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LOUISIANA Your Cooperative Connection

Panola-Harrison Electric News March 2016 â€˘ www.phec.us

C O U N T RY

Training the next generation of electric cooperative linemen

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Page 2 • Louisiana Country • March 2016

Training the next generation of electric co-op linemen

Across the country each year, electric cooperatives hire thousands of linemen to do the work of building and maintaining the power lines that bring electricity to our homes, farms and businesses. Electric cooperatives here in Louisiana provide good pay, excellent benefits and ample opportunities for those who are interested in pursuing a career in line work. They also offer the resources required to do the job well and to do the job safely. Through their partnership with the Association of Louisiana Electric

Cooperatives (ALEC), the state’s coops make sure their outside employees receive the highest level of training available in the industry. The Louisiana Lineman Training Program (LLTP) is administered by the statewide organization and is designed to equip linemen with the knowledge and experience they need to work effectively and safely in all outdoor conditions. The program covers the science of electricity, how it’s generated, how it’s transmitted and how it’s distributed. The course also includes educational

material on proper construction and maintenance procedures, regulatory rules and industry standards, trade tools, rescue protocols and emergency operations. According to Mike Bergeaux, Director of Safety and Loss Control at ALEC, the program is under constant review and is updated continuously to keep pace with industry changes. “We’re very proud of our training schools that we provide for our member cooperatives,” he said. “By combining our resources and putting our linemen through this program, I feel we are giv-

ing our linemen the skills they need to do the job right and to do the job safely.” Bergeaux explained that a quality training program such as the LLTP is essential not only to saving lives but also to saving money. “We educate our linemen on how to keep the lights on for our members in good weather and bad,” he said, “but at the end of the day our highest priority is to make sure each one of our employees goes home, back to their families. That produces a more attractive bottom line for everyone.”

Louisiana Country Your Cooperative Connection

Formerly Rural Louisiana, founded March, 1950 March 2016

Randall C. Pierce CEO/Publisher Billy Gibson Director of Communications Louisiana Country is published in the interest of members of the electric cooperatives in Louisiana and is the official publication of the following co-ops: Beauregard Electric Co-op, DeRidder Claiborne Electric Co-op, Homer Jefferson Davis Electric Co-op, Jennings Northeast Louisiana Power Co-op, Winnsboro Panola-Harrison Electric Co-op, Marshall, Texas Pointe Coupee Electric Co-op, New Roads South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association, Houma Washington-St. Tammany Electric Co-op, Franklinton Advertising is accepted and published in Louisiana Country on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and sold at the advertised prices. Louisiana Country and Louisiana’s electric coops do not endorse any products or services promoted herein. Address inquiries and rate requests to: Louisiana Country, 10725 Airline Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70816. National Advertising Representatives: NCM, 611 S. Congress, Ste. 504, Austin, TX 78704 (800-626-1181).

Louisiana Country (USPS 473-180) is published monthly by The Assn. of Louisiana Electric Co-ops, Inc. 10725 Airline Hwy., B.R., LA 70816

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Sad to leave Scouting for the madness of tournament baseball

Sometimes it seems half my day is consumed by slogging through virtual stacks of email and managing the relentless torrent of spam that beams in from cyberspace. Delete, delete, delete, save, delete, delete, read, respond, delete, junk, junk, read, respond, delete, junk, delete, junk, delete, delete... In the morning, when I finally finish sifting through the waves of emails that came crashing in overnight – most people I know sleep at night, but apparently not Egyptian princes who have a great investment deal for me or the con artists trying to convince me I can make a million dollars working at home with my pajamas on - it’s time to tap the receive button again and the whole process repeats itself. Recently, I was plodding through the heavy email stream and came across one that stopped me right in my tracks. This was a message from Pack 42, which is the Scout pack our family has belonged to for the past five years, announcing the annual Pinewood Derby competition and a Polar Bear Campout in Mississippi. This was the kind of notice I was accustomed to clicking on and placing on my calendar with great anticipation of having big fun with my family. The Pinewood Derby, for instance, is an event my son and I always entered, though without much success. One year, in building his race car, we decided we’d rather sacrifice performance for style and put together a sleek green-and-white Indy style car that caught the eye of the audience but fin-

Viewpoint

by Billy Gibson Director of Communications Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives www.lacountryblog.wordpress.com

ished near the bottom of the heap. The next year, we decided to go for the gold. I consulted every reference source I could find on how to build a lightning quick car and even sought information from my twin nephews, who wiped out the competition back when they raced Pinewood Derby cars. Unfortunately, the outcome was the same. After the race, I went over to the table where all the cars were displayed and picked up the winning entry. I flicked one of the wheels with my finger to see how long it would spin. I thought my eyebrows were going to turn gray before the thing stopped turning. Also, the annual Polar Bear Campout was always a highly anticipated event. Every year we went I was reminded of how youngsters seem to be impervious to the cold. My son would be running around the woods with the other boys while I was bundled up and shivering like a wet dog while cursing the thermodynamic limitations of my insulated underwear. So, there was this message from Pack 42 that captured my attention. After I clicked on it, I was suddenly struck by the sad fact that this notice would require a different response from all the ones before. I realized that the time had come in the life of my fami-

