Today in Mississippi February 2024 Dixie

FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI

A YOUTH LEADER

FOR NOW

FEBRUARY

2024

ROOTING FOR POTATOES

FOR SALE:

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What Are Your Choices?

Some people immediately opt in for surgery, then some people watch TV and end up buying something they wrap their knee with-hoping it will help, and others just follow orders and take medications which simply block the pain signals while the underlying condition often progresses.

What Works Best?

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My Opinion

Origins of a Hallmark holiday It’s February. That means hearts, cupids, and Valentine’s Day. I shudder to think about it. I mean it’s not that I’m not romantic. Heck, I’ll take a good romcom over a John Wick movie any day of the week. But Valentine’s Day just brings so much pressure for men to get the correct restaurant, gift, flowers, candy, and on and on. It’s very stressful, and it seems unduly burdensome to males. (Calm down ladies, I know you do your part too. I’m just not so sure you feel the same stress that men do.) I mean do we even know the origins of this alleged holiday? Is it just something made up by Hallmark and the candy companies?

Well, I did some quick research, meaning I Googled it, and this is what I found out. There actually were two men named Valentine that were unceremoniously executed by Roman Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century on Feb. 14, albeit in different years. The better-known Valentine was said to have been marrying Roman soldiers in secret against the wishes of the emperor. Apparently good ole Claudius believed marriage weakened men. Valentine had fallen in love with a student he was tutoring and while imprisoned awaiting his fate, he would write love letters to his beloved and sign them, “from your Valentine.”

Next, we have a pagan holiday, the Roman festival of Lupercalia. It took place in the middle of February and consisted of men removing their clothing and running through the streets slapping women with skins of sacrificed animals to promote fertility (those Romans could party). Again, the man must kill the animal, skin it, undress, and run through the streets. I’d be good for about a block. There are further facts about the festival, but my editor forbids me to divulge more. Google it

yourself. Thankfully, in the 5th century Pope Gelasius I outlawed Lupercalia, and some contend the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day replaced it.

Most historians credit Chaucer and Shakespeare for St. Valentine’s Day’s romantic origins. By the mid 19th century, Valentine’s Day as we know it began to take shape.

Richard Cadbury created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates (that cad!!) in 1868. By 1910, the company that would become Hallmark began making the first Valentine’s Day cards, and the rest is well, history.

Therefore, based on the history of this alleged holiday, I have decided not to participate. After all, my lovely wife has Valentine’s Day 365 days a year. What do you say men?

Will you stand strong and join with me?

WARNING! If you are a male who has been married less than 30 years, or are currently dating anyone for any length of time following this author’s advice could result in serious consequences, including, but not limited to, emotional and physical distress and possibility the loss of the relationship. You are encouraged to immediately put this article down and make reservations at the nicest restaurant you can, order flowers and stop by a store and buy chocolate, jewelry, or some other gift of value.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kay Grafe 1938-2024

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of former Today in Mississippi columnist Kay Grafe.

Grafe, 85, passed away Jan. 13.

A Lucedale native and Singing River Electric member, Grafe wrote the “Grin ‘n’ Bare It” column for Today in Mississippi for 25 years.

Her last column ran in the April 2020 issue of the magazine. Her first Today in Mississippi column was published in the January 1995 issue.

In her last column, Grafe wrote that her goal with the column was always “to entertain and encourage people to lighten up.”

“A few of my stories were sentimental, but the main thing was that they were true life happenings,” she wrote.

Grafe also wrote that her columns always stressed having a good attitude.

by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

“We are all occasionally faced with unwanted changes, unexpected challenges, and unpleasant surprises, but I believe that things work out for the best for those who make the best out of the way things work out,” she wrote.

Grafe is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Roy Grafe Jr., her oldest daughter, Dawn Sevier, her youngest daughter, Babette Flanagan, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

The staff of Today in Mississippi and the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi wish the Grafe family comfort and peace.

2024 | FEBRUARY 3

In This Issue

6 Southern Gardening Blooming snapdragons

8 Outdoors Today Smallmouth bass a plenty

10 Scene Around the ‘Sip Thin mints or Tagalongs

10

15 Local News 20 Feature

100 Men Hall is a living testament to a coastal black community’s spirit

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 77 No. 2

OFFICERS Ron Barnes - President Tim Perkins - First Vice President Brian Hughey - Second Vice President Brian Long - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Lydia Walters - VP, Communications Steven Ward - Editor Chad Calcote - Creative Director Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer Alan Burnitt - Graphic Designer Courtney Warren - Graphic Designer Chris Alexander - Member Services Coordinator Steve Temple - Social Media Director Kendle Dean - Administrative Assistant EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600

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Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year.

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27 For the Love of the Game The story of a basketball legend

28 On the Menu

February is Potato Lover’s Month

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. The magazine is published for members of subscribing co-ops. The magazine is a benefit of membership.

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31 Mississippi Seen A rebirth in Church Hill

28

On the cover (From left) Maurice Singleton, Rachel Dangermond, and Golden “Goldie” Fairconnetue stand in front of the 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis. Photo by Chad Calcote.

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

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FEBRUARY | 2024

News and Notes

A recipe to fix America’s

BROKEN ENERGY POLICY

by Jim Matheson American families and businesses rightfully expect their lights to stay on at a price they can afford.

Unfortunately, our country is now confronted with a harsh reality — we are quickly approaching a point where there won’t be enough electricity to go around.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is the nation’s grid watchdog. For years, the organization has issued a string of increasingly dire reports warning that threats to grid reliability are mounting and more frequent rolling blackouts could soon become the norm.

Nine states experienced rolling blackouts at the end of 2022 as demand for electricity outstripped supply during a period of extreme cold. In its 2023-2024 Winter Reliability Assessment, NERC warned that half of the nation faces the same risk during extreme weather this winter.

Is this what America is supposed to be? The answer is obviously no.

Energy policy has an outsized impact on how we got here. The current state of our nation’s energy policy related to electricity can be summed up simply: Do more with less.

