Today in Mississippi February 2021 Local Pages

WHAT’S THE

NEW TEA? FEBRUARY 2021

HEALTHY SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEET

HOW TO BE AN

INTENTIONAL GARDENER

STEVEN Date_____ VERSION #______________

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FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937 CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 | PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 | RANKIN: 601-829-1201 | SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

Important Notice to all Central Electric Power Association Members Due to COVID-19, the Board of Directors has determined that Central Electric Power Association will not hold its annual membership meeting in March. During that meeting we would have held an election for our board of directors.

As pursuant to Central Electric Power Association’s bylaws, Section 4.02 (b) and in order to provide each Central Electric member an opportunity to vote in a director election, we will offer a vote by mail process. An information sheet with “how-to-vote” details and the official ballot will be mailed to all Central Electric

members the week of February 22, 2021. Also enclosed will be a self-addressed, postage paid envelope for members to return their ballot. Your official ballot must be received via mail no later than March 16, 2021. The election results will be published in the April issue of Today in Mississippi.

The board, management and staff of Central Electric appreciate the patience and understanding of our membership during these challenging times and remind each of you to be safe.

SUBSTATIONS UPDATED IN 2020 The upgrades to Longino substation and building of the new Sandtown substation are now complete. Both the Longino and Sandtown Substations serve members in northern Neshoba County. These improvements will increase the reliability and service quality to the members they serve.

Longino Substation was built in 1978. On August 11, 2020, the

substation was energized at 161 kV. All upgrades were complete on December 8th, 2020. The new Sandtown Substation was completed and energized on December 11, 2020.

These new 161/25 kV substations have the capacity to serve many years of residential, commercial and industrial growth.

The new Sandtown Substation was energized on December 11, 2020.

Upgrades to Longino Substation were completed December 8, 2020.

PLEASE MOVE OVER FOR ROADSIDE CREWS If you see police, firefighters, utility crews or other emergency personnel on the side of the road, please slow down and move over when possible. Together, we can keep your crews safe.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

Youth Leadership 2020 Central Electric sponsors local high school students annually as part of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership program. The students are selected through a rigorous selection process and the winners participate in two trips — one three-day leadership conference in Jackson in February, and one seven-day trip to Washington, D.C., in June.

This year, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 students were only able to attend the trip to Jackson before the virus was widely spread. With the cancellation of the D.C. trip, co-op employees decided to instead honor Youth Leadership delegates with scholarships to help aid with college expenses.

Each student participant will receive a $2,500 check.

We recently caught up with our youth students and here is how their senior year is going:

MALLORY LONG Leake Academy Briefly describe your experience at the Youth Leadership Workshop.

The Youth Leadership Workshop has given me not only new friends, but it has also taught me what it means to be a leader.

The workshop was an amazing place to allow myself to open up about what I believe a leader should be, and I was also able to get other students perspectives on the qualities a leader should have.

What are you involved in this year at school?

I am one of the yearbook editors at my school. I am grateful to be the person to capture our senior moments because today, these special moments can be rare. I hope that for the rest of the school year I can continue to capture these beautiful moments.

Which college and college major is in your future?

I plan to attend East Central Community College and then continue my college education at Mississippi State University.

I am looking to pursue a major in pre-law with a minor in business administration.

How has the pandemic changed you this year or affected your current and/or future plans?

I do not feel as though the pandemic has changed me personally, but it has created a few obstacles in my life. I have not been able to do some of the activities seniors are able to due such as prom, formal dances and senior gatherings; however, I do feel as though the pandemic has made me realize what is actually important to me. Having to stay away from family and friends is one of the most difficult things I have had to do this year. I know people are trying their hardest to make everything feel the same, and I believe that the pandemic is just an obstacle that we will have to work together to try and overcome.

The students attended the Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson in February 2020.

ORLANDO BROWN Leake Central High School Briefly describe your experience at the Youth Leadership Workshop.

My experience at the youth leadership workshop was truly one of a kind, I met a lot of like-minded and humble individuals.

The workshop itself was really fun and it taught me a lot about teamwork and trust, and the people only made it better. I truly enjoyed myself during the workshop and I highly recommend others to step out of their comfort zone and apply for this program.

What are you involved in this year at school?

I’m currently not involved in anything this school year due to COVID-19.

Which college and college major is in your future?

I plan to attend Alcorn University and major in veterinary science How has the pandemic changed you this year or affected your current and/or future plans?

The pandemic has caused me to be more cautious and cleaner while doing everyday activities. COVID-19 caused my senior football season to come to a halt and also caused me to stop going out and being social. COVID-19 has yet to affect any of my future plans and hopefully it does not.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

MEGAN MCMINN Hartfield Academy Briefly describe your experience at the Youth Leadership Workshop.

The Youth Leadership Workshop was one of the best experiences I have had in a while. I was opened to new people and was able to interact with people all over the state. I made new friends who inspired me to make my community a more positive experience and an even more enjoyable place to live.

What are you involved in this year at school?

This year has been hard to get involved in clubs due to COVID-19, but my school has fought for this year to be as inclusive as possible. I started this school year by doing cheer and playing volleyball for my school. I am involved in various clubs such as Youth Legislature, Spanish Club, Diamond Girls and other fun and easy ways to be involved in my school.

Which college and college major is in your future?

At the beginning of the school year, I thought I would be attending the University of Massachusetts Boston. I was accepted into the school, but unfortunately with COVID-19, I decided not to move out-of-state because of the possibility of only doing school online, instead of in person, so I will now be attending Mississippi State University. Also, a big change that occurred in my life in the past year is the change in my future major. The Youth Leadership Program encouraged me to follow what I truly love and to not see my job and major as just a career, but also a hobby that I enjoy doing every day. Because of this I decided to change my major to focus on fashion design and merchandise.

How has the pandemic changed you this year or affected your current and/or future plans?

The pandemic has not been a time for me to be sad and long for the time for me to be back with people. Since the beginning

of the pandemic, I challenged myself with seeing the positive aspects of this time of isolation and focus on making myself a better influencer during my time alone. I learned to appreciate being with people and to see the positives in being alone.

My grandmother got really sick with COVID-19 during the month of July and was in the ICU for close to four weeks. This time opened my eyes to closer options for school so that I can be near my family in case something was to happen. I am now getting the opportunity to room with my best friend for college and continue to be a positive influence on my state and community.

MARY KATE MORAN Neshoba Central High School Briefly describe your experience at the Youth Leadership Workshop.

The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) was an experience that allowed me to meet new people and learn new things. My favorite part was the Thursday morning breakfast with the local senators and representatives. I also enjoyed hearing from Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson. I am thankful for the support and time that went into developing this amazing experience for 87 of Mississippi’s brightest teenagers. Not only did I learn about the importance of leadership, but I also made memories that I will cherish forever.

What are you involved in this year at school?

I have been involved with the Neshoba Central High School dance team, Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Historian of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honors Society, Technology Student Association and the robotics team. I am the Secretary of the Senior class on the student council, a member of NCHS Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board and a member

The students were able to visit with their legislators at the Youth Leadership workshop. From left: Mary Kate Moran, Rep. Scott Bounds, Megan McMinn, Georgia Claire Rudolph, Rep. Kenneth Walker, Orlando Brown, Mallory Long, Rep. Lee Yancy, Sen. Jenifer Branning, Emma Grace Dillard.

14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

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of the Mississippi Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

Which college and college major is in your future?

I plan to major in biological sciences at Mississippi State University next fall. I hope to attend medical school in the future.

How has the pandemic changed you this year or affected your current and/or future plans?

2020 was quite the whirlwind. I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the YLP in February. However, the YLP was just the calm before the storm. I have missed out on the Washington D.C. trip with my YLP friends, Girls State, a normal Distinguished Young Woman local and state program, a typical senior year, the last football game, my senior night and much more. However, I have learned it is more important to focus on the positive aspects. My high school was on a hybrid schedule for most of the first semester, and I found myself enjoying going to school only two days a week. I am also thankful we did not go completely virtual. I have enjoyed the less busy lifestyle. This pandemic has certainly slowed things down, and I have loved having more time to spend with my family.

GEORGIA CLAIRE RUDOLPH Leake Academy Briefly describe your experience at the Youth Leadership Workshop.

I had so much fun at the Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson, and that was almost entirely due to the many young leaders from all over Mississippi that I met there. We had so much in common, so it was easy to make long-lasting friends.

Being able to hear from amazing speakers like Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson also make the workshop more exciting. I always knew that I needed to know more about our elected state officials, and the workshop was the perfect opportunity for me to learn more about who runs our state and represents me as a citizen of Mississippi.

What are you involved in this year at school?

This year is especially different than any other school year, but no one is surprised. Due to COVID-19, my school does not allow for large gatherings of clubs. This means that I cannot be an active member in as many organizations as I normally like to.

Some of these clubs include Senior Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.), Senior Beta Club and Senior Christian Club. Thankfully, my dance team was able to meet, practice and perform at most of the football games last fall. I am also ecstatic to announce that my archery team will be able to go to meets to compete this spring — something that we were unable to do last year. Lastly, I was chosen as an editor of the yearbook staff and we are working nonstop to make sure that our school has an amazing yearbook despite the rough start to the school year.

Which college and college major is in your future?

I plan to attend Jones County Community College as an

honors student after graduating from Leake Academy. After graduating from Jones, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Following graduation from USM, I hope to travel the nation as a speech pathologist and visit those who need my help most.

How has the pandemic changed you this year or affected your current and/or future plans?

The pandemic has changed numerous different plans that I made for the summer, and it changed everything that I believed my senior year would be. I had planned to go to so many different leadership conferences this summer so that I could grow as a leader. I had hoped that my senior year would be full of fun times with all of my friends, but everything is different because of COVID-19. I think the worst part of all of this is the uncertainty. I cannot say whether or not something will happen because no one knows when all of this will be over. I just hope that it is soon.

EMMA GRACE DILLARD St. Andrews Episcopal School Briefly describe your experience at the Youth Leadership Workshop.

My experience at the Youth Leadership Workshop was absolutely incredible. I have never felt so welcomed by that many people. I know that everyone there had each other’s best interest at heart. The outpouring of love was indescribable, and I am truly honored and humbled to have been a part of it.

What are you involved in this year at school?

Obviously, this year has been insane so I have not been able to participate in as many things as I typically would. I am a part of the yearbook staff, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club and I also play on the softball team.

Which college and college major are in your future?

I plan on attending Samford University where I will major in health sciences in hopes of later going to medical school to be a Physician’s Assistant.

How has the pandemic changed you this year or affected your current and/or future plans?

The pandemic has definitely affected my senior year in so many ways. We are not able to carry on the senior traditions that we have looked forward to, but I guess we are making the most of it! Fortunately, it has not affected my future plans (college) yet, and I pray that it stays that way!

Congratulations to each of these students.

We know the spirit of leadership and cooperation will serve them well in the future.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 15

P.O. BOX 188 • 340 HOPSON STREET • LYON, MS 38645 662-624-8321 • FAX 662-624-8327 • www.coahomaepa.com • cepa@coahomaepa.com

Please Move Over

for roadside crews

It’s polite, and it’s the law.

by Paul Wesslund Every year, workers along the sides of roads are injured or killed when a car crashes into the crew’s site, even though it’s marked with bright cones and warning signs.

There’s an easy way to reduce those incidents that harm police officers and other first responders, road construction workers and utility crews. There’s a slogan to help remind drivers. There’s even a law.

The slogan is “slow down or move over.” It’s good advice and a decent thing to do to keep people safe. It’s also a requirement in all 50 states.

Legislatures first started passing Move Over laws “Move Over is not only a good about 25 years ago law, it’s also the courteous thing to reduce the yearto do. Our crews already perform after-year statistics dangerous work to keep the lights of harm to roadside on every day. They deserve a emergency workers.

In the past eight work environment that’s as years, Mississippi safe as possible.” specifically added electric and other utility projects to their Move Over or Slow Down laws.

“In 2012, Mississippi was actually the second state to add utility service workers to the protection under the existing law,” said Paul Purnell, vice president of government relations for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “We were also the first state to add protection for contractors doing work for utilities through House Bill 984.”

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

There are slight differences in each state’s Move Over laws, but not so much that you can’t figure out the right thing to do, even if you’re traveling from state to state.

Here are the basic requirements: • Within 200 feet before and after a work zone, which will be marked with bright signs and marker cones, and often flashing lights, change lanes if there’s more than one lane on your side of the road so that there is an empty lane between your vehicle and the roadside crew.

• If it’s not possible or safe to change lanes, slow down. Many states specify slowing down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it’s 25 mph or more. Yes, that means if the posted speed limit is 25 mph, slow down to 5 mph.

• Drivers must obey all traffic directions posted as part of the worksite.

• Keep control of your car — yes, that’s a requirement in many Move Over laws. And yes, it is more of a general guidance than a rule for a specific speed. It means you need to pay attention and respond to weather conditions — heavy rain or a slick road might mean you’re required to slow down even more than 20 mph.

And no texting, fiddling with the radio or other distractions.

• Penalties for violating those requirements range from $100 to $2,000, or loss of your driver’s license.

It’s an addition that’s welcomed by your local electric cooperative because they were part of the effort to expand the law to help protect line crews.

Protecting line crews is a top priority for Mississippi’s electric cooperatives, and it’s a safety measure everyone can help with, said Gerald Gordon, vice president of safety and loss control for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

“Move Over is not only a good law, it’s also the courteous thing to do,” said Gordon. “Our crews already perform dangerous work to keep the lights on every day. They deserve a work environment that’s as safe as possible.”

A list summarizing each state’s law can be found on the AAA web site at https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/ tag/move-over-law/.

Electric utility crews are special cases to watch out for. A study of utility worksite accidents found that

the relatively temporary nature of power line repairs could surprise motorists. A roadside construction operation might close a lane for days or weeks, giving time for people familiar with the area to anticipate the changed traffic pattern. Utility work, however, can start and finish in a few hours, possibly raising risks with drivers who might think they know the road ahead.

Another risk to watch for is when worksites are being put up or taken down. Roadside accidents can happen as crews are setting up signs and traffic cones. It is good practice to pay attention all of the time.

Don’t drive distracted. Drive according to the conditions of the road. Be courteous to roadside work crews. Watch the signs and obey them. And certainly, follow laws like Move Over or Slow Down.

It’s good advice that could save a life.

PLEASE MOVE OVER FOR ROADSIDE CREWS If you see police, firefighters, utility crews or other emergency personnel on the side of the road, please slow down and move over when possible.

Together, we can keep your crews safe.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

FOR TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI INFORMATION, CALL 877-7MY-CEPA (1-877-769-2372) WWW.COASTEPA.COM

Where our members have the power

Communicators: April Lollar & Merilee Sands

A message from your CEO When we say that we live in a connected world, most of us think about technology, like our smart phones and other gadgets, but when you’re a member of an electric co-op like Coast Electric, there’s so much more to being part of our co-op community.

As a member of Coast Electric, you help to power good in our local community through initiatives like Operation Round Up that helps charitable organizations in our community.

We depend on you because you power our success, and when Coast Electric does well, the community thrives because we’re all connected.

We greatly value our connection to you, and we’d like to help you maximize the value you can get from us. For example, we can help you save money on your energy bill with our Time of Use rate and our free online energy tools. When you download our CE on the Go app, you can monitor and manage your home energy use, pay your bill online and access a menu of additional options for potential savings and more.

When you follow Coast Electric on social media, you can stay up to date on power restoration efforts, company programs, co-op director elections and more. You’ll also see photos of our line crews in action and our employees helping with community service projects.

When you sign up for text alerts, you can receive notices about your account.

By connecting with us, you can get the latest information from your co-op. That’s why we want to make sure we have your most current contact information on hand. If we can’t connect with you on these platforms or in person, you could miss out on potential savings or important information.

Coast Electric relies on data for nearly every aspect of our operations, and up-to-date contact information from our members helps ensure that we can provide the highest level of service that you expect and deserve.

Coast Electric exists to serve our members, and when we’re better connected to you and our local community, we’re better prepared to answer the call.

We look forward to connecting with you!

by Ron Barnes President and CEO

Time of Use contest winners Congratulations to the following members: Jennifer Woodward — Hancock County Cason Hallock — Harrison County Alison RV Park — Pearl River County These members signed up for our Time of Use (TOU) rate and will receive a $250 credit on their Coast Electric accounts.

Signing up for TOU doesn’t only pay off for these members, it helps thousands of Coast Electric members save each month. By reducing your energy use during peak hours, you have the ability save on your monthly bill. If you haven’t tried TOU yet, ask a friend or neighbor who is on TOU how much they love the plan. A little planning and some easy energy efficiency measures can help keep money in your pocket.

Visit www.coastepa.com for more information on our TOU rate.

Youth Leadership

2020

For more than 25 years, Coast Electric has been sponsoring local high school students as part of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Program. After a highly competitive selection process where the top students from schools in Hancock, Harrison and Pearl River counties vie for a few coveted spots, students typically participate in two trips — one to our state’s capital city in the winter and one to Washington, D.C., in the summer. The program brings together students from all over the state and nation to learn about the cooperative spirit of our business, share ideas and have a voice with local and national elected officials.

Unfortunately, in 2020, students were only able to attend the trip to Jackson since COVID-19 made travel with a large group impossible. With the cancellation of the D.C. trip, co-op employees decided to instead honor Youth Leadership delegates with scholarships to help offset the cost of students’ college costs. Each representative will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

Meet Coast Electric’s 2020 Youth Leadership scholarship recipients

Dakota Fayard Harrison Central High School

Sophia Hebert Bay High School

Ella Nolan

Hancock High School

Quinlan Pisciotta St. Patrick Catholic High School

Congratulations to each of these young women. We know the spirit of leadership and cooperation will serve them and those around them now and in the future.

Please Move Over

for roadside crews

It’s polite, and it’s the law.

by Paul Wesslund Protecting line crews is a top priority for Mississippi’s electric cooperatives, and it’s a safety measure everyone can help with, said Gerald Gordon, vice president of safety and loss control for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

“Move Over is not only a good law, it’s also the courteous thing to do,” said Gordon. “Our crews already perform dangerous work to keep the lights on every day. They deserve a work environment that’s as safe as possible.”

A list summarizing each state’s law can be found on the AAA web site at https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/move-over-law/.

Electric utility crews are special cases to watch out for. A study of utility worksite accidents found that the relatively temporary nature of power line repairs could surprise motorists. A roadside construction operation might close a lane for days or weeks, giving time for people familiar with the area to anticipate the changed traffic pattern. Utility work, however, can start and finish in a few hours, possibly raising risks with drivers who might think they know the road ahead.

Another risk to watch for is when worksites are being put up or taken down. Roadside accidents can happen as crews are setting up signs and traffic cones. It is good practice to pay attention all of the time.

Don’t drive distracted. Drive according to the conditions of the road. Be courteous to roadside work crews. Watch the signs and obey them. And certainly, follow laws like Move Over or Slow Down. It’s good advice that could save a life.

There are slight differences in each state’s Move Over laws, but not so much that you can’t figure out the right thing to do, even if you’re traveling from state to state.

Here are the basic requirements: • Within 200 feet before and after a work zone, which will be marked with bright signs and marker cones, and often flashing lights, change lanes if there’s more than one lane on your side of road so that there is an empty lane between your vehicle and the roadside crew.

• If it’s not possible or safe to change lanes, slow down. Many states specify slowing down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it’s 25 mph or more. Yes, that means if the posted speed limit is 25 mph, slow down to 5 mph.

• Drivers must obey all traffic directions posted as part of the worksite.

• Keep control of your car — yes, that’s a requirement in many Move Over laws. And yes, it is more of a general guidance than a rule for a specific speed. It means you need to pay attention and respond to weather conditions — heavy rain or a slick road might mean you’re required to slow down even more than 20 mph.

And no texting, fiddling with the radio or other distractions.

• Penalties for violating those requirements range from $100 to $2,000, or loss of your driver’s license.

PLEASE MOVE OVER FOR ROADSIDE CREWS If you see police, firefighters, utility crews or other emergency personnel on the side of the road, please slow down and move over when possible.

Together, we can keep your crews safe.

14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

COMMITTED TO A CULTURE FOR ALL

by Anne Prince Over the years, you’ve heard us expound on why and how electric cooperatives are different — because we’re cooperatives. Our business model sets us apart from other utilities because we adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service to the greater good of the community.

Electric cooperatives have a unique and storied place in our country’s history. We democratized the American dream by bringing electricity to rural areas when for-profit electric companies determined the effort too costly. Back then, cities were electrified, and rural areas were not, creating the original rural-urban divide. Newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in rural areas. Today, that spirit of equity and inclusion is a vital part of our co-op DNA.

Equal access for all When each electric co-op was founded, each member contributed an equal share in order to gain access to electricity that benefited individual families as well as the larger local community. Each member had an equal vote in co-op matters.

That sense of equity and inclusion is still how we operate today.

Co-ops were built by and belong to the diverse communities and consumer-members we serve. Membership is open to everyone in the service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, gender identity, language, political perspective or socioeconomic status.

By virtue of paying your electric bill each month, you’re a member of the co-op, and every member has an equal voice and vote when it comes to co-op governance. This ties back to our guiding principles of equitable economic participation and democratic control of the co-op.

We encourage all members to vote in director elections and we invite all members to participate in co-op meetings to weigh in on discussions that set co-op policies and priorities.

We know members of the co-op community have different needs and perspectives, and we welcome diverse views on all issues under consideration by the co-op. The more viewpoints we hear, the better we are able to reflect the needs of all corners of our community.

Inclusion While our top priority is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we also want to be a catalyst for good in our community. Because cooperatives are local, co-op revenues stay in the community. In turn, the co-ops invest in their diverse community base through scholarship programs, charitable giving, educational programs and more. We strive to make long-term decisions that improve and enrich the communities we serve.

While today’s world is radically different than it was when electric cooperatives were founded, cooperative values have stood the test of time and remain just as relevant today. We recognize that today’s co-op members expect more, and we pledge to you — the members we proudly serve — to promote a cooperative culture of inclusion, diversity and equity for all.

Anne Prince writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

FEBRUARY2020 2021 | TODAY 15 DECEMBER

Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425 – USE IT ANY TIME 24/7

✓GET ACCOUNT INFO ✓MAKE A PAYMENT ✓REPORT AN OUTAGE ✓MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT

DELTA ELECTRIC COMMISSIONS NEW On Jan. 7, officials gathered to publicly commission Delta Electric’s new electric vehicle charging station located at the McDonald’s restaurant in Winona. This is the first electric vehicle (EV) charging station to be completed in partnership with Cooperative Energy through its GoEV! program in the state. Cooperative Energy is Delta Electric’s generation and transmission cooperative, headquartered in Hattiesburg. Construction of the electric vehicle charging station was completed in August and the station has been operating provisionally since that time.

“We are very excited about the future of electric vehicles. New and existing automotive manufacturers are pouring billions of dollars into electric vehicle research, development and manufacturing,” David O’Bryan, general manager of Delta Electric, said. “The development of battery technology is changing everyday with electric vehicle ranges now reaching almost 400 miles in some cases. Electric vehicles are nearing price parity with fossil fueled vehicles and consumers are recognizing the benefits of EV ownership with lower operating and maintenance costs,” he said.

David O’Bryan, Delta Electric’s general manager, is pictured with a 100% electric vehicle from the Cooperative Energy fleet.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

The GoEV! program will enable Mississippi to be an EV friendly state. EV owners must plan their trips around the location of EV charging stations and the Winona location is strategically located at the intersection of Interstate 55 and U.S. Highway 82. “This EV location is the equivalent of a modern day filling station and is listed on the Green Lots and Plugshare digital EV charging networks, so EV owners can find the location online and actually see if its being used on a real time basis,” said O’Bryan. The charging station actually has two types of EV chargers: a Level II charger and a super-fast DC Fast EV charger that will give an 80% charge in about 20 to 30 minutes.

“We sincerely appreciate McDonald’s and the Retzer family for hosting this EV charging station in Winona and we look forward to working with Cooperative Energy to further deploy electric vehicle charging stations in our service territory.

Electric vehicles are coming and we want to get ahead of the curve and help establish the electric charging infrastructure needed to support these electric vehicles on the road,” O’Bryan said.

Pictured is a 100% electric Chevy Volt being charged by the Level II EV charger and a 100% electric Tesla sedan being charged by the larger, DC Fast EV Charger in the background. For demonstration purposes, the participants at the commissioning were allowed to drive both vehicles. For a limited time, McDonald’s is providing EV charging at no cost to their customers.

Pictured at the EV Charger Station commissioning from left to right: Arthur Peyton, McDonald’s; Sara Peterson, Cooperative Energy; David O’Bryan, Delta Electric; Sue Stidham, Montgomery County Economic Development Partnership; Hal Burt, McDonald’s and Jeffrey Cantin, Gulf States Renewable Energy Association.

t to right: rgy; David Economic Cantin,

Please Move Over

for roadside crews

It’s polite, and it’s the law.

by Paul Wesslund Every year, workers along the sides of roads are injured or cooperatives, and it’s a safety measure everyone can help with, killed when a car crashes into the crew’s site, even though it’s said Gerald Gordon, vice president of safety and loss control for marked with bright cones and warning signs. the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

There’s an easy way to reduce those incidents that harm “Move Over is not only a good law, it’s also the courteous police officers and other first responders, road construction thing to do,” said Gordon. “Our crews already perform danworkers and utility crews. There’s a slogan to help remind gerous work to keep the lights on every day. They deserve a drivers. There’s even a law. work environment that’s as safe as possible.”

The slogan is “slow down or move over.” It’s good advice and A list summarizing each state’s law can be found on the AAA a decent thing to do to keep people web site at https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/ safe. It’s also a requirement in all tag/move-over-law/.

50 states.

Electric utility crews are special cases to Legislatures first started passing watch out for. A study of utility worksite “Move Over is not only a good Move Over laws about 25 years ago to accidents found that the relatively temlaw, it’s also the courteous thing reduce the year-after-year statistics of porary nature of power line repairs could to do. Our crews already perform surprise motorists. A roadside construction harm to roadside emergency workers.

In the past eight years, Mississippi spe- dangerous work to keep the lights operation might close a lane for days or on every day. They deserve a weeks, giving time for people familiar with cifically added electric and other utility the area to anticipate the changed traffic projects to their Move Over or Slow work environment that’s as pattern. Utility work, however, can start Down laws. safe as possible.”

“In 2012, Mississippi was actually the and finish in a few hours, possibly raising second state to add utility service workers to the protection risks with drivers who might think they know the road ahead.

Another risk to watch for is when worksites are being put under the existing law,” said Paul Purnell, vice president of government relations for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. up or taken down. Roadside accidents can happen as crews are setting up signs and traffic cones. It is good practice to pay “We were also the first state to add protection for contractors doing work for utilities through House Bill 984.” attention all of the time. Don’t drive distracted. Drive according It’s an addition that’s welcomed by your local electric cooper- to the conditions of the road. Be courteous to roadside work ative because they were part of the effort to expand the law to crews. Watch the signs and obey them. And certainly, follow help protect line crews. laws like Move Over or Slow Down. It’s good advice that Protecting line crews is a top priority for Mississippi’s electric could save a life.

There are slight differences in each state’s Move Over laws, but not so much that you can’t figure out the right thing to do, even if you’re traveling from state to state. Here are the basic requirements: • Within 200 feet before and after a work zone, which will be marked with bright signs and marker cones, and often flashing lights, change lanes if there’s more than one lane on your side of the road so that there is an empty lane between your vehicle and the roadside crew.

• If it’s not possible or safe to change lanes, slow down. Many states specify slowing down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it’s 25 mph or more. Yes, that means if the posted speed limit is 25 mph, slow down to 5 mph.

• Drivers must obey all traffic directions posted as part of the worksite.

• Keep control of your car — yes, that’s a requirement in many Move Over laws. And yes, it is more of a general guidance than a rule for a specific speed. It means you need to pay attention and respond to weather conditions — heavy rain or a slick road might mean you’re required to slow down even more than 20 mph. And no texting, fiddling with the radio or other distractions.

• Penalties for violating those requirements range from $100 to $2,000, or loss of your driver’s license.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

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

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Exciting news to share about DE Fastlink Our board of directors recently approved the expansion of DE Fastlink’s high-speed internet services to Dixie Electric’s entire service territory.

A pilot project is currently underway in southeastern Jones and northwestern Perry counties and, although it has been hectic to build so quickly, the project has been successful. DE Fastlink, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dixie Electric, provides highspeed internet through fiber optic cable. Fiber optic cable is the fastest and most reliable form of internet service.

I’m sure many of you want to know when we will be in your area.

We are working with a consultant on the design for the entire system. As a construction schedule is developed, we will make you aware of when we are coming to your area. More than 3,000 miles of fiber optic cable is required to provide high-speed internet service to the entire service area as well as the installation of service to individual homes, so the project will likely take at least four years to complete.

I would like to commend our board for making this decision.

More than 80 years ago, brave farmers decided to bring electric power to rural areas. Now, our board has made a similar brave decision once again to improve the quality of life for rural Mississippians by providing high-speed internet for distance learning, telemedicine and job opportunities.

In addition to high-speed internet, we will be offering phone service in the coming months. DE Fastlink customers will have the opportunity to bundle services as well. For more information and to pre-register for service, visit defastlink.net.

by Randy Smith General Manager

Compare PRICE. Compare SPEED. Compare SERVICE. You’ll see there’s really NO COMPARISON.

DE Fastlink packages start at just $64.95 for 100 Mbps speed!

High-speed internet from DE Fastlink is coming soon! Don’t sign a contract with any other service provider without comparing packages. DE Fastlink will give you blazing speed, great rates and a reliable network—all backed by local people you know and trust.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

Preregister today at www.DEFastlink.net or call 833-521-FAST (3278).

DE Fastlink serves first customers

DE Fastlink began serving customers on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, with high-speed internet services. The phase one project has been successful with 140 miles of line strung and 115 homes connected by the end of 2020.

In early December, DE Fastlink congratulated 90-yearold Dixie Electric member Wanda Dennis, her daughter and son-in-law Margaret and Wayne Boyd and their son, Logan, for being the first customers to be linked with DE Fastlink! Their home is located in downtown Ovett in the phase one pilot project area.

“The internet speed is phenomenal,” said Margaret Boyd. Margaret went on to explain that the family used the internet for online doctor’s appointments and home schooling within the first week.

More individuals and families, who live within the highspeed pilot project area, have requested service, so the project is continuing in order to serve these customers.

Clearing trees and limbs for reliable service Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way.

Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel.

CLEARING PROJECTS UNDERWAY • Petal substation: Petal, Sunrise, Hillcrest and Macedonia • Clara substation: Clara, Big Creek and Waynesboro • Burr Creek substation: Moselle, Union and Ellisville • Hoy substation: North Laurel, Hoy, Moss, Shady Grove, Matthews and Springhill Road

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

Dixie Electric’s Randy Smith wins J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award

by Victoria A. Rocha, NRECA Randy Smith, general manager of Dixie Electric Power Association, has won the annual J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award.

The award recognizes an electric cooperative CEO or general manager who is committed to advancing communication at the co-op and in the overall industry. It is named in honor of the late editor and publisher of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) RE Magazine, J.C. Brown, who led the publication from 1973 to 1993.

Smith elevated communications from an event-planning function into a vital part of Dixie Electric’s planning and management processes. When he took over as general manager in 2011, six years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the coop’s electrical system, Dixie Electric was still smarting from negative publicity stemming from its lack of communication about restoration efforts.

That experience “profoundly affected” Smith, an engineer at the time who helped oversee restoration efforts, said Lydia Walters, the co-op’s communications and human resources manager.

“It was a big wake-up call for the management and the board that they needed a strategic communications approach,” she said.

With board approval, Smith put communications at the forefront of all co-op operations. Among other things, he instituted a crisis communications plan, formed relationships with media outlets, enhanced traditional and social media

14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

and increased outreach to members, especially young adults.

Having been in place for several years, the communications plan was tested in April 2020 when four tornadoes, including an EF-4 twister, swept across Dixie Electric’s service area over an 11-day period. Despite a lengthy restoration process, the co-op’s plan helped it attract positive reviews for how it handled the crisis.

Smith said he’s learned the hard way about the importance of strategic communications.

“You can have the best plans and the best projects, but if those aren’t communicated the right way, whether that’s internally or externally, then you can fall short in a lot of cases.”

Smith has spent most of his career at Dixie Electric, first as a distribution engineer in 1986 and then as engineering manager in 2007. This past fall, he also became president of DE Fastlink, LLC, a wholly owned broadband subsidiary.

One of the three judges who helped select this year’s recipient praised him as someone who “truly understands the power of solid communications and what it can achieve.

Smith knows firsthand what it takes to keep a cooperative current, to remain responsive to members and to inspire and motivate employees: strong communications.”

The three-judge panel is made up of communications and management experts from academia and business, including co-ops. The J.C. Brown award, first presented in 2004, was established by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the Certified Cooperative Communicator Program Board.

Honoring Youth Leadership students in a different way 2020 YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP For more than 30 years, Dixie Electric Power Association has participated in the Youth Tour of Washington, D.C., which is a national youth leadership program for high school juniors.

Meghan Cosper and Campbell Hankins were selected in fall of 2019 to represent Dixie Electric in the Youth Tour program and participate in the Youth Leadership Workshop, which is a statewide leadership, three-day seminar held in February 2020 in Jackson, Mississippi.

The Youth Leadership Workshop, coordinated by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, brings together approximately 80 students from across the state to instill leadership and teambuilding skills, experience state government by meeting their legislators and networking with other young student leaders.

The Youth Tour of Washington, D.C., coordinated through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, was canceled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

It was originally scheduled for June 2020. Since Meghan and Campbell were selected for the program but were unable to attend the Youth Tour of D.C., they were awarded with a $2,500 scholarship from Dixie Electric.

“Our youth leadership program is an educational opportunity for high school students. We were disappointed not to be able to send Meghan and Campbell to tour their nation’s capital,” General Manager Randy Smith said. “At least we were able to support these outstanding young people in their educational pursuits.”

Meghan Cosper, the senior daughter of JoAnn Trest, is active in Future Business Leadership of America (FBLA), the student council, band and numerous other leadership organizations at Stringer Attendance Center.

Meghan will be attending the University of Alabama in ---Tuscaloosa in the fall.

Campbell Hankins, a senior at Northeast Jones, is the son of Nathan and Melissa Hankins. Campbell participates in FBLA, Beta Club, Key Club, Serteens, student council and soccer.

Campbell plans to attend the University of Mississippi after graduation.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 15

Each year, Dixie Electric Power Association sponsors the 12 Days of Christmas drawing.

Participants buy tickets for quality prizes, like gift cards, televisions, appliances and more.

During a 12-day period in December, a prize winner is drawn each day. The proceeds from this year’s drawing were $4,400. Dixie Electric donated $2,200 to two local charities — the Salvation Army and the Christian Food Mission.

16 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

We’re proud to be a part of bringing people together by providing energy for all the things you love. www.ecm.coop FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 17

DeKalb 601-743-2641 • Louisville 662-773-5741 • Quitman 601-776-6271 • After-Hours Outages, Call 601-581-8600

MEMBER OWNED. LOCALLY OPERATED. THAT’S THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE.