ly to unsubscribe from the Pack 42 listserv. In Scouting, a boy goes through three years at the Cub level, two years as a Webelo and then has a big decision to make: cross over into the Boy Scout program or go take a hike, so to speak. After a lot of discussion and weighing the pros and cons, my son decided he didn’t want to continue Scouting, which made me a bit forlorn. I considered putting some parental pressure on him to stay the course and ascend the ranks to Eagle but decided to back off. I thought about campaigning for him to remain in the program because Scouting has been a very positive experience for our family. Austin’s mom stepped up to serve as Den Leader and did a fantastic job shepherding the group through all the organized activities, badge requirements and paperwork. My daughter also participated in many activities as a volunteer and learned leadership skills in the process. Austin learned archery, bowling, arts and crafts, recycling, fishing, fitness, knot-tying, ice skating, marksmanship, biking, hiking, first aid and a whole slew of other skills. There were field trips to NASA mission control in Houston, a local fire station and the printing company that produces this publication to see how a press operates.

As Austin moves on to other adventures, I’ll always remember his first official Pack Meeting where we went through the initiation ceremony and I got to rub paint on his face. At the time, we both thought that was really cool. He also thought the idea of wearing that trademark neckerchief and uniform ensemble was cool, too, especially once he began completing the requirements and festooning it with all kinds of badges, pins, patches and belt loops. In a bit of irony, it was the uniform that drew him into Scouting and I think it was the uniform that eventually pushed him away. The khaki duds and epaulets were hip when he was a little shaver, but by the age of 11 they seemed too nerdy next to the popular stylings of Nike and Under Armor. But that doesn’t mean he’s all lost interest in uniforms. These days, he’s proud to don the green-and-gold colors of the Louisiana Wildcats, which is one of the gazillion traveling youth baseball teams that have sprung up around the country over the past decade. I have to say that I preferred the Cub Scout initiation rite, which only involved a few jars of cheap water-based face paint. The initiation rite for joining a traveling baseball team is centered around a solemn sacrificial ceremony where you swear an oath to surrender all of your spare time and sign over your bank account for seven months out of the year. This tournament baseball crucible we’ve entered is an insidious dystopian netherworld that gives the term madness new meaning. But that’s another story.

Native Louisiana wildflowers are a colorful spring delight

Spring wildflowers delight the eye in the most unexpected places. From cracks in pavement to the banks of ditches, these intrepid plants produce flowers of yellow, pink, white and purple, often softening a harsh landscape. When considering wildflowers, it’s important to get the term “weed” out of the way. We use the word weed to refer to plants growing where we don’t want them to. It is a human designation that often has little to do with the plant itself. St. Augustine grass is a weed if it’s growing in your flower bed. Many of the plants we regard as wildflowers may also appear in lawns and flower beds, and in those situations where they are not welcome, they could be considered weeds. Gardeners sometimes want to plant wildflower seeds in areas of a landscape, in a meadow or other places. If you would like to plant wildflower seeds, keep in mind it is best done in the fall in Louisiana. At this point, results would likely be less impressive from seeds planted this later in the year.

Get it Growing

by Dan Gill LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

Bright yellow is a common color for spring wildflowers in Louisiana. Perhaps the most showy and noticeable is butterweed (Senecio glabellus). This plant likes wet areas and can be seen in low spots. The upright plants grow from a basal rosette of irregularly cut leaves and produce clusters of golden yellow, daisylike flowers in early to midspring. An annual that grows about 2 feet tall, individual plants are quite noticeable. But when an entire field comes into bloom, the sheet of intense gold they produce is remarkable. I think they are attractive enough to be used in the flower garden. Another favorite yellow wildflower is the hairy buttercup (Ranunculus sardous). Also tolerant of damp locations and even shallow standing water, hairy

Page 4 • Louisiana Country • March 2016

buttercups produce branched stalks about a foot tall bearing numerous fivepetaled flowers. The flowers are brilliant, true yellow without a trace of orange. They show up beautifully against the ground-level, bright green, shiny leaves that are round with ragged edges. Blooming from midspring to early summer is the Mexican primrose (Oenothera speciosa). You frequently see this perennial along the edges of streets and highways in harsh, dry locations. Lowgrowing, Mexican primrose plants form a carpet about a foot tall, and the flowers may be dark pink to white. The four petals of the 3-inch blooms overlap to form a round cup shape. When in full bloom from late March to May, the foliage is completely covered by the flowers.

This is one native wildflower that has made the transition to the ornamental garden. Seeds and plants are available in many gardening catalogs (often at surprisingly high prices for a plant we tend to take for granted). It is easily grown from seeds and will bloom in spring from a fall sowing. Curly dock (Rumex crispus) is one of the most prominent spring wildflowers. It produces large, strap-shaped, wavy leaves and flowering spires up to 3 feet tall packed with small green flowers. The fresh green spikes add interest and filler to arrangements. When the seeds mature, the spike turns brown and dries well for use in dried arrangements. Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) are a common wildflower whose foliage is edible and nutritious, though it tends to be bitter. The low rosette of coarsely toothed leaves produces individual flower stems that bear showy, golden yellow flowers. The seeds are produced in fluffy, round heads which are irresistible to children who make a wish and blow until all the seeds fly into the air.