That’s just not possible. From data centers to EVs, from home heating and cooling to the way we run America’s farms, our nation is increasingly reliant on electricity to power the economy. That trend is set to grow dramatically in coming years.

And opposite that increasing demand for electricity is an alarming reduction in supply as our country shutters existing always available power plants to comply with various federal and state regulations.

PJM, a grid operator throughout the mid-Atlantic, recently projected that 25 GW of power generation, enough to power nearly 19 million homes, will soon be taken offline in the region because of shortsighted state and federal policies.

The final challenge to meeting our nation’s energy needs is the arcane set of rules and regulations required to build anything in this country. The process for siting, permitting and building infrastructure — everything from solar farms, to pipelines to transmission lines — is mired in red tape and years of litigation.

These trends are not going to get any better in the coming years.

The EPA recently proposed a rule to overhaul the way alwaysavailable power plants operate – requiring them to either deploy carbon capture technology or run on clean hydrogen in seven years.

The proposal is unlawful because it violates the Clean Air Act by requiring cost-prohibitive technology to be deployed that has not been adequately demonstrated and is not achievable. Furthermore, the proposal will lead directly to more blackouts, higher costs, and uncertainty for America.

We must have a serious policy conversation in this country about where we’re going and what it will take to realistically get there.

Policymakers cannot overlook the laws of physics or the reality of the current situation. Adding more renewable resources to the nation’s energy portfolio can be part of the solution. But since the wind doesn’t always blow and the sun doesn’t always shine, our country also needs

a robust supply of always available energy resources to call on at a moment’s notice.

Any long-term solution requires policymakers to recognize the need for time, technology development, and new transmission infrastructure. These are essential ingredients for an energy future that prioritizes reliable electricity for all consumers.

The grid can be strengthened, but it will take greater coordination amongst stakeholders, visibility on how demand for electricity is growing, and federal and local policies that promote the development of new power generation and transmission.

Keeping the lights on is vital to America’s economy and national security. The stakes are too high to get this wrong. – NRECA Jim Matheson is CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association that represents the nation’s more than 900 not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives.

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2024 | FEBRAURY 5

Southern Gardening

These Snaptastic Orange Flame snapdragons thrive when they receive full sun to partial shade and grow in well-draining soil kept evenly moist during dry spells.

sunny and cheerful disposition. These vibrant flowers burst with Snapdragons are some of the most beautiful plants that grow color, contributing to a lively atmosphere in a garden setting. in cold weather. They may not seem like holiday plants, but their Snaptastic Pink snapdragons are gorgeous plants that boast festive colors make them a great selection. delicate pink flowers with yellow These annuals love the cold fall, centers. Flowers range in shades of winter, and spring weather we have pink from delicate blush to deep rose in the South. Their colorful flower tones, creating an elegant and romantic spikes brighten up any landscape, making them important additions to Snapdragons are some of the most beautiful display in the garden with their touch of dreary winter scenes. plants that grow in cold weather. They may gentleness and sophistication.

My favorite, Orange Flame, is known The defining characteristic of not seem like holiday plants, but their festive for its vibrant fiery display. The flowers snapdragons is their unique flower colors make them a great selection. of this snapdragon blend shades of petal formation that resembles tiny orange, reminiscent of flickering flames. dragon mouths poised to snap shut.

The vivid and warm tones are eye-catching, adding a touch of energy They are whimsical in the landscape. and brightness to the landscape.

Snaptastic Red snapdragons are captivating and provide a Snapdragons grow 12–18 inches tall and thrive in areas that bold display in the landscape. Their blossoms are a rich and receive full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. While these intense red with yellow centers, creating a striking visual impact snapdragons are hardy, they do appreciate consistent watering. Keep that exudes splendor. the soil evenly moist during dry spells.

Snaptastic Yellow snapdragons are a delightful variety with a 6

FEBRUARY | 2024

Snapdragons are hardy plants that perform well in landscapes. They can even be grown indoors in containers and receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day.

Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming, allowing your garden to remain a canvas of color throughout the growing season.

You can bring the magic indoors by growing snapdragons in vases or pots. Their striking appearance are conversation starters as they transform rooms into havens of natural beauty. Make sure indoor pots receive 4 to 6 hours of sunlight each day.

Whether in flower beds, containers, or floral arrangements, Snaptastic snapdragons add a touch of magic wherever they are found. Snaptastic snapdragons are the perfect choice for adding a pop of color to your landscape or creating a unique focal point.

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

Snapdragons such as these Snaptastic Pink annuals love the South’s cold fall and spring weather as well as winter months, making them important additions to dreary scenes.

2024 | FEBRUARY 7

Outdoors Today

Pickwick Lake produced many smallies in the 5-to 8-pound range Most people consider smallmouth bass a “northern” fish since and some approaching double digits. Pickwick also produced it likes cold water, but Mississippi offers some of the best trophy monster largemouth with at least one hitting 14.50 pounds and smallmouth fishing anywhere. many huge spotted bass.

One of the best trophy small“Pickwick is a dynamite lake for mouth lakes in the nation, Pickwick big smallmouth,” Roger Stegall, a Lake, spreads across 47,500 acres on professional bass angler and guide the Tennessee River from Wilson Pickwick Lake is one of the premier from Iuka, said. “I’ve heard of some Dam in Florence, Alabama, 53 miles smallmouth waters in the nation.

10-pound smallmouth. I caught down to Pickwick Dam at Counce, one about eight pounds. People can Tennessee. Along the way, it clips the In Mississippi, smallmouth bass only northeast corner of the Mississippi occur in Pickwick and Bay Springs lakes. catch big smallmouth anywhere in Pickwick Lake.”

River near Iuka.

Thomas Wilbanks set the “Pickwick Lake is one of the preMississippi state smallmouth record with a 7-pound, 15-ounce fish mier smallmouth waters in the nation,” Dustin Rodgers, a fisheries he caught in January 1987 while fishing in Yellow Creek. This stream biologist for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and connects Pickwick Lake to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and Parks in Tupelo, said. “In Mississippi, smallmouth bass only occur in flows into Pickwick near where the Tennessee, Alabama, and MissisPickwick and Bay Springs lakes. Those waterbodies have cooler water sippi state lines converge. temperatures, so they can sustain smallmouth bass.”