Looking to the horizon A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO Like many, 2020 is one year that I do not mind having in the rearview mirror. We experienced tornados, hurricanes and a pandemic while working to maintain the level of service you have come to expect.

Twenty East Mississippi Electric Power Association employees contracted the COVID-19 virus and numerous others quarantined due to contact with individuals that tested positive.

Our policies and procedures were adjusted to ensure we had an adequate workforce available to serve you on a daily basis, as well as during outages.

Twice during the year, we had to close our lobbies due to the increase in case numbers and the need to protect our employees and our members. You were patient and understanding with us as we made these adjustments to ensure your service level was not diminished.

The most exciting thing to occur for EMEPA in 2020 was the establishment of East Mississippi Connect, LLC. We were asked by state officials to develop a plan for expanding broadband internet access to rural Mississippi residents. The state awarded EMEPA $6 million in CARES Act funds to be matched by EMEPA. EMEPA pledged to build a minimum of 225 miles of fiber and connect a minimum of 275 customers by December 30, 2020, to meet expectations set by the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff.

I am pleased to report, the team we assembled to make this happen exceeded our pledge. By the end of 2020, over 300 miles of fiber were built and more than 325 customers were connected. Additionally, we were successful in securing additional grant funds, which will be announced soon.

The Board of Directors amended the Bylaws of EMEPA on January 8, 2021, as follows: Article I, Section 1.01(a)(1) was amended to allow electronic membership applications. Article I, Section 1.01(c) was amended to allow consolidation of the member ap-

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

We are well on our way to serving our communities with a service that has been needed for many years. It will allow students to build on the education they receive from local schools, facilitate work from home opportunities, grant access to telemedicine and open doors that we have only imagined before.

What I am most thankful for in 2020 is the support of you, our members. Not only did you approve EMEPA creating East Mississippi Connect, LLC with a 99% positive vote, but you also provided encouragement with your comments about the work we are doing. Comments like, “I know it is going to take time, but we really appreciate you doing this,” means the world to us.

Only 24 months ago we were given the approval to begin considering how rural cooperatives could expand broadband service into our communities, and if it were even financially feasible. Within the next 60 months, the time most people finance a new car, our goal is to build the 4,000 miles of line that it will take to serve all our 37,000 members.

Early in the process, I asked you to remember the “Ps.” We received permission, developed plans, implemented the plan and continue to ask for your patience as we strive to empower you with not only the quality electric service you have come to enjoy, but also the broadband service you desire.

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

plication and any supplemental contract, including the Terms and Condition of Electric Service Agreement. EMEPA members may access the bylaws at EMEPA.com or by request at your local EMEPA office.

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missed experience, EMEPA is committed to celebrating the leadership of these students and hopes to assist in helping them reach their educational goals,� said Julie Boles, EMEPA director of marketing and communication.

EMEPA leadership student Curry Black was selected from the 85 students from across the state at the Youth Leadership Workshop in February 2020 to represent Mississippi on the NRECA Youth Leadership Council (YLC). Black will receive a $1,000 Mississippi Youth Leadership Award scholarship from the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation and an additional $1,500 scholarship from ECM.

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The EMEPA youth students were able to visit the Mississippi State Capitol as a part of the Youth Leadership Program in February 2020.

The 2020 Youth Students engaged in fun activities while participating in the Youth Leadership Workshop with students from all over Mississippi. From left: John Tabor Stokes, Jasmine Kelly, Lauren Lewis, Desarae Skinner, Curry Black and Veshal Konnor.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

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Revisions Requested

Since the 1950s, high school students representing electric cooperatives from all across the United States have participated in the annual Electric Cooperative Youth Tour event in Washington, D.C. Sadly, the 2020 Youth Tour was canceled due to the on-going COVID-19 threat.

Despite the inability to travel to Washington, D.C., East Mississippi Electric Power Association recognizes the outstanding achievements of its local students selected for the program.

These students were chosen to participate through an application and interview process in October 2019 during their junior year in high school. In February 2020, prior to the onset of the global pandemic, they attended a three-day Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson hosted by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM).

The Youth Leadership Program is sponsored locally by EMEPA, organized statewide by ECM and nationally by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). This year, Curry Black, Jasmine Kelly, Veshal Konnar, Lauren Lewis, Desarae Skinner and John Tabor Stokes represented EMEPA. Each of these students will receive a$2,500 cash scholarship from EMEPA. “Although no monetary award can replace the

Revisions Requested

Local EMEPA leadership students receive scholarship

Youth Leade CURRY BLACK Winston Academy Son of Stefan and Lori Black Community involvement/extracurricular/leadership roles: Although COVID-19 has presented problems as of late, I am still coordinating our local Mayor’s Youth Council. Shortly, I will begin the process of tracking and validating community service hours for all of our members. I am student body vice president at school and actively preach to the student body as well.

What 2020 goal or accomplishment are you most proud?

I begin with the selection to the youth council as my most important achievement, but I am also extremely proud of myself as well as my family for remaining grounded in our faith during these extremely uncertain and trying times.

What are your college/career goals?

I will be attending Mississippi State University while pursuing a degree in economics. I later plan to attend law school to become a criminal defense attorney. An ultimate goal of mine is to pursue a career in politics later in life.

How did participation in the EMEPA Youth Leadership Program impact you?

My participation in the program really caused me to expand my boundaries and comfort zone. I was around people from different social standings, ethnicities and cultures. It was amazing to see a group so diverse become so united.

JOHN TABOR STOKES Nanih Waiya Attendance Center Son of Scott and Christie Stokes Community involvement/extracurricular/leadership roles: I serve South Louisville Baptist Church on the audio/video committee. I serve as the Student Body president and Future Farmers of America president, play on the football, track and powerlifting teams, participate in the Beta Club and have been recognized as Class Star Student for my 32 ACT score.

What 2020 goal or accomplishment are you most proud?

The accomplishment I am most proud of from 2020 was getting to play my senior football season. Though it did not end the way I wish it would have, I enjoyed every moment of it. The relationships that I gained and the leadership opportunities that I got to experience made it all worthwhile. Leading my team in devotions on gameday and sharing my knowledge with my 14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

younger teammates made this past season one of the best I have had.

What are your college/career goals?

My college goals include pursuing a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Mississippi State University and then a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

How did participation in the EMEPA Youth Leadership Program impact you?

The EMEPA Youth Leadership Program allowed me to form connections with many new people from many different places and backgrounds. I also learned about the different aspects of leadership and how important personal connections are. Great teamwork is found when the members of the team trust and connect with one another. I got to experience this through all the activities and opportunities that I took part in during the Youth Leadership Program.

DESARAE SKINNER Southeast High School Daughter of Ember Chatham Community involvement/extracurricular/leadership roles: I am the Beta Club president, Students Against Deadly Decisions (SADD) president, Student Council social media coordinator and a Senior Class representative. I also participate in the DEBS Social Service Club, play on the softball team and am employed at Chick-Fil-A What 2020 goal or accomplishment are you most proud?

I am most proud of achieving my goal of maintaining all A honor roll. My most honored achievement was being a part of this program and being a member of the state Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

What are your college/career goals?

I plan to attend a university to pursue my PhD in mathematics and become a professor at a major university. I also plan to minor in business/marketing and own my own interior design business.

How did participation in the EMEPA Youth Leadership Program impact you?

The EMEPA Youth Leadership program has most impacted me by strengthening my leadership skills. I was able to make lifelong friends from around the state with the same intellectual qualities and goals. I will forever be thankful to be a part of this program.

dership 2020 VESHAL KONNAR Northeast High School Son of Rama P. Konnar and Shuennjze Loh Community involvement/extracurricular/leadership roles: I serve as Student Council president, Senior Class president, Trojan Yearbook editor, Northeast High School representative on the Lauderdale County School District Student Advisory and Future Business Leaders of America treasurer. I am a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Ambassador, Mississippi Governor’s School Scholar and participate in National Beta Club, varsity tennis, and boys’ basketball team manager.

What 2020 goal or accomplishment are you most proud?

I am most proud of scoring the highest in Mississippi on a physics assessment test administered by the Global Teaching Project over the summer. Being able to represent Northeast High School and the Lauderdale County School District fills me with pride.

What are your college/career goals?

I plan to attend a university and major in either mathematics or accounting. My hope is to pursue a doctoral degree and bring my knowledge back to the great state of Mississippi to impact its constituents positively.

How did participation in the EMEPA Youth Leadership Program impact you?

The EMEPA Youth Leadership Program created a vast network of student leaders throughout Mississippi, which enabled

LAUREN LEWIS Clarkdale High School Daughter of Wesley and April Lewis Community involvement/extracurricular/leadership roles: I am part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serve as an officer, CHS Leads — a community service group, East Mississippi Business Development Corporation Leadership Lauderdale Youth and a Jones Chapel Church of God Vacation Bible School crew leader.

What 2020 goal or accomplishment are you most proud?

My proudest achievement of 2020 is being able to maintain my grades throughout the challenges brought about by COVID-19. Though our school year was cut short last year, I still kept my grades up. This school year, we have only been in school for half of the regular time, and the rest of the time is virtual. Though it is challenging to keep up and continue to find

the motivation to strive for success in the classroom, I have still maintained a high GPA and have kept all A averages.

What are your college/career goals?

I plan to attend Mississippi State University to major in biochemistry. After I graduate, I plan to attend the University of Mississippi Medical Center in order to continue on to become a dermatologist and specialize in pediatrics. Further on in my career, I plan to open my own practice.

How did participation in the EMEPA Youth Leadership Program impact you?

During my time in the Youth Leadership Program, I learned many valuable lessons in leadership. I learned about communicating and working collectively with a large group. I was also able to make many new friends that I still talk to often. Another positive from participating in the Youth Leadership Program was the amount that I learned about my state and its history.

Though I am very saddened by the cancellation of our trip to Washington D.C., I am very grateful for the opportunities I have received from the Youth Leadership Program.

JASMINE KELLY Grace Christian School Daughter of Randall and Linda Kelly Community involvement/extracurricular/leadership roles: I am on the school volleyball team and participate in Club Volleyball, Beta Club, volunteer to send nursing home gifts and prepare a Thanksgiving luncheon for people unable to cook for Thanksgiving Day. What 2020 goal or accomplishment are you most proud?

The accomplishment I am extremely proud of in 2020 is being able to play volleyball at a college I wanted to go to since the ninth grade.

What are your college/career goals?

I plan to attend Mississippi University for Women to train to become a labor and delivery nurse.

How did participation in the EMEPA Youth Leadership Program impact you?

Participating in the EMEPA Youth Leadership Program impacted me by showing that as long as I do God’s will and continue to lead with His guidance, it does not matter how small of a school I attend, people will notice amazing leadership skills.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 15

East Mississippi Connect is transforming businesses for its members Businesses and organizations join EMEPA’s members on the leading edge of the digital revolution created by the new high-speed fiber internet from East Mississippi Connect.

Family Fish Camp in Meridian is one example of the positive transformation, and the restaurant’s owner, Dwayne Creel, is excited. “Our business will benefit a lot from it,” he says. “It will make our business so much easier and so much better for everybody.”

Similarly, Hebron Baptist Church can now offer live-streaming and other services for its congregation thanks to fast, fiber internet.

These are only two examples of how this world-class technology will improve every aspect of life, including telehealth, education, employment and more.

Discover more on how East Mississippi Connect can revolutionize your business or home at EastMSConnect.com.

16 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

We’re proud to be a part of bringing people together by providing energy for all the things you love. www.ecm.coop FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 17

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Johnny Johnson, President • Mike Banks, Vice President • Marty Crowder, Secretary/Treasurer • Bill Bell • John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. • Bruff Sanders • Kenneth Seitz

Committed to a co-op culture for members Over the years, you’ve heard me expound on why and how 4-County Electric Power Association is different — because we’re a cooperative. Our business model sets us apart from other utilities because we adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, fairness and service to the greater good of the community.

Electric cooperatives, including 4-County, have a unique and storied place in our country’s history. We democratized the American dream by bringing electricity to rural areas when for-profit electric companies determined the effort too costly. Back then, cities were electrified, and rural areas were not, creating the original rural-urban divide. Newly-established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in rural areas. Today, that spirit of equity is a vital part of our co-op DNA. Equal access for all When our electric co-op was founded, each member contributed an equal share in order to gain access to electricity that benefited individual families as well as the larger local community. Each member had an equal vote in co-op matters. That sense of fairness is still how we operate today. 4-County was built by and belongs to the community members we serve.

Membership is open to everyone in our service territory.

By virtue of paying your electric bill each month, you’re a member of the co-op, and every member has an equal voice and vote when it comes to co-op governance.

We encourage all members to vote in 12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

4-County’s director elections every June, and we invite all members to participate in co-op meetings to weigh in on discussions that set co-op policies and priorities.

We know members of our community have different needs and perspectives, and we welcome views on all issues under consideration by the co-op. The more viewpoints we hear, the better we are able to reflect the needs of all corners of our community.

Community service While our top priority is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we also want to be a catalyst for good in our community. Because we are your local electric cooperative, co-op revenues stay right here in our community. In turn, we invest in our community base through improvements in our co-op infrastructure, the 4-County Foundation, the Youth Leadership program, educational programs and more. And now broadband is an important priority of 4-County. We strive to make long-term decisions that improve and enrich the communities we serve.

Our cooperative values have stood the test of time. We recognize that today’s co-op members expect that same level of dedication, and my pledge to you — the members we proudly serve — is to promote a cooperative culture of service.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

Avoid mail delays Record numbers of packages, COVID-19 constraints and budget cuts are combining to delay mail deliveries around the country.

Anything that moves through the mail, including bills and payments, can be late in arriving, resulting in potential complications for members trying to pay their bills. Avoid these complications by taking advantage of a variety of payment options offered by 4-County Electric Power Association.

The co-op has several ways to help you make sure that your bill — or your payment — isn’t late because of something out of your control.

Convenient payment options include: • Online payments through 4-County’s website or mobile app • Bank account/credit card monthly automatically drafts • Use one of nearly 20 payment kiosks located in the service area • Pay by phone, 1-800-431-1544 • Use the co-op’s new PayGo system at local Dollar General, Family Dollar and CVS locations • Sign up for e-bill or alerts to ensure timely payments For more information on these and other options, visit our website at www.4county. org/residential-payment-bill-options/ or call us at 1-800-431-1544.

Board nominations notice Signatures for Petitions for Nominations for Board of Director seats are being collected. Completed petitions and other documents are due no later than Friday, April 2. In 2021, 4-County Board Districts 2, 3 and 6 are up for election. See www.4county.org for more details.

Update: FASTnet offers free community Wi-Fi in Clay County

1 2 3 4 5

The Drop

STEP

Crews “drop” fiber from mainline. An appointment is set for the inside fiber install.

The Locate Our installers visit your home to mark the outside fiber drop.

STEP

STEP

4-County Electric members call 1-800-431-1544 or visit www.4cfastnet.com to register for fiber-fast internet.

STEP

The Call

STEP

4-County Electric Power Association’s broadband development efforts now include a community Wi-Fi hotspot for residents of west Clay County.

FASTnet, the co-op’s new broadband subsidiary, is offering a free hotspot (a place designated for the community to access the internet) at Mike’s Kountry Kwik on Hwy. 50 West in Clay County.

The hotspot is a commitment by FASTnet and 4-County to their members and area communities, according to 4-County CEO Brian Clark.

“We’re proud to bring high speed affordable broadband to our members, and we’re proud to be able to offer a free connection to those members in the area who can’t get our services yet — especially those families with students or those who need access to reliable internet from time to time and who just don’t have that option,” Clark said. “We couldn’t do this without a lot of support. Mike Atkinson has provided the location for the hotspot, and local and state officials have helped with everything from getting the word out to helping us find funding for these projects,” he added.

The Columbus-based cooperative received a matching grant from the Mississippi Legislature last year that helps state electric cooperatives deploy broadband to their members. With 4-County contributing more than $7 million, combined with $6 million from the grant, FASTnet was formed with the goal of completing three limited pilot projects. Those projects cover parts of northeast Choctaw, western Clay and northern Noxubee counties, about 2,400 total 4-County members While the initial projects might be small, 4-County is hoping to bring broadband to the whole membership once they are complete.

In the meantime, Clark says FASTnet and 4-County are doing what they can to help. “With so many things from work to school pushed online due to COVID-19, there is a real need for reliable affordable internet. With things like this hotspot, we’re working hard to fill that need.”

Find more information on FASTnet on Facebook and Instagram by searching for @4cfastnet and at www.4cfastnet.com.

How It Works

The Install Our installers bring and set up equipment inside your home.

Start Surfing You’re now hooked up to FASTnet, the fastest internet available.

1-800-431-1544 • www.4cfastnet.com FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

Youth Tour 2020 delegates persevere 4-County Electric Power Association officials honored the co-op’s 2020 Youth Tour delegates recently for their dedication to the prestigious program in the midst of unique hindrances created by COVID-19.

Memory Shuffield, Katie Shackelford and Tomyah Smith each received a $2,500 Youth Tour Leadership Scholarship. The trio was able to attend the February 2020 Youth Leadership in Jackson but was unable to take the weeklong prestigious leadership trip to Washington, D.C., later that summer because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Mississippi’s best and brightest young leaders gathered Feb. 26-28, 2020, in Jackson to participate in the 34th Annual Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) Youth Leadership Workshop.

High school juniors from around the state, representing rural electric cooperatives, participated in the prestigious program.

Shuffield, Smith and Littlejohn graduated with honors from the multi-faceted leadership workshop.

Shuffield and Smith were two of only a few students who received trophies for their accomplishments in the workshop.

