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New co-op solar + storage comes online page 7

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Experi Please directl Visit ca to find

25 9:17 AM

January 2026

(ISSN 0008-6746) (USPS 832800) Volume 58, No. 1

Published monthly by 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950 Scott Gates, CCC Editor Renee C. Gannon, CCC Senior Associate Editor Rue Reynold Editorial Assistant Jessica Armstrong Graphic Designer Tara Verna Creative Services Associate

8

Donna Natosi Digital Strategist Dan Tomkiewicz Advertising Dan@carolinacountry.com Joseph P. Brannan Executive Vice President & CEO Kristie Aldridge, CCC Senior Vice President & COO Warren Kessler Director of Brand Strategy North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide reliable, safe and affordable electric service to 1 million homes and businesses.

The 26 electric cooperatives are each member-owned, notfor-profit and overseen by a board of directors elected by the membership.

Why Do We Send You Carolina Country Magazine?

Your cooperative sends you Carolina Country as a convenient, economical way to share with its members information about services, director elections, meetings and management decisions. The magazine also carries legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost.

Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Carolina Country on behalf of the membership at a cost of less than $6 per year.

Subscriptions: Individual subscriptions, $12 per year.

Schools, libraries, $6.

Carolina Country is available on digital cartridge as a courtesy of volunteer services at the NC Department of Cultural Resources, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Raleigh, NC 888-388-2460.

Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC, and additional mailing offices. Editorial offices: 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950. Carolina Country® is a registered trademark of the North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Carolina Country, 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616-2950.

8 10 16

An Eye for Conservation George Masa’s photographs helped preserve the beauty he chased.

The Disc Golf Visionary

George Sappenfield turned a personal passion into an international phenomenon.

Carolina Country Scenes A gallery of reader photos, submitted through our annual photo contest.

Favorites 2 From Our Readers 4 Viewpoints 6 More Power

All content © Carolina Country unless otherwise indicated.

15 On the House

Contact us

22 Carolina Kitchen

Phone:

919-875-3091

24 Where is This?

Mail:

3400 Sumner Blvd.

Raleigh, NC 27616-2950

Web:

carolinacountry.com

On the Cover “This was a slow moving storm coming across the Pamlico Sound which allowed me to set up the camera on a tripod on our deck to capture this scene using long exposure.” Photographed by Pete Coady, Frisco, a member of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative.

Social: Email:

editor@carolinacountry.com

Change of address: Please contact your electric co-op or go online to carolinacountry.com/address Experiencing a power outage?

Please contact your electric co-op directly to ensure prompt service.

Visit carolinacountry.com/co-ops to find yours online.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Send Us Your Recipes!

The best recipes are those shared, and we offer $25 for every reader recipe we’re able to share in future issues.

See page 22 for details.

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From Our Readers

THIS MONTH:

‘An Angel and the Owls’ Please consider reprinting an article that appeared in Union Power’s “Cooperative Review [the co-op’s local newsletter], May 1995 edition. The article is about my aunt, Elizabeth Bryant, and the rescue of a baby owl by lineman Ronnie Burgess. It is such a beautiful story— perhaps a good way to begin the New Year.

Edwina Eubanks, Monroe A member of Union Power Cooperative

Excerpted from original article by Luanne Sherron: Elizabeth Bryant clasped her hands tightly and smiled up into the bright blue sky as the Union EMC lineman carefully returned a baby Great Horned Owl to its nest in the old, hollow oak tree.

“I’m honored the owls have chosen my yard to have their babies!” said 85-year-old Mrs. Bryant.

On March 12, 1995, Mrs. Bryant found one of the baby owls resting on a wood pile beneath the same oak tree, and she realized it had fallen out of its nest.

She called Union County wildlife rehabilitator Lessie Davis, although she was unable to reach the nest, so Bryant reached out to her electric co-op. Two linemen and a bucket truck were scheduled to arrive at the Bryants’ home the next morning at 9:00 a.m.

It was a beautiful, spring-like morning on March 14. With a camera and camcorder in hand, I met Mrs. Bryant and her husband, Bill. Little did I know, at that time, how significant our chance meeting at the Bryants’ home would be.

Capturing Moments There’s a certain magic that a camera possesses, with its ability to stop time and freeze moments that, over the years, become dear to us. Even the offhand snapshots we take on phone cameras inevitably become keepsakes as time passes (and as we see how children and grandchildren have grown up). Photographer George Masa knew about this magic and wielded it in capturing the beauty of Western North Carolina (page 8). And our readers didn’t disappoint in this year’s photo contest—see some of the beautiful entries we received starting on page 16.

—Scott Gates, editor

Linemen do not ordinarily rescue baby owls, but Ronnie Burgess was eager to help. Davis arrived with the baby owl, snug in a box, and handed it to him. Then he rode to the top of the oak tree. Carefully, he placed the baby owl back in the nest.

After our mission was completed, Davis told Mrs. Bryant how the owls would first learn to walk and flap their wings and finally around July, the owls should be flying. Mrs. Bryant said she would be excited to watch the owls grow up.

Life is full of irony. Mrs. Bryant would not see the owls flying in July. The day after our successful rescue mission, Mrs. Bryant passed away at her home with her husband by her side and her baby owls safely nestled in the oak tree in her yard.

Mrs. Bryant was a wife to Bill for 57 years, with two sons, two grandsons, and was a schoolteacher for 30 years.

Read the full article at carolinacountry.com, including a joyful photo of Mrs. Bryant taken during the owl rescue.

CarolinaSNAPSHOTS

THEME

Keeping Cozy A Christine Yancey, Connelly Springs A member of Rutherford EMC B Erin McGinnis, Indian Trail A member of Union Power Cooperative C Robert Bowen, Edenton A member of Albemarle EMC

B

A

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Submit your photo!

Mar. theme: Nightscapes (Deadline Jan. 20) Apr. theme: First car (Deadline Feb. 20) May theme: Flowers (Deadline Mar. 20) Send us your best shots based on an upcoming theme— we’ll pay $25 for those published. Submit high resolution digital photos and find full terms and conditions at carolinacountry.com/snapshots (no emails, please). We retain reprint and online rights for all submissions.

2 | January 2026

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Viewpoints

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

By Sara Coats

Across the Carolinas, electric cooperatives build confidence, and develop essential skills have long been committed to empowering they can carry into school, future careers and the next generation through programs like their communities. the Youth Tour, academic scholarships and The camp’s cooperative focus is compleeducation grants. At the Cooperative Council mented by high-impact leadership training of the Carolinas, we support that commitment that stands out on any résumé. Students gain through our annual Cooperative Leadership experience in problem-solving, public speaking, Camp (CLC). With help from electric decision-making and project planning. And the cooperatives and a wide network of other types benefits don’t end when camp does. Participants of co-ops, CLC offers high school students an are eligible to apply for a scholarship during engaging, hands-on introduction to leadership, their senior year of high school to support their teamwork and the power of the cooperative next step, whether that’s a college, university or business model. trade school.

For decades, CLC operated as a single-locaThanks to the generous sponsorship of election overnight camp. tric cooperatives and While that format other cooperative created countless organizations, this Camp Dates & Locations memorable experiences, formative experience the Cooperative Council is accessible to all JUNE STATESVILLE, NC 8–10 NCSU Extension Center—444 Bristol Dr. of the Carolinas recogstudents. The cost to nized an opportunity attend is just $45, a JUNE RALEIGH, NC to reach even more testament to the coop22–24 NC Rural Center—4021 Carya Dr. young people. CLC is erative principle of now transformed into supporting community JULY SPARTANBURG, SC a three-day “pop-up” and investing in youth.

13–15 Mary Black Foundation—349 E. Main St. experience hosted in Without this support, multiple regions. such an affordable, JULY PINE KNOLL SHORES, NC By bringing camp high-quality leader29–31 Trinity Center—618 Salter Path Rd. directly to communities ship program simply across the Carolinas, wouldn’t be possible. participation has surged, We encourage high local co-ops have deepened their engagement, school students, school counselors, teachers and more students than ever are discovering and youth program leaders to learn more and how cooperatives enrich and strengthen the help share this opportunity. If you or your places they call home. organization would like to support Cooperative At CLC, students don’t just learn about leadLeadership Camp, local community sponsors ership — they live it. Throughout the three days, are warmly welcomed. participants take part in immersive workshops To get involved or to learn more, contact led by cooperatives from a variety of industhe Cooperative Council of the Carolinas tries, including energy, agriculture, finance and at carolinascouncil.coop. Together, we can communications. They break into teams to build continue to grow this extraordinary camp and and run their own mock cooperative, tackling inspire the leaders of tomorrow — one co-op real-world challenges and discovering how at a time. collaboration fuels innovative solutions. These Sara Coats is executive director of the Cooperative activities help students uncover their strengths, Council of the Carolinas.

4 | January 2026

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More Power

January

Quick Hits Bundle Up Wear appropriate clothing for winter weather, dressing in layers. As Carolina Country Graphic Designer Jessica Armstrong says, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing!”

Giving Back Have a day off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19? Make it a “day on” with local volunteer work to honor the late Dr. King.

First Day Hike NC State Parks across the state are hosting ranger-led hikes on New Year’s Day. Find one near you at ncparks.gov.

Lint-Free Remove the buildup of lint from your dryer vent to help it work more efficiently and prevent a potential dryer fire. Check the outside duct as well.

R + S

Donnie Spivey (L) and Jordan Hildreth

Hildreth Named Pee Dee Electric CEO Donnie Spivey retires after 40 years of service to the co-op This month, Jordan Hildreth steps into the role of chief executive officer (CEO) for Pee Dee Electric as Donnie Spivey retires after four decades of service to the Lilesville-based electric co-op.

Spivey began his career with Pee Dee Electric as a staff assistant, later moving into the position of district manager before being named CEO and executive vice president in 1999.

Under his leadership, the cooperative leveraged a variety of technologies to reduce costs to members, improve service and enhance operations, including the deployment of advanced metering infrastructure and one of the first community solar facilities in North Carolina.

“Over the years, our cooperative has seen tremendous change.

We’ve moved from an era defined by poles and wires to one guided by technology, innovation and

evolving member expectations,” Spivey said. “The way we deliver power, communicate with our members and plan for the future has transformed, but one thing has never changed: our mission to serve with integrity and care.”

Hildreth steps into the position after being named chief operating officer in 2025. He brings a wealth of experience managing several core aspects of Pee Dee Electric’s operations as former vice president of Finance and Administration.

“Pee Dee Electric has been such an important part of my professional journey, and I’m grateful for the trust the board and our members have placed in me,” Hildreth said. “I look forward to building on our strong foundation, working alongside our dedicated team, and continuing to serve our members and communities with excellence.”

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A t t s ( N

t s C e c

e i d a d

m A E

More Power

Aulander-based Roanoke Cooperative recently celebrated two new solar + storage sites — one in Pendleton and the other in Halifax, completing plans for a series of 13 sites deployed by nine electric co-ops across the state (“Electric Co-ops Adding Solar + Storage Across Rural NC,” July 2022).

“These solar-plus-battery storage sites are a milestone for the state’s electric co-ops and for Roanoke Cooperative,” said Marshall Cherry, president and CEO of Roanoke Cooperative. “They reflect the values that drive our work every day: innovation, equity and commitment to the communities we serve.”

With hybrid solar and storage solutions, renewable solar energy can be captured in large batteries midday, when it’s most abundant. This energy can then be discharged during periods of peak demand for electricity — in the late afternoon hours in the summer and the early morning during the winter.

“By dispatching the stored solar energy when it’s needed most, we’re improving grid efficiency and resilience,” said Amadou Fall, chief operating officer of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Amadou Fall speaks at a Roanoke Cooperative solar + storage site with Marshall Cherry in the foreground.

Josh Conner

Roanoke Cooperative Solar + Storage Sites Complete Statewide Network

Both Roanoke Cooperative sites feature 240 kilowatts (kW) of solar paired with 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of battery storage and were built on farmland owned by two long-standing local families.

“These sites aren’t just about energy,” Cherry said.

“They’re about people, land and opportunity. They’re about ensuring that rural communities like ours are not just connected to the grid but actively shaping its future.”

Along with the two Roanoke Cooperative sites, the 13 solar + storage sites collectively include more than 65,000 solar panels to generate more than 25 megawatts (MW).

The projects will provide more than 52 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage, expected to be dispatched when demand for electricity on co-op systems peaks.

“These distributed energy resources are actively contributing to our systems and benefiting our members,” Cherry said. “This is rural resilience. This is cooperative leadership.”

—Josh Conner, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives

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Photos courtesy of Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Library

eye An

for

conservation George Masa’s photographs helped preserve the beauty he chased Story by Tina Firesheets

N

early 12 million people visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park annually, making it the most visited national park in the United States.

Known for its breathtaking vistas, year-round natural beauty and signature smoky haze, the park is a destination throughout the year.

All of this is possible, in part, to George Masa, an ambitious Japanese immigrant whose photographs captured the beauty of Western North Carolina and its people throughout the 1920s and ’30s.

Masa was drawn to Asheville, inspired by the famed Vanderbilts, hoping to find his fortune. Unintentionally, he inspired wealthy patrons like them by becoming an avid mountaineer and documentarian. His arresting images helped convince philanthropists, politicians and community leaders to preserve what would become Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934.

The road to Asheville

Masa was born Shoji Endo in Osaka, Japan in 1881. A changing economy and industrialization prompted many Japanese to seek their fortunes outside of Japan, including Masa, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1901. He became known as George M. Iizuka and eventually adopted the name George Masa. Masa lived in San Francisco, then New Orleans, before making his way to Asheville in 1915 for a job at the newly opened Grove Park Inn. The Gilded Age mountain resort’s guest list included Industrialists like Henry Ford, inventors like Thomas Edison and notable authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Masa started in the laundry room, but advanced quickly and worked in guest-facing areas of the hotel. Photographs even indicate that he sometimes accompanied guests on outings. His fledgling interest in photography, which began in New Orleans, took off in Asheville.

His portfolio included Grove Park Inn guests and promotional photos to increase tourism in Asheville. With aspirations of greater wealth, Masa left the Grove Park Inn to pursue more lucrative opportunities. However, he returned to Asheville and over a number of years, he opened two commercial photography studios and dabbled in filmmaking. His bustling studios drew impressive client lists of the most prominent entrepreneurs and families in Asheville. Although he worked extremely hard and was incredibly innovative, the wealth he chased never materialized. In time, he began spending more time outside the city. His destiny — and what he would be remembered and celebrated for — lay in the Appalachian mountains.

Capturing beauty and wonder

Today, we can appreciate the beauty of the Appalachian ranges and valleys, its breathtaking waterfalls and remote trails through Masa’s eyes. He would stake out a view for days and braved any weather condition just to capture the perfect shot at just the right moment. The volume of his work reflects a driving work ethic to capture beauty and wonder. He stood just 5-feet-2-inches tall and weighed not much more than 100 pounds. Yet, he hiked untold miles with a heavy 8-by-10-inch view camera with a wooden tripod on his back.

8 | January 2026

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His work also documents the region before maps of the Appalachian Trail even existed. In fact, he became a cartographer, producing maps for miles of the North Carolina/Tennessee section of the trail. A former engineering student, he fabricated a contraption to measure exact distances. He removed the seat, frame and back wheel from a broken bicycle and attached an odometer to the handle bars, creating a “cyclometer.” With this, he could accurately record distances as he mapped routes.

Masa met the famed nature journalist Horace Kephart in the mid-1920s when Kephart hired him to take photos for a story he was writing for “National Geographic.” They became friends and collaborators, exploring, documenting and mapping what would become Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kephart’s influential writing and Masa’s arresting photography convinced financiers and decisionmakers — including John D. Rockefeller — that it must be preserved.

Masa’s lasting legacy

Although he’s sometimes called the “Ansel Adams of the Appalachians,” George Masa didn’t live to see his work become so prolific, or to see the land he loved become a national park.

Despite his ambition and talent, Masa died at 52 of tuberculosis, alone and penniless in 1933. On his deathbed, he had hoped to share something with a friend but died before being able to do so.

The sheer volume of his output and his awe for the landscape has inspired a resurgence of interest in his work and life. But what we know from his personal accounts doesn’t delve into the significant social, economic and legal roadblocks he encountered over the 18 years he lived in Asheville.

He faced racism, government investigations into his activities, attention from the Ku Klux Klan, and he was never allowed to become an American citizen. Yet, his love for the land prevails through his photography.

His contributions are remembered through various initiatives propelled by individuals who were inspired to create lasting and visible tributes that highlight his story: a tiny lichen named in his honor, Lecanora masana; a 5,600 peak in the Smokies designated as Masa’s Knob; the installation of a tombstone at Riverside Cemetery in Asheville and a street marker in Pack Square in downtown Asheville.

Tina Firesheets is a marketing professional and freelance writer based in Greensboro. She grew up on the Qualla Boundary and in Whittier, and returns often.

MORE ABOUT

George Masa There’s been a resurgence of interest in him with the release “George Masa’s Wild Vision” by Brent Martin and his biography, “George Masa, a Life Reimagined.” In 2025, there were exhibits of his work at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center and the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort.

Here are other ways to connect with Masa and his legacy: Browse the largest collection of his photographs and papers in the Buncombe County Special Collections at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. in Asheville.

Find the street marker in his honor on Patton Avenue, just west of Pack Square in downtown Asheville.

Visit Masa Knob on the shoulder of the 6,217-foot peak that bears the name of Mount Kephart in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Plan to see the film, “A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story,” which will air on PBS North Carolina in May 2026.

Learn even more at georgemasa.com

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Carolina People

The Disc Golf Visionary George Sappenfield turned a personal passion into an international phenomenon Story and photo by Wendy Wood

On a sunny Sunday just after church in Fresno, Calif., a young teenage George Sappenfield was tossed a Pluto Platter from a neighbor as he got out of the car in his driveway. That one interaction in 1959 sparked a love for flying discs that George has carried with him since.

George, a resident of Jonesville in Yadkin County, is well known in the disc golf world. His design was the first standardized target in the disc golf evolution, but that was several years after the 1957 introduction of the Pluto Platter (later rebranded as the Frisbee) by Wham-O, which also released the Hula Hoop in 1958.

“I loved playing Frisbee from the time my neighbor threw one to me,” George says.

But how did that evolve into his being one of the early pioneers of disc golf?

“One of the college classes I took in 1965, the instructor said you were wasting taxpayer money if you don’t use all of the equipment and land you have available,” he says.

A trip to a ball golf course the same year turned into an “a-ha” moment for George.

“I was on the golf course in the woods waiting my turn.

I got to thinking, there was a picnic area that was hardly ever used [at the recreation center], and the Hula Hoops were hardly ever used, too.”

Up until this point, Frisbee enthusiasts had been playing a version of disc golf that just had players throwing the disc trying to hit things like light poles, mailboxes, trees or anything just to see if they could hit the “target” in the fewest number of throws.

“I visualized a Hula Hoop with a Frisbee flying through it. I got the kids, and I set up four holes of Frisbee golf with wooden stakes in the ground and Hula Hoops vertically tied to them,” he explains.

George’s became the first real target in an organized game of disc golf. In 1968, the recently created International Frisbee Association (IFA) wanted to have an expo and tournament outside the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. George suggested to organizer, Ed Headrick, a Wham-O manager, that they set up a Frisbee golf course

George with his grandchildren and his original target design.

and test the interest level. Ed was reluctant to do so, but a resulting nine-hole course was very well received — and Ed realized he needed to pay attention to Frisbee golf.

Ed later introduced the patented Disc Golf Pole Hole, which he developed with his son. When the disc hits the target, the sound of chains hung from a horizontal hoop allows players and judges to know whether the disc has hit the target.

When Ed couldn’t convince Wham-O that Frisbee golf was something to pursue, he left the company, and, in 1976, the sport became disc golf. The discs also got a redesign, because the original Frisbees weren’t heavy enough.

George said now there are 30 to 40 discs used to play disc golf — everything from drivers to putters and more.

Through the years, George has designed 25 to 30 permanent disc golf courses, several of which were established in North Carolina after he moved to the state in the mid-1980s.

For George, a World Frisbee Master, it’s not about winning the game.

“The most fun is watching people play and enjoying it,” he says. “For me, it’s also marveling at something I was part of the beginnings of, and it is now all over the world.”

Wendy Wood is manager of Communications & Community Relations for Dobson-based Surry-Yadkin EMC.

Where to Play Today, there are more than 16,000 disc golf courses around the world, and every continent (even Antarctica) has a disc golf course. Download the UDisc Disc Golf app to your smart phone to help locate courses all over the world.

Want to learn more?

The online version of this article at carolinacountry.com includes more details about the rich history of disc golf’s evolution.

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MEMBER news

January 2026

Smoke on the water CCEC Member Michael McGrail

A Message from CCEC Board President Dr. Amy Lock

Reflecting on Progress, Planning for the Future Most days, flipping a switch feels so ordinary that we hardly pause to appreciate it. Light comes on, appliances hum to life, and our routines continue without interruption. But when something doesn’t work, we’re jolted into awareness, reminded that electricity, though ever-present, is still a modern marvel.

My father understood this better than most. He spent his early childhood on a farm without electricity and vividly recalled the excitement as poles rose across the countryside and lines stretched to homes like his. The moment that first bulb glowed in their kitchen Dr. Amy Lock wasn’t just a convenience; it was a Board President symbol of possibility. Remembering his stories reminds me that what we take for granted today was, not so long ago, a life-changing step forward.

Serving as a cooperative director has opened my eyes to how much work, planning, and collaboration make that simple switch possible. Electric cooperatives are unique: unlike investor-owned utilities that operate for profit, cooperatives exist solely for their members.

Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC) is one of 26 not-for-profit electric cooperatives in North Carolina, all working together through North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), a network that includes power genereation, power purchasing, materials procurement, and shared governance. It is truly a cooperative of cooperatives, united in the mission to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.

And we never do this work in isolation. Power is generated in many ways, including natural gas, coal, nuclear, solar, wind, and hydro, and then moves across the vast, interconnected grid. This system of substations, transformers, poles, overhead and underground lines, and digital controls spans counties, states, and regions. Every utility in the country depends on this network, and every utility contributes to its strength. Reliability, quite literally, is a shared effort.

Looking ahead, the planning required to keep the lights

on is immense. A major project that becomes operational today often started more than a decade ago. And even now, planners are working on what our communities will need in the 2040s and beyond.

With rapid population growth, new industries, and advances in technology, demand is increasing faster than ever. A new facility built several counties away, or even in another state, can influence power needs right here at home. It’s a powerful reminder that the grid is one interconnected system, and success depends on constant communication, cooperation, and foresight.

At CCEC, we’re investing in projects designed to strengthen the grid, improve resilience, and prepare for the growing demands of the future. These efforts help ensure that our system remains dependable during severe weather, continued growth, and emerging challenges.

Members also play an essential role. Programs like Connect My Thermostat and Beat the Peak help manage energy use during high-demand periods, ensuring grid stability, and assist in keeping costs lower for everyone. For additional details on these programs, see page 13 and ccemc.com/energy-efficiency.

Today, when I drive through our communities or walk through my neighborhood, I catch myself looking at power lines and substations with a sense of appreciation. In just eighty-five years, we’ve gone from a single lightbulb in a farmhouse kitchen to an electric grid that powers modern life in ways early generations could never have imagined.

And I can’t help but wonder what the next few decades will bring.

One thing is certain: the cooperative spirit that once brought electricity to rural America is still guiding us.

It’s alive in our planning, in our partnerships, and in the everyday choices we make together. And it will continue to light the way forward—to a stronger, more reliable energy future for all of us.

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2026 Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment Understanding the WPCA & the steps CCEC is taking to manage power costs At CCEC, we are committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, our rates reflect the actual cost of delivering electricity, including wholesale power purchases, system maintenance, and a small margin to maintain financial stability.

In 2026, the co-op expects wholesale power costs to increase 11.88% compared to the 2025 budget. As a result, beginning in January, members will see a Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment (WPCA) charge of $15.25 per 1,000 kWh on their monthly bill. Cooperative members will pay $9.25 more per 1,000 kWh in 2026. This charge goes directly toward covering the increased cost of purchasing wholesale power.

The WPCA is temporary and will adjust as wholesale power costs change. If the cost of power decreases, the WPCA will decline or be removed; if costs continue to rise, the charge may increase.

® GENERATION TRANSITION. North Carolina’s 2021 cleanenergy law set long-term goals to shift generation toward carbon-free resources while keeping power affordable.

Duke Energy’s plans include retiring coal plants and adding more solar and wind, which require backup capacity like batteries or fast-start natural gas units. These replacements and new backup systems have driven major infrastructure investments and higher costs. Last year, lawmakers eased the pace of the transition by removing the intermittent carbon-free threshold, helping moderate future wholesale power costs. ® INCREASED DEMAND. After two decades of ample supply and efficiency-driven lower usage, electricity demand in the U.S. is now climbing due to heat pumps, EVs, large commercial loads, and rapidly expanding data centers.

This surge in demand, combined with the generation transition and rising infrastructure costs, is creating significant upward pressure on overall power costs.

How does CCEC compare to other utilities?

How is CCEC controlling costs?

Despite rising wholesale power costs, CCEC’s rates remain lower than other service providers in our area.

CCEC continues to take deliberate steps to control costs and protect members from the full impact of rising wholesale power prices. Current efforts include: ® REDUCING INTERNAL OPERATING EXPENSES THROUGH PROCESS EFFICIENCIES AND CAREFUL BUDGETING. ® STRENGTHENING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS TO PREVENT COSTLY OUTAGES AND EXTEND EQUIPMENT LIFE. ® INVESTING IN GRID MODERNIZATION TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE OPERATIONAL COSTS.

Why are costs rising? ® RISING INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS. Even with easing

inflation, years of higher prices for equipment and materials are now baked into every part of the grid.

Transformer and overhead conductor costs have climbed more than 50% in five years, and a line truck that cost $250,000 in 2020 will top $310,000 in 2026, before additional outfitting.

® WORKING WITH OTHER CO-OPS TO SECURE GRANT FUNDING TO HARDEN INFRASTRUCTURE. ® COORDINATING CLOSELY WITH NORTH CAROLINA ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION (NCEMC) TO MANAGE POWER SUPPLY, SECURE AFFORDABLE RESOURCES, AND REDUCE PEAK-TIME EXPENSES. ® ENGAGING STATE AND FEDERAL POLICYMAKERS TO ADVOCATE FOR RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE ENERGY POLICY.

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W u h c e s

C M a s h i m

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Working Together to Lower Demand Small actions support reliability and lower costs during winter peaks When outdoor temperatures drop, electricity use naturally rises. Colder weather drives us indoors, where we rely more heavily on home heating systems, more lighting and household appliances. Heating systems run longer and more frequently to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Combine that with the fact that most people use electricity at the same times—typically in the mornings and early evenings—and the result is significant pressure on our electric grid.

CCEC works closely with North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC), our local generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative, to plan for these seasonal weather patterns and changes and ensure you have reliable power every day of the year. This partnership involves detailed resource and infrastructure planning to make certain electricity is available whenever you need it.

CCEC and NCEMC take proactive measures to strengthen reliability year-round. These include routine system maintenance, investments in grid modernization and comprehensive disaster response planning. These proactive steps are designed to ensure our portion of the grid remains resilient even under extreme conditions. Yet, maintaining a reliable electric system requires a collective effort—and every member plays an important role in lowering demand when the grid is under stress.

You can help by taking simple actions during periods of high electricity use, especially on the coldest days: ® THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RECOMMENDS KEEPING YOUR THERMOSTAT AT 68°. ® DELAY USING LARGE APPLIANCES DURING WINTER PEAK HOURS (6 a.m. – 9 a.m.). RUN DISHWASHERS, WASHING MACHINES AND DRYERS DURING OFF-PEAK HOURS.

Enroll in Beat the Peak Join hundreds of other CCEC members who have signed up to receive Beat the Peak alerts. Participating members are notified by text message of upcoming peak usage periods.

These periods occur most often between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the winter and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer. And they don’t happen every day. Peak periods will occur approximately 3 to 5 times per month, depending upon the temperatures.

When you receive an alert, we ask that you reduce your usage during peak hours.

To enroll in Beat the Peak, scan the QR code or call 252.247.3107.

Understanding how winter weather impacts electricity demand is key to maintaining system reliability. By practicing simple energy conservation habits at home, you not only save money on your monthly bill—you also help strengthen the resilience of the grid that powers our community.

Together, through small actions and shared awareness, we protect our power grid, help control costs and ensure reliable electricity for our communities.

® ADJUST YOUR WATER HEATER TO 120°. ® UNPLUG UNNECESSARY DEVICES. POWER USED FOR LIGHTING AND ELECTRONICS ADDS UP AND ACCOUNTS FOR A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF HOME ENERGY USE.

Putting Lifesaving Skills to the Test In October, CCEC Line Technician Hayden Crump competed against 25 electric lineworkers from co-ops across North Carolina at the Statewide Pole Top Rescue Competition held at Nash Community College. To advance to the state competition, each of the competitors had to win a similar rescue event against their peers at their cooperative.

Each lineworker must perform in a scenario which finds a fellow worker unconscious atop a utility pole. The competitor, dressed in full climbing gear, must radio for help, scale 20-feet up a utility pole, rig a rope, lower a 105-pound mannequin and begin CPR. Crump completed the exercise with a time of 2:52.

“Every lineworker hopes to never have to use this method of rescue,” said Crump.

“That’s exactly why this event is so important—it brings competition into a scenario that we hope we’ll never need to use and gives us the confidence that we could do it quickly if something like this ever were to happen.”

Lineman Hayden Crump participates in statewide rescue competition.

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Cost of Service Study Underway Analyzing today’s costs to plan for tomorrow’s needs CCEC is beginning a comprehensive cost of service study to ensure that rates accurately reflect the true cost of delivering electricity to members. This analysis examines every component of the cooperative’s operations, including wholesale power purchases, system maintenance, equipment replacement, service reliability, and administrative expenses.

By evaluating how costs are distributed across residential, commercial, and industrial member groups, the cost of service study helps determine whether current rates remain fair, equitable, and aligned with today’s energy demands. It also enables the cooperative to better understand how different types of members utilize electricity and how these patterns impact system-wide costs.

To ensure that the process is fair and accurate, CCEC is working with an independent company that specializes in helping electric cooperatives set rate structures.

The cost of service study also provides the foundation for long-term financial planning. As power supply costs, infrastructure needs, and usage patterns continue to change, the study allows CCEC to identify areas where efficiencies can be improved and investments can be

prioritized. This process ensures that any future rate adjustments are data-driven and directly tied to the cooperative’s mission: providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to all members. It also increases transparency by ensuring that all members are aware of the reasoning behind rate adjustments.

In addition, the study helps prepare the cooperative for emerging challenges such as grid modernization, the integration of new technologies, and the ongoing demands of maintaining a resilient system in coastal communities.

By taking a proactive approach today, CCEC can make informed decisions that protect the cooperative’s financial health and support stable, predictable rates well into the future.

Rates based on the study’s findings will be announced in the summer and go into effect in October.

Middle Schoolers: Take your shot Apply by March 31 CCEC is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities for local students to attend basketball camps on university campuses this summer. Young women may apply for a scholarship to the Wolfpack Women’s Basketball Camp at NC State University in Raleigh, while young men may apply for a scholarship to the Carolina Basketball School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Both camps will be held in June.

Two students from CCEC’s service territory will be selected for the scholarships, which cover all expenses at the overnight camps. Campers will stay in dorms and experience life on a college campus, and also practice drills with NCAA coaches and athletes.

Beyond the physical benefits of playing sports, campers will gain skills that will develop their character and help

them excel on and off the court, like working as a team and connecting with new friends.

Students who will be in sixth or seventh grade during the 2026/2027 school year are eligible to apply. Scholarship winners are responsible for their transportation to and from camp.

For more information and to apply, scan the QR code. The application period begins Jan. 1.

Main Office

1300 Highway 24 Newport, NC Customer Service & Paystation

450 McCotter Blvd.

Havelock, NC

Contact 252.247.3107 800.682.2217 ccemc.com customerservice@ccemc.com

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On the House NCWRC

EV Ownership Benefits

The costs (and savings) of EV charging

By Jonathan Susser

Q:

I’ve been seeing more electric vehicles (EV) in my neighborhood and around town. I’m intrigued by the technology but have questions, especially about costs. What are some things to know?

A:

It’s not surprising that you’re encountering more of these vehicles — around 125,000 light-duty EVs navigate North Carolina’s roads these days, and they hold a market share of nearly 8%.

There are certainly a lot of things we could discuss about EVs: their performance, their charging, their environmental impacts. But their cost to own and operate is top of mind for many potential consumers. And perhaps unexpectedly, that can relate to how co-ops manage the power grid.

Let’s dig in.

I got my first EV this past summer. I did my research and generally knew what to anticipate. But then my next couple of electric bills came in, and I was still caught off guard.

Then I remembered that although I’m now paying more for electricity each month, my gas expenses are $0. In fact, when it’s all said and done, I should save around $700 annually on fuel — that’s not nothing, and it’s not uncommon, depending on your driving habits.

I’m fortunate that I have the ability to charge at home (I’m currently using just a regular 120-volt outlet) as well as where I work (with a quicker Level 2 setup). If I didn’t have those luxuries and needed to charge at public locations, my savings would be considerably lower, and potentially nonexistent.

When I charge at home, I’m paying the same amount for each unit of electricity (a kilowatt-hour, or kWh) as I do when running the dishwasher, lights or any other appliance or device. At public chargers, other entities set the price per kWh, and it’s typically more expensive.

An important factor in this discussion is your electricity rate. Your co-op may offer time-of-use pricing that adjusts the cost of electricity based on the time of day. Compared with the more common flat rate, time-of-use rates have you pay more for electricity when demand tends to be higher (and the grid more strained), such as on winter mornings, and much less during periods of lower demand, like overnight.

The goal is to encourage members to move their electricity use — including their EV charging — to “off-peak” windows of time.

On an individual level, effectively making that shift when on this type of rate will likely save you money. For your co-op, it’s easier and more cost-efficient to manage electricity that’s spread out over time than condensed into a small period. Limiting “peak” electricity demand may reduce the need to upgrade poles, wires and other infrastructure, and ultimately keep down wholesale power costs, which benefits you and all your neighbors.

With EVs, the concern is primarily at a hyperlocal level, for example, if numerous households served by the same transformer all charge their vehicles at the same, inopportune (for the grid) times. That’s what time-of-use rates try to avoid.

So, if you end up getting an EV (I personally recommend it), contact your electric co-op. They’d appreciate the information and can let you know about any rate, program or incentive offerings that might be relevant and help you save even more.

Jonathan Susser is a senior content developer for Advanced Energy in Raleigh.

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Scenes

A gallery of your

best photos From breathtaking landscapes to sweet moments between friends and family, the entries to this year’s reader photo contest impressed us all around. Thank you to the hundreds who took the time to submit their work—we’re showcasing a few here, and you can find more online and on social media throughout the year.

@carolinacountrymagazine

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s d on ey.

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Bright-Eyed and Bushy Tailed | This female elk eyed passersby as she grazed on underbrush in the| Cataloochee True Love The true loveValley. between a girl and her dog .

Isaac Owens, Waynesville Stephanie Sheffield, Gastonia, a member of Rutherford EMC

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Chilly Sunset Ride | My husband took this photo while on a horseback ride at Cedar Island.

Sweet Grass Basket Making | Donnell Burch of Burch Family Sweet Grass Baskets creates a sweet grass basket on site at the Rice Festival held at Fort Anderson/Brunswick Town historical grounds.

The festival featured Gullah Geechee culture and crafts, among them basket making with sweetgrass.

Sylvia Phillips, Williamstown, KY, Tideland EMC

Jason Brady, Bolivia, Brunswick Electric

 An Appalachian Dream

A long-awaited sunrise on Hawksbill lit up the peak blooms of Carolina rhododendrons and made the morning feel like a reward in itself.

Stephanie Sheffield, Gastonia, Rutherford EMC  Unadulterated Love

Nothing comes close to the true love between a little girl and her dog. What a gift!

G ta th

Carol Anthony, Lincolnton, Rutherford EMC

N

 Gathering Sunflower Nectar

A picture of my bee, taken by my son Thomas Moore on the sunflowers that he grew.

Nina Moore, Bear Creek, Randolph EMC  Busy Hands = Happy Hands

Corn harvest time in the mountains puts my 93-year-old hands hard at work.

Roy Sutton, Clyde, Haywood EMC

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Bountiful, Beautiful Blue Ridge | Take in a breathtaking sunrise over the Cashiers Plateau in North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch endlessly into the horizon.

Mark Crews, Newport, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative

 Magical, Practical

Marigolds | Marigolds are especially beautiful when the sun is shining on them. Not only are they pretty, but they are also deer-resistant. My husband and I plant them in our yard every year.

Janis Harless, Jefferson, Blue Ridge Energy

S c

Isolated Orange Beauty | I came to Mazarick Park in Fayetteville early to capture sunrise in a few areas with fall color. I just happened to turn and saw this isolated orange beauty capturing the light.

B

Steven Kelly, Hope Mills Lumbee River EMC

Postcard-Perfect Sunset | The scenic look out on the Blue Ridge Parkway between Boone and Blowing Rock provided a postcardperfect sunset.

Janie Fogarty, Daytona Beach, FL, Blue Ridge Energy

18 | January 2026

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Resting Bull | I was fortunate to find this bull elk resting on a foggy early morning in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Clarke Cochran, Indian Trail, Union Power Cooperative

Sisterly Love | Six-year-old Penelope and eight-week-old baby sister Marlowe contemplate one another.

Barry Long, Leland, Brunswick Electric | Photo by Dawn Niles, Fuquay-Varina

The Gossip Geese | I found the down of the white geese so pretty at Lake Rim in Fayetteville—it honestly made me want one for myself. These two look like they're sharing some gossip.

Alex Johnson, Raeford, Lumbee River EMC

Savannah Smiles | My sweet Savannah always looks on the bright side. On a special trip to eat breakfast with abuela (grandma) at Cracker Barrel, the restaurant lost power just as we received our coffee. Rather than being glum, Savannah sweetly smiled, brightening the room and our mood!

Blanca Lynn, Lexington, EnergyUnited

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Advertising published in Carolina Country is accepted on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and willingly sold to customers at the advertised price. All ads must adhere to Carolina Country’s advertising policy, which can be found in our media kit at carolinacountry.com/advertise/MediaKit. The magazine, North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and the member cooperatives do not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised. Advertising that does not conform to these standards or that is deceptive or misleading is never knowingly accepted. Should you encounter advertising that does not comply with these standards, please inform Carolina Country at 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616. 919-875-3091.

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Carolina Kitchen

dairy free

Rotisserie Chicken Healing Soup

Warm Matcha Cocoa With fluffy coconut whipped cream

Make this simple soup to savor during cold and flu season. Just smelling it simmer makes us feel better. (Of course, it’s flavorful anytime!)

1 small rotisserie chicken 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 cups matchstick carrots, snipped with scissors 2–3 stalks celery with leaves, finely chopped 4–5 cloves garlic (or more), minced 1 tablespoon fresh zested ginger 2 teaspoons ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons salt 1 small lemon Fresh chives, cilantro, parsley or dill

Debone and shred the chicken. Place bones and skin into a large pot and add 7–8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer and reduce for 30 minutes (or put in a slow cooker for 12 hours on low).

Strain and discard bones.

Wipe pot dry and add oil or ghee over medium heat. Add vegetables and sauté about 5 minutes, stirring as they cook. Stir in garlic, ginger and seasonings, cooking 2–3 minutes to bloom (which enhances the spices).

Add broth, cover and bring to a low boil. Simmer about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, add 2 cups of the chicken, and let the soup rest for a few minutes. Stir in zest and juice of the lemon.

Garnish with your favorite freshly snipped herb(s).

From Your Kitchen Winter Salad With apples, cranberries and candied walnuts

¹/₃ cup extra virgin olive oil 2½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1½ tablespoon shallot, finely diced ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 tablespoon salted butter 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar ½ cup walnuts, chopped 7 ounces spring salad/spinach blend 2 small apples, sliced thin (or 1 large) 2 ounces parmesan cheese, shaved (pre-packaged is fine) ¹/₃ cup dried sweetened cranberries For the dressing, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard and shallot, then season with the salt and pepper. Whisk mixture for about

Recipe courtesy of Gayle White of Supply, a member of Brunswick Electric.

20 seconds. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

In a medium skillet, melt butter along with brown sugar over medium heat. Once melted, add walnuts and cook, stirring constantly until caramelized, about 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a plate in single layer to cool.

In a large bowl, layer spring/spinach mix and apples. Toss with dressing,* then top with parmesan, dried cranberries and candied walnuts. *Dress salad just before serving as it will wilt the lettuce after a while.

Submit your recipe online at: carolinacountry.com/myrecipe.

Contributors whose recipes are published will receive $25.

Full of antioxidants and nutrients, this powdered green tea can be used in a variety of ways. We like to cozy up with this warm cocoa on a chilly winter’s day.

1 can (13-ounce) full-fat coconut cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Preferred sweetener (we like honey) 2 teaspoons matcha 1 heaping tablespoon cocoa 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar ¼ cup hot tap water 2 cups milk (we used creamy oat milk) For the whipped cream, chill the coconut cream overnight. Drain the coconut water and save for other uses. Use a hand mixer to whip until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and sweetener and give a quick mix just to incorporate. Refrigerate.

For the cocoa, sift matcha and cocoa into a small bowl. Add brown sugar and hot water, whisking until smooth and lump-free.

Warm the milk, making sure not to boil. Stir in the matcha-cocoa mix until combined.

Pour into mugs and top with whipped coconut cream.

Note: Use plant-based milks (oat, coconut or almond) for a creamy, dairy-free option.

Dairy milk works as well.

Yield: 2 servings

Culinary Adventurist Wendy Perry (WendyPerry.com) is a home economist, blogger and NC food artisan, unless otherwise noted.

Digital Extra Visit carolinacountry.com/recipes to search more than 1,000 recipes by name or ingredient.

22 | January 2026

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As long as they’re here taking care of us, we’ll be here taking care of them. We’re Civic, a modern f inancial partner for today’s local government community. Learn more at civicfcu.org.

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January Events

JAN. 11

ArcoStrum Award winning guitar-violin duo River Dunes Harbor Club & Marina, Oriental NOV. 1–JAN. 4

NOV. 28–JAN. 3

JAN. 15

JAN. 22–25

Christmas at Biltmore

Hot Cocoa Crawl

Yoga + Wine Night

WinterFest

Biltmore Estate 800-411-3812

Downtown Elizabeth City 252-335-5330

Hinnant Family Vineyards, Pine Level 984-242-9190

Downtown Blowing Rock 828-295-7851

NOV. 15–JAN. 4

JAN. 10

JAN. 18

JAN. 29–FEB. 1

Winter Lights

Lonesome River Band

Decoy and Wildlife Festival

Ice Fest Weekend

The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville 828-665-2492

Award-winning bluegrass band The Liberty Showcase Theater, Fayetteville 336-524-6822

Mattamuskeet High School, Swan Quarter 252-542-0890

Maggie Valley Festival Grounds 828-944-0761

JAN. 19

JAN. 11

Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

African American Cultural Celebration

Downtown Elizabethtown 910-876-7905

NC Museum of History, Raleigh 919-814-7000

NOV. 15–JAN. 11

Chinese Lantern Festival Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary 919-462-2025 NOV. 19–JAN. 4

Winter Wonderlights The Greensboro Science Center 336-288-3769

“I Do” Re-Do Event Sale event for gently used wedding items The Dupree House, Smithfield 984-285-5877

JAN. 30–31

Visit carolinacountry.com/calendar for more information about each event, including links to the most current information, or to submit your own event.

where in Carolina Country is this?

Send your answer by Jan. 15, with your name, address and the name of your electric cooperative.

Online: carolinacountry.com/where By mail: Where in Carolina Country? 3400 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27616 Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified. The winner, chosen at random and announced in our March issue, will receive $25.

Have a roadside gem you’d like to share? Submit a photo, plus a brief description and general location information, at carolinacountry.com/where.

November’s winner The November Where Is This photo by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative member Oscar Trujillo features the Village Blacksmith shop, a part of the Pamlico County Heritage Center and Museum located on NC Highway 55 in Grantsboro. According to the Pamlico County Historical Association, the Heritage Center educates visitors on local farming, fishing and forestry, the three economic drivers for the county. The site features a visitor center, museum, heritage village, exhibits showcasing agricultural tools and artifacts, all serving as an educational hub for all ages.

The winning entry chosen at random from all correct submissions came from Debbie Buck of New Bern, a Tideland EMC member.

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*Based on 6/12 pitch vs. hood-style competitors. **$250 discount (no cash value) is for same-day signing only. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotion or offer. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. See representative for full warranty details.

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PREPARED FOR WINTER,

Committed to You. When winter weather moves in, co-op linemen gear up. Your local co-op’s dedicated crews are backed by a statewide network that will do whatever it takes to keep your family warm and connected. It’s not just a job—it’s a co-op commitment. From restoring power to ensuring community safety, you can count on electric cooperatives.

Learn more at NCElectricCooperatives.com CC01_JA.indd 4

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