WK&T Connection March April 2016

The WK&T

MARCH/APRIL 2016

CONNECTION Published for the members of West Kentucky & Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative

NEW TECHNOLOGY, BETTER SERVICE Graves County Courthouse thrives with new VoIP phone system, fiber Internet

TECH TIPS: SPRING CLEANING

Don’t forget to organize your digital files this spring, too!

HOLE IN ONE

A guide to the South’s best public golf courses

INDUSTRY NEWS

We’re looking for our

Small Business of the Year

S

mall businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, and this year we are celebrating National Small Business Week by honoring a local Small Business of the Year.

May 1-7 is the week set aside in 2016 to honor America’s small businesses. Since 1963, the president of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize those companies who create so many jobs and provide important products and services.

We are proud to support these efforts by delivering the technology small businesses need to stay connected. Through our Small Business of the Year program, we will spotlight those who are ensuring our

communities remain vibrant and continue to grow.

To nominate a business for our Small Business of the Year, visit Broadband BuildsBusiness. com and complete the simple online form. Anyone can nominate a business — the owner, an employee or a customer.

The deadline for nominations is March 15.

Our Small Business of the Year will be featured in this magazine and will receive additional prizes as well.

Help us celebrate National Small Business Week and say thank you to those small businesses we depend on every day.

Visit BroadbandBuildsBusiness.com and nominate your favorite small business — even if it’s your own! 

Help us find our Small Business of the Year! ➤➤ Visit BroadbandBuildsBusiness.com ➤➤ Complete the online nomination form ➤➤ Share the link on Facebook and Twitter ➤➤ Encourage others to nominate their favorite small business

Hurry, the deadline for nominations is March 15!

Small Business

Did You Know?

2 | March/April 2016

America’s 28 million small businesses create nearly two out of three jobs in our economy.

—sba.gov

Rural Connections

By Shirley Bloomfield, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

Telemedicine and rural health

A

t the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held every January in Las Vegas, companies unveil the latest gadgets that are meant to entertain us, make us smarter/faster/healthier and, in general, lead to a happier, more convenient life.

NTCA’s Vice President of Policy, Josh Seidemann, attended this year’s show looking for new products that build on the power of broadband. He saw many new offerings that focused on health care, fitness and smart home technology.

I am particularly interested in how broadband is enabling the delivery of better health care to rural America. From electronic medical records to remote diagnostic equipment, telemedicine is one of the greatest uses of the rural broadband networks like the one your telecommunications company is building.

CES offered plenty of exciting telemedicine news. In addition to many new gadgets coming to market, Josh learned that 20 to 30 percent of medical office visits could be conducted just as effectively through telemedicine. This means that a reliable broadband connection could save countless hours and millions of dollars, particularly in rural areas where travel to medical facilities can often pose a hardship. Plus, 12 states adopted compacts last year to expedite physician licensing for telemedicine, and we look for more to join that effort.

Broadband is already improving rural health care, and the future holds great promise for advances in this area. 

TELEMEDICINE Patients say connecting with doctors

online improves health care experience

Are you socially connected?

Broadband Internet service is often celebrated as a tool for economic development and distance learning. According to a recent report in The American Journal of Managed Care, broadband can also be a key to better health care.

The report cites a study by Kaiser Permanente, which revealed that a third of patients with chronic conditions who exchanged secure emails with their doctors said these communications improved their overall health. Nearly half of those surveyed had used email as their first method of contacting doctors for various health issues.

“As more patients gain access to online portal tools associated with electronic health records, emails between patients and providers may shift the way that health care is delivered and also impact efficiency, quality and health outcomes,” says Mary E. Reed, DrPH, staff scientist with the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research and the study’s lead author.

Such online tools may also play a role in controlling health care costs. Of those patients who use email and who have higher out-of-pocket medical expenses, 85 percent reported choosing email as their first method of contacting their doctor. 

There was a time when email was the main way of connecting with others over the Internet. Today there are many sites and apps that allow users to post status updates, share photos, message friends and more.

A recent Pew Research Center survey asked Internet users which of the top five social media sites they use.

Here are the results:

Percentage of online adults who say they use the following social media platforms Facebook 72% Pinterest 31%

Among patients who had emailed their health care provider: 42% said it reduced phone contacts

Instagram 28%

36% said it reduced in-person visits

LinkedIn 25%

32% said it improved their overall health

No broadband? That’s a bad thing.

As broadband impacts more areas of our lives, people are placing greater value on broadband as a necessary service. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 69 percent of Americans believe that people with no broadband connection are at a major disadvantage in at least one of these five areas: 1) finding out about job opportunities or gaining new career skills; 2) learning about or accessing government services; 3) learning new things that may improve or enrich their lives; 4) getting health information; and 5) keeping up with news and information.

Twitter 23%

Want to weigh in on the numbers?

Visit www.HowDoYouBroadband.com and take our quick survey!

March/April 2016 | 3

FROM THE CEO

The WK&T

CONNECTION MARCH/APRIL 2016

Simplifying rural support

I

n recent columns, I’ve used this space to describe the challenges we and other rural telcos face in providing service. The Universal Service Fund, or USF, is the backbone of our efforts to serve rural America — and that system has long been in need of reform.

The FCC is working on its plan to reform the USF system, which is vital to the nation’s communication network. To understand the importance of the USF, let’s look at history.

In 1934, forward-thinking leaders of our country decided it was important for everyone to have access to communications.

In creating the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), they also created the USF, which has become one of the major building blocks of our nation’s communications networks.

Those leaders knew that our country would be stronger, safTREVOR er, more equitable and even more autonomous if every citizen BONNSTETTER — not just city residents — had access to telephone service.

Chief Executive Officer They also acknowledged that to make this happen, highcost rural networks like ours, where there may only be a few customers per mile of line, needed support from more profitable urban networks, where hundreds or even thousands of customers are packed into a mile of telephone line.

The monthly phone bills of a few rural customers couldn’t and still can’t cover the cost of installation and upkeep of a network. Faced with the idea of providers having to charge rural residents with unreasonable bills to provide the same access their urban counterparts could get for a much lower price, the FCC wisely leveled the playing field by creating the USF and requiring all phone users to pay a small fee each month to support high-cost networks.

Today the system continues to be based on the cost of providing communication services. The amount of support a rural provider gets is based on the money spent to provide services to your home in these high-cost areas.

Unquestionably, our communication services still offer important benefits, but our customers’ habits have changed. Broadband is fast becoming the primary way people communicate. Our industry has recognized this and has been encouraging the FCC to revise the USF system to support rural telcos based on the customer’s connection to our network.

We will continue to advocate along with other rural telcos and our national trade association, NTCA, to work alongside the FCC in modernizing its rules based on these changing trends.

This essential reform is vital to keeping rural America connected.

A strong nation needs a strong communications network — for all of its citizens. We look forward to being the ones to provide that network in our communities for years to come. 

4 | March/April 2016

VOL. 8, NO. 2

The WK&T Connection is published

by West Kentucky and Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative, © 2016. It is distributed without charge to all members of the cooperative.

is your cooperative serving West Kentucky and Northwest Tennessee across more than 13,000 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.

Send address corrections to: WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative P.O. Box 649 • 237 N 8th Street Mayfield, KY 42066 Telephone: 877-954-8748 www.wk.net BOARD OF TRUSTEES Joe Thompson President Jerry Holloway Vice President Beverly Taylor Secretary/Treasurer Bob Barnett Jeff Davis Algene Goatley Tony Goodman Ricky Littleton Jerry Stephenson Produced for WK&T by:

On the Cover: The Graves County Courthouse has been able to save money by using local services for its new telephone and Internet systems.

See story Page 12.

WK&T employees are on the move Three WK&T employees have recently taken new roles within the cooperative.

Stacey Riley, who previously served as the central office supervisor, took over as WK&T’s operations manager in 2015. Riley, who has worked with WK&T since 1993, says he enjoys making recommendations for larger decisions within the company.

Darren Duke is now the plant and engineering manager for WK&T. Duke took over the new position created after two jobs were consolidated. He manages WK&T’s construction and installation teams, as well as maintaining accurate mapping of the new fiber network and managing the cooperative’s fleet vehicles.

Kevin Wiggins, who formerly worked as an installer and repairman, is now the assistant plant and engineering manager. Wiggins says he appreciates seeing how the entire company works, and he enjoys learning new skills.

WK&T is thankful to have hardworking, dedicated employees serving its members. If you have a question, or if you’re in need assistance with your account, please call 1-877-954-8748.

Members can also create an online account and report issues through SmartHub, WK&T’s online billing system.

One-third of people who miss paying their bills simply forget the due date Stacey Riley

Darren Duke

By using SmartHub for WK&T’s Autopay and Paperless Billing, you can: Pay your bill when it’s most convenient for you View your billing history Report an issue with your account or services from WK&T See current promotions offered by WK&T And much more!

Kevin Wiggins

WK&T’s TVLite coming soon!

TVLite from WK&T is a new product that will be offered soon by the cooperative.

TVLite provides an easy, affordable way to access some of your favorite local channels utilizing your WK&T broadband connection through a Roku device. Plus, users will also have convenient access to Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, and more than 1,000 channels of on-demand streaming content.

Stay tuned, TVLite from WK&T will be available this spring!

WK&T celebrates second accident-free year!

WK&T wrapped up 2015 safely, much as it had in 2014, marking two consecutive accident-free years for the cooperative.

WK&T employees worked more than 135,000 hours in 2015 with no lost time for on-the-job accidents. In addition to WK&T’s office and sales personnel working safely, linemen frequently work in hazardous conditions. The safety record reflects the cooperative’s commitment to making sure every employee of WK&T makes it home safely each day. Thank you and congratulations to WK&T’s employees for this great accomplishment!

WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

Did you know?

ENROLL TODAY! To sign up for Paperless Billing: Online: https://wk.smarthub.coop

By Phone: 1-877-954-8748 In Person: Mayfield, Murray, Yorkville customer service centers

To sign up for Autopay: Online: https://wk.smarthub.coop

By Phone: 1-855-385-9908 Secure Pay In Person: Mayfield, Murray, Yorkville customer service centers

March/April 2016 | 5

DIGITAL SPRING CLEANING Spri​ngtime is a great time to clean and freshen up your home. You may not realize it, but your computer may need to be cleaned up as well. Not just in a literal sense, but also digitally. There are a few quick-and-easy steps you can take that, if done routinely, can really change the performance and speed of your computer.

Hi, I’m Matt Garrett.

I work at the WK&T Technology Store in Mayfield. In this column, in each issue, you’ll learn about technology and read simple tips to get the most out of your electronics. For more tips or help with your devices, please come see me at the store. I’m always happy to help!

DEVICE OF THE MONTH Toshiba Canvio Basics 1 TB Remember when computers used floppy disks? A standard 3.5inch floppy disk held 1.44 MB of information.

Today’s storage options allow for much larger amounts of information, in a much smaller way. In fact, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 1 TB will hold the contents of approximately 728,000 floppy disks. That’s a lot of information! The Canvio Basics 1 TB model, which is phantom powered by your computer through a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, gives you the space and flexibility to store all the information you need for months or even years to come. The WK&T Technology Store has them on hand now.

8 | March/April 2016

GET ORGANIZED

CALL FOR BACKUP

Saving documents on your desktop not only clutters the look of your screen and makes things difficult to find, but it can also take up space on your computer.

Consider this: Think of your computer as a filing system in an office. To better know where things are located, create a folder structure that makes sense to you.

Start by compartmentalizing things that are important: photos, financial documents, school work and other items. Make a folder, name it something intuitive, then make subfolders and appropriately name them, including dates. For instance, you may have a “Photos” folder that has subfolders for each year or special events like a wedding or Christmas.

Photos, music and videos take up a lot of space on a computer’s hard drive, and even the best hard drives eventually fail. It’s best to always have a backup of your important files.

Consider investing in an external hard drive, or look into a cloud-based backup system like Dropbox or CrashPlan. Both programs work similarly, but CrashPlan can be programmed to periodically back up your files automatically.

DELETE UNWANTED DATA As you browse the Internet, each site you visit stores data on your hard drive.

These files can really add up over time and slow down your computer. Luckily, they’re easy to get rid of. Open your favorite browser and find the settings or preferences. From here, deleting these temporary data files should be straightforward and is something you should do regularly. Every operating system is different, but with the click of a button, you can find how to delete these files online.

SAY NO TO JUNK MAIL It’s easy to let email messages pile up in your inbox. Over time, these messages (and especially their attachments) take up space on your computer. Go through regularly and delete any unimportant messages. Unsubscribe from promotional emails that may no longer be useful to you, and use folders to organize your inbox to separate priority, social and promotional mail.

KEEP IT CLEAN Keeping the physical parts of your computer clean will also benefit its performance. Keep a bottle of compressed air and spray the crevices periodically. Dust can build up in small spaces and cause overheating, especially in laptops. Purchase some specialized wipes to keep your keyboard sanitary and your screen clear. 

WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

Building memories

Turning wrenches in the shop is a tradition for the Wooley family

T

he 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 was barely recognizable with a rusty frame, no engine and no seats. Chris Wooley bought the car 12 years ago as a restoration project, allowing him to turn wrenches with his son, Ean, much like when Wooley worked in the shop with his father, Larry.

Bringing the car to life over the course of four years, Wooley painted it bright orange and added a 468-cubic-inch, bigblock Chevy engine. It was a point of pride for Wooley, the first car he’d ever fully restored, and a father-son project in which he and Ean could cruise around town. And then the car took on an even deeper meaning.

Ean died in an accident when he was just 7 years old. “I’m really proud of the Camaro,” Wooley says. “Ean helped me with it so much, and I no longer have him, but I have a whole lot of memories of he and I working on that car.”

For Wooley, working in a shop is about connections to family and a passion for work done well. Whether he’s turning wrenches in his automotive shop or working as a central office technician for WK&T, he feels at home.

AT THE OFFICE OR IN THE GARAGE WK&T relies on central office technicians to be more than handy. They’re renaissance men and women, able to build something from nothing and troubleshoot any problems along the way. Wooley is no different.

“Being at work is kind of like being at the shop. I’m basically given a truckload of supplies and told to go install it,” says Wooley. On a regular day, he might build a new rack of switches, tear out old equipment or visit one of the many WK&T remote locations to fix a problem.

In his personal shop, he’s entirely selfWK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

By Patrick Smith

Chris Wooley has special memories of building his Camaro with his son, Ean.

taught, picking up new skills with each new project. Today, at 42, he’s an accomplished craftsman, able to do custom welding, fabrication, body work, engine building and more. “I usually start out with a bucket of rust, and by the time I get done with it, I make it shine like a new penny. I like seeing the finished product,” says Wooley.

Along with dozens of smaller projects, his 30-by-50-foot shop currently houses three vehicles he’s built or restored: a 1973 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, a completely custom roadster drag racing car and his daily driver, a 1968 custom-built pickup.

“It looks old, but it’s all modern inside with Bluetooth radio, satellite radio, GPS. It’s got it all,” says Wooley.

Much like when he was working in the garage with his father, restoring and racing cars has become a family activity for Wooley.

He spends many of his free weekends at the drag strip with his wife, Denise, covering one-eighth of a mile in 5.3 seconds at about 132 mph. “The roadster will pin your head back and pull the front wheels about 6 inches high, and it’s so smooth you really don’t know when the wheels come back down,” says Wooley.

He also continues the family tradition of working in the shop with his 8-yearold son, Luke. “He’s really into remote controls, and we go out there and work on them, and he helps me work on cars,” says Wooley. “I built the roadster and pickup with my youngest son, and I’ve got a whole lot of memories of building those. They’re something that I hope one day to pass down to Luke. And maybe he’ll learn to pick it up and really enjoy doing it as well.” 

March/April 2016 | 9

FEATURED BLOGGER

Julie Hill

PLaying Dirt ín the

A Q&A with Julie Hill, a blogger from Greenville, South Carolina, who shares her love and knowledge of gardening with readers.

Check out her blog southernwilddesign.com Q: What do readers find at your blog?

JH: Blogs are an extension of who we are, and I am a dirt nerd through and through.

I am far more comfortable in dirty clothes creating beautiful settings, observing wildlife and growing food, so the blog contains lots of advice on gardening with nature.

You can also find a list of host plants for butterflies and follow along with my newest venture into a cut-flower market garden.

Q: Why did you become a blogger and how has it changed your life?

JH: Before I moved to South Carolina, I owned a nature center and butterfly farm in Texas and was fortunate to teach thousands of children and adults about gardening and nature. After I moved, I no longer had that outlet, so blogging became a new teaching platform.

Q: Is it necessary to condition your garden’s soil before planting?

JH: Building good soil is the foundation for all successful gardens. And using compost is one way. It can be worked into the soil or top-dressed any time of the year.

Q: What are the earliest plants you should plant?

JH: The best time to plant trees and 10 | March/April 2016

shrubs is in the fall, when the soil is warm and plants are starting to direct their energies into growing their root systems. And there are flowering annuals and vegetables that can be planted virtually all year long. Just check the tags.

Q: For beginners, can you give suggestions on the easiest flowers and vegetables to grow?

JH: Look for those that are native to your area and check with your local extension agency or knowledgeable local nursery for guidance. Be sure to look at the plant tags for growing requirements. I’ve found that some of the easiest to grow include basil, bush beans, cucumbers, carrots and radishes.

Q: What are the big trends in gardening right now?

JH: There is movement back to our gardening roots as we are coming to understand our role as caretakers of this planet.

I’m seeing a rise in the use of native plants that are water-wise and wildlife friendly. People are getting interested in flowers again, particularly pollinatorfriendly perennials. And also, people are growing more of their own food. It is an exciting time to garden.

Q: What will visitors find growing in

Other gardening blogs worth reading: nn gardenrant.com A blog filled with gardening ideas, including a section allowing readers to share ideas as well as gardening issues. Rant away.

nn www.smallkitchengarden.net Don’t have much room for a garden? This blog gives you ideas for gardening in a small space, so dig right in.

your garden this season?

JH: I have two raised beds for vegetables planted with lots of heirloom tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers and peppers.

And I have a couple of large containers on the back deck for herbs. But the most exciting part of my garden this year is the addition of large beds of flowers that will be destined for bouquets. 

Join the Pod Party!

Podcast popularity is exploding

By Melissa Smith

A

mericans are increasingly turning to podcasts for entertainment and information, with listenership almost doubling in the past few years. There’s a reason these “radio-on-demand” shows are so popular; chances are there’s a podcast on any subject you find interesting. With a broadband connection, it’s easy to download a podcast over Wi-Fi and listen whenever you want.

Podcasts are free to download, and can be found using apps such as iTunes, Stitcher or Pandora. Look for some of these top-rated podcasts to get you started.

“BACK TO WORK” Want to learn the secret to productivity?

Writers and entrepreneurs Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin host this show about examining the way you work. Learn more about maximizing your workflow, finding motivation and just getting more done.

Your boss will thank you.

“SERIAL” If you’re looking for a mystery that will keep you in suspense week after week, check out Serial. Hosted by Sarah Koenig, this podcast takes listeners through one true story over the course of a season.

The host doesn’t know what will happen until shortly before listeners, and the plot unfolds weekly. Be sure to listen to episodes in order, as the story unravels chapter-by-chapter each week.

“AP PLAYOFF PULSE” There’s no shortage in podcasts for the

fanatics out there. Get your fix on the latest in recruiting and analysis of college and professional sports. The AP Playoff Pulse discusses the latest news in the college football world. Also, subscribe to CBS Sports Radio for all things college sports related, but you can most certainly get your March Madness fix here. Baseball fans will enjoy Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney. This non-television variation of the popular ESPN show is full of guests. They’re mostly ESPN personalities, but other writers and sports knowit-alls make their way onto the show occasionally to engage listeners with facts and talk about the news. It’s the next great American pastime.

“SPARKLE STORIES” Tired of reading “Goodnight, Moon” over and over to your children before bed?

Children’s stories often stand the test of time, being passed down from generation to generation. But, if you’re ready for something different and original, check out Sparkle Stories. They’re original high-quality audio stories written just for children that always include a life lesson.

With a subscription, you get access to over 800 stories, but if you would like to try it out first, a free podcast is offered weekly.

“KID FRIDAY” Kids today can use a lot of technology better than some adults. This video podcast, which can also be listened to without video, is dedicated to all things tech.

Hosted by teenagers Hannah, Zoe, Dave and Winston (the poodle), your kids will enjoy listening to people their own age talk about the newest websites and apps.

“STUFF YOU MISSED IN HISTORY CLASS” Let’s face it, history class isn’t interesting to everyone. This podcast covers interesting facts that are nowhere to be found in textbooks. Hosted by two journalists who really love random facts about history, Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey unveil all the cool stuff we never knew. Did you know hippos almost became one of the common meats we eat in America? You’ll be the most interesting person at the lunch table with this new knowledge as a conversation starter.  March/April 2016 | 11

Improved technology means better service for Graves County New phone and Internet system helps courthouse run smoothly

By Patrick Smith

W

A new VoIP phone system and a fiber Internet connection have helped the Graves County Courthouse serve locals better.

12 | March/April 2016

hen the phones in the Graves County Courthouse were “falling off the wall,” it was becoming a challenge to properly serve residents.

Also, the internal connections between the seven Graves County government departments and two remote locations were suffering.

Thanks to a partnership between WK&T and the Mayfield Electric and Water Systems, the Graves County Courthouse and its offices are now served by the latest in fiber technology — including a new hosted voice over IP (VoIP) telephone system and a fast broadband Internet connection.

“In the past, each office had multiple companies they were dealing with,” says Graves County Judge/Executive Jesse Perry. “By combining everyone’s service, we were able to take all of our county offices and put them on one system. Really, all of Graves County has benefited from this new technology.”

The new technology, combined with local service and a low price, has made the phone system and high-speed Internet a big win for Graves County citizens and government officials.

WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

THE LEAST EXPENSIVE AND LOCAL Sometimes the best option isn’t always the cheapest option — but that wasn’t the case for Graves County. Among the several submissions that county officials received after publicly advertising a request for proposals, the bid submitted

by WK&T and the Mayfield Electric and Water Systems was the lowest.

“We’re going to save money for years to come, and we have the latest technology that you can have for this day and time,” says Perry.

The offices served by the new system include: Graves County Judge/Executive office, Graves County Attorney, Graves County Assistant Attorney, Graves County Sheriff’s Office, Graves County Property Valuation Administration, Graves County Clerk’s Office, Graves County Jail, Graves County Road Department, and the Graves County Restricted Custody Office.

Installing a new phone and Internet system, while still allowing the county courthouse to provide day-to-day services, was a difficult task — but, long before WK&T ever started at the courthouse, the new network was already established.

Matt Garrett, who spearheaded the project for WK&T, built a test network complete with the necessary resources for each of the nine departments at the WK&T Technology Store. The test network was up and running, and many problems had been solved before WK&T was ever onsite.

In order to install the new system seamlessly, WK&T dedicated several employees to the job. The crew also spent two weekend days running new cabling throughout the building. WK&T spent a third day to complete the construction, followed by several more days of Garrett setting up appointments with each department for training on the new equipment.

CREATING A BETTER PHONE SYSTEM Voice over IP uses the Internet to place and transmit telephone calls, rather than using a more traditional switched telephone network. A hosted system, like the one used by Graves County, handles WK&T Telecommunications Cooperative

Deputy Clerk Lisa Kendrick uses the new phone system in the courthouse.

placing and transmitting calls with cloud technology, instead of housing the equipment at the courthouse.

The system allows each connected department to function as if they’re all in the same building by transferring calls. Before the upgrades, they had to hang up and dial the new number. It also supports transferring calls outside of the phone system to a cellular device. In addition, it gives each phone a voice mailbox, caller ID, three-way calling and a dedicated 10-digit number.

“Before, we had multiple carriers, so being able to transfer calls between departments has been big for us,” says Perry. “The new system saves us time, too.

Everyone is so busy; it’s hard to get everyone in the same room at the same time.

So conference calling has been huge for us as well. Every department has a special feature that they’ve been able to pick up on and use. It’s been great.”

Allowing the two separate offices to function as if they’re housed within the same facility as other departments has also been beneficial. “While working with each department, several times I heard them comment on how much they enjoy having the two satellite locations feel like they’re part of the main building,” says Garrett.

The fiber optic Internet technology provides an ultra-fast 100 Mbps connection, allowing each office to upload and

download large files with ease. WK&T also set up a new firewall, providing the courthouse offices with the ability to handle sensitive information securely.

Perhaps best of all, if a problem arises, a phone call across the country to a customer support center isn’t necessary — WK&T and Mayfield Electric and Water Systems are able to provide local support and exceptional customer service.

“If there’s a problem, we have someone local that we can speak with, and that’s a major advantage for Graves County,” says Perry. “With this new system, we were able to modernize the courthouse and serve Graves County in a more efficient way.”

Serving the Graves County Courthouse with the most up-to-date tools doesn’t just benefit the local departments, but it also provides a starting point to keep Graves County citizens safe, support economic development and serve local residents better.

“We’re thrilled to bring the latest technology to the Graves County Courthouse,” says Trevor Bonnstetter, CEO of WK&T. “The courthouse is such an important landmark in our community, and we’re proud to partner with Mayfield Electric and Water Systems to provide great local service for our county government and our local citizens.” 

March/April 2016 | 13

SOUTHERN KITCHENS

Egg-celLent option

A

s Mother Nature ushers in the warm weather of spring, deviled eggs are hatching on tables throughout the South. Everyone has their favorite recipe — some like them sweetened with a little bit of pickle relish, while others prefer a more savory filling.

Whatever the preference, no one is chicken about going back for seconds. Or thirds.

Rarely is there a deviled egg left to be had on the platter.

Faith Price and her husband, Jeff, are owners of Shady Grove Farm in Lancing, Tennessee, an 80-acre spread along the Cumberland Plateau in Morgan County.

Among the livestock raised on the farm are laying hens that produce eggs sold at nearby Dixie Lee Farmer’s Market, as well as to those who stop by the farm to buy a dozen of the day’s collection.

Raising chickens is a full-time job that keeps the Prices busy. “It’s not difficult, but it takes a commitment,” Faith says.

“We have a portable coop that we move throughout the farm to help with debugging and to fertilize our fields. So our birds don’t just give us eggs, they are employees as they do work for us.”

But the best part is the product they produce — eggs. “We sell out very quickly, whether it is at the farm or at the market,” she says. Whenever there are enough left over for the family, Faith says deviled eggs are a favorite. “They’re a cool, refreshing side dish that hits the spot,” she adds.

Deviled eggs are a beloved American dish. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 1 billion eggs are typically sold in the week leading up to Easter. And while there is no official data that says deviled eggs are the most popular of all egg dishes, Google Trends research and social media conversation analytics point to that conclusion, says Kristin

14 | March/April 2016

Faith Price cooks up a Southern favorite on the Tennessee farm she shares with her husband, Jeff.

Perfect hard-boiled eggs Livermore, director of marketing communications for the American Egg Board.

“Maybe it’s because deviled eggs are such a versatile dish,” she says. “They are the perfect addition to any party or meal.”

“Deviled eggs go with just about any dinner, whether it is a roast and potato meal or a simple hot dog and beans meal,” Faith says. “We would eat them every week if we could keep eggs in stock for ourselves.”  Food Editor Anne P. Braly is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Prior to pursuing a freelance career, she spent 21 years as food editor and feature writer at a regional newspaper.

Here’s a quick and easy method for hard boiling eggs. For easier peeling, use eggs that are seven to 10 days old.

• Place eggs in a saucepan large enough to hold them in a single layer. Add cold water to cover eggs by 1 inch. Heat over high heat just to boiling. Remove from burner. Cover pan.

• Let eggs stand in hot water about 12 minutes for large eggs (9 minutes for medium eggs, 15 minutes for extra large).

• Drain immediately. Then, cool completely under cold running water or in bowl of ice water before making deviled eggs.

— American Egg Board

Here are several of the Prices’ favorite fillings that go beyond tradition. They’re not just for Easter anymore.

TRADITIONAL DEVILED EGGS

1 dozen eggs, peeled, cut in half, yolks removed 1/4 to 1/2 cup mayo

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

2 teaspoons pickle relish

1 teaspoon pickle juice

1/2 teaspoon honey Salt and pepper, to taste Paprika for sprinkling on top Mash egg yolks with ingredients except paprika. Fill egg whites with yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Chill until ready to serve.

SAVORY EGGS

1 dozen eggs, peeled, cut in half, yolks removed 1/4 to 1/2 cup Miracle Whip

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper, to taste Smoked paprika for sprinkling on top Mash egg yolks with ingredients except paprika. Fill egg whites with yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Chill until ready to serve.

SOUTHWESTERN DEVILED EGGS

1

1 2 1

dozen eggs, peeled, cut in half, yolks removed large avocado teaspoons lime juice teaspoon cilantro Salt and pepper, to taste Paprika for sprinkling on top

Mash egg yolks with ingredients except paprika. Fill egg whites with yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Chill until ready to serve.

HONEY EGGS

1 dozen eggs, peeled, cut in half, yolks removed 6 tablespoons plain yogurt

Faith Price describes this versatile treat as “a cool, refreshing side dish that hits the spot.”

What the devil?

Deviled refers to any foods that have been prepared with hot and spicy ingredients, such as cayenne and curry, two spices often used to make deviled eggs. Deviled dishes were very popular throughout the 19th and into the 20th centuries, especially for seafood preparations and some appetizers.

— The Encyclopedia of American Food & Drink

2 2 1

teaspoons Dijon mustard teaspoons finely chopped onion tablespoon honey Salt and pepper, to taste Paprika for sprinkling on top

Mash egg yolks with ingredients except paprika. Fill egg whites with yolk mixture. Chill until ready to serve.

SWEET BACON DEVILED EGGS

1 dozen eggs, peeled, cut in half, yolks removed

1 pound bacon, cooked and diced into small pieces 1/2 to 1 cup Miracle Whip

1 teaspoon parsley

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon chives Salt and pepper, to taste Paprika for sprinkling on top Mash egg yolks with ingredients except paprika. Fill egg whites with yolk mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Chill until ready to serve.  March/April 2016 | 15

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