TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Rural Living Got M Mail ail? ?
See page 6-7
Some Capital Credit Checks are marked undeliverable
Upcoming District Meetings – Page 3 July & August 2021 Vol. 26 • No. 4
TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Rural Living Vol. XXVI No. IV July & August 2021
Board of Trustees
Bobby Dodd
Donnie Waldrep
Catherine Bethea
District 2
District 3
District 5
President
Junior Smith District 1
Benny Bishop District 7
Vice President
George Webb District 4
Johnny Edwards District 8
Secretary/Treasurer
Ann Herring District 6
Elmer Coker District 9
TCEC Staff
Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Brewer, Vice President of Engineering Eileen Herndon, Manager of Administrative Services John Tuten, Vice President of Operations Wendell Williams, Vice President of Finance Tri-County Electric Cooperative Rural Living, the voice of your member-owned electric cooperative, is published bimonthly — more if necessary — at no subscription cost to the membership. The publication team is comprised of TCEC employees. Postage is paid at Tallahassee, Fla.
Publication Team
Julius Hackett, Chief Executive Officer Eileen Herndon, Manager of Administrative Services Kaitlynn Culpepper, Community Relations Director
Publisher
Joanna Forrester Printed on Responsibly Forested Paper Tri-County Electric Cooperative 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340 www.tcec.com 1-800-999-2285
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A New Energy There’s a quiet transformation happening across the nation. America’s smaller communities are changing in remarkable ways—while holding steadfastly to the values that, for generations, have made them the places people choose to build a better life for themselves and their families. To embrace the beauty of a simpler lifestyle. To live independently; yet, to also be part of a community that looks out for neighbors. To grow in new ways, in new directions. To feed the world, change the world, build the future. America’s rural communities may seem quiet—but scratch below the surface and you’ll find a whole lot happening. There’s a new energy here to go along with the more affordable, down-to-earth way to live that’s been here all along. And the opportunities to create something new have never been greater. These are the communities served by America’s electric cooperatives. You might think of us as the local electric company, and you’d be right: We’re led by members like you, created by and for the communities we serve. Electric cooperatives are community-focused organizations who work to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to our members. And every co-op is as unique as the community that shaped it, changing over time as our communities grow and change. We’re local and we’re independent. But together, we’re mighty: across the country, local cooperatives work together and learn from one another to develop new technologies and infrastructure. And in the process, we bring electricity to one in eight Americans and over 19 million homes, businesses, farms, and schools in 47 states. Co-ops themselves provide 71,000 great jobs, invest billions in local
Julius Hackett, CEO economies every year, and are a driving force in helping attract and grow business and industry in rural America. And America’s electric cooperatives aren’t just economic engines. They’re innovators, developing new ways to incorporate the benefits of cooperative solar, wind, and other sources of renewable energy into a balanced energy mix. And we’re always looking for new ways to help our members save energy, save money and take advantage of the technology that’s changed the way we live. It’s all part of the cooperative spirit that’s always been one of the best things about living in our community. Neighbors looking out for neighbors. People working for the common good. Even as we celebrate our differences and our individual achievements, knowing that we can’t do everything alone—we’re all in this together. And we are stronger and better for it. That’s community. That’s what fueled the co-op movement so many years ago—and it’s the source of our new energy today. The power of community is what being an electric cooperative is all about.
Board Meetings The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday of each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West US 90, approximately two miles west of the City of Madison.
July & August 2021
Meet Your Board Candidates Election at upcoming District Meetings
In accordance with Article III, Section 7 (a) of the Bylaws of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. district meetings will be held for the purpose of selecting person(s) as candidates for trustee. This year, members will elect trustees to represent Districts 1, 2 and 4. District meetings are scheduled as follows:
District 1 Thursday, July 22 6:00 p.m. Pinetta Volunteer Fire Department Pinetta, FL
District 2 Thursday, July 29 6:00 p.m. Steinhatchee Community Center Steinhatchee, FL
District 4
District 2 - Bobby Dodd
Lee City Hall Lee, FL
District Meetings
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6:00 p.m. Mr. George Webb represents District 4 and the Steinhatchee members residing in the southern 9 Community Center half of Madison Steinhatchee, FL County. In 2014 he retired as Manager of Corporate Steinhatchee Services for TCEC after 41 years of service. In District 4 2 2015, members elected him as their trustee and Monday, July 26 he is now seeking re-election for a third term. He p.m.of Florida and in is a graduate of the6:00 University Lee City Hall 2021 he earned recognition as Director Gold from Lee, FL NRECA after previously earning his Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership recognition in 2016 and 2019, respectively.