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FEBRUARY | 2024

Magnolia State anglers can also fish Bay Springs Lake, the only waterbody entirely within Mississippi that holds smallmouth bass.

The northernmost impoundment on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, covers about 6,700 acres in Tishomingo and Prentiss counties. Bay Springs connects to Pickwick Lake through Yellow Creek via the 29-mile-long Divide Cut. “Bay Springs is a highland reservoir,” Rodgers said. “It’s really clear and much deeper than most other lakes in Mississippi. Bay Springs Lake is a great winter bass fishery, but anglers typically catch more largemouth and spotted bass than smallmouth. In the winter, follow the baitfish.”

Since smallmouth like colder waters, winter offers one of the best times to catch massive smallies in Mississippi. That’s also when big females swollen with roe reach their maximum size before spawning.

Unlike their largemouth bass cousins, smallmouth prefer more current while largemouth like placid waters. Like largemouth, smallies build nests on gravel bottoms, but typically a little deeper and earlier.

Pickwick smallmouth usually begin spawning mid-March. Spawning continues through May. Smallmouth and largemouth hit many of the same lures. Fishing with live shad also makes a great temptation for both species and could deliver exciting action on a cold day. Hook a live shad to the line. Attach a small weight above the bait to hold the fish near the bottom in the current. Drift along with the current. Ideally, the bait should hover just off the bottom and move downstream at the same speed as the water flow.

For booking trips with Roger Stegall, call 662-423-3869 or visit www.Fishpickwick.com.

by John N. Felsher John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer, and editor who lives in Alabama. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,300 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoors topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com.

2024 | FEBRUARY 9

Scene Around the ‘Sip

by Steven Ward Thin Mints or Samoas?

Yes, it’s that time of year again.

If you have Girl Scout parents that live on your street or work in your office, it’s time to put in your order if you haven’t already.

The 2024 Girl Scout Cookie Season is in full swing.

Sarah Edwards, chief operating officer of Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi, said the Jackson headquarters is buzzing.

“It is so exciting! We have more leaders and families in the shops getting uniforms for the girls; the phones are ringing; staff are getting supplies ready to go to the girls. There is a lot of energy buzzing with the troops,” Edwards said.

Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi oversees central and south Mississippi while north Mississippi is covered by Girl Scouts Heart of the South, headquartered in Memphis.

Cookie season — the organization’s largest fundraiser — is a massive undertaking.

“Last year the girls sold 1,030,000 boxes of cookies, and we had 417 troops participating with about 4,000 girls participating,” Edwards said.

The money raised with cookie sales always stays local.

“We use part of the proceeds to maintain staff that recruit girls and adults each year, provide program opportunities for the girls, like weekend programs and then summer camp, provide training and enrichment opportunities for adult volunteers, and maintain the two camps owned by the council and the four service centers,” Edwards said. The money is also used for council projects, troop projects, and to pay for the cookies.

Cookie season is not all about money. The main purpose of cookie sales is so girls can flex their entrepreneurial muscles and acquire important life skills.

It is so exciting! We have more leaders and families in the shops getting uniforms for the girls, the phones are ringing, staff are getting supplies ready to go to the girls.

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FEBRUARY | 2024

“The girls learn to set goals, to handle money, develop people skills, decision making, and business ethics. Examples would be delivering cookies as soon as they come in, being on time at a booth sale, and thanking their customers. They also grow in self-confidence,” Edwards said.

According to Girl Scouts of the USA, nearly 700,000 Girl Scouts participate in cookie season each year.

“When people buy Girl Scout Cookies, they’re buying so much more than cookies. Every package of Girl Scout Cookies sold puts girls one step closer to making real change in their own futures, communities, and the world,” said GSUSA Chief Revenue Officer Wendy Lou. “Girls break expectations through the power of the cookie program and open a host of possibilities beyond the box.”

Although there are no new cookie flavors this year, there are nine flavors to choose from, including a gluten free option. There are the five flavors that have been around for years — Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Tagalongs, and Do-Si-Dos. There are also the gluten free Toffee-Tastic, S’more sandwich cookies, Lemon-ups, and Adventurefuls, which is a brownie cookie with dollop of caramel drizzled with chocolate. The Mississippi cookies are baked

by Little Brownie Bakers in Kentucky.

Girl Scout cookies can be ordered online, but face-to-face encounters with parents and girls remain popular.

“Online sales are popular, but girls and parents still do a lot of face-to-face selling. That is the way most of the public wants to buy their cookies — from the girls. Usually, the only reason a person doesn’t buy a box of Girl Scout cookies is because they weren’t asked,” Edwards said.

For more information about Girl Scout Cookies or opportunities to join a troop or volunteer, central and south Mississippi residents can visit gsgms.org or call 601-326-4475 while northern Mississippi residents can visit girlscoutshs.org or call 1-800-624-4185.

You can also order cookies by visiting www.girlscoutcookies.org to find a booth near you.

2024 | FEBRUARY 11

by Robert Nathan Gregory Mississippi agriculture’s value of production fell 10.3% in 2023, but still posted its second highest result on record at $8.8 billion.

Though the value of poultry production fell more than 22% from nearly $4 billion in 2022, the agricultural commodity still dwarfs all others in the state with an estimated value of $3.1 billion this year.

The state’s forestry industry took its usual place as the state’s third most valuable agricultural product at $1.5 billion, an increase of nearly 10% from $1.4 billion in 2022.

Soybeans was the most produced of many Mississippi-grown row crops, holding steady in second place. At $1.6 billion, its production value decreased 9.4% from last year’s $1.72 billion.

Outside of row crops, catfish production was worth $251.2 million this year, which is down nearly 10% from $278 million in 2022.