Supreme Court agrees with co-ops, blocks CPP rules Much of the radio and TV news chatter regarding the Supreme Court during the past few weeks has centered around the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, who passed away while on vacation in Texas. As has been reported, even before Scalia’s body could be transported back to Washington D.C., political factions began squabbling over who should be nominated to replace the conservative court judge. Standard-bearers, party leaders and pundits from both the left and right bickered over whether or not President Obama should even name a nominee in the final year of his second term in office. Lost in all that media frenzy and hoopla was an extraordinary Supreme Court decision last month to halt implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan. The Clean Power Plan (CPP) has been a hot topic that America’s rural electric cooperatives have been following for many months as the Obama Administration has attempted to aggressively eliminate the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity in this country. Electric cooperatives, which have depended on coal to provide affordable baseload power for their members for decades, watched closely as the EPA finalized and announced a stringent set of

Co-opCorner

by Randy Pierce Chief Executive Officer, Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives

rules last summer. By some reliable estimates, these federal mandates would have increased the cost of electrical power for cooperative consumers here in Louisiana substantially over the next 10 years. That’s one of the reasons why Louisiana’s electric cooperatives joined the governmental affairs division of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, regulatory bodies from other states, conservative groups, environmental quality organizations and other allies across the country in asking the Court to place a stay on the implementation of EPA’s new rules. Our objections were manifold, including the fact that non-profit electric cooperatives have already expended billions of dollars to upgrade their facilities and lower emissions; that the EPA doesn’t have the authority under the Clean Air Act to make these rules as it claimed; that the CPP would have forced electric co-ops to take costly and irreversible steps to comply with the rules; and most importantly, that these rules

would lead to higher electric bills for coop members like you. Also in play at this point in time is a petition by 39 generation and transmis-

Emissions reduction should be done in a manner that recognizes the direct financial impact that heavy-handed decisions have on the hardworking people of our state and country. sion cooperatives to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to review and ultimately reject the CPP. A decision on that case is expected later this year or in early 2017. If all of this seems like a lot of effort to contest an overreach by the federal government, it is. That’s because the mission of Louisiana’s electric cooperatives is to represent the interests of our members and to do everything we can to make sure electricity remains a

commodity that everyone in Louisiana – including those on fixed incomes, low wage earners and those families, farms and small businesses already struggling to survive – has access to affordable power. Anyone who resides in our Sportsman’s Paradise understands the importance of having a clean environment. To be sure, the outdoors are a tremendous point of pride and enjoyment for our people. The fact is that the fuel mix that produces electricity for our cooperative members is more diverse than it has ever been and includes more renewable sources than it ever has. The simple fact is that emissions that are released in the process of generating the power that our co-op members use each day and every night have steadily decreased and are continuing to decrease, not increase. This is as it should be, but emissions reduction should also be done in a manner that is sensible, that is well-planned and balanced, that takes market forces into account and that recognizes the direct financial impact that heavy-handed decisions have on the hard-working people of our state and country. I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision because it indicates that the CPP will be further examined and that the rules we all have to live by, the rules that will directly impact our pocketbooks, will be reasonable and fair.

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Altec Industries will award a $500 scholarship at the ALEC annual meeting for the fall semester of 2016. The award is open to all children of active ALEC member cooperatives. The following rules will apply 1. Recipient must be a high school graduate in the class of 2016. 2. Recipient must provide verification of a minimum 2.5 GPA before scholarship monies are awarded. 3. This is a one-‐time award. 4. The award can be used for any college or university. 5. Deadline for applications is June 27, 2016. 6. Mail applications to: Ed Amedee, 1443 City Place, Gonzales, LA 70737. 7. Must be postmarked by June 27, 2016. Altec will not be responsible for mail delivery. 8. Applicant must be the child of an ALEC member cooperative.

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Attend your Annual Meeting! YOU COULD BE THE LUCKY WINNER OF THE

SUPER GRAND PRIZE $500 ELECTRIC CREDIT GIVEN AWAY AT PANOLA-HARRISON’S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING April 16, 2016 IN MARSHALL, TEXAS! REMEMBER: Prizes of $500 credit and $250 credit on electric bills will be awarded to registered members attending the annual membership meeting on April 16. Additionally, many small appliances will be awarded as door prizes. Watch for additional details in future issues of LOUISIANA COUNTRY.

Panola-Harrison Electric’s Annual Meeting April 16, 2016, 10 a.m. Marshall Convention Center, Marshall, TX Family and friends are urged to attend!

Nominating Committee Notice:

The 2016 Nominating Committee of Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative met on March 4 at the offices of Panola-Harrison at 10:00 a.m. to nominate directors for Districts 1 and 4. Those serving on the Committee are: Dist. 1 - Chris Parsons Dist. 2 - Jerry Carter Dist. 3 - Mike Anderson Dist. 4 - Fred Whitsett Dist. 5 - Bob Benefield Dist. 6 - Roger Connell Dist. 7 - Mickey Walker

ATTENTION On Monday, March 7, the PHEC office will be closed to the public while we convert to a new software system. This new system will allow us to enhance serviceability for our membership. The office will reopen to the public on Tuesday March 8.

Panola-Harrison News

Electrical systems in older homes

To help prevent injury and illness, there are things we have to do to care for ourselves—especially as we get older. Our homes also have to be maintained to stay in good shape, and an important part of that maintenance includes a home’s electrical system. Older homes are more likely to have an electrical fire than newer homes. An electrical system’s insulation can eventually wear out from a variety of factors, including age, animal gnawing or overloaded circuits. Older homes were not designed for the volume and power requirements of today’s electronics. Increased electrical demands can have an impact on the household wiring in older homes. If you have an older home, you may find that you need upgraded electric service. Be aware of the signs of electrical wiring problems, which include dim or flickering lights, a burning smell, smoke, shocks or discoloration when using an electrical outlet or switch. Also look out for frayed wires, breakers that trip or blow, and signs of potential rodent damage that may affect insulation. If you suspect a problem, shut off the outlet or switch at the circuit breaker, and contact an electrician to make repairs. To check on the status of your home’s electrical system, contact a qualified electrician to perform an electrical inspection of your home.

Notice of member account numbers changing On March 1, PHEC began a software conversion that will result in changes to some member account numbers, bill statements, and our website. If your account number has 9 digits, it will change by dropping the first digit off of the account number. (Ex: Account #999999856-001 will change to 99999856-001; Account #562514363-001 will change to 62514363-001) If your account number has less than 9 digits, there should be no change. Please be aware of this change when referring to your account number, as this could affect your payments on-line and over the phone.

NONDISCRIMINATION INFORMATION

Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative is an equal-opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination complaint form found online at ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call 1-866-632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, by fax to (202) 690-7442 or by email to program.intake@usda.gov. Page 6 • Louisiana Country • March 2016

Kathy Wood, Manager Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative P.O. Box 1058, Marshall, TX 75671 (903) 935-7936

s should be inspected for safety To check on the status of your home’s electrical system, contact a qualified electrician to perform an electrical inspection of your home. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests the following guidelines for inspections: • If the last electrical inspection of your home was 40 or more years ago: An inspection is overdue. • If the last inspection was 10 to 40 years ago: An inspection is recommended, especially if your electrical demands have increased significantly or you have noticed any of the warning signs of electrical problems. • If the last inspection was fewer than 10 years ago: An inspection should not be needed unless you have noticed any of the warning signs of an electrical problem, or any temporary wiring has been added. The CPSC further suggests that if you are not sure of the last time your home had an electrical inspection, you might be able to find a label or tag with that information on your electrical panel door or cover. If there is no label or tag, then use the age of the house as a guide to the probable need for an inspection.

ETREYS set for June 27-July 1

The annual East Texas Rural Electric Youth Seminar is scheduled for June 27-July 1, 2016, at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX. ETREYS is designed to foster positive ideals and values among young people and to enhance skills in leadership, problem-solving, and inter-personal relationships in a wholesome environment. Those students living on Panola-Harrison Electric's system who will be high school sophomores or juniors next year and who may be interested in taking part in the leadership camp should contact Linda McNeely before March 15 at 903-935-7936.

PHEC plans improvement to cooperative website

The design and implementation of a new PHEC member-friendly website is almost complete. Look for more details in next month’s magazine. Our new partnership with Touchstone Energy Cooperatives will be put to good use as we combine our efforts to produce a new website. The new site will be easy to use for all of the functions you may be using our current site to accomplish. However, it will now offer much more functionality, with a more robust offering of safety information, home efficiency tips, current events and other tools that will increase our ability to connect with members across our distribution network. We are very excited about the features that we will be able to offer to our members with our new and improved website. Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative Management

Manager’s Message by Kathy Wood General Manager

Supreme Court puts a hold on Obama’s Clean Power Plan

Rural electric cooperatives across the country welcomed a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that I believe is great news for members of Panola-Harrison Electric. The high court last month issued a stay on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan until all legal challenges to the plan are resolved. The decision essentially blocks the Obama administration’s overreaching climate change rules from taking effect, pending further litigation. The EPA’s Clean Power Plan is the sweeping federal policy that I mentioned at last year’s membership meeting and that you have been reading about in this publication. Having studied this measure and considered the impact on our members, my view is that charging ahead with implementation of the plan would have caused immediate and irreparable harm to the families and businesses we serve. Had the stay not been granted, co-ops would have been forced to take costly and irreversible steps to comply with the rule, which is a huge overreach of the EPA’s legal authority, as clearly borne out in previous court decisions. While the Obama Administration and those who crafted the proposal may have had good intentions, the Clean Power Plan stands as a direct threat to co-ops’ ability to provide affordable and reliable

base load electricity to their member consumers and I believe it should be erased from the books. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has estimated that total compliance costs for electric co-ops alone could reach as much as $28 billion. Under the Supreme Court’s 5-4 order, the Clean Power Plan is now on hold until the judicial body either takes up the case and issues a final decision, or denies a request to hear an appeal. That means a final resolution might not come until 2017. A federal appeals court is scheduled to take up arguments on the case in June. Basin Electric Power Cooperative in South Dakota petitioned the Supreme Court on Jan. 27 to stay the Clean Power Plan after a federal appeals court rejected pleas to halt the rule. The order, issued without explanation, responds to a similar request filed by 29 states - including Louisiana - and industry interests. Legal analysts noted it is unusual for the court to issue such a stay when a regulation has been finalized, indicating the court has doubts about the plan’s legality. Everyone wants our environment to be cleaner, but this plan is just another example of the federal government going too far in its attempts to eliminate a source of power generation that has allowed utilities to keep rates affordable.

