CARROLL ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION’S NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS
Welcome Back, Willie Wiredhand!
Willie Wiredhand was created by Andrew McClay on Oct. 30, 1950. McClay, a former entomologist, worked as a freelance artist for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Willie is a stick figure formed by geometric shapes to depict cables, electric plugs, cords and electric wire, all items representing the electric industry.
Staff on NRECA’s flagship publication, RE Magazine, thought McClay’s cartoon would serve as a graphical representation of a farmer’s hired hand. McClay took ownership of the idea, and Willie the Wired Hand was born. The name was later shortened to Willie Wiredhand.
NRECA’s membership chose Willie to represent electric cooperatives in 1951. Since then, Willie has been a distinguished and well-loved mascot in electric cooperative communities. Carroll EMC is excited to announce the return of Willie to our repertoire.
Be on the lookout for this mascot at the Carrollton People’s Parade on the Fourth of July and at Carroll EMC’s Annual Meeting this October!
Carroll EMC Walter Harrison
Semifinalist Announced
Graduating senior at Villa Rica High School, William Orr, was chosen to represent Carroll EMC as its semifinalist for the Walter Harrison Scholarship. Seventeen scholarships, each worth $1,000, are up for grabs this year as part of the statewide program.
The Walter Harrison Scholarship, a program sponsored by Georgia EMC, the cooperative’s statewide association, is awarded to outstanding students beginning or completing a post-secondary education at any two- or four-year university, college or technical institute in Georgia. To be eligible, students must be accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate program and complete an application with their electric cooperative. Academic standing, community involvement and financial need are all considered when choosing a semifinalist.
Applications of each cooperative’s semifinalist(s) are then sent to Georgia EMC, where the Walter Harrison Scholarship Executive Committee will make the final selection.
“It’s a tough competition with more than 100 students to narrow down,” says Rolando Benitez, Member Advocate and Community Relations Representative for Carroll EMC. “But with a resume like William's, I’m very hopeful that he will make the top pick.”
On top of maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average and being recognized for a number of academic honors, Orr plays two varsity sports and is a member of the Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and Beta Club. He plans to attend Gordon State College in the fall to pursue an associate degree in mechanical engineering.
ELECTRICITY 101
To stay safe around electricity, start with these SEVEN basic tips:
DON’T OVERLOAD OUTLETS OR CIRCUITS
Plugging in too many items or drawing too much power on a circuit can cause overheating, fire and damage to devices.
DON’T USE FAULTY ELECTRICAL CORDS OR PLUGS
Do not use cords that look frayed, worn or cracked. Do not use broken plugs. Never remove the grounding pin from a three-pronged plug.
HAVE YOUR ELECTRICIAN’S NUMBER IN YOUR PHONE
Most electrical repairs or installations are not DIY projects. Hire an expert to avoid serious injury or wiring problems.
BE CAREFUL AROUND H20
Never use electricity while standing in damp or wet conditions. Keep all electrical devices away from water, including cellphones that are charging.
EVALUATE YOUR APPLIANCES
Do not use appliances in disrepair. Older or broken appliances can overheat, start a fire and cause serious injuries.
TEST YOUR GFCIs
Outlets near a water source should be equipped with GFCIs, which help prevent shock and electrocution caused by ground faults. Test monthly to make sure they are working.
MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS UP TO CODE
Your home should be properly wired and electrically sound. Contact a reputable electrician to evaluate your home.
Meet the Crossbeam Team
Jason Young, Technician
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Carroll EMC Empowers Future Leaders with Trip to Capitol
Two lucky high school students are heading to Washington, D.C., for an all-expenses-paid, weeklong trip sponsored by Carroll EMC. Sandra Rivera from Central High School and Carson Pullen from Carrollton High School were selected to represent the Co-op during the Washington Youth Tour (WYT).
During the seven-day trip, delegates spend sunup to sundown touring landmarks like Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Library of Congress, National Archives, Lincoln Memorial and so many more. They are also given the opportunity to meet with Georgia’s congressional delegation and state senators.
“I have attended the WYT as a delegate and a chaperone, and let me tell you, it never gets old,” says Ryan Sammon, Carroll EMC’s Community Relations Specialist and WYT Coordinator. “The energy is contagious, and it stays with you forever.”
Each year, the trip is coordinated between the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and electric cooperative statewide associations. Participating EMCs accept applications and select their delegate(s) from the pool of applicants. After conducting a panel interview, Carroll EMC selected Rivera and Pullen as the top candidates based on academics, community involvement and good fit.
Since Carroll EMC is only able to sponsor two students for the WYT, the Co-op invites its other impressive applicants to the Georgia Co-op Council Leadership Conference in Covington. The five-day conference is designed to enhance participants’ leadership skills and teamwork abilities through a series of exercises, training sessions and presentations. This year, Carroll EMC is sending Brady Otwell, rising junior at Mt. Zion High School.
Applications for next year’s WYT will be available online at carrollemc.com/wyt beginning Nov. 1, 2025
Sandra Rivera
Carson Pullen
155 N. Hwy 113
Carrollton, GA 30117
member.services@carrollemc.com
carrollemc.com (770) 832-3552
PRESIDENT/CEO
Tim Martin
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alvin Ginn, Chairman
Donnie Brannon, Vice Chairman
Ronnie Jordan, Secretary/Treasurer
Don DeFoor
Eddie Gore
Nan Philpot
Lynn Joyner
Emmett Harrod
EDITOR Kelly Jimenez WRITER Brittany Shadix
OFFICE HOURS
Carrollton
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buchanan
Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
24-HOUR OUTAGE LINE
To report a power outage, call (770) 832-3552, option 1.
Remember: If you have multiple accounts, you will need to enter your account number for that location.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Carroll EMC offices will close Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
Please use the PaySite kiosks, mobile app, text-to-pay, website or automated phone payment system to make a payment during this time.
Carroll EMC has personnel on standby 24/7, year-round. Even on holidays, Carroll EMC is prepared for storms and outages.
Congratulations, Graduates!
Updated Office Locations
Carroll EMC’s district office in Franklin is now permanently closed.
The district office in Buchanan has updated operating hours. The Buchanan office is now open on Mondays and Tuesdays only from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
As a reminder, Carroll EMC’s headquarters in Carrollton is full-service, and open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
TIP OF THE MONTH
Routine maintenance is important to keep your refrigerator running efficiently. Lint and dirt should be cleaned from the refrigerator coils every six months to a year, and more often if there are pets in the home.
When coils are coated with lint, dust or pet hair, your refrigerator works harder than it’s designed to, which can prevent the appliance from cooling properly and efficiently. The additional work can increase the energy costs of the refrigerator by as much as 35% and shorten the life of the appliance.
Source: energy.gov