Shuffield received one of two Overall Leadership Awards,

Tomyah Smith

Katie Littlejohn

Tomyah Smith: “Last year, around this time, our world experienced a major shift from normal. Although it seemed to be a tragedy, the connections I made through the Youth Leadership Workshop helped me persevere. I stand in awe when I reflect on the relationships I’ve made with youth all over the state. Thank You All! You assisted me to find light in the darkness.”

Katie Littlejohn: “2020 was a year of many unknowns and changes. However, getting to be a part of the Youth Leadership Workshop was a highlight of my year. Receiving this 14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

a $500 scholarship and was honored as one of the top 10 students selected to interview for Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Council position. Smith was also honored as one of the top 10 students selected to interview for Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Council position. Littlejohn also received a Certificate of Accomplishment for her participation in the program.

4-County is a proud sponsor of the program. “Memory, Tomyah and Katie represented themselves, their families and 4-County in an exemplary manner during some trying times,” said Brad Barr, 4-County communications coordinator and youth leadership director. “2020 was a challenging year for all of us. Our youth delegates stayed strong through it all. We are happy to provide them with these scholarships and look forward to the bright lives we know they will lead.”

Memory Shuffield scholarship is such a blessing to me, and my family. Thank You, 4-County!”

Memory Shuffield; “When I first interviewed for the Youth Leadership Tour, I had no idea what was in store. Besides having no idea about the pandemic, I also had no idea about the relationships I would form, friendships for a lifetime.

Through all of the negativity that came from 2020, I cling to the big positives, positives like these. I had no idea that the leadership skills I learned in February 2020’s Youth Leadership Workshop would guide me through a global pandemic.”

Cold weather impacts energy use, bill 4-County Electric Power Association members are in the midst of cold temperatures this new year. Weather affects electric use and extreme or prolonged cold, plus being at home more due to COVID-19, can really increase power use and drive energy costs up.

“Heating and cooling account for up to half the cost of the average Mississippi household’s electric bill. So when the weather is especially cold or hot, your bill will go up,” said Jon Turner, 4-County manager of marketing and public relations.

Energy use and costs follow a typical curve during the course of the year according to Turner. “Most 4-County members see higher bills in the summer and winter, when temperatures tend to go up or down and stay there for days or weeks at a time. In the spring and fall, the temperatures tend to be more moderate and bills tend to be lower and it usually all averages out,” Turner said. “The cost of electricity doesn’t change in the cold weather, but people tend to use more of it, so it costs them more. We really just want to remind our members about this and help them mitigate their power use if we can,” Turner added.

4-County understands that higher bills can be tough on members and has several programs for members that can help them find ways to lower their energy use and their costs. Those include online tools that can help calculate how much it costs to run heating and air and appliances, and information on energy efficiency, from simple low cost fixes to things like adding insulation or installing a newer, more efficient heat pump. Members can also sign up for text or email alerts that can show them how much power they use a day and how much it costs or will let them know if they use a certain amount of power. 4-County members can also track their daily energy use online, which is another great tool for understanding energy use. It can really help people see what they use every day, and how much weather and other factors play a part in daily electric use,” Turner said. He also stresses that payment options such as Prepay and levelized billing can also help. “We strive to give members tools and resources to help them keep a handle on their energy use,” Turner explained.

Members can find out more about all these programs and more at the Association’s website at www.4county.org, 4-County’s Facebook page, or by calling 1-800-431-1544.

Take steps to prepare for frigid temperatures Old Man Winter makes his presence felt in February and that means now is the time to prepare.

“It’s a good time to take some precautions to make sure you are ready for the cold,” said 4-County Electric Power Association Job Safety and Training Coordinator Joe Miller. Miller says one of the most important safety issues is the correct use of space heaters. “People need to be reminded of the possible dangers when using space heaters, especially the increased chance of fire.”

Here are some key tips when using electric space heaters: • Locate the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic. Be especially careful to keep children and pets away from the heater.

• Do not place heater near any flammable items such as curtains or clothing.

• Electric heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet. If an extension cord is necessary, use a heavy-duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger.

• For portable electric heaters, buy a unit with a tip-over safety switch, which automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is tipped over.

• If you use a non-electric space heater make sure you have the proper ventilation. Some types of non-electric heaters can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Consult the heater’s directions or owner’s manual for proper use and care.

Miller also said you should never use your oven to provide heat. “An oven is for cooking only. It’s a major fire and safety hazard to use it for anything else,” said Miller.

Miller said it’s a good idea to check on your neighbors during the cold snap, especially the elderly or those living alone.

4-County wants everyone to be safe and warm during the cold weather, but reminds customers to be aware that increased use of either space heaters or their main source of heat can result in significantly higher energy consumption.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 15

Thank You,

Johnny Mitchener!

Johnny Mitchener of Macon has retired from 4-County Electric Power Association after 35 years of service to the cooperative and its members.

Rain, sleet or snow. Long days, long nights. Johnny lived and worked through them all during his distinguished career.

“We’re so thankful for Johnny and his service,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark. “He has been a tremendous asset to 4-County and its members, and we wish him the best in his retirement.”

What was the key to such a long and successful career?

“Being a lineman requires dedication,” Johnny said.

“There will be missed holidays, children’s ballgames, recitals and other important family events. Linemen and their families must understand the commitment when working severe weather and emergency calls,” he explained. “Linemen also must be physically fit and mentally strong. Line work is labor intensive with long days and nights. You must always have your mind on your job. There is no room for error when working with high-voltage lines.”

Camaraderie and teamwork have always been the

cornerstones of the 4-County business model. “Building trust with fellow linemen means having each other’s backs. This is important when everyone’s life is on the line. Throughout my years at 4-County, I have always had a great group of coworkers,” Johnny said.

Johnny, who retired as a maintenance crew leader, began working at the cooperative in July 1985, just a few months after his late father, Tommy, retired from the Association.

Tommy was a longtime 4-County employee who retired as district manager of 4-County’s Macon office. Johnny is a graduate of Central Academy.

He later graduated from Hinds Junior College. His first position at the cooperative was groundman at the Macon Customer Service Center. He worked under Jimmy Ricks.

Oscar Boykin was the district manager.

Johnny and his wife, Ann, live in Macon. They attend Cooksville Methodist Church in Noxubee County. They have one daughter, Beth, who lives in the Tupelo area with her husband, Josh Jarvis, and their 6-year-old son, Liam. “Ann and I enjoy taking Liam to visit my sister and her family in Arkansas where we like to fish for trout on the White River.”

His retirement plans also include a little hunting and fishing — and completing a few projects around the house.

4-COUNTY’S E-BILL IS EASY Life can be tough enough these days, so who doesn’t want to make their world a little easier?

4-County Electric Power Association can help with the co-op’s E-Bill program.

How can signing up for E-Bill make your life better?

• It’s paperless. That means less clutter for you, and it won’t get lost or delayed in the mail.

• It’s convenient. You will get an email notification each month when your

bill is ready. You can review your account at any time, and easily print bills when needed.

• It’s secure. Using 4-County’s online portal is safe.

• It’s good for everybody. The less bills 4-County has to print, the less cost to members. That helps keep rates low. Less paper also means less waste, and that is great for our environment.

Those 4-County members signing up for E-Bill will get a one-time $5 credit.

For more information on E-Bill, call 4-County at 1-800-431-1544.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Worrell jumps into career feet first Most people can ease their way into the first day of a new job.

Brandon Worrell’s first day working at 4-County Electric Power Association journey began April 13, 2020, the morning after a severe storm system swept through the co-op’s service area.

Thousands of members were without power. Broken poles and lines littered the landscape. Welcome to 4-County, Brandon. So much for easing your way into a new job.

“I got thrown to the wolves the first day,” Brandon said with a laugh. “But that’s the life of a lineman. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Let’s get to work.”

Brandon came to 4-County after working in the lineman apprentice program at the City of Starkville. The Nanih Wayah native is a graduate of East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) with an associate’s degree in forestry. He also graduated from EMCC’s Utility Lineworker Program.

Brandon developed a strong work ethic at an early age, working on a logging crew as a teenager. He also helped a friend train dogs. “I enjoyed working with the dogs. And I’ve always worked outside. That’s my preference,” he said.

The Apprentice Lineman IV serves on Tim Adkins Corporate Center Construction Crew. He enjoys the variety found in his job. “Day by day, we’re involved in a number of different types of projects that take us to areas throughout our service area,” Brandon explained.

Why choose a career in line work? “I always knew there would be a need. Everyone has to have power.”

A Starkville resident, Brandon attends Pinelake Church. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and fishing. “I mostly hunt in Choctaw County. I enjoy being in the woods. It’s peaceful and quiet,” he said.

Brandon also enjoys spending time with his family, especially his little brother and two nieces. And he is a Mississippi State fan, “win or lose.” His constant companion is a Labrador Retriever named Molly.

He enjoys the construction part of his job, seeing a project in its initial stages through its completion. “As a lineman, you have to be able to retain information. It’s all about repetition,” Brandon said. The young lineman appreciates the opportunity to work in a safe manner. “4-County works hard to promote safety. We’re all looking out for each other.”

Being a lineman, Brandon stressed, is an important job and carries much responsibility. “People are relying on you every day for their power needs.”

EWHS volleyball receives 4-County award The new East Webster High School (EWHS) Volleyball team received a $6,553 award recently from the 4-County Electric Power Association Foundation.

The award will go towards start-up costs for a new volleyball program, according to 4-County Foundation and EWHS officials.

Since the Foundation’s inception in February 2015, over $1 million has been dispersed to organizations in 4-County’s service area.

4-County believes in helping the communities it serves. That’s why the cooperative launched the 4-County Foundation, a community service program. Since February 2015, participating 4-County members’ utility bills have been rounded up to the nearest dollar; a $125.78 bill, for example, becomes $126. Now, that’s an average of only 49 cents per member, per month. That may not seem like much.

But when you multiply those contributions by the thousands of member participants, that’s a lot of pennies!

For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 17

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MEP Annual Meeting canceled, but board elections continue

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Notice of 2021

Board Elections and 2020 Annual Report

by Darrell Smith General Manager

During the January Magnolia Electric Power board meeting, the 2021 Annual Meeting was canceled due to the ongoing pandemic and the Executive Order called by Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves restricting the number of people who can meet. We want to follow Governor Reeves’ directives and we cannot plan ahead to have our Annual Meeting due to the restrictions on the number of people who can gather. However, our board of directors election process will go on as normal.

Throughout this entire year, the safety of our members, employees and board members has Brookhaven been our highest priority. Our Annual Meeting brings in nearly 200 people 84 and we do want to continue to do LINCOLN everything we can to keep everyone COUNTY as safe as possible.

FRANKLIN Bogue Chitto COUNTY We appreciate everyone’s 98 patience during this difficult time.

Smithdale PIKE We have kept the power on through AMITE COUNTY Summit COUNTY some quite trying times during 2020, including tornadoes in the McComb spring and a hurricane in the fall.

After the election results have 24 Liberty been made official, we will give a Osyka report on the election and share information that we would normally discuss at the Annual Meeting.

We would ask that our members look for the proxies that will be dropped in the mail in early February and be a part of our election process by sending in your proxies.

We appreciate our members and we will get through this difficult time together.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

Look for this brochure in early February.

84

LAWRENCE COUNTY

Jayees

WALTHALL COUNTY 98

MARION COUNTY

Tylertown

ANDERSON & MARTIN RETIRE FROM MEP

by Lucy Shell The new year found that Magnolia Electric Power had two long-time employees retiring. Both Tony Martin and Skipper Anderson, each with at least 40 years of dedication to MEP, have made the decision to retire. Both men have always gone above and beyond the call of duty as team members of the company.

As with any good employee, you are always sad to see them leave the company.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Skipper and Tony throughout most of my career at Magnolia Electric. They are the kind of employees you hate to see leave your workforce. They have been dedicated to their jobs, dependable and always among those I could depend on to respond during times of outages on our system. Although I’m sorry to see them leave MEP, at the same time I wish them both a long and happy retirement,” said General Manager Darrell Smith.

Tony Martin On December 3, 2020, Martin officially retired from Magnolia Electric Power after 40 years, three months and one day on the job.

Martin began his career at Magnolia Electric Power Association on Highway 98 East beginning on September 2, 1980, and continued through the name change to Magnolia Electric Power and the utility’s move to Highway 98 West of Summit. At his time of retirement, Martin had worked well over 25 years as a MEP serviceman, where he took many nightly call-outs to get someone’s electric power restored for them, on top of his daily work routine.

Martin has worked numerous storms that have occurred at Magnolia Electric and has traveled to provide help for many storms outside MEP’s service area.

Martin said the furthest he ever traveled was to work an ice storm in Missouri and he has been as far south as Florida to work hurricanes, too.

In addition, Martin has volunteered to make a lineman presentation since the inception of MEP’s Cooperative University. His talks and interaction with the high school students have always been a great success and rates high marks on the students’ surveys.

He married Tammie Fortinberry Martin on June 4, 1976.

The couple have three children and eight grandchildren.

His plans for retirement include spending time with his family, and looking forward to being home instead of being gone all the time. Martin will also be working part-time as an instructor at Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s new Linemen School.

Skipper Anderson On February 5, 2021, Anderson officially retired from Magnolia Electric Power after 41 years, five months and one day on the job.

Anderson began his career at Magnolia Electric Power Association on Highway 98 East beginning on September 4, 1979, and continued through the name change to Magnolia Electric Power and the utility’s move to Highway 98 West of Summit.

Anderson has shared a number of humorous stories about the time he and other MEP linemen worked the Delta ice storm in 1994. Anderson said he and his crew helped both Twin County Electric Power Association and Delta Electric Power Association when the ice storm destroyed both of the electric cooperatives’ electrical systems.

Besides working as a lineman, Anderson worked as a crew leader for 12 years and was substation assistant for eight years. He served as Manager of Safety and Loss Prevention for 18 years and was in that position when he retired.

Anderson said he has enjoyed making presentations to the local schools, fire departments and civic groups on electrical safety.

He married Mel Hall Anderson on April 20, 1973.

His plans for retirement include spending time with his wife, both of them traveling, riding his Honda Goldwing Trike and attending Quarter Horse shows.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

2020 Youth Leadership Winners

Johnson, Kinnison, Simmons, Stringer to receive scholarships in lieu of D.C. trip

by Lucy Shell The Magnolia Electric Power Youth Leadership program did not go as expected for the 2020 winners, who were able to travel to Jackson in February 2020, before all travel came into question due to COVID-19. Because of safety and health concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic brought about, the 2020 winners were not able to travel to Washington D.C. in June.

Kathryn Johnson, Hannah Kinnison, Alli Simmons and Madison Stringer took the news as best they could, with several holding out for a possible trip during Spring Break of their senior year. But, unfortunately, even that would not work out.

Therefore, due to the repeated COVID-19 setbacks, each of the students will receive a scholarship in the form of $2,500 from MEP to use toward their college educations.

Let us reintroduce you to our Youth Leadership winners and scholarship recipients: Kathryn Johnson “Who would have thought the world could change so fast?” asked Johnson.

Johnson has been home-educated since Kindergarten through the Abeka program. Her parents, Lande and Brandie Johnson, wanted to assure a quality education for their daughter despite drastic changes in the public school system. After many years of diligent studies, Johnson will graduate this May at Pensacola Christian Academy.

She plans to attend a local community college where she hopes to be able to continue her passion of showing cattle and helping on the family ranch. Having completed her first two years of college, Johnson will transfer to a state college to finish her degree in business.

However, Johnson’s ultimate goal is to enroll in law school in order to study the laws and constitution of the country she dearly loves. With the world she hopes to influence changing

so drastically, Johnson wonders what the future may hold.

“It can be discouraging growing up in a time when the greatest country on earth has forsaken God and consequently has fallen into turmoil.”

But, even in these troubling times, Johnson knows there is a purpose as she includes a favorite verse from the Bible, “We must remember that God has a plan — that we may be here ‘for such a time as this.’” Esther 4:14 Hannah Kinnison Kinnison is a student at Brookhaven High School. She is the daughter of Lisa Kinnison.

Her extracurricular activities include: BHS Color Guard, Crown Club, Mock Trial and National Honor Society.

Kinnison had this to say when asked about her future plans, “I am planning on attending Mississippi State University in the fall to major in biomedical engineering and minor in business administration. After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I plan to go onto the University of Mississippi Medical School.”

Kinnison said her favorite quote is, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is never stop questioning.”

- Albert Einstein

2020 YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

Allison “Alli” Simmons Simmons is currently a senior at Parklane Academy. Her parents are Vic Simmons and Jewel Bond.

At school, she is involved in Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, Environmental Club, Book Club and Student Council. She is currently serving as senior class president, and has been a part of the girls’ varsity soccer team for four years. She is a member of the McComb Mayor’s Youth Council and volunteers for both Miracle League and

Madison Stringer Kathryn Johnson

Allison “Alli” Simmons Hannah Kinnison

Camp Sunshine.

Simmons, a member of First Baptist Church in Magnolia, has been involved with the youth group for six years.

In her free time, she said she enjoys “Doing absolutely nothing. I love to take the occasional nap, and my favorite past time is curling up in bed with a good movie. I also enjoy reading, debating, being active and spending time with friends and family.”

In the fall, Simmons will attend Louisiana State University to major in mass communications with a concentration in political communications. She plans to complete LSU’s 3+3 Law Fast Track, which will allow her to obtain her bachelor’s degree one year early. After graduating, she plans to attend LSU Law School to obtain her Juris Doctor degree.

“My ultimate goal is to use my law degree for good. In addition to practicing law in a general aspect, I want to propose and change laws at a state or national level pertaining to special victims of various types. I want to make a positive difference, and I want to make God and my family proud,” Simmons said.

She added that her favorite quote is, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” -Harriet Tubman

Madison Stringer Stringer is the daughter of Trent and Melissa Stringer of Tylertown and a student at Parklane Academy.

Just a few of her extracurricular activities include: a volunteer for Camp Sunshine and McComb Miracle League, Smokin’ On the Tracks and Iron Horse Festival. She is a member of J.J. White Girl Scouts, Junior Auxiliary of McComb Crown Club, and McComb Garden Girls. She is also a member of Tylertown Baptist Church and co-captain of the Parklane Academy Girls Soccer Team.

Her future plans, summed up in her own words are, “I will attend Mississippi State University in the fall and major in either business administration or kinesiology. While at MSU, I hope to join a sorority and other social clubs to meet new people and make lifelong connections. I plan to continue my education by obtaining a master’s degree. After college, I would love to move to a metropolitan area and gain work experience. I look forward to raising my family here in Mississippi, where I will continue to give back to my community. I am excited to see where God takes me in the future!”

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 15

Annual MEP Awards Banquet COVID-19 has changed a lot of things this year and MEP has made adjustments so that we have been able to continue our service of providing safe, reliable electric power to our members.

This year we celebrated our employees’ Service Awards with a walk-through event.

Some were not photographed due to various reasons, but these photos represent many who were celebrating their work milestones this past year.

Work longevity is a rare things these days and receiving Annual Service Awards recently for 40 years were Tony Martin (left) and Dennis Butler (right). Not pictured is Chris Anglin, 35 years.

Receiving Annual Service Awards for 30 years. From left: Mike McKenzie, Tracy Lambert, Tony Nettles and John Lee. Not pictured is Bruce McCaffery.

Receiving Annual Service Awards for 10 years was (from left) Luis Ybarra and Lawrence Weems; while Justin Thomas (far right) received his Service Award for 20 years of working for MEP. Not pictured is Terry Causey, 20 years; and Carl Fuller, 15 years.

Receiving Annual Service Awards for five years of service are from left: Yvonne Dillon, Alex Fortenberry, Kaylan Bracey and Charlene Wilson. Not pictured is Chris Hunter, five years.

NOTICE Osmose to begin working the Gillsburg substation area Osmose contractors, hired by MEP, began working in early January in the Gillsburg Substation area, which includes south central and south eastern Amite County and a small portion of south western Pike County.

Osmose is a company that provides the systematic checking of all utility poles for decay and rot. Osmose will “sound” each individual pole with a hammer, may drill holes in the pole to take a sample to test on site and treat the pole if any decay is found.

The treatment extends the life of the pole and gives an estimated 10 additional years of life to the structure, thus creating savings for the company and members. The contractors will travel on four-wheelers or pick-up trucks to reach the poles. In addition, they will also have Osmose and 16 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

Magnolia Electric Power decals, hard hats, reflective vest and a letter with them stating their purpose.

It is a Rural Utility Services (RUS) requirement that MEP inspects its power poles.

If you have additional questions, please call the business office at 601-684-4011 and ask for operations.

Local co-op communicator earns national credential Magnolia Electric Power would like to announce that Lucy Shell, manager of member services and communications, has earned recognition as a professional communicator in a national certification program offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).

Shell has met the requirements to become a Certified Cooperative Communicator (CCC), which signifies standards of professionalism in communications and competency in the electric cooperative industry.

In order to become certified, Shell submitted a portfolio of her work, which was reviewed by an independent communications professional who has earned the CCC credential. In addition to passing the portfolio review, Shell passed a rigorous four-hour examination.

The CCC Program was created to strengthen and enrich the professional skills and abilities of electric co-op communicators to help them successfully fill their crucial roles in ensuring the best possible future for electric cooperatives.

This is done through the establishment of professional development goals, identification of a body of knowledge and skills necessary to the practice of electric co-op communication

and recognition of those individuals who have demonstrated a professional level of excellence.

Since 1985, a little less than 500 electric cooperative communicators have attained CCC status. In the state of Mississippi, there are only seven Lucy Shell, CCC communicators that have achieved the Certified Cooperative Communicator status.

Shell, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, has been employed at Magnolia Electric Power for 18 years.

NRECA is the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to more than 37 million people in 47 states.

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! SmartHub lets you manage all aspects of your Magnolia Electric Power account.

With SmartHub you can: ✔ Report An Outage ✔ View A Live Outage Map ✔ Pay Your Bill ✔ View Your Billing History

✔ Check Your Usage ✔ View Service Request ✔ Setup Automatic Notifications

Sign up at MEPcoop.com or download on your smart phone.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 17

AMORY – P.O. BOX 300 - 50408 GREENBRIAR ROAD – 662-256-2962 • CALEDONIA – 746 MAIN STREET – 662-356-4100

Please Move Over

for roadside crews

It’s polite, and it’s the law.

by Paul Wesslund Every year, workers along the sides of roads are injured or killed when a car crashes into the crew’s site, even though it’s marked with bright cones and warning signs.

There’s an easy way to reduce those incidents that harm police officers and other first responders, road construction workers and utility crews. There’s a slogan to help remind drivers. There’s even a law.

The slogan is “slow down or move over.” It’s good advice and a decent thing to do to keep people safe. It’s also a requirement in all 50 states.

Legislatures first started passing Move Over laws “Move Over is not only a good about 25 years ago law, it’s also the courteous thing to reduce the yearto do. Our crews already perform after-year statistics dangerous work to keep the lights of harm to roadside on every day. They deserve a emergency workers.

In the past eight work environment that’s as years, Mississippi safe as possible.” specifically added electric and other utility projects to their Move Over or Slow Down laws.

“In 2012, Mississippi was actually the second state to add utility service workers to the protection under the existing law,” said Paul Purnell, vice president of government relations for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “We were also the first state to add protection for contractors doing work for utilities through House Bill 984.”

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

There are slight differences in each state’s Move Over laws, but not so much that you can’t figure out the right thing to do, even if you’re traveling from state to state.

Here are the basic requirements: • Within 200 feet before and after a work zone, which will be marked with bright signs and marker cones, and often flashing lights, change lanes if there’s more than one lane on your side of the road so that there is an empty lane between your vehicle and the roadside crew.

• If it’s not possible or safe to change lanes, slow down. Many states specify slowing down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it’s 25 mph or more. Yes, that means if the posted speed limit is 25 mph, slow down to 5 mph.

• Drivers must obey all traffic directions posted as part of the worksite.

• Keep control of your car — yes, that’s a requirement in many Move Over laws. And yes, it is more of a general guidance than a rule for a specific speed. It means you need to pay attention and respond to weather conditions — heavy rain or a slick road might mean you’re required to slow down even more than 20 mph.

And no texting, fiddling with the radio or other distractions.

• Penalties for violating those requirements range from $100 to $2,000, or loss of your driver’s license.

Revisions Requested Approved

CHAD Date_____ Revisions Requested

RON Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

PLEASE MOVE OVER FOR ROADSIDE CREWS

Approved

the relatively temporary nature of power line repairs could surprise motorists. A roadside construction operation might close a lane for days or weeks, giving time for people familiar with the area to anticipate the changed traffic pattern. Utility work, however, can start and finish in a few hours, possibly raising risks with drivers who might think they know the road ahead.

Another risk to watch for is when worksites are being put up or taken down. Roadside accidents can happen as crews are setting up signs and traffic cones. It is good practice to pay attention all of the time.

Don’t drive distracted. Drive according to the conditions of the road. Be courteous to roadside work crews. Watch the signs and obey them. And certainly, follow laws like Move Over or Slow Down.

It’s good advice that could save a life.

STEVEN Date_____

It’s an addition that’s welcomed by your local electric cooperative because they were part of the effort to expand the law to help protect line crews.

Protecting line crews is a top priority for Mississippi’s electric cooperatives, and it’s a safety measure everyone can help with, said Gerald Gordon, vice president of safety and loss control for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

“Move Over is not only a good law, it’s also the courteous thing to do,” said Gordon. “Our crews already perform dangerous work to keep the lights on every day. They deserve a work environment that’s as safe as possible.”

A list summarizing each state’s law can be found on the AAA web site at https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/ tag/move-over-law/.

Electric utility crews are special cases to watch out for. A study of utility worksite accidents found that

VERSION #______________

If you see police, firefighters, utility crews or other emergency personnel on the side of the road, please slow down and move over when possible.

Together, we can keep your crews safe.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

North East Mississippi ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Marlin Williams or Tracie Russell at 662-234-6331

nemepa.org

NEMEPA

@NorthEastPower

@NorthEastPower

2020 Youth Leadership students receive scholarships For the past 30 years I have had the privilege to serve as the North East Power youth advisor for the Youth Leadership Program. Our statewide and national offices do an amazing job organizing this program each year. It is truly an amazing opportunity for the students that are selected to learn teamwork, leadership skills and first-hand knowledge of local, state and national politics. The students attend a three-day workshop in Jackson and a seven-day tour of Washington, D.C. High school juniors from all over the state are chosen to participate in the program by interviews, essays or some form of contest. The selection process is left up to the local participating cooperatives. As an advisor, I am able to travel to other cooperatives in the state and assist with their selection processes. I have also had the opportunity to attend the statewide workshop each year and have been on many Youth Tours to Washington, D.C. This has afforded me the opportunity to meet thousands of impressive students through my 30 years — and the selections are never an easy decision. Each of these students that are invited to apply and/or interview have leadership qualities that have been recognized by their teachers and school officials.

In February 2020, I was able to take our North East Power students to Jackson to participate in the 34th Annual Youth

NE SPARC UPDATE: NE SPARC has connected 1,700 customers, with 750 being in the CARES Act grant project areas. Another 600 customers that have been connected are also in very rural areas just outside of the CARES Act footprint zones.

We are opening all CARES Act zones before the end of February. Also, we will open Brittany Woods 224 and Sardis Lake 214 Zones within the next month. Crews are stringing fiber westward towards Thacker Heights and throughout Woodson Ridge Zones. Cornersville’s communication hut is ordered and scheduled for an April delivery. Both Woodson Ridge and West Oxford Huts are scheduled for installation within the next two weeks. We are pushing southward to Taylor as fast as possible. We expect all rural circuits to be completed within the calendar year 2021.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

Leadership Workshop. They were able to meet their legislators and hear words from Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Secretary of State Michael Watson, and other motivational speakers. I watched as these students made friendships with like-minded students from all over the state. I was scheduled to attend with these students this summer and we were all so excited to meet up again and spend seven days exploring our nation’s capital city. Unfortunately, a global pandemic put an end to the 2020 Youth Tour. I met with other state advisors and ultimately, as disappointed as we were, we knew we could never risk the health and safety of these students. We decided as a group to offer the students scholarships.

We know these students have experienced many disappointments this year, but we hope that these scholarships will aid in their future by offsetting their college expenses. We wish these students good luck in all of their future endeavors, and we truly hope the time they spent in Jackson with their peers was beneficial and educational.

by Tracie Russell Marketing and Communications Specialist

Meet the 2020 Youth Leadership scholarship recipients Dalton Cooper Potts Camp High School “My dad has a trucking company in Holly Springs, and we have approximately 55 trucks. He also owns a feed and fertilizer store in Holly Springs. I plan to go to work for my family business after high school.”

Nathanael Leary

2020 YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

Lafayette High School “When I first left for Jackson for the ECM Youth Leadership Program, I truly thought it was just an opportunity to get out of school. I was amazed by the number of young Mississippians there that I related to. The relationships I formed with some of those guys are some of the strongest I’ve ever made, and we all keep in touch regularly. The workshop itself completely blew me away as well. The things I learned and the opportunities I was afforded to talk with Mississippi legislators was second to none. Though I am still undecided, several college opportunities that I have are to attend Millsaps or Belmont Abbey to play tennis, or staying in Oxford and attending Ole Miss or doing ROTC at Texas A&M.”

Brown Turner Oxford High School “I am currently undecided about where I will attend college. I really enjoyed the trip to Jackson! I was able to meet a lot of new people and make new connections that I still keep up with today. I also learned about leadership and how I can be a more effective leader in my community.”

Suhani Patel Oxford High School “After graduating, I hope to go to a university in the North.

The biggest thing that I got out of the Jackson trip was all the friendships I formed. I met some of the most amazing people there, many of which I still stay in contact with. I am so thankful for this leadership program. It has given me some of the best people I’ve known, along with important lessons on how to be a leader.”

Elizabeth Nicole Wood Lafayette High School “My plans are to attend the University of Mississippi and major in biology with a minor in general business on the premed track. At first, I was slightly nervous about attending the workshop because I didn’t know very many people. However, that trip strengthened my leadership and communication skills, all while allowing me to meet new people.”

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662.895.2151. northcentralelectric.com

NorthcentralEC

@Northcentral_EC

@Northcentral_EC

A message from your CEO How great it is to move into February and find ourselves closer to Spring. It’s kind of a transition month. We have the beginnings of baseball spring training that transforms us to the regular season.

Mardi Gras that transforms into Lent and later to Easter. Valentine’s Day can transform relationships with loved ones.

Historically the third week of February is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi. This transitions our community into the spring season that often spurs tornadic activity. We must also remember that February itself is a high-risk period for ice storms. Our area has experienced seasonal tornadoes and ice in the past. The Ice Storm of 1994 was one of the worst experienced in the Southeast. It must be remembered that an ice storm of that magnitude has the potential to disrupt electric service for days or weeks.

Through maintenance and planning, we at Northcentral continue to work on methods to mitigate storm damage and improve outage response. We strive to stay prepared. At Northcentral we

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

sincerely hope our community is doing the same. Every home and business should have a plan to sustain itself without electric power and other services for a period of time in these type events. You should ask yourself if you are prepared for a severe weather event or other type of disaster. Resources and ideas for preparedness can be found on the Mississippi Emergency Management website at msema.org. It’s worth checking out.

Severe weather and other events that interrupt the services we routinely count on can be a tremendous inconvenience. A little preparation on the front end can prove to be very helpful.

Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

Will You Get Many of you have called, emailed and even asked Northcentral employees out in the community, “When am I going to get internet services?” We’ve seen the chatter on social media and join in your excitement and frustration. We feel your frustration that reliable and adequate service isn’t available to you already, and we join in your excitement as Northcentral Connect moves closer to bringing life-changing, fiber-tothe-home internet services to your area. The answer to that question for those in Phase 1 of the fiber work plan is “very soon.”

Our membership, and even some residents not served by Northcentral have shown tremendous interest in high-speed internet service by pre-registering at northcentralconnect.com.

Since the launch of our website, more than 2,000 addresses have been logged. Over 270 members located in the first phase of construction south and west of Byhalia have moved to the “sign up” phase and have begun scheduling their in-home installations.

Construction is ongoing with over 40 Northcentral personnel and contractors and 30 pieces of equipment on the project. As of mid-January, we’ve spent over $4.6 million and built more than 47 miles of fiber. Our team is simultaneously engineering and performing “make ready” work in future phases to prepare for the transition into construction once Phase 1 is complete.

This work encompasses everything from trimming vegetation to changing out utility poles to meet the height and weight requirements of the new attachments. Meanwhile, our IT Department is configuring and testing the system to ensure that you will have superior reliability with Connect’s services.

Northcentral Connect will offer several options for residential services to meet your needs, including internet phone service.

Our Ultimate Gig Plus Phone package will provide the fastest connection speeds available without installation fees, contracts

or data caps, all for $99.95 per month.

This package is ideal for those working from home, distance learning, streaming and gaming. Just surfing the web and checking out social media? We have our 150-megabit package with or without phone that provides you with faster speeds than other providers at a competitive price.

Connect also offers Wi-Fi extenders that will help improve performance in larger and multi-level homes for a small, monthly charge of $4.95. You may also want to consider adding on our battery back-up for $6.95 per month to ensure that you stay connected during power outages.

What can you do to see if fiber internet is available in your area? Be sure to visit northcentralconnect.com and click the “Sign Up” button. There is no commitment or cost to pre-register. You can also view our service maps under the “Service Availability” tab. When construction begins in your area, we’ll reach out by email with an offer to subscribe for service. Pre-registering your address places you on a map that helps guide our decisions on the location of future phases.

Our website also offers informative articles to help you stay connected and enhance your Wi-Fi experience. There is also a handy tool for those interested in “Cutting the Cord” with your television provider that could help save on your monthly expenses.

We appreciate our members’ patience and support in our efforts to bring ultra-fast, reliable internet to areas long overlooked by the larger telecommunications companies. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, we listened and are responding with the launch of Northcentral Connect. It is a major undertaking, but we are committed to bringing you the high-speed connectivity that is so essential now more than ever.

Residential Fiber Internet

No Installation Fee. No Contracts. No Data Caps.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

2020 Youth Leadership stud We are proud of our 2020 Youth Leadership students who participated in the Youth Leadership Workshop last year.

They were not able to attend the Washington, D.C., trip due to constraints and complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficult circumstances, they have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments and shown true leadership in their communities. They were awarded $2,500 scholarships to aid in their future educational goals. Congratulations to these students as they prepare to graduate.

2020 YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP Encouraging and challenging students to be active leaders at home, school and in their communities

Greta Ann Allen Lewisburg High School

Landon Nacole Bello Center Hill High School

Symantha Abigail Cummings Olive Branch High School

Laura Grace Ellis, DeSoto Career Technical Center-Lewisburg

Marybeth Marie Griffin Olive Branch High School

Raegan Elizabeth Lauderdale Olive Branch High School

students receive scholarships

Brenna Grace Luff, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

Zachary Chance Medlin, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science

DeQuan Tyrese Moore Byhalia High School

Jeremiah Jabez Seals Byhalia High School

Anna Marie Sternisha Olive Branch High School

Benjamin Bruno Szabo DeSoto Central High School

George Robert Taylor Northpoint Christian School

Lanie Brooke Valentine Marshall Academy

Alexis Leslie Williams, Marshall Academy FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 15

Get ahead

by Justin Jaggers How long did it take for some of your Christmas cards or presents to arrive in 2020? Are you still waiting for some of them in 2021? Don’t let your utility bill get lost in the mail shuffle. Northcentral Electric Cooperative offers several convenient, safe and contactless options to make sure your bill is paid on time without having to mail it out or visit our office in person. There are several options available for all of our member’s needs and technological comfort level, all saving you valuable time.

Pay at northcentralelectric.com: The most popular payment method among Northcentral members is visiting our website at northcentralelectric.com.

At the top of the webpage is a green button labeled “Pay Bill.” This takes you to our payment portal. If you’ve never used the website payment option, you can register your account within minutes. All you need to do is click “New User” just below the login fields. You’ll need to enter some information about yourself, where you live and your account number. Once you have set up a user ID, we’ll send you an e-mail confirmation that verifies your identity and information. You can then enter payment information and pay your bill in minutes. You can also set up “Auto Pay,” a feature that will automatically charge your debit or credit card each month to ensure that your bill is always paid on time.

Smartphone App: If sitting in front of a computer isn’t your style, we have smartphone apps available on Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store. Search for “Northcentral Electric.”

The icon features our logo so you will know you’re downloading the right application. It takes roughly 5-7 minutes to set 16 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

up with new users and works just like the website. You’ll enter account and address information and be ready to pay your bill while you’re on-the-go. The app will also allow you to monitor your use to help you see when you are using electricity throughout the day to help you identify ways to save money.

Autodraft: Want us to take care of payment? If you speak with one of our customer service representatives, you can sign up for an automatic draft. You will need to provide a current check and sign an authorization form and we take care of the rest. Once your bill is issued (you still get a copy of it for your records), we’ll use the current checking account information to apply your payment. Make sure you keep an eye on your use and your checking account balance to avoid any overdraft fees.

If you want to discuss which of these options is best for you, please call us at 662.895.2151, any time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Our customer service representatives will provide answers and suggestions to what may work best for you and your electric service.

Online safety is always important to us, and that includes cybersecurity. Our IT team ensures that each of these methods are up-to-date with the latest app updates and encryption technology. Occasionally, when conducting these security upgrades, the payment portal and app may not be available. We update our members of these payment outages via our social media channels. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to keep up to date with Northcentral Electric Cooperative.

We’re proud to be a part of bringing people together by providing energy for all the things you love. www.ecm.coop FEBRUARY2021 2021| |TODAY TODAY 17 17 FEBRUARY

P

S PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) COLUMBIA: 601-736-2666 | HATTIESBURG: 601-264-2458 | PURVIS: 601-794-8051 | WIGGINS: 601-928-7277 Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com

Pearl River Valley Electric to provide high-speed internet service For many years, the mission of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association has been to make lives and communities better by providing our members with safe and affordable electric service. Today, I’m pleased to announce that we are re-committing to that mission with our plans to build a worldclass fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network.

A fiber network will allow us to provide you with high-speed internet and quality voice services and will help to usher in a new era of economic, educational and community growth in our communities.

As we have all learned over the past months, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity — one that our communities have lacked until now. With fiber to the home, you will benefit from the fastest and most robust internet in the nation. With symmetrical gigabit speeds, you have the same high speeds for uploading and downloading, which

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

opens the doors to telemedicine, working from home, seamless distance learning and new tools and applications.

We are currently in the planning stage and determining our build-out schedule. A project of this magnitude will take some time to complete but rest assured that we will move as quickly as possible and are committed to reaching 100% of our members.

Thank you as always for your support. We will keep you posted with our construction plans and other important details as we proceed.

by Matthew Ware General Manager

PRVEPA’S 2020 YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:

Students prepare for the future A lot has changed due to COVID-19 and the Youth engineer or a data scientist. He looks back on his Leadership Program from the Electric Cooperatives experiences in the Youth Leadership Program and of Mississippi is no exception. Every year, Pearl River credits it with helping him learn leadership skills.

Valley Electric has chosen students to attend a work“Despite not being able to attend the Washington shop in Jackson and to participate in a Washington D.C. trip, I’m incredibly thankful to PRVEPA for giving D.C. trip in the summer. Last year, for the first time in me the opportunity to attend the Youth Leadership the programs 34-year history, the Washington D.C. Workshop in Jackson,” said Bracey. “I met many great trip didn’t happen. people and leaders from all over Mississippi, and I While we were disappointed that the trip didn’t learned a lot about what it takes to be a leader in my take place, Pearl River Valley Electric wanted to make community and about the importance of setting a sure that our students, Marlie Barnes and Hagen good example for those around me. The experience Bracey of Columbia Academy and Jeremiah Jackson was definitely one that I’ll remember and cherish.” of Wiggins, were rewarded for their work in the Youth Jeremiah, who is homeschooled in Wiggins, has Leadership Program. In December, we were fortunate been active in cross country. Last year, his team won to talk to each of the students and present them with the state cross country meet. He has also been hard a scholarship for $2500. at work preparing for In this abnormal college and is considering year, Marlie, Hagen and Mississippi College or Ole Jeremiah have been hard Miss. He plans to study at work navigating the history or political science difficulty of balancing with the goal of teaching COVID-19 with college American government preparation. Regardor history in high school. less of the pandemic, While attending the Youth these three outstanding Leadership Workshop, students have had a he received the Youth successful year.

Leadership Award, which Marlie is currently a included an additional senior at Columbia Acad$500 scholarship from emy. Since attending the Electric Cooperatives our Youth Leadership of Mississippi.

Workshop in February, “I learned so much at she has competed in the Youth Leadership the Distinguished Young Workshop,” said Jeremiah.

Women of Marion Coun“I enjoyed interacting ty Scholarship Pageant, From left: Hagen Bracey, Marlie Barnes and with my peers and Jeremiah Jackson winning first alternate. learning leadership skills She also won two awards in the competition, the with them. I loved meeting new people and forging Scholastic Award and the Spirit of Distinguished relationships that I will never forget. I also had Young Women Award. She has also been busy as the the opportunity to pursue my love of government school’s yearbook editor, student body vice president, by meeting state leaders such as Secretary of State DECA president, Key Club secretary and the National Michael Watson and Gov. Tate Reeves.”

Honors Society president. Marlie wants to attend Pearl River Valley Electric wishes each of our Mississippi State University in the fall and major in 2020 Youth Leadership Program participants the education and minor in psychology. best and we hope that they will continue to exem“I had so much fun meeting new people and makplify the leadership skills they learned through the ing friends at the Youth Leadership Workshop,” said program. Pearl River Valley Electric, along with other Marlie. “I learned what It means to be a good leader. I Mississippi electric cooperatives, will be participating have definitely been putting that knowledge to use!” in the 2021 Youth Leadership Program. However, Hagen, also a senior at Columbia Academy, has each cooperative will be doing it differently due to been hard at work learning computer programming.

COVID-19. Pearl River Valley Electric will be awarding He is excited to attend the University of Southern scholarships to two students in lieu of the workshop Mississippi in the fall with plans to major in computer and Washington D.C. trip. Please check www.prvepa. science. He hopes to one day work as a software com or with your counselor for details.

Pearl River Valley Electric has made it easier than ever to pay your bill without the hassle of writing a check or leaving your home. Please check out these options to make paying your bill simple.

Bank Draft or Credit/Debit Draft – When it comes time to pay your bill, why waste the time to write a check?

Relax knowing that your bill is automatically being paid from your account.

Pearl River’s bank draft and debit/credit card draft programs are easy and convenient. Please visit our help center at www.prvepa.com to fill out these forms.

PRVEPA App – Pearl River Valley Electric members can access their account information from their smart devices. You can pay your bill, track daily electric use and view your billing history. You can also set up alerts for when your bill is due. Apps for Apple and Android devices are available.

Simply visit your app store and search for “PRVEPA”. It’s free, convenient and easy to use.

Website – Just like our app, paying through Pearl River Valley Electric’s website is effortless. Go to www.prvepa.com and create a user ID in our customer service portal to access bill pay, electric use data, billing history and more!

E-Bill – Through our PRVEPA customer service portal you can sign up for e-billing to receive paperless statements directly to your email. It’s friendly to the environment, convenient and secure.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

Pearl River Valley Electric offers leadership scholarships for 2021 Pearl River Valley Electric wants to help develop the future leaders of our communities and state. That’s why we sponsor two area students in the yearly Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Program.

In previous years, the program has included a trip to Jackson for the Youth Leadership Workshop and a week-long trip to Washington D.C. However, due to COVID-19, these events have been put on hold. Instead, we are offering $2500 scholarships for two high school juniors in our service territory.

Ten students will be selected from submitted essays and will

qualify for interviews which will be conducted at the end of March/early April at our headquarters office in Columbia.

This year’s essay is, “Describe the importance of strong leadership within an organization and how it applies to electric cooperatives like Pearl River Valley Electric.”

The essay should be typed and must contain a minimum of 500 words, but not to exceed 1000 words. Essays are due in our office by March 12, 2021 along with the entry form.

Please check with your junior guidance counselor or visit www.prvepa.com for the guidelines and form for the scholarship.

Applications for Community College Scholars program due August 13, 2021 • Applications are available at PRVEPA offices and at www.prvepa.com.

• Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by August 13.

• Scholarship recipients must be a PRVEPA member, spouse or child of a member participating in the Round Up program.

• Recipients must be full time (12 hours or more per semester) freshmen students enrolled in academic or career-technical programs.

• Scholarship funds will be credited to each student’s college account — no checks will be issued to individuals.

• Scholarships should be awarded by the end of September. Students must be enrolled in good standing at the time funds are released to the colleges.

Funded by members who are rounding up their monthly bills, these scholarships are intended to assist students who will attend a Mississippi community college as a freshman this fall.

More information is available at www.prvepa.com.

Pearl River Valley Electric receives ADP award Recently, PRVEPA received the Chair’s Award for Excellence which identifies and honors a business that has exceeded expectations for time and effort given to the organization during the past year. Pearl River Valley Electric is proud of our work with the Area Development Partnership and the economic opportunities it helps bring to our service area.

14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

COMMITTED TO A CULTURE FOR ALL

by Anne Prince Over the years, you’ve heard us expound on why and how electric cooperatives are different — because we’re cooperatives. Our business model sets us apart from other utilities because we adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service to the greater good of the community.

Electric cooperatives have a unique and storied place in our country’s history. We democratized the American dream by bringing electricity to rural areas when for-profit electric companies determined the effort too costly. Back then, cities were electrified, and rural areas were not, creating the original rural-urban divide. Newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in rural areas. Today, that spirit of equity and inclusion is a vital part of our co-op DNA.

Equal access for all When each electric co-op was founded, each member contributed an equal share in order to gain access to electricity that benefited individual families as well as the larger local community. Each member had an equal vote in co-op matters.

That sense of equity and inclusion is still how we operate today.

Co-ops were built by and belong to the diverse communities and consumer-members we serve. Membership is open to everyone in the service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, gender identity, language, political perspective or socioeconomic status.

By virtue of paying your electric bill each month, you’re a member of the co-op, and every member has an equal voice and vote when it comes to co-op governance. This ties back to our guiding principles of equitable economic participation and democratic control of the co-op.

We encourage all members to vote in director elections and we invite all members to participate in co-op meetings to weigh in on discussions that set co-op policies and priorities.

We know members of the co-op community have different needs and perspectives, and we welcome diverse views on all issues under consideration by the co-op. The more viewpoints we hear, the better we are able to reflect the needs of all corners of our community.

Inclusion While our top priority is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we also want to be a catalyst for good in our community. Because cooperatives are local, co-op revenues stay in the community. In turn, the co-ops invest in their diverse community base through scholarship programs, charitable giving, educational programs and more. We strive to make long-term decisions that improve and enrich the communities we serve.

While today’s world is radically different than it was when electric cooperatives were founded, cooperative values have stood the test of time and remain just as relevant today. We recognize that today’s co-op members expect more, and we pledge to you — the members we proudly serve — to promote a cooperative culture of inclusion, diversity and equity for all.

Anne Prince writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

FEBRUARY2020 2021 | TODAY 15 DECEMBER

PONTOTOC 662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156

BRUCE 662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

P.O. Box 415 • 129 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

Space heaters save ... or do they?

You may think it’s more economical to run a space heater than to turn up the central heating, but if you’re not careful a space heater will actually increase your electric bill.

“People think they’re using less energy with space heaters, but most of the time they’re actually using more,” said Jimmy Williamson, Pontotoc Electric’s member services representative.

Generally, it is best to run a space heater when you need to heat just one or two rooms, or if you need temporary heat in a normally unheated area like a garage or shed. If you have a particularly cold-sensitive person in the home, it can be more efficient to use a space heater in the room he or she most often occupies rather than overheating the whole house.

Be mindful, however, of the costs that these little heaters can add to your electric bill.

Do your own calculations for how much running one, two or three space heaters in your home would cost. And beware the efficiency hype surrounding space heaters: Electric space heaters are all 100% efficient at turning electricity into heat, but an Energy Star air-source heat pump can be 300% efficient!

If a space heater is right for you, remember a few things to save energy and money: • If you’re using a space heater to heat the one or two rooms you use most, turn down your central heating so you don’t heat up rooms you aren’t using.

• Close doors to rooms that are being heated to avoid heat loss.

• Turn off the heater when not in use or get a space heater with a timer feature.

• Purchase a heater with thermostat settings and use the lowest setting that you are comfortable with.

• Select a space heater that is the right size for the space you need to heat; most will have a sizing table on the box.

Due to safety and air-quality concerns, portable propane and kerosene space heaters are not recommended for use in a home or other unventilated area. Even when installed properly, these types of heaters can emit low levels of carbon monoxide. Instead, look for an electric space heater; there are two main types:

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

• Infrared heaters radiate heat to the objects and people directly in front of it, rather than the air in the room. If you are often sitting in one place, such as at a desk, this can be a good option. Note that the surface of these heaters can get very hot.

• Convection heaters use convection to warm and cycle the air in a room. These heaters are relatively quiet and can be warm to the touch, but not so hot as to burn you. Some models use fans to push the air over warm coils; these heaters can warm a room faster, but are usually noisier.

If you need a space heater to keep your home comfortable, this may be a sign that your home needs insulation or air sealing, both of which can be great investments and significantly reduce your energy bills. You can consider simple short-term measures, such as: • Putting in weather stripping around drafty doors and windows.

• Hanging thermal curtains or blankets or installing window film.

• Using rugs to cover uncarpeted floors.

In the longer term, increasing your home’s insulation or switching to a more efficient heating system, such as a ductless heat pump, can be a more cost-effective solution.

February 21–27, 2021

Jenna Kentner Power System Operations B. S. — Electrical Engineering Mississippi State University

Nathan White Technical Services B. S. — Civil Engineering University of Mississippi

Approved

Ben Hogan Bruce District Manager B. S. — Electrical Engineering Mississippi State University

Approved

RON Date_____ VERSION #______________

On Wednesday night, February 9, 1994, a devastating ice storm swept across north Mississippi and knocked out electrical service to more than 15,000 Pontotoc Electric customers, and to every circuit except one on the entire system. The following Monday, an estimated 3,000 customers were still without power, although power had been restored to almost all critical loads, which included hospitals, nursing homes, schools and factories. It took 10 days to restore power to all customers whose electrical facilities could receive power.

Pontotoc Electric sent service crews to assist the New Albany electric system, Prentiss County Electric Power Association and Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association.

An article in the local newspaper described the storm to be the worst winter storm to hit north Mississippi in 43 years.

Revisions Requested

STEVEN Date_____

Neil Clayton Power System Design B. S. — Electrical Engineering Mississippi State University

Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

Approved

Pontotoc Electric celebrates our engineering team as they help us provide safe, reliable and economical power to our members. Thank Thankyou youfor forall allyou youdo. do.

Revisions Requested

NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK

Dumplings

Sante Fe Enchiladas

Teresa Petty

Jennifer Johnson

Receptionist

Manager of Human Resources

8 chicken breasts 8 chicken flavored bouillon cubes 1 onion, chopped

26 oz. cream of chicken soup 24 oz. Mary B’s dumplings salt and pepper to taste

2 lbs. ground chuck 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste 1 envelope taco seasoning 1 jar (8 oz.) cheese whiz

1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies 1 medium onion, chopped 1 cup water 10 flour tortillas (6 inch)

Place water, chicken, bouillon cubes and onion in pot and boil until done. Set aside. Take chicken out of broth, reserving broth for later.

Bring water to a boil for dumplings in another pot. When water is boiling, break dumplings up one at a time and drop in water, stirring constantly. Let boil for a few minutes, reduce heat and let cook for about 45 or 50 minutes. Break chicken into small pieces and put back in broth. Add cream of chicken soup and water. Stir well. Add dumplings. Add salt and pepper to your taste, stirring occasionally. Let cook a little while longer, and you’ve got your hot meal.

Brown ground chuck and onion. Drain well. Add tomato paste, water and taco seasoning and cook until heated through. Spoon a portion of the meat mixture in each of the tortillas, roll up and place in a 9 x 13 baking dish. In a microwave safe bowl, combine cheese whiz and chopped green chilies. Microwave on high for one minute and stir.

Pour this over the tortillas. Bake on 350 degrees until cheese bubbles.

(You can top them with salsa and sour cream, or whatever you like.)

Squash Dressing

Beef Tips on Rice

Collections Assistant/Receptionist

Manager of Customer Accounts

Kathy Colbert

2 cups squash, cooked 2 pkgs. Jiffy cornbread mix 1 stick margarine

Lavonia Lackey

2 eggs salt, pepper, and sage to taste

Make cornbread according to pkg. directions, then crumble. Mix all ingredients together and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30-35 minutes.

3 tbsp. all-purpose flour ½ tsp. pepper 2 lbs. boneless top sirloin roast, cut into 1 inch cubes 2 large onions, chopped ¾ cup boiling water

1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. paprika 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon cube 4 ½ cups hot cooked rice

Combine flour, salt, pepper and paprika in a zip-top plastic bag.

Shake to mix. Add beef cubes, seal bag and shake until meat is coated.

Brown beef in hot oil in Dutch oven, stirring often. Add onion, and cook until tender. Dissolve bouillon cube in boiling water; add to beef mixture. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer two hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve over rice. Yield: 6 servings.

PLEASE MOVE OVER FOR ROADSIDE CREWS If you see police, firefighters, utility crews or other emergency personnel on the side of the road, please slow down and move over when possible.

14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

COMMITTED TO A CULTURE FOR ALL

by Anne Prince Over the years, you’ve heard us expound on why and how electric cooperatives are different — because we’re cooperatives. Our business model sets us apart from other utilities because we adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service to the greater good of the community.

Electric cooperatives have a unique and storied place in our country’s history. We democratized the American dream by bringing electricity to rural areas when for-profit electric companies determined the effort too costly. Back then, cities were electrified, and rural areas were not, creating the original rural-urban divide. Newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in rural areas. Today, that spirit of equity and inclusion is a vital part of our co-op DNA.

Equal access for all When each electric co-op was founded, each member contributed an equal share in order to gain access to electricity that benefited individual families as well as the larger local community. Each member had an equal vote in co-op matters.

That sense of equity and inclusion is still how we operate today.

Co-ops were built by and belong to the diverse communities and consumer-members we serve. Membership is open to everyone in the service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, gender identity, language, political perspective or socioeconomic status.

By virtue of paying your electric bill each month, you’re a member of the co-op, and every member has an equal voice and vote when it comes to co-op governance. This ties back to our guiding principles of equitable economic participation and democratic control of the co-op.

We encourage all members to vote in director elections and we invite all members to participate in co-op meetings to weigh in on discussions that set co-op policies and priorities.

We know members of the co-op community have different needs and perspectives, and we welcome diverse views on all issues under consideration by the co-op. The more viewpoints we hear, the better we are able to reflect the needs of all corners of our community.

Inclusion While our top priority is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we also want to be a catalyst for good in our community. Because cooperatives are local, co-op revenues stay in the community. In turn, the co-ops invest in their diverse community base through scholarship programs, charitable giving, educational programs and more. We strive to make long-term decisions that improve and enrich the communities we serve.

While today’s world is radically different than it was when electric cooperatives were founded, cooperative values have stood the test of time and remain just as relevant today. We recognize that today’s co-op members expect more, and we pledge to you — the members we proudly serve — to promote a cooperative culture of inclusion, diversity and equity for all.

Anne Prince writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.

FEBRUARY2020 2021 | TODAY 15 DECEMBER

BRIAN HUGHEY

Bringing power and energy services to local communities For more information, call 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313.

www.singingriver.com

@singingriverelectric

General Manager & CEO AMANDA PARKER LORRI FREEMAN, APR Public Relations Specialist Manager of Public Relations SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

@singingriverelectric

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

January chill could affect winter power bills During the first three weeks of January, our service area experienced overnight temperatures slightly below normal. While we didn’t experience Brian Hughey miserable General Manager temperatures in the & CEO teens and 20-degree range, we did have many overcast days where temperatures never made it above 40 degrees. For this reason, our members can likely expect slightly higher power bills this winter.

Cold weather, especially extended or extreme cold weather, can create higher electric bills because it takes more energy to heat a home than to cool one. Various factors determine the impact extended cold weather has on your electric bill, such as how efficient a home is built, how efficient the HVAC unit is and even how the thermostat is set. It is possible to curtail kilowatt-hour use and maintain or lower your power bill in cold weather.

Singing River Electric has many tools available to our members and works to partner with you for energy savings. For more information, please visit our website at singingriver.com/ways-to-save.

HEATING TIPS

• Program your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during the day. Every degree difference lower than 68° saves you around 5%.

• Dress for the weather, even indoors. Keep socks, shoes and sweaters on to keep from raising the heat.

• Layer blankets on your bed and lower the thermostat a degree or two while you sleep.

Program thermostat to raise back up 10-15 minutes before your alarm for added comfort.

• Harness the sun’s heat by opening drapes and blinds in sunny windows and closing them at sundown.

• Close garage doors.

• Keep the fireplace flue closed when not in use.

• Use space heaters sparingly, if at all, and only when you are in the room.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

@SRECooperative

Energy Tips

Jeff Gray Energy Services Representative gray@singingriver.com

Consider operating costs when using space heaters Electric space heaters are inexpensive to purchase and convenient to use. However, the operating cost of an electric space heater is considerably higher relative to the small amount of heat it generates. At 1500 watts it is quite possibly the least efficient means of heating a space. It is staggering to consider that two space heaters use nearly the same energy as a 3-ton ductless mini split heat pump. If you are using multiple space heaters to heat your living area, it’s time to consider installing a ductless mini split heat pump as your primary source of heating. You will increase your whole house comfort and decrease operating costs.

For more on mini split heat pumps and applicable heat pump cash rebates, visit our website at singingriver.com/my-home/heat-pumps.

Notice of Singing River Electric Director Qualification Period Candidates seeking election to the board of directors for Singing River Electric Cooperative must visit Singing River Electric’s Lucedale office located at 11187 Old 63 South and obtain a Director Qualification packet. The forms and petitions included must be completed and the packet returned by close of business on the last business day of February (Friday, February 26, 2021).

inging River Electric’s Youth Leadership Program provides high school juniors the opportunity to network with fellow Mississippi student leaders and strengthen leadership skills. Nominees participate in a one-day Cooperative University and interviews with selected students attending the Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Miss., and the Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. Our 2020 student leaders are: Laney Kate Hulbert, George County High School; Byron Swetman, St. Martin High School; Bethany Toche, Ocean Springs High School; and Avarie Wells, Resurrection High School.

These students attended the Jackson workshop but were unable to visit Washington, D.C. due to COVID-19.

They recently received scholarships to commemorate their youth leadership journey.

Best of luck to these four youth leaders as they complete their senior year and apply what they’ve learned to the next phase of their lives.

Education

Mississippi Youth Leaders Four local high school juniors represent co-op and state.

With COVID-19 and caution around large gatherings and travel, the 2021 Youth Leadership Program is cancelled. Visit singingriver.com/my-community for information about this program.

Seated: Avarie Wells and Laney Kate Hulbert. Standing: Bethany Toche.

Not pictured: Byron Swetman.

Upcoming right-of-way projects Singing River Electric clears trees, limbs and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing helps decrease the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines.

Here are the substations and surrounding areas that are either currently being cleared or where clearing will begin soon:

• Agricola Substation – Highway 613, Barton-Agricola Road, Highway 612 and surrounding areas.

• Aleco Substation – Wire Road, Highway 15, Highway 57, Old Biloxi and surrounding areas.

• Lucedale South Substation – Highway 26, Twin Creek Road, Highway 63, and surrounding areas.

• Harleston Substation – Highway 613, Hurley-Wade Road, Highway 614 and surrounding areas.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

Community

Co-op Days of Service

Electric co-op employees complete local service acts to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. inging River Electric joined other Mississippi electric cooperatives to participate in Co-op Days of Service, held annually in conjunction with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and holiday.

King stated, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Singing River Electric employees answered the call for service the week of King’s birthday with three acts of service. The first was held at the Chickasawhay River’s Leakesville Landing. Tasks performed included landscaping around the landing sign and artesian well, cleaning and painting the well, and gathering fallen limbs and trash. This project was in conjunction with Main Street Leakesville Organization.

The second and third service projects were at the Boys & Girls Club in Gautier and Love Thy Neighbor food ministry in Lucedale. SRE employees worked to clean, build shelving and 14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

paint at these locations.

“This is a way to celebrate King’s accomplishments and continue his passion for serving the community that he inspired,” said Singing River Electric General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey. “Joining together and serving communities across our state is part of the co-op heritage, and as employees we live and work in these communities. This is where we call home.”

Singing River Electric Cooperative was joined in the Co-op Days of Service annual event by Cooperative Energy, Coast Electric, Dixie Electric and Southern Pine Electric. They completed similar acts of service including clean ups, collecting backpacks for foster children and more.

For more information on each of the service projects, visit singingriver.com or on Facebook/Instagram (SingingRiverElectric) and Twitter (SRECooperative).

Life’s most important question is what are you doing for others. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

BRINGING THE POWER WWW.SOU THERN PIN E.COOP | P.O. BOX 60 | 1349 1 H WY. 28 | TAYLO R SVIL L E, MS 39 16 8 | 800.231 .524 0

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN 2021

By February, that giving spirit we experience during the holiday season tends to fade. Dreary winter days bring most of our thoughts inward, and usually, we begin focusing on ourselves rather than others. Donations of time and money dwindle at charitable organizations helping those in need, but the needs do not go away. There are still people struggling, people who need help and people hurting for so many different reasons.

When 2020 ended, we all breathed a sigh of relief, and for good reason. It was a year with challenges like no other. Some of the challenges of 2020 are still very much present in the lives of many members. While we experienced difficulties and trials, I was so proud to see how we pulled together to help our neighbors in need. My hope for 2021 is that we remember the good things that came out of 2020 — the service to others, the compassionate care we witnessed and the helping hands when needed most.

Southern Pine Electric and cooperatives across America, have always been there to help our friends and neighbors. When tornadoes ravaged our system, it was our sister cooperatives who were there to lend a helping hand. When they experienced severe damage from hurricanes, we were there for them. Neighbors helping neighbors is the cooperative difference and is at the heart of Southern Pine. I believe it’s at the heart of our membership as well.

We all witnessed first-hand how our members came together to assist their neighbors in need during 2020. People rallied around

tornado survivors to help with the cleanup. They made sure that hungry people were fed and supported their communities when needs arose. Our employees, just like our members, serve our communities in so many ways — whether it’s coaching little league, serving as volunteer firefighters, assisting at schools or volunteering through churches and civic organizations. The point is, Southern Pine will always be here for our community, and I know our members are just as invested in giving back as we are.

While it’s difficult to quantify the impact that volunteering can have, I know it makes a tremendous difference in our members’ lives and makes the world a better place. Simple things like checking on an elderly neighbor mean so much. You don’t need special skills or talents, just a desire to help. So, this year do what you can because we can all do something. Let’s keep the giving spirit going throughout the year and the blessings will flow to those who need them the most!

by Chris K. Rhodes President / CEO Southern Pine Electric

2020 FACTS & FIGURES SOLD 1.7+BILLION KILOWATT-HOURS AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL METER USED 1,087 KILOWATT-HOURS PER MONTH 68,911 TOTAL ACTIVE ACCOUNTS 10,494 MILES OF LINE 12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

(AS OF 2019)

G R

BRYCE DUPREE AND JERED SMITH 2020 Youth Tour Scholars

0

Southern Pine Electric proudly sponsors two high school juniors each year to attend the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Conference in Jackson. There they met their legislators and toured the capitol. Typically followed by the Youth Tour, held in Washington, D.C., the juniors are joined by students from across the country. But this year’s plans changed.

Due to the pandemic, the tour was canceled. In place of the Youth Tour, Southern Pine Electric was proud to present these two students with a cash scholarship for use in their future educational pursuits.

Bryce Dupree and Jered Smith were among 25 other students who attended Cooperative University held at Southern Pine Electric’s headquarters. These young men were selected through an application and interview process. They possess the qualities and characteristics to be future leaders of our membership area and our state.

Bryce Dupree, son of Allison Lewis, lives in Bay Springs and is a senior at Raleigh High School. He is a member of the Beta Club, History Club, Future Farmers of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Raleigh High School

Mathletics, the tennis team, and has served as junior class president. Bryce plans to attend Jones College in the fall, then transfer to the University of Mississippi to pursue a business degree and, ultimately, a law degree.

Bryce’s goal is to become a lobbyist, preferably for Mississippi’s electric cooperatives.

Jered Smith, son of Jerry and Phyllis Smith, lives in Magee and is a senior at Simpson County Academy. He is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, SCA Baseball team and SCA track team. Jered was accepted into Boys State, the Lion’s Club Leadership Conference and the Apex Leadership Conference. They all were canceled due to COVID-19. He is the founder and CEO of Season of Service, a volunteer and community service organization. Jered has a long history of helping others, and this organization serves as a vehicle to help those in need. He plans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi in the fall, where he will major in business and finance.

Congratulations, Bryce, and Jered. We look forward to seeing what you accomplish, and we know you both have bright futures ahead.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

Newton District: Everyday Folks with a Common Goal, Serving Others

The Newton District Team

by Jamie Baucum “Welcome to Southern Pine; how can we help you?”

This is a familiar greeting you’ll hear in Newton when you call or come into the office. Pleasant greetings and a friendly smile are how we treat our members. Our employees all value excellent member service, and we work hard to prove it.

In the late ‘80s, growth within Southern Pine Electric’s 11-county service territory led us down a path for much-needed change. Reliability and service have and always will be a part of our mission in meeting our member-owners’ demands. To continue reliable service into the future, expansion was needed, and that brought the addition of three district offices. In 1993, the Newton district office opened. The Newton office is much like the others, each having a fully functional facility with the means and personnel available to carry out our mission.

We provide service to 9,500 members located in Newton, Scott, Jasper, Clarke and Smith counties within our service territory. Covering approximately 1,200 square miles geographically while maintaining 1,500 miles of energized line within those boundaries is no simple task. It is a challenge we take on daily and a challenge we are eager to meet. Employees that are well-trained, dedicated and willing to serve are just a few of the attributes needed to carry out our mission.

Within our district, operations, member services and engineering, personnel serve our members locally. Several of the current 26 employees at Newton were employed at Southern Pine before the district’s addition. As new employees were added, many seasoned employees spent time training and mentoring new ones to ensure cooperative values were passed 14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

on. What drives those values? Our employees have a vested interest in the communities in which we work and live. You can find them serving on water department boards, insurance boards, volunteer fire departments or simply providing for those that need a helping hand. We are everyday folks with the common goal of serving others.

Today is no different; as generations move on, encouraging those values remains the same. We believe in a culture that promotes teamwork and doing what it takes to provide for our members, regardless of position or title. A strong work ethic is not a learned skill but rather an inherited characteristic passed on from ones that know what it takes to get the job done. One thing is for sure, you will never hear, “it is not my job.” Many here wear multiple hats and respond where needed to answer the call. One of the best analogies for teamwork came from a foreman from years ago. It was related to a bicycle wheel and what supports it. Each wheel has spokes, and the support each offers determines the strength of the wheel. Without the spokes, the wheel would become weak and eventually lead to its demise.

While simple in nature, it puts into perspective the abilities and support needed from each person to carry out our mission.

Although we need districts due to our extensive service territory, that does not mean we hesitate in crossing district lines. All employees of Southern Pine Electric work together to combine our efforts when the need arises. By doing so, we can continue to provide safe, reliable service that our members depend on daily.

Jamie Baucum is the Newton District Manager.

MEET SOUTHERN PINE EMPLOYEE:

RICHELLE SMITH Outside of Southern Pine, her other passion is working for Avon. Richelle attends about 22 festivals or flea markets each year in Mississippi and Alabama. Through this work she has earned trips and loves to travel. Richelle has visited 46 states, the Bahamas and Mexico and is planning a trip to the Dominican Republic.

Originally from Jackson, Richelle lived in Meridian for a while and now lives in Newton. She is the mother of three children, Jakoby, Breanna and Thomas, and has two grandchildren. “I am most thankful for my family,” Richelle said. “I love to smile and help people, but if you ask my kids, I’m a ‘meanie’ to them,” she said with a laugh. Richelle is no “meanie” here at Southern Pine Electric as any of the members she has served will attest.

Spreading Smiles in Newton If smiles are truly contagious, then Richelle Smith is doing her part to spread them. Always with a welcoming smile on her face, Richelle has served the members of Southern Pine Electric for over 20 years in the Newton District as a member service representative. Richelle loves helping “her” members and she loves talking.

“My favorite thing to do is just talk to people, get to know them, and see how I can help them have a better day,” Richelle said. After such a long time of helping members, Richelle said she really knows some of our members now and considers them friends. “I have regulars who come in every month or call me, and I worry when I don’t hear from them or see them. If they miss a month coming in, I get worried and must check on them,” she added.

Ginger McMillan, Newton district office supervisor, said, “When you mention Richelle’s name the first thing that comes to mind is ‘people person.’ Richelle loves being around people and talking with them and I feel that our members pick up on that.

She does all she can every day to help our members and always with a smile on her face.”

She truly enjoys meeting new people and gets excited about coming to work. Richelle said that while a lot of people dread getting up and going to work each day, she gets really excited about it. She said, many days, she wakes up and says, “Yes! It’s a workday and I get to talk to people.” “The Newton team is like a family, we know each other, and we spend so much of our time together,” Richelle said.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 15

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

HENRY AND MARGARET BOOTH – EDUCATORS TO CATTLE FARMERS

Henry and Margaret Booth have contributed more than we will ever know to Mississippi. They are both retired educators who together have worked with thousands of students over the years.

Margaret, a graduate of USM who went on to earn a Henry, Brandon, and Margaret Booth master’s degree at MSU, was a business and computer technology instructor. Henry, a Mississippi State graduate, was a government and economics educator but is most known for his career as a high school basketball coach.

He always loved basketball and played throughout high school in Goodman. He received a scholarship to Holmes Community College, then Mississippi State. During his coaching career, he led the Durant High School basketball team to a state championship in 1993, highlighting his basketball career. Now, he spends his days on his other passion.

In addition to teaching and coaching, they have been in the cattle business for over 22 years and own Booth Farms. “This is the only thing for me that can replace basketball, and because I’m my own boss, I can make my own schedule and still go to the games,” Henry said. Henry started out by helping his best friend, Lemuel Nichols, on his farm. “I didn’t know anything about 16 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

the cattle business when I started, but my best friend taught me,” said Henry. He also learned a lot from other cattle farmers through the Cattlemen’s Association. “The Cattlemen’s Association was very welcoming,” he said.

After 22 years, Henry has developed a distinguished career in cattle farming. He has been named Newton County Farmer of the Year, Mississippi Farmer of the Year and National Minority Farmer of the Year. In addition to working the farm, Henry serves on the East Central Community College Board of Trustees, the Board of Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Board of the Cattlemen and Forestry Association of Newton County. “I never needed a calendar until I retired,” Henry said with a laugh.

Henry and Margaret have one son, Brandon, 18, who will likely follow his parents’ footsteps and attend Mississippi State University. They are such ardent state supporters that their bull is named Dak Prescott. The Booth family lives on a beautiful, 100-acre property in Lawrence, right outside of Newton. They are members of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where Henry serves as a deacon.

MEET YOUR DIRECTOR:

FOUNTAINE MCNAIR

“You have to stay educated and knowledgeable, so you don’t become complacent.”

Southern Pine Electric was blessed in June 2016 when Fountaine McNair became an at-large director on the board.

Well-known and respected throughout a large portion of the co-op’s territory, Fountaine serves as division president for Priority One Bank, having steadily climbed the ranks over 23 years to the position.

Married to his longtime sweetheart, Sonya, they have one son, Brennon, who they both consider to be their greatest blessing.

Within a short time of meeting Fountaine, you will know that he is family oriented, a man of strong faith and a hard worker. People who know him know that these attributes were passed down from his parents. “Coach” McNair taught school and coached at Raleigh High School in Smith County for many years and left a long string of accomplishments throughout his career. His mom owned a daycare center in Covington County. With ties to Simpson, Smith, and Covington counties, Fountaine became well-known by many people through working in the area and helping others over the decades.

With a mischievous smile and a quick wit, he shared a story with us that he said Sonya might not appreciate him telling. Reserved by nature, she was employed at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center in Picayune. The first time he asked her out, she said no, flat-out, with no explanation. Never one to give up, he worked harder and longer, and bought an awesome sports car that he showed up in the second time he asked her out. This time, she said yes. Though Sonya is quick to deny it, he says that the only reason she agreed the second time he asked was because of the car. Whatever the reason, he lucked out when she said yes, and they have been happily married for 24 years.

Fountaine talks openly and honestly about the learning curve involved for the board, the new CEO and employees as all adjust to a new management style. He goes on to say a difficult weather year, with horrendous storms, caused budget concerns and a renewed awareness of the co-op’s aging infrastructure. Facing these challenges, and more, he believes that it is more important than ever that each director focuses on education, legislative issues and devotes a substantial amount of time to understanding the needs and requirements of our members.

His definition of education includes knowing the current market, closely monitoring economic development opportunities that can help our members, the co-op and our state move forward. “You have to stay educated and knowledgeable, so you don’t become complacent,” he said. Complacency has no place in a board room and the work does not stop when you leave the meeting. Providing electric service to our members is a 24/7 job and each board member must understand that work completely, said Fountaine.

Though there are apparent challenges with a cooperative the size of Southern Pine, there are also numerous things that set it apart from any other type business. From the moment he entered the board room, there was a closeness between the directors and management, he said. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and help each other, both within and out of the board room.

Work, family and church keep him busy but when he does have free time, he enjoys fishing. It is apparent from the expression on his face that his greatest devotion of time and energy is watching Brennon grow into a godly young man. A great baseball player, he and Sonya dread the day when he packs up and moves to South Alabama to pursue a baseball career. We hope they find a little comfort in knowing that his Southern Pine family will be rooting and cheering him on as he begins this exciting season of his life. .

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 17

Adams • Amite • Claiborne • Copiah • Franklin Hinds • Jefferson • Lincoln • Wilkinson Southwest Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 | 601-437-3611 | 800-287-8564 | Fax: 601-437-8736 | Email: info@swepa.coop southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

2020 Youth Leadership Students We are proud of our four 2020 Youth Leadership students who participated in Cooperative University and Youth Leadership Workshop last year. They were not able to attend the Washington, D.C., trip due to constraints and complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficult circumstances, they have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments and shown true leadership in their communities. Congratulations to these students as they prepare to graduate.

Savana Ashley is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven D. Ashley of Woodville, Miss.

She attends Wilkinson County Christian Academy and is an honor student. Savana strongly believes in participating in extracurricular activities. She is involved in several clubs including 4-H, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, STEM and Student Council. Savana also plays softball and tennis at WCCA. Savana has been appointed to represent the state of Mississippi in numerous national conferences. She is currently serving as Mississippi 4-H vice president. Savana enjoys community service projects, spending time with friends and family, showing livestock and volunteering in youth programs. In the fall, Savana plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in agriculture business with a minor in communication. Roy T. Bennet once said, “To be your brightest light is to be who you truly are.” Savana would like to thank all the influential people that have made her shine her brightest light.

DeMarria Brown is a high school senior who attends Natchez High School and resides in Natchez, Miss. DeMarria became a cheerleader in the seventh grade. She served as captain of the cheerleading team in middle school and high school. As a younger student, she greatly anticipated the school’s annual Honors and Awards Ceremony because she brought home many awards. As DeMarria progressed through middle school and high school, she remained dedicated to her studies and acquired membership in the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. In her English class, one of her favorite subjects, she has received awards for maintaining the highest average. Presently, she has applied and been accepted into Alcorn State University and University of Southern Mississippi. DeMarria will pursue a degree in nursing and she will use that degree to accomplish her goal of becoming a neonatal nurse.

Tomia Jones is a senior honor student at Jefferson County High School and a Lorman, Miss., native. She is a member of several clubs that exemplify leadership.

Those clubs include Student Government Association, National Beta Club, Delta Chi Zeta Archonette Club, National Society for High School Scholars, 20+ ACT Club and Poetry Outloud, where she serves as president. Tomia is a three-time published poet, business owner and school leader.

She enjoys cooking, reading novels and writing poetry. She dedicates her senior year to her mother and sister, who have continuously pushed her to excel. Upon graduation, she plans on attending Belhaven University in the fall to major in creative writing. Her goal is to become a best-selling poet and advocate for mental health awareness. Her motto is: “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning,” by Maya Angelou.

Will McCullough is a senior honor student at Loyd Star Attendance Center in Brookhaven, Miss., and the son of Brian and Stacie McCullough. Will takes part in many extracurricular activities in which he holds leadership roles such as Future Farmers of America vice president, Beta club member, section leader in band, tennis team captain and is also a member of the basketball and cross-country teams. Will was elected by fellow classmates as class president, most likely to succeed and student council member. Will is also active in his community and church youth group where he volunteers as a leader in Vacation Bible School and participates in the Junior Auxiliary’s annual Smile Games and fall festival. He enjoys playing tennis, spending time with family and friends and traveling. He plans to further his education and tennis career when he graduates.

In college, Will wants to pursue a degree in biochemistry with hopes of attending medical school with the intention of becoming a medical examiner.

TODAY 12 | FEBRUARY 2021

members

Members Paying It Forward

Need assistance to pay your bill?

Southwest Electric is proud to join hundreds of other cooperatives around the country in offering our own energy assistance program. Our Members Paying It Forward program enables Members to support other Members over the age of 50 needing assistance to pay their electric utility bills.

Southwest Electric employees are Paying It Forward by donating to the program through their paychecks. To date, Members and employees have contributed $13,500.25 to this program and have helped 37 qualifying Members between the ages of 52 to 85.

To round up your bills and start Paying It Forward, please visit our website, email or call us.

Email: memberspayingitforward@swepa.coop southwestelectric.coop Phone: 800-287-8564

Hinds County Human Resource Agency - hchra.org - 601-923-3950 AJFC Community Action Agency, Inc. - ajfccaa.org - 601-442-8681 Southwest Mississippi Opportunity, Inc. - swmocaa.org - 601-888-4211 Catholic Charities - catholiccharitiesjackson.org - 601-442-4579

EMPLOYEE

Spotlight

Vern Bailey

Tina Strittman

Right-of-Way Foreman

Member Service Representative

Vern started working at Southwest Electric in May of 2005, shortly before Hurricane Katrina. He has been a crew member and now a foreman in our Right-of-Way Department for 15 years. Vern runs the track loader to clear trees and limbs that have been cut down by his crew and contractors, keeping the area around power lines clear. Vern and his wife, Linda, live in Pattison. They have two daughters.

Tina began her career at Southwest Electric in February 2003 as a Member Service Representative. For 17 years, she has assisted Members with questions about their accounts, setting up new service, changing bill options and training new employees.

Tina also explains our Members Paying It Forward program, follows up on inquiries from our call center and approves service orders. She lives in Lorman.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

SERVING MORE THAN 12,600 ELECTRIC METERS IN FIVE DELTA COUNTIES Hollandale - 662-827-2262 | Belzoni - 662-247-1909 | Greenville - 662-334-9543 | Rolling Fork - 662-873-4233 | REPORT OUTAGES 866-897-7250

Please Move Over

for roadside crews

It’s polite, and it’s the law.

by Paul Wesslund Every year, workers along the sides of roads are injured or killed when a car crashes into the crew’s site, even though it’s marked with bright cones and warning signs.

There’s an easy way to reduce those incidents that harm police officers and other first responders, road construction workers and utility crews. There’s a slogan to help remind drivers. There’s even a law.

The slogan is “slow down or move over.” It’s good advice and a decent thing to do to keep people safe. It’s also a requirement in all 50 states.

Legislatures first started passing Move Over laws “Move Over is not only a good about 25 years ago law, it’s also the courteous thing to reduce the yearto do. Our crews already perform after-year statistics dangerous work to keep the lights of harm to roadside on every day. They deserve a emergency workers.

In the past eight work environment that’s as years, Mississippi safe as possible.” specifically added electric and other utility projects to their Move Over or Slow Down laws.

“In 2012, Mississippi was actually the second state to add utility service workers to the protection under the existing law,” said Paul Purnell, vice president of government relations for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “We were also the first state to add protection for contractors doing work for utilities through House Bill 984.”

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

There are slight differences in each state’s Move Over laws, but not so much that you can’t figure out the right thing to do, even if you’re traveling from state to state.

Here are the basic requirements: • Within 200 feet before and after a work zone, which will be marked with bright signs and marker cones, and often flashing lights, change lanes if there’s more than one lane on your side of the road so that there is an empty lane between your vehicle and the roadside crew.

• If it’s not possible or safe to change lanes, slow down. Many states specify slowing down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it’s 25 mph or more. Yes, that means if the posted speed limit is 25 mph, slow down to 5 mph.

• Drivers must obey all traffic directions posted as part of the worksite.

• Keep control of your car — yes, that’s a requirement in many Move Over laws. And yes, it is more of a general guidance than a rule for a specific speed. It means you need to pay attention and respond to weather conditions — heavy rain or a slick road might mean you’re required to slow down even more than 20 mph.

And no texting, fiddling with the radio or other distractions.

• Penalties for violating those requirements range from $100 to $2,000, or loss of your driver’s license.

It’s an addition that’s welcomed by your local electric cooperative because they were part of the effort to expand the law to help protect line crews.

Protecting line crews is a top priority for Mississippi’s electric cooperatives, and it’s a safety measure everyone can help with, said Gerald Gordon, vice president of safety and loss control for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

“Move Over is not only a good law, it’s also the courteous thing to do,” said Gordon. “Our crews already perform dangerous work to keep the lights on every day. They deserve a work environment that’s as safe as possible.”

A list summarizing each state’s law can be found on the AAA web site at https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/ tag/move-over-law/.

Electric utility crews are special cases to watch out for. A study of utility worksite accidents found that

On the cover

the relatively temporary nature of power line repairs could surprise motorists. A roadside construction operation might close a lane for days or weeks, giving time for people familiar with the area to anticipate the changed traffic pattern. Utility work, however, can start and finish in a few hours, possibly raising risks with drivers who might think they know the road ahead.

Another risk to watch for is when worksites are being put up or taken down. Roadside accidents can happen as crews are setting up signs and traffic cones. It is good practice to pay attention all of the time.

Don’t drive distracted. Drive according to the conditions of the road. Be courteous to roadside work crews. Watch the signs and obey them. And certainly, follow laws like Move Over or Slow Down.

It’s good advice that could save a life.

2020 YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The February cover features the 2020 Youth Leadership Program students that attended the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop in February 2020. They were not able to attend the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour trip in June due to constraints and complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. In normal circumstances, they would have been featured on the August cover following the annual Youth Tour.

Despite the difficult circumstances, these students have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments and shown true leadership in their communities. Twin County Electric has featured each of the sponsored students in the past four issues of Today in Mississippi. These students will be awarded $2,500 scholarships to aid in their future educational goals. Congratulations to these students as they prepare to graduate.

Clockwise from left: Christian Martin, Riverside High School; Louise Word, Washington School; Simar Thomas, St. Joe Episcopal School; Mollie Warrington, Washington School

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

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Neely appointed as new general manager

Michael Neely

Ron White, current general manager of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association announced that he will be retiring in March of this year. Ron stepped in as general manager in 2013 after the untimely passing of General Manager Charles Henry Shelton. He has led the organization through many challenges and has achieved many accomplishments during his tenure as general manager. We wish Ron the best as he ventures into this new chapter in his life.

The Yazoo Valley Board of Directors has selected Michael Neely to serve as the new gen-

PLEASE MOVE OVER FOR ROADSIDE CREWS If you see police, firefighters, utility crews or other emergency personnel on the side of the road, please slow down and move over when possible.

Together, we can keep your crews safe.

12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

eral manager/CEO of Yazoo Valley Electric. He will officially begin his duties on April 1, 2021.

Neely began his career at Yazoo Valley in 2006 as an engineering technician and has held several positions since beginning his career; most recently manager of general services. Neely has the necessary leadership skills and knowledge to lead Yazoo Valley into the ever-changing future of the electric power industry. Please join the board of directors in congratulating Neely as he takes on the responsibilities of General Manager of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association.

Youth Leadership 2020

We are proud of our 2020 Youth Leadership students who participated in Cooperative University and Youth Leadership Workshop last year. They were not able to attend the Washington, D.C., trip due to constraints and complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficult circumstances, they

have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments and shown true leadership in their communities. They were awarded $2,500 scholarships to aid in their future educational goals. Congratulations to these students as they prepare to graduate.

LUCAS CLARK

KELSEY GILMORE

Yazoo County High School

Central Holmes Christian School

Lucas Clark is a senior at Yazoo County High School. He is the student body president for the senior class, JROTC executive officer and has the highest ACT score among his peers at YCHS. Lucas will be attending Mississippi State University after graduation and will major in mechanical engineering.

“I would like to thank Yazoo Valley Electric for the opportunity that they gave me to get out and meet other aspiring young leaders. It’s easy to forget how big the world is and how many people are out there that you have something in common with,” said Lucas. “I met wonderful people at the workshop in Jackson and I had so much fun doing the team building activities. I really hate that we couldn’t go on our trip to our nation’s capital, but I know it won’t be the last time I see many of the young leaders I met. I would also like to thank Yazoo Valley for the scholarships they the youth delegate. This generous scholarship will go a long way in shaping our future for the better. I want to thank Dennis McFee for being such a great person and guiding Kelsey and I along our journey.”

Kelsey Gilmore is a senior at Central Holmes Christian School in Lexington, Mississippi. She is an active member of the Honor Society and Student Council. She also works as a writer and editor for the school newsletter.

After graduating from CHCS, Kelsey plans to attend Holmes Community College before transferring to a university. She hopes to pursue a career as a history professor.

Kelsey said, “I had an amazing time at the 2020 Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Mississippi. It helped me improve both my leadership skills and my communication skills. It also allowed me to forge many new friendships. I loved visiting the Mississippi State Capitol Building, getting to know people over the ice cream social and pushing the limits of the elevator with the other workshop participants. I am sad that we were not able to go to Washington D.C., but I understand that it was for the best. I am extremely thankful to Yazoo Valley Electric for everything that it has done for me!”

OLIVIA FULTON Manchester Academy Olivia Fulton lives in the Tinsley community and is a member of Yazoo Valley Electric. She was sponsored for the 2020 Youth Leadership Program by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM), the statewide trade association for electric cooperatives based in Ridgeland. She is a senior at Manchester Academy in Yazoo City and serves as the secretary-treasurer for the senior class.

She is on the soccer, track, golf and basketball teams. She is the cheer manager, a Diamond Girl, a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a youth camp counselor.

Olivia plans to attend East Mississippi Community College in Mayhew and then transfer to Mississippi State University and major in communications. She is also interested in music and entertainment and would like to pursue the field in the future.

“The 2020 Youth Leadership was an amazing experience. I met friends from all over the state that I know will remain lifelong friends.

The cancellation of the Washington, D.C. trip was disappointing, but I know that it was in the best interest of everyone. I would like to thank ECM for allowing me this opportunity, and also Kelsey, Lucas and Dennis with Yazoo Valley Electric for allowing me to tour with them and meet my local legislators. It was an honor to be chosen to represent ECM and to be afforded this opportunity.”

Olivia Fulton is pictured on the cover this month with the Yazoo Valley sponsored students.

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