Panola-Harrison Electric Director District Map

District Director

1 ��.Paul Fortune

2 ��.Albert Tiller (Secretary)

3 ��.Jay Goswick

4 ��.Basel Gibbs (President)

5 ��.Sandra Stephens

6 ��.Jerry Holmes (Vice President)

7 ��.Gene Stough March 2016 • Louisiana Country • Page 7

Ensuring high quality energy efficiency work

L.O.E. Lower Operating Expense

L.O.E. DOWN

by Patrick Keegan

Dear Pat: I want to make my home more energy efficient, but some of the work needed is more than I can do by myself. When I’m hiring contractors to do these projects, how can I be sure that the work is of good quality? – Jerry C. Dear Jerry: The good news is there are many contractors performing highquality energy efficiency work. You’re smart to first figure out what you can do to ensure your contractors deliver the kind of quality you’re paying for. The best quality assurance solution for most homeowners is to start with a home energy audit by a qualified energy auditor. Ask the auditor to specify the products and the quality standards for each recommended efficiency measure. The auditor can also help you by agreeing to inspect the finished work. Using an auditor throughout your home energy upgrade will cost several hundred dollars, but it can pay off in a number of ways: you will know what work is truly needed, and you can prevent poor quality or incomplete work.

Your electric co-op may offer a free or discounted audit by one of its energy advisors, or it may have a list of trusted energy auditors in the area. In some areas, there are home performance contractors experienced in whole home energy efficiency upgrades who can perform the energy audit themselves and then complete the work. Once you have a clear idea and a description of the work that needs to be done, you’ll need to identify contractors. Some co-ops offer financial incentives and know of contractors who have experience or training with energy efficiency. The energy auditor can help with questions to ask potential contractors. • Is the contractor licensed and insured in your state? Do they have any additional training? For example, the Building Performance Institute (BPI) certifies contractors who have training in home energy efficiency improvements. • For heating and cooling projects, how will the contractor decide what size equipment is needed in your home? Will they inspect duct work and insulation throughout the home? • For insulation and weatherization upgrades, what is your insulation level now? What should it be? Will the contractor find and seal any air leaks before installing the insulation? • For all projects, who will actually be at your home doing the work—the person you are talking to? An installer employed by the same company? Or a sub-contractor? Make sure to do plenty of research

A home energy audit can be beneficial if performed by a qualified advisor. before fully engaging a contractor: • Don’t take the first offer: Try to get at least two bids. The lowest quote might not be the best: Sometimes it’s hard to compare bids unless they are itemized correctly. If one quote is significantly lower than others, inquire closely about the reasons for the difference. • Check their work: Ask for and check references, read online reviews and ask your local experts about any experience they have with the contractor. Once you have chosen a contractor, make sure you and the contractor agree on the written description of the work to be performed, the expected timeframe for completion and the price. If the contractor insists on providing an estimate rather than a firm bid, you should discuss what might cause the final bill to be

higher than quoted. Some common areas of tension between contractors and their customers are also worth discussing: • How often and when will the contractor communicate with you about the status of the project? • How clean does the work area need to be at the end of each day? • What is the daily work schedule? It’s best not to pay the contractor until work is completed and inspected. You and the energy auditor should both inspect the work. Your co-op’s energy advisor may also be able to inspect or give you advice for what to look for. Finally, if you have a good experience with a contractor, pass the information along to friends and neighbors, or write a helpful review—a good home contractor can be hard to find!

Clogged, Backed—up Septic System…Can anything Restore It? Dear Darryl DEAR DARRYL: My home is about 10 years old, and so is my septic system. I have always taken pride in keeping my home and property in top shape. In fact, my neighbors and I are always kidding each other about who keeps their home and yard nicest. Lately, however, I have had a horrible smell in my yard, and also in one of my bathrooms, coming from the shower drain. My grass is muddy and all the drains in my home are very slow.

My wife is on my back to make the bathroom stop smelling and as you can imagine, my neighbors are having a field day, kidding me about the mud pit and sewage stench in my yard. It’s humiliating. I called a plumber buddy of mine, who recommended pumping (and maybe even replacing) my septic system. But at the potential cost of thousands of dollars, I hate to explore that option. I tried the store bought, so called, Septic treatments out there, and they did Nothing to clear up my problem. Is there anything on the market I can pour or flush into my system that will restore it to normal, and keep it maintained? Clogged and Smelly – New Orleans, LA Page 8 • Louisiana Country • March 2016

DEAR CLOGGED AND SMELLY: As a reader of my column, I am sure you are aware that I have a great deal of experience in this particular field. You will be glad to know that there IS a septic solution that will solve your back-up and effectively restore your entire system from interior piping throughout the septic system and even unclog the drain field as well. SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs deliver your system the fast active bacteria and enzymes needed to liquefy solid waste and free the clogs causing your back-up.

This fast-acting bacteria multiplies within minutes of application and is specifically designed to withstand many of today’s anti-bacterial cleaners, soaps and detergents. It comes in dissolvable plastic packs, that you just flush down your toilets. It’s so cool. Plus, they actually Guarantee that it restores ANY system, no matter how bad the problem is. SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs are designed to work on any septic system regardless of design or age. From modern day systems to sand mounds, and systems installed generations ago, I have personally seen SeptiCleanse unclog and restore these systems in a matter of weeks. I highly recommend that you try it before spending any money on repairs. SeptiCleanse products are available online at www.septicleanse.com or you can order or learn more by calling toll free at 1-888-899-8345. If you use the promo code “SLA3”, you can get 10% Off. So, make sure you use that code when you call or buy online.

