Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)
Dixie Electric Power Association
4 Modern homesteading
in Oktibbeha County 14 Cooking with blueberries 15 Lawn mower racing catching on
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June 2013 I Today in Mississippi
Oklahoma tornado latest proof that preparedness saves lives nowing ahead of time how to respond to an approaching monster tornado undoubtably saved countless lives recently in Oklahoma. Residents of that tornado-prone region take disaster preparedness seriously—including the small children who demonstrated their tornado crouch before media cameras after the May 20 storm in Moore. Hurricane season in Mississippi opens this month. Are you as prepared as those Oklahoma students? Do you have a plan of action when a hurricane starts to spiral toward our coastline? Your electric power association certainly does. Representatives from all 26 electric power associations in the state are gathering in Jackson this month for the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Emergency Work Plan meeting. The purpose is to review, discuss and improve our collective emergency response to widespread power outages due to natural disasters. Even the smallest details will be scrutinized to see how we can make our power restoration faster, safer and more efficient. Electric power associations have the unique ability to call on a national network comprising more than 500 electric cooperatives ready to provide an emergency work force and equipment in a very timely manner. When you have the ability to pull in hundreds, possibly thousands, of additional line workers to help restore power, you better have your ducks in a row beforehand. They will need meals and a place to sleep in the outage area, or as close as possible. That can be a difficult task in some of the more rural areas of our state. Our Emergency Work Plan meetings are designed to leave no stone unturned in hurricane preparedness. We discuss: • securing line materials, tools and equipment • employee briefings before and during the disaster
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My Opinion Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO EPAs of Mississippi
• assessing damage to lines quickly to determine manpower and material needs • sleeping arrangements, meals and laundry for visiting emergency crews. In a natural disaster situation, an electric power association anywhere in the state can make one call to the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi office in Ridgeland to request help in power restoration. That one call activates a process to round up additional crews, sends them to the needy areas and tracks their progress, calling in more if necessary. This carefully planned procedure frees the local electric power association personnel to concentrate on storm damage assessment, power restoration coordination and crew support tasks. By the end of our Emergency Work Plan meeting this month, participants will have discussed, dissected, reviewed and revised every facet of our disaster response procedures. They will return to their local electric power association confident of their cooperative’s ability to keep the lights on for members—and restore them as quickly and safely as possible when a storm knocks them out. I hope you already have an emergency plan for your family. And please make sure everyone knows to stay away from downed power lines. JOIN TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI
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On the cover
Today in Mississippi
Mike and Alison Buehler, the parents of three young children, have chosen to become modern homesteaders by incorporating fading rural traditions into their 21st century lifestyle. The 4-County Electric Power Association members also founded the Mississippi Modern Homestead Center. Their story begins on page 4.
OFFICERS Kevin Doddridge - President Brad Robison - First Vice President Wayne Henson - Second Vice President Randy Wallace - Secretary/Treasurer
EDITORIAL STAFF Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO Ron Stewart - Sr. Vice President, Communications Mark Bridges - Manager, Support Services Jay Swindle - Manager, Advertising Debbie H. Stringer - Editor Abby Berry - Communications Specialist Rickey McMillan - Graphics Specialist Linda Hutcherson - Administrative Assistant
Vol. 66 No. 6
EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600 Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s Electric Power Associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. • National advertising representative: National Country Market, 800-626-1181 Circulation of this issue: 433,242 Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year
The Official Publication of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published eleven times a year (Jan.Nov.) by Electric Power Associations 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 office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Today, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300
Visit us online at www.todayinmississippi.com
Larger-than-life steel sculptures of native plants and wildlife (the heron weighs more than a ton) adorn “Nature’s Playground,” an impressive new 42-foot-high public art project and lighted fountain in Gautier’s Town Center. Topping the piece is a lighted sphere covered with stained glass. Designed by Fairhope artist Dean Mosher with decoration by local artists, the work reflects Gautier’s plan to become a destination for eco-tourists.
Mississippi is ... ... remembering Mamaw making butter rolls and Christmas in an old unpainted farmhouse. It is watching our citizens learn to appreciate each other without regard to skin color, and the evolvement of a two-party legislature. It is the never-changing delight of redbud and dogwood trees in full springtime bloom, and the reds and yellows of autumm splendor. It is fried chicken, from an iron skillet in the kitchen or the fast-food drivethrough line. With all its changes and all its sameness, Mississippi is where my heart is. Mississippi is home! — Jo Robbins, Pelahatchie I’m originally from Louisiana but I’ve lived in Mississippi for nearly four years now, and I call it home. The people are the best, there are plenty of churches, the landscape is beautiful and it’s peaceful. The lifestyle is slow, it’s very safe and very welcoming. I love Mississippi and I intend to live in this great state for the rest of my life. Thank you, Mississippi! — Joseph E. Colna Jr., Houlka Mississippi is a sojourner’s rest from relentlessly long winters, a revival of new beginnings and the harvest of fond memories. — R.D. Glover, Collinsville
What’s Mississippi to you? What makes you proud to be a Mississippian? What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your thoughts to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158, or email them to news@epaofms.com. Please keep your comments brief. Submissions are subject to editing.
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Growing
June 2013
a better life
Starkville family’s hobby farm revives rural traditions
By Debbie Stringer If her college friends knew what she was up to, Alison Buehler says they wouldn’t stop laughing. Hosting a workshop on home chicken processing is not what they would expect from this former special-education teacher. Yet Alison and her husband, Mike, a radiologist at a regional medical center in Starkville, have developed a deep respect for and interest in such old-time rural ways. Their own grandparents fed their families by producing their own vegetables, fruits, meats and eggs. If they needed something, they made it; if it broke, they fixed it. The Buehlers are reclaiming this sort of knowledge and making it a part of daily life. They grow organic vegetables and herbs, flowers, fruit trees and berry bushes. They keep laying hens and honeybees, raise pigs and make compost. They’ve built a henhouse, a greenhouse, deer fences, raised garden beds and berms. And they’ve learned how to cook and preserve the food they produce. In addition to developing a hobby farm from a small garden plot, they created an educational center to share information with like-minded people of all ages. The couple are part of a growing “modern homesteading” movement, which generally translates into the revival of traditional rural life skills to enrich modern living. “The things everybody used to know and now nobody knows,” as Alison put it. The Buehlers’ goal for themselves and their three children—ages 8, 7 and 4—is better health and a more meaningful
An organic strawberry, top, nears plump, ripe perfection in Mike and Alison Buehler’s organic garden. Seven-year-old Ben Buehler, left, examines a rye grass seed head while his mom looks over the herbs. Ben and his brother, Max, 8, enjoy eating fresh vegetables; their 4-year-old sister, Cecelia, will need more convincing. Laying hens, right, patrol the fenced garden for bugs, grubs and edible plants.