July & August 2021
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Mr. Bobby Dodd is the Trustee from District 2, representing members in the Steinhatchee area. Mr. Dodd was elected to the Board in 2012 and since he haswith served as III, theSection President In 2019 accordance Article 7 (a)of ofthe theBoard Bylawsof of Tri-County district meetings Trustees. Electric He alsoCooperative, representsInc. TCEC on the Boardwill be held forof the purpose of selecting person(s) as Inc. of Directors Seminole Electric Cooperative, candidates for trustee. This year, members will elect (TCEC’s wholesale powerDistricts provider). Dodd trustees to represent 1, 2 Mr. and 4. District veteran meetingshaving are scheduled is a military served as in follows: the United States Army, aDistrict graduate of Florida 1State Univeristy and retired warden with the Florida Department Thursday, July 22 of Corrections. He earned his Director Gold 6:00 p.m. certification fromPinetta NRECA in 2021 after obtaining Volunteer his Credentialed Fire Cooperative Director in 2013 and Department Pinetta, FL in 2015. Board Leadership Certification
Monday, July 26 6:00 p.m.
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Mr. Junior Smith is the Trustee from District 1, and serves the members living in the northeastern section of Madison County. Elected in 2007, he is currently in his fifth term serving on the Board of Trustees. Mr. Smith was employed at TCEC for 44 years and retired in 2001 as Manager of Operations. In 2020 he was recognized by the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA) for his commitment to continuing his education in the electric utility industry and was awarded the distinction of Director Gold credential. The Director Gold certification is in addition to his recognition as Credentialed Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificate.
District Meetings
Steinhatch
District 1 - Junior Smith
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Celebrating Our 2021 Graduates As a Co-op family we celebrate the successes of all of our employees and our employees’ families. This graduation season was full of celebration as several TCEC children graduated from high school or college programs, making us all very proud of their achievements.
Preston Wade Roberts, son of Shane Roberts, Service Technician, graduated early from Dixie
County High School on May 21, 2021 at the age of 17 and in his junior year with a weighted GPA of 4.5446. While working on his high school courses; Wade also attended Florida Gateway College and Graduated Summa Cum Laude on May 6, 2021 with his AA Degree. In addition to Wade’s academic endeavors, he was also a member of the DCHS Redcoat Regiment Marching Band as well as High School Concert Band, High School Jazz Band, High School Brass Band, and DCHS Film Club. Wade was the DCHS Redcoat Regiment Marching Band Low Brass Section Leader from 2018-2019, the DCHS Redcoat Regiment Marching Band Drum Major from 2019-2020 and the News Anchor for DCHS Student News from 2020 to present. After graduation Wade plans to attend college at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee where he will work towards a degree in graphic design and film.
Abigail Rucks, daughter of Field Service Representative Tom Rucks, graduated with honors, Cum Laude, and scholar designation from TCHS.
During her high school years she enjoyed playing softball, logged many community service hours including helping out those in her church, Calvary Baptist, local businesses, and Special Olympics. She was in the Little Women Club and held the office of Public Relations; an active member in the National Honors Society; chosen Prom Queen; and employed at Parkside Cafe. Abby has been accepted at North Florida Community College to complete her Associate’s degree. She then plans to continue her education in the field of radiology hoping to specialize in ultrasound technology. Angela Eastabrooks, Member Service Specialist, recently celebrated both of her children’s academic success as they graduated from their collegiate programs.
Gabe Miller,
graduated North Florida College with an A.S. Degree in Registered Nursing. Gabe has worked at Honey Lake Clinic as a Med Tech for 2 years and recently accepted a nursing position in the Emergency Room of SGMC.
Zarion Preaster, son of
Mike Haynes, Warehouseman; graduated not only from Madison County High School, but also from North Florida College with his AA degree at the same time. Zarion is a BETA Club member and MCHS Cowboys Baseball player. He is currently employed at Nestle Waters and plans to transfer to VSU or Edward Waters in Jacksonville, FL for the Fall of 2021 term where he will study business. 4
McKenzie Miller,
received her Bachelor of Science of Psychology from Valdosta State University. McKenzie resides in Valdosta, GA and hopes to apply her education while working with autistic children.
