such hour, as the Board of Directors shall from year to year fix; provided, that, for cause sufficient, the Board of Directors may fix a different date for such annual meeting not more than thirty (30) days prior or subsequent to the day otherwise established for such meeting in this Section. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time and place shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Association. Section 3.02. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by a majority of directors, or upon written petition submitted to the Board of Directors signed by at least 400 members; any such petition(s) shall be submitted on forms provided by the Association, and the same shall be signed, completed and verified in the same manner as are petitions submitted under Section 4.04 of these bylaws. Special meetings shall be held at such place within Coahoma County, Mississippi, on such date, and at such hour as the Board of Directors shall fix and determine, and the Secretary shall cause notice of such meetings to be given as hereinafter provided. Section 3.03. Notice of Members’ Meetings. Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered to each member not less that fifteen (15) days nor more than twenty-five (25) days before

Notice to Members Coahoma Electric Power Association’s

Annual Meeting of Members

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018

at 10 a.m. at Coahoma Electric’s Training Center, Lyon, Miss. the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the Secretary. If directors are to be elected at such meeting, the notice of members’ meeting shall include a statement of the board members to be elected as provided in Section 4.04. Unless contained with such notice, no matter may be acted upon at that meeting which requires the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the members. If mailed such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the member as it appears on the records of the Association, with postage thereon prepaid. The failure of any member to receive notice of an annual or special meeting of the members shall not invalidate any action which may be taken by the members at any such meeting. Section 3.04. Quorum. Three hundred (300) members shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of members. This number shall be arrived at by adding the number of members present in person at the meeting to the number of members represented at that meeting by valid proxies filed as provided by these bylaws. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting of members, the officer of the Association who is presiding at the meeting may, at the time stated in the notice and without a motion, declare the meet-

ing adjourned and closed or he may hold the meeting open for not longer than thirty (30) minutes to see if a quorum is present within that time; and the meeting shall automatically be adjourned and closed if a quorum shall not be present at the end of said thirty (30) minute period. The members present at a meeting at which a quorum is not present shall not have the power to take any kind of action, including, but not by way of limitations, adjourning said meeting to another time or place. Section 3.05. Voting. Each member who is not in a status of suspension, as provided for in Section 2.01, shall be entitled to only one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at any meeting of the members. A member may vote in person or by proxy. At a meeting of the members where directors are to be elected, all members present in person or by proxy may cast one vote for each director to be elected; each member may vote their own vote plus those proxies executed in their favor, pursuant to Sections 3.06 and 3.07 of these bylaws. Voting by members other than members who are natural persons shall be allowed upon the presentation to the Association, prior to or upon registration at each member meeting, of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting same to vote. At all meetings of the

members, all questions shall be decided by a majority of the members voting thereon, except as otherwise provided by law or by the Association’s Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws. Members may not cumulate their votes. Section 3.06. Proxies. At all meetings of the members, a member may vote by proxy executed in writing by the member, subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth, provided, however, any member intending to vote by proxy must file the executed proxy at the Association’s headquarters not less than three (3) days prior to the meeting. A member may personally deliver his proxy to the said offices of the Association or mail the proxy by United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the Secretary, Coahoma Electric Power Association, P.O. Box 188, Lyon, Mississippi 38645. If the proxy is sent by mail, the date of its receipt in the Association’s office at the above address shall be its filing date. No proxy shall be voted at any meeting of the members unless it shall designate the particular meeting at which it is to be voted, and no proxy shall be voted at any meeting other than the one so designated, or any adjournment of such meeting. No proxy shall be voted by anyone except a member. A member may appoint any other individual member to vote his proxy, or a member may appoint the individual members of the Board of Directors, collectively, to vote said proxy. No member shall vote as proxy for more than one hundred fifty (150) members at any meeting of the members, but this restriction shall not apply to the individual members of the Board of Directors. In the event an individual member is appointed to vote as proxy for more than one hundred fifty (150) other members, such proxies in excess of one hundred fifty (150) shall be assigned to the individual members of the Board of Directors for voting; and the proxies so assigned and those proxies appointing the individual members of the Board of Directors shall be voted according to the will of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors. The presence of a member at a meeting of the members shall revoke a proxy theretofore executed by that member, and such member shall be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with

November/December 2017 the same effect as if the proxy had not been executed. In case of a joint membership, a proxy may be executed either by the husband or wife. The presence of either husband or wife at a meeting of the members shall revoke a proxy theretofore executed by either of them and such joint member or members shall be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the same effect as if a proxy had not been executed. A standard proxy form shall be used which identifies the member by name and member number, in order to assure authenticity and facilitate the tabulation of votes. If the proxy form of a member is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the Association shall furnish the member with a replacement proxy form upon request, provided that the member executes a revocation of the lost, stolen or destroyed form, to be witnessed by an employee of the Association. Blank proxy forms will not be distributed in bulk to any member. Designation of proxies shall be upon forms prescribed by the Board of Directors and furnished by the Association and no other shall be recognized or accepted.

ARTICLE IV Section 4.04. Committee on Nominations. (a) It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, no less than forty (40) days nor more than ninety (90) days before the date

Members of Coahoma EPA’s Committee on Nominations Audrey Ball Hamp Bass

Robert A. Boyce William Peal

of the meeting of the members at which directors are to be elected, a Committee on Nominations consisting of not less than five (5) nor more than eleven (11) members who shall be selected with consideration being given to provide equitable geographic representation of the Association’s service area. No existing Association employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director, and close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing association employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director may serve on such committees. The Committee shall receive and consider any suggestion as to nominees submitted by members of the Association. The Committee shall meet at a time and place set by the Board of Directors. The Committee shall prepare and post at the principal office of the

Harvey B. Rodgers Jr. Ann Ruscoe Tommy Sides

Association at least thirty-five (35) days before the meeting a list of nominations for board members. The Secretary must mail with the notice of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of board members to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates nominated by the Committee on Nominations. Any fifty (50) members acting together may make other nominations by petition and the Secretary shall post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the Committee is posted. Any petition for nomination shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address and account number of the member. The person or persons presenting the nomination petition(s) for posting shall present the

Today in Mississippi I 11

same to the Secretary of the Association, or the Assistant Secretary, or the Manager of the Association, or other officer or employee of the Association designated to receive such petition(s) by the Manager, at the office of the Association in Lyon, Mississippi, and shall then and there assist either such Association official or employee in verifying the correct name and address of the persons who actually signed such petition(s). Whereupon, and while said person(s) so presenting such nomination petition(s) are present, the official or employee of the Association receiving the same shall have the names of those signing the same verified as the membership in the Association. Nominations made by petition, if any, received at least five (5) days before the meeting shall be included on the official ballot. Additional nominations for the office of director may be made from the floor at the meeting of members by any member then present in person. Any member(s) nominated from the floor must also be present in person. No member may nominate more than one candidate. (b) Notwithstanding anything in this section contained, failure to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall not affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any election of directors.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

We will be closed November 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, December 25 and 26 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. May all the blessings of Thanksgiving and Christmas follow you and yours throughout the New Year! Happy Holidays from Coahoma Electric Power Association!

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

Where our members have the power CEO’s message

Merry and bright I recently led my first Annual Meeting as the President and CEO of your cooperative and I was pleased with the spirit of partnership and collaboraRon Barnes President and CEO tion in the room. We are a cooperative and that means it takes all of us – directors, employees and members like you – to make this company thrive as it should. I want to thank each of you who attended and those who couldn’t attend but voted by proxy. If you weren’t able to attend and didn’t send in your registration, I want to encourage you to do so next year. As a cooperative member, you are an owner of our company and we want to make sure that all of our owners are informed and active participants. Each year, after our Annual Meeting wraps up, the holiday season arrives. One of the principles that impact how Coast Electric does business is Cooperative Principe 7 – Concern

for Community. That principle is a guiding star for our employees in every season, but seems especially poignant in this season of giving thanks and finding joy. I want to challenge each of you to find a way to help others this holiday season to make our community a better place. There are many opportunities – from serving in local soup kitchens, donating to our Share Your Blessings fund, choosing a child’s name on an Angel Tree, sending cards to soldiers overseas among many others. Choose the one that is most meaningful to you and your family and tell us about it. Send photos of you and your family doing good deeds this holiday season to communications@coastepa.com and you may be featured on our social media channels. Let’s go out in the spirit of cooperation and work to improve the quality of life for the people of south Mississippi and make the holidays a little brighter for our friends and neighbors. Cooperatively yours, Ron Barnes

Share Your Blessings

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This holiday season

Your generous donations to our Share Your Blessings energy assistance fund raised more than $50,000 so far in 2017. All of those funds go towards helping Coast Electric members in need in our community. And it doesn’t take a large donation from you to help – it only takes your pocket change. You can elect to round up your Coast Electric bill each month to the next dollar and all of that change will go to our Share Your Blessings fund. That means that

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

for no more than $0.99 a month – and as little as $0.01 – you are helping your friends and neighbors. We ask that you consider sharing your spare change. Your pennies, nickels and dimes just may make a big difference in the lives of others. You can round up your bill by filling out an online form on coastepa.com, by speaking to any of our member service representatives in any office or by calling us at 877-769-2372.

Captial credits return

The spirit

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November/December 2017

the market that were characterized by rather harsh and unattractive colors, the newest generation’s colors are reminiscent of the incandescent lights of yore. Why go the LED route? Longevity and cost of operation are the two key reasons. Unlike incandescent lights, whether the large or mini bulb, LEDs will last for many, many, years. LEDs have no filaments to burn out. Aside from physically destroying the bulb, the LED is amazingly robust. Given the modest number of hours of operation, you can expect LEDs to last seven or more years. Then there is the cost of operation benefit from LEDs. These gems of technological advancement truly sip electricity. A reasonable estimate of power consumption is 7 watts per 100 lights. How does that compare to the old incandescent? Each of those bulbs used 12 watts so a string of 100 devoured 1200 watts. Truly want to manage the cost of operating holiday lights? Invest in timers to turn the lights on and off automatically. Really into gadgets? Invest in a smart plug for your lights you can program and control from your smart phone. Once you have your design finalized and installed, it is my recommendation to leave as much of the outside portion of lights in place. No, don’t be that person who leaves the holiday lights on all year. Simply disconnect them after the holidays, protecting the plugs and sockets from dirt and debris. Think of the reduced stress and risk if you set and forget your design. With the longevity of the LEDs, you can enjoy this freedom and practically eliminate the risks associated with high-wire seasonal gymnastics.

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New rate policy A new policy affecting Coast Electric’s rate structure began Nov. 1. Here is what you need to know about this change.

# Typically, power costs are averaged

once each year. Currently, Coast Electric’s costs to members don’t change with the seasons but the price for generating power does. Even though we may only have a couple of days of freezing temperatures in the winter, the high demand for electricity on those days affects power costs. Coast Electric members are currently paying around $0.09 per kilowatt hour used for the standard rate but the costs paid to the power supplier are typically higher than that in the winter and lower in the summer.

# To ensure that charges are equal to

costs, Coast Electric will now average power costs twice each year instead of once.

# What does that mean for you? Over a period of 12 months, you won’t see a difference. However, members who are billed monthly will see about a $6 increase for every 1,000 kWh used in the winter and a corresponding decrease in the summer.

# What does that mean for you? Since Mississippi typically has milder winters and long, hot summers, you need to be more aware of your energy use in the winter but will have more opportunities for comfort in the months when you need it the most.

# Who will this change affect? This change affects all member classes but industrial members.

# When will this policy change take place? Nov. 1 began the winter period. April 1 will begin the summer period..

Purchasing electronic gifts this holiday season? Remember to purchase ENERGY STAR®-certified electronics and give the gift of energy efficiency.

TIP of the

Month Visit www.energystar.gov/productfinder for a full list of efficient products. Source: energystar.gov

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Annual Meeting and Member Appreciatio On Nov. 2, Coast Electric hosted its Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Night at the cooperative’s headquarters in Kiln. One of the privileges of being a member-owner of an electric cooperative is having voting rights to elect a board to represent you when making important business decisions. At the Annual Meeting, members in attendance and those who sent in proxy cards re-elected members of the Board of Directors who serve Position Three of Coast Electric’s service territory. The elected directors include James Ginn of Hancock County, Gordon Redd of Harrison County and Doug Mooney of Pearl River County. Besides electing board members, Coast Electric members who attended the meeting had the opportunity to visit with Coast Electric employees, learn more about company programs and register to win prizes. Members in attendance enjoyed picking their prize from a treasure chest. Grand Prize Winners: $250 Electricity Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Williams $500 Electricity Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Verdegan $1,000 Electricity Certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Madere Members who sent their proxy registration cards in by mail were also eligible to win prizes. $250 Electricity Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Dibble $500 Electricity Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edward Semmes $1,000 Electricity Certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christy Demoran Door Prize Winners $100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen D. Russell $100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Wilson $50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Zaffuto $50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lionel Blum $50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annette James $50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Malley $50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin Killen $50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Huff First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Stevens First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Zitzmann Food Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leroy Henry Ferguson Food Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Al Kaiser Vegetable Spiralizer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Demetrios Petratos Vegetable Spiralizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glenn Ladner Lasko Electric Ceramic Heater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Ladner Lasko Electric Ceramic Heater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Wyatt Kindle Fire 8” Tablet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Evelyn Ryan Kindle Fire 8” Tablet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeannette Alfonso Honeywell LED Under Cabinet Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice Fincher Honeywell LED Under Cabinet Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Verdegan Hamilton Beach Bread Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JoAnn Fleming Hamilton Beach Bread Machine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl Moran TORO Ultra Blower Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Raymond TORO Ultra Blower Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Esther Outlaw Game Processing Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Even Nelson Game Processing Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deborah Ramon Stanley FATMAX PowerIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Williams Stanley FATMAX PowerIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Whitfield Honeywell Portable LED Work Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Burl Nelson Honeywell Portable LED Work Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheila Sullivan

Board Chairman Gil Arceneaux announced at the cooperative’s Annual Meeting on Nov. 2 that the company will retire $4,678,386 in capital credits.

Susan Madere, Grand Prize Winner

Member service representatives help register members at the Annual Meeting.

CEO Ron Barnes visits with Youth Tour student Victoria Feazelle and her mother, Vickie.

2017 Youth Leadership Program participants Victoria Feazelle, Allie Estorge and Richard Springer spoke at the Annual Meeting about their experience with the program.

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on Night $4.6 million capital credit return for members Coast Electric Power Association Board Chairman Gil Arceneaux announced at the cooperative’s Annual Meeting on Nov. 2 that the company will retire $4,678,386 in capital credits, the largest retirement in company history, to its member-owners. Checks will be mailed to eligible current and former members in early December.

CEO Ron Barnes addresses members at the 2017 Annual Meeting.

Employees in Coast Electric’s engineering departg ment greet members.

What are capital credits? Member-owned cooperatives are notfor-profit organizations which are operated for the benefit of their members. Members should always consult their bylaws which control how capital credits are calculated and handled by Coast Electric. In general, if there are revenues from electric services in excess of operating costs and expenses, those funds are credited to a member’s capital account based on their patronage. Such funds, which are also called ‘capital credits,’ are the life blood that enables cooperatives to satisfy the future growth and power needs of its members. Capital credits represent a critical source of equity for Coast Electric. Since a cooperative’s members are also the people it serves, capital credits reflect each members’ ownership in, and contribution of capital to, the cooperative. Where does the money come from? Each member is allocated capital credits based on how much energy the member obtains from the cooperative. The more energy a member purchases, the greater the amount of capital credit allocated to the member’s account. At the end of each year, we subtract operating costs and expenses from operating revenue collected during the year. This difference is called margins, which are allocated to the members on the basis of patronage. How do I receive my capital credit payment? When the Board retires capital credits, they are mailed in the form of a check to a

member’s last known address based on how much power they have purchased from the cooperative. This is why it is important for you to always keep Coast Electric informed of your current address. What happens to allocations for members who have passed away or moved outside of the service area? Capital credits allocated to Coast Electric members always belong to that member, even if they move outside of the co-op’s service area or pass away. Until recently, there was only one option for former members of the association, but Coast Electric is now offering another option for members who move outside of the service area, and for the families of members who have passed away. Option 1 – Former members – those who have passed away or who have moved outside of Coast Electric’s service area with inactive accounts still receive capital credit retirements until the balance is completely refunded. Option 2 – Former members now living outside of the service area, or the estates of deceased members, may request an early retirement of their allocated capital credits. An early retirement would offer a onetime payment of capital credits associated with the account on a net-present-value basis, less any bad debt that needs to be collected. Are capital credits retired every year? Coast Electric has a Board of Directors that has been elected by the members. The board members are all members of

the cooperative and motivated by a desire to maintain reliable service at a fair rate. The board decides how to use the capital provided by the members and the amount, if any, that may prudently be retired to members in a particular year. The amount retired to members depends upon the financial condition of the cooperative and its strategic plan for growth and operations. This will obviously vary according to each year’s particular financial and operational situation. How much has Coast Electric paid in capital credit retirements since it began? Coast Electric has paid more than $58 million in capital credit retirements to current and former members by the end of 2017. How will the retirement work? Any member who has purchased electricity from Coast Electric during the time period being retired is eligible to receive a capital credit check. The minimum retirement check that will be mailed to members is $10. If your retirement is under the $10 minimum, your capital credit will remain in your account until your retired balance exceeds $10. At that point, a check will be distributed during the next retirement period. If you have questions about your capital credit account, you may log on to your account at www.coastepa.com, call 877-769-2372 to inquire or visit one of our local offices.

