Today in Mississippi August 2023 Dixie

HAMBURGER HAPPINESS

A CELEBRATION OF BOOKS

ON THE HUNT FOR GATORS

KEEPING COOL IN THE KITCHEN

If Your Hands, Arms, Feet, or Legs Are Numb - If You Feel Shooting or Burning Pain or An Electric Sensation - You Are at Risk Get The Help You Need - Here's What You Need to Know...

Purvis, MS - If you experience numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet or if you experience shooting or burning pain, this is important.

Please read this carefully

Peripheral Neuropathy is when small blood vessels in the hands, arms, feet or legs become diseased and tiny nerves that keep the cells and muscles working properly shrivel up and die.

Early-warning symptoms include tingling and numbness, mild loss of feeling in your hands, arms, legs or feet, inability to feel your feet, which increases your risk of foot-injury and falling

More Advanced Symptoms Include...

Loss of coordination & dexterity, which puts you at increased risk of accidents

Inability to feel clothing like socks and gloves

High risk of falling, which makes walking dangerous, and makes you more dependent on others

Burning sensations in your arms, legs, hands or feet that may start mild, but as nerves and muscles die, may feel like you're being burned by a blow torch.

Ignore the early warning signals long enough and you risk progressive nerve damage leading to muscle wasting, severe pain, loss of balance and a lot of staying at home wishing you didn't hurt

When every step is like walking on hot coals, sitting still may be the only thing you feel like doing But there's little joy in sitting still all day long

Now here's the scary part....

Nerve damage CAUSES cell damage Cell damage SPEEDS UP nerve degeneration

Without treatment this can become a DOWN-WARD SPIRAL that accelerates.

The damage can get worse fast Mild symptoms intensify Slight tingling, numbness or lack of feeling can turn into burning pain.

Before you know it, damage can become so bad you hurt all the time

Unless this downward spiral is stopped and nerves return to proper function - the damage to nerves and cells in the affected area can get so bad your muscles begin to die right along with the nerves and cells. And that sets the stage for weakness, loss of mobility, disability, and dependence on others.

If you have early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy, (tingling &/or numbness, loss of feeling or pain) it's CRITICAL you get proper treatment

It's critical, because with proper treatment the symptoms can often be reversed Without it, you are playing Russian Roulette with your health

Once your nerve loss reaches 85%, odds are there's nothing any doctor can do to help.

The most common method your doctor may recommend to treat neuropathy is prescription drugs

Drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, & Neurontin are often prescribed to manage the pain But, damaged nerves and dying cells do not heal on their own

Pain pills do not restore healthy nerve function. They just mask the pain as the nerves continue to degenerate and cells and muscle continue to die.

Taking endless drugs and suffering terrible side effects that may damage your liver & kidney and create even more problems, is not a reasonable path. You deserve better. Three things must be determined to effectively treat neuropathy

1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained?

3) How much treatment your condition will require? With proper treatment, shriveled blood vessels grow back & nerves can return to proper function How much treatment you may need depends on your condition

At Purvis Chiropractic we do a complete neuropathy sensitivity exam to determine the extent of your nerve damage The exam includes a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, & a detailed analysis of the findings.

Dr Rob Acord, D C will be offering this complete neuropathy sensitivity exam for $47 This special offer goes away at the end of this month as we have a limited number of exam appointments available

Stop Hurting & Start Healing

Call Now to Schedule Your Complete Neuropathy Sensitivity Exam with Dr. Rob Acord, D.C. (601) 794-0081

105 Main Street Purvis, MS 39475

My Opinion

A sense of responsibility

This past June, a group of 81 high school juniors from all over the state had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. for a week representing Mississippi at the 2023 NRECA Youth Tour.

If you read the first quote at the bottom of this column, you can see the kind of impact a trip like this can have on our young people.

Emma Thomas is obviously somebody who has plans in the future to become a leader. Whether that turns out to be as a public servant in Washington, D.C., a state or local elected o cial in Mississippi, or as a local business owner or volunteer back home, we all need the Emma Thomases of the world to step up and give their time and talents to the betterment of our communities.

That’s what the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s youth leadership program is all about, and it’s a responsibility that electric co-ops take seriously.

That’s why local co-ops fully fund the program, which instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to lawmakers that represent their communities.

Maybe a youth leadership program student saw the Lincoln Memorial for the first time on this trip. Maybe a student had a lifechanging conversation with Mississippi’s U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.

We want the young people of our communities to learn, grow and experience, so they can contribute to the future of our state.

The trip to D.C. and the future of the state should also reminds us about the importance of our members voting.

A primary election for statewide o cials is being held this month with the general election set for Nov. 7.

One of the ways all of us can contribute to the future of Mississippi is by voting.

To that end, we have created an initiative and website that gives you all the information you need to make an informed vote.

Co-ops Vote MS is the initiative. The message is this:

You have the POWER to Register. Be Informed. Vote.

When our youth leadership students visited the many memorials and museums in our nation’s capital city, they learned about the sacrifices those who came before us made so we can exercise our right to vote.

Don’t let those sacrifices go to waste.

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

“This was a dream, and I don’t say that metaphorically. Washington, D.C. is where I plan to work. It’s where I plan to create a better nation through politics. To be able to see this place with other Mississippi leaders is a privilege. I’m so incredibly grateful for Southern Pine Electric and Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi for this life changing experience.”

— Emma Thomas 2023 Youth Tour student Southern Pine Electric

“The opportunity to attend the 2023 NRECA Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., was truly an unforgettable experience. Visiting the monuments, memorials, and museums deepened my appreciation for my freedoms, for those who gave their lives for my freedoms, and my sense of responsibility to help lead my fellow American citizens.”

— Kameryn Bardwell 2023 Youth Tour student Singing River Electric

Mississippi, land of poverty, A place where many struggle to be, Despite your beauty and southern charm, Your people face challenges that do harm.

From the Delta to the coast, Your poverty rate is among the most, With high unemployment and lack of education, Your people face a daily frustration.