Samuel ‘Sam’ Nash, recently
graduated with high honors from James Madison Preparatory School. Sam graduated with a 4.6 GPA, and a member of the BETA Club, all while being dual enrolled at North Florida College where he plans to graduate with his AA in the Fall. His father, Cooperative Foreman Clint Nash and mother Missy are incredibly proud of their oldest sons’ accomplishments. Sam hopes to transfer to FAMU and pursue a career in architecture. In his free time Sam enjoys being on the river, fishing, hunting, riding ATVs and spending time with his friends. July & August 2021
$25,500 in Energizing Education Scholarships Awarded in 2021
18 seniors across the TCEC service territory were recently awarded with the TCEC Energizing Education Scholarship. Ranging in value from $1,000 to $1,500 to be used towards their college education. These scholarships are made possible through the Energizing Education Program in which Tri-County Electric Cooperative members elected to have their monthly electric statement rounded up to the next dollar and those cents set aside to fund these scholarships, with the mission to provide educational support for qualified members and their families in Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor Counties. TCEC also partners with the North Florida College Foundation to award members and their families who plan to attend NFC with $700 scholarships to be used towards tuition or books. Congratulations to these students!
Aucilla Christian Academy
Taylor County High School
Madison County High School
Monica Campos
Makayla Walker
Madison Buzbee
Chelly Mchargue Zarrion Robinson
Alanna Horne
Esther Fulford
Selina Drawdy
Hunter Harvey
Ryan Thompson
Cassidy Evans
Emily Minor
Jenna Davis
Congratulations to the following students for receiving the Energizing Education Scholarship through the NFC Foundation Landri Aust Madison County High School
James Madison Preparatory High School Molly Buchanan
Dawson Herring
Abigayle Reeves
Savannah Curtis (not pictured)
Jefferson Somerset Ryan Long
Molly Buchanan James Madison Preparatory High School Kamia Henderson James Madison Preparatory High School Ryan Thompson Taylor County High School Makayla Walker Aucilla Christian Academy
To enroll your account to donate to the Energizing Education Program visit: http://www.tcec.com/energizing-education or scan the QR code with the camera on your smartphone. July & August 2021
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TCEC Members get the Credit
Capital Credits, that is – for helping build, sustain, and grow your local electric cooperative. In June 2021, Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees approved retirement of capital credit refunds in the amount of $981,772, to current and former members, like you, across portions of the 4 counties served by the co-op. This capital credit refund represents 40% of our members’ Capital Credit accounts from 1993 and 50% of 1994. When you signed up to receive electric service from TCEC you became a member of an electric utility. While investor-owned utilities return a portion of any profits back to their shareholders, electric co-ops operate on an at-cost basis. So instead of returning leftover funds, known as margins, to folks who might not live in the same region or even the same state as you do, TCEC allocates and periodically retires capital credits (also called patronage dividends, patronage refunds, patronage capital, or equity capital) based on how much electricity you purchased during a year. Capital Credits represent your ownership in TCEC and are one of the most unique and rewarding benefits you enjoy as a member of and electric cooperative.
