Operation Round Up® awards 20 scholarships
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up® program awarded scholarships to 20 recent high school graduates.
Seventeen students will receive one-time scholarships of $1,000. Three students — Hunter Belvedresi, Marley Rohr and Laurel Smeltzer — each will receive $1,000 toward their college education annually for up to four years.
High school seniors may apply for the next round of scholarships beginning Feb. 1. The application will be posted at naeci.com and available through high school counselors.
Members can help fund future scholarships by enrolling their electric accounts in Operation Round Up. Participants agree to have their monthly electric bills “rounded up” to the nearest dollar. For example, a bill amount of $125.60 would become $126.
To enroll your account(s), please call (870) 895-3221, email info@naeci.com or visit an NAEC office.
Donations are placed in a trust and administered by a five-member independent board of community leaders. The volunteer board evaluates all requests and determines how Operation Round Up funds are distributed.
More than $286,000 in college scholarships, grants to community organizations and disaster relief has been awarded.
Nonprofits can download the application for a donation at naeci.com/operation-round-up.
Hunter Belvedresi Viola Jackson Corp Mountain Home Caden Delsoto Mountain Home
Olivia Fosness Mountain Home
Gale Gerundiano Highland Avery Guthrie Mountain Home
Rose Keen Salem
Anna Kellar Norfork
Owen Hyslip Highland
Deanna Human Mountain Home
Hannah Perdue Mountain Home
MaryElla Polston Salem Haley Ramsey Highland
Ora Love Melbourne
Marley Rohr Melbourne Rylee Roberts Mountain Home
Laurel Smeltzer Mountain Home
Allison Stone Salem
Brandon Wilbur Norfork Jackson Taylor Salem
Attention: Credit and Debit Card Users
Your credit and debit card information will not transfer to NAEC’s new billing software. If you have a saved credit or debit card payment profile or a recurring payment method tied to a credit or debit card, you’ll have to redo those once NAEC converts to the new system in August. Please note: All existing payment options still will be available in the new system. For more information, visit naeci.com/smarthub or call (870) 895-3221.
Goodwin, Wiles reelected
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) members reelected Larry Goodwin of Calamine and Dennis Wiles of Horseshoe Bend to six-year terms on the NAEC Board of Directors.
Survey & Ballot Systems of Minnesota conducted the election on NAEC’s behalf. The company mailed each NAEC member a ballot, candidate biographies and a 2025 Annual Report in May. Ballots received by Survey & Ballot Systems by June 21 were considered valid.
NAEC attorney Roger Morgan announced election results during the 86th Annual Meeting at the Salem Civic Center on June 23. Survey & Ballot Systems received 1,887 ballots from members.
Incumbents Goodwin and Wiles were nominated by the nominating committee for the Sharp County and Izard County positions, respectively. Both ran uncontested as no valid petitions were received by the deadline. Goodwin received 1,404 votes. Wiles received 1,501 votes.
A recording of the Annual Meeting is posted on the Annual Meeting webpage at naeci.com.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH
August heat can test your air conditioner, making it a great time to check the unit’s air filter. A dirty, clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder to keep your home comfortable. That extra strain can reduce efficiency, increase energy use and contribute to unnecessary wear on equipment. Inspect your filter monthly and replace it if it appears dirty. A clean filter supports efficient operation and even can enhance indoor air quality.
& LOWS — JUNE 2026
compared to 8.95” in 2025
Warmest Day: June 30, 92.48°
Coolest Day: June 3, 55.4°
Larry Goodwin
Dennis Wiles