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You Will Ever Own!

Good Sleep Helps You Attain and Maintain Good Health

Mike Lindell

Inventor of MyPillow

I once was extremely frustrated by not getting good sleep. Like you, I would toss and turn all night and wake up still feeling sore and tired. I knew there was a problem but couldn’t ﬁgure out what the root cause was. So over the years I tested every sleep product and pillow on the market hoping to ﬁnd some relief. In the end though, all my problems persisted. Eventually I came to believe my problems would be resolved if I had a pillow that kept my neck supported and aligned throughout the night. I shared my idea with people and got really excited as I learned many were experiencing the same sleep-related issues as I was. At that point with a goal of helping millions of people, I set out to create the revolutionary pillow I had been dreaming of.

“Sleep is the most important factor of good health and MyPillow is the most important factor in a good night’s sleep.”

Creating the World’s Most Comfortable Pillow In my discussions with people I found that most said, “I would like a pillow that doesn’t go ﬂat during the night,” “I want a pillow that stays cool,” and “I would like a pillow that I can adjust no matter my sleeping position.” With their direction in mind I invented the MyPillow, made of raw materials purchased in the United States. Over the next seven years, I manufactured pillows out of a small garage with my family and a few employees. I faced countless challenges such as being turned down by many retail outlets and being advised not to offer a 10-year warranty or a 60-day money-back guarantee. I was even told that a patent would be next to impossible to obtain. Despite all this I was determined to work even more tirelessly.

“Hearing so much positive feedback from the customers who beneﬁted from MyPillow helped me keep my dream alive.”

MyPillow Becomes a Household Name Since our beginning, it has been our dedication to hard work and “doing it right” that has helped us become an American success story. Now, over a decade into business, our accomplishments include receiving QVC’s coveted “Q Star Award” for product concept of the year, being named the ofﬁcial pillow of the National Sleep Foundation, being featured in the New York Times and Fox Business News, and having the number one infomercial in the country. I am proud to say my company has grown from eight to over 600 employees, all manufacturing is handled in my home state of Minnesota, and all of our raw materials are still purchased right here in the United States.

“I am so proud that we have helped provide relief from poor sleep to over 10 million satisﬁed customers!”

Thank You SO MUCH For Helping Us Achieve Our Dream! CALL NOW

ORDER ONLINE @

800-875-1996 mypillow.com BUY ONE PILLOW - GET ONE FREE!

SAVE 50% USE PROMO CODE: LA4

March 2016 • Louisiana Country • Page 9

Country Marketplace

Arco Steel Buildings 1-800-241-8339

40 x 60 x 10 ...................................... $11,200 50 xx7510x ...................................... 12 ...................................... $15,800 40 x 60 $11,200 60 x 100 x 12 .................................... $22,800 50 x 75 x 12 ...................................... $15,800 100 x 75 x 12 w/column .................. $29,500 20 x 100 Mini Warehouse ...... $8,400 60 x 100 x 12x 8’6” .................................... $22,800

sizes available! 100 x 75 x 12Allw/column .................. $29,500 20 x 100 x 8’6” Mini Warehouse ...... $8,400

Years

All sizes available! (Buildings not as shown above) (FOB plant-local codes may affect prices)

34 37

Years

Buildings not as shown above

Everything an outdoor wood furnace should be. Revolutionary, EPA-certified, clean-burning Classic Edge from the leader in outdoor wood furnaces.

• The perfect combination of performance and value • Easy to operate - FireStar II controller takes guesswork out of operating • EPA-Certified, clean-burning Up to

500*

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Dealership Name Metal, LLC Walters Sheet Address, City, State

Phone / Website 337-239-4579 • jamesl@waltersheetmetal.com

Outdoor Wood Furnace

*Instant rebate savings up to $500 on select in-stock Central Boiler outdoor furnace models. Savings shown is on a Classic Edge 750. See dealer for details.

CENTRALBOILER.COM

16-1001

* 30x40x10 kit $4,995

EXPERT INSTALLATION

REDUCED ELECTRIC BILL

LIFETIME WARRANTY

STOP LEAKS

NO MORE ROOF RUMBLE

30x40x10-$8,995

P-Metal Sides, price includes labor

40x30x20x11-$18,900

Log siding, 2x6 stud walls, includes labor

Page 10 • Louisiana Country • March 2016

INCREASED HOME VALUE

INSURANCE CREDIT

Farm Barns 866-299-0550

ATTENTION MOBILE OWNERS This ad size is 5” xHOME 5.2”

Since 1983

roofover.com

800.633.8969

MARCH • 11-12 - Sulphur Mines Festival, Sulphur, 1211 Ruth St., Heritage Square, 337.527.4500, sulphur.org • 11-13 - Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival, Independence, Downtown Independence, 985.969.5916, indysicilianfest. com • 13-16 - Trinity Baptist Church 54th Anniversary Celebration and Spring Revival, Oak Grove, 1002 West Main, 318.428.2065 • 18-19 - Iowa Rabbit Festival, Lake Charles, 7001 Gulf Highway (La. Hwy. 385), Burton Coliseum Complex, 337.436.9588, iowarabbitfestival.org • 18-20 - Amite Oyster Festival, Amite, Downtown Amite, 985.969.5340, amiteoysterfestival.com • 18-20 - Audubon Pilgrimage, St. Francisville, 11757 Ferdinand St., 225.635.6330, westfelicianahistoricalsociety.org • 19 - Festival of Live Oaks, New Iberia, 300 Parkview Drive, New Iberia City Park, 337.369.2337, iberiatravel.com • 19 - Louisiana Redbud Festival, Vivian, Vivian Towne Square, 318.426.6457, laredbud.com • 19-20 - Congo Square New World Rhythms Festival, New Orleans, 701 N. Rampart St., Armstrong Park, 504.558.6100, jazzandheritage.org/ congo-square • 20 - 31st Annual World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cookoff Competition, Eunice, 651 Samuel Drive, Northwest Pavilion, 337.457.2565, etouffeecookoff.org • 21 - Washington Parish Art Association Annual Art Show and Sale, Franklinton, 28035 Winfred Bateman Dr.,

Country Calendar

985.839.5240; 985.515.0624 • 25-27 - Lao New Year Celebration, Broussard, 7913 Champa Avenue, Lanexang Village, 337.251.6624, iberiatravel.com • 30-31 - Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, New Orleans, French

Quarter, 504.581.1144, tennesseewilliams. net • 31 - Louisiana Crawfish Festival, Chalmette, 8245 W. Judge Perez Drive, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, 504.329.6411, louisianacrawfishfestival.com

APRIL • 14-16 - Great Southern RV Park Bluegrass Event, Angie, La. Highway 21, 10 miles north of Bogalusa, 985.516.4680; 985.986.2611, greatsouthernbluegrassevent.com

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1-(918)797-2062 ~ Fax 1-(918)696-2022 Toll Free 1-(800)714-0147 email: triplevpolebarns1@gmail.com web: triplevpolebarns.com

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Joystick Steering for a unique operator experience

Stand-Up Deck for ease of maintenance Church Point

Keithville

Pierre Part

Service Only Dealer

Full Service Dealer

Service Only Dealer

Spanky’s Small Engine 337-684-2077

Pierre Part Store 985-252-6261

Franklin

Lake Charles

Rayville

Full Service Dealer

Tyler Cycles 337-828-3395

Tommasi Supply 337-477-6482

Delta Small Engine 318-728-4036

Houma

Leesville

West Monroe

Full Service Dealer

Service Only Dealer

Full Service Dealer

Two Feathers Small Engine 985-868-4431

www.crownmetalsandtrim.com

V & M Outdoor Equipment 318-775-5371

Bill’s Discount Furniture 337-239-6246

Independence

Many

Full Service Dealer

Parts & Service Dealer

Paul’s Small Engine Repair 985-878-0777

Roy’s Small Engine 318-590-9098

Bikes & Trikes 318-388-0448

Learn More at CountryClipper.com

March 2016 • Louisiana Country • Page 11

HARBOR FREIGHT

ON WOW SUPE3 RGALCOLONSUPPAN , 100 PSI CAKE

QUALITY TOOLS AT RIDICULOUSLY LOW PRICES

We have invested millions of dollars in our own state-of-the-art quality test labs and millions more in our factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands. And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middle man and pass the savings on to you. It’s just that simple! Come visit one of our 600+ Stores Nationwide. R PE ON SU UP CO

10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY

FREE 20% OFF WITH ANY PURCHASE 3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT NINE LED ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT LOT 69052 shown 69111/62522 62573/65020

6.5 HP (212 CC) OHV HORIZONTAL SHAFT GAS ENGINES

SAVE $228

TWO TIER COLLAPSIBLE EASY-STORE STEP LADDER Customer Rating

$17.97

264

LOT 61969 61970 69684 shown

ADJUSTABLE SHADE AUTO-DARKENING WELDING HELMET

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE LOT 61611 50% 46092 $ 99 $79comp.99at

comp at

$399

R PE ON SU UP CO

AUTOMATIC BATTERY FLOAT CHARGER

Customer Rating

METRIC

LOT 42305/69044

YOUR CHOICE

SAVE 66% $ 99

comp at

$34.99

LIMIT 6 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/15/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

1.5 HP ELECTRIC POLE SAW

RIP

Customer Rating

YOUR CHOICE

$ 99

comp at $17.99

SAVE $29 • Extends from 6 ft. to 8 ft. 10"

40%

999.99

comp at $16

comp at

$99

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/15/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed • Over 30 Million Satisfied Customers

comp at

.26 $20calling

t.com or by our stores, HarborFreigh or prior LIMIT 5 - Good at be used with other discount or coupon receipt. with original 800-423-2567. Cannot from original purchase must be able. Original coupon per day. purchases after 30 days ansfer Non-tr last. es Offer good while supplih 7/15/16. Limit one coupon per customer presented. Valid throug

26", 4 DRAWER TOOL CART

R PE ON SU UP CO

LOT 95659 shown 61634/61952

LOT 93897 shown 69265/62344

SAVE $106

Customer Rating

• 580 lb. capacity

Customer Rating

SAVE

99 $250

1-1/4 GALLON SPRAYER

$349.99

LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/15/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

WOW SUPER COUPON

HIGH LIFT RIDING LAWN MOWER / ATV LIFT LOT 61523 shown 60395/62325/62493

LOT 95692 shown 61280/63124/63145

• 300 lb. capacity

SAVE $110 $ 99

9999

comp at

comp at $166

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE $

•

1650 PSI PRESSURE 1.3 GPM WASHER

Customer Rating

89 $79

LOT 68333 69488 shown

8999

comp at $149.99

comp at

$199.99

LIMIT 9 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/15/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP• 300 lb. capacity CO

R PE ON SU UP CO

LOW-PROFILE CREEPER Tools sold separately.