Livestock netted a total value of $509 million, which is an increase of nearly 16 percent.

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FEBRUARY | 2024

During the 2020s, corn and cotton have competed annually for the state’s second most valuable row crop. Corn won a close battle in 2022 but grew its lead significantly this year. Its production was worth $675.4 million compared to $643.3 million last year.

Cotton saw a significant reduction both in planted acreage and estimated value. In 2023, the value was $397.3 million, a 35% dip from $615 million in 2022.

“The reduction in soybean values is mainly driven by lower prices, and cotton is a combination of lower prices and reduced acreage,” said Will Maples, a row crop economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. “Corn saw a 5% increase due to higher acreage, which helped offset lower corn prices.”

Mississippi soybean growers harvested 2.15 million acres of soybeans this year despite almost the entire state being in various levels of drought. More than 122 million bushels were produced at an estimated 57 bushels per acre.

MSU Extension Soybean Specialist Trent Irby summed up the year as one of what might have been. Despite favorable setups for both early and later plantings, drought conditions settled in during key growth stages of the crop over the summer, causing some acres to be abandoned.

“Even in a dry year, we are currently estimated to average 57 bushels an acre. That would be a new high, so if we pass our previous record during a drought, we could’ve shattered it otherwise and possibly hit a state average above 60.” Irby said.

Corn was largely unaffected by the dry conditions, as producers harvested about 770,000 acres in Mississippi and yielded around 182 bushels per acre and more than 140 million total bushels. MSU Extension grain crops specialist Erick Larson said most of the crop had nearly matured before the extended dry spell.

“The most detrimental issue for our corn this year was not the drought, but the mid-June hailstorms that damaged plants across the Mississippi Delta and Noxubee County after corn plants were fully developed,” Larson said. “The leaf defoliation and impact damage on young ears produced significant yield loss. Fortunately, most of the damage was rather isolated, but that will mean little to growers who lost most of their crop in a storm.”

The overall statewide corn crop was up 5% despite the weather event, but cotton production values fell more than 35%, partially because growers did not plant it as much. About 520,000 acres of cotton were harvested in Mississippi last year, compared to 395,000 in 2023.

“Most of the cotton looked great pre-drought, but there were exceptions in south Mississippi where the drought was severe by mid-July,” said Brian Pieralisi, MSU Extension cotton specialist.

“Conversely, the Black Prairie region was unusually wet for two weeks during mid- to peak bloom. Both events caused yield reductions.”

Pieralisi said dryland cotton in south Mississippi was almost zero yield in some cases and caused yields to be 100-200 pounds lighter per acre. The north Delta and northern central regions had strong yields in many cases, but that was the exception to the rule.

Of the state’s other row crops, peanuts had the highest percentage increase in production value at 18%, but only 18,000 acres were harvested. The value of rice production also spiked 29% over 2022. Its 2023 estimated total value is $134.6 million with 118,000 acres harvested.

2024 | FEBRUARY 13

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It’s no secret that when outdoor temperatures drop, our electricity use increases. That’s because we’re doing more activities inside, and our heating systems are running longer and more often to counteract colder outdoor temperatures. When you factor in that we all tend to use electricity at the same times—in the morning and early evenings—the consequence can be a strain on our electric grid.

At Dixie Electric, we work closely with Cooperative Energy, our local generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative, in resource and infrastructure planning to ensure you have the power you need whenever you flip a switch. However, the electric grid is much larger than your local co-op and G&T. Even though Cooperative Energy has enough generation and reserve capacity to meet the requirements of Dixie Electric and the other 10 member systems, because we are in a larger regional market, there may be times that demand exceeds supply across the regional market as a whole.

For example, in winter months, when even more electricity is being used simultaneously across the country, it is more likely for electricity demand to exceed supply. This could be caused by an unexpected event like a snow or ice storm, or due to equipment malfunction. If this happens, which is rare, the grid operator for our region of the country may call for rolling power outages to relieve pressure on the grid.

Dixie Electric and Cooperative Energy take proactive steps to create a resilient portion of the grid and ensure electric reliability in extreme weather, including regular system maintenance, grid modernization efforts and disaster response planning; but it takes everyone to keep the grid reliable.

As we face the challenges posed by winter weather, understanding its impact on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply.

By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme cold, not only can you save money on your electric bills, but you can also each contribute to the resilience of the power grid, keeping our local community warm and connected.

To help keep the heat on for you, your family and neighbors, here are a few things you can do to relieve pressure on the grid (and save a little money along the way): • Select the lowest comfortable thermostat setting and turn it down several degrees whenever possible. Your heating system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temp and the outdoor temp.

PRO TIP: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your heating system to work harder than necessary.

• Stagger your use of major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, and dryers.

PRO TIP: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed and use smaller countertop appliances like slow cookers and air fryers to save energy.

• Ensure that your heating system is optimized for efficiency with regular maintenance and proper insulation.

PRO TIP: Make sure your furnace filter isn’t clogged and dirty. Replace it as needed.

• When possible, use cold water to reduce water heating costs.

by Randy Smith

PRO TIP: Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can help you save energy and reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.

General Manager

2024 | FEBRUARY

15

efficiency tips for

manufactured homes I live in a manufactured home. How can I keep the inside temperature more comfortable and save on energy bills?

by Miranda Boutelle More than 22 million Americans live in manufactured homes, according to the National Association of State Energy Officials.

Manufactured homes represent 15% of housing in rural areas, and only 3% in urban areas.

Knowing how manufactured homes are built helps us understand where we can seal in savings around the house. These homes are constructed in factories and then transported and set up on-site.

Construction in a factory reduces costs, making manufactured homes an affordable option. That lower price point can come, in part, from the use of less expensive equipment and fewer materials, such as lowerefficiency heating equipment or less insulation.

If you are considering buying a manufactured home, ENERGY STAR®-certified manufactured homes are 30% more energy efficient than standard models, with a variety of options that increase the home’s energy efficiency.

If you already live in a manufactured home, you likely know that manufactured homes are constructed in sections. One section is a single wide home, two are combined to make a double wide home, and three make a triple wide home.

In my experience, the biggest issues were in the duct systems, which deliver heating and cooling throughout the homes. The ductwork is typically located in the cavity between the floor and the transport barrier, which protects the underside of the manufactured home while it is transported from the factory to the site. Typically, one long duct runs the length of each section of the home, with the registers or vents cut into it.

The first step is making sure all registers are accessible, open, and not covered by furniture, rugs, dog beds, or anything else. Next, check your ductwork by removing the registers and looking inside. Anything inside the duct will restrict airflow, so check that it is free and clear. Use a mirror and flashlight to look into the duct or take a picture by sticking a camera or phone inside and snapping some shots with flash in each direction. I’ve pulled all kinds of things out of ducts over the years, from garbage to toys to shoes.

If you have a double wide or triple wide, you will likely have a crossover duct, which joins the ducts in each section. The crossover 16 FEBRUARY | 2024

There are several tasks you can complete to improve comfort and use less energy in your manufactured home. I started my career in energy efficiency as a weatherization technician in Wisconsin. In this role, I helped people in manufactured homes by air sealing, duct sealing, adding insulation and installing new windows, showerheads, faucet aerators, and lightbulbs.

duct is typically a large flexible duct with an inner liner, insulation, and an outer cover to protect the insulation. Damaged or disconnected crossover ducts allow the air you pay to heat escape under the home.

Often, damage is done by animals chewing or scratching to get inside the warm area. An inspection of the crossover duct requires crawling under the home. That’s a dirty job and often a tight spot, so you might choose to hire a professional.

Another place to check is the joint joining the sections of a double wide or triple wide together. This is often covered by trim when the home is placed. You can caulk around the trim or remove it and caulk underneath to reduce air leakage.

Weatherstripping doors and windows to make sure they seal tightly will also reduce drafts and save energy. Some homes can benefit from additional insulation in the attic or under the floor. Those projects typically require specialized equipment or help from a professional.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon.

Damaged or disconnected ducts can allow heated air to escape under the home.

Cruising

INTO RETIREMENT

by Amanda Mills After 46 years of service to Dixie Electric, Operations Manager Pat McCarthy is cruising into retirement. Why cruising, you may ask? Pat and his wife, Blinda, love to travel, using their motorcycle and Jeep and taking international cruises.

Pat began his career at Dixie Electric as a staking helper trainee in September 1977. Pat held several positions in staking before being promoted to staking engineer in 1983. In March of 1996, Pat was promoted to materials and facilities supervisor, where he supervised the warehouse and mechanic shop for 10 years. In June of 2006, Pat moved to the right-of-way supervisor and safety coordinator, where he managed right-of-way clearing and safety for all Dixie Electric employees.

Finally, in May 2012, Pat was promoted to operations manager, a role he held until his retirement in January 2024. In this position, Pat planned, organized, directed, and controlled Dixie Electric’s operations department for the construction and maintenance of all operations activities.

During Pat’s career, he has worked on many power restoration efforts, with the most memorable being Hurricane Katrina. When asked what the most significant change Pat has seen in his 46-year career, he stated, “bringing fiber internet to our members.”

“Pat's contributions to Dixie Electric over the last 46 years are almost immeasurable,” said General Manager Randy Smith. “His work ethic, leadership, and integrity are unmatched and have set an example for all of us. Pat has set the bar really high for those who will be following behind him.

He has always done an excellent job, no matter what position he has held. As operations manager, he has been the best I've worked with by far. He has been a great example of work ethic and leadership.”

When asked what advice he would like to leave for his fellow employees, Pat stated, “Work hard, be early, do more than is required of your job, volunteer and get involved, and keep God first in your life, family second, and your career third.”

As we bid farewell to Pat, we reflect not only on the remarkable career that spanned 46 years but also on the impact he has had on our team and company.

“Pat has been a big part of Dixie Electric's success for the past 46 years,” said newly appointed Operations Manager Tommy Ulmer. “After working at Dixie Electric for 32 years, I have had the pleasure of working directly with Pat for the past six years. Pat has been a great mentor and friend to me. One thing I have always admired about Pat is his unwavering integrity and fairness, and he will be sorely missed by all.”

So, what will Pat do now? “Blinda and I have a lot of traveling to do,” said Pat. As Pat sets sail on this new chapter of life, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions to Dixie Electric. Cheers, Pat, to a well-deserved retirement, and may the next journey be as rewarding as the one you leave behind.

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Save the Date!

Dixie Electric’s Charity Golf Tournament Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Laurel Country Club Dixie Electric’s Charity Golf Tournament will benefit The Glory House, Junior Auxiliary of Laurel, Junior Auxiliary of Wayne County, and Macedonia Baptist Church in Petal. Each of these organizations offer programs for children who experience food insecurity at school and home.

For more information, contact Melanie Driskell at 601-425-2535 or melaniedriskell@dixieepa.com.

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 Glade: Glade, Myrick, Tuckers Crossing Old Augusta: New Augusta, Leaf River Sawmill

18 FEBRUARY | 2024

Pole inspections are underway Osmose Utilities Services, EXO, and Utility Asset Management will be performing inspection and maintenance on some of Dixie Electric Power Association’s poles this year, beginning in February, and continuing for approximately four months. The general areas to be inspected will be Shady Grove, Hoy, Calhoun, Sharon, Sandersville, Cleo, Powers, Myrick, Glade, and Pendorff.

This work will generally consist of excavating a hole about 18” deep around the poles to inspect them and applying a preservative and/or remedial treatment to the poles as needed. The purpose of the inspection and treatment is to identify poles that do not meet industry strength standards and to extend the useful life of all others.

All contract workers will be identifiable by their yellow and orange work vests and hard hats. Contract vehicles should be marked with their respective company decals as well as Dixie Electric Power Association “Contractor” decals.

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www.todayinmississippi.com 2024 | FEBRUARY 19

(From left) 100 Men Hall owner Rachel Dangermond, writer Maurice Singleton, and longtime Bay St. Louis resident Golden “Goldie” Fairconnetue stand in front of a James Booker mural inside the 100 Men Hall.

by Steven Ward With a history that dates to 1894, the hall has transformed from an The 100 Men D.B.A. Hall was once the electric center of social archaic building that once sustained a community’s celebrations and life and entertainment for the Black community of Bay St. Louis. milestones to a living and breathing landmark that preserves culture, Mardi Gras balls, dances, and live music were once the lifeblood interprets history, and gathers the current community. of this venue on Union Street.

At least that’s the aim of current owner “Everybody has a story about that place,” Rachel Dangermond, who bought the said 70-year-old Golden “Goldie” Fairconbuilding in 2018 and operates it today as a netue, a longtime Bay St. Louis resident nonprofit music venue, multipurpose hall, who practically grew up at the hall with her It was a big part of my life. I always and community space. The venue is known mother and grandmother. looked forward to going there. today as 100 Men Hall.

Fairconnetue remembers singing, dancing, “At its foundation the hall is tasked with and performing skits for the parents of And when we were little kids, we telling its story to a wider audience — a the community at Mardi Gras balls held always wanted to be part of the more nuanced story than you will hear at the hall.

Mardi Gras balls at the hall. about Mississippi outside of this state — Bay St. Louis writer Maurice Singleton, it commissions mostly Black artists in 70, also grew up in the coastal city and has performing, spoken word, written and visual arts to help tell the story strong ties to the hall. of the hall to this community and beyond,” Dangermond said.

“It was a big part of my life. I always looked forward to going there. And when we were little kids, we always wanted to be part of the Mardi Gras balls at the hall,” Singleton said.

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FEBRUARY | 2024

Photos by Chad Calcote

The hall was founded in 1894 by 12 civic-minded Black Bay Saint Louis residents whose goal was to “assist its members when sick, bury its dead in a respectable manner, and knit friendship.” According to the hall’s Mississippi Blues Trail marker, the group behind it dubbed their organization, The One Hundred Members’ Debating Benevolent Association. By the 1950s, the function of many benevolent organizations was supplanted by insurance companies, but some survived as social aid and pleasure clubs connected to Mardi Gras parades and balls.

Over the years, the 100 Men Hall grew to become a robust performance venue included on “the Chitlin’ Circuit,” an historic nationwide network of performance spaces that provided commercial and cultural acceptance for Black musicians, comedians, and other entertainers during the era of racial segregation, Dangermond said. Just a smattering of the musicians who stopped in Bay St. Louis to play at the hall include Irma Thomas, Fats Domino, Howlin Wolf, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Chuck Berry, and Ray Charles.

As the 50s and 60s turned into the 70s and 80s, the 100 Men Hall became less of a community gathering spot for live events. During that time, there were different owners of the building, including the Disabled American Veterans. After Hurricane Katrina, the hall was going to be razed until a couple — Jesse and Kerrie Loya — stepped in and bought it to transform it into nonprofit community center.

Just before 2018, Dangermond was a writer and investigative reporter for a Wall Street research firm.

“Things were changing and I had a young son, so I was looking for a place to live where I could also host my writer’s workshops and continue my race and equity work that I had been doing with the mayor’s office in New Orleans and the Winter Institute in Oxford,” Dangermond said.

When she first visited the hall, Dangermond she had no idea about its history or background.

“Only after moving in did I realize what this place was — and every day that story is added to — and I no longer consider myself an owner, but more the custodian of this rich history,” she said.

Many great national and local artists have entertained at the 100 Men Hall over the years. The blues marker outside proudly marks the hall and speaks of its long history.

2024 | FEBRUARY 21

The Tin Shed is a residential area behind 100 Men Hall set up for artist residencies.

100 Men Hall has been a cultural treasure for the black community in Bay St. Louis for decades..

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FEBRUARY | 2024

One of the ways the 100 Men Hall uplifts the Black community is through its membership organization, 100 WOMEN DBA. Women with a history with the hall are offered a legacy membership, and the members provide a network of support for women of color in business and awards five scholarships to young women of color who graduate from Hancock County high schools, Dangermond said.

The hall is also a cultural center where community events are held that help celebrate and elevate cultural differences, and it provides art workshops for kids.

During a summer art program that was funded by a Coast Electric Operation Round Up grant, participants made puppets, wrote a script, and filmed a production that gave the history of the area and 100 Men Hall.

Coast Electric awards the grants to charitable organizations serving Hancock, Harrison, and Pearl River counties. The grants are made possible through the cooperative’s Operation Round Up program, funded by Coast Electric members who round up their electric bills each month, said Janell Nolan, Coast Electric’s director of community development.

Donations are put into a community trust with 65% going toward grants for local charitable organizations, 25% going toward energy assistance for those in need and another 10% going to an endowment for future projects.

The trust is administered by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

The 100 Men Hall also offers artist residencies for adults. Behind the hall is a small, separate living area known as The Tin Shed.

The 100 Men Hall also hosts a writer’s workshop once a month that is free to the community and lead by author Ellen Morris Prewitt. The Lava Lounge is hosted every Thursday and serves as a happy hour with a DJ for Bay Saint Louis community members and visitors.

The hall also hosts various live music events including a blues brunch, a spring reggae festival, a Day of the Dead Latin festival on Nov. 2, a Soulful Christmas event on the second Saturday in December, and BookerFest on Labor Day weekend. BookerFest is dedicated to legendary New Orleans piano player James Booker, who was raised in Bay St. Louis by his aunt.

Coast Electric has been an ongoing sponsor of events at 100 Men Hall including art camps for children.

Dangermond said the 100 Men Hall is a living museum that tells the story of the Black community of Hancock County.

Both Fairconnetue and Singleton said they have been blown away by what Dangermond has been able to accomplish.

“It’s great what she has done here. She is teaching people about the past and reviving the place with new life and a broader mission now,” Singleton said.

“She has done a marvelous job bringing this place back to life.

This is our story to tell, and nobody can tell our story better than us,” Fairconnetue said.

For more information about The 100 Men Hall, visit https://100menhall.com.

2024 | FEBRUARY 23

BELLA LANE: Bella Lane (left) and Dillon Burnham stand in front of The White House in Washington, D.C., during the June 2023 Youth Tour.

by Steven Ward school counselor told her that she would be perfect to attend Even though Bella Lane is only 17, she has learned that leadership Dixie Electric’s Cooperative University. The co-op program teaches is not about the future. students about how electric cooperatives work.

“We are not the future. We are now,” Lane said.

“I knew what an electric company was and that they provided Lane, a senior at Wayne Academy and a resident of Wayne power, but I never thought more deeply about it than that,” County, said that was one of the biggest lessons she took away Lane said. from her experience with the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s During the two-day university, Lane said she learned about the Cooperative Youth Leaders program. seven cooperative principles, co-op core values, a co-op’s role in “I would tell students that haven’t participated in the program the community as well as what that you miss every shot you don’t linemen do. take. We have a voice now. Change Following the co-op university just takes one thing — action,” Lane and being selected to represent said recently during an interview I would tell students that haven’t participated Dixie Electric, she was encouraged with Today in Mississippi. to apply for the state’s YLC slot.

Lane, a member of Dixie Electric, in the program that you miss every shot During her interview at Dixie is representing the state of Missisyou don’t take. We have a voice now.

Electric’s Cooperative University, sippi as the 2023 Youth Leadership Change just takes one thing — action.

Lane said the toughest question Council (YLC) representative. She she got was from ECM Member is competing for the national honor Services Coordinator Chris Alexander. against other electric cooperative youth leaders from around “She asked me how I would describe Mississippi to someone who the country. had never been here before. I had to think about that for a second.”

Lane started out as one of 83 high school juniors from around Because of Lane’s school background with speech and debate, the Mississippi who were chosen to participate in ECM’s Cooperative roboticis team, Bible study on campus, the Key Club, the Fellowship Leaders Workshop in Jackson last March. She was one of 10 students of Christian Athletes, and student council, Lane was told she would from that group to interview for a chance to represent the state be a great fit for the state YLC. Lane filmed an introductory video nationally. The Cooperative Youth Leaders program instills leaderthat would be viewed by judges during the Cooperative Youth ship skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, Leaders workshop in Jackson and then would become of one 10 and introduces students to elected officials from their communities. students to be interviewed the last night of the workshop.

The process began when Lane was sitting in math class and her 24

FEBRUARY | 2024

During the workshop, Lane met other students from around the state, participated in leadership activities, met state legislators, heard from guest speakers, toured the state capitol during a legislative session, and attended an etiquette session at lunch.

“That was probably one of my favorite things at the workshop.

I learned so much, and I really needed to use those skills because I would end up having meals with all these really important people,” Lane said.

During a magic show on the last night of the workshop, Alexander tapped Lane on the shoulder and told her to come back to another room for an interview.

Lane said she worried about the other students from around the state she met at the workshop.

“There’s always someone in the room better than you at something. If not, you are probably in the wrong room. I guess I did better than I thought,” Lane said.

The next day, Lane was chosen from the 10 students interviewed the night before as Mississippi’s YLC representative. She also made history as the first student in the 36 years of the program to be chosen

as the YLC representative and the winner of the Cooperative Spirit Award, which is voted on by the students at the workshop.

“I was shocked when they called my name,” Lane said.

Lane later went with the other workshop students on an allexpenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June of last year.

Lane gave a speech at the ECM Annual Meeting in Biloxi this past September and filmed another speech in November for judges to view when they choose the national YLC representative.

Today, Lane is a student ambassador to Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson.

Lane said she wants to study international business and integrated marketing communications in college and then go to law school.

She wants to become an international corporate lawyer and then come back to Mississippi to open a family law practice to advocate for children.

One of the other important takeaways from the leadership program for Lane is to recognize the gift everyone possesses.

“People are unique. I learned that no one can be a better me than me,” Lane said.

2024 | FEBRUARY 25

It’s wintertime, so send us photos of your kids or grandkids wrapped up and warm. 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: March 1. Select photos will appear in the April 2024 issue.

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FEBRUARY | 2024

For the Love of the Game

Van Chancellor’s roots are cemented deep in the rural community of Nanih Waiya in Winston County. His dad was a cotton farmer, so Chancellor learned hard work at an early age. His love for basketball started when he was eight with his first basketball goal. Chancellor’s basketball highlights include winning high school state championships and two SEC championships, coaching in the Final Four, winning a gold medal for his country, and traveling twice to the White House.

His journey culminated in his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.

His journey began as a player at Louisville High School before enrolling at East Central Junior College in Decatur. Van quickly found out that his playing days were numbered. He realized his true calling as he was inspired to go into coaching by East Central Warrior Coach Denver Brackeen.

While attending Mississippi State he was assigned to practice teach math at Noxapater High School. “The first semester I was practice teaching, and the second semester I was hired to coach the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams,” Chancellor said. His coaching journey would take him to Horn Lake and Harrison Central as his coaching reputation quickly grew. He won state championships at Harrison Central, and then, out of the blue in 1978, Ole Miss Athletic Director Warner Alford called about an opening for their coach. “When Ole Miss first called, I was not that interested. But my wife Betty encouraged me that we needed to at least visit Oxford.” Chancellor was not convinced this was a good move. “I was teaching math classes at Harrison Central, and when Warner told me that I would not have to teach classes, that changed my mind.” He also went from making $12,000 a year to $18,500 with a courtesy car.

Chancellor’s first Ole Miss team (31-9) won the 1979 AIAW state tournament, and by his fourth year in Oxford, he began a streak of 11 straight NCAA tournaments, including four Elite Eights and three Sweet 16 appearances. His best team at Ole Miss (29-3) might have been the 1992 team that finished 11-0 in the SEC and won the school’s only SEC title along with an Elite Eight appearance. “That team

played extremely hard and had no egos,” Chancellor said. He was also honored to have his daughter Renee on that team. During his Ole Miss career he took the Lady Rebels to 13 NCAA tournament appearances.

Chancellor resigned from Ole Miss in the spring of 1997 to take a job with the Houston Comets of the WNBA. “I needed a new adventure, and it also rekindled my coaching career,” the four-time SEC Coach of the Year said. Chancellor coached the Comets for 10 years, won the first four league titles, and qualified for the playoffs the first seven years of the WNBA playoffs.

Chancellor’s next stop was LSU. With nine returning seniors, LSU won the SEC title with a 14-0 record, making it to the Final Four semifinals before losing a 47-46 heartbreaker to Tennessee. “I still replay that game in my head. We came within a play of playing for the national championship.” Chancellor would retire from coaching four years later.

“I can say the good Lord has been good to me over the years. I was blessed with great players at every stop. All my teams are my favorite, but the highlight would be being the winning coach of the 2004 Olympic team,” Chancellor said.

Today, he and his wife, Betty, live in the Houston area, and he does a little TV work. Both their daughter, Renee, and son, John, as well as their four grandchildren, are involved in basketball.

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.

2024 | FEBRUARY 27

On the Menu

with Rebecca Turner

Baked, roasted, mashed, or fried: there are plenty of ways to eat potatoes. Potatoes are perfect for hearty meals, healthy sides, and everything in between. Sadly, in the pursuit of low-calorie, calorie-free, or carb-free meals, the potato is often lumped into the unhealthy or undesirable category, robbing you of some nutritious and delicious dishes. Did you know potatoes are fat-free, gluten-free, plant-based, and affordable? They’re also cholesterol- and sodium-free, with only 110 calories per serving, making them guilt-free. Potatoes alone have never been the problem. Everyone should have permission to enjoy potatoes in a healthy eating pattern.

Potatoes come in various shapes and sizes to keep family dinners interesting — Russet, reds, yellows, white, purple, petites, and fingerlings. You can find potatoes fresh, dehydrated, frozen, and canned.

Multiple varieties and cooking methods allow potatoes to fit into meals to meet individual or cultural preferences. And suppose you’re worried about missing out on the excellent nutrition found in potatoes by choosing dehydrated, frozen, or canned. In that case, you’ll be happy to know that most potatoes’ potassium and vitamin C are found in the flesh, not the skin. However, the potato’s skin does pack a punch of dietary fiber and is worth keeping when possible.

Mississippi is known for its sweet potatoes. But it is a myth that sweet potatoes are healthier than white potatoes. Potato lovers can celebrate that white and sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense vegetables.

How you choose to prepare potatoes can take away from its wholesome profile. While butter, cheese, sour cream, brown sugar, and bacon taste great, it often overshadows potatoes’ health benefits. Healthier potato toppings include plain Greek yogurt, salsa, guacamole, pesto, or drizzle olive oil with your favorite herbs. Chopped chives, roasted vegetables, and a pinch of salt and pepper provide flavor.

The average American consumes 34 pounds of French fries annually!

Simply swapping from fried to air-fried or baked french fries will help transform your heart health. For best results, keep frozen fries frozen until you cook them. Remember, fresh homemade fries will be full of water. The more fresh or frozen fries you add to a tray, the more steam they’ll release in your oven, reducing crispness. Turn up the heat to 425 to 450 degrees, try not to overlap the fries, and flip them halfway through baking so they brown equally.

28 FEBRUARY | 2024

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds red potatoes 2 teaspoons minced garlic 1 package ranch seasoning (1 ounce)

¼ cup butter ¾ cup milk ½ teaspoon salt

Clean the potatoes and quarter them. (Leave the skin on or remove) Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.

Drain the potatoes and then return them back to the pot. Pro tip: For the best homemade mashed potatoes, make sure your cooked potatoes are dry as possible before adding in the rest of the ingredients.

While your cooked potatoes drain in a colander, dry out your pot, and line with paper towels. Add your hot, cooked potatoes back in and allow the paper towels to soak up any extra moisture. Remove paper towel.

Then add in the garlic, ranch seasoning, butter, salt, and ½ a cup of the milk. Use an electric mixer to blend the potatoes until they are light and fluffy. Gradually add in the remaining milk until the mashed potatoes are the consistency that you prefer.

INGREDIENTS

10 to 12 Yukon gold (or red) potatoes ¼ cup melted butter Grated parmesan cheese

Garlic powder Italian seasoning (optional)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Wash and cut potatoes in half with the skins on.

Melt butter and pour on to a small cookie sheet. Spread the butter evenly across the bottom.

Add a generous portion of grated cheese evenly onto butter and lightly sprinkle other seasonings all over the butter.

Place the potato halves face down on the butter, cheese, and seasonings.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until fork inserts easily.

Cool for a least 5 minutes before removing from the pan to ensure the parmesan coating sticks to the potatoes. Remove potatoes and drizzle remaining parmesan butter seasoning over top.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium-large sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 large onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons chili powder 4 teaspoons ground cumin ¼ teaspoon salt 2 ½ cups vegetable broth 2 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed 1 (14 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes 4 teaspoons lime juice ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional) Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato and onion and cook, stirring often for about 4 minutes until the onion softens. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt and cook. Stir for 30 seconds. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the sweet potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Add beans, tomatoes, and lime juice; increase heat to high and return to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.

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

2024 | FEBRUARY 29

Events Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space allows. Submit details at least two months prior to the event date.

Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Email to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change.

Museum of the Mississippi Delta Presents: Van Gogh for All. Dec. 2023 – Feb. 2024.

Greenwood. Van Gogh for All is a traveling exhibit that immerses you in the works of the world’s most famous painter. It’s designed to engage 21st-century audiences in the 19th-century art of Vincent van Gogh. This experientially rich exhibit uses modern technology and participatory learning to immerse new audiences in van Gogh’s genius, his personal struggles, and his creative process. