Today in Mississippi December 2020 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

A familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

CHRISTMAS

RIDING A

CAROUSEL

WRITING ABOUT

THE BLUES

TASTY

HOLIDAY DIPS

DECEMBER 2020

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CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937 CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 | PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 | RANKIN: 601-829-1201 | SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

107 EAST MAIN STREET â&#x20AC;˘ CARTHAGE, MS 39051

CENTRAL ELECTRIC WILL HOLD ITS

Annual Meeting MARCH 16, 2021 AT THE CARTHAGE COLISEUM HIGHWAY 16 EAST IN CARTHAGE

In accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi and the bylaws of the Association, three directors will be elected for three year terms. Members will elect one director from Neshoba County, one director from Rankin County, and one director from Scott County.

SECTION 4.04. Nominations (a) It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days before the date of a meeting of the members at which Board members are to be elected, a Committee on Nominations consisting of three (3) members who shall be selected from the given areas from which Board members are to be elected so as to insure equitable representation. No existing Cooperative employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director, and close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing Cooperative 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 in writing by members of the Cooperative. The committee, keeping in mind the principle of equitable representation, shall prepare a list of nominations for Board members, and submit its list to the Secretary not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the annual meeting. (b) Any fifty (50) or more members who are in good standing, are from the given area from which a Board member is to be elected, and acting together, may nominate a Director candidate for the area by petition. Any such petition for nomination must be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Cooperative. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, account number and service location of the member. Such nominations made by petition, if any, shall be delivered to the Secretary not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the annual meeting. Such nominations shall be posted by the Secretary 12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

at the same place where the list of nominations made by the Committee on Nominations is posted. A member may not make more than one (1) nomination by petition for each vacancy. If a member signs more than one petition for a director vacancy, then the signature of the member bearing the latest date of signing by the member will be considered and any previously dated signature by the member on any other petition(s) will be deemed invalid, null and void. If a member signs more than one petition on the same date, all signatures of the member bearing the same date of signing will be deemed invalid, null and void. (c) The Secretary shall prepare and post at the principal office of the Cooperative at least twenty (20) days before the meeting a list of nominations for Board members. The Secretary shall be responsible for mailing with the notice of the meeting or separately, but at least ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, a statement of the number of Board members to be elected and the counties they will be elected from and represent, and the name and address of each of the candidates nominated by the Committee on Nominations or by petition. A report from the Committee of Nominations, along with proxies, ballots and other annual meeting information will appear in the March issue of Today in Mississippi. As a member-owner of Central Electric Power Association, you have a right to participate in the annual meeting to hear the latest cooperative news and to elect the board of directors. Mark your calendar for March 16 and plan to attend Central Electricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual meeting at the Carthage Coliseum on Highway 16 in Carthage.

The 2020 hurricane season has seen a record number of storms. Central Electric linemen and servicemen responded to Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association in Columbia, Miss., and Singing River Electric in Lucedale, Miss., to assist in restoring power after Hurricane Zeta struck their service area.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THESE EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR DEDICATION! and • Bill Lofton • Mike Jamison

• Jeffery Dennis • Andy Ladd

• Eric Griffin • Brandon Watkins

• Ethan Porter • Jeremy Shoemaker

• Cade Martin • Matthew Beckham

• Brenton Cole • Zach Rogers

• Nick Mallet • Brandon Rhinewalt • Quinton Pullin

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A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at Central Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Call 601-267-3043 or visit www.centralepa.com to report an outage. CEPA dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

by Abby Berry The holiday season is finally upon us, and Santa and his elves have been especially busy as they gear up for their biggest night of the year. It’s no secret that Santa is known for running an efficient workshop — how else could he make all those toys in time for Christmas Eve? Rumor has it that one way Santa ensures an efficient workspace is through energy-saving measures.

Here are four ways Santa saves energy in his workshop. 1. Santa leaves his workshop decorations up year-round, so by using LED holiday light strands, he’s able to save on his monthly energy bills. LED holiday strands can last up to 40 seasons, which make them a great option for any festive home. 2. Santa requires several power tools to make a year’s worth of new toys. That’s why he insists on using cordless power tools with the ENERGY STAR® rating. According to energystar.gov, if all power tools in the U.S. used ENERGY STAR®-rated battery chargers, 2 billion kWh hours of electricity could be saved — that’s equivalent to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1.7 million tons!

3. Mrs. Claus loves to keep warm by the fire in the evenings, and Santa knows one of the best tricks to ensure fireplace efficiency. While a fireplace can keep a small area of your home cozy and warm, it can also pull heated air from the room through the chimney. That’s why Santa always closes the fireplace flue when a fire isn’t burning. 4. Santa also saves energy by using power strips. Power strips are ideal for workshops, craft nooks, game rooms and other spaces in your home. With one simple switch, you can conveniently control several devices and electronics that are plugged into the power strip. This holiday season, let’s take a page from Santa’s book and remember to save energy when possible. With these four tips, you’ll be well on your way to savings (and hopefully, Santa’s “nice” list!). Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

Holiday tree safety tips Ensure a merry and bright holiday season by safely maintaining your tree with the following tips. Inspect lights Keep away from heat

Examine cords

Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like an airduct, fireplace or space heater.

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage. Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

Carefully inspect all electrical decorations before you use them. Cracked or damaged sockets and/or loose or exposed wires can cause serious shock or start a fire.

Trim the stump Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees. Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

Revisions Requested Approved

Visit Treasury.MS.gov.

David McRae is Mississippi’s state treasurer.

Search for money in your name, a family member’s name, your church’s name, your business’ name or even a favorite organization’s name.

If there is money that you believe may belong to you, claim it. Our team will then get to work verifying the information.

DECEMBER2020 2020||TODAY TODAY15 15 DECEMBER

Approved

Revisions Requested

STEVEN Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

THE PROCESS IS EASY

out with this economy-boosting effort. I am proud of the work my team is doing to return this money. We’re conducting our own investigative work and proactively reaching out to those we believe are the rightful owners, but you can play a big role in this as well. We know this has been a tough year financially for many in the state. But your State Treasury is here to serve and I’m hopeful this effort will bring you a little relief. My great-grandfather grew up on a farm in rural Rankin County. He opened his first department store in Jackson at the turn of the century. Like today, that wasn’t the easiest time to start a business. World War I was coming. The 1918 flu pandemic was around the corner. And the Great Depression wasn’t far behind. But my great-grandfather understood one thing very clearly: If we were going to weather the economic tides, our family couldn’t be in the department store business; we had to be in the customer-service business. For 100 years, we were. That same customer-service mindset is at the center of what I’m now doing as Mississippi Treasurer. With that in mind, if you don’t have internet access or cannot visit Treasury.MS.gov, please call our office at 601-359-3600. We would be happy to help you begin your search. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

RON Date_____

by David McRae Looking for a little extra cash this holiday season? Then, I’d like to ask you to do something right now: Take out your phone and go to Treasury.MS.gov. Scroll down and type your last name in the unclaimed property search box. Is there money listed for you to claim? If so, claim it. You see, it’s sometimes very difficult for banks, credit unions and even retail stores to find the rightful owner of certain monetized property, such as an electricity bill refund issued to your former residence, the remanence of a long-forgotten savings account or an inheritance left by a late relative. The reality is that people move, families lose touch and the money that’s left behind goes unclaimed. After five years, entities turn that money over to the state to find the rightful owners. We call this unclaimed property. Since January when I entered office, the Treasury’s Division of Unclaimed Property has returned more than $15 million to Mississippians. It’s important to note the money we return in unclaimed property is not the state’s money — it’s not taxpayer money either. It’s your money and it’s simply the State Treasury’s responsibility to return it to the rightful owners, which is precisely what we’re doing. Fifteen million is a lot to pump into Mississippi’s economy right now, but we still have millions more to return. With that in mind, I wanted to personally invite every Mississippian to help

VERSION #______________

$15 MILLION

back to Mississippi – Some may be yours

P.O. BOX 188 • 340 HOPSON STREET • LYON, MS 38645 662-624-8321 • FAX 662-624-8327 • www.coahomaepa.com • cepa@coahomaepa.com

Here are four ways Santa saves energy in his workshop. 1 Santa leaves his workshop decorations up year-round, so by using LED holiday light strands, he’s able to save on his monthly energy bills. LED holiday strands can last up to 40 seasons, which make them a great option for any festive home. 2 Santa requires several power tools to make a year’s worth of new toys. That’s why he insists on using cordless power tools with the ENERGY STAR® rating. According to energystar.gov, if all power tools in the U.S. used ENERGY STAR®-rated battery chargers, 2 billion kWh hours of electricity could be saved — that’s equivalent to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1.7 million tons! 12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

3 Mrs. Claus loves to keep warm by the fire in the evenings, and Santa knows one of the best tricks to ensure fireplace efficiency. While a fireplace can keep a small area of your home cozy and warm, it can also pull heated air from the room through the chimney. That’s why Santa always closes the fireplace flue when a fire isn’t burning. 4 Santa also saves energy by using power strips. Power strips are ideal for workshops, craft nooks, game rooms and other spaces in your home. With one simple switch, you can conveniently control several devices and electronics that are plugged into the power strip. This holiday season, let’s take a page from Santa’s book and remember to save energy when possible. With these four tips, you’ll be well on your way to savings (and hopefully, Santa’s “nice” list!). Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

MANAGER’S MESSAGE Coahoma Electric Power Association’s Board of Directors recently approved the retirement of the 1990 capital credits of $413,441.27. Members who are eligible to receive the capital credits should have received a check in the mail or a credit to their bill in the month of November. It is the goal of the board and management to continue to return capital credits on an annual basis to the members of the cooperative.

Holiday tree safety tips Ensure a merry and bright holiday season by safely maintaining your tree with the following tips. Keep away from heat

Examine cords

Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like an airduct, fireplace or space heater.

Inspect lights

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage. Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

Carefully inspect all electrical decorations before you use them. Cracked or damaged sockets and/or loose or exposed wires can cause serious shock or start a fire.

Trim the stump Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees. Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

NEVER

ENDS

A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at Coahoma Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

FOR TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI INFORMATION, CALL 877-7MY-CEPA (1-877-769-2372) WWW.COASTEPA.COM

Where our members have the power

Communicators: April Lollar & Merilee Sands

A message from your CEO Merry Christmas! What a year 2020 has been. It’s been one of the toughest many of us have faced but, together, we have overcome many challenges, one of the most recent being Hurricane Zeta. Zeta packed a punch, but I am proud of the response of our employees and touched by the kindness of our community as we worked to bring power back to your homes and businesses. I am glad this historic storm season is over and that we can now focus on the joy of the holiday season and the year to come. I am optimistic about the year ahead and the opportunities 2021 will bring. I am most excited that we will have new opportunities to serve you, not only as your electric service provider but as your high-speed internet and phone service provider with our broadband subsidiary, CoastConnect. When we asked you to vote this summer, you overwhelmingly supported the idea of Coast Electric offering broadband service and we listened. After the 97% vote in favor of broadband and the start of a pilot project funded by a CARES Act grant in Pearl River County, we have plans to expand our system to offer internet and

phone service to Coast Electric members in other areas, pending final board approval. Building a system will take time, but we are committed to serving rural residents in our community with the fastest internet speeds available anywhere — with no data caps and symmetrical upload and download speeds. This is going to be an exciting time for residents in our area. I imagine it’s similar to the feeling people had in the 1930s when we brought electricity to these same areas for the first time. I am proud to be part of a cooperative that powers our communities and to now be part of a company that connects them. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your families from all of us at Coast Electric and CoastConnect!

by Ron Barnes President and CEO

Everyone at Coast Electric wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our business offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. Dispatchers will be

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on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday season. If you have an outage, you can report it on our CE on the Go mobile app, text us at 352667

A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S 12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

or call 877-769-2372. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Coast Electric announces a subsidiary offering high-speed internet service to rural residents Just as Coast Electric was formed in the 1930s to deliver Coast Electric Power Association is pleased to announce electricity to those in rural areas, CoastConnect will deliver CoastConnect, a subsidiary of the electric cooperative that will high-speed broadband internet and phone service to rural provide phone and high-speed internet service to customers residents in the three-county area. The state-of-the-art fiber in Harrison, Hancock and Pearl River counties. CoastConnect is network offers the fastest, most reliable internet service a stand-alone subsidiary and its operations do not impact any available anywhere. Coast Electric member’s electrical costs. Residential internet packages offer upload and download The announcement comes after the start of a pilot project speeds of either 100 Megabits or 1 Gigabit with no data caps. in Pearl River County that will continue into the spring of 2021, Packages to meet the needs of any funded by the Coronavirus Aid, business or school are also available. Relief and Economic Security Phone service is available for residential (CARES) Act, and more than a and commercial customers as well. Visit year of required research and www.coastconnect.com for information data collecting to determine if the on package options and add-ons, and venture is in the best interest of to see if service will be available in your Coast Electric and our community. area soon. In August, 97.1% of voting Coast “This is an exciting day for residents Electric members approved a in our three-county area,” Barnes said. change to the cooperative’s “Internet connectivity is essential in certificate of consolidation to allow today’s world. Where you live shouldn’t the company to offer broadband negatively impact the service you services. “The vote in August was receive. Lack of access has kept certain opportunities from rural residents and overwhelming. We hear from businesses for too long. I am proud to members every day who need be a part of a venture that is going to internet access,” said Coast Electric and CoastConnect President and forever change the quality of life for our communities and bring opportunities CEO Ron Barnes. “We know people CoastConnect’s ﬁrst customer, Mandy Gisclair was connected in early November. to the people we serve. This will bolster are excited and we are excited to economic development and provide more opportunities for serve them but building a system will take some time. We will residents and businesses in our area.” work with urgency, but we won’t compromise the reliability or structural integrity of the system. Our members expect a certain level of service from Coast Electric, and we want to provide them with the same level of service at CoastConnect.” WEB: www.coastconnect.com • FACEBOOK: @MyCoastConnect TWITTER: MyCoastConnect • INSTAGRAM: mycoastconnect YOUTUBE: Search for CoastConnect

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

Hurricane

Zeta

BY THE NUMBERS 1,858 2,077 1,755 69,000 100%

BROKEN, DAMAGED OR LEANING POLES SPANS OF WIRE DOWN TREES ON LINES MEMBERS WITHOUT SERVICE AT THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM

• 80% OUTAGES RESTORED IN FOUR DAYS • 95% RESTORED IN FIVE DAYS • 100% RESTORED IN ONE WEEK

Although weather reports predicted Zeta would make landfall as a weak Category 1 hurricane or even a tropical storm, Zeta roared into our area at one mile below Category 3 status, taking down trees, power poles, wire and knocking out service to 65,000 of our 85,000+ members. Once again, our community showed strength, resilience and kindness as employees worked long days and nights. We are forever grateful for the communities and members we serve.

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

R DAYS

CEPA STORM RESTORATION — IT TAKES A VILLAGE Restoration takes our entire team — right-of-way crews, dispatchers, member service reps, vehicle maintenance, engineers, HR, communications, warehouse, logistics coordinators, operations personnel — every Coast Electric employee works on the restoration process. The work doesn’t stop until service is restored to every member.

Community partners and kindness from friends Many members and businesses supported our hard-working employees. During the storm, we received drinks for thirsty workers, meals from local businesses and linemen’s wives and special treats and kind gestures from members. Thanks to the Chicken Salad Chick in D’Iberville, The Cupcake Connection Café, Dolce Bakeshop, Dolce Café, Shipley Do-Nuts, Da Kitchen in Waveland, LaChula’s, Dixie-Que, Dominos in Orange Grove, Smile Doctors Braces, The Donut Shop, Southern Productions, South Mississippi Off-Road & RV Park, Neco’s Family Market, Big T Detailing, Coastal Tire & Auto, Blue Line Electronics LLC, AllianceWheel, and RCelec, and all of the incredibly kind members who have provided water, snacks, meals, cards and kind words.

COOPERATION It’s a wonderful thing to be part of a network of cooperatives and companies that we can rely on when we need them most. Besides our crews, 700 additional workers left their families to come to our community to restore service to our members.

THANKS TO EVERYONE AT: ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES: North Central Electric Cooperative Twin County Electric Power Association Natchez Trace Electric Power Association Southern Pine Electric Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association Pontotoc Electric Power Association CoServe — Texas Escambia River Electric Cooperative, Inc. — Florida

CONTRACTORS: Preferred Electric

RIGHT OF WAY CONTRACTORS:

Service Electric

Asplundh

B&B Electric

S&S

Grays

LGS

Killen

Cardinal Power Group

Sparks

WA Kendall

MDR

Welch Tree Service B-Line Cambiums

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 15

Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425 – USE IT ANY TIME 24/7

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

Revisions Requested

Examine cords

Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like an airduct, fireplace or space heater.

Inspect lights

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage. Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

Carefully inspect all electrical decorations before you use them. Cracked or damaged sockets and/or loose or exposed wires can cause serious shock or start a fire.

Trim the stump

ENDS

A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at Delta Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

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NEVER

RON Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

STEVEN Date_____

Approved

Trim the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees. Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

Approved

Keep away from heat

CHAD Date_____

Ensure a merry and bright holiday season by safely maintaining your tree with the following tips.

Revisions Requested

Holiday tree safety tips

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

dixieepa.com | defastlink.net | prepared.dixieepa.com | AFTER HOURS: 888-465-9209 | 601-425-2535 @DixieElectricMS

@DixieEPA

@dixie_electric

Giving back to our community Over the years, you’ve heard or read about Dixie Electric’s support for our community. This is one of the core principles that sets cooperatives apart from other types businesses. Caring for our community is a responsibility that we take to heart, and this year it means even more. Over the past few months, like so many of you, we’ve risen to meet new challenges and strengthen the safety net for our community, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic and the April tornadoes caused us to make numerous adjustments to our programs and operations to maintain health and safety while serving you. Now, with the holidays fast approaching, these recent events have caused us here at Dixie Electric to pause and think about the role we play in our community. While our purpose is to provide safe and reliable energy to you, the members we serve, we have a greater mission––to be a catalyst for good. For more than a decade, we’ve held a charity golf tournament to provide financial support for charitable organizations in our service area. Our golf tournament had to be canceled last March due to COVID-19 restrictions. To still meet the needs of the organizations that we made a commitment to support, our board of directors approved a donation of $4,000 to be matched with individuals and businesses golf fees who were willing to donate them. I’m excited to announce that we were able to split

$11,000 among the charities because golfers and sponsors were so generous. The charities are the American Cancer Society, the Junior Auxiliary of Laurel Secret Backpack program, Junior Auxiliary of Wayne County Backpack Buddies program and the secret backpack programs coordinated by Macedonia Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Petal. The secret backpack programs provide food to school-age children; the food is secretly placed in their backpacks on Friday afternoons, so they have food through the weekend. Dixie Electric also invests in the economic development of the community through an active role in our local Chambers of Commerce. Supporting the local business community has been a priority in a year when COVID-19 restrictions and weather have affected so many of our local businesses. Concern for community is the heart and soul of who we are. And no matter what the future brings, you can count on your electric co-op. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at Dixie Electric!

by Randy Smith General Manager

Dixie Electric Power Association will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, 2020, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

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A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S 12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

We will also be closed on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in observance of New Year’s Day. Call 888-465-9209 or use the SmartHub app to report a power outage or an emergency. Servicemen will remain on call.

CLEARING PROJECTS UNDERWAY • West Waynesboro substation: Waynesboro, Big Creek, Dyess Bridge, Clara and Shubuta

• Buckatunna substation: Winchester, Buckatunna, Progress, Chicora and Denham

• Burr Creek substation: Moselle, Union and Ellisville • Eucutta substation: Eucutta, Sandersville, Pleasant Grove and Evergreen

• Hoy substation:

North Laurel, Hoy, Moss, Shady Grove, Matthews, and Springhill Road

Osmose Utilities Services will be performing inspection and maintenance on some of Dixie Electric Power Association’s poles. Inspections began in August and will continue through the end of the year. The general areas to be inspected are the West Ellisville, Sand Hill, Oak Bowery, West Moselle and Sanford areas. This work will generally consist of excavating a hole about 18-inches deep around the poles to inspect them and applying a preservative and/ or remedial treatment to the poles as needed. The purpose of the inspection and treatment is to identify poles that do not meet industry strength standards and to extend the useful life of all others. All Osmose contract workers will be identifiable by their yellow and orange Osmose work vests and hard hats. Osmose vehicles should be marked with Osmose Utility decals as well as Dixie Electric Power Association “Contractor” decals. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

STEVEN Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel.

Pole inspections are underway

Revisions Requested

Maintaining reliable service

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

Approved

1 Santa leaves his workshop decorations up year-round, so by using LED holiday light strands, he’s able to save on his monthly energy bills. LED holiday strands can last up to 40 seasons, which make them a great option for any festive home. 2 Santa requires several power tools to make a year’s worth of new toys. That’s why he insists on using cordless power tools with the ENERGY STAR® rating. According to energystar.gov, if all power tools in the U.S. used ENERGY STAR®-rated battery chargers, 2 billion kWh hours of electricity could be saved.

RON Date_____

Here are four ways Santa saves energy in his workshop.

3 Mrs. Claus loves to keep warm by the fire in the evenings, and Santa knows one of the best tricks to ensure fireplace efficiency. While a fireplace can keep a small area of your home cozy and warm, it can also pull heated air from the room through the chimney. That’s why Santa always closes the fireplace flue when a fire isn’t burning. 4 Santa also saves energy by using power strips. Power strips are ideal for workshops, craft nooks, game rooms and other spaces in your home. With one simple switch, Santa can conveniently control several devices and electronics that are plugged into the power strip. This holiday season, let’s take a page from Santa’s book and remember to save energy when possible. With these four tips, you’ll be well on your way to savings (and hopefully, Santa’s “nice” list!).

VERSION #______________

Hurricane Zeta strikes south Mississippi During this active year for hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi dodged three large storms only weeks apart. Then on Wednesday, Oct. 28, Hurricane Zeta directly impacted the Mississippi Gulf Coast, affecting several electric cooperatives in the state. Hurricane Zeta caused 7,986 Dixie Electric members to lose power on Wednesday evening. The outages were caused by fallen trees and limbs, breaking power lines and poles. Dixie Electric’s line workers, contract line crews and right-of-way crews managed to restore power within 24 hours. On Saturday, Oct. 31, 17 linemen from Dixie Electric headed to Singing River Electric Cooperative who is Dixie Electric’s neighbor to the south. On the following Tuesday, another

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

six linemen went to restore electric service. Singing River Electric’s system sustained damage from Hurricane Zeta with more than 62,000 members without power immediately after the storm. On the evening of Friday, Oct. 30, the cooperative reported 24,500 still without power. Restoration continued for 11 days, and Singing River Electric reported 900 broken poles. Singing River Electric’s proximity allowed Dixie Electric to send three crews to aid with restoration. The linemen were working in the areas near Sandhill and Leakesville, which was close enough for them to return home each night. Singing River is headquartered in Lucedale with district offices in Jackson and Greene counties.

Compare prices. Sign up. Pilot project members, compare prices at DEFastlink.net before you sign. Internet providers are making “promises” that come with a two-year contact to customers who are in DE Fastlink’s pilot project area. Compare prices at DEFastlink.net before you sign.

• No contracts • No data caps • Upload/download speeds are the same Visit DEFastlink.net to preregister. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 15

Diverse restaurants provide delicious options In Petal, there is a small assortment of eateries with diverse menus, providing fresh delicious meals for local residents. Poppa’s Original Wharf Seafood, Cow & Coops, Chocovase and, the coming soon, Dough 2 Geaux shop are operated and managed by Remy Bozant. “We are all about diversity, and I try to maximize the space we have,” Bozant said. “For example, in Poppa’s Original Wharf, we offer a market because we try to keep things diversified and offer what people want.” Each restaurant is a little different. Poppa’s Original Wharf has a wide variety, including salad, burgers, chicken wings, seafood and seafood platters. The market, inside the Wharf, sells fresh seafood, stuffed potatoes, stuffed chicken and boiled seafoods. Bozant says the market even carries King Cakes by Caywood and Randazzo during Mardi Gras. Cow & Coops has a simple menu that has fresh, delicious ingredients. The menu includes fresh chicken tenders, wings and burgers. The items are made to order, and the menu is streamlined with two sides – New Orleans-style onion rings and French fries. “Cow and Coops is a good place to stop and eat if you are on the go,” Bozant said. “It is family friendly.” Chocovase, which opened in early November, is a delivery only service that prepares chocolate dipped fruit arrangements. Chocovase provides gifts for all types of occasions and holidays and can offer same-day delivery. They also design holiday platters and gifts for corporations. Dough 2 Geaux will serve New Orleans style doughnuts, which are large, fluffy doughnuts. The shop was planned to open in spring 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic put the opening on hold. Dough 2 Geaux is scheduled to open the first week of January 2021. The fresh cooked doughnuts will be served from 6 to 10 a.m. each day. These eateries are Co-op Connections participants. Show your card and receive 10 percent off menu items — with a few exclusions.

Courtesy of Poppa’s Original Wharf

INGREDIENTS 1 pound of crab meat (claw meat gives more flavor) 2 Medium blocks cream cheese 2 bunches green onions chopped 1 stick butter • Clean and squeeze juice from crab meat • Sauté onion in butter until soft • Add cream cheese and crab meat, melt and simmer a few minutes while adding seasoning and Worcestershire! 16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

1/4 to 1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp black or white pepper 1 tsp Creole Seasoning • Great with crackers, tortilla chips, or Bugles “Best Crab Dip” is a great for holiday parties and is sold seasonally at Poppa’s Original Wharf.

Co-op Connections Businesses Use your Co-op Connections card for holiday shopping!

• Buddy’s Food and Fuel • Burrito Express • Chili’s in Petal • Cow & Coop’s • Dickey’s Barbeque Pit • Jitters Coffeehouse and Bookstore • KaRazy Kones • KaRock’s • Lee’s Coffee & Tea • Mi Casita Grill • Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant • Poppa’s Cajun Creamery • Phillips Drive In • Pizza Inn of Waynesboro • Poppa’s Original Wharf Seafood • Quickway Market, LLC • Reyes Mexican Grill & Bar • Sake Cafe • Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar • The Catfish Wagon Restaurant • The Dinner Bell • The Knight Butcher • The Smokehouse of Laurel • Walker’s Dairy Bar • Zaxby’s of Petal

• Doris Tanner’s Flowers, Inc. • Four Seasons Florist • Quinn Pharmacy & Gifts • Randall Blake Florist & Gifts • Sweet Blossom

Health & Beauty

• Ellis & Walters Dental Care • Epic Styles • Thompson’s Barber Shop • Ward’s Pharmacy • Wells Pharmacy • Women’s Pavilion of South Mississippi PLLC

Shopping • 4 Girls Boutique and Tanning • Allie’s on Magnolia Boutique • Carter’s Jewelry of Petal • City Home Center • Heart & Sole Boutique • Miss Behavin • Quarter Century • Rhinestone Ranch • Rubies Home Furnishing • Sass & Class • Sassy Scrubs • Southern Lace Boutique • The Boutique on Central • The Cotton Boll • The Pink Anchor • Windy Hollow Farms & Nursery

Services • 601 Graphics & Gear, LLC • A1 Graphics • B&C Mobile Homes • Break-A-Way, Inc. • C&C Welding • Dayon Tree Service, Inc. • Gatlin’s Building Supply • H and S Construction • Hall’s Welding Service, LLC • HOC 11 (The Wheel Shop) • Jensen Computer Technologies • Jimmy Pearson Contracting • Let’s Make Something Fabric Shop • Michael Jordan Construction, LLC • P&B Fencing • Precision Quick Lube • Primerica, Inc. • Sawmill Monogramming • Service Industry Tree Removal • Skynet (powered by Jensen Technologies) • Southern Vinyl Blanks & More • Vorteck Pest Control DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 17

DeKalb 601-743-2641 • Louisville 662-773-5741 • Quitman 601-776-6271 • After-Hours Outages, Call 601-581-8600

MEMBER OWNED. LOCALLY OPERATED. THAT’S THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO Until late in his life, this time of year signaled the making of cane syrup for my dad. While we enjoyed the fruits of his labor in the fall and winter, it did not come without a lot of preparation and work all year long. In the spring he would remove the dirt piled on top of the cane stubles to begin their growth. The following months were filled with plowing, stripping, cutting down and loading the cane for the mill. Building our fiber-to-the-home broadband network requires this same preparation and work before enjoying the full benefits of high-speed internet access. Our efforts have not come easily or without opposition. We have been challenged by some that wish to slow our progress as well as those that do not embrace our same urgency. The preparation work began in July with the establishment of East Mississippi Connect, LLC (EMC). On October 3, 2020, our members ratified EMC with 99 percent approval. Over 3,000 of you have pre-registered for broadband service. Your EMEPA team and the contractors we have working on the system have been busy. Over 440 fiber miles have been designed and checked for accuracy. Permit applications and fees have been processed for 205 Mississippi Department of Transportation highway crossings and four railroad crossings. Contracts for points of internet access from wholesalers have been established. While they do not have the same urgency, we are pushing for service as quickly as possible. Even in the face of opposition, contract crews are working in the underserved and unserved Federal Communications Commission (FCC) census blocks. Poles have been inspected and any needed changes have been completed. Upwards of 200 miles of mainline fiber will be installed by the time you read this message. The processes of meeting with members who have pre-registered for service, flagging the fiber routes into their property and scheduling home installations are well underway. This work continues even in adversity from the weather. Since the start of this project, we have experienced hurricane after hurricane in the Gulf. In the cooperative spirit, we released our contract crews to sister cooperatives that needed help to recover from these storms. We also sent our own crews to in-state emergencies. We realize the desire to be connected as quickly as possible

12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

and are working to make that happen. It will take time and I ask for patience as we work through the plan. The plan was designed based on making it successful for all our members. It requires starting at a point of presence for internet access, bringing service to un- and underserved areas while balancing low-density areas with more populated areas to justify financing and managing the cost structure to ensure the service is affordable. As I have said before, it is our responsibility to build the foundation, string the lines and install the equipment. You, the members, will ultimately be the ones that make this project successful by using the service. If you have not already, please pre-register at EastMSConnect.com, and join us as we make our communities more connected than ever before.

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

HOLIDAY TREE SAFETY TIPS Ensure a merry and bright holiday season by safely maintaining your tree with the following tips. Inspect lights Carefully inspect all electrical decorations before you use them. Cracked or damaged sockets and/or loose or exposed wires can cause serious shock or start a fire.

Keep away from heat Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like an airduct, fireplace or space heater.

Examine cords Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage. Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

Trim the stump Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees. Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

EMEPA TO RETIRE

CHAD Date_____ Revisions Requested

STEVEN Date_____

expenses — from the sale of electric service. Members have capital credits allocated (assigned) to them based on the amount of electricity they use in a particular year. The amount retired to members is decided by the board of directors and depends on EMEPA’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 might reduce or prohibit an annual capital credit retirement. This is just one way we are making a cooperative difference in service to you and our community. If you have any questions concerning this return, please give us a call at 601-581-8600.

ENDS

A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at East Mississippi Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

VERSION #______________

NEVER

RON Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the retirement of capital credits for the year 1990 totaling $1,984,812. What is a capital credit? Member-owned cooperatives, like EMEPA, are not-for-profit organizations, which are operated for the benefit of their members. If you receive service from EMEPA, you are a member. Capital credits represent a member’s equity ownership in EMEPA, similar to the equity you may have in your home. Capital credits represent the amount of ownership in the system. EMEPA uses capital credits to invest in the operations of the cooperative, purchasing 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. Why am I getting capital credits? Capital credits represent the margins — revenues minus

Approved

IN CAPITAL CREDITS

Approved

Revisions Requested

$1.9 MILLION

East Mississippi Connect to revolutionize living for east Mississippi EMEPA celebrated the launch of East Mississippi Connect — its world-class, lightning-speed fiber internet service — on Oct. 22 at its Meridian office. Members were safely treated to Mississippi State’s famous Bully’s ice cream from the comfort of their cars while they learned how much sweeter life will be for east Mississippi with fiber internet.

What is ﬁber internet? Fiber internet gets its name from the small glass fiber strands used to transmit data. Information is transmitted through these fibers with pulses of light. These fiber optics are bundled into cables that can carry large amounts of data much faster than other internet technologies.

What’s so sweet about ﬁber internet? East Mississippi Connect fiber internet offers EMEPA members amazingly fast gigabit-speed internet. This allows streaming of full-length HD and 4K feature films, uninterrupted schoolwork online, easy access to telehealth services, the ultimate online gaming experience and more! This service will also help local businesses expand and compete globally, offering increased economic vitality for East Mississippi.

How does my home become a sweet spot for fast, ﬁber internet? Visit EastMSConnect.com to preregister today! This life-changing service will be available in phases. We understand everyone wants to be first, but it is crucial we work strategically to ensure all members ultimately receive access to this needed service. As installers reach your neighborhood, you will be notified to select the service plan that best meets your needs and to schedule an in-home installation.

Thank you for your patience and support as we work to bring the service you expect and the fastest, most reliable internet connection available to East Mississippi!

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

EMEPA responds to major hurricanes

The 2020 hurricane season has been record-breaking with more storms making landfall in the United States than we have seen in more than 30 years. On Oct. 12, 18 EMEPA linemen, servicemen and engineers responded to Southwest Electric to assist in restoring power after

Hurricane Delta struck their service area. Southwest Electric, headquartered in Lorman, Miss., reported more than 22,500 members without power immediately following the storm, which is 88 percent of the meters served. On October 29, EMEPA crews again headed south to Singing River Electric Cooperative (SRE), headquartered in Lucedale, Miss., following Hurricane Zetaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s devastation. Thirty EMEPA linemen, servicemen and engineers assisted in restoration efforts at Singing River Electric. The cooperative reported more than 62,300 members without power, which is 82% of their meters served, at theheight of the outages.

EMEPA initially sent two line crews and a coordinator team to assist SRE following Hurricane Zeta in October. Pictured (L-R), front row: Shawn Croft, Britt Pevey, Jimmy Higginbotham, Joe Malone, Clint Quin, Chase Irby, Sean Cole and Dustin McDaniel; back row: Greg Gully, Reed Scarbrough, Gary Davidson and Jason Alexander

After assessing damage, SRE requested additional help, and EMEPA sent another line crew to assist with restoration efforts. Pictured (L-R): Chance Kidd, Mike Chaney, Kendrick Brown, Blake Sharron, Logan Theall and Chad Rainer

THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION With a combined total of 465 years of service to East Mississippi Electric Power Association and our 37,000+ members, the following employees celebrated service anniversaries in 2020. Thank you for your commitment to lighting east Mississippi.

5-Year Awards Craig Nave Dustin McDaniel Reed Scarbrough

15-Year Awards Josh Steakley Zach Flanagan Bobby Ainsworth

10-Year Awards Logan Theall Steven Stewart Aaron Napp Jerry Grady

20-Year Awards Gary Hutcherson Michael Whittington

25-Year Awards Joe Malone Alan Ward Kevin McCarra Kevin Hedgpeth David Sorrels, Director

35-Year Awards Patricia Stokes Sharon Smith 40-Year Awards Bill Clay, Director

30-Year Awards Lyle Keenan Donald Cooksey Kevin Brown DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 15

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

Minimum payments coming soon

Volunteerism is a true gift, indeed With the Christmas season upon us and the New Year just around the corner, I can’t help but reflect on the gratitude I feel for our community. I think most will agree this has been a year like no other — certainly in my lifetime. And while we’ve seen our share of challenges, I am heartened by the ways in which we have all pulled together to make our community stronger. In the midst of this pandemic, 4-County has managed to continue to serve its community by providing quality electricity at an efficient price. And we’ve managed to launch a new broadband subsidiary, FASTnet, which will soon be implemented in some initial parts of our service areas. We’ve been able to assist other cooperatives around the nation with storm recovery. Our 4-County Foundation continues to provide much-needed grants to our service area. And the beat goes on. And this month, we are in the midst of collecting gifts for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign, bringing joy at Christmas time to children in need (see article on page 5). Our Concern for Community, one of the seven core Cooperative Principles, is a year-round endeavor. Because we are a co-op, volunteerism and giving back are a part of who we are. Several of our employees are volunteer first responders, putting their lives at risk to help others. Many of our co-op employ12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

ees coach youth sports, assist in school productions or serve on local boards. 4-County offers employees flexibility in their schedules to accommodate these volunteer opportunities. We look at co-op volunteerism as an investment in our community by enabling our employees to donate their time and expertise to help groups that are doing so much for our community. I look at volunteerism as the gift that keeps on giving. While it’s difficult to quantify the impact that volunteers have, I do know they make a tremendous difference in our community and make our corner of the world a better place. I hope you’ll consider volunteering. Give an organization or cause that you care about the gift of your compassion, time and talent. At the end of the day, the gift of volunteerism is a gift that will continue giving all year. Any given day, we all need a little bit of help. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your friends at 4-County Electric Power Association!

4-County Electric Power Association members must make a minimum payment for power soon. Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, 4-County will begin requiring a $10 minimum payment. While this will not affect the majority of 4-County members, it will impact those who make small payments, such as Pre-Pay users. The move will help keep costs down and avoid passing on transaction fees to members. The Association has nearly 20 convenient payment kiosks across the service territory. Each time a member makes a kiosk payment or pays with a credit card, there is a transaction fee. Currently 4-County does not pass that fee on to members. The minimum payment will make sure that benefit continues. “The minimum payment is just that, a minimum payment. All of that money goes to a members account. It just means that instead of paying $1 or $5 you will pay at least $10 at a time,” said 4-County Chief Financial Officer Curtis Neyman. “We want to continue to make sure members can make payments at our offices and at kiosks without an extra charge, and minimum payments is a way to do that,” he added.

Holiday office schedule by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

4-County offices will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday and Friday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day. A dispatcher will be on hand.

Update FASTnet work is moving pretty fast FASTnet work is living up to its billing as related projects continue to be started and completed at a rapid pace. The 4-County Electric Power Association broadband subsidiary will continue to hit the ground running, co-op officials said. “We’re tackling these projects with a sense of urgency,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark. A 4,000-pound control house (serving as a centralized collection point for incoming fiber communications) has been placed in the area adjacent to 4-County’s Lone Oak Substation in Clay County. And fiber is being strung by 4-County contractors in the Clay County area. Those members able to receive FASTnet broadband first will be getting information in the mail and via notices about how to

sign up for the fastest service around. The Columbus-based cooperative received a matching grant from the recently enacted Mississippi CARES Grant Program that enabled the Association to launch a pilot program in areas of Choctaw, Clay and Noxubee counties. FASTnet is providing three packages, with certain incentives, for purchase: • FAST 200 = $55 * • FAST 500 = $65 * • FAST GIG = $80 * *(with $5 incentive for E-bill/bank draft sign up) Customers wishing more information on FASTnet should call 1-800-431-1544 or go to www.4cfastnet.com.

Director Tumlinson retires; Sanders fills term Bud Tumlinson of West Point, a longtime board member of 4-County Electric Power Association, has retired from his duties as a director for the cooperative. Bruff Sanders will fill Tumlinson’s unexpired term. Tumlinson represented District 3 (Clay and Monroe counties) for 27 years. He and his wife, Bobbie, live in West Point. The longtime director said he will always hold fond memories of the cooperative. “For the past 27 years, I have been honored to serve 4-County Electric Power Association, its membership, its employees and its management. Through the years, the Bud Tumlinson cooperative has done much to improve the quality of life for its members. That will continue with the strong leadership we have here at 4-County. I’m just glad to have played a part in that,” Tumlinson said. Brian Clark, 4-County chief executive officer, said Tumlinson has been a valuable advocate for the cooperative. “Mr. Bud will be missed by all of us who worked with him. He believed in the cooperative business model. He was passionate in his support of this organization in its efforts to achieve system reliability, the lowest electric rates feasible, and member satisfaction,” Clark said. “We appreciate the time and effort he invested over many years, to help 4-County grow as a service organization.

During his years of service on the board, the co-op has had to navigate its way through the many challenges and changes the electric industry has encountered. He has always represented the membership well, while striving to balance the business needs of the cooperative,” he added. 4-County’s Board of Directors presented Tumlinson with a framed resolution of appreciation. Sanders, a longtime banking professional in the Golden Triangle, is the executive vice president for Bank of Commerce in Columbus. Sanders and his wife, Melanie, live in West Point. Sanders is a graduate of Mississippi State University, with a bachelor’s Bruff Sanders degree in physics and chemistry and a master’s degree in physics. He is active in his community, serving as a GTR Link Executive Board member, as a Growth Alliance Board member, as an East Mississippi Community College Foundation Board member and is a director of the West Point Rotary Club. “We’re excited to have Bruff join the 4-County Board of Directors. He is an excellent servant within his community and he will bring the same commitment to the Association,” Clark said. In 2021, 4-County Board Districts 2, 3 and 6 are up for election. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

Painting

a Christmas tradition

by Brad Barr Red, blue, green and white, delivering warmth on a cold winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night. Shiny paper, brilliant blue, brightening every Christmas view. For hundreds of years, Christmas cards have been bringing cheer to the giver and receiver. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors and hues. The first recorded use of Merry Christmas was in a letter sent in 1534. It was given to King James I of England. The greeting was more like a large ornamental manuscript, rather than a card. Measuring in at 33 inches by 24 inches, the colorful parchment was folded into panels. It had a picture of a rose in the center and a Christmas and New Year message to the King and his son. Today, folks like Gail Richardson of Columbus continue the 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

traditional exchange of Christmas greetings. She may not be sending Christmas messages to the royal family of England, but she is bringing joy and cheer to others with her colorful, artistic creations. Gail, an accomplished self-taught artist, has been splashing acrylic paint on canvas for 18 years. The result? A number of awards, gallery showings and a lot of fun in between. And for the last five years, Gail has printed her impressionistic designs on Christmas cards. She tends to focus on the whimsical elements of the season: snowmen, teddy bears, Christmas trees. As a child growing up in Jackson, Gailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artistic dreams centered on dancing. She grew up to graduate from Ole Miss, majoring in education. Gail and her late husband, Erwin,

moved to Columbus where she later retired after 28 years as a contract specialist at Columbus Air Force Base. Shortly before retirement, Gail began painting. She took classes from Josephine Dye and Davis Harris. The emerging artist began painting landscapes, but slowly ventured into other subject matter. “Art really piqued my interest,” she said. Gail and a few friends have a “no-holds barred” Paint Day every Tuesday at her cozy home studio. Don’t wear your feelings on your sleeve, if you come, she advised. “We’ll tell you if it doesn’t look right,” she said with a grin. “Seriously, we learn from each other and have a little fun. I like people around me when I paint. It’s a social thing.” The local artist transfers everything she paints to a greeting card. Her explanation? “I want to share my art with everyone I can. While my art may not fit the style for every home, everyone likes to get a card, especially during Christmas,” she said. Her paintings have been displayed at the Rosenzweig

Arts Center, Main Street Art DownUnder, both in Columbus, the Prairie Arts Festival in West Point, and at galleries in Jackson and Theatre Art Gallery in North Carolina. “My hope is that people will like what they see,” she said of her artistic inspiration. Creating art is “wonderful,” Gail said, but her favorite artist creates on a higher level. “God paints the best pictures in the world,” she explains, listing landscapes, sunsets and ocean views as miraculous examples. More times than not, Gail explained, she paints what she feels. “Art,” she said, “is capturing a moment in time.” Each Christmas season, the merry artist said, she hopes people open an envelope, look at her card and find something special. “I hope they find a smile.” Gail’s Facebook page is GCR and Friends Art. Her cards are featured at Main Street Art DownUnder and Rosenzweig Arts Center, both in Columbus.

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 15

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 11 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 are 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 deadline for dropping off toys is Dec. 14. 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. Members may drop off toys at office drive thru windows or contact Barr for pickup arrangements.

A taste of Christmas The Christmas season is a time to energize the senses. Enter someone’s home and you’re likely to inhale the rich, enticing fragrances of tasty Christmas treats. The homes of 4-County employees (and the offices) are no different, as the cooperative has its own set of renowned homegrown cooks. With all due respect to Bobby Flay, the 4-County cooks are dishing up their own gift of recipes this year for all to enjoy. Here’s a sampling:

1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1

medium onion, chopped bell pepper, chopped 14-ounce can stewed tomatoes 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce 14-ounce can of ranch-style beans 14-ounce can of kidney beans 10-ounce can of Rotel diced tomatoes ¼ ounce package of McCormick mild chili seasoning 2 pounds of ground beef or ground chuck (1) Brown hamburger meat, drain. (2) Mix all can goods (juice included), pepper to taste, onion to taste and hamburger meat in a pot. (3) Cook mixture until onion and pepper are tender. The recipe author recommends putting the mixture in a crockpot on low for 6 hours. Karen Smith, Corporate Center

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

4-County makes the Wright investment Ricky Wright is a serious investor. He focuses his investments on the electric utility industry — 4-County Electric Power Association, primarily. “4-County has invested so much in me,” he stressed. “Why wouldn’t I make a strong return investment in 4-County?” Ricky has been building his 4-County portfolio since 2002, when he joined the cooperative after working several years for Industrial Fabricators. His first stop at the co-op was on Jody Thompson’s rights-ofway crew. Then, he served as an apprentice lineman on Harold Tallent’s Corporate Center construction crew. Ricky became a journeyman lineman in 2009. He later joined the 4-County Meter Shop as lead technician, working as he says for the “one and only” Bob Edwards. Ricky and his wife, Tracy, live in Gordo, Alabama, with their children: Mason, 15 and Miley, 12. Away from work, Ricky stays pretty busy, too. “If my kids are in it, I’m around,” he said. The 4-County veteran says his children are involved in some kind of sport or activity 11 months of the year.

The family has a business, H and W Apothecary in Reform, Alabama, where Tracy serves as a pharmacist. Ricky serves as co-president of the Gordo High School Booster Club. He also serves as chairman of deacons for Big Hill Baptist Church. “We enjoy our church. My wife and I taught our pastor in Sunday School as he was growing up.” He also enjoys being part of an evolving segment of the electric utility industry. “Metering is being updated all the time. We’re continually training and keeping tabs on the enhancements,” Ricky said. 4-County, he added, is a true “home away from home.” Ricky tests commercial meters: building, maintaining and testing meters and meter-related equipment. “I enjoy the field work. It feels good to build a project and then see it go through a successful testing process.”

Give the gift of safety 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 todo-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. • When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree

will stay green longer, reducing the risk of fire. • On artificial trees, look for a “fire resistant” label. • Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach, and never leave children unsupervised when candles are lit. • Instead of traditional candles, use battery-operated candles. • Place electrical cords out of the reach of small children. • Never allow children to play with lights, electrical decorations or cords. For more information, visit holiday safety.org.

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 17

P: 3027 HIGHWAY 98 WEST, SUMMIT 39666 | M: P.O. BOX 747, McCOMB 39649

www.MEPCoop.com

| REPORT OUTAGES 601-684-4011 | PAY BY PHONE 1-877-779-7740

and Twitter

SCAM ALERT! You have to stay one step ahead of the scammers as they are constantly changing how they try to separate you from your money.

We recently had a member to report she received a phone call from a scammer. The member knew she had paid her bill and called to report the scam to MEP. What we discovered is that scammers now have a new method. At the end of the phone call, they will provide a 1-800 phone number and request that you call to make a payment. After explaining that the scammer told our member that she owed money, the scammer gave her a phone number to call. Hmmmm… sounds like it could be legit because they are not demanding payment during the phone call. Our member knew she had paid her MEP bill so she called our office to report the incident and provided the phone number that had been given to her. One of our billing supervisors immediately began to investigate and called the number provided. She listened to a recorded voice on the other end of the line reporting they were from Entergy and the company was experiencing a high volume of calls coming in and if she wanted to pay, she could “push pound.” So, our supervisor pushed pound and got a real person who asked her if she wanted to make a payment. When she said she would like to speak to his supervisor, he promptly hung up! The MEP member who reported this scam owns a small business. We aren’t sure if they are targeting businesses as they have in the past, or if they will try this with an individual. If you ever get a call like this, please hang up. If it leaves you in doubt, you are always welcome to call the office at 601-684-4011. To our members, we urge you to be very aware that these calls 12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

are scams and MEP would never personally make a phone call requesting a payment. If MEP should give you a call, it would be in the form of an automated system giving you a “friendly reminder” that your bill is due. Here is a reminder on how you can make payments on your MEP bill: • Pay at MEP (counter or drive-in window) • Pay through the SmartHub app • Pay online by visiting mepcoop.com • Pay by phone by calling 601-250-2444 • Pay at a MEP kiosk (located in Tylertown, Liberty and the MEP office) • Pay at two local banks (Pike National Bank and Citizen’s Bank) Please know we will never call you and tell you that your payment is due now and/or you must purchase a cash card to make the payment. Be very aware of the scammers because they are out there with many different scenarios. Remember to never give your personal information to anyone over the phone, especially anyone who has called you! If you have doubts about payment options, call us at 601-684-4011. One last reminder, please share this information with your friends and neighbors. Please talk about this matter so that no one you know gets scammed.

Many of the displays in the park are donated from area residents, with many following a continuing theme. Many of the displays have added items each year. The 40+ acre park is flooded with displays of every description, ranging from Noah’s Ark featuring a pair each of numerous animals from elephants to mice, the 12 Days of

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

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Christmas, a manger scene, ice skaters, carolers, the Iwo Jima memorial, Christmas trains, a gingerbread house, Santa’s elves and a space set aside as Toyland. Each year, Christmas in the Park features an honorarium or memorial which is purchased by individuals. One year candy canes were available, snowflakes, candles, angels and bells have also been offered from time to time. The park’s displays are updated and reworked annually to keep Christmas in the Park fresh to visitors. Many visitors comment each year how they enjoy touring the park, and some families make an outing of the trip, frequently stopping to eat either before or after driving through the park. A drive through the park takes 20-30 minutes. An estimated 30,000 people view the park each year during the holiday season. The Christmas in the Park committee of volunteers, an arm of the Walthall Chamber of Commerce, oversees the annual event, which begins with preliminary work and setup in late September. The committee meets year round to discuss and finalize displays and additions to the park each year.

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Santa and his band make an appearance at the Holmes Water Park stage, one of the many displays purchased and donated by a local resident, to Tylertown’s Christmas in the Park.

A 40 ft. tall Christmas tree is the popular 12 Days of Christmas display, another of the hundreds of lighted Christmas displays at Christmas in the Park in Tylertown.

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Tylertown’s Christmas in the Park has grown from its simple beginnings in 1998 to a well-known holiday event throughout the state, including nightly driving tours. The light display at Holmes Water Park is located just to the east of downtown Tylertown on Hwy. 198 at the Magee’s Creek bridge. Thanksgiving night, Nov. 26, the park opens for drive-through traffic, from 6-8:30 p.m. through New Year’s Eve. Use the Hwy. 198 entrance at the Magee’s Creek Bridge. Admission is $5 per passenger vehicle, $10 for commercial vans and $20 for buses.

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Tylertown holiday light show returns this season

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Christmas in the Park

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! SmartHub allows you to manage all aspects of your Magnolia Electric Power account.

With SmartHub you can: ✔ Report An Outage ✔ View A Live Outage Map

✔ Check Your Usage

✔ Pay Your Bill

✔ View Service Request

✔ View Your Billing History

✔ Setup Automatic Notifications

Visit MEPcoop.com to sign up.

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A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at Magnolia Electric Power wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our business office will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. Call 601-684-4011 or use the SmartHub app to report a power outage or emergency. Linemen will be on call. 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

Revisions Requested Approved

Visit Treasury.MS.gov.

David McRae is Mississippi’s state treasurer.

Search for money in your name, a family member’s name, your church’s name, your business’ name or even a favorite organization’s name.

If there is money that you believe may belong to you, claim it. Our team will then get to work verifying the information.

DECEMBER2020 2020||TODAY TODAY15 15 DECEMBER

Approved

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STEVEN Date_____

Approved

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CHAD Date_____

THE PROCESS IS EASY

RON Date_____

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$15 MILLION

back to Mississippi – Some may be yours

AMORY, 38821 — P.O. BOX 300 — 50408 GREENBRIAR ROAD — 662-256-2962 • CALEDONIA, 39740 — 746 MAIN STREET — 662-356-4100

2020 Audit Statement Balance Sheet BALANCE SHEET ASSETS

YEAR ENDED 6/30/2020

YEAR ENDED 6/30/2019

44,088,875 600,835 10,427,406 182,179

39,812,373 781,076 12,541,455 243,913

55,299,295

53,378,817

37,105,518 6,971,983 6,319,315 4,857,852 44,627

36,035,260 6,642,847 5,524,749 5,145,599 30,362

55,299,295

53,378,817

Utility Plant - net Other Property and Investments Current and Accrued Assets Deferred Debits TOTAL ASSETS & OTHER DEBITS

LIABILITIES Memberships & Patronage Capital Long Term Debt Other Non-Current Liabilities Current & Accrued Liabilities Deferred Credits TOTAL LIABILITIES & OTHER CREDITS

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INCOME STATEMENT Income Statement FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30 6/30/2020 6/30/2019

OPERATING REVENUE Electric Sales Revenue Other Revenues

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE

23,600,078 518,390

24,413,767 476,513

24,118,468

24,890,280

Purchased Power Distribution Expense - Operating Distribution Expense - Maintenance Customer Accounting and Collecting Expense Sales Expense Administrative and General Expense

17,128,422 312,453 1,257,891 571,726 10,940 1,363,162

18,121,020 343,383 1,164,121 533,479 11,091 1,273,868

TOTAL OPERATING & MAINTENANCE EXPENSE

20,644,594

21,446,962

2,068,268 176,358 245,234

2,030,873 176,406 250,338

2,489,860

2,457,617

23,134,454

23,904,579

984,014

985,701

115,061 (38,497)

147,266 128,825

76,564

276,091

EXPENSES

OTHER EXPENSES Depreciation of Plant Taxes Interest on Long-Term Debt TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES TOTAL EXPENSES MARGINS FROM OPERATIONS NONOPERATING MARGINS Interest Income Other Nonoperating Income TOTAL NONOPERATING INCOME NET MARGINS

1,060,578

1,261,792

A R E FA M I LY AND FRIENDS

Everyone at Monroe County Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662.895.2151. northcentralelectric.com

NorthcentralEC

@Northcentral_EC

A message from your CEO In 1995, Noel Gallagher of the British band Oasis, wrote and released the song “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” What a fitting phrase to describe how we presently stand at the close of 2020. Many will look back on this year as a particularly bad one. As we reflect on how uniquely odd 2020 has been, let’s not forget the inspiring things that occurred as well. An early January tornado should have given us an indication of where this year was headed. A storm of mere seconds resulted in an outpouring of community support that spanned over weeks. “Love thy neighbor” wasn’t just spoken, it was displayed. A virus turned into a pandemic in the spring. The community support for those in need was overwhelming. The students who missed proms, athletic events, graduation and time with their friends were not forgotten by our community, but treated to prom pictures and graduation parades. Families that were often separated due to careers, school and extracurricular activities found themselves spending more rewarding time together.

12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

The hurricanes this summer saw Northcentral crews working in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi for weeks. Even though thousands suffered devastation as a result of these storms, we also saw thousands of others prepared to assist in utility restoration and other basic services. While 2020 will go down as a year of uncertainty and tragedy, it needs to be remembered that God and our community never left us. In fact, we came closer to both. I look forward to 2021, but as I look back on 2020, it will not be in anger. Be careful out there.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

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A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at Northcentral Electric Cooperative wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

2020 Northcentral Annual Meeting convened within constraints of executive order The 70th Annual Meeting of the members of Northcentral Electric Cooperative convened on October 28, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., in the auditorium at 4600 Northcentral Way in Olive Branch. Due to the restrictions on indoor gatherings and in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order No. 1527, the meeting was streamed virtually on Facebook live and published on the cooperative’s YouTube channel. Full minutes of the meeting can be found under the “Cooperative” tab on Northcentral’s website at northcentralelectric.com. Several members came to the lobby to register their votes in person. Rita Hobbs, chairperson of the cooperative’s Election Committee for the 2020 election confirmed that a quorum had been met by count of proxy. Northcentral’s General Manager and CEO, Kevin Doddridge, presented the 2020 Annual Report for the Association. Chairperson Hobbs then confirmed that the voting had ended,

and the meeting was recessed while the Election Committee tallied the ballots. The meeting reconvened, and the Election Committee announced they were ready to report the count of the ballots for the election of Directors from Districts 1, 4 and 8. A total of 28,259 notices had been mailed to the membership and, therefore, pursuant to the bylaws it would take 1,413 persons personally present or through proxies for the requirements of a quorum. The committee reported that a quorum had been established through persons present and by proxies. Chairperson Hobbs then reported the results shown as follows: District 1, Pat Woods received 2,197 proxy votes; District 4, Tony Taylor received 2,197 proxy votes; and District 8, Ricky Jones received 2,197 proxy votes. Therefore, Woods, Taylor and Jones were all re-elected for three-year terms. There was no further business to come before the meeting, and the meeting was adjourned. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

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IT’S A GREAT TIME TO

CELEBRATE Safety by Justin Jaggers Safety culture — you could say it’s Northcentral’s eighth cooperative principle; and it’s our top priority. It’s an annual tradition for Northcentral employees to gather for Safety Day in October. This year was a little different. The guest presenter was Gary Sheely of One Eighty Consulting. The Northcentral Auditorium allowed for a limited number of employees to attend a presentation titled “Tactical Approaches for Workplace Safety” along with a satellite classroom to maintain social distancing. Sheely’s presentation focused on preventing and deescalating conflicts in the workplace. Northcentral held two courses to allow offices to stay open during training and keep employees safe from pandemic worries. We maintained multiple areas for employees to dine and keep the required six feet of space allowed for the first company-wide lunch of the year. A pre-packaged meal meal was served to employees in order to minimize exposure as a thank you to employees for keeping up the high standard of safety culture. Finally, no Safety Day would be complete without awards for Adam Conway Matt Sones employees. CEO and General Manager Kevin Doddridge and Director of Safety and Loss Control JD Cox handed out completion certificates for three of our apprentice linemen. Adam Conway, Matt Sones and Zac Dias have been working for Northcentral Electric Cooperative for five years while training in the Journeyman Lineman program. During the Safety Day presentations, all three linemen were acknowledged for the completion of that program. The lineman training program is an intense five-year undertaking. Each new lineman goes through a series of tests spaced out over the course of the training program. Both written

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

tests and physical demonstrations are used to ensure the apprentice lineman’s training, knowledge retention and safety practices are up to standard. With Northcentral’s training and safety standards, there is no question these individuals are ready to be titled Journeyman Linemen. Five years seems like a long investment for training an employee. Most bachelor’s degrees are completed within four years. Each year, linemen are expected to complete six workbooks and pass one test for each workbook assigned. In the bygone days of training linemen, on-the-job training was commonplace and didn’t cover as much as the new training program implemented by Northcentral in 2014. Each of the linemen that have completed this program will tell you it’s an honor and a milestone in their lives. Linemen weren’t the only ones recognized for their safety efforts. About two dozen employees were awarded Northcentral’s Safety Coin for their efforts in maintaining a safe work environment for all employees and the members of our cooperative. Whether it’s a potential hazard Zac Dias out on the worksite or a driving hazard in our parking lot, safety culture thrives at Northcentral Electric Cooperative. “This has been a trying year for safety. We’ve dealt with the pandemic for half of the year, we’ve had difficulties getting together as a company and we’ve been working towards improving our infrastructure around our service area,” said Director of Safety and Loss Control J.D. Cox. “Thankfully, we’ve worked 116,000 hours without a lost-time incident. We always want to make sure our employees go home to their families in the same condition, or better, that they left for work.”

Safety Coin highlights Caring for a co-worker

A Benny Hill-style near miss

One of the recipients of the Northcentral Safety Coin was Lauren Presley. Lauren is one of our Customer Service Representatives and has been working with us for eight years. In the spring, one of her co-workers slipped and fell in the parking lot. Thankfully, it was a minor scrape, but Lauren quickly attended to her co-worker. “These are my friends, why wouldn’t I help?,” she said when asked about the event. “I definitely feel that I sprang into action a little quicker thanks to the first aid training we do here.” It was that spring to action that earned Lauren recognition by Northcentral’s safety department.

In May, IT Support Technician Pete Nelson was tasked with discarding old printers in the dumpster behind the warehouse. It seems like a routine task, but there were some wood scraps inside the dumpster that day. When Pete dropped the printer into the dumpster, one of the wood scraps was launched out of the bin and flew directly over Pete, missing his head by just a few inches. “It was funny I heard this sound, looked around and I was confused. So I checked the security footage and saw that this piece of wood just flew right over me,” Pete said amused. While it was funny, Pete recognized this could be more serious if it happened to someone else and might not be as fortunate. So, Pete reported the near-miss to our safety department. In return, Pete was recognized for identifying a potential safety hazard in an otherwise funny story.

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 15

PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) COLUMBIA: 601-736-2666 | HATTIESBURG: 601-264-2458 | PURVIS: 601-794-8051 | WIGGINS: 601-928-7277 Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com

PRVEPA General Manager Randy Wallace to retire In its 82-year history, Pearl River Valley Electric has had five general managers that have helped guide the cooperative through devastating storms and prosperous times, while leaving their unique imprint on the cooperative. For 13 years, Randy Wallace has overseen the cooperative’s day to day operations and has guided the cooperative through unprecedented growth. Before coming to PRVEPA, Wallace, a native of Brookhaven, attended Mississippi College, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Later, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. After college, Wallace worked at a CPA firm in Brookhaven before coming to Pearl River Valley Electric. He will be retiring in January after 43 years of service with PRVEPA and took some time to discuss his career.

How did you happen to become employed at PRVEPA? In 1977, Mr. Tom Shows was named general manager of PRVEPA, and I was the first person he hired. Everything I have today personally and professionally I owe to that employment offer. My wife Jenny and I moved to Columbia, which at that time was much smaller, and created a life for ourselves. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

At a cooperative we wear many hats, what tasks have you done at PRVEPA? I’ve done everything from picking up chicken bones at our Annual Meetings to lobbying elected officials from around the country. When I first started in 1977, I was an accountant. Slowly, I was given leadership over different departments including the general office, billing, meter reading and collections. These additional responsibilities helped add to my knowledge of PRVEPA and the cooperative world. I’ve been extremely lucky and have worked with some of the 12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

greatest co-workers anyone could have. Everyone across our company has played a role in my success.

When you became general manager what had you learned from Mr. Shows that you carried over into your position? Mr. Shows was the best boss I’ve ever had. When I took over as general manager, I was fortunate I had an experienced management team and a supportive board of directors along with a financially healthy cooperative. I was also lucky to be able to observe Mr. Shows’ management style for many years. His greatest strength was connecting personally to employees and our members. That is an important part of being a general manager. Mr. Shows was fair, but always had high expectations of his employees. I’ve tried to keep those elements of leadership.

What are some memories that you have about your time at Pearl River Valley Electric? Without a doubt the biggest moment would be Hurricane Katrina. It was such a difficult but ultimately rewarding time. When Hurricane Katrina hit, it left us with 100% of our infrastructure on the ground. All employees worked long hours to restore power to our members. I oversaw the feeding and housing of employees and extra crews who were working in our Columbia district. I slept in my office for days. There was one meal I will never forget during that time. We needed food to feed our crews and I approached one of our employee’s husbands, who raised rabbits, to see if they would sell them to us. They did and rabbit never tasted so good. Originally, we thought it would take months to restore power, but we did it in 28 days. That is a testament to the employees of PRVEPA. Lastly, I will never forget the day to day relationships with my co-workers.

Pearl River Valley Electric is on social media. Keep up to date with PRVEPA news and receive information on outages. Simply search for @MyPRVEPA on Facebook and Twitter to follow us.

devastates PRVEPA’s service territory

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Restoration was slow due to the extensive damage done by Zeta along with difficult terrain and downed trees. In total, 215 broken poles were replaced. Thanks to all the line crews, servicemen and outside and inside personnel who helped in the restoration efforts.

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On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Hurricane Zeta raced ashore with high winds knocking out power to 15,000 members in Pearl River Valley Electric’s service territory. The majority of the outages were in Stone County which saw the brunt of Zeta’s strong winds. Pearl River Valley Electric, along with fellow cooperatives, Magnolia Electric Power, Central Electric Power Association, North East Mississippi EPA and Monroe County EPA and contract crews from MDR, immediately set out to restore power.

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I plan to take up golfing again. I also want to spend more time with our family, especially our six grandchildren. The sun and water are always calling me, so I imagine I’ll be spending a lot of time on the beach.

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What are your plans for retirement?

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I will miss the people. I have been lucky to work with the best co-workers anyone could ask for. I was extremely lucky that I

You need to be yourself. Trust in your employees and set the tone of your leadership early.

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Do you have any advice for the next general manager?

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It would have to be the implementation of our Round Up for Education Scholarship program. I personally believe that the role of an electric cooperative extends far beyond just providing excellent electric service. We must work to improve the lives of our members and education is the key to that improvement. The Round Up program was a great idea and it did receive pushback from some members. However, the program has helped over 1,600 students achieve higher education. That is life changing.

was able to personally choose my management team and I will miss working with them. Everything that I have achieved in my professional life is due to the hard work and support of those around me.

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What accomplishment are you most proud of?

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

Scholarship winners This year, 175 students who live in PRVEPA’s 12-county service area received Round Up for Education Scholarship awards for the fall 2020 semester. Of those receiving scholarships, Pearl River Community College had 107 students and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College had 27. PRVEPA honored those students at both PRCC and MGCCC’s campuses. Round Up for Education Scholarships also went to 31

students at Jones County Junior College and an additional 10 students attending four other state community colleges received awards. Each student received $500. Thank you to all the members who are supporting the Round Up program and helping to improve the quality of life for everyone living in the communities we serve. After eight years, 1651 students have received a total of more than $1.3 million in scholarships.

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A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. Dispatchers will be on duty. 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

Revisions Requested Approved

Visit Treasury.MS.gov.

David McRae is Mississippi’s state treasurer.

Search for money in your name, a family member’s name, your church’s name, your business’ name or even a favorite organization’s name.

If there is money that you believe may belong to you, claim it. Our team will then get to work verifying the information.

DECEMBER2020 2020||TODAY TODAY15 15 DECEMBER

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THE PROCESS IS EASY

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$15 MILLION

back to Mississippi – Some may be yours

PONTOTOC 662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156

BRUCE 662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

P.O. Box 415 • 129 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

Age no obstacle for Pontotoc crafter by Jennifer Johnson Pontotoc resident Pat McCord says you’re never too old to learn. She should know. At age 63, McCord has spent much of her life learning in both her career and her love of crafting and hobbies. McCord said her mother, Martha Miller, taught her to sew at age 12. Two years later, McCord was making her own clothing and enjoying the process. McCord comes from a family of creative people. She said both of her sisters sew, and her brother Tommy is a talented welder. Her late aunt Rachel Ford was an avid painter, who provided the art work in McCord’s home. She’s dabbled in playing the piano and guitar, and spent seven years showing walking spotted saddle horses. She said horses have always been part of her life. “I’ve always ridden horses. Ricky (Martha’s husband) and I started going to racking shows in Decatur, Ala. He encouraged me to start showing spotted saddle horses.” In 2007, McCord’s equestrian days ended. “I had been in a lot of pain, and walking was A photograph of Pat McCord very difficult. I found out I did showing her horse hangs in her music/sewing room and brings back not have a disc anymore in my fond memories. back, and I had a spinal fusion. After the surgery, I got up and walked, and it was the first time in a year I had not hurt. I had a second spinal fusion in 2011.” A tireless worker, McCord said she learned from her parents to “love others, work hard, and do for myself.” McCord said above all, her parents were Christians and taught her to love God and show His love. “My daddy owned the Texaco downtown for 51 years. He became known as the ‘bicycle man.’ He would take old bikes, fix them up, and sell them. If a child’s parent could not afford one, he would give it to the child, asking them to return it to him when they outgrew it. Daddy would repair those bikes that had been returned and 12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

give them to other children.” McCord has worked since high school, including a position as a bank teller during her senior year. She’s worked at a grocery store (the couple purchased G. C. Henry’s grocery store in 1975), shirt factory, and in the office of furniture manufacturer Brookwood for a total of 23 years. She also worked at South Pontotoc Elementary as the secretary for 5 1/2 years and as campus bookkeeper for five years. She retired from the school in One of the ﬁrst wood working projJune 2019. ects made by Pat McCord features a cross at the top of the three-sided She started doing band saw box. woodworking projects with Ricky in 2009. On one occasion they went to visit their good friend Don Patterson (retired General Foreman at Pontotoc Electric), who showed them some projects he had been working on since retiring. McCord said Patterson’s band saw box creations grabbed her attention, and she knew she wanted to learn to make them. She found YouTube videos on the computer to learn the technique. They went back to Patterson’s house for another visit and he showed her his process. “We came home from that visit with Don, and Ricky started cleaning out part of the barn and ordered me a band saw. It was big! I did one box A delicate swan ﬁgurine shaped from wood.

A ﬂower band saw box made by Pat McCord.

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McCord’s booth at a local vendor market in Ecru features many different wood working projects, including a cutting board, wooden Christmas ornaments, and lots of unique band saw boxes.

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A type of quilt design the McCords made from wood hangs in a garden area on their property.

A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Pontotoc Electric will be closed on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25, 2020, in observance of the Christmas holiday. We will also be closed on Friday, January 1, 2021, in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday. For outages or emergencies, 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. DECEMBER 2020 2020 || TODAY TODAY 13 DECEMBER

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on it, and Ricky told me I needed a smaller band saw to cut out the boxes and then use the big one to cut off the fronts and backs of the boxes. Now a large portion of the barn is devoted to my hobby!” McCord said she and Ricky have made some beautiful pieces, including tables, benches, a hanging wooden quilt, crosses, and Christmas ornaments. She uses her space in a vendor booth in Ecru, Miss., to sell some of the creations, but from time to time she gifts a handmade treasure to friends or family. “The greatest joy that I get is when I give someone a box and see their smiles.” McCord said she is passing along her love of creating to grandchildren Tanner and Kaitlyn McCord. “Kaitlyn has made several rock paintings and has done some sewing. Tanner has made some woodworking items.” McCord’s zest for life and crafting are apparent. She even has a sign on the wall of her sewing/music room that states, “She believed she could so she did.” McCord said she would offer one tweak to that motto: “I should say that’s with God’s help and a great husband!”

Pontotoc crews assists after Hurricane Zeta

Crews were recently on site in Kiln, Miss., to restore power to members of Coast Electric.

Pontotoc Electric Right-of-Way Manager Johnny Wilder recently attained the distinction of Certified Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Wilder sat for and passed the proctored exam after approximately one year of study and preparation. We appreciate his hard work and dedication.

Pontotoc Electric employees recently assisted with damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Zeta, which made landfall on October 28. Crew members worked to aid Coast Electric Power Association, and later, Singing River Electric Cooperative as they worked to restore power in their service areas. Left to right: Assistant Foreman Robert Mitchell, Lineman Tyler Parker, Apprentice Lineman Walker Westmoreland, Apprentice Lineman Brandon Jenkins, Apprentice Lineman Byron Steen, Apprentice Lineman Stewart Owen, and Apprentice Lineman Erik Gentry.

Fried Mixed Vegetables

8 Can Soup

Sue Cook

Betty Armstrong

Retiree

2 cups sliced okra 2 cups cubed potatoes 2 cups cubed green tomatoes ½ cup onions

¼ tsp. black pepper oil for frying 1⁄3 cup flour 1⁄3 cup meal salt to taste

Mix vegetables, salt, pepper, flour, and meal. Heat oil in large frypan. Put in vegetables and brown. 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

1 can tomato soup 1 can chili with beans 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can whole kernel corn

1 can vegetable beef soup 1 can chili without beans 1 can Veg-All (large) 1 can Rotel tomatoes

Mix all above. Do not drain anything. Can put in crock pot and simmer for hours. Can add ground meat, chicken, or stew meat. Cornbread is best with this.

Revisions Requested Approved

Visit Treasury.MS.gov.

David McRae is Mississippi’s state treasurer.

Search for money in your name, a family member’s name, your church’s name, your business’ name or even a favorite organization’s name.

If there is money that you believe may belong to you, claim it. Our team will then get to work verifying the information.

DECEMBER2020 2020||TODAY TODAY15 15 DECEMBER

Approved

Revisions Requested

STEVEN Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

THE PROCESS IS EASY

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$15 MILLION

back to Mississippi – Some may be yours

BRIAN HUGHEY

Bringing power and energy services to local communities For more information, call 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313.

www.singingriver.com

@singingriverelectric

General Manager & CEO AMANDA PARKER LORRI FREEMAN, APR Public Relations Specialist Manager of Public Relations SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

@singingriverelectric

@SRECooperative

ver Electric’s ring Singing Ri du g in nd ta rs 20 de how the year 20 patience and un bers, Dear SRE mem her reminder of of you for your ot ch an ea st k ju an d as th w an ly Plan storm personal y Preparedness This late season I would like to ive’s Emergenc urricane Zeta. at H er g in op s involving w co m llo e or fo th st s three spring team reviews g t recovery effort in en ud em cl in ag s an casion ch year, our m five separate oc has evolved. Ea d the plan on se ci er ex ly ul ccessf of its 75,798 this year has su ane Zeta. ore than 62,000 ric m ur d H ha d ic an tr lly ec ricane Sa first 48 hours. g River El orning, Singin ers within the tornadoes, Hur m et m ay e sd 00 ur ,0 Th 38 ees. Prior to th g power to storm early alified employ qu sful in restorin Following the d es an cc su ng e ni ou er an w dition to r careful pl out power. We rvice area. In ad operation, our se co e ur th members with yo ut to ho e ug du ed thro numerous ccess is in part ere were also ews were assign Th cr s. g oi tin in si I believe this su Ill vi as d to s, an r away s were removed onnel, SRE crew ives from as fa s to ensure tree storm, key pers ectric cooperat ew el cr e 18 lin m s. of fro es s nt in fro n proc visiting crew along side and total restoratio crews, we had s that worked ating in SRE’s ip ew ic cr rt ay pa w be rs fto ke -o s or ht line w e countie contract and rig more than 500 rge and Green in eo d G lte n, rvice su so re ck is tir Ja ion. Th in north a. Our en e se speed restorat erty damages urricane Katrin H op in pr s d nfirmed ea te ar co ca e di ile have in ed in thes e in Mob Some reports Weather Servic t was experienc l ha na w ds io an at N th , e ph se th rise, as 70-75 m win , if not wor e territory with not a huge surp ic comparable to as rv w se is r of Th ou . t h es ou ripped nd throug rienced damag e whole trees all tracked inla territory expe ent with all th id utheast eye w ev so d as an w e er ag nt ’s ce d dam Hurricane Zeta raight-line win wer poles. 91 mph. The st at ed er 900 broken po st social media gi ly re ar ne of es at and gusts rds, email and tim ca , es r lls ess ou ca d h an ug l, during the proc e Zeta thro ots and al sed frustration wing Hurrican the ground, ro es llo pr fo ex de ve itu ha at e of you pressed gr y grateful. Som Many of you ex uss this. s are extremel ee oy tric pl ould like to disc em w r I d ou d an , an er , ing River Elec w ts po en comm er. When Sing ighbor had w ne po a e n or tions he st w re bs e to servic es and su ta in order over not having ansmission lin dical process Tr . ho et es ls m ag a st w in ho llo restored rvice to spita l must fo Line personne yone. Next is se , power must be an de tu to ni ed ag . or m es st is or re n be ery st mages of th fore power ca rants and groc experiences da and repaired be stations, restau e s ag ga e m lik rn da r tu es fo re iti ted necess ey also are first inspec es to homes. Th e lines energize es lin n Th . io ut es lin rib st er di e pow dual lines and indivi and three-phas late en inspect tap em ic rv is unexpected se , e. at ic $15 million. Th store serv Following th re an d th e an or irs m e, l pa ic ta re rv to will and se eas to make Hurricane Zeta d with broadb to damaged ar penses due to moving forwar ex on te on ca si di ci in forward. de e es s’ at director plan to mov Current estim to the board of lly consider a in fu re or day in ca ct fa to ly e te defini nuary 2021 To tional tim year cost will will need addi unced in the Ja ey no th , an on be as ill re w and for that their decision The results of this time of azine. tanding during rs de Mississippi mag un ur yo r fo ntinue to be s my gratitude 20, we can co 20 of d I again expres en e th we near d employees rebuilding. As of the board an lf ha be n O . recovery and d s we have d a healthy an e many blessing ry Christmas an er M thankful for th a u yo h is r Electric, we w of Singing Rive ar. Happy New Ye

Brian Hughey

General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey assisting dispatch during Hurricane Zeta.

Brian Hughey er & CEO General Manag

pho

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

VERSION #______________

RON Date_____

urn fo

to s

Approved

Revisions Requested

STEVEN Date_____

Zeta strikes; Singing River Electric responds Approved

Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

Continued coverage of Hurricane Zeta

Hurricane Zeta’s southeast eye wall and center tracks across SRE’s service area late this evening.

Oct 28

Wednesday

Oct 29

Crews work to restore power to three-phase power lines, which gets power to places like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and hotels. Also, began working with Mississippi’s Secretary of State to ensure power to all voting precincts for following week’s election. As of 6 p.m., SRE has 27,833 meters without power. Crews continue to work late into night to restore power. Visiting crews arrive including Yazoo Valley and 4-County Electric.

Oct 30

Friday

Thursday

Crews assess damage, begin repairs; 82% of members or 62,388 meters out. Transmission service restored late that evening to all SRE George County substations. Contract crews, right-of-way crews and some visiting co-op crews arrive to help. We end the day with 44,530 meters without power.

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

Oct 31

Estimate 400 broken poles, later to find out that number is nearly 900. Significance of this is it takes several hours and 1-2 small crews to replace one pole. Receive visiting co-op crews from Illinois and end the day with 15,582 meters without power.

Nov 1

Sunday

Saturday

More visiting co-op crews arrive including Dixie Electric. Some visiting crews took some days to arrive to help because they had to make repairs at home first. At 9:30 p.m., SRE had 19,800 meters without power. Hardest hit areas include north Jackson, George and Greene counties.

Nov 2

Monday

Right-of-way crews work to r the extraordinary number of trees and tree limbs ahead o crews. Crews end the day wi meters out.

Thank you to all visiting co-op crews and contract and right-of-way crews that assisted Singing River Electric and our members following Hurricane Zeta. 4-County Electric

Northcentral Electric

Adams Electric

North East MS Electric

B&B Electric

Pearl River Valley Electric

Cambium Tree Care Pontotoc Electric Central Electric Chain Electric Delta Electric

Prentiss County Electric SouthEastern Illinois Electric

Dixie Electric Tombigbee Electric EnerStar Electric Treeline Services East Mississippi Electric Tri County Electric Magnolia Electric V-Tech MDR Construction Yazoo Valley Electric Monroe County Electric

o find out ance of 2 small visiting he day

All election precincts have power. More than 500 line personnel are assisting SRE’s restoration efforts, which includes help from 18 electric cooperatives. Tuesday ends with 7,000 meters without power.

Nov 3 2

Monday

way crews work to remove ordinary number of damaged tree limbs ahead of line ews end the day with 9,875

Tuesday

Nov 4

Working toward 99% restored by end of day. Member service representatives answered nearly 11,000 calls and 1,100 emails from members during the Hurricane Zeta restoration. Crews end the day with 470 meters out.

Dispatch employees work hard to coordinate all the crews to restore power and keep safety top of mind. Outages are down to 2,847.

NOV 5

NOV 7

Thursday

Wednesday

Pushing to have 95% power restored to all non-recreational accounts by end of day and succeed! End of day outage map shows 4,424 meters out, down from 62,388.

NOV 6

Saturday

Friday

Pushing to restore power to all areas accessible by truck by end of day. Public relations personnel work to document Zeta’s damage and crew progress throughout the day and across the service area in pictures on SRE’s social media. Friday ends with 1,520 meters without power.

NOV 8

Sunday

Power is restored to all who can receive it in non-recreational areas by 8 p.m.

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 15

1 Check the NHN Energy Assistance box at the top of your bill.

singingriver.com/give-joy

Four easy ways to round up:

Go online with your computer at singingriver.com/give-joy

Call any SRE office and request to participate. Once enrolled, the billed amount will “round up” to the next whole dollar.

Access my Account

NEVER

ENDS

A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at Singing River Electric wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

“We that they goal

Christmas at Granly Brings Joy to Danish Descendants by Nancy Jo Maples “Glædelig Jul” or Merry Christmas in Danish. For the first time in 35 years the Danes of Jackson County will not host their merriment festival the day after Christmas due to COVID-19. Previous years drew 60 to 100 people to the authentic Scandinavian “forsamlingshus,” Danish for meeting house. Here they ate Danish food, sang Danish songs and joined hands dancing around a live Christmas tree garnished with Danish flags and paper hearts. “Holding hands and gathering around the tree symbolizes love,” said Danish descendant Else Nygaard Martin. “It’s a ‘hygge’ moment. In Danish that means a feeling of being content, happy and joyous.” Martin, a retired genealogist for Jackson-George Regional Library System, is proud of her Danish heritage. So is her nephew Lee Hedegaard, retired General Manager/CEO of Singing River Electric Cooperative. Their families and others have met Dec. 26 at “forsamlingshus” since it was renovated

in 1985. Each year’s live tree is planted on the grounds as were Christmas trees from Martin’s childhood. She attended the first Christmas the year it was built in 1936, the same year she was born. The cedar tree used for Christmas that year still stands next to the building. Danes settled in Harrelston in 1930 after purchasing from Lampton Lands Company 4,000 acres of cutover timberland marketed to immigrants for farming opportunities. Most of them came from Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska. Many had lost their farms in the Dust Bowl. Their new colony was called Granly, Danish for “in the shelter of the greens.” They were well-read, educated, excelled at dairy, poultry, flower and vegetable farming, knitting, sewing, cooking, baking — talents necessary in those days. The Danes were instrumental in getting electricity to Granly and other rural areas in Singing River Electric’s territory. Having lived in northern cities with electricity, they knew its value. The

meeting house served as their church, Bethany Lutheran Church, as well as a book exchange library and a site to dance to Danish songs. The Rev. Knude Knudsen donated the Else Martin, Kevin Martin and Lee Hedegaard five acres where stand beside a monument dedicated to Granly settlement founders. (Photo/Nancy Jo Maples) it and the cemetery sit. A marble marker outside the meeting house lists the original settlers’ surnames, including Alhoff, Borgesen, Brinkman, Buck, Christensen, Jacobsen, Jensen, Johansen, Knudsen, Lanther, Larsen, Lykke, Madsen, Mathiasen, Mortensen, Nielsen, Nygaard, Outzen, Pedersen, Pelle, Schmitz, Smidt, Sorensen and Warneke. Martin said the Danish waited until Dec. 24 to put up Christmas trees and took them down on Epiphany, Jan. 6. “As a child we did not get to see the decorated and lit tree until after Christmas Eve dinner. The door to the living room was kept closed all day on the Else Martin and Lee Hedegaard 24th, and while eating we hold Danish and American ﬂags could see light flickering inside the historic forsamlingshus. (Photo/Nancy Jo Maples) under the door. How excited we were to finally finish dinner and open that door!” Award-winning journalist Nancy Jo Maples has written about Mississippi people and places for three decades. Contact her at nancyjomaples@aol.com.

Glædelig Jul!

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 17

BRINGING THE POWER WWW.SOU THERN PIN E.COOP | P.O. BOX 60 | 1349 1 H WY. 28 | TAYLO R SVIL L E, MS 39 16 8 | 800.231 .524 0

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO CHRIS RHODES This year has been challenging, but 2020 is finally coming to a close. Since March, COVID-19 has led to emotional, physical, or financial struggles for many of our members. We are all just trying to do the best we can to adapt to the changes and restrictions the pandemic brought with it. While COVID-19 has presented numerous challenges to our way of life, I believe we will also look back on just how many good things resulted from the year. With restrictions on all aspects of

what we do and how we do it, we learned to do things in different ways. We found new ways to use technology to continue educating our children and ourselves, conducting our business through virtual meetings, staying healthy through virtual doctor’s visits, and even worshipping using streamed church services and virtual Sunday school and prayer group meetings. We adapted and even thrived in many ways. Perhaps one of the blessings of 2020 is that families have a new opportunity to

reconnect. It’s easy to become disconnected in today’s busy world when everyone in the house is going in a different direction. This year forced us all to slow our pace a little and stay home more with our families. For me, this slower pace and time with my family has been a gift. As Christmas nears, we are aware that it may be different. Typically a time of traditions and big celebrations, in 2020 we may have to experience Christmas in smaller ways. We may have to forego some of the crowded parties and large church services for more intimate forms of celebrating. Travel may be limited, and shopping may differ, but perhaps all these differences come with some good things. A slower pace allowing us to focus on what is truly important might be a welcome change. One of the most joyous times of the year may also be one of the toughest. Many members will be celebrating Christmas for the first time without a loved one. I know how difficult it can be this time of year when you have lost someone special. I pray that you receive peace and grace as you cherish fond memories. As 2021 comes quickly, full of hope and promise, I wish all the members and employees a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God bless you in the coming year. Best wishes!

by Chris K. Rhodes President / CEO Southern Pine Electric

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! Southern Pine Electric offices will be closed in observance of the following holidays:

CHRISTMAS EVE • CHRISTMAS DAY • NEW YEAR’S DAY We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and blessed 2021! 12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

Revisions Requested Approved

CHAD Date_____ Revisions Requested Approved

STEVEN Date_____

Doyle Jones has served Southern Pine members for over 44 years and has no plans of stopping anytime soon. He started as a right-of-way helper, then became a tree trimmer, groundsman, apprentice lineman, journeyman lineman and senior lineman before taking on his current role as maintenance superintendent. About 17 years ago, Doyle was hurt in an accident and lost his right arm, but not his sense of humor. “I was supposed to be a dead man according to the doctor who said he didn’t save my life; he just patched me up. Somehow, I made it, and I wondered, why am I here,” Doyle said. “Then, one day, I realized why. I was here to keep Steve Jones (his coworker and friend) straight and out of trouble!” After the accident, Doyle said he was out for 13 weeks before returning to work, where he could no longer do the job he loved. “One thing I’ll say is I’ll always be a lineman at heart, and I loved being one,” Doyle said. Even though his lineman days are behind him, Doyle takes tremendous pride in his work and says that his father taught him to work hard and do things to the best of his ability no matter what the job. He does just that every day at Southern Pine, taking care of maintenance Doyle and Sandra Jones issues.

Approved

“One thing I’ll say is I’ll always be a lineman at heart, and I loved being one.” Doyle Jones

RON Date_____

Doyle has also had a lawn care business for over 26 years that started with a comment he made to a coworker at Southern Pine. “One day at work, 26 years ago, I said ‘I don’t know who they pay to do this, but I can beat it’ and then the next day Mr. Don called me in the office and asked me if I meant what I said,” Doyle said. “I said yes, I did.” That was that, and I started taking care of the grounds, and the business grew from there, he said. A dedicated and loyal employee of Southern Pine is only part of the story with Doyle. He is a true family man who loves his wife, two children, and four grandchildren more than anything. “Everything we do at our house is for our grandkids,” he said. Doyle has installed a basketball court for his basketball-loving family, built a treehouse on his property, and even gotten a pool. All of this is for the grandkids. “Yeah, I said I’d never have a pool at my house, but they wanted one, so I have one now,” Doyle said with a smile and a laugh. In his spare time, which he says is not much, Doyle goes to lots of ballgames. All four grandkids play ball, and he’s their biggest and most loyal fan. He also enjoys fishing with the grandkids when he has the time. Doyle likes staying busy and said if he has something to do, then he is happy. Doyle’s wife of 47 years, Sandra, said, “Doyle is truly remarkable to me because he does anything he wants — there’s nothing he cannot do since the accident.” Sandra said that Doyle’s doctors have called him over the years to come meet with other patients because they were so inspired by him during his recovery. Sandra said, “Doyle is a good man with a good heart.” That sums it up and we could not agree more and are proud to have him as part of the Southern Pine family.

Revisions Requested

DOYLE JONES

L to R - Brenton Jones, Sadie Jones, Kaden Jones, and Logan Yeager.

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

VERSION #______________

G R

MEET SOUTHERN PINE EMPLOYEE:

The best gift around the tree is family.

L to R: Taylor, Cole, and Parker Kate Avera

L to R: Haiden, Zaiden, Farrah, and Taylor (Grandchildren of DeDee Taylor, Hattiesburg Branch)

Front row: Lyndon, Landry, Drake, Parker; Second Row: Brooke, Becky, Meagan; Third Row: Layton, Kane, Don, Brock (The Williamson Family)

L to R: DeDee Taylor, Karen Moseley, Mandy Stanley, and Casey Clingan

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

Lauren Lee White and big brother Austin Sullivan (Jan Collins’ family)

Erin Moffett, Darnell Moffett’s granddaughter

L to R: Shenetta Darby, Kaleb Wood, Shannon Baughman, Stephanie Mutone, Kathy Gilbert, Tim Brown, and Michael Helton

Christmas at Southern Pine

Casey, Courtney, and Noah Clingan

L to R: Presley Arender, Lindsey, Phillip and Sadie Ricketson

L to R: Ava, Ashton, Heather and Jon White

Drake, Landry, Lyndon, Layton, Parker (Grandsons of Becky Williamson, New Hebron District)

L to R: Presley Arender and Harper Smith (Phillip Ricketson’s stepdaughter and niece)

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS

Lauren Lee White (Jan Collins’ niece)

L to R: Nathan, Jennifer, Makenze, and Brady Hudson

L to R: Sharley, Anna, Raegan, Emily, Rhys, Gunnar (Grandchildren of Ann Hamm, Headquarters)

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 15

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

WOODLAND TRAILS

Nestled on over 20 acres of beautiful, wooded land, Woodland Trails is aptly named. When guests drive down the winding and secluded driveway, they automatically get a sense of peace and tranquility. Upon arriving at the approximately 5,000-square-foot building, one of the first things visitors notice is how beautifully decorated it is no matter what the season. However, one of the highlights of Woodland Trails is that wonderful smell of “Grandma’s cooking” that we all know so well. Cheryl McQueen, retired from Jones College after more than 30 years, is the sole proprietor but this place has always been a family business. Located in the Kola community of Collins, Cheryl and her late husband, David, ran the business for many years together. Now, her sons, daughters-in-law, and even grandkids all play a role in the success of Woodland Trails. Over the past 10 years, Cheryl says that they have seen steady growth. She credits that growth to her customers who share the news of this well-kept secret with friends and family. Another reason for their growth is the unique business of cooking and serving the public and having room to host private gatherings, large or small. “Even when we’re open to the public, we can accommodate private meetings or events up to 75 people,” Cheryl said. On Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. she and her team serve buffet-style home cooking that reminds you of Sunday lunch at grandma’s. They also serve

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

lunch on the first, third, and fifth Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Friday nights they serve menu items from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. According to Cheryl, the specialties include traditional cornbread dressing, chicken and dumplings, tomato pie, shrimp and grits, homemade cakes, pies, and bread pudding. “We just make good, home-cooked food and most everything is cooked from scratch,” she added. Cheryl is a firm believer that “people eat with their eyes,” and if the presentation is not right, no one wants to eat it. “But the presentation is not all; it has to taste great too,” Cheryl said. According to Cheryl, owning Woodland Trails has undoubtedly been a learning experience. “I’ve met so many people and learned so many things I would never have without the business,” she said. That is her favorite part. “We all love decorating for the seasons, but my favorite part of Woodland Trails is that I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many great people,” Cheryl said. Because they host business and civic meetings, private parties of all kinds, and serve the public for buffets, they have met so many interesting people throughout the years. Cheryl loves making people happy, so whether it is delivery, catering, facility rental only or anything in between, Woodland Trails can handle it. “Whatever the customer wants, is what we’ll do, and we do it in a beautiful country setting,” Cheryl said.

There is Always Reason to be Thankful by Jan Collins As we bid goodbye to 2020, we acknowledge the hardships endured by many people during the COVID-19 outbreak. We, along with all Americans, have come to realize the deep need for patriotic renewal across our land. Amid harsh weather systems that have left many in Southern Pineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area struggling to repair extensive damage to homes and businesses, we have experienced firsthand, the generosity of people and the kindness of strangers. 2020 caused us to reevaluate the things that we hold most dear. The take-away for the year has been that material possessions come and go, and matter very little, but the health and welfare of our family, friends and neighbors is priceless. Having jobs, a steady paycheck, and the necessities of life took on new significance when millions of people lost their work and supplies were hard to find. Here at Southern Pine, we are each grateful for our jobs and for the opportunity to serve our members, communities and state. On the worst of days, we still have so much for which we are grateful. The fact that we have come through almost a complete year without a major shutdown of crews due to the virus, is a testament to the diligence of our employees to protect themselves as best they could. Their diligence, in turn, protected

our members when the call came to restore power from storm after storm. We scrubbed, cleaned and sanitized everything on site to keep ourselves and each other safe. Today, we are most grateful when we wake up healthy and are mindful to stop complaining about the things that matter little at the end of the day. As employees, we owe a debt of gratitude to our board of directors and CEO. The virus was not the only challenge 2020 laid on our doorstop. We experienced the resignation of a CEO and multiple storms that caused millions of dollars in damage. Through it all, the board remained calm and determined to find the very best person to guide Southern Pine and her employees, into 2021 and the decades to follow. We are grateful to them for the outstanding work they have accomplished and for their guidance and leadership during a most difficult year. Day after day, we have been determined to search for the good in other people and we have found it repeatedly. We have struggled but we are a stronger cooperative because of it. We have learned that our blessings are greater than any problem we may have. Thank you to our board of directors, CEO and fellow employees for the outstanding work accomplished during 2020. We are most thankful for each of you as we continue to Bring the Power.

The Communication Team at Southern Pine: Ethan Manning, Darnell Moffett, Jan Collins, Melissa Nixon and Steve Bryant

DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 17

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

18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 | 601-437-3611 | 800-287-8564 | Fax: 601-437-8736 | Email: info@swepa.coop southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

Safe an d Efficient

Hom e H eati ng As the colder temperatures arrive, higher-than-average energy bills often coincide. In many cases, Members simply turn up the thermostat on their central systems. Did you know that the recommended thermostat setting during the winter months is 68 degrees? That is the most efficient setting recommended by the Department of Energy and can easily save you as much as 10% a year on your utility bills. A common household item often used to supplement heating during the winter season is the space heater. These heaters are designed to be used for short periods of time and to heat small areas. When used correctly, they can prove to be very beneficial. Space heaters are not designed to heat entire living spaces or homes and are not as efficient as a central unit or heat pump. In fact, they can be very cost prohibitive if used incorrectly. For example, one 1,500-Watt space heater could potentially cost a Member $4 a day if used for 24 hours. That doesn’t sound like much until you do the math. One space heater alone, running solid for a month, could cost you $120 on your monthly electric bill. Imagine what your bill would look like if you are using multiple space heaters. If you do use a space heater in your home, always follow the manufacturer’s recommend precautions and instructions. Some people often use an oven to

12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

try and heat their home. Kitchen ovens were created to cook food, not heat your home. You might feel warm and toasty standing right beside it, but the warm air will not be able to circulate throughout the home. Leaving an oven or space heater unattended can be very dangerous. Children or pets could be seriously burned through accidental contact with them. There is also a chance that something might fall onto the oven or space heater like a napkin, cloth or sheet and create a fire. The same goes for a gas oven except there is another danger associated with them in the form of carbon monoxide poisoning, which could be deadly. Like space heaters, ovens are not very efficient as they use large amounts of electricity. A typical oven may use 3,000 watts or more of power. That is twice as much as a space heater and may cost you an additional $240 dollars a month on your bill if used continuously. Try to address the problems of heat loss before you heat your home with space heaters or ovens. Make sure your central unit is serviced annually to ensure it is working efficiently and properly. Also, determine where the cold air is coming from and caulk or weather strip these areas to save money during the winter months. This may improve the efficiency of your central unit, so it can adequately keep up with the colder temperatures.

How much does your space h eater really cost?

per day — times —

30 days

— equals —

120

PER MONTH

120

Revisions Requested

The damage to the area was extensive. Coast Electric was one of the several cooperatives that assisted us after Hurricane Delta when we had over 90% of our Members without power. We were proud to send two construction crews to assist in the restoration process from October 30 to November 5. This is what we do. This is who we are. We are cooperative strong and come together to help one another during these trying times. Cooperation among cooperatives!

Holiday tree safety tips Carefully inspect all electric decorations before you use them. Cracked or damaged sockets and/or loose or exposed wires can cause serious shock or start a fire.

Merry

Approved

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage. Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

Inspect lights

and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

Keep away from heat Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like an airduct, fireplace or space heater.

Trim the stump Trim the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees. Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

If you experience an outage or other emergency, please report it on the SmartHub app or call 800-287-8564. Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday.

RON Date_____

Examine cords

VERSION #______________

Ensure a merry and bright holiday season by safely maintaining your tree with the following tips.

Revisions Requested

Pictured from left to right: Steve Jackson (Crew Leader), Josh Smith, Cory Alderman, Donovon Carnley, Steven King, Jason Delaney (Crew Leader), Elliott Stebbins, Craig Strittman, Riley Carson, Austin Doughty

STEVEN Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

Even though the National Hurricane Center did not predict a direct hit for Southwest Electric from the fast-moving Hurricane Zeta, several of our sister cooperatives did feel the brunt of the storm. Coast Electric Power Association in Kiln, Miss., was one of the ones affected. The storm knocked out power to more than 65,000 of their total 83,000 meters. More than 700 lineworkers helped Coast Electric cut over 1,500 trees from lines and repair or replace over 582 poles.

Approved

Restoring the calm after the storm

P.O. BOX 206 • 109 EAST COOPER ST. | RIPLEY, MS 38663 | OFFICE & REPORT OUTAGES — 662-837-8139 | PAY BY PHONE — 662-212-5233 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

TWITTER

AND INSTAGRAM

VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.TIPPAHEPA.COM

Providing services you expect and deserve The nature of the electric utility industry creates many challenges for us, even when not facing a pandemic. The job of keeping your lights on is not always easy, but rest assured we work hard every day to safely offer our members affordable and reliable electric service. As a member-owner of Tippah Electric, you have a stake and voice in the governance of your electric service provider. And, you can learn more about your local electric cooperative by attending our annual meeting to be held Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at our Ripley office. During the meeting, we will present operational and financial reports. Due to COVID-19, we will practice social distancing and wear masks. Another challenge is identifying ways to stay member-focused through innovation and bringing value to all members in a cost-effective way. This ties into our recent announcement of offering high-speed internet to our membership. Through our subsidiary, TEPAconnect, we are now installing fiber-to-the-home. This is a market-based competitive business, and it takes a new approach. But, using the same sound principles and proven practices from our electric side, we have successfully started connecting customers in just our first three months of operation. Please visit our website, www.tippahepa.com, for more information.

ANNUAL MEETING

Our dedicated work force continues to evaluate challenges and increase our efficiency in managing our resources and operations. While it is difficult to always foresee the future, we have to be flexible and, most of all, creative when it comes to finding ways to cut operating costs while still providing first-class programs and services our members expect and deserve. We will continue to focus on our members and remain a community-centered and trusted electric service and broadband provider. I want to offer our sincere appreciation to all members for your patience and support during these unprecedented times. And, when you need us, we are only a phone call away. It goes without saying, 2020 has been a unique year. But, as we come to the end of the year, let us focus on the Christmas holidays and the joy they bring to our lives. Your Tippah Electric family wishes you a very, merry Christmas and a wonderful, healthy and happy 2021.

by Tim Smith General Manager

PRE-REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR

THURSDAY, DEC. 10 5:30 P.M.

TIPPAH ELECTRIC’S OFFICE 109 East Cooper Street RIPLEY 12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

Visit www.tippahepa.com for residential packages, speed, pricing and more information.

5233

Wassail

Broccoli Cornbread

INGREDIENTS 4 sticks of cinnamon 20 whole cloves 8 tea bags 4 quarts water 2 cups pineapple juice 1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice 1 (6 oz.) can frozen lemonade 3 cups sugar

INGREDIENTS 1 small package frozen chopped broccoli 1 (10-12 oz.) container of small curd cottage cheese 2 boxes Jiffy cornbread mix 1 onion chopped 4 eggs 2 sticks of butter 1 (2 cup) package of cheddar cheese

Bring water to a boil; add tea bags and spices. Simmer for 5 minutes then take out tea bags. Add sugar and juices; bring to a boil then remove from heat. Remove spices before serving. Serve warm. Store remainder in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt 2 sticks of butter in a 9 x 13 cake pan. Mix all ingredients and 1 cup of the shredded cheese together in large mixing bowl. Pour mixed ingredients into pan of melted butter and spread evenly. Sprinkle the additional cup of cheese over the top of the cornbread.make at 350 degrees for about 1 hr or until done. The cheese and top of the cornbread should be a light or golden brown. Serve hot.

by Kerry Cockrell, Manager of Accounting & Finance – TEPA

by Brenda Storey, Office Manager – TEPA

*This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The longer you leave the spices in the better the taste, so I make mine in advance, leaving the spices in and removing them just before reheating and serving. This is one of our favorite holiday drinks to sip on as we visit with family and friends.

NEVER

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A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at Tippah Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

SERVING MORE THAN 12,600 ELECTRIC METERS IN FIVE DELTA COUNTIES Hollandale - 662-827-2262 | Belzoni - 662-247-1909 | Greenville - 662-334-9543 | Rolling Fork - 662-873-4233 | REPORT OUTAGES 866-897-7250

How will you be celebrating this year? Christmas 2020 may be the most unusual that your family has ever experienced. Some may celebrate Christmas as usual; some may have a different celebration this year, and some may just want to fast-forward to 2021 to forget this year. Whatever your situation, you can create a memorable Christmas experience for your family. Stay true to your family’s traditions and try adding some new ones, especially if you will not be able to gather with extended family as in previous years.

• Christmas Movie Night Have a designated movie night or make every night a movie night. Let a different family member select the movie each time and the snacks for their particular movie night.

• Create a family photo album Collect family photos from Christmases past and put your scrapbooking skills to work! Be sure to leave some room to add photos in future years.

• Take a drive Pile the family into the car to drive and look at Christmas lights. Sing Christmas carols along the way. Try a scavenger hunt for the kids to look for certain Christmas symbols.

• Give to others Create care packages for elderly neighbors who may be spending the holidays without family or those who have lost a family member this year. Leave a package at their door for a surprise with a Christmas card. Donate to local food banks or food drives as so many are still financially affected by COVID-19.

• Write it down Write a heartfelt letter to family members about what they mean to you and include a favorite Christmas memory. What a surprise a handwritten letter would be in this climate of social media and texting.

• Camp out Create an indoor camping area or fort for the family in the den near the tree (or mom and dad’s room.) Everyone can wear Christmas pajamas and read Christmas books. Turn out the lights and enjoy the lit tree. Play Christmas music to fall asleep by.

Twin County Electric Power Association wishes its members a VERY MERRY and SAFE CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

NEVER

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A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S

The business office will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1, 2021 for New Year’s. In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 866-897-7250.

Briefly describe your experience at Youth Leadership Workshop.

CHAD Date_____ STEVEN Date_____

The experience with Youth Leadership was very pleasant and welcoming. It was great getting to be around more young adults like myself and bond together in a family-oriented environment.

What are you involved in this year? (clubs, sports, etc.) National Honor Society Mu Alpha Theta 4.0+ GPA St. Joseph High School Baseball — Pitcher/3rd Baseman Junior Class President Advanced Placement and Honors Student

Revisions Requested

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Approved

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ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

Approved

Simar Thomas

2020 YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Revisions Requested

• Enjoy the Tree — The lights on your Christmas tree should provide enough light to navigate through the room. • Turn Down the Thermostat — When there are extra people in the house, it’s a great time to turn down the thermostat. Extra bodies mean extra warmth. • Be Smart in the Kitchen — Cook several dishes at the same time. Ovens use the same amount of energy for a full oven or a nearly empty one. Use the microwave and toaster oven for small cooking tasks and save the oven for bigger ones.

Approved

Which college major is on your horizon right now? I plan on majoring in Management Information Systems.

RON Date_____

Do you have a favorite scripture or quote that helps keep you grounded and focused during this unusual senior year? “You have to dream like you’ve never seen obstacles.” — J. Cole This is one of many quotes that helped me get through these uncertain times. It pushes me to keep working hard to improve myself (either in the classroom or on the diamond) despite having an obstacle that seems to be in my way. I have to keep working and striving to become the best person I can be. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

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While planning Christmas fun, remember there are some simple ways to conserve energy and prevent a surprise with a higher electric bill in January. • LED Lights — Switch to LED Christmas lights as they use 90% less electricity than regularly than regular Christmas lights. • Use a Timer for Lights — Aim for six hours of Christmas Light time and use a timer to keep on track. Turn lights on at dark and set to turn off before midnight. Turn off interior Christmas lights when going to bed.

TWITTER

662-746-4251 — OFFICE & REPORT OUTAGES • 866-484-4277 — PAY BY PHONE

VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.YAZOOVALLEY.COM

2020 Hurricane Season The 2020 hurricane season has seen a record number of storms. Yazoo Valley Electric linemen and servicemen have responded to electric cooperatives throughout the southeast to assist in power restoration efforts. We would like to thank all of these employees for their dedication to the electric cooperative mission!

12 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

Photos courtesy of Eric Woods, Garrett McLellan and Brett Cerda. DECEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

Holiday tree safety tips Ensure a merry and bright holiday season by safely maintaining your tree with the following tips. Keep away from heat

Examine cords

Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like an airduct, fireplace or space heater.

Inspect lights

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage. Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

Carefully inspect all electrical decorations before you use them. Cracked or damaged sockets and/or loose or exposed wires can cause serious shock or start a fire.

Trim the stump Trim the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees. Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

NEVER

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A R E FA M I LY A N D F R I E N D S Everyone at Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2020

Revisions Requested Approved

Visit Treasury.MS.gov.

David McRae is Mississippi’s state treasurer.

Search for money in your name, a family member’s name, your church’s name, your business’ name or even a favorite organization’s name.

If there is money that you believe may belong to you, claim it. Our team will then get to work verifying the information.

DECEMBER2020 2020||TODAY TODAY15 15 DECEMBER

Approved

Revisions Requested

STEVEN Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

THE PROCESS IS EASY

RON Date_____

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$15 MILLION

back to Mississippi – Some may be yours