19"

LOT 69262 69094/61916 2745 shown

Customer Rating

36999 comp at

comp at

LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/15/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

44", 13 DRAWER INDUSTRIAL QUALITY ROLLER CABINET • Weighs 245 lbs.

1999 $79.99

SAVE $660

LOT 68784 shown 69387/62270/62744

SAVE 75%

LOT 68862/62896 shown

6999

$1199$1499

SAVE

RETRACTABLE AIR HOSE REEL WITH 3/8" x 50 FT. HOSE

R PE ON SU UP CO

LOT 69645 95578 60625 shown

SAVE

shown

™

Customer Rating

WE CARRY A FULL LINE OF GRINDING AND CUT-OFF WHEELS

R PE ON SU UP CO

" 40

$17.97

CLAW

20"

comp at

SAE

$89

WOW4-1/2"SUANPERGLECOGRUPINDON ER

$69.99

LOT 69043/42304 shown

SAVE 83%

calling rFreight.com or by or prior n at our stores, Harbo LIMIT 4 - Good t be used with other discount or coupo al receipt. 800-423-2567. Cannodays from original purchase with originn must be coupo 30 al Origin purchases after per day. ies last. Non-transferable. coupon per customer Offer good while suppl gh 7/15/16. Limit one presented. Valid throu

SAVE SAVE 33% 82% Customer Rating $ 99 $ 99 comp at $14.97

R 9 PIECE FULLY POLISHED PERON PE ON COMBINATION SU UP SU UP Customer Rating CO WRENCH SETS CO

comp at

LOT 69006 LOT 47873 shown 60715/60714 69005/61262

LOT 42292 shown 69594/69955

comp at

5999

16 OZ. HAMMERS WITH FIBERGLASS HANDLE

R PE ON SU UP O C

73 lbs.

Customer Rating

19499

calling rFreight.com or by or prior n at our stores, Harbo LIMIT 3 - Good t be used with other discount or coupo al receipt. 800-423-2567. Cannodays from original purchase with originn must be coupo 30 al after Origin ases rable. purch ies last. Non-transfe coupon per customer per day. Offer good while suppl gh 7/15/16. Limit one presented. Valid throu

LOT 61894/96451 60725/69465 shown

LIMIT 8 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/15/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

$13499

Customer Rating

SAVE 64%

$4999

23-2567. Cannot l t.com or by calling 800-4 our stores, HarborFreighprior purchases after 30 days from originaal LIMIT 5 - Good at Origin nt or coupon or es last. Non-transferable. suppli while be used with other discou good n per customer per day. l receipt. Offer purchase with origina ted. Valid through 7/15/16. Limit one coupo coupon must be presen

LOT 68049/62326 62670/61253 61282 shown

comp at

Customer Rating

SAVE

® RAPID PUMP 3 TON LOW PROFILE HEAVY DUTY STEEL FLOOR JACK • Weighs

5 $84

comp at $328

DOUBLE-BEVEL MITERGUSAW WITH LASER IDE

NON-CONTACT INFRARED THERMOMETER WITH LASER TARGETING

LOT 66537 shown 69505/62418

comp at

R PE ON SU UP CO

Customer Rating

$ 99

WOW12" SLISUDINPERG COCOUPMPONOUND

43% $

WOW SUPER COUPON

72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET

SAVE 66%

SAVE 39%

$32.99

R PE ON SU UP CO

Customer Rating

LOT 67514

• 225 lb. capacity

LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/15/16. Limit one FREE GIFT Coupon per customer per day.

LOT 60363/69730 LOT 68121/69727 shown CALIFORNIA ONLY

comp at $199

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE

11999

VALUE

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, extended service plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day parking lot sale item, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, CoverPro, Daytona, Diablo, Franklin, Hercules, Holt, Jupiter, Predator, Stik-Tek, StormCat, Union, Vanguard, Viking. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/15/16.

SAVE $79

Customer Rating

$ 99

ANY SINGLE ITEM

R PE ON SU UP LOT 69034 shown CO 62857/62858 60728/63054

Customer Rating

LOT 60637/61615/95275 shown

SUPER COUPON

How Does Harbor Freight Sell GREAT QUALITY Tools at the LOWEST Prices?

OILLES AIR COMPRESSOR

$1029.99 LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 7/15/16. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

• No Hassle Return Policy • Lifetime Warranty On All Hand Tools

t.com or by calling our stores, HarborFreigh or prior LIMIT 5 - Good at be used with other discount or coupon receipt. l 800-423-2567. Cannot l purchase with origina origina from must be days able. Original coupon per day. purchases after 30 ansfer Non-tr last. es er Offer good while supplih 7/15/16. Limit one coupon per custom presented. Valid throug

R PE ON SU UP CO

900 PEAK/ 700 RUNNING WATTS 2 HP (63 CC) 2 CYCLE GAS RECREATIONAL GENERATOR

LOT 60338/69381 shown

SAVE $78 $ 99

comp at

$168.97

• 600+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com 800-423-2567