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The spirit of the season showing concern for our communities

As a not-for-profit cooperative, Coast Electric operates by a set of seven cooperative principles, one of which is showing concern for the communities we serve. Coast Electric sees great value in serving our communities in ways other than providing electric service and the company and its employees spend much time and energy giving back. Here are some of the projects Coast Electric employees have been working on recently:

! Touch A Truck

! Household Hazardous Waste Day

Employees and their families enjoyed bringing a hands-on experience to children and adults alike at CASA of Hancock County’s Touch A Truck event this fall. The free event allowed those attending to get an up-close look at the equipment Coast Electric employees use to build lines and restore service to members.

Coast Electric hosted a Household Hazardous Waste Day at its Kiln Headquarters location in September in partnership with the Hancock County Board of Supervisors, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and Mississippi Power. Volunteers assisted 650 residents who came with car, truck and trailer loads of hazardous waste. Some of the items collected during the six-hour event include 1,685 gallons of waste oil, 28 tons of scrap metal, more than 35,000 pounds of electronics, 3,000 tires and much more. That’s a lot of waste that has been disposed of properly and isn’t having a negative impact on our environment.

! Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup Coast Electric employees maintain several miles of road that run along the cooperative’s headquarters building on Hwy. 603 in Kiln and the Picayune office on Hwy. 11. Each quarter, employees don yellow vests, armed with garbage grabbers to pick up trash on these stretches of road in an effort to keep the communities we serve beautiful.

! Feed My Sheep In preparation for Hurricane Nate, Coast Electric ordered food in anticipation of needing help from out of town crews for power restoration. Thankfully, we were spared from major damage and those crews were able to go help other co-ops in their restoration efforts. Not wanting the food to go to waste, Coast Electric donated the food to Feed My Sheep, a soup kitchen in Gulfport.

! Halloween projects and trunk or treat

Each year, Coast Electric teams up with local libraries to host events for the littlest ghouls and goblins in Harrison, Hancock and Pearl River counties. Local deputies stopped by libraries to tell trick-or-treaters about Halloween safety. Attendees were also treated to snacks, activities and story time.

! Making Strides Walk Employees in the Biloxi office spent time this fall raising funds for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Besides selling tons of pink items in their offices, doing testimonials about the importance of preventative care and walking, these ladies put their hearts and souls into doing whatever they could to contribute to finding a cure.

Hurricane Nate

November/December 2017

Community cooperation This October, Hurricane Nate made landfall in the eastern portion of Coast Electric’s territory. While the storm moved quickly and didn’t do as much damage as anticipated, Coast Electric employees worked as quickly as they safely could to restore service to those members who were affected. Service was restored to everyone less than one day after the storm came on shore. It truly takes everyone at Coast Electric working together to prepare for an extended outage situation like a hurricane. From the folks out in bucket trucks, dispatchers, vehicle maintenance personnel keeping trucks on the road, member service representatives taking your calls and those serving meals to crew members, everyone played an important role in the process. And it wasn’t just employees who made the work possible – countless members who wrote words of support, and community partners like the folks Dolce Bakeshop in Long Beach who brought baked goods for employees and Claiborne Hill grocery store whose managers kept the store open so we could buy breakfast for crews – all played a role in helping during the storm. Working together for the good of our community – that’s the cooperative way.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Business offices will be closed Nov. 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. May all the blessings of Thanksgiving and Christmas follow you and yours throughout the New Year! Happy Holidays from Coast Electric Power Association!

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

Greenwood • Winona • Cleveland • Indianola

New state cemetery honors veterans By Debbie Stringer The North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery opened in August to serve Mississippi veterans and their families with dignity and reverence—as they deserve, according to Marcus Lawson, cemetery director. Located on U.S. 82 in Kilmichael, the cemetery is open to Armed Forces members and honorably discharged veterans who meet eligibility requirements, and their spouses. The cemetery provides a burial site, opening and closing of the gravesite, a concrete vault, a committal service, head stone or marker, and perpetual care of the site—all at no charge to the families. “It’s not free—it was earned,” Lawson said, referring to veterans’ military service. “Everything we provide at

the cemetery is earned by the veteran and by the spouse.” The veterans’ families cover the costs of funeral home services and the casket. The North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery property encompasses 50 acres, 13 of which were developed as the project’s first phase. The facility includes Marcus Lawson adminstration and maintenance buildings, an information kiosk for locating

gravesites, memorial garden, flags display, columbarium, scattering garden, memorial walk, carillon and public assembly ground. Committal services are held with military honors at the committal shelter; no graveside services are permitted. Interment is on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be reserved. Lawson said the initial construction phase included 907 pre-placed crypts for casket burials as well as accommodations for cremation burials in and above ground. The cemetery operates under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board. Construction of the first phase was funded by a $6.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery Grants Program. The state is responsible for the cemetery’s

November/December 2017

maintenance and operation in accordance with National Cemetery Administration standards. Friends of Mississippi Veterans raised more than $130,000 toward the construction of the Mississippi Liberty Carillon tower. Its five steel pillars symbolize the nation’s five military services: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard. The cemetery opened Aug. 16 after nearly two years of construction. Some 1,000 visitors attended the dedication service on Aug. 16. The first burial occurred Aug. 21. “The community response has been outstanding,” Lawson said. “Everybody’s really excited about us being here and what we do for our veterans. “When we did our dedication service, I was actually telling people they couldn’t volunteer because I had too many volunteers. It’s a great problem to have.” Members of two Lions Clubs, the American Legion and Daughters of the American Revolution were counted among volunteers for the event. Several local businesses closed their doors to come out and help, and local and state law enforcement officers volunteered for traffic control duties. This month, the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery hosted a Veterans Day observance. And on Dec. 16, wreaths will be laid at every head stone and columbarium niche as the cemetery participates in Wreaths Across America. “It’s a really touching service, and probably my favorite service we do, because the families get involved,” Lawson said.

Lawson, a Texas native, and his wife, Penny, came to Mississippi to retire from 20 years of active duty in the Navy, ending with an assignment at the Naval Air Station in Meridian. He worked three years at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton before relocating to Montgomery County in 2015 to become director of the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, then under construction. Lawson said he and his five employees, two of whom are veterans, share a strong commitment to serving veterans’ families. “We treat them all like family,” he said. “The satisfaction that everyone feels and the pride that we take in our job just shows and resonates throughout,” he said. “When I drive through the gates every morning, I kind of pinch myself because I can’t believe I get to do this for a living. I get to help families in dire need. “It’s the best job in the world, for me. I’m truly blessed to be here,” Lawson said. The North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 2 Legion Road, in Kilmichael, and open daily from dawn to dusk. For more information, visit or call the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 662-262-4232, or go to www.vab.ms.gov/nmsvmc. The committal services at North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Kilmichael, are held with military honors at the facility’s committal shelter, far left. The Mississippi Liberty Carillon, right, is supported by five steel pillars representing the nation’s five military services. Native tree species were planted throughout the landscape to reflect Mississippi’s natural heritage.

Today in Mississippi

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Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Serving you is a blessing to us As the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons approach, the employees and directors at Dixie Electric recognize what a Randy Smith blessing it is for General Manager us to serve our members. We realize how important the service we provide contributes to the quality of life of our members, and we know that

without you, many of us would not have the same quality of life that we enjoy. That's why we strive to be active in our communities: to give back a portion of what we've been blessed with by giving to many of the local organizations like the United Way, American Cancer Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Relay for Life, and the American Heart Association. We invest in local economic development organizations because new commercial and industrial investments in our communities mean more jobs or possibly better jobs for our members. We invest in

our youth through our youth leadership program and other educational opportunities, such as safety awareness, career days, and training at high school and junior/community colleges. Because Dixie Electric is a not-forprofit business, we can provide a type of blessing to our members this time of year. When we make financial margins above our needs to keep the lights on safely, affordably and reliably, we return it back to our members in the form of capital credits. Capital credits are returned to you in late November or early December as a credit on your

power bill. This credit may help to lighten the load a little during the holidays. I hope that you view Dixie Electric, not just as your electric utility provider, but as a local business that seeks to be deeply involved in our community and is active in making it a better place to live for all of us. If you are interested in learning more about how we keep the lights on or other services we provide, please stop by the co-op office, visit dixieepa.com or give us a call. We love being a part of this community, and we hope you feel the same way too!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

We will be closed November 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, December 25 and 26 for Christmas and January 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. May all the blessings of Thanksgiving and Christmas follow you and yours throughout the New Year! Happy Holidays from Dixie Electric Power Association!

ANNUAL MEETING 2017 November/December 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Directors are elected at annual membership meeting Two district seats on Dixie Electric’s board of directors were filled at the annual meeting in October. Director Allen Sledge was reelected to represent District 2 in the Petal area, and newcomer Director Dale McKee was elected to represent District 7 in Wayne County. McKee filled an open seat, which was vacated in spring of 2017 after Albert Hutto retired from the board. Hutto served Wayne County faithfully for nearly 30 years. Dixie Electric’s annual membership meeting was held on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Journey Church. Each year, Dixie Electric rewards those who participate in the annual meeting by submitting a proxy or voting by ballot, either in person, by mail or online. Those participating this year were placed in a drawing for either a $500 credit or one of eight $250 credits on their electric bill. The winners are listed below.

Front row: Sears Ward, Mike Shows, Faye Bonner, Mack Mauldin; Back row: Allen Sledge, Dale McKee and Robert Smith

Credentials and Elections Committee Chair Mark Waller shares the results of the board elections after the voting is finalized.

PRIZE WINNERS DISTRICT WINNERS ($250 bill credits each) DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 3 DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 6 DISTRICT 7

TRACY L. DONALD, OVETT JAMES C. BARR, PETAL ANNETTE RIELS, ELLISVILLE G. H. HOLLOMON, ELLISVILLE WEMA BLACKLEDGE, LAUREL CHRISTINA SELLERS, WAYNESBORO STEVE MOZINGO, WAYNESBORO

ONLINE WINNER ($250 bill credit) DISTRICT 4

DESHAWNA M. KELLER, SOSO

OVERALL WINNER ($500 bill credit) DISTRICT 4

RASSIE H. HEIDELBERG, ELLISVILLE

The board met briefly after the annual meeting to officially seat newly elected member Dale McKee.

Meet Dale McKee: New director in District 7 Dale McKee was elected to the board of directors at the annual membership meeting. He will represent District 7, which covers central and southern Wayne County. He is from the Whistler community and is employed with the Wayne County School District in public relations. He is a member of the Timber Bowl Football Committee, formerly served on the East Mississippi Railroad Committee and was a summer league baseball coach. Dale, along with his wife Teresa, are members of First Baptist Church of Waynesboro and have two children and three grandchildren.

Dale McKee

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Dixie Electric recognizes Youth Leadership winners Dixie Electric hosted its annual Youth Leadership University in September. The following students participated in the educational, fun-filled day. Garrett Crowder and Aubrey Gaudet from Sacred Heart Catholic School were selected and won a trip to the Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson and a week long, educational trip to Washington, D.C., in summer of 2018. Laurel High School Arsean Stapleton Lamia Cooley

Petal High School John Brady Amacker Mallory Extine

Laurel Christian School Cade Culpepper Trevor Chancellor

Presbyterian Christian School Natalie Brown Rylan Entrekin

Northeast Jones High School Dev Patel Faith Sullens Kailee Blackledge Kayden Waller Lane Chancellor

Richton High School Madelyn Broome Rene Walters Zoe Clark

Perry Central High School Anna Nobles Fallon Shows

Sacred Heart Catholic School Aubrey Gaudet Garrett Crowder

Wayne Academy Dane Deas Dani Henderson Rylee Brabham

Garrett Crowder

Wayne County High School Isabella Beasley Pheobe Bunch Timothy Blake Loper West Jones High School Alexandra Castillo Karsyn Ulmer Krista Ogima Slade Hicks

Aubrey Gaudet

South Jones High School Caidyn Crowder Jared Allen Bush Rachel Bryant

Days of

Christmas

Twelve-day giveaway On the 1st day of Christmas: On the 2nd day of Christmas: On the 3rd day of Christmas: On the 4th day of Christmas: On the 5th day of Christmas: On the 6th day of Christmas: On the 7th day of Christmas: On the 8th day of Christmas: On the 9th day of Christmas: On the 10th day of Christmas: On the 11th day of Christmas: On the 12th day of Christmas:

Wildgame Camera (value of $115) Healing Touch Day Spa gift card (value of $125) Wildgame Barrel Deer Feeder + 2 bags of corn (value of $125) Bed, Bath & Beyond Gift Card (value of $150) Keurig Coffee Machine + 1 box of K-cups (value of $145) Amazon Echo Plus + one bulb (value of $150) Kindle Fire (value of $ 150) Outdoor heater with propane bottle (value of $190) Loweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gift Card (value of $200) Yeti Tundra 35 Quart (value of $300) Insignia 50 inch LED TV (value of $300) Visa Gift Card (value of $400) Tic

First drawing will be December 4 and go each weekday until December 19.

Only 500 tickets will be sold. Winners will stay in the drawing, allowing the opportunity to win multiple days.

Sponsored by Dixie Electric Power Association. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Contact your local Dixie Electric office to purchase a ticket.

kets are $25 each.

Buy four ticke

and receive as for $100 fifth

BONUS TICKE

5 When will

Dixie Electric retire my capital credits?

Each year, assuming the funds are available, members receive a credit on their power bill in November or early December, which is their annual capital credit retirement. Former members with inactive accounts receive a check for their capital credit retirement.

What does

Things to know November/December 2017

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about capital credits

What are... capital credits? Dixie Electric is a member-owned cooperative, so it is owned by the individuals who receive electric service. Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit organizations and abide by seven cooperative principles. One of these principles is Member Economic Participation. If there are revenues from electric services beyond operating costs and expenses, those funds are credited to a member’s capital account based on the amount of electricity they use in a particular year. Such funds, which are called ‘capital credits,’ are the life blood that enables cooperatives to satisfy the future growth and power needs of its members.

What

is Dixie Electric’s history on retiring capital credits?

The board of directors for Dixie Electric approved a retirement of $1.8 million to the members for 2017, which represents full capital credit retirements from 1987 and 1988 and a partial retirement for 2016. In total, Dixie Electric has returned more than $20 million to its members. Since the 1960s, we have stayed true to the cooperative principle of Member Economic Participation and returned capital credits when financially possible. At an investorowned utility, the money would be given to the stockholders, but because you are a member of an electric cooperative, it is given to you. The amount returned to members is decided by the local board of directors and depends upon the cooperative’s financial condition and strategic plan for growth and operations. For example, costs for repairing damage to the electrical system caused by a major hurricane, like Hurricane Katrina, might reduce or prohibit an annual capital credit retirement.

Dixie Electric do with my capital credit allocation?

Electric cooperatives use capital credits to invest in the operations of the association. They are used to purchase bucket trucks, poles and wire, among other items. This reduces the need for loans and related expenses and helps to keep power costs low, which benefits all members.

How does Dixie Electric

calculate my retired credits?

Dixie Electric is re turning capital cr edits again this year. For those individ uals who have active accounts, the am ount of their capital credits w ill be applied to their bill. Individ with inactive acc uals ounts will receiv e a p ri n te d ch eck. If you have quest ions about your capital credits, p lease call Dixie E lectric at (601) 425-2535 or email at dixie electric@dixieep a.com. Please provide yo ur

Each member is allocated capital credits based on how much electric energy they use in a particular year. The more energy a member purchases, the greater the amount of capital credits allocated to the member’s account. This means that a large corporation that uses a greater amount of electricity will receive a larger capital credit than an individual with a home or small business that uses a lesser amount.

name, address, phone number, social security num ber and account num ber if possible.

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Dixie Electric updates the call system and outage map For several years now, an outage map of Dixie Electric’s service has been available for members to view, making them aware of outages in their area. The map has been updated, so the boundaries, outlining Dixie Electric’s service area, are defined better. The map also has a power outage reporting feature that flows directly into the outage management center for the dispatcher to see. This is a quick and easy way to report a power outage. In addition to these new features, the interstates, highways and primary roadways are more clearly marked. As with the previous map, outages are marked in a general area, so it is not possible to pinpoint exact homes and business that are without power. This is a safety precaution for members. In addition to the outage map, the phone system, which calls the members for reminders, has undergone changes to improve security and avoid confusion with ongoing scams. Dixie Electric will continue to make calls for balance forward payment reminders or warnings to avoid disconnection for

Ways to pay your bill 1. SmartHub App 2. SmartHub Online at dixieepa.com 3. Automatic recurring payment (bank draft) 4. Phone system 5. In person

OUTAGE CENTER

not paying a bill. As an improved security feature, members can no longer make a payment directly from the reminder phone call that originated from Dixie Electric. A toll-free number is available for individuals to make payment. Members must initiate the call and provide account information. Although members will not have an option to make the payment directly from the reminder call, they will have an option to securely store a payment method through the phone system or set up a recurring payment. These two options will make bill paying easier. This bill payment option meets the credit card security standards for members’ protection.

Ways to report a power outage 1.SmartHub App 2.SmartHub Online at dixieepa.com 3.Outage map at prepared.dixiepa.com 4.Phone system

Electric utility pole inspections Osmose Utilities Services will be performing inspection and maintenance on some of Dixie Electric Power Association’s poles during the next few months. The general areas to be inspected will be the Clara, Buckatunna, Progress, Denham, Winchester and Chicora communities and the industrial park. This work will generally consist of excavating a hole about 18” 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. If you have any questions, please contact the engineering department at (601) 425-2535.

www.dixieepa.com prepared.dixieepa.com

November/December 2017

Today in Mississippi

Dixie Electric helps neighbors in need after Nate Hurricane Nate hit south Mississippi in the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, causing more than 30,000 members of Singing River Electric Cooperative to lose electric power. Eight of Dixie Electric’s linemen left that same morning to assist with power restoration in Gautier. Singing River Electric is headquartered in Lucedale, Miss., and has district offices in Gautier and Sandhill. Eight electric cooperatives came together to help Singing River’s linemen restore power to their members. The efforts were well coordinated, and power was restored to all of the members by Monday night, which was remarkable. Linemen responding to Singing River Electric, from left to right: Lineman Mark Ball, Apprentice Lineman Jack Payne, Apprentice Lineman K.C. Cochran, Line Foreman Guy Shelton, Safety Manager Joe Donald, Lineman Bub Robinson, Serviceman Ed Ritchey and Journeyman Lineman Jason Holder

Tuesday, Nov. 28

Santa Claus Get your photo made with

at your local Dixie Electric office!

618 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro Noon – 7 p.m

Thursday, Nov. 30 Location to be announced for Petal Noon – 7 p.m

Friday, Dec. 1 1863 Hwy. 184, Laurel Noon – 5:30 p.m

First Child: $10 Each Additional Child: $5 Pets are welcome. Proceeds benefit Batson Children’s Hospital You will receive your photos on a USB flash drive.

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

East Mississippi Electric Power Association Louisville 662.773.5741

Meridian 601.581.8600

Quitman 601.776.6271

DeKalb 601.743.2641

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

CHANGING COLORS Fall, that time of year when we eagerly anticipate the changing colors on the trees and experience crispness in the air. While we may enjoy the beauty of the bright colors for a few weeks, once these leaves fall from their summer place of residence, the work of raking begins. I’ve often wondered, how do trees feel about this process we call photosynthesis? After all, they put in a lot of effort in the spring to grow new leaves and endure the heat of summer to provide us shade. They face drought, lightning strikes and strong winds and, for the most part, remain firmly grounded. Then as the summer heat fades and the weather becomes more comfortable, their leaves change colors just before falling to the ground. They spend a few months looking rather dreary waiting for warmer weather so they can begin the process all over again. Trees seem to handle change quite well. Each of us probably approaches change with differing attitudes and perceptions. Change can be exciting and yet disconcerting. 2017 has been a year of change for me. On January 12, I took on the responsibility of serving as Chief Executive Officer, and I have worked hard these past few months to grow leaves that provide shade and comfort for the employees and members of East Mississippi Electric Power Association.

The leaves I’ve worked to grow this year are excitement, encouragement and enlightenment, and while trees experience a changing of these leaf colors and eventually drop their leaves, my hope is to follow the evergreen tree’s example and hold on to them. I do not want to lose them but instead, add to their number. Encouragement does not seem to come naturally to humans. We are so much better at finding the problems CEO Randy Carroll of the world and obstacles to solving them than we are the solutions. I’ve made a conscious effort this year to become better at encouraging those I encounter each day. I must admit, it takes a lot of work and it doesn’t come naturally. But something interesting has happened. The more I encourage others, the more they encourage me. Now I am beginning to see a forest of trees with encouragement leaves. Enlightenment is another area I have focused on for my personal growth. By using the DiSC profile analysis, a behavior assessment tool designed by psychologist William Moulton Marston, and some training about

the different characteristics we as human beings exhibit, I understand better how others view me and the need to work to communicate with them in a manner they understand. The DiSC profiles have also helped others in our organization gain a better understanding of themselves and others. The more we understand about what makes each of us tick, the better our organization will function and meet the needs of our members. It has truly been exciting to serve in this role this year. Someone asked me the other day, “how are you liking your new job?” I responded that I am still showing up each day excited to be at work and leaving exhausted each evening. That is as it should be for all of us. My dad always told me, “If you aren’t happy going to work each day, you are doing the wrong work.” As always, he is correct, and I am so glad he encouraged me to join the EMEPA team so many years ago. As you see the leaves change from green to bright colors to brown, I hope you will remember that we can choose to keep our green leaves of excitement, encouragement and enlightenment all year long and continue to make EMEPA the best it can be for many years to come.

Service Awards December 2017 • 24 employees/520 years Thank you for your dedicated service. The following employees have provided a combined total of 520 years of service to East Mississippi Electric Power Association and will be recognized at EMEPA’s upcoming Employee Christmas Dinner for their hard work and dedication.

5 Year Awards

20 Year Awards

30 Year Awards

Blake Sharron Eliot Smith

Eddie Wallace Ed Morrow Jack Smith

Beverly Enterkin Sherry Wallace Steve Helms Johnnie Broach Tony Vick

10 Year Awards Chance Kidd Chris Gryner Archie Matthews

15 Year Awards Jo Ann Reed Stephanie Mimbs Lashanda Johnson

25 Year Awards Larry Pace (Board member) Tony Williamson Shawn Croft Alan Crowson Darrel Eiland Bryce Nester

35 Year Awards Marvella Campbell

40 Years Awards Randy Carroll

November/December 2017

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EMEPA held 79th Annual Meeting East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s 79th Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, Oct. 7 in the Meridian auditorium. EMEPA’s Annual Meeting is a vital part of its governance because, as an electric cooperative, the Association is democratically controlled, with each member having one vote. You have a voice and a vote in how your cooperative is governed. As a result, control stays in local hands. Your board of directors, along with those who work for EMEPA, are your friends and neighbors. Those principles are the basis of why East Mississippi Electric Power Association has thrived for 79 years. It is also why we continue to enjoy a strong place of trust in our community. Two $250 electricity credits and one $500 electricity credit were given in a drawing as prizes to EMEPA members in attendance. Additionally, a drawing for a Co-op Connections gift basket full of prizes from participating businesses in EMEPA’s Touchstone Energy Co-op Connections Card Discount Program was awarded to one member present.

2017 Winners: Congratulations to the following EMEPA members for winning a $500 electricity credit in a drawing from those who returned their 78th Annual Meeting proxy.

Dennis Kennedy, Clarke County

Congratulations to Mary Spencer, Lauderdale County, for winning the Touchstone Energy Co-op Connections Card gift basket.

Kathy Lanier, Kemper County Corey Pickens, Lauderdale County Delphia McQueen, Winston County Congratulations to the following EMEPA members for winning electricity credits in a drawing from those in attendance at the 79th Annual Meeting.

Mary Spencer, Lauderdale County Sarah Swanner, Lauderdale County Albertha Clayton, Lauderdale County Judy Garrett, Lauderdale County

Winner of a $500 electricity credit: Sarah Swanner, Lauderdale County

EMEPA to return $2.5 million in capital credits East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the return of capital credits for the years 1975 and 1987 totaling more than $2.5 million. Members of EMEPA during those years helped provide the funding to build and maintain the electric system. As a not-for-profit cooperative, all funds not used to pay the wholesale power bill and operating expenses are invested in the facilities, as opposed to borrowing all the money needed for upgrades and growth. These capital credit returns reflect the members’ portion of the margins made and invested during

that time period. Unlike investor-owned utilities that pay dividends to their stockholders who are often far removed from the service provided, cooperatives return their margins to the members – those who used the service and provided an important

investment. This is just one way we are making a cooperative difference in service to you and our community. If you have questions concerning this return, please call your local EMEPA office or visit EMEPA.com.

Winner of a $250 electricity credit: Albertha Clayton, Lauderdale County

Winner of a $250 electricity credit: Judy Garrett, Lauderdale County

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EMEPA hosts Cooperative University From a hands-on safety and “Life of a Lineman” demonstration to a guided tour of East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s headquarters, 13 students from across east Mississippi recently experienced first hand what it means to be part of an electric cooperative. EMEPA hosted Cooperative University in October as part of its annual Youth Leadership Program. From the group of 13, five students were selected based on an interview process and leadership skills observed throughout the event to represent EMEPA at a three-day Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson, coordinated by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM). At this event, the students will be met by around 80 other students from across the state. The workshop allows students the opportunity to take a closer look at our state government as well as participate in leadership-enhancing activities. In June 2018, these five students will again represent EMEPA on a seven-day, all expense paid trip to

Washington, D.C. This trip features visits to popular monuments and memorials as well as meetings with Mississippi’s senators and representatives. "Our Youth Leadership Program is a tremendous opportunity for these students to see our political process first hand," said EMEPA Director of Marketing and Communication Julie Boles. "The goal of this program is to educate students about electric cooperatives and our state and national legislature and to encourage them to grow as leaders and get involved in their community." Each school in EMEPA’s service area is given the opportunity to nominate one student from its junior class to participate in the program. The schools are encouraged to select the student based on academics, involvement in their school and community, natural leadership ability and a desire to further their skills in becoming future leaders.

The 2017-2018 Youth Leadership Program participants are: Erin Gibson, Clarkdale High School Hunter Donald, Enterprise High School Lydia Palmer, Grace Christian School * Jena Bobo, Kemper Academy Kelsey Hearn, Kemper County High School Sierah Roberts, Lamar School * Maya Clay, Louisville High School * Carrie-Grace Baty, Northeast Lauderdale High School Lexi Thomas, Noxapater Attendance Center

Ethan Moffett, Quitman High School Shon Willis, Southeast Lauderdale High School * Michaiah Bolar, West Lauderdale High School * Anna Grace Woolery, Winston Academy * Students selected to advance to the ECM Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson and the NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) sponsors the Youth Tour program nationally. Nineteen electric power associations in Mississippi participate.

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Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

LED lights this season. Unlike the first versions to hit the market that were characterized by rather harsh and unattractive colors, the newest generation’s colors are reminiscent of the incandescent lights of yore. Why go the LED route? Longevity and cost of operation are the two key reasons. Unlike incandescent lights, whether the large or mini bulb, LEDs will last for many, many, years. LEDs have no filaments to burn out. Aside from physically destroying the bulb, the LED is amazingly robust. Given the modest number of hours of operation, you can expect LEDs to last seven or more years. Then there is the cost of operation benefit from LEDs. These gems of technological advancement truly sip electricity. A reasonable estimate of power consumption is 7 watts per 100 lights. How does that compare to the old incandescent? Each of those bulbs used 12 watts so a string of 100 devoured 1200 watts. Truly want to manage the cost of operating holiday lights? Invest in timers to turn the lights on and off automatically. Really into gadgets? Invest in a smart plug for your lights you can program and control from your smart phone. Once you have your design finalized and installed, it is my recommendation to leave as much of the outside portion of lights in place. No, don’t be that person who leaves the holiday lights on all year. Simply disconnect them after the holidays, protecting the plugs and sockets from dirt and debris. Think of the reduced stress and risk if you set and forget your design. With the longevity of the LEDs, you can enjoy this freedom and practically eliminate the risks associated with high-wire seasonal gymnastics.

Purchasing electronic gifts this holiday season? Remember to purchase ENERGY STAR®-certified electronics and give the gift of energy efficiency. Visit www.energystar.gov/productfinder for a full list of efficient products. Source: energystar.gov

TIP of the

Month

Simple tips for

Better Eating Eating can be a fun experience that brings people together and helps create community, but food choices and meal prep can cause stress for people who struggle with nutrition, feel overwhelmed by or just don’t like cooking. Here are a few simple tips to make your meals richer in flavor and nutrients, less laden with empty calories and less stressful, too.

# Plan meals

en Sunday night with roasted potatoes and veggies. Leftover chicken goes into tacos or a casserole on Monday night, while the leftover potatoes get scrambled with eggs, peppers and mushrooms for a quick dinner Tuesday and the veggies go on a store-bought raw crust for fresh pizza Wednesday night.

# It’s not easy being green

Do you find veggies unappetizing? Well, imagine what might happen if you put a little thought and seasoning into your veggies. You might be surprised about the difference in taste between roasting vegetables instead of over cooking them. Remember, your vegetables like flavor and not being boiled, too. Add chopped garlic and herbs, squeeze on some fresh lemon juice or splash on balsamic. Marinate. Roast. Sauté.

# Choose healthier proteins

Has your doctor advised you to avoid unhealthy fats? Deep fried chicken legs are delicious, but baked breaded-and-herbed chicken breasts are delicious, too. Make your burgers with leaner beef and ground turkey and add, for example, pico de gallo to the patties for extra flavor. Be creative.

November/December 2017

Today in Mississippi

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Whatever is beautiful, whatever is meaningful, Whatever brings you happiness... May it be yours this holiday season And throughout the coming year. Wishing you a bright 2018 from your friends at East Mississippi Electric Power Association.

WE WILL BE CLOSED November 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, December 25 and 26 for Christmas and January 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2017

Board of Directors

www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544

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

YOUR COOPERATIVE

Here’s An Idea

By Joe Cade CEO/General Manager

Keep the chill out of your cozy home

Look out for scams Unfortunately, in today’s world, scams are inevitable. Scammers can threaten you with everything from legal action involving the IRS to turning off power to your home. Utility scams often involve an individual or group posing as an employee of your electric cooperative. The scammer may use threatening language in order to frighten you into offering your credit card or bank account information. Don’t fall victim to these types of scams. Understand the threats posed and your best course of action: • If someone calls your home or cell phone demanding you pay your electric bill immediately, gather as much information as you can from that individual, hang-up the phone and contact the local authorities. Scammers often use threats and urgency to pressure you into giving them your bank account number or loading a pre-paid credit or debit card (such as a Green Dot card). 4-County will never ask you to offer up personal finance information over the phone. If you have any doubts about your utility bill, contact our member payment center either in person, or over the phone at 1-800-431-1544. • If someone comes to your home claiming to be an employee of 4-County that needs to collect money or inspect parts of your property, call us to verify they are, in fact, an employee. If you find that they are not, call local authorities for assistance and do not let the individual into your home. 4-County does not collect payments in person. We do, however, need to inspect our equipment on members’ properties at times.

Don’t let Old Man Winter’s chilly breath creep into your cozy home. If you’re looking for ways to keep your electric bills down and the warmth of your home up during the coldest winter months, follow a few simple guidelines: • Set your thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature and leave it there. Wear warm clothes around the house instead of dressing for warmer weather. • Keep all doors and windows closed, and make sure to check the caulking and weather stripping. • Keep heating vents clear of obstruction. • Turn off heat and close doors to unused rooms if you have individual room heat. • If you have a fireplace, close the damper when it’s not in use. This will keep heat from going up and out of your chimney. • Use our energy calculators at www.4county.org.

There are other types of scams consumers should watch out for: • Government agencies like the IRS will never call to inform you that you have unpaid taxes or other liens against you. You will always receive this type of information in the mail. If someone calls claiming to be the IRS, hang up immediately. • If you receive an email from an unknown sender; an email riddled with spelling errors and typos; or an email threatening action unless a sum of money is paid, do not click any links proFollow us on Facebook vided within the email, and do not respond to 4-County members have several ways to keep up with cooperathe email. Simply delete the email, or send it to tive goings on. One of those communications tools is the 4-County your spam folder. Facebook page. It features Association news, photos and much • If someone calls your home claiming to have more. To see it, visit www.facebook.com and search for 4-County, discovered a virus on your computer, hang up. or look for the Facebook line at www.4county.org. This caller’s intent is to access personal information you may be keeping on your computer. Holiday office schedule 4-County wants to make sure you avoid any 4-County offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, and all types of scams that could put you or your Nov. 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday; Monday, Dec. 25, and financial information in jeopardy. If you have Tuesday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holiday; and Monday, Jan. 1, any questions or would like more information 2018, for New Year’s Day. A dispatcher is always on hand to handle about how you can protect yourself from scamemergencies. Happy Thanksgiving, merry Christmas and happy mers, call us at 1-800-431-1544, or visit our New Year! website at www.4county.org. And, last, but certainly not least. We wish you a happy Thanksgiving, merry Christmas and a Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, happy New 4-County members have saved over $596,000 on Year! prescription drugs through October.

Co-op Connections Card saves Look here each month to see the savings total!

November / December 2017

Today in Mississippi

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Close your eyes, follow your nose to a tasty surprise The holiday season is a time to energize the senses. Enter someone’s home during this special time of year and you’re likely to inhale the rich, enticing fragrances of a variety of tasty Thanksgiving and Christmas treats. The homes of 4-County employees (and the offices) are no different as the cooperative has its own set of renowned homegrown chefs. With all due respect to Emeril Lagasse, the 4-County cooks are dishing up their own gift of recipes this year for all to enjoy. Here’s a sampling:

@ POUND CAKE (pictured)

3 cups sugar 2 sticks butter 6 eggs 3 cups cake flour (sifted twice) ½ pint whipping cream 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Mix ingredients in order listed and pour into a cake pan. Place in a COLD oven and bake at 300 degrees for about 1 hour.

Greg Lewis, 4-County Corporate Center

SAUSAGE & CREAM CHEESE @ CRESCENT ROLLS 1 lb. mild Tennessee Pride Pork Sausage 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened 2 (8-count) tubes crescent rolls Cook sausage fully and drain. Add both softened cream cheeses to drained sausage and mix. Roll out crescent roll dough and cut each roll in half. Dab 1 tablespoon of sausage mixture onto center of each roll. Fold each of the three sides up to top. Bake at 375 F for 8 to 10 minutes or until desired brownness.

Amy Johnson, 4-County Corporate Center

@ BACON-WRAPPED DEER TENDERLOIN Venison tenderloin Bacon Worcestershire sauce Creole seasoning (Zatarain’s or Tony Chachere’s) Black pepper Marinate tenderloin in Worcestershire sauce 4 to 6 hours, or overnight. Remove from marinade and pat dry with paper towel. Lay bacon out on cutting board in a cross hatch pattern or weave square. Position tenderloin to one side of bacon square. Coat with Creole

seasoning and black pepper. Roll up loin in bacon weave and secure bacon with baking twine. Place on a hot (400-degree) grill to sear. Turn after 3 to 4 minutes to sear other side. Move loin off direct heat and cook until internal temperature reaches 145 F, approximately 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside for 5 minutes to allow meat to rest before cutting. Remove twine and slice into medallions.

Brent Lochala, 4-County Corporate Center

Toys for Tots makes Christmas a little brighter Employees and members of 4-County Electric Power Association have the chance to make Christmas a little better and brighter for area children by taking part in the Toys for Tots program. Toys for Tots, a charitable organization offered through the U.S. Marine Corps, has partnered with 4-County the last six holiday seasons. Last year, employees and members dug deep and collected nearly 300 toys for distribution in 4-County’s service territory. “This is a great Christmas project,” said 4-County Communications Coordinator

Brad Barr. “We’re always excited to partner with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots project. Last year, the cooperative and its members made Christmas an even better experience for children in our service area. A lot of children identified by Toys for Tots wouldn’t have the same Christmas experience without the help of this charitable organization and organizations like 4-County,” Barr added. Toys for Tots drop-off boxes will be located in 4-County offices. Participants in this project are not required to donate toys for children of a specific age or gender. “All

we ask is that you drop off a new toy in one of the boxes located in an office near you,” Barr explained. The drop-off boxes will be in 4-County offices by Nov. 11. The deadline for dropping off toys is Dec. 16. Toys for Tots personnel will pick up the items by the end of that day. For more information about the Toys for Tots project, call Barr at 1-800-431-1544.

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Today in Mississippi

November / December 2017

s a m t s Chri Reed helps decorate the

White House for

by Brad Barr There may be no place like home for the holidays, but West Point’s Scott Reed is happy to be spending part of them at the White House. Reed is the owner of Petal Pushers, a 2000-square-foot floral design and gift shop on West Point’s historic Commerce Street. About 10 years ago, he began the process of applying to help decorate the White House for Christmas. Today, and two presidents later, Reed put a big drop in his bucket list. “At first, I was really excited. Then, a period of nerves followed. But it’s quite an honor and a good experience,” Reed said. The veteran florist and designer received an official notice from White House Volunteer Services in October, and he’ll fly to D.C. the week of Thanksgiving. Reed, a former 4-County Electric Power Association Youth Leadership participant, was assisted in the application process by Daniel Fisher, a Monroe County native who also participated in the 4-County Youth Leadership program. Fisher now works at the White House and assists with its visitors program. “This is a bucket list item for a lot of reasons,” Reed said. “This will be chronicled for years to come. It’s a part of history.” Reed’s artistic flair with florals began at an early age.

The White House in Washington, D.C., is where local floral artisan Scott Reed will spend part of his holidays, decorating the historic home of the U.S. president.

“I’m taking bit of Clay C and Miss with –

He started his career as a delivery boy for a local florist. And while studying ornamental horticulture at Mississippi State University, he did freelance design work. “I enjoy all aspects of the industry. When I was little, I spent time at my grandparents’ home in Columbus. In the spring, I always helped with the planting. I grew up with a love for plants, in general. I’ve always enjoyed creating things,” he explained. Today, he arranges his designs in what was originally Cox’s Drug Store, an early 1900s-era galley store. The store came with its own design—original copper ceilings and mosaic tile flooring. His trusty companion there is Oliver, the rescued Springer Spaniel with a friendly disposition. “He’s the best listener I’ve got,” Reed joked. Reed specializes in decorative items: floral design for events, interiors and gifts for home and garden. As a child, he wanted to be an artist. “I was in this field for several years before I realized that’s what I’d grown up to be—an artist,” Reed said. The canvas may be different from that of some artists, but the result is the same. Colors, shapes, textures and different patterns of flowers flow together like paint on a canvas. “It’s a creative process.” Petal Pushers opened its doors in 2002. The business draws customers from Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. Petal Pushers was voted best florist in Mississippi by a readership poll in Mississippi Magazine. Ultimately, Reed admits, he is a people pleaser. “It’s a lot of fun to help someone make an idea into a reality, whether it be a wedding or whatever,” he said. The local designer will work with other volunteers from around the country in the White House Christmas decoration process. He will work with materials provided on site. And, the first-time visitor to D.C. insists he will enjoy the scenery. “I’m going to keep my eyes peeled for selfie opportunities,” Reed said. Humbled and flattered are the best ways to describe his feelings about this unique opportunity, he said. Representing the people of Mississippi and the Golden Triangle area is foremost in his mind. “I’m taking a little bit of Clay County and Mississippi with me.”

November / December 2017 I Today in Mississippi

a little County sissippi h me.â&#x20AC;? Scott Reed

Reed is the owner of Petal Pushers, above, located on historic Commerce Street in downtown West Point. He specializes in floral design, left, and selling interior design and gifts for home and garden.

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Today in Mississippi

November / December 2017

Real linemen wear

Pink In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), 4-County Electric Power Association distributed pink hard hats to outside employees. Co-op employees received their special hard hats in October in honor of those who have fought or are fighting breast cancer. The 4-County team wore the hard hats throughout the month, and will renew the practice each year.

4-County linemen donned pink hard hats this October in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The idea was a brainchild of 4-County’s Joe Miller, above, who discussed the campaign with WCBI.

“It’s a great way for us to show our solidarity with those affected by breast cancer,” said Joe Cade, 4-County CEO. “In one way or another—through friends, family or as individuals—we’ve all been touched by this disease. This is one small, visible way we can make people more aware about what they can do to help.” How can you help? Donate, say American Cancer Society (ACS) officials. Donations help the ACS fund

groundbreaking breast cancer research, provide free information and support, and help prevent breast cancer and find it earlier when it’s easier to treat. When you donate, ACS officials stress, you help save lives. To donate to the ACS or for more information, go to www.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345. 4-County serves about 48,000 members in parts of nine counties.

Give the gift of safety this Christmas season Shopping, decorating and holiday entertaining are all part of what makes the Christmas season a cherished time for family and friends. But make sure to put safety at the top of your to-do-list. Here are a few electrical safety tips to make sure your Christmas season is a good one: • Always purchase electrical decorations and lights from reputable retailers and check

that a nationally recognized testing organization like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has approved them, according to 4-County Job Safety and Training Coordinator Joe Miller. “Inspect electrical decorations for damage, such as cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections, before use,” Miller recommends. Never connect more than three strings

of incandescent lights together, he stressed. And always remember to turn off, unplug and extinguish all decorations when going to sleep or leaving the house. • Christmas, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day lead the year for candle fires, according to officials with Electrical Safety Foundation International. Mind your festive decorations for safety hazards.

1. When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree will stay green longer, reducing the risk of fire. 2. On artificial trees, look for a “fire resistant” label. 3. Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach, and never leave children unsupervised when candles are lit. 4. Instead of traditional candles, use battery-operated candles. 5. Place electrical cords out of the reach of small children. 6. Never allow children to play with lights, electrical decorations or cords.

For more information, visit holiday safety.org.

November / December 2017

Today in Mississippi

Watts Happening This listing of area events is compiled from information provided by area chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus. The events listed are subject to change. Please call to confirm dates, times and additional details. THURSDAY, NOV. 16 Business After Hours; Eat With Us

Group; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322. Kate Campbell & Tricia Walker in Concert; Columbus Arts Council, 501

Main St.; 7 to 9 p.m.; tickets, $15 in advance, $17 at door; details, (662) 328-2787. FRIDAY, NOV. 17 Turkey and Tinsel; downtown Acker-

man; details, (662) 285-3778. Columbus Choral Society’s Decades on Broadway; Poindexter Hall on the

campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus; 7 p.m.; $10 suggested donation; will continue Sunday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m. at the Louise Campbell Center for the Performing Arts in West Point; details, (662) 3291191. SATURDAY, NOV. 18 Holiday Farmers’ Market; Columbus

Farmer’s Market; 9 a.m. to noon; details, (662) 328-6305. TUESDAY, NOV. 21 57th Annual Country Store Bake Sale;

MONDAY, NOV. 27 Columbus Christmas Tree Lighting; Riverwalk and Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Columbus; 5:30 to 7 p.m.;

details, (662) 329-1191. Starkville Christmas Parade; Main

Street in Starkville; 6 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29 45th Annual Holiday Bazaar; The

Mill, 100 Mercantile Lane in Starkville; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; continues Thursday, Nov. 30; details, (662) 323-3322. THURSDAY, NOV. 30 Twin Kennedy in Concert; Columbus

Arts Council, 501 Main St.; tickets $15 each in advance, $17 each at door; details, (662) 328-2787. FRIDAY, DEC. 1 Wassail Fest; downtown Columbus; 5

to 8 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. Mississippi University for Women (MUW) Jazz Ensemble; Poindexter

Hall on the campus of MUW in Columbus; 7:30 p.m.; details, (662) 3291191. SUNDAY, DEC. 3

Stephen D. Lee Home, 316 Seventh St. 2017 Starkville Civic League ChristN.; 10 a.m. to noon; details, (662) mas Tour of Homes; 1 to 5 p.m.; tick329-1191. ets $25 each; details, (662) 323-3322. THURSDAY, NOV. 23 SEC Football: Mississippi State Uni-

versity (MSU) versus the University of Mississippi; Davis Wade Stadium on the campus of MSU in Starkville; details, (662) 323-3322. FRIDAY, NOV. 24 Black Friday Bonanza; Starkville;

details, (662) 323-3322. SUNDAY, NOV. 26 Bulldog Brunch & Browse 2017; Main

Street and Russell Street; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322.

MONDAY, DEC. 4 Columbus Christmas Parade; down-

town Columbus; 7 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. FRIDAY, DEC. 22 Hope for Peace; Columbus Arts Coun-

cil, 501 Main St.; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; tickets $15 each in advance, $17 each at door; details, (662) 328-2787.

Dooley to retire after noted career Vivian Dooley admits he was a little wet behind the ears when he joined 4-County Electric Power Association in 1983. “But,” he stressed, “I was definitely willing to learn.” And learn he did. That can-do and attentive attitude has served Dooley well in his long-distinguished career with the cooperative. Vivian is retiring in January 2018. “You have to love what you do,” he stressed. “If you don’t love it, you don’t want to take the calls, get up in the middle of the night or venture out in the storm. Everyone is not cut out for it,” he said. Vivian, however, has embraced the challenge. For a lineman, he said, bad weather and work go hand in hand. Rain, sleet or snow – the postman doesn’t have an edge on the lineman. “You’ve got to be ready for this kind of work.” He is a graduate of Noxubee County High School, and he completed lineman training programs in Meridian and Nashville, Tenn. He also took college courses in general administration. Vivian has been married to his bride, Eloise, for 34 years. They have four daughters, one son and nine grandchildren. “They’ll keep me busy,” he said. Dooley began his career as a ground man, working under Tommy Mitchener. At that time, Wesley Lee was the crew leader. Jimmy Ricks and Oscar Boykin were early co-workers, too. Vivian has served as crew leader in the last several years. “When the lights go out, my phone is sometimes the first to ring,” he explained. Vivian’s retirement plans also include hunt-

ing, fishing and traveling. And he will strive to stay involved in Second Baptist Church in Macon where he is a Sunday school teacher and superintendent. What will he miss the most about life as a lineman? “I’ve been coming to work for 34 years. It’s going to be a big change. I’ll miss all the people. But, I’ll stay in touch.” His memories of the cooperative are vivid. Once, several years ago, he responded to a work site in harsh weather conditions. He parked his truck, walked away and stopped. “Something told me I needed to move that truck,” Vivian explained. He moved the truck, and a few minutes later an 8foot-wide tree crashed on the spot where the truck was parked. “I think I could write a book,” about everyday life as a lineman, he joked. The veteran lineman also has enjoyed serving as a mentor for the younger linemen. “I encourage them to pay attention. While the older guys are doing something, take notice. Ask questions. And I encourage the older guys to lead the younger ones. We had to be taught one time, too,” he added. Vivian’s time to embrace the lineman’s challenge has come and gone, he said. “If a storm rolls through now, I’m just going to encourage the guys to go get it.” The cooperative family has had good days and tough days through the years, Vivian said. “But we worked together through it all. Thank God I made it through it all,” he said. It’s a dangerous job but someone has to do it. “It’s no place to take chances or shortcuts.”

Today in Mississippi I November/December 2017

Christmas in the Park By Carolyn Dillion, The Tylertown Times Described as a “Must See” by out-oftown news media, Tylertown’s wellknown holiday attraction returns to Holmes Water Park, bordering Magee’s Creek on the eastern edge of the city. It’s one of a handful of lighted Christmas displays statewide that returns each year as the park is open to viewers. Featuring what town officials can only describe as featuring “zillions” the display has grown over its 16 year run, starting in 2001. From a mix of floodlighted painted plywood panels, trees wrapped with light strings and a few commercially constructed displays, today’s park has morphed into a holiday light show like no other in the area. The park opens for preview trailer rides through the park, a 20-25 minute

venture, then a day prior to the park’s “official” opening, the Christmas in the Park committee plays host to a popular walking tour, as families and their children get a close up view of the park’s workings. The following night, Thanksgiving, the park opens for drive-through tours. Today’s tour features a light show of commercially constructed displays, many of which have been purchased by businesses and individuals in the community. Longtime committee member, Mary Jenkinson, says early park workers wouldn’t recognize the elaborate light displays that are set up throughout the grounds. Park workers keep tabs of in-county and out-of-county vehicle tags as they tour the park, and say between 70-75% of those who view the park travel from out-of-town and many from neighbor-

ing Louisiana. Many of the park’s visitors come in family groups, making several trips through the park during the Christmas season. Because of the size of the park, it’s just about impossible to see the featured lights in one trip, and many families will make another trip the same night, or return several nights later. In recent years an estimated 35,000 viewed the park during the nightly driving tours. Coupled with 4,500 viewing the park during the Thanksgiving Eve Christmas in the Park walking tour and those who took advantage of the Holiday Craft Bazaar’s preview trailer rides, the light show brings in excess of 40,000 people to Tylertown from the third weekend in November through New Year’s Eve. “We are proud of our local attraction. The good will it creates for Tylertown is immeasurable,” said Mayor Edward Hughes.

The park entrance is just east of the Magee’s Creek Bridge on Beulah Avenue (Old Hwy. 98). Admission is $5 for passenger vehicles, $10 for commercial-size vans and $20 for buses. The entrance for the Nov. 17-18 trailer rides is on Hwy. 48 East at Southwest Events Center. Admission is $5 to ride the trailer. (No admission to the bazaar.) The entrance for the Nov. 22 walking tour is also on Hwy. 48 East at the events center. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children. For the driving tours beginning Thanksgiving night, Nov. 23, enter the park on Old Hwy. 98, just east of the Magee’s Creek Bridge. The attraction is ranked among the “Christmas Light Displays in Mississippi That Are Pure Magic” by the “Only in Mississippi” Facebook page.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Our business office will be closed November 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, December 22 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. May all the blessings of Thanksgiving and Christmas follow you and yours throughout the New Year! Happy Holidays from Magnolia Electric Power! In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 601-684-4011. MEP’s answering service and crews will be on standby for any outages during the holiday season.

November/December 2017

Today in Mississippi

10a

Competition tough, three leaders honored In a two-day competition, that began with Cooperative University and concluded with an interview session, three students out of 21 high school students were chosen to represent Magnolia Electric Power in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM), Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson in February 2018 and the National Youth Leadership trip to Washington D.C., in June 2018. Twenty-one students were invited to attend the local competition. After the first day at Cooperative University where the students were judged on leadership skills, twelve students moved forward in the competition to the interview round. The 21 nominees who began the competition were selected by their school counselors from the schools in the Magnolia Electric Power service area,” said Lucy Shell, Magnolia Electric Member Services Director. “We invited a panel of judges to help select the winners during an interview process held Oct. 20, at the office,” she said. Fifty percent of the nominee’s score came from the interview and 50 percent

came from Cooperative University, from another set of judges, held the day before. The top three choices by the judges were: Alvie Mixon of South Pike High School; Cruz Maxwell of West Lincoln High School; and Molly Lawson of South Pike High School. Mixon, Maxwell and Lawson will represent Magnolia Electric Power on both trips and have a chance to be chosen as a delegate for the National Youth Leadership Council.

2018 Youth Leadership winners

Alvie Mixon South Pike High School

Hunter Brister Lawrence County High School

Heidi Johnson Lawrence County High School

During the state youth workshop, students will tour the Mississippi State Capitol, meet with legislators, and visit the legislative galleries where they will see debates on legislation. They will learn about electric cooperatives, hear dynamic speakers, and take part in several group exercises aimed at building cooperation, trust and leadership skills. In June, Mixon, Maxwell and Lawson will travel to Washington D.C. A nominee is chosen by their school counselor based on leadership qualities

Bentley Martin Salem High School

Cruz Maxwell West Lincoln High School

Belle Davis Enterprise High School

Molly Lawson South Pike High School

Taylor DeLaGarza Franklin County High School

Kenneth McGowan Amite County High School

Grace McKenzie Salem High School

and community service. Also, a nominee’s parents or guardians must be a member of Magnolia Electric Power. “All of the nominees should know that they were selected due to their leadership at their high school and in their local communities,” said Shell. “It was an honor for Magnolia Electric Power to work with all of the students. They represented each of their respective high schools well and each of them should know that the decision was difficult for our judges.” “To those who competed, you must also know that you were chosen because you are already leaders in your community. Your dedication and commitment to make the world better is already being noticed by adults,” she said.

Dawson Flowers Brookhaven Academy

Christian Welch-Dick North Pike High School

10b

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

* PART THREE OF A THREE MONTH SERIES

Remembering

When

electricity came into their lives

As time quickly passes around us, it has been almost 80 years since a group of men gathered in Magnolia, with one goal in mind and that was to bring electricity to the rural areas of southwest Mississippi. It was the determination, hard work and efforts of these men who wanted to see that electricity was brought to the rural masses that got the movement going. Before long, numerous power poles were placed in the ground and wire strung across the local countryside and now the descendants of those men and others who have moved into our area, reap the benefits of electricity because of their hard work. In an effort to document the stories of the people who lived before electricity was brought in to their homes, we asked for our members to share their stories. Renowned Mississippian Walt Grayson conducted the interviews and documented the information. Later, Grayson will produce a video to put all of their information in a video clip for us to share with the public. Until the video is ready, we would like to continue sharing the photographs and bits of their stories in part three of a three part series for our Today In Mississippi readers. And, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to the ones who came out and shared their information with Magnolia Electric Power.

A thank you to Lamar Stokes who provided us with this information: In homes today, 2017: Electric lights Vaccum cleaner Hot water heater Heat Refrigerator Freezer Washing machine Electric stove Television Hair dryer Hot rollers Air conditioner

1935 and before: Kerosene lamp Straw broom Pot on stove or fireplace Wood stove – fireplace Screen safe on back porch None Outside pot and tubs, wood fire heat Wood stove None Sun None Open windows and doors

Lamar Stokes, 91 Lamar Stokes grew up in Franklin County and remembers getting power to his childhood home in 1946-47, after he got out of the service. He remembered that he and his brother wired their house. “We didn’t have electricity, didn’t have running water, no gas, we burned wood for fire and light… coal oil lamps and lanterns were our source of light… and a “refrigerator” sat on the back porch – it was a safe with a screen wire around it and you kept the milk in it. We used a straw broom and there were no appliances,” he said. “Days were long and hard. You had to work to get a meal prepared, keep the house going,” he said. “There is no telling how many hours a woman put in to keep a house going…washing clothes and making meals.” “You would start before daylight making a fire and keep it going most of the day. Clothes washing was a No. 2 tub in the yard, a black pot and a scrub board. Women had a tough time back then,” Stokes said. After the service, Stokes went to school – Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Mississippi State University and graduated with a degree in agriculture engineering. He moved to the McComb area to be near his ailing parents and built a house in 1951 that he wired himself. He eventually was hired as the Member Service Director at Magnolia Electric Power. “When I came here there was still places that didn’t have power. Magnolia Electric is the first rural electric company in the state of Mississippi to offer services to everyone in their service area,” he said. Electricity was an unknown at that time to many of the people living in southwest Mississippi. “Lots of folks that were getting electricity didn’t know what to do with it,” he said. “They weren’t familiar with it. They didn’t know what a refrigerator did … I, and the home economist, would go out and educate the people,” he said. “They didn’t know how to iron or wash clothes. You had to talk to them, hold meetings and educate them about what was available.” Stokes explained that the reaction of the women, how happy they were to get electricity and learn how to use the electrical items, it was something to see.

November/December 2017

C.V. Glennis, 73

“When I was about 4½ years old, myself and two sisters went to live with my maternal grandparents and they didn’t have any electricity. We lived in town before we went to live with them. And during the years we lived with them, we would go back to town sometimes for a few months and of course there was electricity and modern plumbing but I couldn’t wait to get back to the country,” Glennis said. “Anything for the country.” Glennis, who split his time living in town with his Mom and step-father, and with his grandparents said he had electricity in town, but he loved the country. “It was a better life,” he said. He remembers getting electricity when he was around 11½ years old at his grandparents’ home. It was “the spring of 1956,” he said. “My grandfather put in 15 watt bulbs and he said they hurt his eyes, that they were too bright,” he said. “I think the biggest thing was getting the refrigerator,” he said. To Glennis, getting electricity meant “it gave us time to get school work done after dark. It was hard to get homework done by the kerosene lamp.” One childhood memory he shared, “I would bat rocks in the gravel road,” he said. Glennis still has a battery operated radio and one of his grandmother’s flat irons, memories of his childhood.

James C. Hawkins Jr., 75 Hawkins was a second grader and lived in the Auburn Community when he remembers the power lines being built through the woods or across pastures to bring electricity to his home. “It was hard for me to fathom, I mean what was electricity? We didn’t have it in school,” he said. So Hawkins learned what electricity was first hand. He reminisced about the one light bulb hanging from the ceiling at his grandparents’ home with a chain that would have to be pulled to illuminate the room. “We were poor people, but we were proud just to have this light bulb in the house,” he said. “We had kerosene light, and an ice box (not to be confused with a refrigerator). But after the family got electric power, “electric things came, but slowly.” During the interview, Hawkins shared a single light bulb that was screwed into a fixture. “This was our outlet,” he said. “We didn’t have outlets in the wall.” He continued, “We had 12-15 foot ceilings in the rooms and the wire hung down. We had a chain affixed to the light bulb. You ran an extension to whatever appliance you needed or had.” “These are reminders of what it was like to live back in the late 40s and early 50s in the house,” he said.

Delton Holland, 84 Holland said he heard about electricity after World War II when he was around 13-14 years old. It was the later part of 1946 or 1947, he said. Holland said it changed life for the better. “We were thrilled when we found out we were going to get some electricity because we used nothing but kerosene lamps.” “Before, we had the electricity, we had ice boxes – ice was delivered three times a week. We kept it in an ice box wrapped in quilts to make it last. We eventually got an old refrigerator.” “Mom got an electric iron. Before that, we put the irons in front of the fire place to heat them up so she could do the ironing.” “I’ll never forget my Dad wired the house. We had a little porcelain light up in the ceiling. That was the only light we had in the house and you may have one receptacle in the living room and one in the bed room,” he said. “Everything runs off electricity now.” “We were out in the country on a farm. For us to take a bath at night, we’d put the water in a big No. 3 washtub and set it out in the sun during the day to let it get hot, and that’s what we’d take our bath in at night. “Electricity was a big improvement.” “I remember doing my homework for school by taking a kerosene lamp from room to room. We would do our homework at night.”

Today in Mississippi I 10c

10d

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

Cooperative University A time to learn about leadership and cooperatives A new building and more room brought changes to the 2017 Magnolia Electric Power Youth Leadership Program. However, one thing that did not change was selecting the winners to attend a leadership workshop in Jackson and a week-long, all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the MEP Youth Leadership Program expanded to invite 26 students from our service area to come and compete. Twenty-one students, along with their parents and a few school counselors attended the workshop. “With more space at our new building, we were able to invite more students to come in and participate. We were excited to have 21 students attend this year and we look forward to the program growing bigger in years to come,” Shell said. Cooperative University is a one-day event which included: Youth Tour Overview, Magnolia Electric Power Overview, Meet a Lineman, Past Youth Leadership winners, Get-To-Know-You Session, a speech and question and answer session from Congressman Gregg Harper from the U.S. House of Representatives,” explained Member Services Director Lucy Shell. “We also included a ‘Leadership’ learning time and a learning session on how electricity gets to your home with our ‘Generation and Transmission’ talk followed by a hands-on demonstration.” “The program is geared to teach the future leaders

of our community about the cooperative business model and work on their leadership skills even at this first level,” Shell said. “We try to bring education along with fun leadership games to the students who attend.”

“We were excited to have Congressman Gregg Harper take time from his busy schedule to come and talk with our students,” Shell said. “The students listened as Harper spoke to them and then he gave them a question and answer time.” The group had lunch, which was followed by more leadership training, a chance to “Meet a Lineman” and then a tour of our new operations department and a chance to see MEP’s newest technology, Shell said. Speakers included: Shell, General Manager Darrell Smith, 35-year employee

Lineman/Serviceman Tony Martin, Manager of Engineering and Operations Aaron Achord, Cooperative Energy representative Amy Griffin, the 2017 youth leadership winners, Konnor Battle, Precious Thompson, Nick Brumfield and Abby Griffin, and Elissa Fulton with the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM). Those who attended Cooperative University were: Amite County High School: Kenneth McGowan; Brookhaven Academy: Kaitlin Beal, Dawson Flowers; Enterprise High School: Lizzie Boyte, Belle Davis; Franklin County High School: Taylor DeLaGarza, Logan Sanders; Lawrence County High School: Hunter Brister, Heidi Johnson, Jaden Taylor; North Pike High School: Kenna Hutto, Christian WelchDick; Parklane Academy: Sydney Stutzman, Karsyn White; Salem High School: Bentley Martin, Gracie McKenzie; South Pike High School: Molly Lawson, Alvie Mixon; Tylertown High School: Natalie Martin and West Lincoln High School: Emilee Leake, Cruz Maxwell. Parents of the school nominees and counselors are also invited to attend and many of the parents come and learn at the event too. The students were judged during the Cooperative University and at the conclusion of the event, twelve students moved forward in the competition to the interview round.

November/December 2017

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were excited to have 21 students attend this year and we look forward to the program growing bigger in years to come.â&#x20AC;? - Lucy Shell, member services director

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

Providing affordable, reliable electricity to our members since 1936.

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

TIP of the

Month

Simple tips for

# Plan meals

Meal planning, writing grocery lists and doing food prep when you have time helps making nutritious meals that meet your health needs easier, even when time and energy are in short supply. Search your favorite sites for recipes with common ingredients. For example, roast a chicken Sunday night with roasted potatoes and veggies. Leftover chicken goes into tacos or a casserole on Monday night, while the leftover potatoes get scrambled with eggs, peppers and mushrooms for a quick dinner Tuesday and the veggies go on a store-bought raw crust for fresh pizza Wednesday night.

# It’s not easy being green

# Choose healthier proteins

November/December 2017

Today in Mississippi

Monroe County Financial Statement ASSETS

BALANCE SHEET Year Ended 6/30/2017

Year Ended 6/30/2016

TOTAL ASSETS & OTHER DEBITS

43,154,124

42,020,872

Memberships & Patronage Capital Long Term Debt Other Non-Current Liabilities Current & Accrued Liabilities Deferred Credits

33,524,022 5,250,178 4,357,305 22,619

32,326,864 5,353,460 4,317,922 22,626

Utility Plant - net Other Property and Investments Current and Accrued Assets Deferred Debits

31,940,332 736,367 10,139,112 338,313

LIABILITIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES & OTHER CREDITS

29,868,692 717,931 11,110,817 323,432

43,154,124

42,020,872

INCOME STATEMENT

OPERATING REVENUE

Electric Sales Revenue Other Revenues

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE

Year Ended 6/30/2016 23,092,607 451,744

Year Ended 6/30/2016 22,048,684 420,638

May all the blessings of

Thanksgiving and Chrismas follow you and ours throughout the

23,544,351

22,469,322

New Year!

Purchased Power 17,338,644 Distribution Expense - Operating 347,844 Distribution Expense - Maintenance 1,221,815 CustomerAccounting and Collecting Expense 538,989 Sales Expense 10,795 Administrative and General Expense 1,430,383

Happy holidays

20,888,470

16,695,344 363,364 1,184,181 691,211 10,489 (409,930)

18,534,659

1,884,960 166,264 2,173

1,818,533 166,429 1,146

Our offices will be closed

EXPENSES

TOTAL OPERATING & MAIN. EXPENSE OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation of Plant Taxes Interest on Long-Term Debt

TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES

2,053,397

TOTAL EXPENSES

22,941,867

MARGINS FROM OPERATIONS

20,520,767

602,484

NONOPERATING MARGINS

Interest Income Other Nonoperating Income

1,948,555

60,990 536,044

TOTAL NONOPERATING INCOME NET MARGINS

1,986,108

58,986 (1,194,633)

597,034 $

1,199,518

(1,135,647) $

812,908

from

Thanksgiving November 23 and 24

Christmas December 25 and 26

New Year’s Day January 1 Dispatchers will be on duty.

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

TIP of the

Month

Simple tips for

Plan meals

It’s not easy being green

Choose healthier proteins

November/December 2017 I Today in Mississippi

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

WE WILL BE CLOSED November 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, December 25 and 26 for Christmas and January 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

For more information on Today in Mississippi, contact Janis Greene at 800-325-8925.

2017 Christmas Parades and Events N 19th Annual Southern Lights

Thursday, November 23 – Sunday, December 31 Drive through the 116-acre park with 500,000 twinkling lights. Cars can tune to five FM radio stations playing Christmas music as they ride through the park. Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Farm synchronized to music by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Proceeds benefits local charities. Sun-Thurs 6-9 pm; Fri-Sat 6-10 pm. $10-cars; $15-vans and hayrides; $25-buses; $5-motorcycles. Closed Christmas Day. Location: Central Park on Tchulahoma Rd. between Goodman and Stateline Rds. www.southaven.com or 662-890-PARK.

N Southaven Christmas Parade

Thursday, November 30, 6:30 p.m. on Main Street, Highway 51

Northcentral Electric is proud to be a drop box location for Toys for Tots again this year. Please bring an unwrapped toy and drop in the Toys for Tots collection box at our office. Other drop box locations and events can be found at midsouth.toysfortots.org.

and Stateline Road

N Byhalia Tree Lighting – Friday, December 1,

6 p.m.

on Brunswick Street.

N Olive Branch Christmas Parade Saturday, December 2, 2 p.m. Will follow traditional parade route: Cockrum Street to Goodman and Pigeon Roost.

N Horn Lake Christmas in the Park Saturday, December 2, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Latimer Lakes Park. Stationary Holiday Displays, Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Carols, Hot Chocolate and Cookies! Santa arrives between 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 pm. Join us as we celebrate the Christmas season by taking a stroll through our newest event sure to please all ages!

N Holly Springs Christmas Home Tour Saturday, December 2-Sunday, December 3

Launch the Holiday Season with this special holiday tour of 7 homes in this historic city, decorated in Christmas splendor, to reflect the joyous yuletide celebration. Sponsored by Marshall County Historical Museum, 220 E. College. For tickets or more information, contact the museum at 662-252-3669 or online at marshallcountymuseum.com.

N Holly Springs Christmas Parade Saturday, December 2, 5 p.m.

N Hernando Christmas Parade – Monday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. Parade begins at corner of Mt. Pleasant Extended and Commerce Street, traveling down Commerce Street, around the courthouse square and ending at the Hernando Baptist Church

N Byhalia Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 9, 6 p.m.

Help make this a special Christmas for the kids.

Energy efficiency tip of the month Purchasing electronic gifts this holiday season? Remember to purchase ENERGY STAR®-certified electronics and give the gift of energy efficiency.

November/December 2017 I Today in Mississippi

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

Whatever is beautiful, Whatever is meaningful, Whatever brings you happiness... May it be yours this holiday season. And throughout the coming year. WE WILL BE CLOSED Northcentral Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

November 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, December 25 and 26 for Christmas and January 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. For emergencies after hours, weekends, and holidays, call

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)

1-800-325-8925

10 Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

PRVEPA Contact Information: Columbia: 601-736-2666 Hattiesburg: 601-264-2458

Purvis: 601-794-8051 Wiggins: 601-928-7277

To pay bills or report outages:

855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372)

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

Visit us on line at www.PRVEPA.com

A message from your general manager

The cooperative difference: Serving members, growing communities Being an electric cooperative, Pearl River Valley Electric is a unique kind of electric provider. We were established in 1938 by farmers working together to provide electric service at an affordable cost to what Randy Wallace were then only very General Manager rural areas. What worked back then still works well today. We remain member owned

and locally operated; providing safe, dependable service is still our primary goal. As we move into our 80th year of operation, the biggest difference is the growth and complexity of our business. Now, every aspect of our lives depends on electricity, and our Association serves more than 49,000 meters scattered across 12 counties. An important part of a cooperative business is our Annual Meeting, which we conduct each year in

September. It’s an opportunity for all members to come together to participate in a business meeting, as well as to vote for directors. Members who are not able to attend may vote by absentee ballot. At our most recent Annual Meeting, held on September 23rd, four directors were elected to three-year terms: • W.A. “Pete” Kendrick (District 2) • Ben F. Hudson (District 7) • Byrus E. Hurt (District 9) • Leslie Peters (At-Large)

We also awarded attendance and absentee prizes as part of the celebration (see list below). If you were unable to make it to the meeting this year, we encourage you to try to attend next September. The power of our organization rests in our members as we work together to enhance the quality of life in our communities. The next time you turn on a light or pay your bill, remember that you are a member-owner of our organization.

PRVEPA 2017 Annual Meeting Prize Winners Shelton L. Broome won the Grand Prize of a $1,250 credit for electricity. Betty Walley won the second place prize of a $750 credit for electricity.

Seated left to right: Dorothy Hunt, ($100 credit for electricity), Betty Walley, (second place winner), Barbara Hinton, ($100), Octavia Follins, ($100), Shelton L. Broome, (Grade Prize winner). Standing left to right: Laterica McLendon, ($100), Rose Mary Jefferson, ($100), Rose Jefferson, ($100), Katie Lee Garthright, ($100), Carolyn Soniat, ($100), William Trago, ($100), John Murret, ($100)

ABSENTEE PRIZES: CERTIFICATES FOR ELECTRICITY $1,250 winner:

$750 winner:

Carey S. Howard, Purvis

Francis Stringer, Columbia

$100 winners:

$50 winners:

Julie Boone, Wiggins Charles E. Broom, Bassfield Hulon Cameron, Sumrall Gary M. Campbell, Bassfield Barbara Dedeaux, Lumberton First Hopewell Church, Sumrall Roger Graney, Hattiesburg David Ham, Hattiesburg James Holland, Jennings, LA Roshanda C. Hopson, Purvis Sanita Jetton, Perkinston Randy E. Keeler, Marrero, LA Jimmy McSwain, Foxworth Tania Miller, Lumberton Dean Browne Miller, Hattiesburg Thomas Pough, Kokomo Leon Shirley, Foxworth Anita F. Stanley, Sumrall Houston Keith Stuckey, Columbia Bonnie Terry, Monticello Tina Thames, Purvis Arlena Watts, Columbia Roland Dale Wheat, Hattiesburg Heather E. White, Sumrall Hasting Yawn, Hattiesburg

Danny Anderson, Purvis James S. Boler, Lumberton Carter & Mullins Camp, Kokomo N. Voncille Corley, Brooklyn Lynn Davis, Lumberton Double X Hunting Club, Foxworth Ann Douglas, Hattiesburg Jerry Henry, Foxworth Ramona Kendrick, Sumrall Louis V. Lee, Jr., Hattiesburg Robert E. Lee, Lumberton Whitney Leggins, Hattiesburg Dannye Long, Columbia Sandra M. Nicholas, Hattiesburg James T. Norris, Lumberton William Prine, Perkinston Ray Rodgers, Hattiesburg John A. Sisk, Monticello Magan Smith, Purvis Russell W. Stringer, Sr., Columbia Donald B. Suber, Hattiesburg Traci E. Thornhill, Tylertown Carl Thronson, Hattiesburg Jon Traxler, Hattiesburg Sherri Wilson, Purvis

November/December 2017 Today in Mississippi

Wishing you

and your loved ones a season filled with warm moments and unforgettable memories.

Our offices will be closed

Thanksgiving November 23 and 24

Christmas (Photo courtesy of PRCC Public Relations)

December 25 and 26

Pearl River Valley Electric made a ceremonial check presentation to Pearl River Community College officials Oct. 17, signifying this year’s scholarship awards to 129 PRCC students for 2017. Overall, 240 community college students received scholarships of $800 each through the program this year. Now in its fifth year, the Round Up for Education program has raised more than $1 million to date and 1,000 students have received awards to help with their community college expenses. Pictured left to right: PRCC Vice President for Business and Administrative Services Roger Knight, PRVEPA General Manager Randy Wallace, PRCC President Adam Breerwood, PRVEPA Manager of Member Services Kurt Brautigam, and PRCC Assistant Vice President of Student Services Maghan James.

New Year’s Day

Considering installing Solar Panels at your home or business? Call us first! Solar energy systems are becoming more popular in our region, but there are numerous safety issues and regulatory compliance requirements to understand before installing a solar generation system, regardless of its size. Private solar generation systems attached to Pearl River Valley Electric’s distribution lines are considered to be the equivalent of any other standard generation facility. Therefore, prior to installing solar generation at your home or business, PRVEPA members must contact the Association concerning installation, operation and safety requirements.

Call us. We can help answer any questions you might have.

January 1 Dispatchers will be on duty.

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

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2017

“Pioneers In America’s Rural Electrification”

Ivy’s journey at Pontotoc Electric filled with memorable moments By Jennifer Johnson John Ivy’s first day on the job at Pontotoc Electric as a full-time employee was an eventful one. The Bruce Journeyman Lineman went full-time with the company as a groundman on the day Hurricane Katrina hit the coasts of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana in 2005. Ivy said he remembered thinking, “What have I gotten myself into? Am I going to be able to make it through this night?” Ivy recalled having supper that night at Assistant Foreman Lee Hobson’s house. “He took me home with him to eat, and he asked me if I had any dry clothes. I had nothing. I had been working with an extendo stick in 70 mile-per-hour winds, so I was soaked and pretty stressed.” Ivy started his career with Pontotoc Electric as a part-time pole checker in Bruce. Three years later he applied for a groundman position in Pontotoc, learning everything he could during his time there. “I had to drive the system to find where things were since I was not from Pontotoc.” During his time with the Pontotoc line crew, Ivy rented a house in the area, and he said the accommodations were not exactly “fancy.” “The house had no insulation in the ceiling and it was really popular with the squirrels. It sounded like they were going to come down on me. I screwed a license plate onto a hole in the house to try to keep them out.” About a year later, he transferred to the Bruce location and started work as an apprentice lineman, a position he

held until eventually moving into a journeyman lineman position in September 2017 based on his years of experience. Ivy said he loves his job. He said the idea of doing line work is something that had been in his plans since childhood. “As a kid, I remember the line

Ivy said line work has changed since he started his career. “The equipment is better, and the safety aspect is a lot better. That’s important to me. I don’t want to see anybody hurt. I like to see everybody going home to their families at the end of the day.” Teaching lineman apprentices is something Ivy takes pride in. “I like helping the newer guys. I try to help teach them skills before they have to do them onsite. We have different techniques that can make the work easier.” Ivy said he would advise anyone thinking about a career in line work to understand what it takes to do this type of job. “They must have the physical capabilities. It’s strenuous on the body. John Ivy If they have the slightest doubt that they crew trimming trees around us. I don’t have the mental strength, this is remember watching that bucket. A lot probably not for them. You must have of times when I was riding with my the mindset to do this. You’ll struggle if granddaddy, we would pull over and you have a fear of electricity.” watch the linemen work. It was always The late James Bell was lead lineman in the back of my mind.” for the Bruce District Office of Pontotoc When Ivy got a job as a part-time Electric. Ivy said Bell taught him a lot, pole checker for Pontotoc Electric, he recalling one particular incident where said it made him even more determined he learned to never let fear get the best to make a career in line work. “I of him. “We were at the sawmill, and I thought ‘man, this is great!’ I loved the was working on a pole. A lightning camaraderie of the crew. I knew if I ever arrestor blew. There was a big fire ball. got the chance to be a lineman, that was The electricity started arcing. I felt it get what I was going to do.” hot. I had never been that close to it. I

was ready to come down, but James told me I couldn’t. He said I had to finish what I had started. After we finished with the job, James told me if anything like that happened to me again, I would have the ability to collect myself and get the job done. That taught me a lot.” Ivy is an avid hunter. “I love being in the woods.” He said he could remember being in a deer stand when he was a child and feeling the rush of adrenaline from making a great shot. Now, Ivy enjoys teaching his nephews Hardy and Eli the art of deer hunting and spending that time with his family. He’s also working on vehicles and chainsaws with his dad Jimmy. Right now, he’s repairing a 1990 model pickup truck to use for his deer hunting. And speaking of family, Ivy said the employees at Pontotoc Electric are just that. “These guys are my brothers. Just like any other family, we may have our differences, but at the end of the day we all watch out for each other. They’re always there for me.”

Congratulations! November / December 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Pontotoc Electric crews assist with Hurricane Irma relief Our crews provided assistance to Florida residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. We take pride in lending a hand to other cooperative power systems. Our people are trained and ready to assist. We also appreciated the service of the line crew employees who kept things running smoothly back here at home so we could send team members to support those in need.

Pontotoc Electric congratulates these apprentice linemen upon their promotion in the lineman training program. Our apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training with workbooks, classroom/field training, and written testing. We are proud of the hard work and dedication of these linemen as they grow their skills and serve our members.

Sedric Benford Bruce District Fourth Year Apprentice Lineman

Cody Martin Pontotoc District Fourth Year Apprentice Lineman

Tyler Parker Pontotoc District Third Year Apprentice Lineman

Cody Laster Pontotoc District Third Year Apprentice Lineman

Dalton Hall Pontotoc District First Year Apprentice Lineman

Brandon Jenkins Pontotoc District First Year Apprentice Lineman

Ben Robinson Pontotoc District First Year Apprentice Lineman

Byron Steen Pontotoc District First Year Apprentice Lineman

Walker Westmoreland Pontotoc District First Year Apprentice Lineman

Pontotoc Electric crew from left to right: Ben Robinson, Walker Westmoreland, Dalton Hall, Cody Laster, Fagan Jackson, Tyler Parker, Jackie Swords, Glenn Isbell and Frankie Moorman

Pontotoc Electric Bruce crew from left to right: Sedric Benford, Brandon Williams, Wes Hillhouse, Cody Liles, John Ivy and Phillip Brackett

Pontotoc Electric will be closed on:

November 23 and 24, 2017 for Thanksgiving December 25 and 26, 2017 for Christmas January 1, 2018 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day In case of a power outage or emergency, please call: 662-489-6711 (Pontotoc) or 662-983-2727 (Bruce) A Pontotoc Electric dispatcher is on duty 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Chance Wheeler Pontotoc District First Year Apprentice Lineman

Brandon Williams Bruce District First Year Apprentice Lineman

10 I Today in Mississippi I November / December 2017 Pay Bill

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

Report Outages

Check

Singing River Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

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

Round Up Bill

View Outage Map

CEO’s Message

Singing River Electric retires more than $2.4 M in capital credits to members Singing River Electric Cooperative’s board of directors approved a retirement of more than $2.4 million in SRE capital credits to the membership this year. This represents capital credits for the year 1986. An additional $760,997.60 of other capital Mike Smith credits will be returned to the General Manager and CEO Singing River Electric membership for the years 1984-86. What does this mean for members? As a member and owner, you have a share in the earnings of your not-for-profit electric cooperative. Singing River Electric’s rate revenue is used to operate, make payments on loans and make improvements to the electric system. Any remaining revenue is allocated to the members in the form of capital credits. The amount of the capital credit assigned to a member is based on the amount of electricity used during a

particular year. When appropriate cash is available, Singing River Electric’s board of directors can approve retiring a portion of the member’s capital credit in the form of a credit or check. How do I get capital credits? Members during the year 1986, with an account that is still active and receiving a billing statement each month, will automatically receive either a bill credit or a check based on the credit amount. These members do not have to fill out paper work. Previous members who had an account in 1986, but no longer have an active account, can visit our website located at www.singingriver.com or call any SRE office between Oct. 1 and Dec. 29 to receive instructions and download necessary paper work to claim their capital credit refund. Completed documentation must be returned to Singing River Electric’s Lucedale office by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017. We hope these returned capital credits help your family during this holiday season. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas from our SRE family to yours. Thank you for the privilege to serve you.

Choose LED Holiday Lights

Josh Havard Member Services Representative joshhavard@singingriver.com

When decorating your home or business this holiday season, consider using LED (Light-emitting diode) lights. Energy Star qualified LED decorative light strings consume 65 percent less energy than traditional incandescent lights and can last up to 10 times longer. They are also cool to the touch, reducing the risk of fire.

Capital Credits: The Benefit of Membership Members receive electric service from Singing River Electric.

Singing River Electric uses sales revenue to pay expenses.

Margins are assigned to an account for each member; the funds become capital credits.

At the end of the year, revenue minus expenses equals net margins.

Singing River Electric uses the capital credits to operate the co-op.

The board of directors decides annually the amount of capital credits to return to members.

Capital credits are returned to members in the form of a

CREDIT OR CHECK!

LED lights come in a variety of shapes, colors and lengths, and some products are labeled for outside use. LED decorative light strings are exceptionally energy efficient. The amount of electricity consumed by just one 7-watt incandescent bulb could power 140 LED bulbs – enough to light two 24-foot strings.

November / December 2017

Today in Mississippi 10a

Questions & Answers Q. What are capital credits? A. Singing River Electric’s rate revenue is used to operate, make payments on loans and make improvements to the electric system. Any remaining revenue is allocated to the members in the form of capital credits.

Q. How do members earn capital credits? A. When you signed up for electrical service from the cooperative, you became a member. Each member is allocated capital credits based on how much energy the member uses from the cooperative.

Q. Are capital credits returned every year?

If you get your electricity from a local cooperative, you are a member-owner. That means you are entitled to certain benefits, including the allocation of capital credits.

A. Each year the board of directors will decide whether to retire capital credits. There may be years when the cooperative is not able to distribute capital credits because of certain economic conditions and other factors such as major storm damage.

Q. How are capital credits returned? A. Either by a check mailed to members, or in the form of a credit on the electric bill.

Q. What happens to a member’s capital credits if the member moves away? A. Capital credits are maintained on record and can still be returned to a member when those credits are retired by the local board of directors. Members who move away may download paperwork from singingriver.com to request capital credits if they were members during the years being retired.

Q. Can I obtain a deceased member’s capital credits? A. Yes. Surviving family members may download paperwork from singingriver.com to request capital credits for a deceased relative.

Capital credits are not the only member benefits: • Reliable electric service at cost • Local control of your cooperative, governed by a board of directors, also member-owners, who live and work in your area • The right to participate through voting memberships

To find out more visit singingriver.com/capital-credits or CooperativeEnergy.com.

10b I Today in Mississippi I Novemebr / December 2017

Cooperative University participants take a photo and visit with (front row - l-r:) Senior Chancery Judge Jaye Bradley, Representative Roun McNeal, Representative Charles Busby, Representative Doug McLeod, Senator Dennis DeBar and Senator Michael Watson following the panel discussion.

Singing River Electric hosted its Youth Leadership Program Cooperative University and interviews on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at its headquarters office in Lucedale. All high schools serving Singing River Electric’s service territory were invited to nominate one member of the junior class to represent the school at the Cooperative University and interview. Student nominees were required to have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, be involved in extra-curricular activities, be active in church, civic and community activities, and receive electricity from Singing River Electric at their main residence. During Cooperative University, students got to know each other through networking activities, learned about the cooperative form of business and took a closer look at how Singing River Electric provides power to its members, restores power after an outage and emphasizes electric safety not only for its linemen but also for the general public.

A legislative panel discussion driven by questions asked by the students featured Senior Chancery Judge Jaye Bradley, Representative Charles Busby, Senator Dennis DeBar, Representative Doug McLeod, Representative Roun McNeal and Senator Michael Watson. Presenters throughout the day included Singing River Electric’s 2017 Youth Leadership students Kenley Cochran, Noah Moran and Morgan Rich, along with Singing River Electric’s Above: Savannah, Annie, Eli, Graeme and Levi learn more about Tom Davis, Lorri Freeman, Amanda Parker, each other during Name Bingo. Kevin Slay and Brandon Welford. Each student also participated in a 10minute interview moderated by a panel of out-of-town judges from electric cooperatives across the state. Following the Cooperative University and interviews, Zikeya Byrd, Micah Pickering, Eli Ramirez, and Cari Sims were selected to represent Singing River Electric at the Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson in February 2018, and the Youth Tour of Amelie, Graeme and Cari perform as skit about the 1st Cooperative Washington, D.C. in June 2018. Principle – Voluntary and Open Membership.

SRE System Engineer Tom Dav quickly an outage can be repo

Novemebr / December 2017 I Today in Mississippi I 10c

SRE Youth Leadership Students These four students will attend the 2018 Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson and Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.

SRE Substation Technician Kevin Slay helps Micah get all decked out in a linemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climbing gear and personal protective equipment.

Micah Pickering Perry Central High School

Zikeya Byrd Fruitdale High School

Eli Ramirez Pascagoula High School

Cari Sims Vancleave High School

These students were their high schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representatives based on their leadership skills and community activities.

Noell (standing) tells what she learned about her partner in a question/answer game.

vis (seated) shows Cooperative University participants how orted using the SmartHub app while visiting the Dispatch Center.

Mary Meghan Dickerson East Central High School

Amelie Million St. Patrick High School

Graeme Forrest Richton High School

Savannah Morgan George County High School

Noell Hankton Gautier High School

Annie Perkins Resurrection High School

Levi Hayes Ocean Springs High School

Kallie Wallace Greene County High School

Cheyenne Weaver St. Martin High School

10d

Today in Mississippi

Novemebr / December 2017

QA QUESTIONS

NHN Energy Assistance Jennifer Williams Director, Catholic Social and Community Services Inc.

ANSWERS

Q A Q A Q A Q A

What is NHN Energy Assistance? NHN Energy Assistance is a round-up program in which Singing River Electric members choose to round-up their bill each month to the nearest whole dollar. The roundedup portion of the bill is used to assist those in the community who cannot pay their power bill. Donations range from 1¢ to 99¢ each month and average only $6 per year.

How do I donate to SRE’s NHN Energy Assistance? There are four ways to sign up: (1) Check the NHN Energy Assistance box at the top of your bill. (2) Sign up using the SmartHub app on any mobile device. (3) Go online with your computer at singingriver.com. (4) Call any SRE office and request to participate. Once enrolled, the billed amount will “round up” to the nearest whole dollar. Why should I donate? We all need a little help from our neighbors from time to time. This is a unique, secure way to help those in your community. All recipients are screened to ensure there is a verified need, and 100 percent of NHN Energy Assistance donations go to help SRE members.

Where does the money go? One hundred percent of collected donations are distributed to SRE members through United Way for Jackson and George Counties and Catholic Social and Community Services (CSCS).

Q A Q A Q A Q A

How does CSCS work to further assist applicants? The goal of case management is to assist applicants and offer ways to help minimize the stress of a financial strain in the future. To meet this goal, each applicant is partnered with a case manager. Clients are asked to provide financial information to the agency and work with case managers to establish financial goals and objectives.

How do Singing River Electric members qualify for assistance? Members must show a need and a willingness to make changes in their life to change their current financial situation. Applications may be picked up at the CSCS office, or call 1-855-847-0555 to learn if a member meets the qualifications for the program.

How many times a year can SRE members get power bill assistance and for how much? Qualified SRE members can receive up to $125, one time per year through NHN Energy Assistance as long as funds are available.

Does Catholic Social and Community Services only help Catholics? No. Applicants are not asked about faith affiliation.

Novemebr / December 2017

Today in Mississippi

Merry Christmas We wish you and your family Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Our offices will be closed November 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, December 25 and 26 for Christmas, and January 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Dispatchers and servicemen will be available for outages and emergencies.

10 Today in Mississippi November / December 2017

Southern Pine Electric holds 2017 Annual Membership Meeting On Nov. 9, 2017, Southern Pine Electric held its 79th Annual Membership Meeting in Taylorsville, hosting a crowd of more than 600 people. The University of Southern Mississippi ROTC Color Guard presented the National Colors and Donald Jordan opened the business meeting. Guests included local and statewide officials, Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi staff, law enforcement, Cooperative Energy staff, retired employees and members from across 11 counties. Southern Pine employees hosted a Veterans Memorial Booth recognizing veterans for decades of service to our nation. Members elected Charles Lowe from Copiah County, Greg Sullivan from Covington County and Richard Thoms from Newton County to serve as a member of the board of directors for a three-year term. Jason S. Siegfried, the newly announced President and CEO of Southern Pine Electric, delivered a financial report that reflected the strength and stability of the cooperative. Mr. Siegfried attributed the success of Southern Pine to its employees, the wise decisions made by past leaders and its board of directors. He recognized the Member Service Team that includes 115 employees, Information Technology and Accounting Departments, for their outstanding work during a major data conversion to a new system. Expressing thanks to the men and

women that comprise the operations staff at the co-op, he commended them for their exemplary work during storm restoration efforts on June 16, 2017, and on their willingness to assist other cooperatives across the nation during emergencies. Members were served lunch and had the opportunity to visit informational booths hosted by employees on energy use and savings, demonstrations on safety, and the co-op’s online services and engineering capabilities. Reflecting Southern Pine’s commitment to young people and educational opportunities within its service area, the co-op announced its participation in an Adopt-a-School Program whereby employees will participate in various monthly events at a selected school. Through the program, Southern Pine will partner with teachers, parents and leaders in the community to help provide resources needed by students. The co-op offered prizes for members who submitted proxies and for those who attended the meeting. Prizes included electricity credits ranging from $1,000 to $250 and a grand prize of a pickup retired from the Southern Pine fleet. The meeting concluded with the commitment of Southern Pine employees to uphold its mission to enhance the quality of life of our members and community by safely providing reliable electric energy at an affordable

Southern Pine announces Adopt-A-School Program Southern Pine Electric is proud to announce its Adopt-a-School Program whereby employees, teachers, parents and community leaders will work together to provide needed resources for students and young people throughout its service area. The first school selected through the program is Hopewell Elementary, located in Covington County. School Principal Turpin Smith, teachers, staff and students sponsored a booth at Southern Pine’s Annual Meeting, providing a glimpse into the studies and academic capabilities of the chil-

dren. Students enjoyed visiting with employees and appreciated an insider’s view of a bucket truck where they learned about buckets and booms. Working hand in hand with teachers, Southern Pine employees will not only help provide resources but will teach a new generation about the benefits of belonging to a cooperative. Each year, Southern Pine will announce the selection of a different school for participation in the program from its 11-county service area.

price. Through excellent service and a dedicated work force, Southern Pine will continue to “Bring the Power” in 2018.

Annual Meeting Winners Congratulations to these members who won prizes in drawings at Southern Pine’s 79th Annual Membership Meeting:

Grand Prize Winner

Retired SPE Ford F-150 truck – Glen Hancock, Florence

Proxy Winners

$1,000 of electricity – Deborah Fortenberry, Prentiss $750 of electricity – Daniel Bumgardner, Brandon $500 of electricity – George Fortenberry, Braxton $250 of electricity – Susie Jones, Heidelberg

Door Prize Winners

$1,000 of electricity – Linda Noblin, Forest $750 of electricity – Oscar Montgomery, Stringer $500 of electricity – Ruthie McCurdy, Bay Springs $250 of electricity – Paul Ingram, Bay Springs

Online Member Information Winner Apple Watch – Bettye Floyd, Pearl

November / December 2017 Today in Mississippi

Member Spotlight:

Lazy Acres Plantation Christmas is a magical time of the year that is bursting with traditions spent between family and friends. These traditions form warmhearted memories that stay with us forever and are passed on across generations. Wonderful traditions include choosing the perfect Christmas tree and taking the children around the neighborhood to gaze upon the twinkling of Christmas lights. Both of these traditions, plus much more can be discovered at Lazy Acres Plantation. Lazy Acres Plantation is owned by Southern Pine Electric members Michael and Cathy May. We recently spoke with Michael about Lazy Acres Plantation and how this Christmas tree farm outside of Chunky became an exciting destination for thousands of families throughout the holidays.

What is the story of Lazy Acres Plantation?

It was started in 1980 as a Christmas tree farm by my parents, Raburn and Shirley May. My parents wanted to make sure that my sister and I had the means to attend college, so to generate the extra income needed they decided to plant and sell Christmas trees. After 20 years of growing trees my parents retired, and my wife and I purchased the farm soon after.

How did Lazy Acres in Lights start?

During the holidays we traveled around to a few different states and would always make a point to visit some new location to look at their Christmas lights. Four years ago we decided that we needed to try it out here and from there it’s continued to grow.

What can a visitor expect if they visit Lazy Acres in Lights?

This year will be different, but I think even better. Monday through Thursday night visitors can now drive through the farm in their own vehicles. We worked really hard to get a new road put in and we’re excited about offering this option to guests. On Friday and Saturday nights, we still provide wagon rides through the light shows. We offer plenty of other activities as well. Children can see Mr. and Mrs. Claus. We have several other costumed characters running around and interacting with guests. We have activities for the kids and farm animals for them to pet. It’s a fantastic atmosphere for families. We invite everyone to come out early, pick out your Christmas tree and then ride through our lights.

Tell us about the lights and what guests can anticipate seeing. We have a few new scenes to unveil this year, in addition to still having some of our more popular scenes. We have a large castle that’s lit up and is the centerpiece of the show. You’ll come across the Grinch who’s usually riding a bulldozer and causing problems. We’ll be adding a Cinderella carriage and a talking animatronic reindeer, which the children should love. Then the show ends with Mississippi’s largest handpainted nativity scene, which we’re excited about guests experiencing.

What does being a member of Southern Pine Electric mean to you? Considering how much electricity we use, it means a lot. Lazy Acres in Lights would not be possible without the electricity provided by Southern Pine Electric. The folks out of the Newton office have been helpful when we need them and are always willing to give advice when we require it. They keep our lights on and have provided us with great service.

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

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.

A message from your CEO Around 2:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, all homes and businesses from Port Gibson to Natchez were suddenly without power. Entergy transmission lines north of Natchez were damaged and ceased to transmit electricity. Entergy would have you believe that only 2,450 of their customers were without power. They failed to include in their outages numbers the 7,739 Southwest Electric Members served by four substations – Port Gibson, Lorman, Alcorn and Fayette – that were without power, including the campus of Alcorn State University. You might wonder why a Southwest Member would be affected by an Entergy outage. Southwest Electric purchases power Kevin Bonds from Cooperative Energy CEO/General Manager in Hattiesburg. Transmission lines are leased from Entergy to provide electricity to several Southwest Electric substations. Leasing lines from Entergy is a more cost-efficient way of getting the power to our substations. Building separate transmission lines next to Entergy’s lines would be

an unwise use of our Members’ resources. The southwest part of the state along Highway 61 is provided service from a transmission line routed from Vicksburg to Natchez. Under normal circumstances, there are two ways to feed power to substations – the most direct way and a back-up. If a portion of a transmission line is damaged, lines can be switched and power rerouted down different transmission lines while repairs are made to the impacted section. Entergy contractors are building a new transmission line along Highway 61 and have taken a portion between Vicksburg and Port Gibson out of service. This has resulted in all load in the area being served only from Natchez. There is no back-up right now. When a transmission line is operated in this configuration, all other maintenance is typically suspended to avoid situations like the one that occurred on Oct. 27. Southwest employees conducted an investigation and found that the damages were caused by an Entergy right-of-way contractor hitting a guy wire that was overgrown with vegetation. Entergy had given permission for a contractor to cut trees and bushes around the only back-up transmission line in southwest Mississippi. The result was a 24-hour outage for over 10,000 Mississippians on a night with cold temperatures.

Southwest Electric employees volunteered at the 10th Annual Woodville Deer & Wildlife Festival on Saturday, October 8, which raised funds for the Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association. Around $100 was raised from the sale of raffle tickets and $1,500 from the sale of Coca-Cola products.

Volunteers: Joyce Burleson, Amanda Cranfield, Deb McGee, Lynda O’Quinn and Les Southerland

Entergy contract crews working on the broken transmission poles Sat., Oct. 28, the morning after the poles were damaged by an Entergy right-of-way contractor. Photo by Chris Fleming, an engineer from Cooperative Energy.

Rather than sit back and wait for Entergy to repair the damage, Southwest engineers and linemen worked hard to safely transfer Members to other unaffected substations and lines in order to restore electrical service to as many Members as possible. Back-feeding power from other substations is a temporary fix.

Southwest Electric employee Deb McGee (right) with Morgan Gardner, a volunteer from Wilkinson County Christian Academy.

November/December 2017 Today in Mississippi

Pay your bill in cash through

MoneyGram. How it work o ks 1. Fiind a MoneyGrram locatiion – over 39,000 U.S. agent location moneygr gram.com//billllpayllocatiions

2. Briring these witith you: • Cash – Enough to pay your billll, plus the fee of $1.50 • Your Acccount Number • Receive code: 16381

It is a slow, step-by-step process because 1-800-926-9400 we have to moneygram.com/PayBills avoid overloading the substations that are still providing power. Through the back-feeding process, Southwest restored power to 1,854 Members by 8:00 p.m. Friday. Power to an additional 436 Members was restored early Saturday morning as system conditions allowed. In total, power was restored to 2,290 Members who would have otherwise been without power. In the meantime, we worked closely with Cooperative Energy staff on site at the damaged structures to monitor the slow progress of the Entergy crews. Almost 24 hours later, around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, the transmission structures were temporarily repaired and Southwest was able to restore service to all affected Members. After power was restored, Southwest employees spent the rest of the day reversing the back-feed and ensuring that all Members had power to their homes and businesses. I would like to personally thank our Members for their patience during this outage.

Southwest Electric employees Lynda O’Quinn and Les Southerland watch as Lexi Freeman, a volunteer from Wilkinson County Christian Academy, draws the winning raffle ticket.

3. Paay the amount and the fee at the caash counter.

AAvailable at these locat a ions, plus manny more:

Southweest Ellectriric P.O. Box 5 • Lorman, MS 39096 1-800-287-8564

Linemen Certificates Bruce Butler and Micah Gandy were presented certificates at the monthly safety meeting in October. The construction crew foremen received training on the proper and safe way to dig trenches, test soil samples and shore a ditch to repair underground wire. This training is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Bruce Butler Administration (OSHA).

Micah Gandy

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS: We will be closed Nov. 23 and 24, Dec. 21 at noon, Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1

Southwest Electric employees Joyce Burleson and Les Southerland.

Luther O’Quinn, a Member from the Natchez area, won the raffle for the Realtree Xtra Spring Steel Ground Blind. Photos by Amanda Cranfield

10 I Today in Mississippi I November / December 2017

Twin County Electric Power Association

nativity story The power of working together

Weissinger exhibit tells the in many languages

Above: Figurine from a Hummel nativity, from Germany Right: A nativity made in Spain, foreground, and a Mexican candelabra featuring a nativity scene at its base

By Debbie Stringer The nativity scene is known throughout the world as the symbol of Christmas, with its depiction of the birth of Jesus. Its cast of characters remains constant: the infant Jesus lies snug in a manger, watched over by his mother Mary and father Joseph, with shepherds, angels and animals gathered nearby. There is, however, infinite variety in how those figures are interpreted, as evidenced by Cary resident Mary Hazel Weissinger’s collection of some 475 (and counting) nativity models and art from around the globe. “They are from all the continents, except Antarctica,” said Mrs. Weissinger, a member of Twin County Electric Power Association. They come from Cuba, Ireland, Chile, Australia, Mexico, Peru, Italy, Russia and Spain, to name a few. Whether the style is whimsical or serene, elaborate or minimalist, abstract or realistic, each nativity reflects local artistic traditions. Some were manufactured, but Mrs. Weissinger prefers artisan-made nativities. “That’s the kind of thing that grabs me,” she said. They are made from wide range of materials such as wood, hand-blown glass, paper, porcelain, tin, corn shucks, straw, felt, fabric, yarn, bone, marble, metal, clay, coal and horseshoe nails. The makers employed traditional techniques including knitting, carving, welding, sculpting, stitchery, paper mache and origami.

Thomas Kinkade’s “Glory to the Newborn King”

Works by Mississippi artisans in the collection include welded sculptures by Lee Washington of Rolling Fork and clay figures by Moni McKee of Ridgeland. There are a few surprises too, like the rubber duck and the sugar cookie nativities. Mrs. Weissinger acquired most of her nativities during travels to other countries with her late husband, Charles “Charlie” H. Weissinger Sr. “He goaded me” into buying them, she said with a laugh. He was a farmer who managed the Sharkey County operation his grandfather established in the early 1930s.

She, a graduate of Mississippi State College for Women (now MUW), taught school in Rolling Fork for some 40 years, mostly second grade. “I used a lot of the nativities in the classroom not as nativities but as [examples of] hand work from [other countries],” she said. Although Mrs. Weissinger doesn’t recall when she began collecting nativities, one of her earliest

November / December 2017

was the Hummel figurines sent to her in 1963 by a cousin stationed in Germany. “That German one gave me a pretty good push into collecting,” she said. Through decades of the couple’s traveling and collecting, nativities came to fill every room of the Weissinger house at Christmas time, only to be packed up and stored when the festivities ended. Eventually, daughter Maryanne Weissinger Smith suggested the family share the nativities with the public. “The Methodists were nice enough to let us display them,” Mrs. Weissinger said. This makes the ninth year the Weissinger nativities have been exhibited at Goodman Memorial United Methodist Church, in Cary. The exhibit will be open to the public the first three weekends in December, beginning Dec. 2. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free but donations are accepted for Cary Cemetery. Groups may be accommodated on other dates and times. To request an appointment for a group visit, call Mary Hazel Weissinger at 662-873-2365.

Today in Mississippi

Mary Hazel Weissinger will exhibit her collection of some 475 nativities at Goodman Memorial United Methodist Church, in Cary. She holds a nativity hand carved from one piece of wood by an Italian craftsman.

Twin County sets holiday schedule Twin County offices will be closed: Nov. 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving Dec. 25 and 26 for Christmas Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. To report a power outage or other service emergency on weekends and holidays, call 866-897-7250. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Peruvian knitted finger puppets

CHRISTMAS

TOY DRIVE Please donate new, unwrapped toys

at any Twin County office Nov. 27 – Dec. 11.

Hand-painted ceramic nativity by Mildred Wolfe

Twin County will help Santa deliver your donations to pediatric patients at St. Jude.

Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

Yazoo Valley participates in community events ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A quality of life partner

The employees at Yazoo Valley held a raffle in October to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. Many of the employees have been personally affected or know someone who has been affected by Breast Cancer. They raffled a $500 cash prize and the rest of the proceeds were donated to the Susan G. Komen Central Mississippi Steel Magnolias. Lineman Wade O’Briant won the $500.00 cash prize in the drawing.

General Manager Ron White draws the name for the cash prize.

Treat time Halloween egg hunt and trunk or treat

The Yazoo Parks and Recreation Commission hosted its first Halloween egg hunt and trunk or treat at Wardell Leach Park. Jimmy Ward, mechanic and Dennis McFee, manager of member services for Yazoo Valley decorated Yazoo Valley’s 1951 International truck in a Halloween theme for the event. Ward, along with his grandson David, and McFee, passed out treats, school supplies and energy efficiency materials for this fun community event.

Wade O’Briant with his $500 cash prize won in the support of Breast Cancer Research raffle.

5 When will

Yazoo Valley retire my capital credits?

Yazoo Valley’s board of directors annually reviews the cooperative’s financial position and can declare a capital credit retirement. Historically, this retirement has been processed in December. Inactive members remain eligible for capital credit retirements after leaving the cooperative on condition that they have capital credit account balances. Accordingly, members leaving the system need to keep a current address on file with the cooperative.

What does

Things to know November/December 2017

Today in Mississippi

10a

about capital credits

What are... capital credits retirements Yazoo Valley is a member-owned electric cooperative owned by the individuals and businesses who receive electric service from Yazoo Valley. Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit companies and abide by the seven cooperative principles. One of these principles is members’ economic participation which means members contribute equitably to and democratically control the capital of the cooperative. Each member earns capital credits from margin created when revenues exceed the total operating costs and expenses for the year. This margin is allocated to each member’s capital credit account based the members patronage for that year. Capital credit retirements are a return of these allocations to the members.

How

does Yazoo Valley calcuate my retired credits?

Annually, the board reviews the cooperative’s financial strength and can declare a capital credit retirement which results in a check or credit to an account to each eligible active member or inactive member. Yazoo Valley utilizes a hybrid retirement method which allows a portion of the retirement to be paid to the members with capital credit balances in the most recently completed year and a portion to the members with capital credit balances in the oldest year or years still having balances. For instance, for 2017 a portion of 2016 capital credits will be retired along with a portion of the balance of 1991. This hybrid method allows 2016 members to participate in the retirement, as well as members from 1991. Operating capital credits retired in 2017 amount to $1,327,004.06 Also, Cooperative Energy, the cooperative’s power provider, retired capital credits in the amount of $178,256.12 in 2017. Pursuant to the Yazoo Valley bylaws this amount will be retired to the Yazoo Valley members and is included in the 2017 capital credit retirement. This provides for a total capital credit retirement of $1,505,260.18

Yazoo Valley do with my capital credit allocation?

Yazoo Valley utilizes the non-retired capital credits in the ongoing operations of the cooperative. Capital credits are a significant source of equity for the cooperative. Equity is used to help finance assets of the cooperative, such as investment in poles, wire, transformers and substations. Capital credits help keep rates at an affordable level by reducing the amount of funds that must be borrowed to grow and maintain Yazoo Valley’s existing electric system.

What is Yazoo Valley’s

history on returning capital credits?

Since beginning capital credits retirements in 1993, Yazoo Valley has retired more than $15.5 million in capital credits. Yazoo Valley has made consistent annual retirements over the 25-year period, fully retiring operating margins for 1955-1990. There are 13,293 members and former members with capital credit account balances and that will be eligible for retirement for 1991 and 2016.

Yazoo Valley employees (from left) Chris Clay, serviceman; Jessica Fielder, customer service representative; and Allan Bigford, journeyman lineman display the $1,505,260.18 capital credits check that represents the retirement of this year’s capital credits to the Yazoo Valley Electric membership.

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Today in Mississippi

November/December 2017

s s a l C New Welcome the

Nine high school juniors from the Yazoo Valley (Cooperative Energy), volunteered to serve as judges Electric service area spent a day learning about electric and interview the students individually. The final cooperatives at the annual Cooperative University, selections were made based on the student’s participaheld Oct. 26. The ultimate goal of the day was to tion in activities, leadership skills and service to the choose two students to participate in the 2018 Youth community. Leadership Program sponsored by 19 electric power Each student who participated exemplified excelassociations in Mississippi, including Yazoo Valley lent leadership, and though Electric. the selection process is Yazoo Valley always difficult for our Electric employjudges, this year’s winners ees engaged the are Cameron Shaffer from students in the Yazoo County High day-to-day activiSchool and Colbie ties of a cooperaMerritt from Sharkey tive, giving them a Issaquena Academy. brief insight of what These two students it takes to run will travel to Jackson in power to homes and February for the threebusinesses. day Youth Leadership Presentations Workshop, coordinatincluded an introduced by the Electric tion from Ron White, Cooperatives of Yazoo Valley’s General Mississippi, with Manager, and Tonya to partic- other students repreound the state ar om fr ts en Williams with g stud ., tour. senting cooperatives on will be joinin orkshop and Washington, D.C er m Ca d an ie W Colb Cooperative Energy, from around the state. uth Leadership in the 2018 Yo e at ip describing how power is This workshop will give the stugenerated and distribdents an opportunity to meet with their state legislauted. Cooperative Energy is the generation and trans- tors and tour the state Capitol, along with participatmission facility that provides the power to distribuing in more team-building and leadership activities. tion cooperatives like In June 2018, Colbie Yazoo Valley. and Cameron will represent “The Youth Leadership Program has Yazoo Valley lineman, introduced many area young people to Yazoo Valley Electric on an Wade O’Briant, gave a all-expense paid trip to the rural electric program. It has also presentation including the provided a great enhancement to their Washington, D.C. details of a lineman’s job The students who particdevelopment and education through responsibilities. Elissa ipated in the Cooperative attending events with Mississippi Fulton from the Electric University are: legislators, both in Jackson, Miss., and in Washington, D.C." Cooperatives of Mississippi Marinee Humphries, Yazoo spoke to the students about County High School; Mary - Ron White, general manager what to expect as a particiSibley McGraw, pant of the Youth Manchester Academy; Catie Leadership Program. Sarah Elizabeth Hardy and Merrell, Benton Academy; Colbie Merritt, Sharkey Qwinnetta Stokes, Yazoo Valley Electric’s 2017 parIssaquena Academy; Livie Rose Neely, Benton ticipants, shared their experiences from the Jackson Academy; Merrell Nichols, Manchester Academy; Workshop and Washington, D.C., with the students. Tracie Elizabeth Scroggins, Yazoo County High The activities throughout the day were fun-filled and School; Cameron Shaffer, Yazoo County High centered around team building and leadership. School; Hannah Trammell, Manchester Academy. Lucy Shell from Magnolia Electric Power in For more information on how high school stuSummit, Pollyanna Magee from Dixie Electric in dents with junior status in 2018-2019 can participate Laurel, and Jessica Hamburg from East Mississippi in the Youth Leadership Program, contact Dennis Electric in Meridian, along with Williams McFee at 662-746-4251.

2017 participants Sarah Elizabeth Hardy and Qwinnetta Stokes share their experience with the program. They showed the students pictures and explained what an impact the program has on young people.

The students played this get-to-know-you game early in the morning to break the ice and set the tone for the fun day ahead.

Tonya Williams with Cooperative Energy explains how different resources are used to produce electricity.

Tonya Williams from Cooperative Energy explains how electricity works and how if one link is broken, power stops flowing.

November/December 2017 I Today in Mississippi

Cooperative participants are pictured with Dennis McFee, member services manager for Yazoo Valley. McFee coordinates the Youth Leadership program locally for the students in Yazoo Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service area.

Marinee Humphries Yazoo County High School

Mary Sibley McGraw Manchester Academy

Catie Merrell Benton Academy

Merrell Nichols Manchester Academy

Tracie Elizabeth Scroggins Yazoo County High School

Colbie Merritt Sharkey-Issaquena Academy

Cameron Shaffer Yazoo County High School

Livie Rose Neely Benton Academy

Hannah Trammell Manchester Academy

From left: Catie Merrell, Hannah Trammell and Cameron Shaffer use craft materials to build an electricity system, based on the knowledge they learned through the day.

Lineman Wade Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Briant and Manager of Member Services Dennis McFee talk to the students about the daily responsibilities of a lineman. Catie Merrell is trying on the lineman gloves and discovers how hard it is to do simple tasks in the high-voltage safety gloves.

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Today in Mississippi I November/December 2017

TIP of the

Month

Simple tips for

# Plan meals

# It’s not easy being green

# Choose healthier proteins

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS! November/December 2017

Today in Mississippi

WE WILL BE CLOSED November 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, December 25 and 26 for Christmas and January 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. Luke 2:14 (KJV)