Got Mail? Many capital credit checks have been returned with the address marked as undeliverable. To help you determine if you are entitled to one of these unclaimed checks, a partial list is included below. The list of unclaimed checks can also be found on our website, www.tcec.com
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ABNEY TOM ADAMS HAROLD ADAMS LARRY ADT DOCK & FLOTATION ENT AGRI-PRODUCTS INC AIKENS CHRISTELL ALDAY ANITA Y ALDAY JACK O ALEXANDER ADA ALLEN CARL ALLEN LORI AMES ANDREW ANDERSON HELEN M ANDERSON RON ANDERSON VIRGINIA ANN ANGELO CHRISTOPHER ARNOLD ROSA LEE ASBURY THOMAS (MRS) AUSTIN BILLY C AVANZINI ANDREA
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BAGWELL ROBERT BALDWIN EVELYN E BALL J M (DR) BALL LINDSAY BARBARA MEMORIAL CHURCH BARFIELD DUB BARND R M BARNES DAVID BARNES JOYCE BARNES JOYCE BARRETT PATRICIA M BARRIER JAMES B BARRON CURTIS W BASS AUDREY W (MRS) BASSETT W W JR BATTEN MICHAEL A BEALS KEVIN L
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BEAVER E A BEEMAN H D BELCHER MARY EDNA BENDER DAVID R & JOAN BENGE JOHN J BENNETT BILLY RAY BENNETT ROXIE L BETSY NAOMI BEVILLE JOHN JR BISHOP JACK B BISSEY NOVA M (MRS) BLACK KATHRYN E BLAIR DONALD I BLAKE RUTH (MRS) BLAZO CHARLES BLINSTRUP TERRY BLUE SPRINGS PRIMITIVE BA BOATWRIGHT CYNTHIA N BOHANAN VICKI L BOLAND ALMA BOLTON-WARD SANDRA BOND BILLY BOONE CHARLES BOOSER RON & JOAN BORGHESE PETER BOWEN BONNIE J BOWIE VINCE BOWMAN JAMES R BOYD ALLEN JR BOYINGTON ANGIE BOYINGTON CHRISTINA BRAGG CLYDE R BRANCH FREDDIE BRANNEN G Y BRANTLEY RONNIE BRASWELL WM STANLEY BRATCHER VIVIAN BRENNER J W BREON CLEO P BRIDGES J E & NOLA BRIER LUTHER P BRINSON ROSA LEE
BROCKMAN HARRY LEE BRODGON RONNIE M BROOKE JAMES BROOKS GLENN BULLOCK ALAN BURCH JOSEPH E
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CALLAWAY DON CAMBRIC BERTHA CAMPBELL CLIFFORD A CAMPBELL DAVID CAMPBELL GERALDINE CAMPBELL JOHN CANNON RANDALL EARL CARR PATRICK CARSON KENNETH I CASA BIANCA YOUTH CLUB CASSELMAN JESSE CAWTHON JERRY W CEDAR HOME BUILDERS INC CHAPARRAL STEAK HOUSE CHESHIRE LISA S CLARK JOEL CLARK JUDI CLARK ROBERT JR CLAVERIE J LINCOLN CLOUD RAYMOND COCKERHAM FREDDY O JR COLLINS LEONA J CONNELL MARY ELIZABETH CONNER DOYLE COOK JOSEPH B & GLORIA J COOK ROBIN L COOKS MICHAEL COOPER DONALD S COOPER LENA L COOPER STEPHEN COPELAND W B COPELAND WALTER S CORBIN CHERYL COREY EDWARD J
CORNING MICHAEL J COTRELL BRYAN COULLIETTE MICHELLE M COUNCIL OWEN CRAIG MARCIA CRIBBS MARSHA H CRIDER ROBERT LEE CRUCE FRANKIE C CRUMITY CARRIE M CRUMP JONATHAN C CRUVER JAMES R CULVER CHRISTOPHER CUPPETT LORI
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DAHL JIM DAVIS BILLY JOE DAVIS GARRY DAVIS JAMES L DE MEMBER JOE DECKER DEALVA (MRS) DEIHL EARL SR DELAHUNT MICHELE DELLER MARK DEMING ROBERT DENNIS NADENE DERAY JIMMY W DIETZ CHRIS DINGMON CHARLES E DISPENSA BRENDA DIXON KEN DOBBS JESSE DOBSON JUANITA DOYLE FRANK W JR DRAWDY TOMMY DRIGGERS DALE DRIGGERS LESLIE W DRIGGERS MELESSIA DRIGGERS NAOMI K (MRS) DUNBAR JOSEPH S DUNCAN ROBIN DUNCAN VICTOR
DUPUIS MARC DURDEN VERNON DUTY GERRELL DYAL THOMAS DYER CLIFTON
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EARNEST ANN EGYED EILEAN ELLIOTT DAVID W ELLISON PROPERTIES ELROD RAYMOND G ERVIN TOMMY ERVING JOHANNA E
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FAIRCLOTH HEIDI D FARLEY PAULA M FAULKNER SARA C FERRELL GARY FEWOX MARY (MRS) FISHER JOHN FISK LARRY FLEMING FREDDIE FLETCHER JEFFERY A FLOYD MADELON FORD MARK FORRAR LENA FORTUNE VINCE FOX RAY FRALEY JEWETTA R (MRS) FRANKLIN BRADY L FRANTUM FRED V FRAZIER MELODY FRENCH RAY FRYE GARY FRYFOGLE NORVILL R
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GAGNON MARIE GIBBS KATHERINE
July & August 2021
GIBBS PLANT FARM INC GILLEY CRAWFORD GLEASON EVA L (MRS) GODINEZ PABLO GOMOLA JOHN J GONZALEZ LETICIA L GOODLET J S GOODMAN BOBBY GORBY LONNIE GORDON H L GOSSETT ROBERT C SR GOULDING JON A GRAHAM GEORGE GRANTHAM JIMMY GRANTHAM MARK GRASSO WILLIAM L GRAY CARLTON JR GREENWOOD JAMIE GRIER MARLIN GRIFFIN A H GULF BREEZE TRAILER PARK GUTH RUTH GUZMAN LETICIA GUZMAN NANCY JANE
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H & S CONTRACTORS INC HAGAN GWENDOLYN L HALL HAROLD HALL IRA H HALL KENNETH G HALL MARSHA T HALL W MCLAURINE HAMILTON ERIKA HAMMOND BRET D HAMPTON CHRISTOPHER J HARLEY KINNEY HARMON VERNON HARRIS TOMMY HART ERNEST J HARTY LISA A HASELTON WILLIAM HATHCOCK DONALD HAWES RONNIE & SHEILA HAWKINS EMMA HAYNES PATRICK HAYS CHARLES HEADLEY MARGARET D HEINZE UDO HENDLEY SAM HENDRY DOZIER B HERSHBERGER JANIE HIGHSMITH JAMES & SANDRA HILL DEBORAH J HIRES MARIE HITCHNER BRENDA HOBBS BETTY (MRS) HOLLAND JOANN HOLLAND SHERRY HOLTON CARON HOOD MARILYN R HOOPER WILLIAM HORD ALSIE HORNE JASPER M HOWARD JACK HUGGINS DAISY M HULEN ALBERT HUMPHREYS STANLEY HUNTER CHARLIE HUNTER DELORES H HUNTERS HAVEN & ROD & GUN HURKALA ANTHONY HUTCHINGS JAMES A HUTCHINSON CONSTRUCTION HUTCHINSON GERALD
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JACKSON EARL BRADLEY JACKSON WILLIE LEE JACOBS CHARLES J JENKINS J A JENKINS SILENA JOHNS JANELLE
July & August 2021
JOHNSON BUDDY JOHNSON DAVID JOHNSON JAMES B & CHANTEL JOHNSON MARY JONES CASTELLO JONES KIMBBERLI M JONES LEO JONES RON JORDAN TIM & MARLA JUSTICE JUDY C
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KENNEDY DELORES KILPATRICK DANNIE A KING EVELYN K (MRS) KINGERY DAVID KINSEY JIMMY KINSEY MICHELLE KIRBY JANICE KIRK GAYLE M KNACK WAYNE KNIGHT CHARLES R III KNIGHT EDDIE KNIGHT SUE KNOWLES BETTE KOENIG PATRICIA KOHLER WILLIAM KRYSIEWICZ CARLA
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LANGFORD SAMUEL LARICK TERESA LATHAM ROBERT LEE DORCIA D LEFTHERIS C N (REV) LEVINGSTON WESLEY L LEWIS M C LEWIS RAYMOND T LICHTVELD LEONARD A LINDSTROM VERA E LITTLE CHESTER R LITTLE JOHN LITTLE VINCENT P LITTON WILCE LIVIERI ARTHUR LOCKHART MICHAEL LOFTIS FORREST LOGUE THOMAS O (DR) LOPEZ MARIA LOVAAS ANNA B LOWERY DENISE LUMBATIS LEWIS
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MAGUIRE SAMUEL F MAJORS JOEL E MANAGAN R MICHAEL & YVETT MANGUM ALICE MANN JERRY MARCHANT RONNIE MARKHAM MARTHA MARTIN CLARENCE W MARTIN DANNY & BONNIE MARTIN ELIZABETH A MARTIN REMIGIO MARTINKO ELDA MASON DENNIS MATCHETTE JIM MATHEWS DEE MATHIS WILLIAM MATTAIR RONALD E JR MATTAIR STEPHANIE D MAY WILL G MCALLISTER HOWARD G MCCALL JERI D MCCLELLAND PHYLIS MCCONNELL MARYBETH MCCORKLE JIMMY M MCCRACKEN RALPH MCCUE STEVE & BETH MCCULLEY BONITA MCDONALD GREG & JULIA MCKENZIE CARL E JR MCLEESE SHARON E MCLEOD ERICK MCLEOD HERMAN N
MCMULLEN CORA D MCNICHOLS ROBERT MELDREM LLOYD T III MILAM MICHAEL D MILLER CHARLES A MILLER CHARLES R MILLER INEZ F MILLER JERRY G MILLER LEO & BARBARA MILLER LORENZO MILLER NETTIE JANE MILLER REGINA D MITCHELL DAVID V MITCHELL DONALD MITCHELL JIMMY RAY MIXON A DEAN JR MONTGOMERY CLYDE MOON EARL C MOORE BOBBY G MOORE JOE JR MOORE LOUISE P MOORE SHARON MORGAN JOHN A MORGAN PATSY MORRIS JANET M MOTTER RONALD G JR MOWERY JAMES L MURRAY IRRIA MAE MURRAY SONYA MUTCH WILLIE
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NELSON EDNA NOBLES MELANIE NOEL CAROL
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OBENSHAIN JO ANN (MRS) OBRYAN MICKEY ODOM TED L OLLER CALVIN
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PADGETT SHERRY PAGE DAVID W PALMER SYBLE PAMPEL CHRISTINA PARKER CASSANDRA PARKER GWENDOLYN MILLS PARKER JOYCE M R PARKER LOTTIE M PARKER ROBERT PARKS WILLIAM W PARSONS HAZEL E PATEL BINAKUMARI J PEAK JAMES PECK MARLENE PENDLAND JAMES PENNY JANIE R PERKINS JOHNNIE PERRY LUMBER CO INC PETERSON MILDRED G (MRS) PETERSON WANDA PHILLIPS THOMAS L PIPPIN JOHN W JR PITTS JACK P PITTS W E JR PLATT EVELYN POITEVINT GLEN & SUSAN POOLE FREEMAN POPPELL BETTY POWELL HAROLD P POWELL PHYLLIS J PRIDGEON ALVIN JR PRIEST TROY PUCKETT ROBERT PURKEY MICHAEL PURSLEY ANNIE LEE
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QUICK RODNEY L
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RADDAR AMY RATLIFF KEITH & LYNN REAMS DONNA REHMUS OTTO W RENFROE PHILLIP
RENZ SAMUEL RIVES J V JR ROBINSON SADIE RODDAN GLENN JR RODGERS ANGELA A ROGERS KAREN ROUNDS LEE ANN ROUSH FREDA RUDD MICHAEL D RYE BONNIE
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SADLER HARVEY SADLER WARREN E SADLER WILLIAM CHARLES SANDS HENRY & BETTY SANDS THERA SARGENT W D & BARBARA SATTERWHITE BILL SAUNDERS ELZORA SCHAEFER GEORGE SCHAFFER CAROL SCHNEIDER RICHARD SCOTT HERBERT SCOTT MARGARET Z (MRS) SCRIPPS HOWARD CABLE COMP SENN LINDA SESSIONS JOAN SHAPER JAMES E SHEA CINDY SHEALY MARTHA SHIELDS MELISSA SHIVERS KAREN SHORTT JOHN N SHULER PATRICK SHURLING ROGER E SILVERS FERN (MRS) SIMMONS MICHAEL SIMON LEON J SINCLAIR ALLEN L SLAUGHTER HENRY F SLAUGHTER JERREL SMALLEY CHARLES SMITH CHARLES L SMITH FRED L SMITH FREDERICK A SMITH GAYLE SMITH HENRY L SMITH HOMER OR CAROLYN SMITH JOHNNY M SMITH PAT SMITH ROBIN SMITH TERRY SMITH TIMOTHY SMITH VIKKI SMITH WILLIAM LAMAR SMITH WILLIAM RONNIE SNIPES SHAWN P SOBODOWSKI PAMELA SOUTHERLAND LINDA A SPEARS PATRICK SPIVEY WILLIAM R JR STAPP THOMAS F STEINBRENNER CATHERINE W STEPHENS AGATHA L STEPHENS GARY STEPHENSON RICHARD STEVES WILLIAM M STEWART DIANE STRICKLAND CHARLOTTE STROP WILLIAM L SULLIVAN DONNA S SULLIVAN KATHY SULLIVAN M P SULLIVENT ERNEST E
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T & J BIG BIRD RANCH TANTON J ALLEN TAYLOR FRANK TAYLOR GENE E TAYLOR JOHN P TAYLOR KERMIT I TEDDER JAMES THOMAS DONALD (MRS) THOMAS MOBILE HOMES
THOMLEY THOMAS & SHEILA THOMPSON ALICIA THOMPSON CULLEN K THOMPSON LES THOMPSON TED & CHARLOTTE TILLMAN DZONDRIA M TODD JUDY TOOKE WILLIAM VERNON TORRANCE GENE & TINA TOUCHTON JEFF TOWLER MARIANNE TREE CAPITAL LAND DIV INC TSANGARIS JOHN TURK HUGH K TURKNETT DAVID & SUEZAN TURNER CAROL A TUTEN ALEX TYRE GENE
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WAKEFIELD GARRETT WALD GENA R WALDON KEITH WALDRON BETTY WALKER EDWARD L JR WALKER G RAYMOND WALKER HELEN WALKER JOHN GLEN WALKER LUCILE WALKER MYRTIE WALLACE RONALD WALTERS CLIFF WALTHALL ALMA WALTON MARK WARE CLYDE WASHINGTON M RUFUS WATERWORTH NANCY P WATSON CLAUDE WEATHERSPOON MARTHA WELCH RONALD L WELLS WILLIAM P JR WESTLUND JUDY A WHARTON REBECCA WHIGHAM DALE WHIGHAM JOHN WHITFIELD BRYAN WHITTY S C WICKER J E WILEY R EUGENE WILKINS JOSEPH WILLIAMS CALVIN WILLIAMS DEBRA P WILLIAMS EDDIE WILLIAMS IRENE WILLIAMS JEFFREY WILLIAMS JUDY WILLIAMS LYNN & DAVID WILLIAMS OTIS L WILLIAMS TOM F WILSON CHARLES B WILSON JULIA H WILSON RUSSELL WINTERS CORA N WOOD KRISTIN WOODSON MAMIE WORTHINGTON BYRON WREN ODDIS
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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meetings Summary for January 11, 2021
Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meetings Summary for February 8, 2021
With all Trustees present, key cooperative personnel and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, January 11, 2021, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the January 11, 2021 Board Agenda; the December 14, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included: the WPCA for January 2021 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for November 2020; the list of new members for November 16, 2020 – December 16, 2020; and Work and Accident Report for November 2020 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the board included acceptance and approval of the revised district boundaries; approval of revised Policy 111 “Election of Cooperative Trustees,” and revised Policy 508 “Travel While on Cooperative Business,” effective immediately. The CEO reported on the submission of an Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Rural Funding Application (EVCI-RFA) to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; the board was provided a list of members impacted by the territory boundary agreement between Tri-County Electric Cooperative and Duke Energy; the board was updated on business matters related to COVID-19; and the pending retirement of Vice President of Operations, Mr. Darrell Tuten. The cooperative attorney reported the Florida Public Service Commission approved the territorial agreement between Tri-County Electric Cooperative and Duke Energy; and updated the board on progress of title work and the opinion letter connected to the Cooperative’s RUS loan.
With all Trustees present, key cooperative personnel and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, February 8, 2021, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Florida. Reports to the Board included the Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, and CEO. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the February 8, 2021 Board Agenda; the January 11, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes; and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the CEO, which included: the WPCA for February 2021 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for December 2020; the list of new members for December 17, 2020 – January 18, 2021; and Work and Accident Report for December 2020 along with the System Outage Reports. Other action taken by the board included acceptance and approval of the 2021 – 2025 herbicide spray contract. The CEO presented information on business matters related to COVID-19; the potential new tenant for the rental space in the Perry District Office; the Florida Public Service Commission approval of the territory boundary agreement; and current legislation linked to fees to be charged for pole attachments. Members of the board expressed appreciation and gratitude for the service and dedication to the cooperative and its members by Vice President of Operations Darrell Tuten during his 42-year career and wished him well in retirement.
Bobby Dodd, President
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Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer
Bobby Dodd, President
Catherine Bethea, Secretary/Treasurer
July & August 2021
Welcome New Employees Denise joins the cooperative finance department with years of bookkeeping and accounting experience. Born and raised in Douglas, GA; Denise and daughter Cali have called Madison home since 2004. After Denise’s husband Benjie Dyal, passed away suddenly, she became focused on establishing a career where she could grow roots and be secured through retirement. Learning something new, expanding on current knowledge, and working for an organization deeply involved in enriching the community were all aspects that attracted Denise to the opportunity to work at TCEC.
Denise Dyal, Accountant
Her favorite thing about working at the cooperative so far is the family-oriented work environment and learning all about electricity. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and is actively involved at New Home Baptist Church.
With recent retirements and shifts in the Operations department, TCEC hired four new Linemen Trainees. A Lineman Trainee is an entry-level position with the goal to progress to a Journeyman Lineman. Performing various labor functions at a job site to assist crew members while learning the lineman trade through on-the job training and in classroom training provided by TCEC. It is crucial they perform all daily tasks in a safe, economical, and efficient manner. We are excited to see the impact these future linemen have on the cooperative. Trey Johnson, a graduate of Madison County High School and Southeastern University, recently set out for a career change where he could serve the community, learn something new, and “get his hands dirty;” the Lineman Trainee position at the co-op has proven to be just that. Working for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice prior to joining TCEC, Trey knows the importance of serving your community and those who live and work within it. He enjoys working alongside peers who are also learning the trade and being a positive example for his 1-year-old son Jace.
Trey Johnson, Lineman Trainee On April 19th, Bryce Ward started the next chapter of his journey to becoming a Lineman, something he has wanted to be since high school. After working for Pike Electric Corporation for one year, Bryce was eager to find a position closer to his home town of Perry, Florida. Bryce is a Taylor County High School graduate who loves fishing and hunting, is very familiar with TCEC service territory and has a passion for keeping the lights on for his community. Linework runs in the family as Bryce’s brother currently works for Pike Electric.
Bryce Ward, Lineman Trainee
Capas Kinsey, Lineman Trainee
Jacob Walker, Lineman Trainee July & August 2021
If the Kinsey name seems familiar to you, it might be because Bill Kinsey, Capas’ father recently retired from TCEC after 39 years of service. Capas has experienced long, hot days, working with big equipment at Walker & Sons farms as a farmhand and with the City of Monticello Water Department. During his time at the Water Department, he received his certifications in Water and Waste Water Distribution. Capas was confident that TCEC would be a great place to work from all the years of watching his father enjoy his work, and have great relationships with fellow employees and TCEC members. Capas is married to Kayla Kinsey who works for the Jefferson County Emergency Management Office. These two will likely be pretty busy during storm season. Our newest hire is Jacob Walker from Perry. Jacob started at the co-op in early June and is a happy to call TCEC home. His experience in carpentry and welding will be valuable as he learns the ins and outs of powerline construction, power restoration, and more. He is looking forward to the opportunities for a great career at the cooperative and helping the community through his day-to-day work and special TCEC projects. Jacob is originally from Jasper, FL and graduated from Hamilton County High School. He is married to Lindsey Walker and they have three daughters: Braylei, Kensleigh, and Ansley. His fellow employees at TCEC and the various job duties are among his favorite things about working at the co-op thus far.
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Blueberry-Cinnamon Campfire Bread Recipe from: www.tastefromhome.com by Joan Haliford, Texas
Ingredients •
1 loaf (1 pound) cinnamonraisin bread
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6 large eggs
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1 cup 2% milk or half-andhalf cream
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2 tablespoons maple syrup
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
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2 cups fresh blueberries, divided
Directions 1.
Prepare campfire or grill for low heat. Arrange bread slices on a greased double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 24x18 in.). Bring foil up the sides, leaving the top open. Whisk eggs, milk, syrup and vanilla. Pour over bread; sprinkle with nuts and 1 cup blueberries. Fold edges over top, crimping to seal.
2.
Place on a grill grate over campfire or grill until eggs are cooked through, 30-40 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining blueberries; serve with additional maple syrup if desired.
Oven Directions: Preheat oven to 350°. Place foil packet on a 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with remaining blueberries; serve with syrup.
Holiday Schedule Reminder All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Monday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day. Crews will be standing by if needed. Please see “Connect to your Co-op” on page 11. 10
July & August 2021
This Publication’s Inspirational Moment Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
July & August 2021
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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US 90 Madison, FL 32340
Presorted Std. U.S. Postage P A I D Tallahassee, FL Permit No. 706
Rural Living TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE