FINAL-WK&T-MayJune by Pioneer Utility Resources

The WK&T

Connection May/June 2013

P u b l i s h e d f o r t h e m e m b e r s o f We s t Ke n t u c k y & Te n n e s s e e Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s C o o p e r a t i v e

PErfect Picks Local picker hunts and deals unique antiques

Casting Call

Outdoors host Tim Farmer talks tech

Yorkville Connection Event welcomes fiber, thanks members

Industry News

One Voice

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Telco groups unify to bring stronger voice and new opportunities to rural subscribers By Stephen V. Smith, Editor

Editor’s Note: In February, America’s leading telecommunications trade groups voted to become one association. The unification of NTCA (National Telecommunications Cooperative Association) and OPASTCO (Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies) created a single group representing the concerns of rural telcos and their customers across the nation. As of March 1, the organization became known as “NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.” In an interview following the vote, we asked Shirley Bloomfield, the CEO of NTCA, about the impact a unified group will have on rural subscribers. Smith: NTCA and OPASTCO were both 50-year-old trade associations comprised of rural telecommunications providers. How were the two groups different? Bloomfield: NTCA had a very strong basis in the cooperative movement, and actually originated as an arm of the NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperation Association). The organization itself was established as a cooperative entity, with control being held by telephone cooperatives. OPASTCO was formed as a home for those companies that were traditionally family-owned. When rural telephone systems were first established, people either got together and created member-owned cooperatives, or a family said “we see a void, let’s fill it,” and they built a telephone company. Smith: What was the driving force behind unifying the two organizations? Bloomfield: Over the past several years, we have found that in this industry the issues are all the same. It doesn’t matter whether you are a cooperative or a family-owned company, the issues facing this industry impact all the carriers. Things that are taking place on the regulatory front, with state utility commission deci2 | May/June 2013

sions, with technology transforming at a daily rate and changing people’s business models ... these things created an opportunity for the two organizations to work more closely together. We all began to realize that if we bring these forces together there is more that we can do as one, as opposed to trying to do the same thing with two separate organizations. Smith: What benefit will rural telcos, and the industry as a whole, gain from the unification? Bloomfield: The first area I would highlight is advocacy. Because there is so much dissension and politicking in Washington, it has become imperative that the message of the rural telecommunications industry find a voice, that we speak a little bit louder. When you have two entities saying the same thing, they diffuse each other. When you put all carriers together, speaking in a definitive voice for the entire industry, it cuts through the clutter. It allows us to move faster and be more powerful, in a day and age where, frankly, this industry is still very heavily dominated by the large carriers. Another area is the business opportunity front. We now have more than 800 companies at the table, and that will give us the ability to go to wireless carriers,

Shirley Bloomfield NTCA CEO go to middle-mile institutions such as hospitals and educational institutions, and form partnerships to offer different kinds of services. Smith: How do these benefits translate to the consumer at the end of the line? Bloomfield: It will give rural telcos the ability to create some scope and scale in order to offer new services. Rural providers have been terrifically innovative, but what could they do if they could get a nationwide presence? What kind of things could they offer their customers? Also, so much of the revenue of these carriers is tied up in the regulatory arena. If we can be successful speaking with one voice, we hope to keep local costs low, to minimize rate increases and to continue universal service support, which makes things like advanced broadband affordable in these rural communities where you don’t have the customer base to offset the costs. 

Our interview with Bloomfield continues in the July/August issue, as she talks about how the uncertainty surrounding FCC regulations is threatening the level of service and investment in rural communities.

The truth behind what’s driving up TV subscription costs nationwide Your Telco (Content Providers/Networks)

(Customers/Subscribers)

As a provider of TV service, we are caught in the middle of a tug-of-war. On one side, content providers and networks are demanding more money every year from companies like ours who carry their programming. On the other side, consumers demand quality content but are growing weary of package prices that continue to rise.

“W

hy does my bill keep going up?” It’s a common question consumers nationwide are asking, as they watch the steady climb of TV programming costs. There are two main factors driving these increases.

1) Cable channels charge us a fee to deliver their programming to you — and those fees keep rising.

We work to include as many channels as possible in our lineup. But most channels add an expense to our cost of providing you TV service. According to estimates from analysts SNL Kagan and Barclays Capital, sports programming accounts for four of the top ten channels as ranked by their monthly subscriber fees. ESPN/ESPN HD leads their list at $5.06 per subscriber. The NFL Network comes in at 84¢. Compare that to Nickelodeon’s 52¢, MTV’s 39¢ and Discovery Channel’s 37¢ and you get a clear picture of the dominant driver behind programming price hikes. (Note: These estimates are based on fees paid by the large, nationwide providers, and do not reflect the exact cost we pay for these channels.)

2) Local network affiliates now charge us a fee to deliver their programming to you — and those fees keep rising. There was a time when your “local stations” charged nothing for a carrier to rebroadcast their signals. Not anymore. In order for you to enjoy channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, we must pay them a fee based on our number of subscribers —

and these fees continue to rise each time we renegotiate what is known as the retransmission consent agreements with them. SNL Kagan reported in November that the revenue TV station owners receive from these fees could reach $5.5 billion by 2017 — an even higher number than was previously projected. Why? “The increased projections are due to the success of a wider range of TV station owners in securing sequentially higher (retransmission) fees from multichannel operators over the last year of negotiated deals,” says the report.

Will this trend continue?

Unfortunately, there is no end in sight. Content providers know that consumers want their channels, and they continue to build fee increases into their contracts with providers like us. Furthermore, sports channels are negotiating huge deals with teams and leagues that are driving up their production costs (for example, in late 2011 ESPN agreed to pay the NFL some 70 percent more to carry Monday Night Football through 2021). They are passing these costs on to providers like us nationwide, who have no choice but to pass the increases on to consumers. The bottom line is that we are committed to providing all our subscribers with the channels they want. And as your local telecommunications company, we are doing everything we can to control our operating costs and keep our prices as low as possible. In the end, however, the reality is that TV rates will continue to move upward as long as content providers keep increasing the fees we must pay and the number of channels we must carry.  May/June 2013 | 3

From the CEO

West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative

Investing in a stronger future For those who put money in the U.S. stock market, the past few years have been like a long ride down a rough road. The same can be said for the real estate market. But as your telco, we are making investments that have guaranteed returns. We are investing in our communities. We are committed to doing more than just providing a basic service to the communities in our area. We understand that quality of life is about more than the basics; it’s about having access to services that create greater opportunities for our families, businesses, schools and other institutions. We are investing the time and resources into making sure you have access to those advanced services. We are investing in technology. Technology is the key that makes those advanced services possible. Just like electricity in the 1930s and 1940s, and reliable telephone service in the 1950s, broadband is the new infrastructure that is driving our community development. We are investing in the equipment and people to deliver broadband technology to everyone in our service area. We are investing in education. Today, children in rural America can have the same opportunities to pursue a top-notch education as their urban counterparts. To take advantage of those opportunities, the systems and the technology must be in place — from Wi-Fi tablets to distance learning. We are partnering with our schools by investing in the broadband network that makes advanced education happen. We are investing in health care. Technology is changing health care faster than perhaps any sector. From electronic medical records to telemedicine, technology is helping people receive better care while helping providers control costs. We are partnering with health care providers by investing in the broadband network that powers these advances. We are investing in business. Local businesses are no longer competing with just the shop next door or in the next town. Now they are competing with companies in other states, and even other countries, thanks to the Internet. We are partnering with our businesses by investing in the broadband network that helps them offer the best local service while competing on a much larger stage. We are investing in the future of this industry. The progress of rural America is directly tied to the success of the rural telecommunications industry. On Page 2 of this issue, you will read how two national rural telco associations have come together to form one voice in order to be more effective in representing your concerns in Washington, D.C. In April, leaders from rural telcos across the country met in our nation’s capital to discuss policy concerns and remind our elected officials that any reforms to this industry must be fair and workable for rural communities. For every proposed law or regulation that comes along, we are there to work on your behalf to protect the progress we have all made together. These are the kinds of investments we are making — and will continue to make. And they are guaranteed to yield a return, because ultimately what we are investing in is a stronger future for you and your family. 

is your cooperative serving West Kentucky and Northwest Tennessee across more than 15,000 access lines. The company is dedicated to using technology to keep its members connected through local and long-distance calling, high-speed Internet, digital television and beyond.

Board of Trustees Joe Thompson President Jerry Holloway Vice President Beverly Taylor Secretary/Treasurer Bob Barnett Jeff Davis Algene Goatley Tony Goodman Ricky Littleton Delbert Newsome Jerry Stephenson

Vol. 5, NO. 3 May/June 2013

WK&T The WK&T

WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative P.O. Box 649 • 237 N 8th Street Mayfield, KY 42066 Telephone: 877-954-8748 www.wktelecom.coop Produced for WK&T by: www.WordSouth.com On the Cover: Tina Rives with her collection at her shop, Anything Goes Trading Company, in Boaz, Ky.

Trevor Bonnstetter Chief Executive Officer 4 | May/June 2013

See story Page 12. Photo by Thomas Jackson

Fiber crews catching up after wet winter

ainline fiber construction is ahead of schedule, but a wet winter has pushed drop installation behind the target pace. The good news is that crews plan to catch up this spring. “Our goal has been to install the best fiber optic telecommunications system in the country,” says engineering department supervisor Sam Stitcher. “I feel that no one in the industry can do a better job at that than we can.” So far, WK&T contractors have installed 1,400 miles of fiber optic cable. Barring any unusual weather delays, crews will finish mainline work this fall. The total number of fiber miles in the service area will be about 2,250 miles when the construction is complete. For perspective, that is equivalent to the distance between Phoenix and New York City. Many of those miles will come from the small lines that run from the main cables to homes, which are called drops. It’s in that part of the project where progress is lagging. Beginning last fall, WK&T added installation crews to help with drops, but work cannot be done when the ground is saturated. As of the beginning of March, WK&T had drops to about 27 percent of our members. Plans call for having all of the broadband subscribers on the system no later than next spring. 

2013

Contractors (from left) Jaden Murphy, Jerrod Hicks and Daniel Vaughan plow a section of the 1,400 miles of lines already installed for WK&T’s fiber optics project.

How will I know when fiber is ready in my neighborhood?

Mark your calendars!

WK&T annual meeting Saturday, July 20 Graves County High School in Mayfield, Ky. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m.

Come join your telephone cooperative staff for food, prizes and fun for the whole family!

WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

When the engineering firm approves construction in an area, WK&T sales personnel and customer service representatives will contact you to work out a time when the installers can come to your house and complete the process.

Do you like WK&T? Well, “Like” us on Facebook! The WK&T Facebook page is full of relevant information for our customers. Find us, “Like” us and stay up to date on the latest happenings from your local telephone and Internet provider. May/June 2013 | 5

Education Focus

Keeping students off the summer slide By Brian Lazenby

eading, writing and arithmetic are the last things on kids’ minds during summer vacation. Most are focused on sports, video games and playing with their friends. This educational downtime contributes to what is known as the “summer slide,” when students lose much of the skill, knowledge and motivation acquired during the previous school year. In fact, a 2011 study conducted by the RAND Corporation shows that most students lose a month’s worth of learning by the time school resumes the following year. This phenomenon affects children of all ages and from all economic backgrounds, but it is most harmful to those students already struggling to keep up. However, it can be avoided. Broadband technology provides access to numerous websites and applications that transform computers and Wi-Fi-enabled tablets into tools that make learning fun and will help avoid the summer slide. Let's take a look at a few of the best sites for your kids to visit this summer. FunBrain.com, for example, is a site geared toward children in grades K-8 that offers online activities to boost learning in math, grammar, science, spelling and history.

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E-learningforkids.org is another site that specializes in providing fun, educational activities for children. Others include thekidzpage.com and pbs.org. According to many educators, one of the most valuable things students can do during the summer to avoid the slide is to continue reading. “Just because school is out doesn’t mean students should take a break from reading,” says Dennis Van Roekel, National Education Association president, on the group's website at www.nea.org. “When students return to their classrooms in the fall, we want reading to top the list of what they did this summer.” There are thousands of books available on just about any reading level that can be downloaded to an e-reader or wireless tablet. Farfarfia is an app for your smart tablet that gets kids excited about reading. It includes more than 100 stories in e-book form for kids ages 2 to 9, and new titles are added every week. This app will make reading fun for your child, and will make it easy to carry a whole load of books to the pool, the park or the beach — without lugging a heavy bookbag. 

There are many other apps designed to keep your kids entertained all summer (they may not even realize they are learning!). For example: • PBS character apps are for children 6 and under who will love reviewing science and math skills with favorite characters from PBS shows. • Ruckus Reader, another educational app for children, offers a unique series of digital storybooks designed to help your child practice important reading skills. • Motion Math Games is one of the many apps that offers a variety of games focused on fundamental math skills. It provides fun with numbers for students ranging in age from 4 to 14, and studies show children who played the game improved their scores on a fractions test by 15 percent. • iLearnWith is an app that offers a suite of games to encourage children ages 3 to 6 to have fun while learning key developmental skills such as adding, counting, spelling, phonics and meteorology.

Summer vacation doesn’t mean your kids have to take a break from learning. By exploring these tools and the many others that are available, your child can still have fun while staying off the summer slide.

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Nationwide, consumers are reporting failed connections and poor call quality when dialing into rural areas By Stephen V. Smith, Editor

“I

called you earlier today, but I couldn’t get through; it never even rang.” If you have heard this or similar complaints from friends, family or business associates, there’s a good chance the problem is not with your local telephone company. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), telephone subscribers in rural areas “are reporting significant problems receiving long distance or wireless calls on their landline phones.” The problem appears to lie in the fact that some long distance and wireless carriers, in an effort to cut costs, are contracting with third-party service providers to route phone calls into rural areas. The FCC in February announced that it plans to adopt rules requiring these carriers to keep records on call attempts to determine and track the rural call failure rate. “Our nation’s telephone network is a valuable asset in part because everyone has access to it,” says Trevor Bonnstetter, CEO of Ben Lomand Connect, WK&T Telecommunications and Ardmore Telephone, serving portions of Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. “These call completion issues are weakening that network, making it less useful to consumers.” Fred Johnson, executive vice president and general manager of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative in Alabama, agrees. “I’m proud to see the FCC stepping up its efforts to address this issue,” he

says. “Substandard service into America’s rural areas threatens commerce, public safety and consumer convenience. This is an issue that must be resolved.”

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS?

On its website (www.fcc.gov), the FCC outlines two problems that are being reported by rural consumers and people who call them: Failure to Complete »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear nothing or “dead air” for 10 seconds or more after they dial your number. If they stay on the line, the call may seem to be dropped or they may eventually hear a busy signal. »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear prolonged ringing on their end after they dial your number (e.g., the callers wait 10-20 rings before they finally hang up). »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear a recording such as “The number you have dialed is not in service” or “Your call cannot be completed as dialed” when they know they’ve correctly dialed your number. Poor Call Quality »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear nothing or

“dead air” for 10 seconds or more before hearing ringing and you answer your phone. »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear prolonged ringing (e.g., 10-20 times or more) before you answer the phone — when you are sure the phone actually rang only a couple of times before you answered. »» Consistently after you answer a call, the voice quality is unacceptable. For example, one person cannot hear the other, the sound is choppy, there are awkward transmission delays after speaking, or there is an echo. »» Fax machines fail to interoperate.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If someone has trouble completing a call to you from a long distance or wireless telephone service provider, the FCC recommends that you encourage them to report the issue to their provider. They will need the following information: • the date and time the call was attempted • the calling and called telephone numbers • the name of the caller’s long distance or wireless telephone service provider Next, call your local phone company and provide the same information so it may work with the caller’s provider to isolate the problem.  May/June 2013 | 7

Q&Angler

Photos courtesy of Dave Baker/Kentucky Fish and Wildlife

‘Kentucky Afield’ star Tim Farmer answers our questions on fishing, TV and technology

Barkley Lake you know they’re just phenomenal for crappie or bass or whatever you want to fish for. As far as big deer, we’re always in the top five in the nation. For a state as small as we are, that’s pretty substantial.

Tim Farmer says Kentucky is a special place for outdoor lovers.

Tim Farmer says technology has made fishing and hunting safer.

entucky native Tim Farmer has carved out a niche as one of the state’s best-known outdoorsmen through his work hosting “Kentucky Afield.” The television show is the longest-running program of its kind in the United States, and Farmer says he knows the tradition leaves him a high standard to live up to. He agreed to an interview to talk about the show, fishing and the state he loves.

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Q: What makes Kentucky special for outdoorsmen and women? A: We have a lot of water. We have a lot of really big waterways. You think about Kentucky Lake and Barkley, two of the biggest manmade lakes. You’ve got lakes all over the state and a lot of flowing water. If you’ve ever fished Kentucky or

Q: How has technology changed things for anglers? A: Way back in the day, we didn’t have GPS. Depth finders were pretty rudimentary back then. Today they have side-scanners and you can really see what’s down there. You have folks that go out that may have 500 waypoints marked where they’ve caught fish before. Back in the day you had to just guess or use your wits. Now, you hit a button on your device and it tells you where to go fish. Q: Has technology made being outdoors safer? A: I always check weather reports to see what’s coming in. On Kentucky Lake you can be out there and all of the sudden it can be white-capping in 10 minutes. If we hear a rumble off in the distance we can pull up the weather on our phones and know, “We need to get out of here right now.” 

➜

Q: A lot of folks would say you have a dream job. How did you get to be host? A: That’s probably the most frequently asked question I get: “How did you get a job like this?” A friend of mine talked me into taking the application test at the Fish and Wildlife Department. At that time I thought Fish and Wildlife was just game wardens. I didn’t really know what a vast outfit it was. He talked me into taking the test for

“fishery technician.” I passed it and started working in 1989. I worked in that job for about five years and the job of television host came open here. I didn’t even really consider it, to tell you the truth. It was such a tradition. I’d been watching it since I was a kid and the show’s been on since 1953, I think. One of my buddies convinced me to take some video I’d done. Long story short, the last day they were taking applications, he said, “Farmer, take that video up there,” so I did. I started doing this in ’94 or ’95 and I’ve been doing it ever since.

Q: What changes have you seen in the outdoors world in the past few years? A: When I was a kid I would try to get my girlfriend to go out with me and it’s something girls were just not interested in. I think most guys have always tried to get their significant others out there with them and now I think it’s happening more and more. Over time, the equipment companies have started taking notice that there’s a market for ladies. They’ve started making equipment targeted for them. The more women that got out there, the more would go back to their friends and say, “Hey we’ve been missing out here.”

Kentucky Afield airs on Ch. 1 at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Ch. 68 at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

Thank you Tennessee members

n the South, cooking for someone has always been a great way to show appreciation. So when WK&T wanted to thank our Tennessee members, we decided to continue this tradition while adding prizes, demo booths and the chance to pre-order Flite fiber service. About 200 members from Yorkville, Mason Hall, Trimble and Brazil joined our team for our “Thank You Yorkville” appreciation supper on March 7 at the Yorkville Community Center. WK&T Yorkville employees Susan Walker, Becky Scott, Britt Reed, Terry Allmon, Gene Allmon and David Hanks were on hand to discuss WK&T’s TV, Internet, and security products and give away prizes. There was also plenty of barbecue to go around. WK&T CEO Trevor Bonnstetter says the event was designed to remind members that the cooperative appreciates their loyalty. “Even with our fiber build and so many other projects going on, we must remember to thank the people that we’re working to serve,” he says. “This was a great chance to stop and say ‘Thank you.’” 

WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

May/June 2013 | 9

The Southeastern U.S. is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Whether you're looking for a rugged multi-day hike or an afternoon paddle along a quiet creek, the region has something for everyone. But before packing up, spend some time exploring the Internet to ensure you get the most from your adventure. Congaree National Park

Six outdoor destinations and the technology that can enhance the nature experience By Andy Johns

Canoeists at Congaree National Park

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knife ✔ Pocket tection ✔ Sun pro

Savage Gulf

Dotted with waterfalls, unusual rock formations and lush gorges, the trails at Savage Gulf State Natural Area in Tennessee have been ranked among the nation’s best by Backpacker magazine. Not all of the park’s 50 miles of trails are as savage as the name states, but there is a good mix of routes from short walks to multi-night backpacking adventures. The area is also popular with rock climbers for features like the Stone Door, a 10-foot wide, 100-foot deep crack in the rock. Located on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, Savage Gulf offers fantastic views during leaf season in the fall. www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/savage

The Duck River

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Located southeast of Columbia, S.C., the Congaree National Park claims to preserve the biggest section of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the region. What that means is visitors should be prepared to see trees like they’ve never seen before. In fact, to find a “taller” forest you have to travel out west to the famous redwoods and sequoias. One of the nation’s newest national parks, Congaree offers everything from a 2.4-mile boardwalk to the ominously-named, 11-mile King Snake Trail. Rangers say the best way to see the park, however, is by water. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from outfitters in Columbia, or you can register for one of the park’s guided canoe tours. www.nps.gov/cong

The 270-mile Duck River has more species of fish than all of Europe, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. A 37-mile section of the river has been designated a State Scenic River and is a perfect spot for beginning paddlers. The river is mostly moving flat water with only a few easy rapids that can be easily portaged. Paddlers will enjoy a variety of wildlife, along with forested banks, rocky cliffs and even a cave or two. At least three outfitters offer canoe or kayak rentals from Columbia and Chapel Hill, so not having a boat is no excuse to stay on the banks. www.tn.gov/environment/tn_consv/archive/duckriver.htm

Upper Greeter Falls in Savage Gulf

A great blue heron at Congaree National Park

Web-based technology can add to your hiking experience before, during and after your hike. Here are three ways technology can help you on the trails.

Photos courtesy of Tennessee State Natural Areas and Congaree National Park.

A green anole lizard at Congaree National Park

Before:

Lower Greeter Falls in Savage Gulf

Zebra swallowtail butterfly at Congaree National Park

Hiker at the Walls of Jericho

The Sheltowee Trace

Running for about 300 miles through East Tennessee and Kentucky, the Sheltowee Trace offers hikers a multi-night long-distance trail experience or a collection of shorter day trips. Some of the highlights along the route include Cumberland Falls, Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Cave Run Lake. For some variety, sections of the trail are open to mountain bikes, horses and some off-road vehicles. www.sheltoweetrace.org

North/South Trail

While many trails will wear you out climbing mountains, the North/South Trail at Kentucky's Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is wide and relatively flat, making it easy on hikers. Like other long distance trails, the North/South offers appealing segments for single day hikes or the full 60-mile distance for multi-day trips. The trail offers a few views of nearby Kentucky Lake, but the big attraction to hikers here is the solitude and wildlife. Deer and turkey roam the LBL, and there are even bison in one designated area off the trail. Mountain bikes and horses are allowed, but motor vehicles are prohibited. www.lbl.org/Hiking.html

Walls of Jericho

The Walls of Jericho is a great example of two states working together. Tennessee and Alabama (with the help of private groups) have teamed up to protect 21,000 acres on their border that feature 200-foot cliffs, endangered species and unusually shaped rocks. Getting to the Walls is a 7-mile round-trip hike with several small stream crossings. Hikers need to be sure to wear good boots, bring plenty of water and pay attention to the weather. www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/jericho

Websites like backpacker.com/ destinations and gorp.com (which stands for "Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts," a popular trail snack) offer countless maps, images and user reviews for hikes in your area. Research ahead of time so you don’t miss spectacular side trails — and so you'll be aware of hazards in the area.

During: The Audubon Society and other groups have developed apps for smartphones that can enhance your nature experience. Apps like Audubon Birds give you access to thousands of bird call sound files and photos to help identify species you may run across.

After: Mobile apps like RunKeeper allow you to map your route as you go. Most of them have features that allow you to review your pace, elevation gain and distance covered so you can analyze your trip. Many also allow you to share your route with friends so they can see where you’ve been and try it themselves.

May/June 2013 | 11

Winning Picker

West Kentucky native returns home to open antique shop

Lorri Hillyard (left) and Tina Rives buy and sell antiques from their shop in Boaz, Ky.

By Andy Johns

hen she goes on picking trips around West Kentucky and Tennessee, Tina Rives likes finding oil signs, antique furniture and glassware. But what she really loves is finding the unusual stuff — like the time she pulled an old harpoon out of someone’s barn. “I don’t know what they were using it for, but it was different than anything you see around here,” she says. Those types of unique finds are what drives dealers like Rives, who have come to be known as “pickers” thanks to the popularity of the History Channel’s “American Pickers.” “It’s pretty much just like the Pickers,” Rives says. “The difference is on TV they only show you the four or five things they buy. We buy truckloads or trailerloads.” Her hard work picking has paid off. In a short time, Rives has amassed an impressive collection where she buys and sells at Anything Goes Trading Company in Boaz, Ky. In one aisle, a classic radio sits on a shelf across from a bubble gum machine. Lamps and light fixtures hang overhead, while vintage toy tractors and a sign advertising 5-cent “teddy chocolate” rest on other shelves.

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“The fun part is, just like Frank and Mike (on “American Pickers”), when we show up we never know what we’re going to find,” Rives says.

Trendy treasures

Rives says people should try and find out as much as they can about an object before buying or selling it. “You have to be really careful because people will alter something to make it seem more valuable,” she says. One of her core principles when she opened the shop was to treat people fairly and rely on a good reputation to keep customers coming back. “A lot of antique stores are just after a quick buck,” she laments. “What we’re trying to do is work with the seller to get a price for what it’s worth that I can buy it at.” Often times, she uses a high-speed Internet connection to help make a deal. “So they know I’m being honest with them, I can show them online how much it’s selling for,” she says. “I couldn’t do this business without the Internet.” The market for antiques is constantly changing, she explains. Right now, oil and gas advertising material is popular, as are WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

Person behind the picking

One of the great things about antiques is that most of the items have a backstory about how they arrived at the shop. The same is true for most pickers. Rives ran a restaurant, comedy club and real estate business in Panama City, Fla., before getting out the businesses and moving back home to West Kentucky. “I was semi-retired and I was really bored,” she says. So she researched antiques and eventually began selling a few items on eBay. After three years selling over the Web, she was hooked and decided it was time to open up a real store. Anything Goes opened Jan. 1, 2012. “We’ve been really blessed,” she says. “We’ve gone from four or five people coming in, to 100 people a day. It’s been

a little overwhelming how people are responding in a good way.” In some ways, it was only a matter of time before Rives became a picker. Her grandparents were known as “junkers,” as pickers used to be known. “They had always bought and sold stuff so it’s kind of in my blood,” she says. She likes making the deals and exploring the barns, but that’s not her favorite part. “The best thing of the whole deal is you get out and meet people,” the picker explains. “Ninety-nine percent of the people we meet are great, fun-loving people.” The rewards also come in the shop on the selling side. “It’s a really good feeling to connect people to their memories,” Rives says. “Everyday, somebody walks in and says ‘Oh my gosh! My grandmother used to have something just like that.’” 

Watch “American Pickers” on WK&T TV Ch. 133.

Anything Goes has a little bit of everything.

Photos by Thomas Jackson

Rives says keeping a unique selection and being honest are what will keep her shop in business.

retail, people are repurposing old things,” Rives says. “You’ve got a lot of people who are unemployed. We’re out here to help them and in the process make a little money for ourselves.” She has a couple of customers that regularly buy antique doors that they use to repurpose into headboards.

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mid-century chrome and diner-related items. Butcher blocks, old electric fans and lamps are also on many shoppers’ wish lists. Rives believes aging baby boomers trying to hang on to a piece of their youth is driving the market. “That’s in huge demand,” she says. “A lot of it’s just about memories and things that take you back to your childhood. Part of being a good picker is knowing what’s trash and what’s valuable in today’s market.” In contrast, trunks, which a year or two ago might have gone for $200, now sell slowly at $50 or $100. Certain brands of sewing machines are also slow sellers right now because they were so common. “If you have a Singer sewing machine and you bring it into the store, I probably won’t even buy it,” Rives says. Trunks and sewing machines are the exceptions, though. In general, the interest in antiques is very high right now. Part of that, Rives believes, is due to the economy. People need money so they are selling things and buyers are looking to do things on the cheap. “Things have gotten so expensive at

“It’s a really good feeling to connect people to their memories”—Tina Rives

WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

May/June 2013 | 13

Southern Kitchens An art fired by passion My dad was never too fond of barbecue. As a result, I really never experienced smoked foods until well beyond my youth. In fact, it wasn’t until I was well into my third decade of life that I not only learned to love barbecue, but also learned there was more to it than I ever knew — all because of an invitation to judge one of the most esteemed of all barbecue competitions, the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational. In accepting the invitation, I also took classes to become a certified judge. I went back several years to judge this event and came to discover that barbecue is an art. It’s a sixth sense in many barbecuers who are born to the flame, it seems. As years go on, they become adept at putting on the heat to produce just the right amount of smoke to marry with the juices flowing through the meats. These sons — and daughters — of the South have smoke in their veins. It’s an all-consuming passion, and one shared by many now that it’s gone beyond the back yard to become a global cuisine. Just take a look at Eric Stephenson’s recipes in the adjoining story and see if you don’t become addicted to his fiery passion… if you’re not already.

Smoke runs in his blood

ric Stephenson was just 16 years old when he learned that a little bit of flame, a smoker filled with wood and a careful eye produces incredibly good meat. It was then that his dad, James, opened a barbecue restaurant in Geraldine, Ala., and employed his son to work after school and during his summers off. Soon, Eric became a master of the flame under his father’s watchful eye. Now 32, Eric owns his own barbecue restaurant, Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que in Stephenson Rainsville, Ala. It has a take-out drive learned the art through, as well as a covered front porch of barbecue with a handful of picnic tables where from his father. folks can “eat-in.” “I loved working with my dad growing up,” Eric says. "I was able to see first-hand the pride he took in his work. Before his death, he laid out a blueprint for me through multiple conversations. That’s where the idea for Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que began. It’s in my blood.” His first barbecue hut was a Saturday-only business located next to his house. When that building was destroyed by a tornado in April of 2011, he reopened in a new location along Highway 35 in downtown Rainsville. Now folks can smell the smoke from the hickory pit five days a week. From pork sandwiches to rib plates, Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que reigns in Rainsville. Eric took time out from smoking to answer a few barbecue questions: Q: Do you prefer using gas or charcoal? A: Neither. The best method is to use all wood when smoking meat. It gives it a whole lot better flavor. Q: What are the best woods to use? A: Most all hardwoods are good — pecan, hickory, oak, cherry. Q: How do you get juicy meat? A: Don’t pierce the meat; it creates holes that let the juices escape. Brining the meat is a better option. I brine all of mine, from the chickens and turkeys to pork butts and ribs. Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when smoking meat? A: Allowing the flame to touch the meat or cooking it at too high a temperature. That scorches the meat, and the smoke won’t have time to penetrate the inside of the meat. Q: How do you know when the meat is done? A: I can tell just by touch. But people who are new to smoking meats should use a meat thermometer. I cook my pork butts to at least 175° F. Makes them more tender, too. 

FOLLOW THE SMOKE TO... Anne P. Braly Food Editor Email Anne Braly at apbraly@gmail.com. 14 | May/June 2013

Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que H 832 Main St. East H Rainsville, Ala. Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. H Tuesday – Saturday Phone: 256-717-4080 House special: Pulled pork barbecue plate with coleslaw and baked beans ($6.25-$7.75)

BBQ: A mouth-watering Southern tradition Sweet ’n Savory Rub This rub adds a zesty flair to whatever meat you put on the grill. 1/2 1 2 1 1 1 1

cup brown sugar tablespoon black pepper tablespoons paprika tablespoon salt tablespoon onion powder tablespoon garlic powder tablespoon chili powder

Mix together all ingredients and store in airtight container. May be used as a rub for chicken, beef or pork. Makes about 1 cup rub for 2-3 pounds meat. When ready to use, sprinkle rub onto meat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before grilling. Or, rub onto meat, wrap meat in foil and refrigerate overnight to grill the next day.

Bourbon Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Makes an elegant entree or one that can be served with baked beans and coleslaw for tasty picnic fare. 2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey 2 tablespoons molasses or strong honey 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2 bay leaves, crushed 5 teaspoons dried thyme 5 teaspoons dried sage 3/4 cup oil 1 teaspoon salt Combine the bourbon and molasses. Add the remaining ingredients and roll the pork in the marinade. Refrigerate 8 hours, or overnight, turning occasionally. Remove the pork from the marinade, season with salt, and smoke, basting with marinade for 15-20 minutes. The pork may then continue to cook on a smoker, be finished on a grill, or be roasted in a

Using nothing but wood will give your ribs that distinct smoke flavor that barbecue lovers crave. 350° F oven until reaching an internal temperature of 145-150° F. Remove pork from heating source and let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Stephenson's ribs with spicy barbecue sauce

Ribs with Spicy Barbecue Sauce The sauce tickles these ribs with lots of flavor.

1 3-pound rack of ribs

SAUCE: 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup ketchup 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons prepared mustard 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Place ribs in pan. Combine all sauce ingredients and pour over ribs. Cover ribs and refrigerate for 2 hours, turning ribs frequently. Drain sauce from ribs, reserving sauce. Place ribs over medium coals and grill over direct heat for 1 hour, turning ribs and basting often with sauce. May/June 2013 | 15

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