Today in Mississippi December 2019 Local Pages

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

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GIFT COMPANY Helping customers share Mississippi-made goods with family, friends and clients around the country

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Roasted Cinnamon Pecans

A Winter Campfire

DECEMBER 2019 Page 32-01.indd 1

11/25/19 11:05 AM

107 E. Main Street Carthage, MS 39051

Carthage: 601-267-5671 • Philadelphia: 601-656-2601 Rankin: 601-829-1201 • Sebastopol: 601-625-7422

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937.

CENTRAL ELECTRIC WILL HOLD ITS

Annual Meeting

MARCH 17, 2020 AT THE CARTHAGE COLISEUM In accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi and the bylaws of the Association, three directors will be elected for three year terms. Members will elect one director from Attala County and two directors from Leake County.

SECTION 4.04. Nominations (a) It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days before the date of a meeting of the members at which Board members are to be elected, a Committee on Nominations consisting of three (3) members who shall be selected from the given areas from which Board members are to be elected so as to insure equitable representation. No existing Cooperative employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director, and close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing Cooperative employees, agents, officers, directors or known candidates for director may serve on such committees.

The committee shall receive and consider any suggestion as to nominees submitted in writing by members of the Cooperative.

The committee, keeping in mind the principle of equitable representation, shall prepare a list of nominations for Board members, and submit its list to the Secretary not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the annual meeting. (b) Any fifty (50) or more members who are in good standing, are from the given area from which a Board member is to be elected, and acting together, may nominate a Director candidate for the area by petition. Any such petition for nomination must be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Cooperative. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, account number and service location of the member. Such nominations made by petition, if any, shall be delivered to the Secretary not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the annual meeting. Such nominations shall be posted by the Secretary 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

at the same place where the list of nominations made by the Committee on Nominations is posted. A member may not make more than one (1) nomination by petition for each vacancy. If a member signs more than one petition for a director vacancy, then the signature of the member bearing the latest date of signing by the member will be considered and any previously dated signature by the member on any other petition(s) will be deemed invalid, null and void. If a member signs more than one petition on the same date, all signatures of the member bearing the same date of signing will be deemed invalid, null and void. (c) The Secretary shall prepare and post at the principal office of the Cooperative at least twenty (20) days before the meeting a list of nominations for Board members. The Secretary shall be responsible for mailing with the notice of the meeting or separately, but at least ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, a statement of the number of Board members to be elected and the counties they will be elected from and represent, and the name and address of each of the candidates nominated by the Committee on Nominations or by petition.

A report from the Committee of Nominations, along with proxies, ballots and other annual meeting information will appear in the March issue of Today in Mississippi. As a member-owner of Central Electric Power Association, you have a right to participate in the annual meeting to hear the latest cooperative news and to elect the board of directors.

Mark your calendar for March 17 and plan to attend Central Electric’s annual meeting at the Carthage Coliseum on Highway 16 in Carthage.

1

Local students selected for 2020 Youth Leadership Program Six area high school juniors were recently selected through an interview process to represent Central Electric Power Association during an upcoming statewide leadership workshop in Jackson, Miss., and the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth

Tour in Washington, D.C. this summer. Now in its 34th year, the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Program is an enjoyable educational experience that makes a lasting impact on participants.

The program seeks to: • Help students develop the confidence and ability to become better leaders in their schools and communities • Stimulate their interest in governmental affairs and encourage their participation in the democratic process • Inform them about their electric cooperative, the cooperative form of business and the distribution of electricity • Foster interaction among students from communities throughout Mississippi and the nation

Central Electric Power Association congratulates these students!

GEORGIA CLAIRE RUDOLPH

MARY KATE MORAN

MEGAN MCMINN

Daughter of Ben and Paige Rudolph of Carthage.

She attends Leake Academy.

Georgia Claire plans to attend college and pursue a degree in speech pathology.

Daughter of Brett and Emily Moran of Philadelphia. She attends Neshoba Central High School.

Mary Kate plans to attend Mississippi State University to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering and attend medical school to become a dermatologist.

Daughter of Chris and Missy McMinn of Brandon. She attends Hartfield Academy. Megan plans to continue her mom’s legacy as a Phi Mu at a university.

She will attend medical school to become a pediatrician.

MALLORY LONG

EMMA GRACE DILLARD

ORLANDO BROWN

Daughter of Brian and Lynn Long of Carthage. She attends Leake Academy. Mallory plans to attend East Central Community College and continue her education at Mississippi State University to pursue a minor in business and attend law school.

Daughter of John and Deborah Dillard of Brandon. She attends St. Andrew’s Episcopal School.

Emma Grace plans to attend medical school and start a career in the medical field.

Son of Jeremy and Shemese Brown Haynes of Carthage.

He attends Leake County High School. Orlando plans to attend Morehouse College to pursue a degree in zoology and a master’s degree in business administration.

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Central Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. Call 601-267-3043 or visit www.centralepa.com to report an outage.

CEPA dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

www.centralepa.com

Try our NEW online portal!

1.

See your payment history and account balances

2.

Receive email and text notifications for bill and payments

3.

Set up Autopay

4. View your monthly usage

Access your account...

Any device, any time!

Go to www.centralepa.com and click on OrbitONE to sign up!

See the reverse side of your electric bill for more details.

Making memories with your family around the table just got easier – and so much more

Delicious!

Whether you work inside or outside the home, you know what it’s like to balance a busy household and that the task of cooking dinner can be daunting.

Busy Moms: A Farm to Table Fabulous Cookbook is filled with go-to meals for your busy family. Full of step-by-step, easy-to-follow recipes, Busy Moms helps you plan a complete meal any night of the week, using only the freshest ingredients for your family. From slow-cooker creations to one-pot meals to air fryer treats, this cookbook will get your family back around the table as quickly as possible, even on your busiest night.

Ham & Cheese Roll-up INGREDIENTS 1 (8-ounce) tube refrigerated crescent rolls 6 slices honey ham 6 slices sharp American cheese 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Unroll dough in one piece. Line with a layer of ham, then American cheese and finish with cheddar cheese. Roll up tightly and slice into 1- to 2-inch slices. Lay flat on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Yield: 4 servings • Enjoy quick, delicious meals your family will love – even your pickiest eater.

• With an entire chapter dedicated to veggies and starches, the menu possibilities are endless.

• Stock your pantry and freezer using Ritter’s Busy Mom Essentials shopping list and make delicious meals without those last minute runs to the grocery store.

• Enjoy no-stress meal planning because every main dish recipe contains recommendations for scrumptious side dishes to complete your meal.

• Many meals can be prepped ahead of time, or even frozen, then quickly reheated for serving.

• Farm to Table Fabulous Tips make dinner extra-special any night of the week.

• With Ritter’s tips and tricks up your sleeve, you’ll have more time for making memories around the table at the end of your busy day.

Check out this new cookbook from Great American Publishers

Visit www.greatamericanpublishers.com or call Great American Publishers at 1-888-854-5954 for more information or to order.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Tropical Depression Olga impacts Central Electric’s service area Substantial rainfall and damaging winds from Tropical Depression Olga hit central Mississippi on Saturday, October 26, 2019. Central Electric Power Association (CEPA) experienced sustained power outages in Attala, Leake, Neshoba, Scott, Newton and Kemper counties and promptly mobilized their field operations staff. CEPA worked through the night to restore power.

CEPA had more than 18,000 members without electric service and approximately 70 broken poles due to the severe storms.

Twenty-one additional personnel arrived to aid in power restoration. CEPA would like to thank: North East Mississippi EPA, East MS EPA and Black Warrior Electric Membership Cooperative for their assistance. CEPA would also like to thank the membership for their patience and support during this time.

Manager Brian Long praised CEPA employees and the dedication of their families, along with the employees from three cooperatives in Mississippi and Alabama.

The following is a breakdown of outage by day end:

OCTOBER 26

OCTOBER 27

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

8,000

2,900

OCTOBER 28

OCTOBER 29

MONDAY

TUESDAY

1,580

150

As of 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 30, all power has been restored to all members that can receive power.

Rankin District crew

Carthage service crew

Philadelphia crew and office members

Carthage crew and office members

Sebastopol crew and office members

Central Electric Power Association serves over 36,000 member accounts in a seven-county area in Central Mississippi including: Attala, Kemper, Leake, Neshoba, Newton, Rankin and Scott counties.

18 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

HOW POWER IS RESTORED In the event of a prolonged power outage, rest assured that we are working hard to restore your power as safely and quickly as possible. There are several things you can do to help the process.

If you see a downed line, remember to ALWAYS ASSUME it is a “live wire.” Stay away from it and any trees or structures that may be in contact with it. Call us or 911 immediately to report it.

You may still be without power while surrounding homes have lights. This could be because they have generators or they may be on a different circuit than your home. It could also be that the service line to your home is down or there is damage to your meter box.

In either case, call us. We cannot repair your meter box — you will need to contact a licensed electrical contractor for that.

We will, however, repair your service line if your meter box is in proper working order.

Power outages are an inconvenience for everyone. Our goal is to restore power to all of our members as safely and quickly as possible.

How we restore your electric service STEP 1 – We focus on the biggest repairs first to restore the most members – this means generating facilities, high-voltage transmission towers and lines that feed distribution substations.

STEP 2 – Substations are next. A repair here can bring power back to a large number of homes and businesses.

STEP 3 – Distribution three-phase lines are

After the storm

Remember: Safety first • Please use common sense — electricity and water do not mix.

• Never attempt to plug in or use an electrical appliance or device while standing in water or on a damp service.

• If water entered your home, you should have your electrical wiring inspected by a qualified electrician as quickly as possible.

then checked. They carry reduced voltage electricity from the substations to towns, communities and subdivisions.

• In cases where electric motors were flooded, they should be thoroughly checked by an electrician or certified repairman before reconnected to a power source.

STEP 4 – Next, we check the single-phase

• Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed during the time you’re without electric service.

lines which carry electricity to utility poles or underground transformers outside homes and other buildings. Critical services such as hospitals, fire and police take priority here, followed by restoration to the greatest number of consumers.

STEP 5 – Finally, the service line between your home and transformer on a nearby pole may be damaged. This may keep you in the dark while your neighbors have power. Call us if you have an outage here.

• Treat all downed power lines as energized. Beware of downed lines hidden by debris.

• Report all downed lines immediately.

• Prevent generator back feed. Plug appliances or equipment directly into the generator. Keep the generator in an open area to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.

• Stay tuned to your local TV and radio stations for electric power restoration information.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 19

A Heartfelt Goodbye TO OUR RETIRING EMPLOYEES Thanks to their decades of dedicated service, Coahoma Electric is stronger for years to come

by Brandi Southerland The New Year will bring about many new and exciting changes, but here at Coahoma Electric it will also bring about some heartfelt goodbyes. The employees retiring, including the two who have begun their retirement already this year, have a combined total of 223 1/2 years’ experience. That is 20 years less than the age of our country! We count ourselves incredibly fortunate to have benefited from this group and would like to go in to just a little bit of detail about them.

Ed Merritt retired in the summer after 12 years with Coahoma Electric. Serving as office manager, Ed helped take care of the employees who run the administrative side of things and worked to ensure our consumers’ needs were met. Ed still comes around the office every now and then to make sure we’re sticking to the straight and narrow. We thank Ed for his years with us.

Hilda Havens, who retired earlier in 2019, worked tirelessly in billing and customer service management.

After 45 1/2 years, she left us to enjoy her retirement.

Hilda was great on the phones and treated every consumer kindly. We thank Hilda for her years with us.

Willie House will be retiring come the New Year after more than 37 years as a meter technician. Willie came to us straight from college and must have liked us to stick around for this long. Willie always greets everyone with a warm and boisterous “Hello!” every morning. You can just about set your watch by him.

We thank Willie for his years with us.

Phil Cauthen started Coahoma Electric as a lineman, but would eventually move on to become an engineering technician. After more than 39 years, he will be retiring in the New Year. Phil is very liked by our consumers. In fact, any time the phone rings, there is a good chance it’s for Phil. We thank Phil for his years with us.

Joe Correro also started with us as a lineman, but has been our operations manager for the last 20 years.

Joe takes great care of our linemen and makes sure they are able to perform their job as safely as possible.

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Coahoma Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. P.O. Box 188 • 340 Hopson Street • Lyon, MS 38645 662-624-8321 • Fax: 662-624-8327

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

www.coahomaepa.com cepa@coahomaepa.com

Joe is also something of a cutup around the office. moment’s respite. She’s always ready with a charming He’s been known to ask the newbies to get him some story or anecdote. She’s here when the sun comes up, wire-straighteners ASAP (which aren’t a thing, by the but do not be standing in the parking lot when it’s time way! Thanks, Joe!). After more than to leave. She’s the first one out of the 40 years, Joe will be retiring in the gate! We thank Rosalie for her years New Year. We thank Joe for his years with us. with us.

It’s difficult to imagine the halls of Finally, we have Rosalie Franks.

Coahoma Electric without these six It’s difficult to imagine She has been here the longest — a people. With the New Year, we bring the halls of Coahoma whopping 47-plus years! Rosalie in a new crop of Coahoma Electric Electric without works as dispatch and switchboard employees. Some of the 223-1/2 years’ these six people. operator. She’s also something like a experience is being imparted on them mother hen to us all. Rosalie’s desk now, even as this is being written. If is never short on candy or bubblegum for anyone who even an ounce of that can wear off on them, Coahoma just needs to get away from their own desk for a Electric will be in great hands for many years to come.

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

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

Examine cords

Inspect lights

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage.

Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

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

Trim the stump Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees.

Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Where our members have the power Communicators: April Lollar & Merilee Sands For Today in Mississippi information, call 877-7MY-CEPA (1-877-769-2372) www.coastepa.com

CEO’s Message

2019 REFLECTIONS, A POSITIVE

Outlook for 2020

The holidays are a time of year that many of us eagerly anticipate. The season is marked by special foods, seasonal decorations and lots of festivities. We look forward to the annual holiday events in our community.

We cherish carrying on family traditions and enjoy creating new ones, and we look forward to more time spent with family and friends.

Even though it’s a busy season, I hope we all have time to slow down and reflect on the past year. All of us at Coast Electric are grateful for the opportunities we’ve been given this year to serve our community. Our mission is to provide safe, affordable, reliable electricity and to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. We take that mission seriously and want to help our community thrive.

Reflection In 2019, we’ve been able to fulfill our mission of providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity. We are proud of our reliability rate and member satisfaction ratings, which are among the highest in the nation for utilities. Our employees work to provide options that make your lives easier and help you save. I am proud of their efforts and know they will continue in the new year. Besides electric service, we have a mission to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. Because of the continued dedication of our employees and because of the changes to our Operation Round Up program, we’ve worked with you to do just that.

When we introduced changes to Operation Round Up in December of 2018, we knew great things were to come, but the program has been more successful than we could have hoped. Your generosity in rounding up your bills has funded $288,292 in grants for local, charitable organizations, while $98,438.83 has been made available to local families in need of energy assistance. This is what cooperatives are all about working together to do great things. Individually, our pennies and dimes can’t do much, but together, you are feeding the hungry, providing warmth on a cold night and helping your friends and neighbors in so many ways. I am proud to be part of the work we’ve done together this year. Thank you all for making it possible.

Looking Ahead We begin a new decade on Jan. 1, and many opportunities lie ahead. Whatever the future holds, know that one thing will always remain the same — our dedication to you, our members. We look forward to serving you and serving our community for years to come. On behalf of the Coast Electric family, I wish you a bright and merry holiday season!

by Ron Barnes President and CEO

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Coast Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. Dispatchers and crews are always on duty. Download our free CE on the Go mobile app or call 1-877-769-2372 to report outages.

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

Reduce Your Use Contest Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your monthly energy costs! Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home. All you have to do is visit www.coastepa.com and fill out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

December Reduce Your Use prize announcement Water heaters are the second highest consumers of electricity in the home after heating and cooling systems and can account for as much as 12 percent of your utility bill.

A conventional tank water heater operates by heating and maintaining a reserve of hot water in the tank for when you need it. This operation includes on/off cycling to maintain the water temperature in the tank. As the hot water sits in the tank, it loses heat, requiring the water heater to switch on again to restore the water’s temperature. On/off cycling results in energy consumption even when the water heater is not in use.

Using a water heater timer can help reduce standby energy losses and reduce water heating costs annually. Water heater timers can help you set and control when your water heater starts producing hot water. The December Reduce Your Use prize is a water heater timer that allows you to set and program your water heater for greater control.

If you would like more information on energy savings or to sign up for Coast Electric’s Time of Use program call 1-877-769-2372 or email call@coastepa.com.

You can only enter once per month, but you can enter every month for a new prize! If you would like more information on energy savings or to sign up for Coast Electric’s Time of Use program, call 1-877-769-2372.

October’s Reduce Your Use contest winner!

Congratulations to our October Reduce Your Use winner, Harold Kiser.

Harold won a smart power strip.

VISIT WWW.COASTEPA.COM TO ENTER REDUCE YOUR USE!

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

Keep away from heat

Examine cords

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

Inspect lights

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage.

Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

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

Trim the stump Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees.

Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Coast Electric’s Annual Meeting Co-op members gathered November 7 for Coast Electric’s Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Night at the Hancock Performing Arts Center. We thank every member who joined us at the meeting and those who registered for the meeting by proxy.

2019 meeting highlights: • Reports from Coast Electric’s President and CEO Ron Barnes and Board Chairman Richard Dossett on the state of the cooperative.

• A thank you to members from Coast Electric’s Youth Leadership representatives.

• A presentation from Advisory Committee and Community Trust Committee Board Chair Paul Guichet about Coast Electric members’ generous donations to Operation Round Up. • Board Chairman Richard Dossett announced a $5,412,273 capital credit retirement.

5.4 million

President and CEO Ron Barnes addressed the membership at the Annual Meeting.

Coast Electric retires more than

$

in capital credits

Member-owned cooperatives are not-for-profit organizations which are operated for the benefit of their members. Each year, if there are revenues from electric services in excess of operating costs and expenses, those funds are credited to a member’s capital account based on their patronage. Such funds, which are also called capital credits, are the life blood that enables cooperatives to satisfy the future growth and power needs of its members.

At this year’s Annual Meeting, Board Chairman Richard Dossett announced a capital credit retirement of $5,412,273 to Coast Electric members. Checks will be mailed to eligible members in early December. Members can access information about their capital credit accrual and retirement by logging on to their accounts at www.coastepa.com or by calling 1-877-769-2372.

Prize winners (Left to Right): Lamar Thigpen, $1,000 Electricity Credit; Lila Necaise, $500 Electricity Credit; Dale Wilson, $250 Electricity Credit.

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

Member Service Representatives Dianne Goodrich, Eilene Moody and Angela Rieben gave out prizes to attendees.

Employees assisted with the Annual Meeting by serving treats and visiting with our members.

Make the holidays bright with

Operation Round Up Grants available this December

In this season of giving, we ask you to reach out to charitable organizations that serve Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River counties and tell them about Operation Round Up, a program made possible by the generosity of Coast Electric members.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for eligible organizations. Visit www.coastepa.com/my-community/ operation-roundup to learn more about the program and to check eligibility requirements.

Grant applications will be available December 1-31.

Doing great things together Thanks to all of the Coast Electric members have made the season — and this year — brighter for many in our communities by rounding up their bills each month. Your spare change, when combined with the spare change of thousands of your fellow members, has made a big impact on those in our communities who need it most.

Your generosity has funded $288,292 in grants for local, charitable organizations and has made $98,438.83 available for energy assistance.

Thanks to you on behalf of all of those who have received grants in 2019.

We can’t wait to see what good is to come in 2020!

Did you know?

This fall, Cooperative Energy — the co-op that generates power for Coast Electric and other cooperatives in Mississippi — dedicated a new gas-fired engine power plant in George County.

What’s notable about the Benndale Power Plant: • The plant features state-of-the-art technology that is the first of its kind globally.

• Located in rural George County, the plant provides 22.7 MegaWatts of electricity.

• The energy produced at the plant will provide grid support for Cooperative Energy’s renewable generation facilities and will increase reliability during potential transmission outages caused by severe weather conditions.

• The new units make the plant twice as efficient and is now Cooperative Energy’s most efficient simple-cycle unit.

• The engines used in the plant were built in Finland and shipped to the U.S. through the port of Pascagoula.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Heavenly Cookies

THESE DIVINE TREATS ARE MADE FROM SCRATCH, DECORATED WITH CARE AND FULFILLING A PASSION

by Sandra M. Buckley Pam Harris loves to bake — especially cookies. Between and pure flavorings to give them the best possible taste,” this passion and her artistic talent, she has turned this she shared. “I have one special ingredient that I put in hobby into a long list of customers. my cookies to achieve the taste I want them to have.”

It all started in 2016 when Harris, of Carrollton, was Each cookie is carefully hand-decorated, making every involved in hosting a party for her nephew during his one unique. “I have read a lot of articles and watched senior year in high school. “My sister asked me if I would a lot of videos on cookie decorating, and I have picked make cookies and decorate them around the theme of up many tips and tricks of the trade along the way,” the party, which was a fish fry,” she she noted. “I make my own stencils recalled. “And I said yes, I would most of the time to achieve the try. They didn’t look real good, but decorative look I want. I also really they tasted amazing.” enjoy when someone asks me to … people started asking That experience led to another do a cookie design I haven’t done. cookie project, then another; and I freehand a lot of the drawings on if I could make decorated soon, Heavenly Cookies was born. the cookies and really haven’t had cookies for them and I did.

“I made cookies for Teacher one that I just couldn’t do.”

Heavenly Cookies just Appreciation Week at the school With a growing list of local took off from there. my granddaughters attend,” Harris customers and a collection now of said. “Next, I did some for their more than 400 cookie cutters, there birthdays and my sister-in-law’s baby shower. Then evenis practically no occasion that Heavenly Cookies cannot tually, people started asking if I could make decorated accommodate. “I have fulfilled many orders for birthdays cookies for them and I did. Heavenly Cookies just took (especially first birthdays), baby showers, wedding showers, off from there.” teacher gifts, graduations and just about every holiday,” she Her specialty is decorated sugar cookies, made from said. “I have also done corporate logos for open houses at scratch with her secret recipe. “I always use real butter businesses around Greenwood.” (Continued next page)

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

Christmas is the busiest season for Heavenly Cookies, with Easter a close second. And throughout the year, custom orders for large parties to small batches are welcomed. “I do a lot of gift boxes with three cookies and tied with a ribbon,” Harris added. “I can bag them with ribbon and tags or shrink-wrap them individually.

They make wonderful items to keep on hand, and they freeze well and keep their freshness.”

Heavenly Cookies is a side business for Harris, who makes her delightful cookies from her home kitchen. In

addition to this, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their three grown children, five granddaughters and their basset hound, Penny. She is also a member of Delta Electric and a strong supporter and part of her community. “I am a member of the Cherokee Rose Garden Club of Carrollton, the Antiquities and Preservation Society of Carroll County and the Pilgrimage committee,” she said. “I am always volunteering to help where I can, and especially when it comes to food — and even sometimes when I really shouldn’t, but I just can’t say no.”

Call 662-299-7601 or visit Heavenly Cookies on Facebook for more information.

Merry Christmas from everyone at Delta Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425 — Use it any time 24/7

✓GET ACCOUNT INFO ✓MAKE A PAYMENT ✓REPORT AN OUTAGE ✓MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

CONTACT INFORMATION 601-425-2535 • www.dixieepa.com @DixieElectricMS

@DixieEPA

@dixie_electric

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

Merry and Bright

MAY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON BE

The holidays are a time of year that many of us eagerly anticipate. The season is marked by special foods, decorations and lots of festivities. Right here in our local area, we look forward to the annual Christmas parades, downtown tree lighting and the opportunity to shop at our locally owned businesses.

We cherish carrying on old family traditions and enjoy creating new ones. For me personally, I look forward to more time spent with family and friends.

In spite of all the hustle and bustle of the season, the holidays can also offer an opportunity to slow down and reflect. For all of us at Dixie Electric, we are grateful for you, the members of the co-op.

You see, one of our founding principles as a co-op is “Concern for Community.” While our main focus is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we also want to give back. We want to help our community thrive.

Reflection In looking back at this past year, I’m grateful that we were able to make a positive impact in the community.

Through programs such as Stuff a Bucket Truck, we collected canned food for the Good Samaritan Center.

Recently, we have held our annual 12 Days of Christmas drawing. The proceeds benefit three local food pantries in our service area. Our board wanted to encourage more involvement in our annual meeting this year, so we made a dollar donation for every vote cast in the board election; your participation raised more than $5,000 for the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter of Laurel.

Merry Christmas

As a result, we were able to help many families in our community.

We were also grateful for the opportunity to partner with local schools to raise awareness of the importance of electrical safety. This year, we visited with hundreds students of all grade levels, teaching them about electrical safety and careers in the electric power industry.

There are other ways we can help the community, whether we’re providing information about our Co-op Connections card discount card, SmartHub app or our Comfort Advantage home construction program, we want you to know we’re here to help.

Looking Ahead Looking ahead to 2020, we hope you will share your opinions with us. We recognize that our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we continually seek your input. Whether through community events, our social media channels or the annual meeting, we want to hear from you. We depend on your feedback.

As we prepare for next year, we look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the greater community.

On behalf of the Dixie Electric family, we hope you have a Merry Christmas!

by Randy Smith General Manager

from your friends at Dixie Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas.

Call 1-888-465-9209 or use the SmartHub app to report a power outage or emergency. Servicemen are on call.

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

Teaching Our Children About

Safety

Since the start of school, Dixie Electric personnel have visited numerous schools and pre-school programs to share about electrical safety. In addition, our personnel shared how electricity gets to their home and explained the equipment that a lineman uses and the different careers in the electric power industry.

Journeyman Lineman Charles Houpt speaks about wildlife our employees encounter to third graders at Petal Elementary.

Serviceman Ryan Boutwell reads the book “Lineman, the Unsung Hero” to children at Headstart of Petal.

Linemen help with restoration at Southern Pine Electric A group of Dixie Electric’s linemen went to Southern Pine Electric, headquartered in Taylorsville, on the morning of Oct. 27, 2019, to help with restoration efforts after Tropical Storm Olga struck.

The tropical storm caused more than 30,000 of Southern Pine’s members to lose electric service. Power restoration took three days.

Southern Pine, along with sister co-ops like Dixie Electric and utility contractors, repaired 101 light poles, 97 broken cross-arms and replaced 35 transformers.

Linemen traveling to Southern Pine were Le’Kilo White, Adron Presley, Matthew Spiers, Jack Payne, Jason Holder, Jacob Welch, Tanner Walker, Guy Shelton, Shawn Garner, Ben Blailock, Brian Barkley, Ford Turner and Payne Hanberry.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

by Lydia Walters

Owner Louise Wise saw a need for a home-cooking style restaurant in Waynesboro, Miss., so she and her husband, Todd, opened the Dinner Bell nine years ago.

“I like to cook, and I come from a family of excellent cooks, so I learned to cook at a very early age,” Wise said. “My recipes came from my family. My family wasn’t gourmet cooks; they were good Southern cooks.”

The Dinner Bell is located on Mississippi Drive in Waynesboro and serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays and Sunday lunch.

The lunch buffet menu changes daily with an array of Southern seasoned vegetables, famed fried and baked chicken, ribs, fried fish, delicious desserts and much more. “The desserts are always homemade. Everything here is homemade; we don’t have anything that is pre-made,” she said.

Wise says that she enjoys owning the restaurant because “I love my customers. I love seeing their faces each day

and talking to them.” She explained that she is grateful to own the Dinner Bell because God has blessed her with this business, and the restaurant has been busy since the day it opened.

“My customers come from a 100-mile radius, so I feel like our restaurant has blessed others,” Wise said.

The most popular foods that she and her staff prepare are fried and baked chicken, banana pudding, turnip greens and corn bread dressing.

“I think of corn bread dressing as a cool weather food, but they eat it year around, even when it’s 100 degrees,” she said with a smile.

Wise says that owning a restaurant is “very time consuming, so you have to be committed to it.” She is proud of her staff and their commitment to the restaurant.

Their commitment certainly shines through with one taste of the lunch buffet at the Dinner Bell. Visit them Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Mistake Cake Owner Louise Wise calls this her Mistake Cake because it was created when someone made a mistake in the kitchen.

1- box Betty Crocker Super Moist yellow cake mix Bake according to directions on the box. When done, poke holes all over the cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.

Icing recipe 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut 1-1/2 cup sugar

1-1/4 cup butter 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla flavor

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil for two minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and pour over cake. In small fry pan, combine 1/4 cup butter, pecans and coconut, stirring constantly. Toast until a golden brown. Spread evenly over cake.

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

Marinated String Beans 2 lbs frozen whole string beans One whole onion sliced 1 cup cooked crispy bacon pieces 2/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large baking dish, add beans, onions and bacon. Melt butter, add brown sugar, garlic powder, pepper and soy sauce. Mix well. Pour over beans. Make sure all beans are coated well. Cover and bake for one hour, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

Co-op Connections

Business Spotlight

Below is a list of businesses participating in the Co-op Connections program. Shop local this holiday season with your Co-op Connections card. Visit dixieepa.com for more information.

FOOD & DINING

SHOPPING

SERVICES

ENTERTAINMENT

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

4 Girls Boutique & Tanning 601 Graphics and Gear Allie’s on Magnolia Carters Jewelry of Petal City Home Center Epic Styles Fig Boutique Gatlins Building Supply Heart & Sole Boutique Let’s Make Something Fabric Shop MissBehavin Boutique Pink Anchor Plum Crazy Boutique Quarter Century Quinn Pharmacy & Gifts Rhinestone Ranch Boutique Rubies Home Furnishings Sass and Class Boutique Sassy Scrubs Sawmill Monogramming Six 0 One Boutique Southern Lace Boutique Southern Vinyl Blanks & More LLC Sue’s in Waynesboro The Boutique on Central The Cotton Boll Windy Hollow Farms & Nursery

A1 Graphics B & C Mobile Homes Break-A-Way RV and Auto Service C & C Specialties C & C Welding Failsafe Security H & S Construction Hall’s Welding Hands Construction Hoc2 The Wheel Shop Jensen Computer Technologies Jimmy Pearson Contracting Michael Jordan Construction, LLC Precision Quicklube Primerica, Inc. Simmons Painting & Washing SkyNet Tom Smith Land and Homes of Hattiesburg Vortek Pest Control

Country Lanes Entertainment

FLORIST & GIFTS Doris Tanner’s Flowers Four Seasons Florist Randall Blake Florist & Gifts Sweet Blossom

HEALTH & BEAUTY Ellis & Walters Dental Care Merle Norman Cosmetics Profiles - A Service of Women’s Pavilion of South MS Thompson’s Barber Shop Ward’s Pharmacy Wells Pharmacy

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Cooley serves members in Jones and Perry Counties Lucy Cooley of Ovett was elected as the new board member in District 1, serving members in southeast Jones County and Perry County.

“It is indeed an honor and a Lucy Cooley District 1 privilege to serve on the Board of Dixie Electric Power Association,” Director Lucy Cooley said. “I realize the important role I have as a board member, to meet the daily requirements in the service to all those whom the Association serves.

My personal goal as a board member is to work diligently and tirelessly with the other board members and all the personnel to enhance the quality of life and personal safety of the Dixie Electric family.”

Cooley believes the following statement and makes an effort to live it out in her daily life: “The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

She has lived this out as a teacher and high school counselor; she retired from the Jones County School District with more than 30 years of service. She is currently working part time as the counselor for the Jones County Learning Center (alternative school).

Cooley received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and earned a master’s degree in psychology and counseling both from William Carey University. She is a member of the Mississippi Professional Educators organization.

She is married to Tony Cooley and works part time at Landrum’s Homestead and Village. They have one daughter, Allison, and are members of Tiger Creek Baptist Church. Lucy enjoys arranging flowers and cooking.

Twelve-day giveaway

12 Days of Christmas 18 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

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

Wildgame Rival 22 MP Camera (value $90) Academy Gift Card (value $100) Instant Pot Duo 8 Quart (value $105) HomeLabs Portable Ice Maker (value $117) Healing Touch Day Spa Gift Card (value $125) Moultrie Pro Barrel Deer Feeder + 2 bags of corn (value $145) Bed, Bath & Beyond Gift Card (value $150) Outdoor Heater with Propane Bottle (value $155) Lowe’s Gift Card (value $200) Rumba Mopping Robot (value $320) Hitachi Roku TV 55-inch (value $352) Visa Gift Card (value $400)

First drawing will be Monday, December 2, and will continue each weekday until December 17.

Only 500 tickets will be sold.

Winning tickets will stay in the drawing, allowing the opportunity to win multiple days.

Winners will be announced each day on Facebook @DixieElectricMS. Sponsored by Dixie Electric Power Association.

Proceeds benefit local food pantries.

Contact your local Dixie Electric office to purchase a ticket.

Tickets are $25 each.

Buy four ticke ts for $100 and receive a fifth BONUS TICKE T!

100

excitement

Annual Meeting changes create

More than 5,000 members participated in Dixie Electric’s annual meeting by voting, submitting a proxy or attending­the annual membership meeting. To conduct business at the annual meeting, Dixie Electric needs 10 percent, or 3,000 members to participate.

More than 16 percent of the membership participated in the 2019 annual meeting.

Dixie Electric promised to donate to the Salvation Army’s Homeless Shelter for every vote cast in this year’s election, so a donation of $5,006 was made in honor of our members to the Salvation Army.

The annual meeting was held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019.

Lucy Cooley was elected to the board of directors in District 1.

Long-term Director Mike Shows from that district chose to retire

and not seek reelection. Sears Ward from District 5 was re-elected to his seat.

General Manager Randy Smith gave a brief overview of the cooperative, including information about capital credit retirement and the efforts made to study broadband service. He ended his presentation by honoring long-time board member Mike Shows with a commemorative framed photograph.

Members who voted or attended the annual meeting were entered into a drawing for either $250 or a $500 credit on their power bill. Those winners are list below.

Immediately following the annual meeting, the board of directors officially seated Lucy Cooley to the board of directors.

2019 Annual Meeting OVERALL WINNER ($500 BILL CREDIT) District 2

Jon E. Runnels, Petal

ONLINE WINNER ($250 BILL CREDIT) District 5

Reid Myrick, Laurel

prize winners

DISTRICT WINNERS ($250 BILL CREDITS EACH) District 1 Brittney L. Rowell, Ovett District 2 Jerry B. Bastine, Petal District 3 Larry W. Sanford, Seminary District 4 Charles D. McPeak, Laurel District 5 James E. Holder, Heidelberg District 6 Evergreen Baptist Church, Shubuta District 7 John R. Cooley III, Waynesboro DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 19

Merry and Bright MAY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON BE

Every year about this time our house becomes a hectic place filled with cleaning and preparing for our family members’ arrival. Besides our two adult sons, daughters-in-law and young grandson, the cousins from all around the country make the annual Thanksgiving trip to Meridian. This year we expect relatives from New York, St. Louis, Dallas, Houston, Richmond, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, Clinton, Birmingham and Atlanta. It is a fun time filled with remembrances of some who have gone to be with our Lord, excitement as we meet the new additions and celebration as we laugh with all and listen to what is happening in their lives.

Meals are planned and shared starting Wednesday night and going through the last day anyone is here. As the last relative heads home, we will put the Thanksgiving things away and begin the preparations for Christmas. While the crowd is smaller at Christmas, we still pour ourselves into the gifts, plans and meals we will enjoy with our immediate family members.

So why do we put so much planning into our holidays?

Planning ensures we do not have disappointments or distractions interfering with the things we enjoy doing with our family members over the holidays. The simple things, like where everyone will sleep and what will be served at each meal, ensure all our visitors enjoy their stay as much as we enjoy having them.

We also understand the importance of planning here at East Mississippi Electric Power Association. Planning provides direction in the facilities we build to meet our members’ electrical load requirements both individually and collectively

— all along the 5,700 miles of distribution lines we maintain.

Distribution system planning is a long-term process. It requires developing electrical load projections ten to 20 years into the future. These long-range plans are then broken down into construction work plans of about two to three years. The daily planning work that goes into making sure the lines are sufficiently maintained also ensures the holiday loads will be reliable and affordable to you, our members.

Throughout the holidays we will have dedicated employees ready to respond on a moment’s notice should the need arise. In years past, we have worked some of these Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days to restore service after storms or accidents. Our workforce planning process ensures we have educated and well-trained employees that not only design, build and maintain the system but can also restore service when it is interrupted. I have said many times that the cooperative family life is not just a job, it is a calling. Much like firemen and police officers, our employees run toward trouble when it happens.

So, as you enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season, know that EMEPA and our TEAM are well prepared and ready to provide the service needed to empower your lives.

by Randy Carroll CEO

Merry Christmas

from everyone at East Mississippi EPA

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 601-581-8600.

Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DEKALB — 601-743-2641 LOUISVILLE — 662-773-5741 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

MERIDIAN — 601-581-8600 QUITMAN — 601-776-6271

Delivering energy to empower lives

EMEPA TO RETIRE

$2.2 MILLION

IN CAPITAL CREDITS East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the retirement of capital credits for the year 1989 totaling $2,245,110.

Member-owned cooperatives, like EMEPA, are not-for-profit organizations, which are operated for the benefit of their members. As a not-for-profit cooperative, all funds not used to pay the wholesale power bill and operating expenses are invested in the facilities, as opposed to borrowing all the money needed for upgrades and growth.

EMEPA’s Board of Directors carefully analyze the financial health of the cooperative each year before approving a capital credit retirement. If approved, a portion of the capital credits are retired and returned to members and former members who contributed to margins in the given year.

This capital credit retirement reflects the members’ portion of the margins made and invested during that time period. This is just one way we are making a cooperative difference in service to you and our community.

If you have questions concerning this return, please call your local EMEPA office or visit EMEPA.com.

Thank you for your dedication With a combined total of 465 years of service to East Mississippi Electric Power Association and our 37,000+ members, the following employees celebrated service anniversaries in 2019. Thank you for your commitment to lighting east Mississippi.

5-Year Awards Kylie Cumberland Lorna Copeland Tina Weil Margaret Brewer Krystal Reynolds Chase Stamper 10-Year Awards Jason Gully Julie Boles Dusty Rigdon 15-Year Awards Caleb Ethridge Bruce Freeman Tim Covert Tommy McDade Michael Burton

Matt Hale Jimmy Andrews Matt Sampley 20-Year Awards Lee Roy Carpenter Randy Thornton 25-Year Awards Anthony Triplett 30-Year Awards Mike Chaney David Morris Zeb Jones Mark Robertson Brent Lofton 35-Year Awards Andy Robinson Betty Womack

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Local students participate in

Cooperative University

From a hands-on safety and “Life of a Lineman” demonstration to a guided tour of East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s (EMEPA) headquarters, 14 students from across east Mississippi recently experienced first hand what it means to be part of an electric cooperative. EMEPA hosted Cooperative University in October as part of its annual Youth Leadership Program.

From the group of 14, six students were selected based on an interview process and leadership skills observed throughout the event to represent EMEPA at a three-day Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson, coordinated by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM). At this event, the students will be met by 80 other students from across the state. The Workshop allows students the opportunity to take a closer look at our state government as well as participate in leadership-enhancing activities.

In June 2020, these six students will again represent EMEPA

on a seven-day, all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. This trip features visits to popular monuments and memorials as well as meetings with Mississippi’s senators and representatives.

“Our Youth Leadership Program is a tremendous opportunity for local students to see our political process first hand,” said EMEPA Director of Marketing and Communication Julie Boles.

“The goal of this program is to educate students about electric cooperatives and our state and national legislature and to encourage them to grow as leaders and get involved in their communities.”

Each school in EMEPA’s service area is given the opportunity to nominate one student from its junior class to participate in the program. The schools are encouraged to select the student based on academics, involvement in their school and community, natural leadership ability and a desire to further their skills in becoming future leaders.

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

The 2019-2020 Youth Leadership Program participants!

Front row (left to right): Wyatt Davidson, Lamar School; Jordan Gully, Kemper Academy; Jillian Lewis, Russell Christian Academy; Katie Lucas, Louisville High School; and Lauren Lewis, Clarkdale High School.* Back row (left to right): John Eric Herrington, West Lauderdale High School; Desarae Skinner, Southeast Lauderdale High School*; Jasmine Kelly, Grace Christian School*; Eden Smith, Enterprise High School; Katey Criddle, Quitman High School; Curry Black, Winston Academy*; Chevy Welborn, Noxapater Attendance Center; and Veshal Konnar, Northeast Lauderdale High School.* Not pictured: John Tabor Stokes, Nanih Waiya Attendance Center.* * Students selected to advance to the ECM Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson and the NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

e.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

It takes a village

We talk a lot about our efficiency goals here at 4-County, how we are always striving to do more with less. Last month, I talked about all the ways we are working on being efficient and noted that our success has allowed us to provide better service at lower rates.

This month, I’d like to talk about the people who make all this happen.

It’s the men and women here at 4-County whose hard work and dedication make everything we do possible. They are committed to you, our member owners, and that commitment is not something to take lightly.

Our linemen are the most obvious example. These men truly risk their lives every day to make sure our lights are on and we are not inconvenienced as we live our lives. They are the ones who work in difficult conditions, after hours and on weekends, to repair damage and restore power when it goes out.

Though, our linemen can’t do it alone. It takes many people to do what we do, as well as we do it. It takes our meter shop and the staff there that makes sure that the power members use is measured correctly and safely and that we get all the data we need to run our system. It takes the apparatus and substation crew to build and maintain the substations and devices used in the movement and supply of power. It takes our stakers, whose designs help our members tap into our distribution system. It takes our accounting department, who makes sure our bills are paid and who manages our finances so well. It takes our communication and marketing department to inform our members as to what’s happening and to tell them about our programs and services. It takes our information technology group to keep all our systems running and to implement the technology that makes us efficient. It takes human resources, who makes sure we are all happy, healthy and safe. It takes engineering, who

plans and operates our system. It takes our emobile staff and dispatchers, who make sure that our crews get to the right place at the right time. It takes our system arborists to manage our Right of Way program.

And it especially takes our customer service staff, who handles the hundreds of calls and issues that happen every day.

There is another group of folks that I need to brag on as well. Our 4-County families, who share their loved ones with us and support them in the work they do.

It takes all of us, working together, with the shared goal of making sure we do our best for our members, every day, all day. I am proud to work with each of the people at 4-County, especially of the passion they bring to their work.

We know that the work we do is effective for many reasons. First, we have internal grades and scores that we use to measure how successful our initiatives are.

Second, we ask you, our member owners, to let us know how we are doing. Twice a year we have a satisfaction survey done. In it, members are asked to rate us in several areas and we’ve been getting very good grades lately. In fact, from reliability to customer service, the scores we get from our members rank us with some of the best electric co-ops in the country.

We’re proud of the work we do, and it shows in our effort, our attitude and in our members’ feedback.

And of course, if there’s anything we can do for you, please let us know.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

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

Merry Christmas

from everyone at 4-County Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 662-327-8900.

Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

4-County Electric Power Association

Youth Tour delegates chosen

Webster’s Dictionary defines leadership, simply, to inspire my community and show them that as the capacity to lead. with perseverance, patience and prayer, they can A group of area high school juniors are bringing that overcome any limitations.” definition to life through their participation in the 4-County Littlejohn described herself as “overjoyed” to be a proYouth Leadership Program. gram winner. “I believe that the best leaders begin by being Thirteen young leaders from the 4-County service area, the best servants. I can hardly wait to see what this journey selected as winners to represent their schools, competed holds for me. Thank you, 4-County, for this amazing honor!” in the Youth Leadership Program Nov. 13 at the 4-County The 13 candidates competed for the opportunity to Corporate Center. win the expense-paid trips.

Three high school Nominated by his/her juniors were selected to high school, each student represent the cooperative completed an application at the 2020 Youth Leaderreflecting school and exship Workshop, sponsored tracurricular activities. The by the Electric Cooperaapplication also included tives of Mississippi, several short essay questions. in Jackson Feb. 26-28.

Judges affiliated with the Memory Shuffield, Electric Cooperatives of a student at Starkville Mississippi interviewed Academy, was the each of the 13 students at Katie Littlejohn Tomyah Smith Memory Shuffield first-place winner. Tomyah 4-County’s Corporate Center.

Smith, a student at Golden Triangle Early College High “All 13 candidates were truly outstanding,” said School, was the second-place winner. Katie Littlejohn 4-County’s Brad Barr, Youth Tour coordinator. “We are of French Camp Academy took home third-place honors. looking forward to Memory, Tomyah and Katie representing In addition to participating in the Youth Leadership us on local, state and national levels through this wonderful Workshop, they will travel to Washington, D.C., for the leadership development program.”

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Other students participating in the 4-County program were: Tour of the Capital, June 20-26.

Jacob Bandock, representing Columbus High School “I am beyond eager to learn more about how I can Liam Sanders, representing Heritage Academy improve my leadership skills to better our amazing Jeremiah Harris, representing West Lowndes High School community,” Shuffield said. “I am so thankful 4-County is Grace Massey, representing New Hope High School allowing me such a unique and tremendous opportunity.

Paityn Fulgham, representing Hebron Christian School I am also grateful for family, school and friends for being Kate Dickerson, representing Starkville High School so supportive. God deserves all the praise!”

Lily Barlow, representing Columbus Christian Academy Smith said she is also excited to participate in the Brady Reed, representing East Webster High School program. “I am elated to be a part of 4-County’s Youth William McCurry, representing Choctaw County High School Zachary Mord, representing Columbus Christian School Leadership Tour,” she added. “I will use this opportunity DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Crafting CHRISTMAS CHEER

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

by Brad Barr At 89, Bruce Hufford considers it engineer for Occidental Chemical (now a wasted day if he doesn’t accomplish Ekka Nobel), retiring in 1985. He continued something. Most often, the retired to work with the company as a contract engineer is on the lookout for fallen employee for many years. limbs near his home in Lowndes County.

A strong work ethic was developed in While most people see only a brush Hufford’s hometown in Pennsylvania, as pile, Hufford sees the potential within. he cycled his way through a paper route “I enjoy seeing something come out of in the small, farming community. He a limb,” Hufford said, piddling here and bought a truck at 16, converting it into there in his cozy shop in Columbus. an ice cream truck in the summer and Hufford cut his craftsman teeth as a a fish-mongering truck in the winter. youngster, carving the rich woods of maHufford has been married to his ple, hemlock, cedar and pine trees in his wife, Diana, for 70 years. They have native southeast Pennsylvania. And, while four children, eight grandchildren and the Pennsylvania Dutchman continues to 17 great grandchildren. And, yes, most carve, he has added a lathe to his arsenal of them have handcrafted ornaments of wood-working tools. The result? More from GrandDad. often than not, especially this time of He began making ornaments about year, he has a collection of rich, intricate three years ago. “That was a new challenge. I’m always looking for something wooden ornaments for his Christmas tree. new,” Hufford exMost of his woodworking practices plained. He has an involve cutting the office and adjoining wood, shaping it by workshop in his carving or with a lathe, home. And while he and lacquering it for is enjoying the lathe, smoothness. Many of Hufford continues to his intricate creations carve — surrounding are comprised of himself in his office different kinds of and shop with handcrafted birds, canwood, glued together dlesticks, caricatures to create diverse and a large variety patterns. Various objects are often of woodworking I enjoy seeing something tools and apparatus. woven into the design, come out of a limb. including golf balls Hufford paints and tennis balls. some of his carvings, He gets the largest while leaving others portion of his wood from brush piles here in their natural state. A Fellow in the and there. Walnut and oak are favorites.

Mississippi Craftsmen’s Guild, Hufford Dogwood is another target. “Any limbs sells some of his work and gives some two inches and up are fair game,” he said of it away. with a smile. What does he enjoy about His advice for aspiring woodworkers working with wood? “Everything,” he is simple: “Whatever you decide to do,” answered. “I like the smell of it. I like the he stressed, “make sure it’s something feel of it. It’s so versatile. You can do so you enjoy.” many things with it.”

When asked if relaxation plays into Hufford moved to Columbus in his choice of hobby, Hufford was quick 1962, after graduating from Penn State to reply. “I’m already relaxed,” he said University. He worked as a chemical with a laugh. ‘I just enjoy it.”

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Christmas sights, sounds & scents

The Christmas season is a time to energize the senses.

Enter someone’s home and you’re likely to inhale the rich, enticing fragrances of a variety of tasty Christmas treats.

The homes of 4-County employees (and the offices) are no different, as the cooperative has its own set of renowned homegrown cooks. With all due respect to Martha Stewart, the 4-County cooks are dishing up their own gift of recipes this year for all to enjoy. Here’s a sampling:

White Christmas Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a one-half sheet cake board. Set aside.

CAKE INGREDIENTS

1 cup sugar ¼ cup butter 2 eggs 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder ½ cup milk Cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add in the vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well.

Stir in the milk until batter is smooth. Bake 30 to 40 minutes.

C A K E D E C O R AT I O N S

If you do not have a Christmas tree pan, cut the cake in a Christmas tree shape to fit a half sheet cake pan. To frost the cake, you will need green food coloring or green icing color. Smooth the frosting on the cake. Butter cream frosting is recommend for cake decorations.

(Wanda Bledsoe, Corporate Center)

Christmas Toys for Tots makes a little brighter

Employees and members of 4-County Electric Power Association have the chance to make Christmas a little better and brighter for area children by taking part in the Toys for Tots program.

Toys for Tots, a charitable organization offered through the U.S. Marine Corps, has partnered with 4-County the last seven holiday seasons. Last year, employees and members dug deep and collected nearly 300 toys for distribution in 4-County’s service territory.

“This is a great Christmas project,” said 4-County Communications Coordinator Brad Barr. “We’re always excited to partner with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots project.

18 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

Last year, the cooperative and its members made Christmas an even better experience for children in our service area. A lot of children identified by Toys for Tots wouldn’t have the same Christmas experience without the help of this charitable organization and organizations like 4-County.”

Toys for Tots drop-off boxes are located in 4-County offices. Participants in this project are not required to donate toys for children of a specific age or gender. “All we ask is that you drop off a new toy in one of the boxes located in an office near you,” Barr explained.

The deadline for dropping off toys is December 18. Toys for Tots

4-County CEO Brian Clark participates in last year’s Toys for Tots campaign.

Drop-off boxes are in 4-County offices this month.

personnel will pick up the items by the end of that day.

Call Brad Barr at 1-800-431-1544 for more information about the Toys for Tots project.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Chris Benson is a traveling man

From November to July, Chris Benson and his family often spend their weeknights and weekends traveling the roads and highways of north Mississippi.

He can probably create his own map of that well-traveled area from memory, the 4-County Electric Power Association meter technician said with a laugh. “During that time, we stay on the road,” Benson said.

“That’s where we are right now in our lives, chasing kids and watching them grow up. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Originally from Aberdeen, Chris (also a certified journeyman lineman) lives in Hamilton with his wife, Victoria, and their children, Drenon, 14, and Elaina Grace, 11.

When they’re not playing ball, the Benson family can often be found on a nearby river. Skiing, knee boarding, tubing. They’re all on the menu for the spring and summer months. “It’s a good family and friends kind of thing,” Chris explained. “It’s relaxing, and there’s something there for everyone to do and enjoy.” In the winter, the Benson crew can be found in the woods, looking for that trophy buck.

Peace and quiet and being in a striking southern landscape are the main motivations. “We get to see all the

beautiful things God has made,” Chris said, “and we can do it as a family.”

Chris began working at 4-County in May 2006. Prior to that, he was employed as a lineman with the City of Aberdeen. He studied electrical technology at Itawamba Community College.

His 4-County journey started as an apprentice lineman on Harold Tallent’s Corporate Center crew. He became a journeyman lineman in 2011, and he began working as a meter technician in February.

A member of the Safety Committee, Chris and his family attend Christian Chapel Church of Christ in Hatley. His time as a lineman was rewarding, and a challenge — something that not everyone can do, he explained. “There’s a certain amount of pride involved with it.”

Working in the meter shop is very technical, he said. He programs, tests, installs and troubleshoots electric meters and associated equipment.

“There’s a careful, step-by-step process we have to follow when we test the meters,” Chris added.

4-County is a great place to work — a home away from home, he said.

“There’s prestige working at 4-County.

It’s a big family. And there are opportunities to grow and develop.”

Give the gift of safety this Christmas season Shopping, decorating and holiday entertaining are all part of what makes the Christmas season a cherished time for family and friends. But make sure to put safety at the top of your to-do-list.

Here are a few electrical safety tips to make sure your Christmas season is a good one: • Always purchase electrical decorations and lights from reputable retailers and check that a nationally recognized testing organization like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has approved them, according to 4-County Job Safety and Training Coordinator Joe Miller. “Inspect electrical decorations for damage, such as cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires and loose connections, before use,” Miller recommended. Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights together, he stressed. And always remember to turn off, unplug and extinguish all decorations when going to sleep or leaving the house.

• Christmas, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day lead the year for candle fires, according to officials with Electrical Safety Foundation International. Mind your festive decorations for safety hazards.

1. When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree will stay green longer, reducing the risk of fire.

2. On artificial trees, look for a “fire resistant” label.

3. Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach, and never leave children unsupervised when candles are lit.

Visit www.holidaysafety.org for more information.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 19

MEP Contact Information: P: 3027 Highway 98 West • Summit, MS 39666 M: P.O. Box 747 • McComb, MS 39649

TO REPORT OUTAGES:

601-684-4011 Visit us online at www.MEPCoop.com Follow us on FaceBook and Twitter

Pay by Phone: 1-877-779-7740

MAY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON BE

Merry and Bright

The holidays are a time of year that many of us eagerly anticipate. The season is marked by special foods, decorations and lots of festivities. Right here in our local area, we look forward to the annual Christmas parades, downtown tree lighting and the opportunity to shop at our locally owned businesses.

We cherish carrying on old family traditions and enjoy creating new ones. We look forward to more time spent with family and friends.

In spite of all the hustle and bustle of the season, the holidays can also offer an opportunity to slow down and reflect. For all of us at Magnolia Electric Power, we are grateful for you, the members of the co-op.

You see, one of our founding principles as a co-op is “Concern for Community.” While our main focus is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we also want to give back. We want to help our community thrive.

Reflection In looking back at this past year, we’re grateful that we were able to make a positive impact in the community.

Through programs such as Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army food pantry, we are making strides to make the holidays brighter for our communities.

We were also grateful for the opportunity to partner with local schools to raise awareness of the importance of electrical safety. This year, we visited with hundreds of students, teaching them about electrical safety.

We are always willing to help the community, and we want you to know we’re here to listen.

Looking Ahead Looking ahead to 2020, we hope you will share your opinions with us. We recognize that our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we continually seek your input. Whether through community events, our social media channels or the annual meeting, we want to hear from you. We depend on your feedback.

As we prepare for next year, we look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the greater community. On behalf of the Magnolia Electric Power family, we hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Magnolia Electric Power

Our business office will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas.

Call 601-684-4011 or use the SmartHub app to report a power outage or emergency. Linemen are on call.

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

COMPETITION TOUGH, FOUR LEADERS HONORED

by Lucy Shell In a two-day competition that began with Cooperative University and concluded with an interview session, four students from 38 high school juniors were chosen to represent Magnolia Electric Power in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson in February 2020 and the National Youth Leadership trip to Washington, D.C. in June 2020.

Forty students were invited to attend the local competition.

After the first day, at Cooperative University where the students were judged on leadership skills, 18 students moved forward in the competition to the interview round.

The 40 nominees who began the competition were selected by their school counselors from the schools in the Magnolia Electric Power service area,” said Lucy Shell, Magnolia Electric Manager of Member Services and Communications.“Fifty percent of the participant’s score comes from Cooperative University and the other 50 percent comes from their interview held the second day.”

Following the interview process, four students were selected to attend the Leadership Workshop in Jackson and the trip to Washington, D.C. The top four choices by the judges over the two day period were: Hannah Kinnison of Brookhaven High School; Madison Stringer of Parklane Academy; Kathryn Johnson, Home-educated; and Alli Simmons of Parklane Academy. Kinnison, Stringer,

Johnson and Simmons will represent Magnolia Electric Power on both trips and have a chance to compete to be a delegate for the National Youth Leadership Council and win a $1,000 scholarship.

During the state youth workshop, students will tour the Mississippi State Capitol, meet with legislators and visit the legislative galleries where they will see debates on legislation. They will learn about electric cooperatives, hear dynamic speakers and take part in several group exercises aimed at building cooperation, trust and leadership skills. Kinnison, Stringer, Johnson and Simmons will then travel to Washington, D.C. in June to tour the nation’s capital.

A nominee is chosen by their school counselor based on leadership qualities and community service. Also, a nominee’s parents or guardians must be a member of Magnolia Electric Power.

Shell added, “Each year, we tell our nominees that they should know that they are already winners when they come in the door because they were chosen by their schools as leaders in their communities. Their dedication and commitment to make the world better is already being noticed.”

Hannah Kinnison Brookhaven H.S.

Madison Stringer Parklane Academy

Kathryn Johnson Home-educated

Alli Simmons Parklane Academy

Noah Addison West Lincoln H.S.

Brady Battle Lawrence County H.S.

Josh Brown Brookhaven H.S.

Brookleigh Brumfield North Pike H.S.

Hunter Daley Lawrence County H.S.

Bracey DiGiovanni Columbia Academy

Abigail Ellison North Pike H.S.

Cooper Moak West Lincoln H.S.

Dylan Martin Lawrence County H.S.

Niyah Osby South Pike H.S.

Abigayl Thomas Amite County H.S.

Emme Wallace Parklane Academy

Kayne Willie Hunter Wheat Salem H.S. Brookhaven H.S. DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

COOPERATIVES UNIVERSITY:

A time to learn about

LEADERSHIP AND THE COOPERATIVE BUSINESS MODEL

by Lucy Shell The 2019 Magnolia Electric Power Youth Leadership Program saw the biggest group of students ever to compete for a trip to a leadership workshop in Jackson and a week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The MEP Youth Leadership Program invited 40 nominees to compete from across our service area. Thirty-eight students, along with their parents and a few school officials, attended the workshop.

“With the additional space at our new headquarters, we have been able to invite more students to come in and participate the last couple of years,” said Member Services Director Lucy Shell. “The program seems to be growing and we hope it continues to grow.”

Cooperative University is a one-day event which included: A Youth Tour overview, Magnolia Electric Power overview, Meet a Lineman, past Youth Leadership winners, a get-to-know-you session and a talk from state legislators.

“We also included a leadership learning session on how electricity gets to your home with our ‘Generation and Transmission’ talk followed by a hands-on demonstration,” explained

Shell. “The program is geared to teach the future leaders of our numerous local communities a little bit about the cooperative business model and work on some of their leadership skills even at this first level,” Shell said. “We try to bring education along with fun leadership games to the students who attend. We were excited to have six of our state legislators take time from their busy schedules to come and talk with our students. The students listened as Senator Sally Doty and Representatives Angela Cockerham, Becky Currie, Vince Mangold, Sam Mimms and Bill Piggott spoke to them and then gave them a question and answer time.”

The group had lunch, which was followed by more leadership training, a chance to ‘Meet a Lineman’ and then a tour of our new Operations Department and a chance to see MEP’s newest technology.

Magnolia Electric Power General Manager Darrell Smith is also an active participant in Cooperative University.

“I look forward each year to discussing the history and purpose of Magnolia Electric Power with the students,” said Smith. “I enjoy and appreciate their genuine interest and thoughtful input. They are at the top of their class and show

Students with Sen. Sally Doty, Rep. Becky Currie, Rep. Bill Piggott, Rep. Vince Mangold, Rep. Angela Cockerham and Rep. Sam Mimms.

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

great potential to lead Mississippi into the future.”

Other speakers included: Shell; 35+ year employee, Lineman/Serviceman Tony Martin; Manager of Operations and Engineering Aaron Achord; Cooperative Energy representative Tonya Williamson; the past youth leadership winners, Abby Burris, Carley Craig, Amia Miller and Baleigh Brumfield; and Elissa Fulton, Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

Those who qualified to attend Cooperative University were: Amite County High School, Abigayl Thomas, Liyah Burris; Amite School Center, Jesse Mellinger, Melanie Parsons; Bogue Chitto High School, Julianna Frazier, Gracie Guynes, Kylie Windmiller; Brookhaven Academy, Makayla Martin; Brookhaven High School, Hannah Kinnison, Hunter Wheat, Josh Brown; Columbia Academy, Bracey DiGiovanni, Ina Parker; Enterprise High School, Kadence Regouffre, Kaylee Price, Hib Johnson; Franklin County High School, Alexis Berryhill, Ethan Martin; Home-Schooled, Kathryn Johnson; Lawrence County High School, Ana-Katherine Boyd, Brady Battle, Dylan Martin, Hunter Daley; McComb High School, LaNia Bates, Nola Dunaway; New Bethel Christian School, Katelyn Fugate, Noah Massengale; North Pike High School, Brookleigh Brumfield, Madison Weber, Abigail Ellison; Parklane Academy, Emme Wallace, Alli Simmons, Madison Stringer; Salem High School, Ashley Allen, Kayne Willie; South Pike High School, Jada Martin, Niyah Osby; Tylertown High School, Syd Montgomery; and West Lincoln High School, Cooper Moak, Noah Addison.

Parents of the school nominee and counselors/ officials are also invited to attend the day and many of the parents come and learn at the eventtoo.

The students were judged during the Cooperative University and at the conclusion of the event, 18 students moved forward in the competition to the interview round.

Building an electric grid out of pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks.

A demonstration on how electricity flows is highlighted.

Emme Wallace and Alli Simmons proudly hold up the Aluminum #4 ACSR wire they were able to “cut” through during the Meet a Lineman demonstration.

Manager of Engineering and Operations Aaron Achord answered a question participant Noah Addison had about the flow of electricity, while Judge Chris Blackwell looked on in the background.

“The program is geared to teach the future leaders of our numerous local communities a little bit about the cooperative business model and work on some of their leadership skills even at this first level.” — Lucy Shell, Manager of Member Services DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Merry and Bright MAY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON BE

The holidays are a time of year that many of us eagerly anticipate. The season is marked by special foods, seasonal decorations and lots of festivities. We look forward to the annual holiday events right here in our communities.

We cherish carrying on old family traditions and enjoy creating new ones, and we look forward to more time spent with family and friends.

However, given the hustle and bustle of the season, the holidays can also offer an opportunity to slow down and reflect. For all of us at Monroe County Electric Power Association, we are grateful for you, the members of the co-op.

You see, one of our founding principles as a co-op

is “Concern for Community.” While our main focus is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we want to give back. We want to help our community thrive.

Looking ahead Looking ahead to 2020, we hope you will share your opinions with us. We recognize that our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we continually seek your input. We are led by you — the members of the co-op — and we depend on your feedback.

As we prepare for next year, we look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the greater community.

On behalf of the Monroe County Electric family, we hope your holidays are indeed merry and bright!

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Monroe County Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. Call 662-256-2962 in case of a power outage or emergency.

Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

AMORY – P.O. BOX 300 • 601 North Main Street • AMORY, MS 38821 CALEDONIA – 746 MAIN STREET • CALEDONIA, MS 39740

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

662-256-2962 662-356-4100

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for Broadband

PLEASE CHECK YOUR MAILBOX and be on the lookout for our broadband ballot.

It will be important for our members to vote on the proposed amendment to the Charter and Articles and Certificate of Incorporation if we are to move forward in providing internet access for our members.

This is a sample of what the ballot will look like.

Please be sure to vote, sign and mail back in the pre-postaged envelope.

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

Keep away from heat

Examine cords

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

Inspect lights

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage.

Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

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

Trim the stump Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees.

Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662-895-2151. www.northcentralepa.com

NorthcentralEPA/

@NorthcentralEPA

@northcentralepa

The Rural Act will protect tax status for co-ops I’m happy that you discovered December’s issue of Today in Mississippi in a mailbox filled with Christmas cards and sales flyers.

During this fun, but hectic time, I hope we are all able to reflect Kevin Doddridge on those that we are so General Manager/CEO thankful for. I am always most thankful for my family and church that surround me, as these are the things that I treasure most.

Other things also come to mind. The morning of October 26 saw an impromptu tropical storm named Olga combine with a

front to deliver a damaging weather event throughout Mississippi. I’m thankful that Northcentral was unscathed, but equally thankful that we had crews committed to the cooperative principal of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives.” Northcentral crews worked throughout central and northeast Mississippi over the next week to help our sister cooperatives restore power. We are also all thankful that our co-workers returned uninjured, which is a tribute to them and their training, especially when you see their working conditions.

As the Mississippi cooperatives look to apply for federal grants to offset costs of storm restoration, I am thankful for those working in Washington to see that these

grants don’t jeopardize our not-for-profit tax exempt status. We are combining our efforts with other electric cooperatives throughout the nation to pass The Rural Act. This is legislation that would correct recent changes to our tax code that threaten our tax exempt status if FEMA grants for storm restoration or federal grants for high speed internet deployment are received.

As I reflect on 2019 I’m reminded of the Tennessee Williams quote, “Life is a Memory.” However, as I look forward to 2020 I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that your member-owned electric cooperative faces.

Historical vote at the 69th Annual Meeting of the membership

by Michael Bellipanni The Annual Meeting of the members of Northcentral Electric Power Association was held in the Northcentral Auditorium on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at 2:00 p.m.

Forty-two members were in attendance as Board President Pat Woods called the meeting to order. An invocation was given

by Reverend Terrance Pittman from Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Board Attorney James Woods facilitated the business meeting after verifying that a quorum was present with Elections and Credentials Committee Chair, Rita Hobbs.

General Manager and CEO Kevin Doddridge gave his annual report to the membership, which included a review of the Association’s financial statements and comments on the accomplishments made 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

by the cooperative over the past year.

A new business agenda item was brought before the membership which was to consider and vote upon amendments to the Charter of Incorporation, as approved by the board of directors. Those amendments approved are as follows: • To change the name of the corporation to Northcentral Electric Cooperative • To remove Panola County from our certificated area and add Lafayette County.

These areas have changed since our formation in 1950. To also correctly spell DeSoto County • To change the location of the principal office from Senatobia, Mississippi to Olive Branch, Mississippi • To make the period of duration of the Association perpetual

• To permit the Association to perform any and all acts permissible for electric power associations under the Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act of 2019 Three director seats were up for election this year. Phil Lachaussee of District 3, Jerry Nichols of District 5 and Joan Childress of District 7 were all uncontested and re-elected by a vote of the membership as reported by Chairperson Hobbs.

Three Northcentral members were drawn to receive utility bill credits as door prizes.

Members must participate in the voting process to be eligible. Albert Cowan was drawn for a $50 Northcentral credit, while Michael Plunk received $100 credit towards his bill. The grand prize recipient was Connie Britt who won a $500 credit on her Northcentral account.

MAY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON BE

Merry and Bright HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS December 5 — 7:00 p.m. — Olive Branch City Hall Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House at The Wesson House December 6–8 — 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

— Longview Heights Baptist Church “Bethlehem and Beyond” Drive-thru Nativity; 4501 Goodman Rd, Olive Branch December 7 — 2:00 p.m. — 43rd Annual Olive Branch Christmas Parade • Visit olivebranchms.com for more information.

December 9 — 6:30 p.m. — 39th Annual Southaven Christmas Parade of Lights • Visit southavenchamber.com for more information.

December 21 — 5:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. — Byhalia’s Winter Wonderland • Byhalia High School, 278 Hwy 309, Byhalia • Ice skating, local food vendors, and plenty of holiday fun for the family!

December 1-30 — City of Southaven’s Southern Lights • Central Park, 7651 Tchulahoma Road, Southaven • Closed on Christmas Day December 13-22 — DeSoto Family Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” • Visit dftonline.org for tickets.

Merry Christmas

from your friends at Northcentral Electric

Our offices will be closed at 3:00 p.m. December 23 and all day December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 1-800-325-8925.

Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

e t a u d a r G t s r Fi

Northcentral Electric lineman is Mississippi’s

of new Apprentice Lineman training program

by Justin Jaggers Occasionally, you will hear an inspirational story when it comes to the celebration of a new career.

However, that’s not the case for Jody Morgan, the first graduate of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Apprentice Lineman Training Program. He’ll tell you himself, “I just needed a job. It was a job opportunity, and I just took it,” said Morgan.

Straight out of college with a bachelor’s degree in sports management, Morgan decided to apply at Northcentral Electric in March 2013. “I started out as a ground man for a year and then began the apprenticeship program.”

In February 2019, Morgan completed the Apprentice Lineman Program and was promoted to journeyman lineman.

The new program requires applicants to complete a five-year educational curriculum while on the job. Apprentices in the program work in the field while balancing educational courses and periodic testing.

“It is a five-year commitment for somebody who is hired off the street and has no experience,” said J.D. Cox, director of safety and loss control at Northcentral Electric. “Once they successfully complete that first year as a groundman, then they actually enter into the apprenticeship program.”

While training to become a lineman requires learning technical skills, education is a big component, and each apprentice can expect to be tested both in the field and in a classroom. Cox added, “Each year of the apprenticeship has six workbooks.

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

Essentially, they have a month to complete the workbook and then a month to study and complete a test. At the end of every year, they then take a comprehensive test on those six books for the year.”

If apprentices are struggling in any area of their training, they can request some one-on-one time with their foreman or manager.

The management and board at Northcentral Electric believe that the time it takes to complete the nationally recognized program is worth the five-year investment in their employees. CEO Kevin Doddridge was sold on the program from the beginning and pushed Northcentral Electric to be one of the first cooperatives in the state to enroll in the program.

“Consistency in training and safety practices across the state and even nationally helps to ensure that our folks are working with the same procedures,” said Doddridge. “That gives us a level of comfort when sending crews to help other cooperatives in storm restoration.”

Cox added, “There’s really a lot to it. Years ago, you just learned from what your boss told you to do. You really weren’t familiar with the ‘why’ of the job. But we’ve really come full circle; we want our linemen to really understand. They must pay attention and ask questions. We want our linemen to understand every aspect of the job. It not only benefits the member, but it also fosters a safer environment for employees.”

Since his start in the apprentice training program with Northcentral Electric, Morgan has advanced from a novice to a lineman capable of leading others. When asked about his experience, he laughed and said, “I’ve learned a lot in five years. When I started, it was just a pole and some wires, and I didn’t have a clue about any of it. But now, the apprenticeship teaches you every little detail of it: from how it all works, to how to build it and how to maintain it.”

Five years may seem like a long time for on-the-job training. It takes one year longer to complete than most bachelor’s degrees, but it has big advantages.

Morgan has a four-year degree in sports management, but he will be the first to admit, “I would still be new to the game with any degree. This program allows me to know everything that I’m going to encounter with no surprises. My college degree showed me what to expect. But I could work for four years with that education and still not encounter every challenge I would face.”

The apprenticeship program is comprehensive to everything a lineman would face in the field. Cox said, “It allows for a smarter and more prepared workforce. That’s what we need when the lights go out.”

Morgan and his family were recently honored at Northcentral Electric’s annual Safety Day celebration. Morgan was presented with his completion certificate and plaque in front of nearly 100 co-workers and board members.

His parents, along with his wife, Rachel, and son, John Lawson, were all in attendance. It was not only a proud moment for Morgan’s family, but also his Northcentral Electric family.

“What started as a just a job became the beginnings of a lifelong career,” Morgan said, “It’s become a passion.

It’s something that I just love to do.”

A lot happened in those five years for him; and not just in the career. Morgan started working with Northcentral Electric in 2013, was married in 2014 and he and his wife had their son in 2017. It takes discipline to balance the education of the program, the work in the field and time for the family. According to Cox and the other managers at Northcentral Electric, Morgan is a natural leader.

“Some people are just born to do certain things,” said Cox. All of us have a certain skill set and God-given abilities.

Jody was meant to be a lineman and that was evident from the moment he got here. He works alongside the other apprentices every day. He passes down what he’s learned and the knowledge that he has to the people that are coming up behind him. For us, that’s what it’s all about; that continuation

of knowledge to specifically meet the needs of our members.”

So, what’s next for Jody Morgan?

Cox said, “Jody can have a great career for the next 30 years and will only be limited by his own goals and drive. It’s going to be a pleasure to see what he does here.”

For any Northcentral member that see our linemen out in the field, rest assured that they’ve been properly trained and have the knowledge to get the job done the right way and as safely as possible.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Pathways2Possibilities opens students’ eyes to different career paths

by Justin Jaggers Roughly 3,000 students flooded the floors of the Landers Center October 22 and 23 to visit with businesses looking to strengthen North Mississippi’s workforce.

The businesses aren’t looking for the traditional college graduates; they’re touting careers in technical fields. Businesses in the fields of energy, tourism and hospitality, finance, law enforcement, health sciences, engineering, manufacturing and transportation and logistics brought demonstrations, experts and even free giveaways to attract students who may be looking for careers right out of high school.

“We want students to know what work is available for them right here in North Mississippi,” said Bryant Henley with the DeSoto County Economic Development Council.

This was the second consecutive year for Pathways2Possibilities in DeSoto County. Eighth graders from across the county were able to explore careers and learn about the requirements to obtain them.

On the second day, a smaller crowd of

seniors was able to spend some one-onone time with these businesses to understand what they need to know to start their careers.

Each pathway featured statistics and careers associated with each field and their salary ranges. Each visitor was able to ask questions of employees working in these fields and even put their hands on some of their everyday equipment. The hands-on component is a popular and necessary feature of the career fair.

3D printers, mechanical arms and virtual

reality machines provided students with a look into the everyday life of these careers. Students were able to use personal protective gear and hot sticks to demonstrate what they would need to work on underground and overhead electricity at the Northcentral booth.

The next Pathways2Possibilities event is set for Fall 2020. Call Bryant Henley at 662-429-4414 if you’re interested in becoming involved as an exhibitor or sponsor.

Journeyman Lineman Jody Morgan shows a student the appropriate safe distance when working on underground electricity.

Safety Coordinator Joel Barrett shows a student the importance of insulation while working on overhead electrical lines.

Students learn the dexterity required while using personal protective equipment.

18 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

CHEESE STRAW A good business idea leaves a lasting legacy for Yerger family

by Elissa Fulton more years before retiring for good, with her sons assuming Most of us wish for that one good business idea — the idea ownership of the business. Hunter now serves as president that will put us on the map. When a decades long career in food and CEO and oversees planning, marketing, product developservice was winding down, Mary Margaret Yerger knew she had ment and business aspects while Robbie, vice president and a good idea that could put her on the map. She had worked in general manager, oversees the day-to-day production and school cafeteria food service for many years and was responsible operations. for feeding more than 5,000 students in Yazoo City every day.

After Yerger lost her husband, she had to support her five Today, from their 35,000-square-foot location on Eighth Street, young children. She began working as cafeteria manager for the company manufactures a variety of cheese straws and Saint Clara’s Catholic School, and after a number of years, moved flavored cookie straws, as well as baked goods for large brands to the public school system as distributed all across the United food service supervisor. She States. The company ships to and maintained a catering business sells products in all 50 states. in addition to her day job. One of

This year, the company was her signature party items was her invited to represent the State of delicious cheese straws.

Mississippi at the White House for In 1989, Yerger had the idea to the annual “Made in America” start a business selling her cheese product showcase and met Vice straws as a retirement project and President Mike Pence. The exhibiasked two of her sons, Hunter and tors were able to listen to a speech Robbie, to join her. They went to from President Donald Trump and work researching, creating a watch as he signed an executive business plan and finding the order mandating a higher percentappropriate commercial grade age of “Made in America” products equipment. And Mississippi for federal procurement.

Cheese Straw Factory was born!

“This was such a fantastic expe“Made in America” showcase at the White House. Robbie and While the first year was challeng- Hunter Yerger visits with Vice President Mike Pence. rience,” said Hunter. “We are truly ing, the family was making sales honored to have been a part of this and cheese straws out of Mrs. Yerger’s kitchen by November 1991. once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent our company and our “The first person we made contact with was Carol Daily who at state. We have been truly blessed and gratified, especially to the that time owned Everyday Gourmet in Jackson, and she bought people of Mississippi, to have been able to bring mother’s idea to the first production,” said Hunter. “After that, we began to sell to life. We’ve learned many things along the way and are truly just a gift and drug stores primarily in the Mississippi area. In that first 28-year overnight success.” two-month period during the Christmas season, we sold nearly Mississippi Cheese Straw Factory products are bringing joy to $100,000 worth of cheese straws we made in mother’s kitchen.” consumers across the state and beyond, thanks to a good idea, Within a few months, as sales flourished, the Yergers moved a long-term vision and years of hard work. the business into a 400-square-foot building near Mrs. Yerger’s home, and within another year to downtown Yazoo City where they built their first production plant. Mrs. Yerger worked a few Visit www.cheesestrawfactory.com for more information.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 19

LOCAL STUDENTS SELECTED FOR

Youth Leadership Program

Three local high school juniors will represent Pearl River Stephen Barnes of Columbia. In late February, Hagen, Valley Electric this year in the Electric Cooperatives of Marlie and Jeremiah will join more than 80 other students Mississippi Youth Leadership Program. Marlie Barnes and from around the state in Jackson for the 34th Annual Hagen Bracey of Columbia Academy, and Jeremiah Jackson, Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop, where they will who is home educated, are the winners of this year’s essay/ meet with legislators and take part in a variety of leadership interview contest. As a result, each student earns the training sessions. They will also meet up with thousands opportunity to participate in a leadership conference in of other students from around the country in June to Jackson and a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., this summer. attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Pearl River Valley Youth Tour in Washington.

Electric selects the There, they will have winners from essays opportunities to meet their submitted by students Congressmen, tour the throughout its 12-county U.S. Capitol and do lots service area, and then of other sightseeing.

Thirteen other area high through interviews with the finalists. This year’s school juniors were finalists in this year’s contest: essay topic required Kristianna Day of East students to discuss how Marion High School; Tuscany PRVEPA and other elecMarlie Barnes Hagen Bracey Jeremiah Jackson Schweitzer of West Marion tric cooperatives around the country have been a benefit to members since being orHigh School; Ryder Evans of Purvis High School; Lamar ganized 80 or more years ago, as well as how they continue Christian School’s Michelle Allmon; Kristen Gay, Olivia Adams, Katie Price, Maddie Claire Sauls, Drake to serve members and the communities where they live.

Hagen is the grandson of Linda and Buddy Bracey of Arrington and James Ragan of Columbia Academy; and Sandy Hook. Jeremiah is the son of Debra and Ed Jackson Presbyterian Christian School students Jackson Pecunia, of Wiggins, while Marlie is the daughter of Wendy and Joseph Goodwin and Benjamin Barbieri.

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Pearl River Valley Electric

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

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. Dispatchers will be on duty.

To pay bills or report outages:

855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

Columbia: 601-736-2666 Hattiesburg: 601-264-2458 Purvis: 601-794-8051 Wiggins: 601-928-7277

(Photo courtesy of PRCC Public Relations)

Round Up for Education scholarship winners Recipients of Round Up for Education scholarships at Pearl River Community College (PRCC) were on hand at a reception in November for a ceremonial check presentation from Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association General Manager Randy Wallace to PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood.

A total of 214 students who live in PRVEPA’s 12-county service area received awards for the fall 2019 semester, including 127 at PRCC. Round Up for Education scholarships also went to 26

students attending Jones County Junior College this year and 44 students at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, as well as 17 students attending nine other Mississippi community colleges. Each student received $500.

Thank you to all the members who are supporting the Round Up program and helping to improve the quality of life for everyone living in the communities we serve. After seven years, nearly 1,500 students have received a total of more than $1.2 million in scholarships.

Tropical Storm Olga caused major outages in October Pearl River Valley Electric workers were faced with unexpected system-wide outages after the remnants of Tropical Storm Olga passed through the state in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 26. Ultimately, more than 18,000 members lost service in the wake of heavy rain and wind gusts that followed several days of ground-saturating rainfall.

All districts in the Association’s 12-county service area were affected.

PRVEPA crews, assisted by several contractor crews, worked steadily through Saturday restoring service. Numerous trees were knocked down by the storm, pulling down lines and snapping poles.

Several transmission lines from Cooperative Energy were also damaged, causing outages to substations at Goss and Oakvale.

Those substations were both re-energized around noon Saturday. After working until nearly 11 p.m. that night, all but about 2,000 members had their service restored.

All crews were back in the field — mainly in the Columbia district — at daybreak Sunday morning and had virtually all members restored by early afternoon.

“This was similar to some hurricane situations we’ve experienced, in terms of drenching rains followed by steady, heavy winds,” said Kurt Brautigam, manager of member services.

“Many trees in our region cannot stand up to such conditions, so restoring service became a long process of finding isolated damage and making repairs, often in remote areas. Even after our primary assessment at the beginning of Saturday, new areas of damage were located throughout the day.

Overall, Saturday was long and tiring, but the crews made significant progress.

“Sunday was spent reaching the remaining, most isolated areas and responding to members who had to make repairs to their homes. We very much appreciate the patience and support of our members during this time. And I commend all of our employees, who worked very long hours to ensure that our members were restored to service as quickly as possible.”

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Local churches celebrate milestones

Pontotoc Electric Power Association General Manager Chuck Howell believes in celebrating significant milestones in the faith communities we serve. Howell researches the local papers for announcements of church anniversary events and provides those churches with a tastefullyframed copy of their electric membership certificate courtesy of Pontotoc Electric.

Howell said the certificates have been well received.

“All of the significant church anniversaries which I have attended usually include a time of reviewing the church’s rich history. Bringing electricity to the church’s physical facilities plays an important role in the church’s history, at first providing electric lights and later electric air conditioning and sound systems. As churches began to receive electric service in the 1930s and 1940s, both during and following the years of the Great Depression, I must believe that investing the time and money to provide wiring

Antioch Baptist Church

to the church building would have been a heavily discussed subject at business meetings. Therefore, bringing electricity to the church facilities is very much a part of a church’s history.”

He said he enjoys the opportunity to meet and visit with members and provide them with a little bit of history as it relates to the addition of electricity to enhance their facilities. On a lighter note, Howell further stated, “As an additional blessing, I can’t recall that I have ever gone away hungry from the ‘dinner on the grounds’ that usually follows these anniversary events.”

Pontotoc Electric congratulates the churches who have celebrated significant anniversaries and appreciates them allowing us to be a small part of these joyous occasions.

Although several more certificates have been presented over the past few years, shown in the photographs below are some of the most recent presentations.

East Baptist Church

McDonald Methodist Church

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church

Bethany Primitive Baptist Church

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Pontotoc Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. Call 662-489-6711 (Pontotoc) or 662-983-2727 (Bruce) in case of a power outage or emergency.

Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

PONTOTOC – P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863 BRUCE – P.O. Box 415 • 125 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156 662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

Y O U A R E C O R D I A L LY I N V I T E D TO

Pontotoc Electric employees participate in the annual Harvest Walk

Algoma Baptist Church’s

The City of Pontotoc held its annual Harvest Walk for young children and students on Tuesday, October 29. Pontotoc Electric once again participated in the event.

28TH ANNUAL

D R I V E -T H R U N AT I V I T Y

Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 – Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 From 6-9 p.m.

Bring your group by bus, by van, or by car and view five well-known scenes portraying the story of the birth of Jesus.

THERE IS NO CHARGE

Algoma Baptist Church is located off Highway 15 S., 1 mile down Algoma Road (JCT 772)

Office Assistant Genny Moore (left) and Pontotoc Electric retiree Betty Armstrong place juice boxes in the buckets and bags of excited children.

Member Services Representative Jimmy Williamson and General Accounting Clerk Michal Pennington open cartons of juice boxes to be handed to children during the annual Harvest Walk.

WE WANT TO

Hear From You!

Watch for your January 2020 edition of Today in Mississippi, which includes a survey to obtain our members’ interest in broadband internet service. Please complete your survey and return it in the postage-paid envelope that will be included in your magazine. We look forward to hearing from you.

Nuts and Bolts

DECEMBER RECIPES

Contributor: Sue Cook — Retiree

Easy-As-Pie Cheese Straws Contributor: Lavonia Lackey — Manager of Customer Accounts

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

4 cups Cheerios 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts 1 1/2 cups seasoned croutons 1 cup pretzel sticks 1/2 cup salad oil 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 1/4 teaspoon salt

1 (11-ounce) package pie crust mix 1 (5-ounce) jar sharp cheese spread 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. In ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan, mix cereal, nuts, croutons, and pretzel sticks. Blend remaining ingredients. Pour over cereal mixture; mix well. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Yield: 8 cups

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Blend all ingredients in a food processor for 30 seconds or until mixture forms a ball, stopping twice to scrape down sides. Use a cookie press fitted with a bar-shaped disc to shape dough into 2-1/2 inch straws following manufacturer’s instructions (or divide dough in half, and shape each portion into a 7-inch log); wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1 hour. Cut logs into 1/4-inch slices. Place cheese straws on greased baking sheets. Bake for eight minutes or until golden.

Remove to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Yield: 5 dozen DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Crews face challenge with effects of Olga On Saturday, October 26, Pontotoc Electric crews responded to multiple outages and issues due to high winds from Tropical Storm Olga. Line crews from both Pontotoc and Bruce, along with Pontotoc Electric’s in-house right-of-way crew, worked to remove trees and other debris, restore power, and replace broken poles in repair efforts that lasted more than four days. At the peak of the storm’s aftermath, 9,532 customers were without power, and a total of 49 poles had been damaged to the point of being replaced.

A – High winds caused damage to homes in Pontotoc.

B – Purchasing Agent Tom Hill drives a fork lift loaded with a transformer that will be used to make repairs from the storm.

A

C – A fallen cell phone tower rests in a field after the high winds of Tropical Storm Olga damaged it.

C

B

D D – A caravan of Pontotoc Electric trucks makes its way to Corinth to assist Alcorn County Electric after repairs had been made in our service areas.

E, F – Pontotoc Electric crews work to finish replacing a pole and stringing power lines.

G – Assistant General Manager Frankie Moorman (in white baseball cap) hands out assignments to the crews in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 27.

E 16 TODAY | NOVEMBER 2019

F

G

The Amazon Echo Plus is one of the most popular smart speakers available on the market today. Photo credit: Amazon

Is your smart home speaker smart for your energy bill?

Have you ever wanted to turn off the lights, listen to the news or order food by simply using your voice? That is the innovative power a smart home speaker can provide. These handy products have made their way into many homes across the country since the first smart speaker became available in late 2014. By the end of last year, there were 66.4 million users of smart home assistants or smart home speakers in the U.S. These smart speakers can truly act as assistants, whether by helping you set reminders, establishing routine commands or informing you of today’s top news stories. They include numerous functions, like helping you order products online, playing music — they can even tell you a joke!

One in four Americans now own a smart speaker, and 40 percent of those people have more than one. The most popular is the Amazon Echo, although Google Home products are selling at a rapid rate and even taking over some of the market share from Amazon. Other popular brands of smart speakers include Apple’s HomePod, the Sonos One and the JBL Link 10.

Smart speakers have clearly become a big hit in the residential market, and they are also economical with varied price points.

Google Home starts at about $129, and the Amazon Echo starts at about $180. However, there are smaller, more basic versions that start at $25 for the Amazon Echo Dot, and $49 for the Google Home Mini.

As smart speakers become more prevalent, you may be wondering if these products are a smart choice when it comes to the impact they have on your energy bill. Tests have been conducted to determine how much power a smart speaker uses, including different modes of use, such as when the assistant is on standby mode or listening to a command. Moderate-level actions, like playing music at full volume, have also been tested.

By way of example, the Amazon Echo speaker uses 3 watts of electricity while on standby; and if it were left on standby mode for one year, the total cost would only be about $3.15. While moderately active (like telling a joke or playing music at a medium volume), the Amazon Echo uses 4 watts. At the highest power use (like playing music at full volume), the Amazon Echo still only uses 6.6 watts, and if used consistently at this level, it would cost $6.93 for the year. For comparison, the Google Home uses slightly less energy than the Amazon Echo at 2 watts while in standby mode, saving you about $1 a year in total energy costs.

As you can see, the costs to use smart speakers are minimal, and the difference in prices between available products and their abilities are still relatively small. There are plenty of reasons to buy a smart speaker, and the additional cost to your energy bill should not stop you from getting one.

One in four Americans now own a smart speaker...

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

A brighter future ahead

What does the month of December mean for your family?

Is it an exciting, joyous time? Do the holidays create stress or even represent loss or grief? While reflecting on the month of December, I find myself in a quandary of emotions. Some of our homes are filled with an abundance of love and joy, while many others are filled with pain. We have grandparents excited about gathering their family around a meal and a tree full of gifts. There are the dads and children heading to the woods for a hunt and moms and daughters tackling the thankless duty of shopping. We also have the young father who just lost his wife to a long struggle with breast cancer and the grandchild who will sit around the tree for the first time without his or her grandfather. Some parents will worry about a child dealing with a drug-addiction while others will smile and be grateful for their child’s good health.

In reflecting on the close of the year at Southern Pine, I am reminded of the joys and moments of adversity we have weathered as well. We just held our 81st Annual Membership Meeting in our new headquarters building where we celebrated Southern Pine’s success story. We discussed the financial strength of the cooperative and the way we are striving to evolve our services to meet our community’s needs. We have also experienced severe weather and storms, causing millions of dollars’ worth of damages to the power system and requiring extra effort and sacrifice from our team and their families. Each month as I sit down to write this column, I wonder what I can possibly say that will help strengthen the connection we have with our members. Thinking about the ups and downs a year

can throw at us has helped me realize that our shared adversities and successes are where we find connection with our members.

Whether in our own families or within our cooperative, we endure extremes. Some are greater than others. At the end of each year, we measure that year by the sum of its parts, taking the bad with the good. Perhaps the most important part of this process is realizing that we are not alone in these efforts and finding comfort in community that shares our joys and burdens.

The song “Silent Night” comes to mind and reminds me of the journey my wife, Marie, and I have been on the last several years trying to find stillness and clarity in our own chaotic world. As I sort through my own year, both personally and professionally, I feel lucky to have family and a community of Southern Pine members with whom I can connect, mourn, celebrate and look to the future with hope.

Whether this month fills you with joy or leaves you needing hope, remember that you are not alone and that the tumultuous seasons in our lives are often the ones that make us stronger.

May 2020 be a season of fulfillment and resilience and know that Southern Pine will be here to help power you forward.

by Jason Siegfried President/CEO

Merry Christmas from everyone at Southern Pine Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. TAYLORSVILLE, MS • P.O. BOX 60­­­­ • 13491 Hwy. 28 BRANDON • 3215 Louis Wilson Drive – 1-800-698-9574 NEW HEBRON • 2504 Ferguson Mill Road – 1-800-698-9571

TO REPORT OUTAGES: 1-800-231-5240 Visit us online at www.southernpine.coop Follow us on social media @MySouthernPine 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

NEWTON • 1400 South Main Street – 1-800-698-9573 HATTIESBURG • 7848 Highway 49 North – 601-264-0185

2019 Annual Meeting a success Southern Pine held its Annual Meeting in its new headquarters building on November 14. The event was highlighted by booths showcasing services offered by Southern Pine, along with a booth honoring veterans. In addition, $5000 in electricity prizes were raffled off along with a Southern Pine truck.

SOUTHERN PINE TRUCK WINNER Royce Welch

PROXY PRIZE WINNERS Shirley Jackson: $250 Peggy McCool: $500 Calandra Jones: $750 Gordon Martin: $1,000

DOOR PRIZE WINNERS Alfreda Thigpen: $250 Truman Higgins: $500 Floyd Eiler: $750 Jon T. Frankin: $1,000

$25 GIFTCARD WINNERS Ralph Gatewood Orlando Neil

Olga causes largest outage since Hurricane Katrina Tropical Storm Olga devastated Southern Pine Electric’s service territory on October 26. The storm brought 4 to 5 inches of rain and winds up to 70 mph. Those two combined factors created a perfect outage situation. Soft soil made it easy for wind gusts to bring trees and limbs down on power lines. At the peak of our outages we had around 30,000 members without power. Power was completely restored by late Monday, October 28. In total, Southern Pine along with sister co-ops and utility contractors repaired over 475 breakdowns which consisted of 101 light pole replacements, 97 broken cross-arms and 35 new transformers.

Southern Pine couldn’t have restored power without help from fellow cooperatives and contract crews. Southern Pine would like to thank the following companies: • • • • •

Northcentral Electric Power Association Delta Electric Power Association Singing River Electric Coast Electric Power Association Southwest Electric

• • • • •

Dixie Electric Power Association Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association Coahoma Electric Power Association Chain Electric • WA Kendall • KCI • B & B MDR • Bush • B-Line • Runnels

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

CONTACT INFORMATION P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 601-437-3611 • 800-287-8564 Fax: 601-437-8736 • Email: info@swepa.coop

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

southwestelectric.coop

Stay

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

Warm and stay Safe

As the colder temperatures arrive, higher-than-average energy bills often coincide. In many cases, Members simply turn up the thermostat on their central systems.

A common household item often used to supplement heating during the winter season is the space heater. These heaters are designed to be used for short periods of time and to heat small areas. When used correctly, they can prove to be very beneficial.

Space heaters are not designed to heat entire living spaces or homes and are not as efficient as a heat pump. In fact, they can be very cost prohibitive if used incorrectly.

Focus on areas of heat loss before you try to heat your home with space heaters: • Do you feel cold air drafts around windows and doors?

You can caulk or weather strip these areas to save money during the winter months.

• Have you had your central unit serviced this season?

Annual servicing ensures efficient operation.

If you use a space heater as a heating supplement, please make sure to use it safely.

For example, one 1,500-Watt space heater could potentially cost a Member $4 a day if it runs for 24 hours. That doesn’t sound like much, until you add it up. One space heater alone, running solid for one month, could cost you $120 on your monthly electric bill. Imagine what your bill would look like if you are using multiple space heaters.

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Southwest Electric

Southwest Electric will be closed at 12 noon on December 19.

Our office will also be closed all day December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. Call 800-287-8564 in case of a power outage or emergency.

Dispatchers are on duty and lineworkers are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

EMPLOYEE

Spotlight

Brandy Martin, Accounting Clerk Brandy started her career at Southwest Electric in May 1999 as a Service Department Clerk. She answered phones and talked to Members needing new service. In 2005, she was promoted to Accounts Receivable Clerk in the Accounting Department where she continues to work diligently serving the Members by answering billing inquiries and performing various accounting duties. She and her husband, Rod, have been married for 17 years.

Lynda Purser, Service Order Clerk Lynda started her career at Southwest Electric in January 1999 as a Service Department Clerk. In 2002, she was transferred to the Customer Service Department where she continued to serve our Members. She was transferred back to the Service Department as the Service Order Clerk and Assistant Dispatcher in 2006. She has been married to John Wayne Purser for 43 years.

They have three children and six grandchildren. Lynda is retiring in January, and we wish her the best!

Children’s Book Drive Every child that experiences Camp Kamassa will be invited to take his/her favorite book home with them. Donations can be made in memory or in honor of a loved one by completing the form at the drop-off sites. Visit Southwest Electric’s website for a list of drop-off sites.

Calling

ALL Artists!

DO YOU LOVE TO PAINT OR DRAW?

Camp Kamassa is ready to start decorating the cabins where campers will sleep while enjoying Mississippi’s first camp dedicated to kids and adults with special needs. They are asking for artwork on canvas approximately 18” x 20” of any Mississippi outdoor scene such as forest animals, wildflowers, trees, rivers and streams. They will hang above each bed.

If you would like to donate, please contact Jeremy Smith at 601-437-1359 for more information.

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

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

Examine cords Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage.

Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

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

Trim the stump Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees.

Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

BRIAN HUGHEY

General Manager & CEO

Energy Tips

LORRI FREEMAN, APR Manager of Public Relations AMANDA PARKER Public Relations Specialist

Bringing power and energy services to local communities

For more information, call 601-947-4211, 228-497-1313 or visit singingriver.com. @singingriverelectric @SRECooperative SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Taking a quick look back As we reflect back on the year 2019, there have been many accomplishments to make the Singing River Electric family proud. Starting at the source, our wholesale power provider continued on its mission Brian Hughey to replace conventional General Manager generation resources & CEO with more environmentally friendly, renewable options.

Additionally, wholesale power costs remained stable over the past year, primarily due to the low cost of natural gas.

As for our members, you showed signs of becoming more energy efficient, which is supported by your cooperative through education and services. With that said, weather patterns remained the primary driver of electricity consumption.

From an operations standpoint, our employees implemented system upgrades, defined in our long-range work plan, to allow for projected load growth on our distribution system. Some examples included: the construction of the Frank Snell substation, upgrades of copper lines to the more durable aluminum wire and

14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

upgrades of tie lines to allow for better system reliability. Equally important was performing necessary maintenance on our distribution system. Over the past year, our linemen conducted line inspections to address any deficiencies on the system.

Singing River Electric partnered with Cooperative Energy to use infrared technology to inspect substations during summer heat. These inspections identified potential issues early and allowed SRE to make proactive repairs, reducing outages and inconveniences to members.

Over the past year, we focused on the Seventh Cooperative Principle, “Concern for Community.” Singing River Electric supported the communities we serve through programs that provide education, assistance and value to members, such as the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Grant and energy assistance programs, energy fairs, river cleanup events and a variety of youth leadership and education programs.

As your electric cooperative, we will continue our efforts of enriching the communities we serve.

As we near the end of 2019, on behalf of the Singing River Electric family and myself, we wish you a blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Jeff Gray Energy Services Representative gray@singingriver.com

Bright and efficient holiday lighting This holiday season, consider replacing older light strings with new Energy Star LED lights. LED lights use 75 percent less energy than standard lights and come in a variety of styles and colors for both inside and outside use. In fact, the energy used to light just one incandescent bulb could power two 24-foot strings of LED holiday lights.

You can save even further by installing a timer for outdoor holiday lighting and decorations. Program the timer to turn on in the evenings and cut off later at night when you retire to bed.

So, celebrate all night knowing that your Energy Star decorative holiday lights are also a safe choice. They are cool to the touch, which reduces the risk of fire.

Visit singingriver.com or energystar.gov for more tips.

Notice of Singing River Electric Director Qualification Period

Candidates seeking election to the board of directors for Singing River Electric Cooperative must visit Singing River Electric’s Lucedale office (11187 Old 63 South) and obtain a Director Candidate Packet. The forms and petitions in the packet must be completed and returned by close of business on the last business day in February (Thursday, February 29).

Supporting art education SRE NHN Grant assists George County Middle School NHN Community Grants Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Community Grants help Singing River Electric merge efforts with the hard work of those within our communities.

Since the program’s inception in 2001, $278,149 has been awarded to local non-profits in local communities.

Singing River Electric recently awarded a $2,426.25 Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Community Grant to George County Middle School. Grant funds purchased a slab roller, three tabletop pottery wheels, an artisan tool kit and glazes, all for students to create pottery in art class.

According to GCMS art teacher Jacob Havard, the art department can now offer ceramics and pottery classes to the 7th and 8th graders and let the students create, fire, glaze and save these treasures from their middle school art experience. In addition to benefiting the students, the art department intends to offer art classes to the community and partner with local nursing homes for art therapy using ceramics.

Round up your billing statement this holiday season and help a neighbor in need pay their electric bill. You can sign up using the SmartHub app or checking the box on the back of your bill. It averages only $6 per year.

Visit singingriver.com/give-joy.

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Singing River Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas, and January 1 for New Year’s Day. We wish everyone Happy Holidays!

Visit singingriver.com/my-community for more information on SRE NHN Community Grants or how to apply. Grants for up to $2,500 are awarded to nonprofits in SRE’s service area three times a year: in January, May and September.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

Makings

Mississippi leader of a

2020 Youth Leadership Program Singing River Electric hosted its Youth Leadership Program Cooperative University and interviews at the Lucedale office on November 14. Since 1988, Singing River Electric’s goal for this program is to educate the future leaders of our communities about electric cooperatives and introduce them to their government in action.

16 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

During the Cooperative University event, students participated in networking activities, learned about the cooperative form of business and took a closer look at how Singing River Electric provides power to its members, restores power after an outage and emphasizes electric safety. A legislative panel discussion driven by student questions featured

Representative Jeramey Anderson, Senator Dennis DeBar, Representative Doug McLeod, Representative Roun McNeal and Senator Michael Watson.

Each student also participated in an interview moderated by a panel of out-of-town judges from electric cooperatives across the state. Following interviews and the Cooperative University event, Laney Kate Hulbert, Byron Swetman, Bethany Toche and

Avarie Wells were selected as Singing River Electric’s 2020 Youth Leadership Program representatives.

High schools serving Singing River Electric’s service territory were invited to nominate one member of the junior class for this program.

Student nominees had to meet certain criteria for school and community involvement and receive electricity from Singing River Electric at their main residence.

SRE 2020 Youth Leaders: LANEY KATE HULBERT

BYRON SWETMAN

George County High School

St. Martin High School

BETHANY TOCHE

AVARIE WELLS

Ocean Springs High School

Resurrection High School

Pack your bags The students selected as Singing River Electric’s 2020 Youth Leaders will attend the Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson in February 2020 and the Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. in June 2020.

On both trips, all expenses are paid for these young Singing River Electric members, including travel, lodging, meals, educational materials and admission fees.

SRE Leadership Participants RACHEL CARLINO Wayne County High School

KENDALL CHANDLER Vancleave High School

ABIGAIL COLLEDGE St. Patrick High School

JOZELYNE FURBY Gautier High School

ANNA HILLMAN Perry Central High School

LINDSEY MCCULLOUGH East Central High School

BRIANNA MITCHELL Pascagoula High School

CASSIDY PARKER Richton High School

ZOE SCARBOROUGH Greene County High School

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Merry and Bright MAY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON BE

The holidays are a time of year that many of us eagerly anticipate. The season is marked by special foods, seasonal decorations and lots of festivities. We look forward to the annual holiday events right here in our communities.

We cherish carrying on old family traditions and enjoy creating new ones, and we look forward to more time spent with family and friends.

However, given the hustle and bustle of the season, the holidays can also offer an opportunity to slow down and reflect. For all of us at Twin County Electric Power Association, we are grateful for you, the members of the co-op.

You see, one of our founding principles as a co-op

is “Concern for Community.” While our main focus is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we want to give back. We want to help our community thrive.

Looking ahead Looking ahead to 2020, we hope you will share your opinions with us. We recognize that our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we continually seek your input. We are led by you — the members of the co-op — and we depend on your feedback.

As we prepare for next year, we look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the greater community. On behalf of the Twin County Electric family, we hope your holidays are indeed merry and bright!

Merry Christmas

from everyone at Twin County Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 662-827-2262.

Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

HOLLANDALE — P.O. BOX 158, HOLLANDALE, MS 38748 BELZONI — P.O. BOX 387, BELZONI, MS 39038 GREENVILLE — P.O. BOX 5518, GREENVILLE, MS 38704 ROLLING FORK — P.O. BOX 188, ROLLING FORK, MS 39159 14 TODAY | DECEMBER 2019

662-827-2262 662-247-1909 662-334-9543 662-873-4233

Electronic holiday gift guide This holiday season, give the gift of tech! If you’re searching for the latest gadgets and electronics to give but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a list of ideas for your tech-savvy friends and family members, with a range of prices and interests. n Gifts for those on the go: We all have that one friend who never stays in one place, so they’ll appreciate gifts that keep them charged and entertained while on the go.

A portable charger can keep their smartphones and tablets juiced, and the good news is this gift won’t drain your wallet. You can purchase portable chargers online or at local retailers for as low as $20. Typically, these compact devices can fully charge an iPhone three times before running out of steam.

A Bluetooth speaker is another great gift to keep those on the go entertained. Whether they’re listening to their favorite tunes or watching the latest flick, Bluetooth speakers can clarify and amplify volume to satisfy any media enthusiast. Prices range depending on features, but you can purchase a quality Bluetooth speaker online or at local retailers for as low as $30. n Gifts for the chef: Every foodie knows that temperature matters when mastering the perfect cut of meat.

A Bluetooth-connected thermometer can help your chef ensure a delicious (and safe-to-eat) meal. Just download the associated app and keep an eye on the grill right from your smartphone or tablet. Prices vary from $30 to

$200, but you can purchase these handy gadgets online or at any big box store, like Walmart or Target.

A digital kitchen scale is a must for any culinary pro.

No more guessing — the easy-to-read digital screen ensures the exact weight or amount required for that perfect dish. Prices vary, but you can find a scale for about $20 on Amazon.com. n Gifts for the pet owner: Let’s face it — pet owners would be lost without their fur babies. Luckily, pet tracking products continue to advance, so pet owners can always keep a watchful eye on their furry friends.

Most trackers simply attach to your pet’s collar. Prices vary depending on the tracker’s capabilities, but some features include water resistance, health monitoring and exceptional battery life. You can purchase pet trackers online or at your local pet store.

Speaking of keeping an eye on pets, you can also purchase surveillance cameras for real-time monitoring — some cameras even allow you to toss treats to your furry friend while you’re away. Additional features include a microphone (so you can talk to your pets), a built-in laser toy (for our feline friends) and the ability to take a photo or video from your smartphone. Prices vary depending on the bells and whistles, but you can purchase a pet camera for as low as $40 on Amazon.com. With so many electronics available today, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your tech-savvy loved ones. Happy shopping!

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

Keep away from heat

Examine cords

Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source l ike an airduct, fireplace o r space heater.

Inspect lights

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage.

Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

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

Trim the stump Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees.

Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

DECEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

MAY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON BE

Merry and Bright The holidays are a time of year that many of us eagerly anticipate. The season is marked by special foods, seasonal decorations and lots of festivities. We look forward to the annual holiday events right here in our communities.

We cherish carrying on old family traditions and enjoy creating new ones, and we look forward to more time spent with family and friends.

However, given the hustle and bustle of the season, the holidays can also offer an opportunity to slow down and reflect. For all of us at Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association, we are grateful for you, the members of the co-op.

You see, one of our founding principles as a co-op

is “Concern for Community.” While our main focus is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we want to give back. We want to help our community thrive.

Looking ahead Looking ahead to 2020, we hope you will share your opinions with us. We recognize that our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we continually seek your input. We are led by you — the members of the co-op — and we depend on your feedback.

As we prepare for next year, we look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the greater community. On behalf of the Yazoo Valley Electric family, we hope your holidays are indeed merry and bright!

Merry Christmas from everyone at Yazoo Valley Electric

Our offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1 for New Year’s Day. 2255 Gordon Avenue • Yazoo City, MS 39194 Mail: P.O. Box 8 • Yazoo City, MS 39194

TO REPORT OUTAGES: 662-746-4251 Visit us online at www.yazoovalley.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Pay by Phone: 1-866-484-4277 14 TODAY | NOVEMBER 2019

Electronic holiday gift guide This holiday season, give the gift of tech! If you’re searching for the latest gadgets and electronics to give but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a list of ideas for your tech-savvy friends and family members, with a range of prices and interests. n Gifts for those on the go: We all have that one friend who never stays in one place, so they’ll appreciate gifts that keep them charged and entertained while on the go.

A portable charger can keep their smartphones and tablets juiced, and the good news is this gift won’t drain your wallet. You can purchase portable chargers online or at local retailers for as low as $20. Typically, these compact devices can fully charge an iPhone three times before running out of steam.

A Bluetooth speaker is another great gift to keep those on the go entertained. Whether they’re listening to their favorite tunes or watching the latest flick, Bluetooth speakers can clarify and amplify volume to satisfy any media enthusiast. Prices range depending on features, but you can purchase a quality Bluetooth speaker online or at local retailers for as low as $30. n Gifts for the chef: Every foodie knows that temperature matters when mastering the perfect cut of meat.

A Bluetooth-connected thermometer can help your chef ensure a delicious (and safe-to-eat) meal. Just download the associated app and keep an eye on the grill right from your smartphone or tablet. Prices vary from $30 to

$200, but you can purchase these handy gadgets online or at any big box store, like Walmart or Target.

A digital kitchen scale is a must for any culinary pro.

No more guessing — the easy-to-read digital screen ensures the exact weight or amount required for that perfect dish. Prices vary, but you can find a scale for about $20 on Amazon.com. n Gifts for the pet owner: Let’s face it — pet owners would be lost without their fur babies. Luckily, pet tracking products continue to advance, so pet owners can always keep a watchful eye on their furry friends.

Most trackers simply attach to your pet’s collar. Prices vary depending on the tracker’s capabilities, but some features include water resistance, health monitoring and exceptional battery life. You can purchase pet trackers online or at your local pet store.

Speaking of keeping an eye on pets, you can also purchase surveillance cameras for real-time monitoring — some cameras even allow you to toss treats to your furry friend while you’re away. Additional features include a microphone (so you can talk to your pets), a built-in laser toy (for our feline friends) and the ability to take a photo or video from your smartphone. Prices vary depending on the bells and whistles, but you can purchase a pet camera for as low as $40 on Amazon.com. With so many electronics available today, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your tech-savvy loved ones. Happy shopping!

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

Keep away from heat

Examine cords

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

Inspect lights

Examine extension cords and lights for signs of damage.

Frayed electric cords should be discarded.

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

Trim the stump Trim the tree’s stump by at least two inches on freshly cut trees.

Allow it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside.

NOVEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15