Today in Mississippi February 2022 4-County

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retires after 32 years of ECM service Following more than three decades of service for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, longtime Senior Vice President of Communications Ron Stewart has retired.

Under Stewart’s leadership, one of his most ambitious accomplishments was transforming ECM’s flagship monthly publication, Today in Mississippi, from a tabloid newspaper to a magazine.

With a print circulation of close to half a million readers, Today in Mississippi has the largest print circulation of any publication in the state.

“Mark Bridges, retired Support Services manager, and I always had the goal to create a magazine. We had to wait for a while because it wasn’t economically feasible at first,” Ron said.

The magazine format was launched with the September 2019 issue following two years of prep work.

The magazine was just a part of Ron’s responsibilities.

Working with the state’s electric co-op leaders and communicators to serve their members was the key part of his job.

“The most important task was always placing the focus on the members of our local electric cooperatives. Our team was always committed to that, whether we were assisting with communications for TV, radio, signs, brochures, billboards, or the magazine. It was always about promoting the services offered along with the priorities, philosophies of the co-ops to its membership,” Ron said.

ECM Chief Executive Officer Michael Callahan said Ron didn’t just work for the cooperatives, but that he truly believed in the cooperative business model and the seven cooperative principles.

“Ron was a dedicated employee who worked until the job was done and gave it all he had and more. He understands that it was the state association’s job to provide ‘service’ to our member cooperatives, and service was what he did,” Michael said.

Michael also called Ron “a true southern gentleman.”

“Always eager to help and hardly ever a cross word left his lips.

Ron was a man that feared the Lord and lived his life accordingly, and was dedicated to his wife and family. I will miss Ron and so will the cooperative community, not just in Mississippi, but all over the country.”

Lydia Walters, who spent years working with Ron when she was a communicator with Dixie Electric, is now ECM’s vice president of communications.

“For more than 25 years, I have had the pleasure of working with Ron on numerous projects. He has always been supportive and encouraging,” Lydia said.

“Ron came to the co-ops when corporate communication was in its infancy. He exceled at advancing Today in Mississippi in his early career and developing the newspaper into a magazine in his later years. His work and dedication will be missed by the cooperative family, specifically the cooperative communicators.”

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Ron, who was born in Wheeling, West Virginia but raised in Jackson, worked with cooperatives for 47 years.

Before going to work at ECM in 1990, Ron worked for MFC Services, an agriculture cooperative, starting in 1974. Ron, who had a background in graphic design, was the cooperative’s director of marketing.

When Ron started at ECM in 1990, he first came on as the director of administrative services. He was then asked to take the helm of the communications department.

When Ron came to ECM, he also took over the association’s Youth Leadership Program.

The program provides high school students with leadership training and the opportunity to learn about electric cooperatives and the role they play in members’ quality of life. The program includes cooperative universities at the co-op sites, an annual workshop in Jackson, where the students meet Mississippi lawmakers, and a yearly tour to Washington, D.C. to visit the nation’s capital and to meet other youth cooperative leaders from around the country.

Ron said the Youth Leadership Program was his favorite part of the job.

“That was the most rewarding part of my work. I’ve always been passionate about investing in our young people. The positive impact you can make on a young person’s life is very important to me,” Ron said.

Affectionately called “Daddy Ron” by the youth leadership students throughout the years, Ron was their parent for a week in Washington, D.C. “I would treat them like my own son or daughter,” Ron said.

Over the years, Ron has also volunteered his time to work with other youth groups and student organizations. He presently serves on the foundation boards for 4-H, the Future Farmers of America, and the Distributive Education Club of America.

Now that he has retired, Ron said he plans to spend more time with his six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Ron lost his wife, Barbara, in 2019. The couple were married for 37 years.

Ron, the son of a Baptist preacher, said he is also looking forward to dedicating more time to the ministries of his church, First Ridgeland Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon.

Ron said he’s going to miss ECM. “I express my appreciation to our cooperatives and my ECM team for supporting me throughout my career. I’m going to miss all the relationships here and across the state. I made a lot of friendships over the years,” Ron said.

“This job has been an important part of my life. It’s been fun and rewarding, and if I had it to do all over again, I would take the same path.

God has truly blessed me.”

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 3

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in this issue

5 southern gardening Planning a 2022 gardening season

7 scene around the ‘sip A look at special people and places in Mississippi

7

9

outdoors today February means hunting with beagles

10 local news 16 feature

Kay and Nolan Mettetal had a special marriage and a love that still endures

19

for the love of the game Paul Elias has fished forever

16

20 on the menu

Potatoes are healthier than you may think

23 mississippi seen

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 75 No. 2

OFFICERS Eddie Howard - President Randy Carroll - First Vice President Ron Barnes - Second Vice President Tim Perkins - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Ron Stewart - Senior Vice President Lydia Walters - VP, Communications Steven Ward - Editor Chad Calcote - Creative Director/ Manager Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer Alan Burnitt - Graphic Designer Courtney Warren - Graphic Designer Chris Alexander - Member Services Coordinator EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600

Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s electric power associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser.

• National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181

Circulation of this issue: 457,638

Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year.

Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year

by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising.

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300

www.facebook.com/TodayinMississippi www.todayinmississippi.com

A Yazoo City landmark worth saving

On the cover 20

Kay Mettatal stands in front of her Sardis home holding a portrait of herself and husband Nolan. Photo by Chad Calcote.

And we think you’re going to love ours. So let’s work together: As electric cooperatives, we were built by the communities we serve—and by members just like you.

4 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

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Next in Picture This:

We want to see your children! Send us photos of your children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews.

Make sure to let us know their names and how they are related to you. The photos must be high-resolution JPG files of at least 1 MB in size. Please attach the photo to your email and send it to news@ecm.coop. Each entry must be accompanied by photographer’s name, address, and co-op.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Feb. 25. Select photos will appear in the April 2022 issue.

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6 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

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Winter is the perfect time to plan the 2022 garden. Shop early for needed items to ensure having adequate garden supplies.

As I was thinking over the holidays about how my 2022 home garden will look, I was still harvesting heirloom tomatoes and various peppers from my 2021 garden. Can you imagine collecting fresh tomatoes and peppers on Christmas Day, let alone on New Year’s Day? But that all came to an end when temperatures dropped from 78 to 35 with a 27-degree wind chill just after the new year. Now, I can get back to my 2022 garden planning.

While putting together my landscape strategy for this year, I was thinking about the garden in general and what ideas many gardeners forget about. So, here are a few thoughts to get started in 2022.

The recent cold weather generated a bunch of questions, primarily on how to protect landscape and garden plants.

I’ll address this again before the winter is over, but I want to caution against overreacting to potential cold injury. Be patient after a cold snap, as there is plenty of time to remove cold-damaged plants before the warm weather of spring.

Be prepared. Have a game plan in mind for what you want to accomplish in your garden this year.

Over the last two years, the garden industry has been stretched to the limit by the 20 million new gardening practitioners.

Plants and other garden essentials have been in short supply for procrastinating gardeners. In the past, there were always end-of-season sales as garden centers needed to move out last year’s stock to make room for the new. Those days are gone.

If you know you’ll need fertilizer and potting mix this spring, go out and start collecting those supplies now. If you wait to buy as you need them through the garden season, you are probably going to find empty spots on the shelves.

Another tip that I find useful is using plant tags.

I start each garden season wishing I could remember everything I’m planting, but I never do. Plant tags and labels are a must in my home garden. They can be as simple or elaborate as you want.

Through the year, I always take out plants and replace them with plants that have new colors and functions. I like to keep track of what I’ve planted and when. Now, I keep that information in resealable bags labeled by season, so I can easily track my seasonal plantings through the years.

I’m looking forward to growing, sharing, and visiting fabulous gardens with family and friends in 2022.

Happy New Gardening Year.

by Dr. Gary Bachman Mississippi’s widely variable weather means plants may bloom one day and freeze the next. Patiently wait to remove cold-damaged plants.

Gary Bachman, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor of Horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs.

He lives in Ocean Springs and is a Singing River Electric member.

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 5

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scene around the ‘sip

Mississippi’s 1980s pizza restaurant museum

by Steven Ward Some people collect stamps. Others like to acquire antique furniture, comic books, or baseball cards.

Damon Breland collects animatronic bands and memorabilia from 1980s-era pizza restaurants.

You read that right.

The 43-year-old Walthall County resident and Magnolia Electric member has turned an old country convenience store into a museum of sorts — a place where other 1980s kids can step back in time to experience the nostalgic thrill of trading arcade tickets for stuffed toys.

Smitty’s Super Service Station on Highway 48 East in Sandy Hook is Breland’s tribute to his 1980s youth and a site for his out-of-control pizza restaurant memorabilia collection.

“I began my collection in 2001. It started out with lots of small trinkets, dolls, t-shirts, records — things that you would have gotten for redeeming your tickets from the arcade. My mom even found a couple of the plush stuffed dolls that were mine from childhood,” Breland said.

Breland’s collection took a turn to the extreme in 2003 when he won an entire set of the animatronic Rock-afire Explosion band characters from the 1980s pizza chain, Showbiz Pizza Place.

“I got them directly from Creative Engineering, the company that produced them in the 80s. From 2003 until 2005 they sat in my father’s garage while I worked on repairing them. During that time, I never envisioned more than having them setup in a large room or garage. The idea for a museum was still several more years away.”

The project took Breland another two years to complete including refurbishment of the characters and their installation on a proper stage. Over the years, the collection expanded.

In 2015, Breland garnered a set of old Chuck E Cheese animatronics including a vintage Pizza Time Theater balcony stage. In 2019, Breland added an arcade.

Breland said his love of pizza restaurant memorabilia harkens back to a simpler time and place.

“As a child growing up in the 80s, I got to go to Pizza Time Theater — that’s what Chuck E Cheese was called back then — and Showbiz Pizza Place as a reward for good grades in school. I vividly remember going to locations in Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Gulfport. In the 80s there were no cell phones or computers, and home game consoles were just starting,” Breland said.

“So, to go to one of these restaurants was like a family trip. Where else other than say Disney could you go to see shows by animatronics and full arcades with games, skee ball, and other kiddie delights? It was a nice escape.”

Breland may be full of “useless animatronic pizza restaurant knowledge,” but he said he doesn’t consider his hobby strange or weird.

“Everyone loves something. It’s all part of our Americana history.”

“I would say that it helps foster a sense of community — that when you build your interests into something that helps draw in other ‘weirdos’ and gives everyone who shares the interest a sense of belonging and that they’re not alone in their quirky obsessions. It can be a very obscure niche kind of thing, but if it brings others happiness, it’s not weird by any means,” he said.

The public can visit Smitty’s via appointment in advance.

Visit smittyssuperservice.com/contact.html or email billybob@smittyssuperservice.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 7

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When beagles bawl, chop, and squeal on a brisk morning — frost glinting from winter woodlots and fallow fields — the world is changed, somehow made more pleasant and agreeable for those who hear. There is music. Not as scripted as a Dvorak symphony perhaps, but musical just the same. Beagle music is visceral, sometimes plaintive, and sometimes jubilant.

Regardless of its timbre, this music impacts anyone who chooses to listen.

I learned the thrill of beagle choruses early on, a result of my dad getting me a pair of litter mates, Herman and Homer.

We chased rabbits regularly until I entered college. The rabbit business slowed significantly at that juncture in time, and eventually my dogs were gone. Pleasant memories were all that remained, and these can still bring quiet tears to my eyes. Those beagles were instrumental in my growing up.

Rabbit hunting and beagle employment are generally rather social affairs. Occasionally only one or two hunters and a like number of dogs, but more often an expansive gathering of both entities is required. Old and young; fathers and mothers and children and grandchildren make up the human participants. Sires and dams and pups of multiple generations represent the beagles. They are all there for the thrill, the comradery, and the music.

I no longer have beagles. Age might be the reason, but most probably a busy schedule in the writing business and life in general, even if I am old, is the culprit. Demands such as regular travel would be unfair to the little hounds. They were born to hunt rabbits, and sequestering them into

some confines other than that would be most unkind.

But I must go a time or two each year. Beg an outing from locals who have beagles, I do. And I tote a shotgun, a little 28 these days. A handful of shells go along as well, but I find myself, more often than not, stuffing those same shells, unfired, back into their original container when I get home. Seems I take my enjoyment from past memories and present surroundings of that day with fellow hunters, dog, and human. Old and young are involved in both categories.

I also entertain, during those begged hunts, the poignant recognition that some hunters, canines, or Homo sapiens are on their first excursion while others are on their last. A sobering reality but reality just the same, and a reality I have come to embrace more easily in recent years than in years past. Beagle music seems to sooth the discomfiture of such contemplation.

Have you missed a beagle symphony this year? If so, February still offers potential for the experience.

by Tony Kinton Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. He lives in Carthage and is a Central Electric member. Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 2021 | TODAY 9 FEBRUARY 2022

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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

The value of electricity continues to shine How many of us remember dropping into a 4-County Electric Power Association office with our parents and grandparents to pay the light bill? Whether you do that in person, by mail or online today, paying your monthly bill does a lot more than just keep the lights on.

Electricity keeps us connected to our modern world. Consider all the necessities and conveniences we enjoy in part because of the power lines running to the electric meter outside your home.

Count your televisions, desktop, laptop and tablet computers, printers, your gaming consoles, music and video players and personal assistant devices.

Whether they get used every day or just occasionally, the electricity that keeps them working comes from 4-County.

Have you looked around your kitchen lately? Between the coffee maker and toaster and the microwave and electric skillet, a lot of us have added several other modern small appliances.

You use electricity to run all these devices, and we still keep the lights on, use the stove, heating and air conditioning, and get hot water from tap. The good news is, even as we rely more on electricity, it’s still a bargain, especially compared to other things we pay for regularly.

Since 2011, medical care, residential rental rates, and education have increased at rates of 3% or more per year. Butter, meat, and egg costs have been up by more than 1% to 2% annually, and even bread costs have risen better than a half point on average.

Compared to those costs, power is a bargain. Nationally, electric prices only rise about 1% a year. Even better, coops around the country have reported a decline in average residential use per

household since 2010. That means we’re doing more things with less energy.

When it comes to value, electricity is a clear winner, and we’re always looking for ways to work with you to make it even better. That’s why 4-County urges energy efficiency, encourages you to look for ENERGY STAR® appliances, and promotes technology, designed to give members more control over their electricity use.

That’s good for families, couples and individuals trying to live within their budgets. And it’s going to become even more important as digital devices, electric cars, and internet-connected technologies become even more important in our lives.

The average home now has 10 Wi-Fi connected devices. That number is expected to explode to 50 by 2020. Technology and the gateways that keep it working use electricity, so you’ll depend upon 4-County for more than the power that keeps the lights on. (And eventually, you’ll all have the choice to use our FASTnet broadband service.)

That’s why we’re always working to provide service that’s reliable, keep it affordable, and make it even more valuable to our member — you, your family, and your neighbors.

For more information, go to 4county.org or call 1-800-431-1544.

HERE’S AN IDEA

This spring, think summer Temperatures are cold! But warmer temperatures are just around the corner. Spring is a great time to think about how warm it could get this summer. A rise in temperature can also mean a rise in energy bills as well.

Give your air conditioner a fighting chance at keeping your home cool in the months ahead, without using more electricity than necessary.

Here are some tips to keep energy bills low this summer: • Trade your traditional incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). The new generation of CFLs uses far less energy.

• Call a service technician to give your air-conditioning system — and any window units — a thorough once-over before the weather gets hot.

• Change air conditioner filters monthly from now until October.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

Try these hot ideas to cool off your summer months!

10 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

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4-County named Business of Year

January’s Today in Mississippi incorrectly reported that this year’s Board seats up for election were Districts 4 and 7. District 1, Lowndes County and District 5, Choctaw and Winston Counties are positions on this year’s ballot. We regret the error.

4-County Electric Power Association 4-County Electric Power Association was recently recognized as 2021 MediumSized Business of the Year by the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce.

The co-op received the honor at the chamber’s annual awards banquet in December.

“Thank you Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce for naming us the 2021 Medium Business of the Year. We’re proud of the designation and to partner with you to make our community a better place to live and work,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark.

Organizations and individuals recognized at the chamber event include: VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR Josh Read, Linda Gates

MEDIUM BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 4-County Electric Power Association

NEW MEMBER OF THE YEAR Friendly City Books

LARGE INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR Steel Dynamics

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Munson and Brothers

CHARLEIGH FORD JR. LEGACY AWARD Zachary’s

2022 ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE OF DEADLINES Annual Meeting Date:

Thursday, June 2, 2022 The 2022 Board of Directors election process began Jan. 3.

Official nominations for Board of Directors are made by the 4-County Committee on Nominations, according to Association Bylaws.

Other members may also place themselves on the ballot by completing the steps necessary for a Nomination by Petition. Part of that process is collecting 50 signatures of members in good standing. Members may begin collecting those signatures beginning Jan. 3. Petitions for Nomination are due by April 1.

Board positions are open in the following 4-County districts: District 1, Lowndes County.

Johnny Johnson of Columbus is the District 1 incumbent. District 5, Choctaw and Winston Counties. Marty Crowder is the District 5 incumbent.

Key dates associated with the annual meeting and election process are shown below:

• Prior to 60 Days – Friday, April 1 Nominating Committee meets, nominates Director election candidates

4-County’s E-Bill is easy

• 60 Days – Friday, April 1

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.

• 60 Days – (Friday, April 1)

• 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 must print, the less cost to members. That helps keep rates low. Less paper also means less waste, and that is great for our environment.

Deadline for nominations postings in all 4-County offices Deadline for Nominations by Petition Must be delivered to the 4-County Corporate office by 12 Noon

• 150 days – (Monday, January 3, 2022) Earliest date for eligible Nomination by Petition signatures For more information on the election process, please call 1-800-431-1544 or visit https://www.4county.org/ nomination-by- petition-for-board-of-directors/

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.

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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 temperatures like those being forecast for the month 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 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.

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budget-friendly TIPS Q. A.

I don’t have a big budget for energy-efficiency upgrades.

Can you share any budget-friendly, energy-saving tips?

You don’t need a lot of money to save on your energy bills. We have some suggestions that are low-cost, simple adjustments you can make in your home, whether you rent or own.

We all want to afford being comfortable in our homes. If you’re having trouble paying your energy bills, you are not alone. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports one in three households face challenges meeting their energy needs.

Decreasing monthly bills and being more efficient at home is something we all should practice.

Here are some budget-friendly energy efficiency tips targeting one of the biggest energy users in the home: the heating system. Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a U.S. home’s energy consumption.

Add Coziness to Your Home

Seal Your Doors

One way you can feel warmer in your home without turning up the thermostat is by making your home cozy.

The way our bodies perceive the temperature of a room is based more on the surfaces in the room than the air temperature. In general, harder surfaces feel colder. For example, your tile floor will feel cooler than your fabric sofa.

Cold floors in a room make us feel colder. Adding an area rug to a hard-surface floor can make us feel warmer, even with the same setting on the thermostat.

The same goes for windows. Windows are typically the leastinsulated surface in a room and can feel cold in winter months.

Adding or closing curtains can help the room feel warmer.

Weatherstripping doors is an easy do-it-yourself project. Make sure your doors seal tightly and don’t allow drafts to pass through around the edges or under the door.

Make sure any doors leading to an unheated space — outside or into a garage — are sealed tightly. If you can see light around the edges or underneath the door, or feel air movement when the door is closed, you know you are losing energy.

Because doors need to open and close easily, expect to do a bit of adjusting after installing weatherstripping. If weatherstripping isn’t installed correctly, it can make the door hard to close. Making it too loose defeats the purpose. You need to get it just right.

Check Your Windows

If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is completely closed when not using it. Leaving the damper open is like leaving a window open — it’s just harder to see. The air you just paid to heat your home will go right out the chimney.

The only exception is some gas fireplaces need to remain open for gas fumes to exit the home. If you have a gas fireplace, check the owner’s manual for more information on the damper position.

Make sure your windows are closed and locked. Locking windows pulls the sashes tighter together, reducing gaps that allow air to flow through and cause drafts. If your sash locks don’t form a tight fit, adjust them or add weatherstripping.

There’s a variety of window weatherstripping products available for less than $20. Most are simple to install and only require tools you most likely already have around the house, such as scissors and a tape measure.

Some are more permanent solutions, and some are intended to be used for one heating season and then removed.

Temporary solutions such as caulk strips, putty, pull-and-peel caulking, or window insulation films can be used if you rent your home and can’t make permanent changes.

Close the Damper

Layer Up Dressing for the season prevents going overboard on your energy use. It can be tempting to adjust the thermostat to increase your comfort. Putting on a sweater or comfy sweatshirt can have the same comfort impact without increasing your energy use. Slippers can be a big help, too, especially when your feet touch a cold floor.

The next time you consider turning up the thermostat a few degrees, try some of these tips first to stay warm and leave increased energy bills out in the cold.

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FAST FACTS FASTnet, 4-County Electric Power Association’s broadband subsidiary, is making fast progress.

In just over a year of existence, here’s how the numbers look:

1,736 MILES OF LINE

“We know people are very eager to get broadband,” said 4-County/FASTnet CEO Brian Clark. “In fact, we’ve been answering a lot of questions about our timeline, so it might be good to remind everyone how it works,” he added.

The schedule members can see on the 4-County website and the one we’ve also published in Today in Mississippi several times shows the dates that construction is scheduled to start in a phase, Clark explained. “We’ve found that it is typically about six months or so between the start of construction in a phase and customers starting to get installed,” Clark said. “But we have found that we’ve been getting out ahead of our construction schedules as we’ve begun hanging mainline fiber in other areas, too. So that should help speed up the process when we do begin a new phase.”

For more information, call 1-800-431-1544.

FASTnet construction map and schedule

installed by FASTnet employees and contractors

FASTnet is closing in on installing its TH

CUSTOMER FASTnet construction schedule

*

FASTnet will soon begin installing services in the

ADATON

PHASE

Phase Lone Oak (OAK) Montpelier (MPR) Maben (MAB) Brooksville (BRK) Adaton (ADT)

Begin Date Spring 2021 Late Spring 2021 Summer 2021 Fall 2021 Late Fall 2021

Phase Oktoc (OKT) Golden Triangle (GTR) Lake Lowndes (LLW) Magbee (MAG) Stinson Creek (SCK)

Begin Date Early 2022 Summer 2022 Fall 2022 Fall 2022 Late 2022

Phase Waverly (WVR) Lakeside (LKS) Prairie (PRA) South Macon (SMC) Sturgis (STG) Ackerman (ACK)

Begin Date Early 2023 Spring 2023 Spring 2023 Fall 2023 Fall 2023 Late 2023

Phase Weir (WER)

Begin Date Early 2024

*Schedule subject to change

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

FASTnet fiber holds no tension for Humphreys Every piece of fiber Jerry Humphreys splices is another building block in a broadband foundation for the next generation.

A FASTnet fiber technician, Jerry maintains and repairs broadband services for customers. Jerry enjoys being part of, what he describes as, history in the making. “My eyes have been opened about how providing broadband is changing the lives of 4-County members,” Jerry said. “Now, so many people are working from home. And, quite often, they rely on broadband almost as much as they rely on the lights. Things are really changing.”

FASTnet, 4-County’s broadband subsidiary, began operations in late 2020. The company now has nearly 3,000 customers. And the count is growing. “It’s wide open,” Jerry said of the new service.

Jerry is used to a “wide open” service approach. He began working at 4-County July 8, 2008, signing on as a fleet maintenance controller. He served there for four years, and then transferred to a role as utility maintenance technician. After nine years there, he made the move to FASTnet. Prior to 4-County, Jerry worked at Lyle Machinery as a field service technician and Columbus Diesel as a technician.

He lives in the New Hope community of Lowndes County with his wife, April (a nursing student), and their son Carson, 16. They also have two grown children, Garrett, 22, and Katelyn, 19. Jerry

and April also enjoy spending time with their granddaughter, Denver, 1.

Jerry is originally from Reform, Alabama. He is a childhood friend of 4-County Heavy Construction Foreman Eric Yarbrough.

Jerry and his family live on a small farm in New Hope, a place where their quarter horses run like the wind. Patsy, Star, Dolly, and Chester have become four-legged members of the family. The farm’s chickens, Jerry stressed, definitely rule the roost. “We have a lot of fun on the farm,” Jerry said.

He grew up working with horses and was often involved in rodeos. His favorite rodeo event is team penning, a timed activity where two team members on horseback “cut” or pick cows from a herd and direct them into a small pen. “It’s pretty tough, but fun.”

The Humphreys family also enjoys cooking outside over a fire pit.

“We cook steaks, sometimes, and sometimes gumbo. Whatever we cook, it’s good,” he said. Other hobbies include duck hunting.

His home away from home (4-County/FASTnet) is pretty special, too.

“This is the best place I’ve ever worked. It really is like a family here.”

Clark named to prestigious board The TRUST, a private investment group supporting economic development efforts in Mississippi’s Golden Triangle, has named 4-County Electric Power Association CEO Brian Clark to its board of directors.

In its 13th year of service, The TRUST supports the Golden Triangle Development LINK’s annual budget and focuses on goals set forth by its governing board and membership.

Brian is the CEO/General Manager for 4-County and its broadband subsidiary, FASTnet, both based in Columbus. Brian began his career with 4-County in 2005 and became CFO in 2013, Assistant GM in 2018 and CEO/GM later that year.

He is a graduate of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s prestigious Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program. He is a Certifi Certified Utility Accountant and a Certifi Certified Power Supervisor.

Brian has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Mississippi State University. He serves as a deacon at Kolola Springs Baptist Church and has served as president of the Lowndes County School Board. He lives in Columbus with his wife Amy, and son Colton.

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Photos by Chad Calcote

A

M I S S I S S I P P I

by Steven Ward This is a love story about Kay and Nolan Mettetal.

South Panola High School sweethearts, the couple got married when he was 19 and she was 16.

She called him “pop.” He called her “momma.”

Nolan worked as a pharmacist for 24 years before retiring at 45. He later became a state senator and, after 16 years, was then elected to Mississippi’s House of Representatives.

The thing about Nolan and Kay — affectionately called “Ms. Kay” by almost everyone who knew them — is that they were always together. Always.

When Nolan was in Jackson for a legislative session, Ms. Kay was there.

She would answer his phones, help with paperwork, run errands, and assist constituents.

When a lawmaker or lobbyist asked Nolan to go to dinner, he only agreed to do it if Ms. Kay could go along.

“He would tell people, ‘I will go to dinner with you, but my wife has to come. She’s a part of me,’” Ms. Kay, 73, said recently at the couple’s longtime home in Sardis.

The Mettetals built apartments and rental houses at one point in their lives. If Nolan was on the roof with a hammer, Ms. Kay was up top with him.

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“We did everything together,” Ms. Kay said.

Marlin Williams, manager of member services at North Nolan, 75, passed away on Dec. 28, 2020, after battling East Mississippi Electric Power Association, was a Mettetal COVID-19. The couple were just three months away from family friend. their 56th wedding anniversary.

“There is so much to share about their life in public service “He was my everything,” but of even more importance — Ms. Kay said.

I always admired the way they Their love story was something were a team and power couple,” to witness.

Williams said.

There is so much to share about their “I never saw them not together,” “When I think of Mr. Nolan serving life in public service but of even more said former Mississippi Governor in the Mississippi Legislature — most importance – I always admired the way Phil Bryant. of my memories have Ms. Kay right they were a team and power couple.

“It’s like they were one. It was by his side. She helped him, encourWhen I think of Mr. Nolan serving in the remarkable and unique.” aged him, and loved him. It was Mississippi Legislature – most of my Bryant said it was extremely non-stop, and it was genuine. They memories have Ms. Kay right by his side. were rarely without the other one rare to see a spouse at legislative sessions. by their side. I can still see his smile “In some ways, Ms. Kay was the first lady of the when she walked into the room.”

Legislature. She helped everyone there, not just Nolan,” February was one of Nolan’s favorite times of year.

Bryant said.

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“He loved Valentine’s Day. When we worked at the pharmacy, he loved watching the men come in scrambling to buy things for their wives and girlfriends — cards, boxes of candy,” Ms. Kay said.

Nolan loved red roses and always made sure Ms. Kay had red roses on Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Valentine’s Day also meant dinners with Bryant and his wife Deborah.

“There was a group of couples from one of the committees Nolan was on, and we would go out to dinner on Valentine’s Day at Shapley’s.

Back then, Phil Bryant was the lieutenant governor.

In those days, Phil used to say, ‘when I’m governor we are going to have these dinners at the mansion,’” Ms. Kay said.

Bryant said he remembers those dinners fondly.

“That’s true. We called that the ‘Sweetheart Dinner.’ And I would make sure each woman got one red rose. We moved it to the mansion and had it there for my eight years. It was so special and one of my favorite memories from that time,” Bryant said.

After Nolan died, Ms. Kay had 56 red roses placed on his casket, she said.

Nolan got sick in December 2020 and went to the hospital two days before Christmas Eve. Ms. Kay said she didn’t want to leave her husband in the hospital by himself. Nolan didn’t want her to leave either.

The doctors told her she couldn’t stay with Nolan because she didn’t have COVID-19.

“The doctor told me I had to go home, but he said to keep testing every day. When I tested positive, I could go to the hospital to be by his side,” Ms. Kay said.

Ms. Kay tested every day in hopes of testing positive for COVID-19 so she could be with Nolan. She did eventually test positive and went to the hospital.

Ms. Kay and the couple’s two adult children were at the hospital and by Nolan’s side just before he passed away.

“He opened his eyes and saw us right before,” Ms. Kay said.

Williams said the couple’s relationship was inspirational.

“When I think of a genuine and inspirational relationship — they will always come to mind. I am forever grateful for the example they were for so many of us,” Williams said.

Ms. Kay misses her constant companion every day.

Life is not the same, she said.

She said she misses the couple’s morning walks around Lake Sardis near their home. She misses watching the hummingbirds together at their gazebo.

Nolan loved Ole Miss football and spending time with his five grandchildren.

But those were not his favorite hobbies.

“My son, Cary, said his daddy’s biggest hobby was ‘loving my mother,’” Ms. Kay said.

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Paul Elias was born to fish, and that is what he has done forever.

Elias discovered fishing at an early age and has enjoyed the sport for the past 71 years. His dad loved fishing and introduced Elias to the sport. When Elias was 9 years old, his dad had an accident that essentially crippled him for the rest of his life. His fishing knowledge went to a different level when an older neighbor, Charlie Reddoch, took notice of the youngster’s love for fishing. Reddoch stopped Elias one day after seeing the lad riding down Fifth Avenue in Laurel displaying his successful fishing day on his bicycle handlebars. The two formed a forever friendship that day.

“He taught me a lot. He took me hunting and fishing, and he really gave me an appreciation of the outdoors,” Elias said.

Another fortuitous event shaped Elias’ fishing future when he learned a valuable fishing tip one day at his uncle’s pond in Richton. “I was reeling in a blue gill.

A bass swam up from under a log and ate my blue gill. It did not take me long to figure out that if I put a blue gill on a hook, I would catch bass.”

“My life’s dream was to fish professionally,” said Elias from his home on Lake Eddins in Pachuta. “I went to USM, and the only thing I could think about was getting out, getting a job, and getting a boat.” Following graduation from Southern Mississippi, the first thing he did was take a job offshore. The reason was simple: he needed a down payment to buy a boat.

The Bass Fishing Hall of Famer began his pro career in the 1976 Bassmaster Florida Invitational on the St. Johns River.

Since that first event, he has earned over $1.5 million in tournament winnings and has added to his checking account with numerous fishing endorsements. Elias won his first tournament in 1979 at Lake Gaston in Virginia and won his last one in 2011 at Lake Guntersville in Alabama. In Guntersville, he introduced the fishing world to the famous Alabama Rig lure.

His famous Kneeling & Reeling Style, where he puts the

rod tip under the water’s surface while crankbait fishing to get extra depth out of the lure, came at the 1982 Classic on the Alabama River in Montgomery. In 2008 in the Elite Series event at Falcon Lake on the Texas-Mexico border, he set the all-time record for a 4-/5-day event with a total weight of 132 pounds, 8 ounces.

Elias has won nine tournaments, including the Super Bowl of Bass fishing and the 1982 Bassmaster Classic. He has qualified for 16 Bassmaster Classic events and finished in the Top 10 eight times. He won six B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) events and has posted 56 Top 10 finishes during his career.

It was not easy to turn professional, when at the young age of 25 he began his part time fishing career. “Trying to work another job and still take time to pre-fish tournaments and then take three days to fish for the cash prizes was grueling, but in the same sense, I loved what I was doing,” Elias said. Elias had choices to make when he decided to go full-time on the B.A.S.S. Tour after winning the 1982 Bassmaster Classic. He looks back now with few regrets.

Even after two shoulder operations, Elias can still cast, but now he understands that his opponents in tournaments are the fish themselves rather than human competitors. Today, Elias trolls around Lake Eddins giving fishing lessons along with taking part in the MLF Bass Pro Tour that began three years ago.

Visit pauleliasfishinglessons.com for more information.

My life’s dream was to fish professionally.

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

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 19

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with Rebecca Turner

Everyone knows that sweet potatoes are the darling of Mississippi agriculture. And rightfully so, they are grown local, nutritious, versatile in the kitchen, and downright delicious. But they aren’t the only potato that should get praised. The idea that sweet potatoes are superior for your health to other potatoes is one of the most arbitrary food rules considering most are virtually identical, nutritionally speaking. What’s worse is many people have removed all potatoes from their plates thanks to fad diets, misinformation, and gimmicky marketing. For the love of potatoes, it’s time to set the record straight.

Did you know that russet potatoes are lower in sugar and offer more protein, vitamin B6, iron, and slightly more potassium than sweet potatoes? On the contrary, sweet potatoes provide more fiber, vitamins A and C, and calcium per serving. Calorie- and carb-wise, both sweet and russet potatoes are about equal. But the world of potatoes isn’t as simple as orange and white. There are over 200 types of potatoes that include reds, yellows, and purple varieties, along with fingerlings and petite pota-

toes. All potatoes provide the body and brain fuel it needs to tackle each day. The bottom line, potatoes are nutrient-dense vegetables and can be a part of a health-promoting diet.

The best part of potatoes is they are easy to prepare and go well with most cuisines, making them a convenient addition to weeknight meals. And let’s be honest, most Mississippians like their taters deep-fried, smothered, and covered in butter, bacon, and cheese, which is the real reason they’ve never helped you reach your health goals.

When you remove the high-calorie toppings and prepare potatoes with only a few healthy ingredients, you get lots of flavor and nutrients without any guilt. You can bake, roast, grill, boil, air fry, or even microwave potatoes to perfection! All you need is your spud and heat of choice, olive oil, and a little salt.

Get creative in the kitchen, or give these easy and nutritious potato recipes a try. Leave the debates about potatoes to things that truly matter, like whether or not you should leave the skin on when making mashed potatoes.

20 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

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Crispy Smashed Potatoes INGREDIENTS 1 pound small potatoes (red or yellow) 2 teaspoons of salt 2 tablespoons olive oil Pepper

Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes INGREDIENTS 4 medium russet potatoes, washed well and dried 1 teaspoon olive oil 3 tablespoons salted butter, softened ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup milk ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ¾ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder 1 cup cooked broccoli, chopped 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.

Wash and clean potatoes, trimming them of any imperfections.

In a medium pot, cover potatoes with cold water and add salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender enough to slide off a fork, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Drain and let potatoes cool for 5 minutes.

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the oil over the potatoes.

Use a potato masher or flat-bottomed glass sprayed with cooking spray to smash each potato. Be careful not to press too hard to smush, just smash. Drizzle remaining oil over the top so potatoes are well-coated.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake until golden and crispy, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Cook potatoes in the oven or microwave. Once done, set to the side to cool.

Slice cooked potatoes in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the potato pulp and place it into a large bowl, being careful to leave the skins intact. Use a knife to score around the halved potato before using a spoon to gently scoop out.

Rub the outsides of the potato skins with a little olive oil.

Place the skins on the baking sheet and set aside.

Add the butter to the potato pulp and mash — using an electric mixer or a potato masher — until fairly smooth; add sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder and mash till smooth.

Fold in cooked broccoli and 1 cup of the cheese.

Divide the filling evenly among the potato shells then sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through. Serve at once!

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

Find her on social media @RebeccaTurnerNutrition and online at www.RebeccaTurnerNutrition.com.

FEBRUARY 2022 | TODAY 21

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mississippi seen

mississippi is...

events

mississippi marketplace includes a 10x12 foot table with three running model on the outdoors today trains on a landscape including Columbia’s Main Street Events open tomenu the public will be Mississippi’s and the Marion County Courthouse. Video interviews published free of charge as space allows. of former railroad employees and accounts of the Red scene the ‘sip picture this Submit details at around least two months prior to Bluff train derailment into the Pearl River. Kids can Lowest the event date. Submissions must include a enjoy a “Young Engineer’s” play area and the movie, “The Polar Express.” The museum is FREE opinion and includes my co-op phone number withinvolvement area code for publication.

Life Insurance Email to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject

additional exhibits of military, sports, rodeo, farming, logging, arrowheads, Civil War, and Civil Rights. Museum hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

200 Second St. No. 3. Details: 601-731-3999.

southern gardening

to change or cancelation due to COVID-19.

Please confirm details before traveling.

Cupid Shuffle. Feb. 12. Bay Springs. 5k run and 2-mile walk. $30 entry fee. Registration at 7 a.m.

Race begins at 8 a.m. Smith Park. Register at www.southernracetiming.com Details: 601-344-9096 2nd Annual Melodies of Bluegrass Festival.

Feb. 25-26. Morton. Bands include: Patchwork String Band, Catahoula Drive, The Pilgrim Family, Fair River Station, Tyler Carroll and Pineridge Bluegrass, Southern Gentlemen, and The Tennessee Bluegrass Band. Show starts at 1 p.m. daily.

Roosevelt State Park, 2149 MS 13. Details: 601-6044234 or 601-527-9127.

Marion County Model Train and Railroad History Exhibit. Now through March 26. Columbia. The exhibit

Rates

grin ‘n’ bare it

The 29th Annual Spring Arts Festival.

March 26 and 27. Ocean Springs. Presented by The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce-Main Street-Tourism Bureau. Fast becoming a mini–Peter Anderson Festival, this event will feature artists, and crafters in various media including painting, pottery, jewelry, plants and more. Festival activities include artists’ demonstrations, entertaining lectures and more. This year’s herb of the year is pansey. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Ocean Springs. The annual festival showcasing more than 150 artists, crafters, and plant vendors is co-coordinated by the Ocean Springs Art Association and Ocean Springs Fresh Market. Details: 228-875-4424 or visit oceanspringschamber.com.

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22 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2022

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Downtown Yazoo City after the 1904 fire.

We watched Willie Morris’ “My Dog Skip” on Netflix the other night. Canton played the part of Yazoo City in the movie. Yazoo City is where the young Willie Morris came of age with the help of his pet, “Skipper.” One of the central events was staged in Jackson’s Greenwood Cemetery where young Willie must spend the night at the witch’s grave as initiation into the inner circle of his group of friends. To make the ordeal more frightening, one of the kids tells Willie how the witch was killed a century earlier and vowed revenge on Yazoo City, promising to come back in 20 years and burn the place to the ground.

The Oakes Home in Yazoo City. Call the Yazoo County Fair and Civic League for information on helping restore it. 662-746-7984.

Well, in May of 1904 Yazoo City did almost burn to the ground.

To this day some people still blame the witch for the fire. Others say it was started by another youngster named “Willie” (not Morris — this Willie was way before his time) who played with matches. Yazoo City grew back better than ever because of the determination of the people who lived there.

One of those people was Augustus J. Oakes. He was the son of John and Mary Oakes who had moved to Yazoo City from South Carolina in the 1850s after John, who was born free, purchased his wife Mary and her two children from slavery.

They settled in a small, wood-framed house on top of a hill that overlooked downtown.

Augustus (known at Gus, sometimes A.J.) early-on saw the value of education and became the principal of two schools before opening a private school for African American children in Yazoo City.

By 1900, Oakes had changed careers from education to construction. He even opened a lumber yard. And then came the devastating fire of 1904. Much of the material used to rebuild Yazoo City was bought through the Oakes lumber yard.

In following years, the Oakes home was remodeled several times and grew from its humble beginnings into an elaborate, two-story structure. Oakes never forgot his commitment to education, however. And when Yazoo City issued bonds to build a school for African American children, Oakes bought them all.

The Oakes home stayed in the family until 1989 when descendants donated it to the Yazoo County Fair and Civic League. At that time, they refurbished the home and opened it for tours and used it as a community center for many years. But now the old home needs help again. A grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History fixed some foundation problems. But interior restoration still needs to be done.

In honor of Black History Month, consider a donation to the Oakes Home in Yazoo City. It is a monument to a family buying their freedom, becoming an integral part of the community, establishing themselves in education and construction, and giving back to the community after the community had depended on them after the fire. This is history that transcends the ages and the races.

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

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INCLUDED

INCLUDED

Get 99% Signal Get 99% Signal ** Reliability Reliability**

Anywhere in the country–including rural Anywhere the country–including America.

Getinsatellite TV for an evenrural America.

Get satellite TV for an even more reliable experience. more reliable experience.

INCLUDED

+

+

INCLUDED

INCLUDED

Smart HD DVR &

Smart HD Voice DVRRemote & Google Integrated Google Integrated Voice Remote

Smart HD DVR includes smart TV apps Smart HD includes smartlive TV TV apps built right inDVR – access Netflix1, and builtOnDemand right in – access Netflix1, live TVscreen. and DISH all from the same

+

+

DISH OnDemand all from the same screen.

INCLUDED

DISH Anywhere® App

® App DISH Stream Anywhere your content on up to five

Stream your content on upcharge.* to five devices, at no extra devices, at no extra charge.* It’s almost like getting five TV

It’s almost like getting in five TV subscriptions one. subscriptions in one.

All offers require credit qualification, 2-Year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices apply. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers. Hopper, Hopper w/ offers require credit qualification, 2-Year commitment with fee Fees and eAutoPay. 2 years,TVs: then-current everyday prices apply.Super PricesJoey include Hopper Duo for qualifyingrequires customers.

Hopper, Hopper w/Hopper, Sling orAllHopper 3 $5/mo. more.

Upfront fees may apply based onearly credittermination qualification. apply for After additional Hopper $15/mo., Joey $5/mo., $10/mo.

Google integration internet-connected or Hopper $5/mo. more.

Upfront fees may apply based onlive credit apply for additional TVs: Hopper $15/mo., Joeyand $5/mo., Super Joey $10/mo.

Google integration requires internet-connected Hopper, *Watching andqualification. recorded TVFees anywhere requires internet-connected Hopper compatible mobile device. **Based Joey, orSling Wally, and any3 Google Assistant-enabled device. on a nationwide survey of customers.

Individual 1 *Watching live and recordedmembership TV anywhererequired. requires internet-connected and on compatible mobileHopper device.w/Sling, **Based Hopper Joey, or Wally, and any Google Assistant-enabled on a nationwide of customers. Individual experiences may vary baseddevice. on location.

Netflix streaming Netflix is currentlyHopper available Hopper Duo, 3, Wally,survey and Joeys. experiences may vary based on location. 1Netflix streaming membership required. Netflix is currently available on Hopper Duo, Hopper w/Sling, Hopper 3, Wally, and Joeys.

DISH Satisfaction DISHisisranked ranked#1 #1in in Customer Customer Satisfaction with J.D. Power Powerand andour our withTV TVservice servicenationally nationally by

by J.D. customers in aa row. row. customersfor forthe thefourth fourth year year in

100 100

$$

Prepaid card

Prepaid card

DISHDISH Network received thethe highest U.S.Residential ResidentialTelevision TelevisionService Service Provider Network received highestscore scoreininthethenation nationininthe theJ.D. J.D.Power Power 2018-2021 2018-2021 U.S. Provider Satisfaction Studies of customers’ provider.Visit Visitjdpower.com/awards. jdpower.com/awards.

Satisfaction Studies of customers’satisfaction satisfactionwith withtheir theircurrent currenttelevision television provider.

CallNow Now833-472-1394 833-472-1394 Call

Weopen are open 7 days a week; – Midnight Sunday9 9amam– –Midnight MidnightEST. EST. We are 7 days a week; 8 am8 am – Midnight EST,EST, Sunday Offergood onlyfor good new subscribers.

DISH subscribers. | SE HABLA ESPAÑOL Offer only newforDISH | SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

InfinityDish.com InfinityDish.com

Act to to receive a a ActNow, Now, receive $100 Prepaid Card. $100 Prepaid Card.

If youIfcall, offer code timeatof time order:ofCARD100.

Courtesy Courtesy of youyou call,must you mention must mention offeratcode order: CARD100. of InfinityDISH with activation, certaincertain conditions apply. Free $100Free MasterCard Prepaid Prepaid InfinityDISH with activation, conditions apply. $100 MasterCard Card when you order a qualifying service (premium customer qualification only).

Card when you order a qualifying service (premium customer qualification only).

All calls with InfinityDISH are monitored and recorded for quality assurance and training purposes. Offer for new and qualifying former customers only. Important Terms and Conditions: Qualification: Advertised price requires credit qualification and 24-month commitment. Upfront activation and/or receiver

All calls with InfinityDISH monitored recorded for quality and2-Year trainingCommitment: purposes. Offer new andfeequalifying customers Terms and Conditions: Qualification: requires qualification 24-month package, commitment. Upfront activation and/or receiver upgrade fees mayare apply based onand credit qualification.

Offer assurance ends 4/13/22.

Early for termination of $20/mo.former remaining appliesonly. if youImportant cancel early.

Included in 2-year price guaranteeAdvertised at $69.99 price advertised price:credit America’s Top 120and programming upgrade local fees channels, may apply qualification.

OfferDVRends 2-Yearin 2-year Commitment: Early termination of Programming $20/mo. remaining you cancel early. $94.99 Included 2-year priceforguarantee at $69.99 advertised America’s Top 120 programming HD based service on fees,credit and Hopper Duo Smart for 14/13/22.

TV. Included price guarantee for additionalfeecost: packageapplies upgradesif ($84.99 for AT120+, for in AT200, $104.99 AT250), monthly fees for upgradedprice: or additional receivers ($5-$7 per additionalpackage, local channels, HD service and Hopper Duo may SmartbeDVR for 1 Regional TV. Included in 2-year price guarantee for additional cost: Programming packageand upgrades ($84.99 AT120+, for inAT200, for AT250),or monthly for(and upgraded receivers ($5-$7 peraddadditional TV, receivers with fees, additional functionality $10-$15).

Sports: RSN Surcharge up to $3/mo. applies to AT120+ and higher packages varies based on for location.

NOT$94.99 included 2-year$104.99 price guarantee advertisedfees price subjectortoadditional change): Taxes & surcharges, TV, receivers with additional functionality maychannels), be $10-$15).

Sports: RSN Surcharge up toAll$3/mo. applies to AT120+ features, and higher andand varies based and on location.

NOT included 2-year advertised subject to change): Taxes & surcharges, on programming (including premium DISHRegional Protect, and transactional fees. Other: packages, programming, andpackages functionality all prices fees not included in pricein lock are price subjectguarantee to changeorwithout notice.price After(and 6 mos., if selected, you will be billed $9.99/ addon programming (including Protect, transactional fees.everyday Other: prices All packages, programming, functionality andmonthly all pricesfees andmay feesapply. not included in price lock are installation subject to only. change without notice.speeds, After prices, 6 mos.,and if selected, be billed $9.99/ mo. for DISH Protectpremium Plus unlesschannels), you call toDISH cancel.

After and 2 years, then-current for all services apply. Forfeatures, businessand customers, additional Free standard professional Internet: Internet providers you varywill by customer address.

Call Plus for details.

by DISH and will be billed separately.

Mastercard® mustForbebusiness requestedcustomers, through your DISH Representative timeapply. of purchase. $100 Mastercard® Prepaid card requires You will speeds, receive aprices, claim and voucher within vary 3-4 weeks mo. for DISH Protect unless Internet you callnot to provided cancel. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices for allPrepaid servicescard apply. additional monthly feesatmay Free standard professional installation only. activation.

Internet: Internet providers by customer and for thedetails. voucherInternet must benotreturned within 60 days.

Mastercard® Prepaid card will arrivePrepaid in approximately 6-8 requested weeks. InfinityDISH charges $49.99 atnon-refundable processing fee which is Prepaid subject to at any time without notice.

Indiana C.P.Dvoucher Reg. No.-20-08756 address. Call provided

by DISH and Your will be billed separately.

Mastercard® card must be through your DISHa one-time Representative time of purchase. $100 Mastercard® cardchange requires activation.

You will receive a claim within 3-4 weeks and the voucher must be returned within 60 days. Your Mastercard® Prepaid card will arrive in approximately 6-8 weeks. InfinityDISH charges a one-time $49.99 non-refundable processing fee which is subject to change at any time without notice. Indiana C.P.D Reg. No.-20-08756

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