But even in the midst of struggle and strife, Your people hold on to hope and life, With strength and resilience in their hearts, They work to make a better start.

So here’s to Mississippi, a state of grace, Where even in poverty, there’s a still a place, For hope and love and community, That bind your people together in unity.

by Mason Walker, a resident of Natchez,

and a member of Southwest Electric.

If you can’t take

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

OFFICERS

Randy Carroll - President

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Lydia Walters - VP, Communications

Steven Ward - Editor

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Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional o ce. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. The magazine is published for members of subscribing co-ops. The magazine is a bene t of membership.

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On the cover

Zip’s Café waitress Asha Graham holding a Zip’s Burger. Photo by Chad Calcote.

Central Electric Power Association, Coahoma Electric Power Association, Coast Electric Power Association, Delta Electric Power Association, Dixie Electric Power Association, East Mississippi Electric Power Association, 4-County Electric Power Association, Magnolia Electric Power, Monroe County Electric Power Association, Natchez Trace Electric Power Association, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, Northcentral Electric Cooperative, Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, Pontotoc Electric Power Association, Singing River Electric, Southern Pine Electric, Southwest Electric, Tippah Electric Power Association, Twin County Electric Power Association, and Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association.

EPA proposed mercury standards for coal plants raise reliability risks

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to consider reliability of the electric grid as well as the significant investment by electric cooperatives in control technologies before setting new limits on mercury emissions and filterable particulate matter from coal-fired power plants.

“Co-ops would have to invest millions of dollars more in retrofits to comply with this proposal or retire units prematurely, leaving the nation short on available baseload generating resources when energy demand is escalating,” said Rae Cronmiller, NRECA environmental counsel.

“With electric reliability at stake, we encourage EPA to withdraw this proposed rule and reconsider its impact to the electric grid.”

EPA proposed the new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for power plants on April 23 and is expected to issue a final rule in 2024.

“To date, fPM emissions regulated under the 2012 rule have declined more than 80% and mercury emissions more than 94%,” said Cronmiller. “This notable progress must be considered by EPA in drafting an update. Instead of giving credit where credit is due, this proposed rule would lead to a costly mandate with no appreciable health benefits and the premature retirement of dependable coal-fired units that underpin reliable electricity.

“NRECA will continue to advocate for flexibilities that ensure these plants can continue to be used to provide reliable and a ordable electricity.”

NRECA

Grant money provides life-saving tools for fire department

The 24-member Agricola Volunteer Fire Department purchased an automatic external defibrillator and reusable safety vests with a $1,772 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant from Singing River Electric.

The new equipment will help in their e orts to provide emergency medical response to George County’s Agricola, Movella, Howell, and Ward communities. The fire department has been serving the area since 1976.

“Last year, we responded to 131 emergency calls through the 911 system including structural, wood, and vehicle fires, as well as medical crises including heart attacks, strokes, and diabetic emergencies,” explains Philip Thomas, fire chief.

For more information on Singing River Electric’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grant program, visit www.singingriver.com/my-community. The next application deadline is Sept. 8, 2023.

Supply chain challenges that have impacted the ability of electric cooperatives to maintain and expand their grid systems over the past two years are finding their way into the operations of co-ops working to close the digital divide. Now, as tens of billions of dollars in federal and state broadband funding comes online, the nation’s supply co-ops are taking unprecedented steps to expand their inventories of critical communications hardware.

“When government money is available, that perks up everybody’s interest,” says Dan Bell, an outside sales representative for General Pacific Inc., a Fairview, Oregon-based member-owned logistics and supply cooperative serving co-ops and public utilities in the Pacific Northwest. Bell says customer interest in broadband began to ramp up around 2007 and grew steadily with the rise of online commerce and advances in entertainment and gaming. But as telework and remote schooling took hold amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the pace skyrocketed. GenPac is one of nine members of the Electric Utility Distributors Association, or EUDA Group, a network of vendor services providers committed to meeting the equipment needs of electric co-ops, municipal utilities, and public power districts.

The growing demand for broadband and digital communications components have driven EUDA members to rapidly expand their inventories and add new product lines to ensure that co-ops now developing broadband networks have the parts and equipment they need.

“Fiber components are seeing long lead times, up to a year, due to the high demand,” says Phil Clark, vice president of sales and operations for United Utility Supply Cooperative. “The material went from being readily available to high demand and long lead times due to federal funding, fiberto-home, global supply chain dependence and more rural development.”

Louisville, Kentucky-based UUS is run by Kentucky Electric Cooperatives. Clark says that field representatives and sales sta are spending a lot of time listening to co-op leaders and tailoring logistics plans to meet their needs.

“When you have a co-op that is changing out poles for a broadband buildout, that adds to the existing high demand for all other co-op construction,” says Clark. “That’s a lot of crossarms; nuts; bolts; wood poles; everything that goes on the pole. And there are only so many manufacturers.” NRECA

Southern Gardening

In the landscape, begonias are often thought of as annual plants you grow in shade areas, but most of today’s varieties grow well in full sun. This makes them very versatile.

A benefit of begonias grown in the sun is that they tend to develop more flowers than those in the shade. All begonias tend to bloom continuously throughout the summer and early fall.

One thing I love about begonias is that the plants are selfcleaning. That means the spent flowers tend to fall o by themselves, and no deadheading is required.

Wax begonias are very popular bedding plants used as annuals or planted in containers as perennials and brought inside during the winter.

They can be used in patio containers, window boxes or shady locations, and they can be planted along walkways or woodland edges. These plants are good additions to pollinator and droughtresistant gardens.

The Cocktail Vodka wax begonias are certainly top shelf. The color combination of coppery-green, amazingly shiny foliage

with strikingly rich, reddish-orange blossoms will have everybody talking. Regardless of where you plant it, your Cocktail Vodka wax begonia will be noticed.

Cocktail Vodka begonias are fine choices for the garden, but they are also good selections for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. They are often used as filler plants in the “spiller-thrillerfiller” container combination. In a container, their mass of flowers and foliage fills gaps against which the thriller plants stand out.

Dragon Wing red begonia, a hybrid cross between angelwing begonia and wax begonia, is considered one of the most beautiful begonias on the market. It was selected as a Mississippi Medallion winner for 2002.

Cocktail Vodka begonias are fine choices for the garden, outdoor containers and hanging baskets, where their mass of flowers and foliage fills in any gaps.

In full sun, the plant is more compact, and the foliage develops a reddish cast. In partial shade, the look is lush, tropical, and exotic.

Dragon Wing begonias bloom almost constantly from spring until frost, boasting huge scarlet panicles that hang down and contrast with the dark-green, glossy leaves. Dragon Wing begonias are ideal for hanging baskets on the front porch or in containers, and they can put on some astonishing growth all season long.

The Dragon Wing begonia makes a strong accent as a thriller centerpiece for a container, as a one-plant show for a hanging basket or a great choice for mass plantings. With a mounded shape that reaches 18 inches tall and wide and tropical-looking foliage, this plant shines as a focal point in any location.

There are several di erent varieties of Cocktail begonias and Dragon Wing begonias. You will surely find some you like at your local garden center or nursery.

Dragon Wing red begonia, a hybrid cross between angelwing begonia and wax begonia, is considered one of the most beautiful begonias on the market.

by Dr. Eddie Smith

Southern Gardening columnist Dr. Eddie Smith, a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, is an internationally certified arborist, Produce Safety Alliance certified trainer, and one of the developers of the Mississippi Smart Landscapes program that encourages the use of native plants in the landscape.

The Dragon Wing red begonia grows in full sun as a compact plant with a reddish cast to the foliage. In partial shade, it looks lush, tropical, and exotic.

Mississippi’s alligator season begins a new round of hunting opportunities this summer.

The 2023 alligator hunting season starts at noon on Aug. 25 and continues through noon, Sept. 4. Only properly licensed people with special permits can hunt alligators. This year, Mississippi allocated 290 permits for hunting alligators in seven zones.

Living more than 50 years, alligators can grow longer than 16 feet and weigh more than 1,000 pounds. The largest alligator ever killed in Mississippi during modern times measured slightly more than 14 feet long and weighed 766 pounds.

Today, sportsmen, boaters, and others who venture into wetlands commonly see big alligators, especially in the southern part of the state. Not so long ago, people rarely spotted these surviving relatives of the dinosaurs in Mississippi.

About 500 years ago, Spanish explorers first began to trek across what became the Gulf Coast states and saw millions of “dragons.”

Not knowing what they were, the Spanish explorers called these “dragons” “El Lagarto,” or “The Lizard.” Over the centuries, Englishspeaking people turned the Spanish phrase into “alligator.”

For centuries, people feared these powerful, toothy predators and tried to eradicate them. By the mid-20th century, alligators became uncommon in the wild. States began passing laws to protect the giant reptiles. In 1967, the federal government put alligators under full protection by declaring them endangered species.

From 1970-78, Mississippi wildlife managers captured approximately 4,000 alligators in a Louisiana refuge and released them into suitable Magnolia State habitats. That kick-started the gator recovery in Mississippi. In 1987, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed alligators from the Endangered Species List and allowed states to hold strictly regulated hunts to remove surplus animals, thus keeping the population stable.

By early in the 21st century, alligators again became abundant in Mississippi. Thousands of alligators now thrive in marshes, swamps, lakes, and rivers across the state. Most of them live from U.S. Highway 82 south to the Gulf of Mexico. However, people might spot alligators in every Mississippi county.

Mississippi opened its first very restricted alligator hunting season in 2005. Permitted sportsmen could only take limited alligators in certain parts of the Pearl and Pascagoula River systems. Hunting opportunities expanded every year since then. In 2013, Mississippi opened alligator hunting by permit in public waters statewide.

During the 2022 season, Mississippi issued 876 permits. More than 3,800 hunters participated. Those hunters brought in 830 alligators. They captured and released another 1,669.

Sales of permits and hunting licenses contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue annually to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. This doesn’t include the economic impact from sportsmen traveling to their hunting spots, buying equipment, supplies, food, fuel, and other items they need. Some people come to Mississippi from as far away as Canada and California to bag an alligator.

With proper management of the population and necessary habitat, this magnificent ancient animal will survive for thousands of more years.

About 500 years ago, Spanish explorers first began to trek across what became the Gulf Coast states and saw millions of “dragons.” Not knowing what they were, the Spanish explorers called these “dragons” “El Lagarto,” or “The Lizard.” Over the centuries, English-speaking people turned the Spanish phrase into “alligator.”

by John N. Felsher

For more gator information visit www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/alligator-program.

Scene Around the ‘Sip

by Steven Ward

Imagine getting paid to read.

That’s the joke Ellen Daniels makes sometimes about her job as the executive director of the Mississippi Book Festival.

Born and raised in Rolling Fork in the Mississippi Delta, Daniels fondly remember trips her parents took her on to Lemuria Books in Jackson, where she perused the shelves of Oz, the store’s children’s section.

“So, it would only make sense that my first real job was at Lemuria. I worked on and o at Lemuria for 13 years. I am a born bookseller, and my job with the festival is just another way of doing that on a larger scale,” Daniels said recently.

The Mississippi Book Festival, which is held annually on the grounds of the state capitol, takes place this year on Aug 19.

Known nationally as Mississippi’s “literary lawn party,” the festival is a book lover’s celebration of readers, authors, and the transformative act of reading.

“It’s grand yet intimate, which helps create the magic of the Mississippi Book Festival. We always want to be bigger and better every year, but we never want to be so big that our audience doesn’t feel the intimacy of the festival. There is something very special about sitting very close to your favorite author in a panel session, getting to talk to them while you get your book signed, and bumping into them around the festival site,” Daniels said.

It’s grand yet intimate, which helps create the magic of the Mississippi Book Festival. We always want to be bigger and better every year, but we never want to be so big that our audience doesn’t feel the intimacy of the festival.

Last year’s festival, the eighth, saw 6,400 people attend panel sessions inside the state capitol and thousands outside buying books, eating at food trucks, enjoying readings, and participating in craft activities in the children’s tent, Daniels said.

Some of the authors attending this year’s festival include YA authors Jason Reynolds and Lois Lowry; Pulitzer Prize-winning novelists Richard Russo and Richard Ford (a Jackson native!); Mississippi writer Kiese Laymon; National Book Award winner James McBride; literary darling Ann Patchett; and nonfiction author Simon Winchester.

When asked to name three of her favorite books by a Mississippi author, Daniels gave us five. “This is by no means a complete list, but these are the ones that stick out in my mind.”

1. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt

2. “Heavy: An American Memoir” by Kiese Laymon

3. “Miss Jane” by Brad Watson

4. “Sing Unburied Sing” by Jesmyn Ward

5. “The Annunciation” by Ellen Gilchrist

For more information about the festival, which is free, visit www.msbookfestival.com

Executive Director of the Mississippi Book Festival, Ellen Daniels

Author Angie Thomas (left) takes a selfie with a fan at the Mississippi Book Festival.

It Out Alive

What

Clients Are Saying About

It was a perfect late autumn day in the northern Rockies. Not a cloud in the sky, and just enough cool in the air to stir up nostalgic memories of my trip into the backwoods. is year, though, was di erent. I was going it solo. My two buddies, pleading work responsibilities, backed out at the last minute. So, armed with my trusty knife, I set out for adventure.

Well, what I found was a whole lot of trouble. As in 8 feet and 800-pounds of trouble in the form of a grizzly bear. Seems this grumpy fella was out looking for some adventure too. Mr. Grizzly saw me, stood up to his entire 8 feet of ferocity and let out a roar that made my blood turn to ice and my hair stand up. Unsnapping my leather sheath, I felt for my hefty, trusty knife and felt emboldened. I then showed the massive grizzly over 6 inches of 420 surgical grade stainless steel, raised my hands and yelled, “Whoa bear! Whoa bear!” I must have made my point, as he gave me an almost admiring grunt before turning tail and heading back into the woods.

But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars FREE when you purchase the Grizzly Hunting Knife. Make sure to act quickly. The Grizzly Hunting Knife has been such a hit that we’re having trouble keeping it in stock. Our first release of more than 1,200 SOLD OUT in TWO DAYS! After months of waiting on our artisans, we've finally gotten some knives back in stock. Only 1,337 are available at this price, and half of them have already sold!

Knife Speci cations:

• Stick tang 420 surgical stainless steel blade; 7 ¼" blade; 12" overall

•Hand carved natural brown and yellow bone handle

•Brass hand guard, spacers and end cap

•FREE genuine tooled leather sheath included (a $49 value!)

I was pretty shaken, but otherwise ne. Once the adrenaline high subsided, I decided I had some work to do back home too. at was more than enough adventure for one day.

Our Grizzly Hunting Knife pays tribute to the call of the wild. Featuring stick-tang construction, you can feel con dent in the strength and durability of this knife. And the hand carved, natural bone handle ensures you won’t lose your grip even in the most dire of circumstances. I also made certain to give it a great price. After all, you should be able to get your point across without getting stuck with a high price.

The Grizzly Hunting Knife $249 $79* + S&P Save $170

California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

*Special price only for customers using the offer code. 1-800-333-2045

Your

Your vote matters

In the coming weeks, you will begin to see information arriving in your inbox and mailbox asking you to participate in our annual board elections. I want to take this opportunity to emphasize the significant impact your participation can have on shaping the future of our cooperative and community. I firmly believe that our cooperative’s strength lies in the active involvement of its members, and that is why I ask you to exercise your right to vote in our upcoming annual board elections. Your vote matters, and here’s why.

Fostering Democracy and Ownership:

Dixie Electric operates on the principles of democracy and member ownership. By casting your vote, you actively participate in the decisionmaking process, ensuring that the cooperative is aligned with the collective interests of its members. This fundamental principle sets us apart from other energy providers; We’re a co-op, and our business model is meant to serve the members and the community in which it operates — not to make a profit for stockholders who, for the most part, don’t even live here.

Electing Board Members:

One of the most crucial aspects of our annual meeting is the election of board members. The board of directors plays a vital role in setting policies, providing guidance to management, and safeguarding the cooperative’s long-term sustainability. By voting for the right candidates, you ensure that the board reflects our membership’s diverse interests and expertise, ultimately leading to informed decision-making and e ective governance. One question we receive regularly is why your vote matters if there is only one candidate on the ballot. Even if only one candidate seeks election, the

membership must still elect that candidate, and our bylaws require that at least 10% of the membership must participate to be able to hold the annual meeting and direction election.

Building Trust and Transparency:

Voting in the annual meeting strengthens the relationship between the cooperative and its members. Your vote is a direct expression of trust in our cooperative’s governance and leadership. By participating in the annual meeting, you signal your confidence in the transparency of our decisionmaking processes and your belief in our commitment to serving the best interests of our members. This trust is the foundation upon which we can continue to build a cooperative that meets the evolving needs of our members and community.

Each year, the annual meeting represents a pivotal moment for our cooperative and its members. We recognize the vital role Dixie Electric plays in our community. Your participation ensures that the cooperative remains responsive, innovative, and accountable to the collective interests of its members. Remember, every vote counts, and your vote matters. So, mark your calendars for the opening day of online voting Monday, August 21, and make your voice count in the next annual board elections.

by Randy Smith General Manager

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

36th

A group of 81 rising high school seniors from all over Mississippi traveled to Washington, D.C. in June to attend the 2023 NRECA Youth Tour.

The trip was the culmination of the students' participation in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s youth leadership program.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to lawmakers that represent their communities.

During the March workshop in Jackson, the students had the opportunity to meet and hear from state legislators. During the trip to Washington, D.C., the students met and spoke with their U.S. senators — Roger Wicker and Cindy HydeSmith — and two of their U.S. representatives, Mike Ezell and Michael Guest.

While in Washington, D.C., the students and adult chaperones visited historic sites, monuments, museums, explored Capitol Hill, and had an opportunity to learn about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities.

The students were chosen by their local electric cooperative.

The Cooperatives Youth Leaders program is fully funded — including the trip to D.C. — by the local electric co-ops as a commitment to molding future leaders for Mississippi so they can impact the state and local communities.

Pictured right: Top: Dixie Electric Youth Tour students Bella Lane and Dillon Burnham stand in front of the White House. Bottom: Bell Lane and Dillon Burnham in front of Washington National Cathedral.

Improving

reliability one mile at a time

Right-of-way maintenance is one of the best things we can do to provide the reliability that our members have come to expect. Our 26 substations are trimmed on a six-year rotation. For 2023, we are trimming Macedonia, Diamond, West Richton, and Cleo substations, which will total just shy of 1,000 miles of right-of-way.

By keeping our rights-of-way trimmed, we can prevent outages, maintain safety, improve e ciency, and enhance the resilience of our electric system.

Bobby Sims Dr. Wayne County - Before

Bobby Sims Dr. Wayne County - After

Bobby Sims Dr. Wayne County - Before

Hwy 84 East Wayne County - Before

Hwy 84 East Wayne County - Before

West Cedar Ridge Rd. Wayne County - Before

West Cedar Ridge Rd. Wayne County - Before

West Cedar Ridge Rd. Wayne County - Before

Quail Dr. - Before

West Cedar Ridge Rd. Wayne County - After

West Cedar Ridge Rd. Wayne County - After

West Cedar Ridge Rd. Wayne County - After

Quail Dr. - After

Hwy 84 East Wayne County - After

Hwy 84 East Wayne County - After

Bobby Sims Dr. Wayne County - After

West Cedar Ridge Rd. Wayne County - Before

West Cedar Ridge Rd. Wayne County - After

THINK BIG

THINK

THINK

THINK BIG

BIG

BIG

Beat the Heat

THIS SCHOOL YEAR

THINK BIG

THIS SCHOOL YEAR

THIS SCHOOL YEAR

THIS SCHOOL YEAR

THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Follow these tips to BEAT THE HEAT and save on your August electric bill:

DE Fastlink offers A+ internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gig, and they all include responsive customer service and support by our local team, no data caps, and no hidden fees.

DE Fastlink offers A+ internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gig, and they all include responsive customer service and support by our local team, no data caps, and no hidden fees.

DE Fastlink offers A+ internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gig, and they all include responsive customer service and support by our local team, no data caps, and no hidden fees.

DE Fastlink offers A+ internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gig, and they all include responsive customer service and support by our local team, no data caps, and no hidden fees.

OPTIMIZE YOUR THERMOSTAT:

GET BIGGER INTERNET SPEEDS

GET BIGGER INTERNET SPEEDS

DE Fastlink offers A+ internet plans with speeds up to 1 Gig, and they all include responsive customer service and support by our local team, no data caps, and no hidden fees.

Set your thermostat to the highest setting possible when home and set the temp a few degrees higher when you’re away.

VISIT DEFASTLINK.NET OR CALL 833-521-3278

GET BIGGER INTERNET SPEEDS

VISIT DEFASTLINK.NET OR CALL 833-521-3278

GET BIGGER INTERNET SPEEDS

VISIT DEFASTLINK.NET OR CALL 833-521-3278

GET BIGGER INTERNET SPEEDS

VISIT DEFASTLINK.NET OR CALL 833-521-3278

VISIT DEFASTLINK.NET OR CALL 833-521-3278

GET YOUR FANS ON:

Use ceiling fans to circulate the air and to cool o instead of turning your thermostat lower. Just remember to turn the ceiling fan o when leaving the room.

2023 CREDENTIALS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Margarett Boyd

Stan Gipson

Casey Adams

Sheree Ishee

James Bender

Charlotte Doherty

B.J. Cooley

The Credentials and Elections Committee verifies candidate qualifications for Dixie Electric’s board of director elections and oversees the voting process.

KEEP THE HEAT OUT:

Use blinds or curtains to keep the sun’s heat from infiltrating your home.

SEAL AIR LEAKS:

Caulk around doors and windows to ensure you keep the cool air in and the warm air out!

AIR FILTERS MATTER:

Change your air filter monthly to improve air flow and enhance your air conditioners performance.

by Steven Ward

There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy hamburger. Whether you like French fries, tater tots, or onion rings on the side, it’s the taste and texture of the burger that delights the palette with a savory kick.

We all have our own favorite places to get burgers.

The question is this: where can you find the best burgers in Mississippi?

Today in Mississippi decided to venture out across our state to highlight some locations that are known for the quality of their beef patties.

Apologies in advance: there’s nothing definitive about the list. If we left o your favorite burger joint, email us or join us on social media to tell us which places should have made the list.

For those who want to discover “new to them” burger places, keep our story handy for your next burger trek. It’s always worth the drive for a good hamburger, right?

Magnolia Blues BBQ Prime Burger with sweet potato fries.

Photos by Chad Calcote

There’s nothing fancy about Zip’s Café in Magee. Fancy has never been the point of this family restaurant. Good tasting food, on the other hand, is always on the menu of this burger institution.

That institution is representative in the Big Zip Burger, a very large, 8 ounce beef patty with Zip’s sauce (Ed. We’re not telling) and all the toppings you can imagine.

The waiters will tell you to order the onion rings or their breaded fries. Although both choices are winners, those breaded fries are something special.

Chris Dunn, the current owner of the restaurant, is the original owner’s grandson. Zeke “Zip” Windham first opened the restaurant in 1963 downtown. The restaurant was moved to its

current location near the edge of Highway 49 in 1978.

“Our patties are hand cut fresh every day,” Dunn said.

Dunn said the cooks will customize your burger any way you want. Members of the Magee Fire Department are big fans of Zip’s burger with an egg and grilled jalapenos — dubbed The Fire House Burger, in tribute to the guys who run into burning buildings and rescue cats from tree branches high in the sky.

The burgers at Zip’s are so good, the Mississippi Beef Council and the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association took notice and awarded the establishment with their annual Best Burger in Mississippi Award in 2022 and 2016.

Members of the Magee Fire Department are big fans of Zip’s burger with an egg and grilled jalapenos — dubbed The Fire House Burger, in tribute to the guys who run into burning buildings and rescue cats from tree branches high in the sky.

Zip’s Burger with battered fries and Zip sauce.

Zip’s Cafe owners Chris and Morgan Dunn.

Zip’s Chili Cheese Burger with battered onion rings.

CHEESEBURGERS IN PARADISE

A lot of local couples.

Kenoy’s 4125 Friar’s Point Rd. Clarksdale 662-624-9030

Drive-In

3834 Market St. Pascagoula 228-762-2177

R House 2421 Highway 98 E. Columbia 601-674-2021

Highway 41 Fish and Steak House

4390 Mississippi 41 Pontotoc 662-489-5640

Acy Grocery & Deli 26730 Mississippi 430 S. Greenwood 662-453-2752

Hall of Fame 54 Dover Rd. Bentonia/Little Yazoo 662-755-8330

Roux 61 453 U.S. 61 Natchez 601-445-0004

Sidestreet Burgers 9199 Mississippi 178 Olive Branch 901-596-4749

Rebel Dip 12399 U.S. 49 Gulfport 228-832-4165

Roy’s Store 7 Roy’s Store Rd. Chatham 662-827-2588

Magnolia Blues BBQ Co. 218 S. Whitworth Ave. Brookhaven 601-990-2366

As you round the corner of the Phillip’s Drive-In drive-thru in Laurel, look up at the big red sign just above the menu.

The sign says, “Home of America’s Best Burgers.”

That’s a mighty big brag for a small-town Mississippi burger joint, but they just might be close.

Known as “PDI” by everyone in town, the drive-in first opened as a Dairy Queen in 1948 and became PDI in 1962 when franchise owner Joe Phillips wanted a place with his name. The drive-in has been run for years by the Phillips and Beard families.

Back then, PDI was the place for teens to hang out and grab burgers and milkshakes.

Brittany Smith, PDI’s general manager, said those same teenagers — all grown up now — come back to PDI for their favorite burgers and shakes today.

Right near the Mississippi/Louisiana line o Interstate 55, the tiny town of Osyka is home to one of the state’s best burgers.

Although known for their fried catfish and homemade onion rings, there’s a reason the name of the restaurant is Nyla’s Burger Basket.

“People always complement us on our burger. It’s consistent. It probably has to do with the seasoning. It all starts with the seasoning,” said Sherry Day, Nyla’s Burger Basket’s manager.

The ground meat is fresh, never frozen, and fried on a grill, Day said.

Nyla’s Burger Basket has been around for 40 years.

Day said Britney Spears often dined at the restaurant back in her Kentwood, Louisiana days.

“I always tell everyone who visits that they are going to be pleased,” Day said.

I would say a lot of our clientele is older — from the same generation that hung out here when they were younger.

“I would say a lot of our clientele is older — from the same generation that hung out here when they were younger. A lot of local couples,” Smith said. Not all of PDI’s customers are members of the AARP. PDI is a favorite of Laurel couple Ben and Erin Napier, hosts of the HGTV smash, “Home Town.”

According to Southern Living magazine, Ben Napier is partial to the Jumbo No. 3 Dressed Hamburger (mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles) with a side of tots,

INGREDIENTS

1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner)

1 ½ teaspoons steak seasoning blend

4 hamburger buns, split

4 slices cheese (such as Cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.)

4 lettuce leaves

4 tomato slices

TOPPINGS

Ketchup, mustard, onion slices, pickle slices (optional)

1. Combine ground beef and steak seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties.

2. Place patties on grid over medium, ashcovered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 7 to 9 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally. About 2 minutes before burgers are done, place buns, cut sides down, on grid. Grill until lightly toasted. During last minute of grilling, top each burger with cheese slice.

COOKS TIP

To prepare on stovetop, heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet; cook 12 to 15 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160 degrees, turning occasionally.

Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

“We grind up the bread ourselves,” Crowe said. The longevity of this family business is probably due to the one thing that always lures customers back to a place like this — great burgers.

3. Line bottom of each bun with lettuce; top with tomato, burger, and toppings, as desired. Close sandwiches.

— Mississippi Beef Council

Triple patty PDI Burger fresh on the grill.

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Field Dress For Success

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For the Love of the Game

George Ranager loves football.

The Meridian native has been associated with the game since his early childhood days of playing football in local neighborhoods.

Ranager was introduced to hard-nosed football at Northwest Junior High in Meridian by his first coach, Jimmy Gatwood. Northwest lost only one game in two years. He played both quarterback and receiver in junior high and continued in those positions at Meridian High School.

The future University of Alabama football player and his Wildcat teammates were mediocre in his first two high school seasons. Then the Wildcats’ fortunes changed in 1966 with the hiring of Bob Tyler. Ranager’s senior season brought the Wildcats their 11th Big 8 championship as they finished 10-0 with a 34-0 win over Jackson Provine in the mythical state championship.

In the win over Provine, Ranager hauled in a touchdown pass on the game’s first play. “Our quarterback was Bob White, and I was playing receiver. We broke the huddle, and for some reason a timeout was called to straighten the chains out. I went back to the huddle and told Bob if that defensive back lined up on me as close as he just had, he couldn’t cover me. Bob threw me a pass on our first play, and we kept rolling,” Ranager said recently.

“Coach Tyler was a game changer for our program. He brought a wide-open o ense and that suited our team. We had one close game, a 21-20 win over Vicksburg,” the future SEC football o cial said.

Next up for Ranager was the North/South High School All-Star football game in the summer of 1967. Ranager set a record that may still stand. He caught four touchdown passes in the game. He caught one from quarterback Bob White before White injured his ankle and was replaced by a quarterback from Drew named Archie Manning. Ranager caught three touchdown passes from Manning as the North rolled to a 57-33 win.

Next came college football for Ranager. “I considered Mississippi State and Arkansas before signing with Alabama. My brother Tommy

had played at MSU, and one of his Bulldog coaches, Johnny Majors, had talked to me about coming to Arkansas.

“Coach Tyler prepared me for Alabama and Coach Bryant. They were similar in their approach,” Ranager said. “You can believe all the stories you hear about Coach Bryant. I loved playing for him. He was a great person, coach, and leader of men. He taught us about life and impacted the lives of all of us who had the opportunity to play for him.”

Ranager had an outstanding career in Tuscaloosa as he garnered more than 1,000 yards receiving and scored 15 touchdowns. The first prime time college football game in 1969 against Ole Miss saw Ranager catch the winning touchdown with 3:42 to play as he took a bullet pass from Scott Hunter at the one-yard line and battled his way into the end zone, giving Alabama the 33-32 win. Later that year, in the Iron Bowl against Auburn, he returned a kicko 102 yards to set an Alabama school record.

After his playing days, Ranager came home to Meridian to work in the hardware business. He took up o ciating city recreation youth flag football. That led to a 12-year high school o ciating career that then led to a 25-year SEC o ciating stint before he joined the league’s replay crew for another eight years.

Today, Ranager is living in Meridian with his wife, Beth. They have two daughters, Heather Coleman and Kelly Ranager. He has one granddaughter, Coleman Clay, and one grandson, Hollis Clay. Hollis has signed to play football at Rhodes College in Memphis.

by Dale McKee

I loved playing for him (Bear Bryant). He was a great person, coach, and leader of men. He taught us about life and impacted the lives of all of us who had the opportunity to play for him.

Dale McKee is a Waynesboro native who has been writing sports in Mississippi since 1973. He is a member of Dixie Electric. Contact him at ddmckee18@yahoo.com.

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On the Menu

There are plenty of good things about summer. But cooking dinner in a steamy kitchen while still 90 degrees outside is not one of them. When the temperature in Mississippi is soaring, and dinner still must be provided, look to these no-cook, low-effort cooking methods that won’t have you sweating over the stovetop.

Microwave

Microwaves get a bad rap for drying out or rubberizing food. And some claim everything that gets “cooked” in a microwave is deemed highly processed and unhealthy. All can be true, but it doesn’t mean a microwave can’t help get a balanced dinner on the table. Microwaves are great for speeding up the preparation process without turning on a stove. Cook rice and grain varieties in 90-second pouches for the base in burrito bowls, rice bowls, or as a quick side dish — steam vegetables in five minutes or less in Corningware. Heat a sweet or baked potato to use for loaded potatoes. Microwaves are also great for melting cheese to finalize a quesadilla, tuna melt, or top nachos.

Rotisserie Chicken

Most grocery and big box stores o er oven-roasted rotisserie chickens. Rotisserie chickens are perfect for picking up hot and eating the night of, but it’s also helpful to grab one weekly to have shredded chicken on hand. It is easier to slice it while it’s still warm and store the shredded chicken in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator. Use shredded chicken for burritos, rice bowls, chicken salad, or quesadillas. Or try BBQ chicken tacos with a creamy yogurt sauce. Bonus: Use immediately or freeze the leftover skin and bones to boil for fresh and tasty chicken broth.

Sandwich Salad Combo

Sandwich salad combos are for more than just lunch. They make an easy no-sweat dinner, too. Choose heartier bread like sourdough, Italian, focaccia, French, bagels, or hoagies to elevate your meal. Go for more decadent spreads like stone ground mustards, pestos, Thousand Island, or Italian dressing. Switch out lunch meat and processed cheese for lox, chicken, tuna, crab, or chickpea salad — layer in fresh vegetables like spinach, roasted red peppers, or thinly sliced cucumbers. Think past simple salads and serve a fresh summer fruit, cherry tomato, or cucumber salad. Or go bolder with a Caprese, corn, broccoli, or avocado salad. Whisk up homemade dressing for an extra fresh taste.

with Rebecca Turner

Chickpea Salad

INGREDIENTS

(Recipe Author, Josie Bidwell)

1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

¼ onion, diced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (or ½ bell pepper for milder taste)

1 small dill pickle, diced

2 tablespoons mayo

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon turmeric

Salt and pepper to taste

Add all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well and chill. (Optional, you can use a potato masher or fork to partially mash chickpeas before adding seasonings for a different texture.) Serve in a wrap, eat with crackers, or on top of a salad.

BBQ Chicken Tacos with Creamy Yogurt Slaw

INGREDIENTS

1⁄3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Dash of hot sauce

2 cups shredded red cabbage (1/2 head)

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 6 oz.)

1⁄3 cup barbecue sauce

8 corn tortillas

Cilantro for garnish

Combine yogurt, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and hot sauce in a large bowl. Add cabbage and toss until fully coated. Combine chicken and barbecue sauce in a medium microwavable bowl; toss until chicken is coated. Microwave on High until heated through, about 1 minute. (Optional) Heat tortillas per package. Fill tortillas as desired.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

INGREDIENTS

1-2 cucumbers sliced

2-3 large tomatoes diced

½ red onion sliced

1 tablespoon fresh herbs parsley, basil and/or dill, optional

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss well. Refrigerate a half hour before serving.

by Rebecca Turner

Rebecca Turner is an author, registered dietitian, radio host, television presenter and a certified specialist in sports dietetics with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A lifelong Mississippian, she lives in Brandon and has spent the last decade offering no-nonsense nutrition guidance that allows you to enjoy good health and good food. Her book, “Mind Over Fork,” challenges the way you think, not the way you eat. Find her on social media @RebeccaTurnerNutrition and online at www.RebeccaTurnerNutrition.com.

Events

Clarke County Farmers Market. Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21. Quitman. Every third Saturday thru October. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lots of fresh produce, food vendors, and arts and craft vendors. Mark Carter Park on East Franklin Avenue. Sponsored by the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce. Details: 601-776-5701.

Calhoun County Sacred Harp Singing Convention. Aug. 12. Vardaman. Will be held at Mt. Hermon Primitive Baptist Church, 163 CR 427. Singing will begin at 10 a.m. with lunch in the fellowship hall. Singing will continue in the afternoon until 2:30 p.m. Singing will be from the 1991 edition of The Sacred Harp. Loaner books will be available. Details: 662-507-9434.

Trades Day Flea Market/Farmers Market. Aug. 12. Sep. 9. Oct. 14. Nov. 11. Ovett. (Second Saturday of the month.) Downtown Ovett. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors are welcome and lots are free. Details: 601-817-1092 or email at ricobay@gmail.com.

Little Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Aug. 17, 18, and 19. Sturgis. Event admission is $10. Live music, dinner ride, sound and light show, poker run, bike games, and food and merchandise vendors. Begins at 9 a.m. Diane Jackson Memorial Park. Details: 662-465-7970.

Mississippi Sacred Harp Singing Convention. Aug. 26 and 27. Forest. The event will be held at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, 6931 MS Hwy. 21. Singing will begin at 10 a.m. both days with lunch in the fellowship hall. Details: marksdavis19@gmail.com.

Faery Queen’s Modiste: Create Magical Costumes & Shop Class. Sept. 1. D’Iberville. Costume design studio class o ers you early access to shop our Fall Mystical Market & Costume Consignment sale plus get personalized design suggestions and tips from our experienced stylist and costumer, Suzanne Sta ord. Let her help you create a no-sew or sewing plan to update your new costume treasures. Session 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or Session 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. D’Iberville Civic Center, 10395 Auto Mall Parkway. Session 1 is $37 and Session 2 is $47, which includes soft drinks, mocktails, wine, and hors d’oeuvres after shopping. Details: 504-701-9994 or 228-280-3461.

The Annual Faery Court Masquerade Ball: Court of Atlantis. Sept. 16. Biloxi. Escape the monotony of everyday life and immerse into the magic of costume. Immersive event based on stories of fantasy and wonder, Celtic faery lore, and Mardi Gras tradition. Adults 18 and up only. Costume or formal attire required. From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Gruich Community Center, 591 Howard Avenue. VIP tickets $70. Table of 8 $640. General admission tickets

$45. Ticket sale is Sept. 3. No tickets at the door. Fundraiser for Whisper of Hope. Details: 504-7019994 or 228-280-3461. Visit www.faery-ball.com/.

The 31st Clarke Fest. Sept. 23. Quitman. Archusa Water Park, 540 County Road 110. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Car show, entertainment, Miss Clarke County pageant, fishing tournament, arts, crafts, food vendors, and kid’s zone. Sponsored by Clarke County Chamber of Commerce. Details: 601-776-5701.

Mississippi State Fair. Oct. 5-15. Jackson. Nationally recognized musical and comic artists will perform inside the Mississippi Coliseum including country music star Josh Turner, Mississippi native and winner of “The Voice,” Todd Tilghman, R&B singer Cupid, country artist ERNEST, comedian Rita Brent, Motown and R&B legends The Commodores, Mississippi native Kayla Berry, and Grammynominated Christian artist Jeremy Camp. The fair will also host a talent competition that will allow winners and runners-up to vie for a chance to win a VIP Executive Producer audition for “American Idol.”

Details: www.msstatefair.com.

Trip to Israel. Oct. 27 to Nov. 5. Ronnie and Beverly Cottingham host the trip to the Holy Land. If you’ve ever dreamed of literally walking where our Lord walked, this trip is for you! Details: 601-770-1447.

Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space allows. Submit details at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Email to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change.

Thank you to all of the day lily and tomato growers who emailed me about last month’s column, where I was lamenting the poor showing of our day lilies this year and absolute lack of showing of any tomatoes on my vines last year. The photo that accompanies this article attests to the fact that my tomatoes are already doing better. Also, I think I have a handle on our day lilies as well. The day lilies ended up blooming better than I expected.

My tomato situation came to mind the other day as we were driving through Belzoni. Jo went with me to Silver City to do a story about the recovery from the March tornado. Silver City, or what’s left of it, is about five miles south of Belzoni. When we finished the story, Jo and I drove on up Highway 49 to grab a bite to eat before going back home.

In Belzoni we remembered one of our grand adventures that happened there several years ago. It started as we were trying to follow some rather obscure directions to the house of one of Jo’s friends. Now, this was before we all had location finders and GPS on our phones. For that matter, it was well before we all had phones in our pockets, too. We used dead reckoning and scribbled notes to get where we were going back then.

Our landmarks included a blue transmission shop where we were to turn left and follow that road until the power lines ran out.

After about a half hour of circling in and out of cotton patches, Jo said I should stop and ask for directions. Normally that statement would have been blasphemous to my manhood. But it was getting late, and I had no idea where we were going, so I compromised. I stopped. But Jo went up to a house to ask for directions.

She knocked on the front door. The door opened and she went inside. Five long minutes later Jo and the couple who lived there came out the back door with paper sacks in their hands and disappeared through the wooden gate into their back yard. After a while all three emerged and came toward the car with bags of squash, tomatoes, corn, and other stu . They had loaded us up with vegetables from their garden. They also knew Jo’s friend and told us exactly how to get to her house to boot.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I almost rethought that whole “never ask for directions” thing us men swear by.

As we were backing out of their driveway, I stopped the car and turned to Jo and said, “Let’s stop at the next neighbor’s house down the road and ask for directions again and see what they have in their garden.”

Just as a lark, before we left Belzoni the other day, we put Jo’s friend’s address in our GPS and drove straight to her house. She wasn’t home.

by Walt Grayson

Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” Walt is also a reporter and 4 p.m. news anchor at WJTV in Jackson. He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com.

After a while all three emerged and came toward the car with bags of squash, tomatoes, corn, and other stu . They had loaded us up with vegetables from their garden.