lifestyle based on sustainability, frugality and creative solutions. “For me, it’s something that brings together a lot of different passions or ideas, things like fitness,” Mike said. “This is how I get my exercise, out here building fences and digging ditches. And of course the food we’re growing is healthy. And then trying to re-learn some of these traditions and crafts and passing them on to your kids is a good thing.” He is quick to say his family has no desire to return to the 1900s; they like air conditioning as much as anyone. “It’s just learning how to do things that make sense, that aren’t quite so wasteful,” he said. “I don’t belong to a gym anymore because I’m out in the garden, or chas-
ing animals or children,” Alison said with a laugh. The Buehlers’ baby steps in homesteading started seven years ago when they bought a large home on an overgrown six-acre lot in Oktibbeha County. “When we were fixing this house up, we realized we didn’t know how to do just basic things, like fixing a toilet,” Alison said. Rather than hire the work done, the couple decided to become more self-sufficient by learning some fundamental skills. “We had an awakening: If we know this little, what are they going to know?” Alison said, nodding toward her 3-yearold daughter, Cecelia. Learning to grow food organically topped their list, but their first attempt
was a disaster. Gardening without chemicals in bug- and weed-infested Mississippi is no easy task. Undeterred, they visited organic farms and gardens in other states, read books, attended conferences and experimented fearlessly with different methods. Early on they discovered raised garden beds are the way to go when dealing with heavy clay soil. “I tried to till for two or three years and the tines just turned into a huge block of clay,” Mike said. After experimenting with several kinds of retaining structures for the raised beds, he settled on untreated pine 2-by-8 (or 10) lumber. The untreated lumber will last several years as long as termites don’t find it, he said. The more the Buehlers learned, the
June 2013
Alison Buehler and son Ben pet their Kunekune pigs, a small breed from New Zealand. The Buehlers chose the breed because of their docile nature. The pigs feed on pasture grasses and they especially relish clover growing among the raised garden beds.
more they wanted to know. “It was a slow realization but [it became] a real yearning for knowing how to take care of ourselves,” Alison said. Six years ago these 4-County Electric Power Association members had a 2400watt solar energy system installed to provide a supplemental source of electricity. “This house uses far in excess of what this system produces, but it’s sort of a demonstration of something that can be done,” Mike said. “I think moving toward solar and alternative energy is an important thing for the country. You’re not going to replace coal or
natural gas completely [as fuel sources for generating electricity] because you have to have always-on power. This is only going to be daytime, sunny-day power. It’s a complementary situation.” The Buehlers’ homesteading journey took an unexpected turn last year. After moving into another house nearby, they were considering the fate of the hobby farm they had nurtured through the years. Inspired by friends’ constant howto questions about gardening and keeping livestock, the couple decided to transform the property into the Mississippi Modern Homestead Center. Its function is to provide a public forum for sharing homestead experiences, information and hands-on demonstrations. “We had the idea to make this a teaching model of what anybody can do on whatever scale they want to do it,” Mike said. The center opened in January to host beginner-level workshops in topics such as chicken and goat keeping, home cheese making, cooking, food preservation, first aid, sewing, vegetable fermentation, fishing and homemade natural cleaners.
“This is cottage knowledge. People who have a knack for something come here and show somebody else how to do it,” Alison said. The center offers space for meetings, retreats, workshops and special events, plus overnight accommodations for up to 25. So far the center has hosted a women’s wellness retreat, a crafts festival, numerous workshops led by various instructors, as well as Farmstay events where families can try out hobby farming for a weekend. Events set for this summer include youth camps that emphasize learning and creativity. Judging from the center’s success in attracting people from Mississippi and several other states, it seems many crave basic knowledge in hobby farming and homesteading. “I think one of the reasons people are
Mike Buehler
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coming is they are curious about practical know-how that our generation has lost,” Alison said. “We’re recognizing that [these skills] are going to be gone if we don’t reclaim them.” The Buehlers also welcome requests for workshop topics. Alison has plans to cluster themed workshops to attract families who want to learn together. The Buehlers hope the center will help keep alive the rural traditions that sustained previous generations of Mississippians but have faded from modern life. “To me, this is a place to celebrate some of the best of Mississippi—food, practical know-how, people and rural living. It’s what Mississippians are good at,” Alison said. The Mississippi Modern Homestead Center is located at 402 Lake Valley Drive, just west of Starkville. For more information, call 662-694-0124 or go to www.msmodernhomestead.com.
Alison and Mike Buehler look over the last of their cool weather garden and make plans for the next planting. Founders of the Mississippi Modern Homestead Center, the Buehlers teach raised bed construction as part of their Farmstay weekends, where families can try out hobby farming to see if it will fit into their own lifestyle.
“We had the idea to make this a teaching model of what anybody can do on whatever scale they want to do it.”
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Young gardeners ditch tractor for a mule
ayne Rogers, who has a farm south of Philadelphia, called me a while back and asked if I’d like to do a TV story about his boys, who use mules to plow their summer garden. I was thinking it had been several years since I had done a story about mule plowing. Going through my files, I discovered it was actually 20 years ago, in 1993, that Rev. Lewis McDonald invited me out to his place to watch him work his garden with his mules. He used a tracMississippi tor to break up Seen the ground to by Walt Grayson begin with, but then used a mule to do the intricate work in the garden. Wasn’t anything better than a mule, he said. I had no idea what to expect when I drove up to the Rogers place and saw 12-year-old Cody and 13-year-old Kalem hooking up their mules to get ready for me to video them plowing. Questions running through my mind were along the lines of why they use mules instead of a tractor or a tiller. Is it a throwback to old times? Is this garden something they want to do or is it something they have to do? Stuff like that, remembering my one summer when I
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Cody and Kalem Rogers of Neshoba County work their summer garden the old-fashioned way, with mules, but for modern reasons. Photo: Walt Grayson
was about their age, working in the hay field on my uncle’s dairy farm and how that one summer of long, hot days cured me of ever being tempted to pursue an agricultural career. Wayne explained that the garden is the boys’ summer job and they make pretty good money at it. But it is theirs to do. All of it. Kalem told me the first thing they have to do is pay their dad back for the advance he gives them to buy the seed. And just like any other business, any
other expense comes directly off the bottom line. That is why the brothers like to use mules. “That diesel fuel for the tractor costs a lot,” Kalem says. Mules can have a little bit of a stubborn streak, but not as bad as a donkey. I was told that a mule is a cross between a donkey and a horse and hopefully retains the best of both lines. But a little of what you don’t want, like stubbornness, may slip through, too. Cody told me what to do if the mules
don’t do exactly what you want them to do: “Just put ‘em in a circle and go.” Meaning you lead them around in a circle and then head them back in the direction you wanted them to go to begin with. Mama and Daddy used to have to do something like that with us when we were kids, I told them. But old times has little to do with why these young entrepreneurs want to use mules. It is strictly economics and conservation for Kalem and Cody.
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Kalem explained that one of the reasons he prefers a mule to a tractor is because it “doesn’t pollute the area around us.” Cody immediately snickered and added, “Well, not too much!” Which reminded Kalem that the mules also help fertilize the garden as they go. The boys’ mother, Tammy Rogers, says she’s pleased her sons have taken on
the garden as their summer job. She says she is delighted they are learning values a lot of other kids don’t learn anymore. I’d call them old-fashioned values. 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.” Contact Grayson at walt@waltgrayson.com.
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Country wisdom and predicting the future ne distinct advantage to country living is the collection of small towns associated with the lifestyle. And I suppose I should add also the marvelous tales emanating from a great many of those so domiciled. Grand stories and small towns seem inseparable, for it is in these towns that folks gather. Enter any retail establishment and you are likely to find someone you know. And that someone will want to talk. So, please don’t rush; take time to visit. Hurrying away could cause you to miss matters of significant import. In just such a setting it was that I found myself on April 18. I had stopped in at a store that handles practically everything from plumbing and electrical supplies to pocket knives and baseball caps. I walked in wearing knee high lace-up boots, a sloppy hat, faded jeans, green chamois shirt and carrying a wooden longbow. No one thought anything of it.
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I was there to buy a section of PVC, but fortunately not for plumbing. I was intent on fabricating a tube for the takedown Osage bow that would fit in my duffle for a trip to Africa. When I announced my purpose for being there, all ears turned in my direction. But soon my story grew dry and inconsequential, and the subject turned quickly to weather. A perfect topic, politics aside. “The weather forecast says it’s gonna be cold tomorrow,” one customer noted. Tomorrow Mississippi would be the Outdoors 19th, but it was by Tony Kinton the 22nd that immediately became the focus. “You know it will,” the lady at the register added. “It thundered February 22 and it is always cold in April around the same date it thunders in February. It
The prediction of a late cold snap didn’t thwart the propensity to bloom in these azaleas. Photo: Tony Kinton
will probably frost.” Two days off is not so bad when making a long-range prediction with nothing more than the past as a radar. “It won’t frost now.” Another customer entered the debate. “The bluebirds have already laid their eggs.” “Well, the eggs may freeze ‘cause it’s gonna be cold.” There was now another individual opining in reference to this long-held belief. I had to agree with the prognostication of cold weather, for as long as my mother was cognizant and capable, she recorded any day in February when there was thunder. Seldom did the pattern prove false. And if you are wondering, yes, there was a touch of frost during that cold snap. All this banter set me to thinking of the many “truths,” perceived or otherwise, I had heard during my life in the country. And since most were somehow affiliated with nature, I concluded that these would fit in an outdoor column such as this is purported to be. Here are a few: • It’s too cold to snow: I have heard this all my life in regards to Mississippi. But after I was the first time in snow with temperatures far below freezing, I began to question this. However, there is likely some element of truth when confined to the immediate area. We get our coldest weather when the sky is clear and heat is able to escape. Snow doesn’t fall from a clear sky.
• Stinging snakes bury up in the mud and wait for somebody like you boys to step on them: While likely believed by a scattering of folks, it was probably employed to keep errant barefoot boys from walking in the mud—and ultimately tracking assorted debris attached to the feet of those errant barefoot boys into the house. I close with a few more upon which I will not expound: • A dream told before breakfast will come true. • If the wind spreads a chicken’s tail feathers, it is going to rain. • If you see lightning in the south, it will be dry weather. • It will soon rain when smoke from the chimney falls to the ground. True or false, these old country sayings? I don’t know. But I do know that I will eat blackeyed peas and pork on New Year’s Day! And like the words to that old song as these relate to my life in the country, I shall not be moved. Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. “Uncertain Horizons,” book two in Kinton’s “Wagon Road Trilogy,” is now available. Order from your local bookstore, Amazon.com or Kinton’s website: www.tonykinton.com.
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Plan now for later irrigation needs lthough many Mississippi gardeners are wondering if it will ever quit raining and let their landscapes dry out a bit, now is actually a good time to think ahead to the inevitable hot and dry weather of summer. Dry conditions create problems for our home gardens and landscapes, and gardeners water their lawns and landscape beds a lot more than usual during these times. We typically water garden plants based on soil moisture, and when the soil feels dry, we water thoroughly. A common recommendation is to apply 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week. This irrigation is usually done with overhead sprinklers, but they are an inefficient method of applying water. A much better approach is to maintain soil moisture by slow and steady watering. Homeowners actually have a variety of options that can provide water more effectively and efficiently. One option is to use microirrigation, also called drip or trickle irrigation, to apply water directly to the root zones. Maintaining a moist root zone reduces plant stress significantly. It also reduces water use by up to 70 percent
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Microirrigation is an effective way to apply water directly to the root zones. Options include soaker hoses, drip tape and microsprinklers. Photo: MSU Ag Communications/Scott Corey
compared to overhead sprinklers. This can make a big difference in the monthly water bill. Soaker hoses are another effective method of microirrigation. These hoses work by “sweating” along their entire length and are good for vegetable garden rows or long flower beds. Drip tapes are somewhat similar to soaker hoses and are used for long and straight rows in vegetable gardens.
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Emitters create uniform and efficient water flow and come spaced from 1 to 3 inches apart to accommodate different plant spacing. Because water use can vary between plants, adjustable flow emitters can regulate irrigation volume accordingly. Microsprinklers are useful for wider areas. While these are overhead sprinklers, volume is limited to 10 gallons per hour. If you are interested in really controlling the amount of water you use in the garden, consider using pressure-compensated emitters. These emitters regulate the amount of water regardless of water pressure. Microirrigation is an effective method of watering plants grown in containers. Starter kits make systems easy to install and are available at home improvement stores and garden centers. You can easily add additional tubing and emitters to these systems to irrigate additional containers. If you are like me and have an existing irrigation system that uses pop-up sprinklers, you can buy a conversion kit to switch to microirrigation. I did this in my front landscape beds. The early-morning hours are the best time to water, as temperatures are cooler and the soil can absorb the water before the heat of the day. Watering during the middle of the day is not very efficient, as some of the water evaporates before it can do any good.
Plants, like people, have preferences and knowing when and how much to water plants is one skill all gardeners need to cultivate. Too much water encourages root rot problems; too little leaves plants wilted and lifeless. Careful observation and experience will keep your landscape plants Southern alive during a Gardening long, hot and by Dr. Gary Bachman dry summer. Soil conditions in the garden and landscape have a big impact on watering needs. Most gardens and beds can benefit from the addition of 3 to 4 inches of composted organic matter that will help improve drainage. Top that off with 2 to 3 inches of mulch to help the soil retain valuable moisture and keep temperatures down. Even though there has been plenty of water so far, spend some time in your landscape and garden planning on the best way to meet your plants’ later moisture needs. This way, you’ll be able to keep your landscape looking beautiful regardless of the weather. Dr. Gary Bachman is MSU horticulturist at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi.
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Proudly serving members since 1938
Learning from the past leaders of Dixie Electric gives insight On the following pages you will read an article about the four men who led Dixie Electric before me. As I thought about the struggles that the others faced in the past, I began to realize how rich and challenging our history is. Bringing electricity to rural areas of America couldn’t have been easy. I’m amazed at individuals like our first general manager Stover Smith who organized our cooperative. The number of decisions that he had to make during his years of service is almost inconceivable. He literally took a blank landscape through a section of south Mississippi and oversaw power lines being strung and poles being erected to bring electric power to individual’s homes and businesses. I’m sure he was a hero to many of our early members who had never enjoyed the daily luxuries of electricity before. In addition to building the system, he
secured loans from the Rural Electrification Administration, now the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). He hired and trained new employees because the work was new to everyone. Stover also worked with the other electric cooperatives in the state to organize a statewide association to offer benefits and training to our employees and a statewide newspaper for our members, among other functions. He worked with state and federal elected officials on rural electrification issues, including the formation of a generation and transmission cooperative to supply our electric energy needs and a certificated area, permanently marking our service territory in the state. It seems that every step taken was a battle to advance or protect Dixie Electric and its members. His legacy is creating this thriving organization that has brought reliable electric power to its members for 75 years.
The four managers that followed Representatives from him have benefitted from his the electric power associahard work and his accomplishtions visited with the staff ments. members of our It also came to me that, Congressional leaders in although the times and circumWashington, D.C. in stances may be different than early May to remind those Stover Smith faced, we are them to protect these still fighting for rural electrificaloan funds because we use tion in the United States. Low Randy Smith, general manager them to extend lines, interest loan funding from RUS is build substations, make always on the chopping block under the improvements to the electrical system and President’s budget or with Congress. This serve our members. Serving electric power simply doesn’t make sense in a time where to rural America is very expensive with litthere doesn’t appear to be much stability. tle room for profit, making the RUS loan The rural electrification loan program is program an integral part of our operation. one of the few government programs that As those who have gone before me, I’m makes money in the form of interest. The committed to leading Dixie Electric as we risk with these loans is very low because continue to meet the need of our rural electric cooperatives like Dixie members and to protecting it because it is Electric have a strong track record, for the a unique type of business – an electric past 75 years, of repaying these loans. cooperative.
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Robin Robinson seated as a new board member in May The Dixie Electric board of directors welcomed Robin Robinson at the May 2013 board meeting. Robinson was appointed to represent District 5 and complete the unexpired term of longtime board member June Doggett. Doggett retired in December 2012. Robinson is director of organization development and corporate communication at Sanderson Farms, Inc. Robinson has been employed with Sanderson Farms, Inc., since 1978 and has progressed through the organization, working in the areas of accounting, auditing, human resources, training and communication during her career. “Robin brings a lot of experience to our board in the areas of corporate
planning and personnel development,” said board President Mack Mauldin. Gov. Haley Barbour appointed Robinson to serve on the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees and on the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Services. She serves on the Board of Directors for the following organizations: Jones County Junior College Foundation; Mississippi Economic Council; American Lung Association Plains-Gulf Region; and the Mississippi Center for Obesity Research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Robinson is married to Sam Britton. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and was inducted into the USM Alumni Hall of Fame.
Was that thunder? Weather summer storms safely with these helpful tips All thunderstorms produce lightning and all have the potential for danger. Those dangers can include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, wildfires and flash flooding, which is responsible for more fatalities than any other thunderstorm-related hazard. In the United States, lightning kills 300 people and injures 80 on average, each year. And lightning's risk to individuals and property increases because of its unpredictability – it often strikes outside of heavy rainfall, up to 10 miles away. Ready America, a national public service campaign from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), champions the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule. Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. It’s also important to be familiar
with the terms used to identify thunderstorm hazards. For instance, a thunderstorm watch means there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your area. A thunderstorm warning means a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately. There are several things you can do to prepare your home for summer storms: • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm. • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. • Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains. Finally, as with all emergency situations, listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials. For more tips on weathering storms safely, visit www.ready.gov.
CLARKE
JASPER
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COVINGTON LEAF RIVER
3
HWY 588
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SANDERSVILLE HWY 11
LAUREL
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HWY 84
ELLISVILLE
JONES
PETAL
WAYNESBORO
WAYNE
7
SPURLINE RD.
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RICHTON
NEW AUGUSTA
FORREST
PERRY
Robin Robinson
Alise Mathews receives Youth Leadership scholarship West Jones High School senior Alise Mathews was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Electric Power Association Foundation. Alise was selected as the Youth Leadership Council representative from Mississippi for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour program in March 2012. Alise represented Dixie Electric in the Youth Leadership Program. She plans to attend Jones County Junior College next school year.
Congratulations Alise! ENERGY efficiency tip Appliances account for about 13 percent of your home’s energy use. If they have energy-saving settings, use them! If they’re nearing voting age, consider replacing them with a new, energy-efficient model. And remember to try smart power strips for smaller appliances and electronics that continue to draw power even when turned off. For more tips, visit EnergySavers.gov. Source: U.S. Department of Energy
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Looking Back
Managing a cooperative is a challenge an By Lydia Walters Five managers have led Dixie Electric Power Association through its 75-year history. They each faced unique experiences as they led the association. The first general manager was Stover Smith. He served as the general manager from 1938 until his retirement in 1964. Serving as the first general manager certainly had its trials. Dixie Electric was a “start up” company with only four employees, which meant Stover Smith answered phone calls in the evenings and climbed poles himself. “I remember that the phone would ring and awaken us all hours of the night for power out. Our phone was on a party line with our neighbors, so they would hear the calls all night too,” Dr. Stover Smith, Jr. said as he was reminiscing about his father’s work at Dixie Electric. Dr. Smith was one of six children of Stover Smith, Sr. who served as general manager. Stover Smith saw the small operation grow from a few hundred meters in 1939 to more than 11,000 when he retired in 1964. Following Stover Smith as manager was Ora Beasley. He was the general manager from 1964 until 1975. During his years as manager, an intense fight ensued between the investor owned utilities and the electric cooperatives over the start of South Mississippi Electric Power Association (SME). The electric cooperatives eventually won, and SME became and is currently Dixie Electric’s wholesale power provider along with 10 other electric power associations in Mississippi. SME has electric power plants throughout the state, including a natural gas-fired plant in Moselle, Miss. Dixie Electric began receiving electric energy from the Moselle generating plant on August 1, 1970. James T. Dudley, Jr. was the general manager from 1975 until 2008. He returned briefly in 2010-2011 to help the board as they hired a new manager in 2011. Dudley defined the role of the general manager and how the general manager relates to the board of directors. “The board of directors is elected by the members to represent them. They are responsi-
ble for making all of the policies. They hire a general manager to run the day-to-day operations of the association and to carry out the policies they set,” he said. “The general manager is accountable to the board at each monthly meeting, and the board answers to the membership at the annual meeting.” All cooperatives, electric as well as other types, are structured like this. It is a democratic process where people elect their representatives. During the 33 years he was manager, Dudley saw the industry change significantly. “There were no diggers or bucket trucks in the early years. The linemen dug poles by hand. They had an A-frame truck to haul poles, and they had to carry poles if they couldn’t get the truck in an area. Now, we have much better equipment,” he said. Dudley worked at Dixie Electric for more than 40 years; he was the system engineer before becoming manager. During this time, the electrical system changed from four substations and two feeder points to 24 modern substations. Line equipment improved and computers changed the payment and billing side of the business. Also, Dudley oversaw a major remodel of the Laurel office, construction of a new office in Petal, and the purchase and remodel of a former bank building for a new Waynesboro office. Each decade during his 40 years of service had a major power outage event: Hurricane Camille in 1969; Hurricane Frederic in 1979; Glade tornado in 1987; Hurricane Georges in 1998; and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In addition, there were numerous other tornadoes, ice storms and thunderstorms that created challenges through the years. Upon Dudley’s retirement in January 2008, the board promoted long-time engineering manager Alan Bradley to general manager. During Bradley’s service as manager, a study on the cost of serving members was conducted, and a new rate structure went into place in January 2010, allowing for longterm rate stability and system growth. Also, two new substations were constructed during Bradley’s time as manager. Dudley returned briefly while the board chose a new manager after Bradley resigned. They hired
long time engineer and engineering manager Randy Smith to lead the association. In 2011 and 2012 under Randy Smith’s direction, the management overhauled the billing and payment processes for members, and added an Interactive Voice Response and Outage Management System. These systems came online in
2012 and 2013 and work together for automated power outage reporting and pay over the phone; they also streamline dispatching servicemen and linemen to outages, making power restoration quicker. The system also notifies members by phone of planned outages due to maintenance or disconnection due to nonpayment. Randy Smith also oversaw the creation of a new logo, creating consistency between the company vehicles and printed materials such as envelopes. “My goal as manager is for Dixie Electric to meet the needs and expectations of our members not only today but in the future as well,” General Manager Randy Smith said. “We want to use technology wisely and appropriately to provide better service for our members, but we also want to keep the personal relationships that have made us what we are.”
June 2013
Today in Mississippi
nd a joy Stover Smith Manager from 1938 - 1964
Ora Beasley Manager from 1964 - 1975
Randy Smith Manager from 2011 - present
Alan Bradley Manager from 2008 - 2010
James T. Dudley, Jr. Manager from 1975 - 2008
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American Cancer Society
Relay For Life
Dixie Electric hits a grand slam
For the seventh consecutive year, Dixie Electric Power Association participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life to raise funds to promote awareness about cancer and to find a cure. “Our Dixie Electric family has been impacted by cancer directly this year, so this Relay was very special to us,” Team Captain Pollyanna Magee said. The employees worked together this year to raise funds by selling the World’s Finest Chocolate candy bars, organizing a golf tournament at Dixie Golf Club in Laurel and by taking childrens’ pictures with Santa Claus in the Petal office. They also sold lanterns, luminary bags and torches in honor or memory of someone who is battling cancer or lost the fight.
“Probably, the most powerful part of the evening was the release of hundreds of sky lanterns in honor and memory of individuals with cancer,” said cancer survivor and Dixie Electric employee Mark Manning. The Laurel team raised $5,060, and the Petal team raised $2,605, totaling $7,665 donated to the American Cancer Society for 2013. “I’m very proud of our employees for the effort they put in to Relay. They always work hard because they really believe in the work that the American Cancer Society does,” Magee added. The theme for the Jones County Relay event, which was held on April 27 at the Laurel fairgrounds, was “celebrating life’s big moments,” so Dixie
Electric’s employees chose their first baseball game. The theme for the Petal Relay was “a cure is a wish your heart makes.” In order to stay with the baseball theme, the employees in Petal picked “Angels in the Outfield” as their team’s theme. The Petal Relay event was held at Relay Park on Saturday, May 3, due to the rainy weather on Friday, May 2. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Each year the American Cancer Society hosts Relay for Life in many different communities.
Jones County’s Relay for Life raised more than $235,000 this year. The Petal Relay raised $106,000 for cancer research, education and prevention. “We appreciate the local businesses from Laurel and Hattiesburg that donated door prizes for both of our Relay teams,” Magee said.
Charles Houpt lights a luminary bag he purchased for a family member.
Above: Petal employees supported Relay for Life at the Petal office due to the rain. At right: Everyone enjoyed wonderful ball park food prepared by Bobby Russell and Larry Tolbert at the Jones County Relay event.
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in the fight against cancer Thank you to our sponsors who donated to Relay For Life.
At right: Reese Robinson partakes in the fun at the Jones County Relay event. Below: Mark Manning and his family lit the torch that Dixie Electric’s employees bought to honor him for his battle with cancer.
Anthony’s Florist Applebee’s Baker Hughs Bop’s Frozen Custard, Laurel Bumpers Drive-in City Home Center Conestoga Steakhouse Dickey’s BBQ, Laurel and Petal Doris Tanner’s Flowers Extreme Outfitters George’s Sporting Goods Hoot Art by Leighan Griffin Hooters Grill and Bar IP Casino Resort and Spa Leaf River Sports Lincoln Financial Group Longhorn Steakhouse
Dixie Electric employees and family members paraded around the track for the company lap at the Jones County Relay event.
Lowe’s, Laurel Nails by Kim, Petal Outback Steakhouse Pasquale’s Phillips Building Supply Precision Quick Lube Proflow Motor Sport Robinson Electrical Supply Smokehouse, Laurel Studio B, Laurel Studio B Cut and Style (Alice Cash) Studio B (Lacy Sullins) Today’s Furniture Walgreens, Laurel Walker’s Dairy Bar Western Sizzlin, Laurel X-Treme Hair and Tanning
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Our next ‘Picture This’ focuses on rural life What’s so great about living (or visiting) in rural Mississippi? The answer lies in your photographs. “Country Life” is the theme of our next “Picture This” reader photo feature. We publish a few of the most eye-catching photos that best illustrate the theme from among those submitted. Photographers whose photos are selected for publication are eligible for a $200 cash prize, to be awarded in a random drawing in December. Submissions must be emailed or postmarked by June 10. Selected photos will appear in the July 2013 issue of Today in Mississippi. I Submission requirements • Submit as many photos as you like, but select only your best work. • Photos must relate to the given theme. • Photos must be the original work of an amateur photographer (of any age). • Photos may be either color or black and white, print or digital, but they must be in sharp focus. • Digital photos should be high-resolution JPG files. • Please do not send a photo with the date appearing on the image. • Photos must be accompanied by identifying information: photographer’s name, address, phone and electric power association (if applicable). Include the name(s) of any recognizable people or places in the picture. • Prints will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot, however, guarantee their safe return through the mail so please do not send irreplaceable prints. I How to submit Mail prints to Picture This, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300. Email digital photos (as an attachment) to news@epaofms.com. If submitting more than one photo, please attach all photos to only one e-mail message, if possible. Or, mail a photo CD to Picture This, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300.
Southern hospitality meets its match
A
visit to our nearest allies across the Atlantic gave my travel companion and me another perspective of cultures that speak English. It makes life much easier than using sign language with strangers who don’t particularly like Americans. We knew we liked London enough to go back, but didn’t know about their close neighbors. Who would have thought that Mississippi and her southern sisters inherited their hospitality not only from the English, but Wales, Ireland and Scotland. These countries are good humored and also have innate friendli-
ness and kindness. The people we met have a genuine affection for Americans. That was our impression when we recently took a 12-day tour. Many of us claim ancestry from the four countries, especially emerald-green Ireland. Mr. Roy gave me one bit of advice before we joined our travel group in London: “Don’t invite anyone to come see us.” On a trip abroad five years ago, we invited Brian and Beryl, a couple from Australia, to come visit us. They took us at our word. Yes, they have been here three times. In the South, “come see us” flows smoothly off our tongues. But that’s OK. I’ve learned a lot
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June 2013
about Australia from them. When they left, Brian laughed and said, “Y’all come on down.” I think they learned a few things from us too. One big hitch: Australia is extremely down under for me. Gravity could fail momentarily and off we’d go to another galaxy. My companion and I were flabbergasted when we joined our group of travelers on the tour bus. Like a magnet we sat next to an Australian couple. I looked at Mr. Roy, raised and dropped my shoulders and grinned at him. During our tour of the countryside we hung out with the Aussies, a mother and her 21-year-old daughter from Canada, and a couple from California. In London my traveling companion and I enjoyed the British Museum. I Grin ‘n’ wanted to see Bare It the Rosetta by Kay Grafe Stone and ancient sculptures from Greece and Egypt. We loved Westminster Abbey. We left London the next day with our tour group on a fast-paced trip to Wales, Ireland, Scotland and then back to England. We saw many memorable sights, but I’ll just touch on a few. First was Stonehenge, which has baffled archeologists for years, then the Roman baths at Bath England and the Cardiff Castle at Cardiff Wales. In Ireland we visited the famous Waterford crystal factory at Waterford, Ireland, and then to beautiful Dublin and Belfast Ireland. Our tour crossed the North Channel to Scotland. Edinburgh, Scotland has so much history, but the centerpiece is the Edinburgh Castle and the crown jewels. Back in England our group traveled through the Northumberland National Park to the walled city of York and then to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and finally back to London. As we sat in our seats on the airplane and were finally able to catch our breath, I asked my Mr. Roy what impressed him the most. He thought for a minute and then said, “I thought all of the cities were very clean and pretty, especially
Edinburgh and Dublin. The more I see of London the more I like it. “I had always wanted to see Stonehenge. But what impressed me the most in all four countries was the beautiful green countryside. I had no idea that England was that rural and had so many farms. And the same can be said for Ireland and Scotland. Another thing that impressed me was the friendliness of the people, even the taxi drivers.” Then he asked what I thought. “I agree with everything you said, but I will add the play ‘Jersey Boys’ that we saw our last night in London. I loved that.”
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Finally, I asked him a hard question. “Was it worth the expense?” Roy said, “Don’t you remember the little old lady that we met one afternoon on the famous street in York, England, named The Shambles?” “Of course I do. That was the afternoon we walked back to our hotel. An old English lady stopped us. She could tell that we were Americans and we could tell that she was lonely. She told us that she loved Americans and had visited the States several times. You asked her questions about growing up in England during World War ll.”
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When we started to part, she recited a phrase her mother used to tell her in old English. But we didn’t understand. With a smile she said, “You can’t take it with you.” And then she added, “Remember: Enjoy every day to the fullest.” Then she turned and walked away.
Kay Grafe is the author of “Oh My Gosh, Virginia.” To order, send name, address, phone number and $16.95, plus $3.50 S&H to Kay Grafe, 2142 Fig Farm Road, Lucedale, MS 39452.
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Blueberry-Banana Pie
mississippi
ooks C RECIPES FROM OUR FEATURED COOKBOOK:
1 cup sugar 4 Tbsp. flour 1 tsp. lemon juice 4 cups fresh blueberries, divided
1 (9-inch) baked graham cracker pie crust 1 ripe banana, sliced
In a saucepan, mix sugar, flour, lemon juice and 1 cup of the blueberries, and cook over medium heat until thickened. Cool. Stir in 3 cups of the blueberries. Line bottom of pie crust with banana slices. Spoon blueberry mixture into crust. Serve with whipped cream or topping.
Blueberry-Orange Nut Bread
‘Blueberry Recipes: Martha’s Blueberry Collection’
They are tasty, versatile and available fresh from farmers across Mississippi. Rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants and nutrients, they are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. What’s not to love about blueberries? Martha Turner has produced a new cookbook bursting with fresh ideas for enjoying the blueberries grown at her family’s Spring Lake Berry Farm, in Vancleave, where her husband, Henry, planted 6,000 blueberry bushes. “I was inspired to write this cookbook because so many of our blueberry customers who came to our farm each year were requesting recipes,” Martha Turner said. The book contains 150 blueberry recipes and also gives a brief history of blueberries, nutritional benefits, plus hints on preserving and freezing blueberries. A member of Singing River Electric Power Association, Spring Lake Berry Farm invites the public to pick blueberries from June 1 through around July 4. For information or directions, call 228-826-4682. To order the spiralbound cookbook, send $10 plus $3 S&H to Martha Turner, 17100 Spring Lake Drive East, Vancleave, MS 39565.
3 eggs 1 Tbsp. orange rind, grated 2/3 cup orange juice 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup milk 3 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Combine first 5 ingredients and beat on medium speed 30 seconds. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and soda in a large bowl, making a well in the center. Add egg mixture; stir until well blended. Fold in blueberries and nuts. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.
Blueberry Pinwheel Muffins 2 cups biscuit mix 2 Tbsp. sugar 2/3 cup milk 1/4 cup margarine, melted
1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 2 cups blueberries
Combine biscuit mix and sugar. Stir in milk until ingredients are moistened. Knead on lightly floured board (or waxed paper) until dough is smooth. Roll out dough to a 10-by-18-inch oblong. Brush dough with melted margarine. Combine cinnamon, chopped nuts and brown sugar. Sprinkle over dough, then spread blueberries over dough. Roll up like a jelly roll, starting at the 18-inch side. Cut roll into 12 equal pieces. Put each piece, cut side up, into a well greased muffin pan. Bake at 425 F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until light brown. Serve warm.
Creamy Blueberry Dip 1 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries 1/3 cup light cream cheese (from 8-oz. tub) 1 Tbsp. apricot preserves
In the container of a food processor or blender, place blueberries, cream cheese and apricot preserves; process until smooth. Serve with sliced fruit or use as a dessert sauce spooned over cut-up fruit, if desired. Makes about 2 cups.
Lemon-Blueberry Cream 3/4 cup whipping cream 1/3 cup sifted powdered sugar 1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup sour cream 2 tsp. freshly grated lemon rind Garnishes: lemon zest, fresh blueberries
Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until soft peaks form. Fold in blueberries, sour cream and lemon rind. Serve with pound cake. Garnish, if desired. Makes 2 1/2 cups.
Lemon-Blueberry Chicken Salad 2 cups blueberries 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise 3/4 cup lemon yogurt 1 tsp. salt 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
3/4 cup sliced celery 1/2 cup sliced green onions 1/2 cup diced sweet red bell pepper Lemon slices for garnish
Reserve a few blueberries for garnish. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt and salt. Add remaining blueberries, chicken, celery, green onions and bell pepper. Stir gently. Cover and refrigerate to let flavors blend, at least 30 minutes. Serve over lettuce and garnish with reserved blueberries and lemon slices.
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Who needs grass? Give my mower a race track By Nancy Jo Maples Grass isn’t the only thing sprouting. Lawn mower racing is a growing trend. Riding the motorized cutter used to be a weekend chore. Now, it’s a weekend sport. There are two national lawn mower racing associations. Drivers of all ages converge on tracks to go round and round for trophies, points and sometimes money. England is credited with the first organized effort of the sport with the formation of the British Lawn Mower Racing Association in 1973. However, lawn mower races reportedly occurred in the United States as early as 1963 in Twelve Mile, Ind. The first races used mowers with original factory parts and engines, but today’s mowers get an overhaul before the race. “They basically turn the lawn mower into a big gocart,” said Justin Miller, of Richland, spokesman for the Mississippi chapter of the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association. The first rule is that blades must be removed for safety reasons. However, Miller warned that motorsport enthusiasts should not assume they can remove the blades from their backyard mower and enter a competition. He said dedicated drivers put thousands of dollars into their machines. “This is a sport that should be left to the professionals. Anyone interested should look at the rules and disclaimers and talk to other drivers,” Miller said. Racing mowers can travel up to 65 miles per hour. Races occur on round dirt tracks one-fifth to onetenth mile long. Winning involves completing a specified number of laps first with motor size determining the categories of races. Races sanctioned by the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association require drivers to be at least 18 years old; however, drivers age 16 and 17 can
Don’t think you can simply remove your lawn mower’s blades to compete with these guys at the George County Motorsports Park. Photos courtesy of George County Motorsports Park
race with parental consent. The association also requires protective suits and helmets for drivers and their mowers must be able to achieve a minimum speed of 33 miles per hour. A complex opened in April in George County that races a variety of motorsports including lawn mowers. The George County Motorsports Park holds races every Saturday night April through October for lawn mowers, go-carts, dirt bikes, and four-wheelers. Races run from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. It is currently the only regularly operated lawn mower track in Mississippi. GCMSP is not a member of a national racing association and therefore can pay cash prizes from the entry fees. National associations have rules against
cash prizes. Also, the George County complex does not have age restrictions. Drivers as young as age four have raced with parental permission. “We have some as old as 80,” said T.W. Graves, promoter for the park. Graves said that the park carries a $1 million life insurance policy for drivers and spectators. The $15 pit pass paid by drivers to enter provides cash prizes to the top three winners of each race. Gate proceeds and concession proceeds pay insurance costs and maintenance on the track and grand stands. “Our largest head count has been 750, but of course that doesn’t include kids 12 and under because they get in free,” Graves said. The admittance fee is $8 for ages 13 to 65. Senior citizens and military personnel are charged $5. The complex is located in the Rocky Creek Community east of Lucedale at the corner of U.S. 98 and Donovan Road across from the Four-Mile Truck Stop. See the following websites for more information: George County Motorsports Park, www.gcmsp.com; United States Lawn Mower Racing Association, www.letsmow.com; and The American Racing Mower Association, www.racingmower.net. Writer Nancy Jo Maples can be reached at 188 Ernest Pipkins Road, Lucedale, MS 39452 or via email at nancyjomaples@aol.com.
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Mississippi Marketplace Type or print your ad clearly. Be sure to include your telephone number. Deadline is the 10th of each month for the next month’s issue. Rate is $2.50 per word, ten word minimum. Mail payment with your ad to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300. Have any questions? Phone 601-605-8604 or email
swindle@epaofms.com.
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Join Walt and many other Mississippians as they open their life albums and share their memories in words and photographs. This collection from the readers of Today in Mississippi prompted Walt to pull related tales from his vault of experience, collected while living in and traveling throughout his home state. “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories with Walt Grayson” is a valued gift, and the book is sure to become a collector’s item.
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Today in Mississippi
June 2013
Mississippi
vents E Want more than 400,000 readers to know about your event? Send it to us at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Mail to Mississippi Events, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300; fax to 601-605-8601; or email to news@epaofms.com. Events of statewide interest will be published free of charge as space allows. Event details are subject to change, so we strongly recommend calling to confirm dates and times before traveling. For more events, go to www.visitmississippi.org.
“A Pieceful Celebration,” weekdays through June 28, Jackson. Exhibit featuring works of mixed-media artist Diane Williams and mosaic artist Teresa Haygood. Opening reception June 6, 5-7 p.m. Free. Mississippi Library Commission. Details: www.mlc.lib.ms.us. Living History Presentations, June and July, Fridays-Tuesdays, Vicksburg. Vicksburg National Military Park. Details: www.keytothesouth.com. “Old Masters to Monet: Three Centuries of French Painting From the Wadsworth Atheneum,” through Sept. 8, Jackson. Fifty masterpieces ranging from the 17th to 20th centuries, including works by Degas, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Monet. Admission. Mississippi Museum of Art. Details: 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org. “Bob the Builder—Project: Built It,” through Sept. 8, Jackson. Hands-on, multimedia traveling exhibit based on the children’s TV series. Admission. Mississippi Children’s Museum. Details: 877-793-5437; www.mississippichildrensmuseum.com. “This is Home”: Medgar Evers, Mississippi and the Movement, through Oct. 31, Jackson. Archival film footage, photographs, documents, artifacts to commemorate 50th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers. William F. Winter Archives and History Building. Details: 601576-6850; mdah.state.ms.us. Annual Medgar Evers Homecoming Events, June 10-12, Jackson. Tours of civil rights sites, film festival, re-dedication ceremony of Medgar Evers Home Museum, literacy fair, more. Various locations. Details: 800354-7695; www.visitjackson.com. Kids’ Summer Nature Camp, June 11-14, Picayune. Hands-on lessons, games, activities for ages 6-12; 9 a.m. - noon. Admission. Crosby Arboretum. Details: 601-799-2311. Thunder on Water, June 12-16, Grenada. Music, carnival, antique cars, fireworks, vendors. Grenada Lake. Details: 662-226-2060.
LawFit Challenge National Competition, June 13-15, Olive Branch. Olive Branch Police Dept. to host law officer test of fitness with competitive events. Spectators welcome. Olive Branch High School. Details: 662-892-9400; www.lawfit.org. Prentiss Junior College School Reunion and Parade, June 14-15, Prentiss. Parade June 15, 9 a.m., Ole Time Restaurant. Details: 601-847-1984, 601-886-7930. Nesbit Blueberry Plantation Pick-YourOwn, June 15-30, Nesbit. Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Details: 662-4492839; www.nesbitblueberry.com. Tri-Lakes Productions Gun and Knife Show, June 15-16, Southaven. Admission. The Arena. Details: 662-934-9077; www.trilakegunshow.com. Summer Fun Art Camps, June 17-20 and July 15-18, Olive Branch. For ages 6-13; 9 a.m. - noon. Admission. The Painted Pigeon Art Gallery. Details: obarts.com. Lower Delta Talks: “The Blues, Muddy Waters, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones: The Mighty Mississippi River Connection,” June 18, Rolling Fork. Presentation by Willy Bearden; 6:30 p.m. Sharkey-Issaquena County Library. Details: 662-873-6261. Daylily Interactive Video Conference, June 20, Waynesboro. Explore growing daylilies with Dr. Wayne Porter; noon. Preregister. Wayne County Extension Service. Details: 601-735-2243. Civil War Relic Show, June 22-23, Brandon. Relics, antiques, books, currency, documents, weapons, reenactors, period music, much more; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free. Brandon City Hall. Details: 769-234-2966; www.scv265.com. Mid-South Swap Meet and Flea Market, June 22-23, Southaven. Held on fourth weekend of each month. The Arena. Details: 901831-9519, 901-412-6195. Stars and Stripes Festival, June 27, Greenwood. Family fun, fireworks and food. Details: 662-453-4152;
www.greenwoodms.com. Teachers’ Workshop: Flying WILD, June 27, Picayune. Project Wild workshop emphasizing art and math, conducted by Crystie Baker, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Educational Outreach biologist. Open to teachers and homeschool educators; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Also, WILD About Black Bears and Endangered Species workshop, July 11. Crosby Arboretum. Details: 601-799-2311; rstafne@ext.msstate.edu. Picnic and Parade Around the Square, June 28, Hernando. Children to parade in decorated, non-motorized vehicles; free movie under the stars; 6:30 p.m. Hernando Courthouse Square. Details: 662-429-9055; www.hernandoms.org. Juneteenth Family Fun Festival, June 29, Horn Lake. DeSoto County African American History Symposium event with games, food, live blues and gospel, dance troupes, arts, crafts, step show; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Free. Latimer Lakes Park. Details: 901-481-3968. Bassmasters Weekend Series, June 29 and July 20, Grenada. Grenada Lake. Details: 662226-2060. The Landmarks Quartet in Concert, June 30, Mathiston. Victory Baptist Church; 1 p.m. Details: 662-617-2922. Aquatic Plant Sale, July 6, Picayune. Sale of non-invasive aqautic plants, including hardy water lilies, native iris, more; 9 a.m. - noon.
Free admission. Crosby Arboretum. Details: 601-799-2311. 10th Annual Mississippi Black Rodeo, July 6, Jackson. Coliseum, fairgrounds. Details: www.realcowboyassociation.com. Dizzy Dean Tournament, July 7-13, Grenada. Regional tournament. Grenada Athletic Compound. Details: 662-229-9936. 64th Annual Choctaw Indian Fair, July 1013, Choctaw. World Series Stickball, Princess Pageant, entertainment, Rez Run, more. Details: 601-650-7450; www.choctawindianfair.com; www.racesonline.com. Bruce Sawmill Festival, July 12-13, Bruce. Golf tournament, entertainment by Lyrix and The Flames, car show, 5K run, arts, crafts. Bruce Square. Details: 662-983-2222; chamber@brucetelephone.com. The Inspirations, July 12, Meridian. Temple Theatre; 7 p.m. Details: 601-416-1630. Mississippi Opry Summer Show, July 13, Pearl. Harmony & Grits with guest band Magnolia Drive; 6 p.m. Admission. Pearl Community Room. Details: 601-331-6672; sa5ash@aol.com. Diamondhead SPCA 50/50 Poker Run, July 13, Diamondhead. Land and water routes for boats, motorcyles, trucks, cars. Silent auction, raffle. Admission. Details: 228-363-2030. Mississippi Coast Jazz Society Dance and Jam, July 14, Biloxi. Non-member and student musicians may sit in. Admission; 2-5 p.m. Hard Rock Casino. Details: 228-392-4177. Tougaloo Art Colony, July 14-19, Tougaloo. Visual art workshops in various media, exhibit, art talks. Admission. Tougaloo College. Details: 601-977-7839; www.tougaloo.edu/artcolony.
COMING UP: Mississippi Gulf Coast Honor Flight VI to World War II Memorial, Oct. 1, Gulfport. One-day free trip for WWII veterans to WWII and other memorials in Washington, D.C. Applications now being accepted. Leaves from Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Details: www.mgchonorflight.org or MGC Honor Flight, PO Box 1912, Gautier, MS 39553.
124th NESHOBA COUNTY FAIR Philadelphia, Miss.
Mississippi’s Giant HouseParty
Fri., July 26 thru Fri., Aug. 2
Arts & crafts market, garden and field crop exhibits, home arts and crafts exhibits, needlework and quilt displays. State dairy cattle show, beef cattle and sheep shows. Petting zoo. Harper, Morgan and Smith PRCA Rodeo. Harness and running horse races, mule races & pony pull. Antique car show. Local and statewide political speaking. Nightly variety and Nashville entertainment. 34th Annual Heart O’Dixie Triathlon. Thacker Mountain Radio Show. Fireworks. Midway amusement and rides by Mitchell Bros. Amusements. For more information,
visit www.neshobacountyfair.org or call 601-656-8480
June 2013
Today in Mississippi
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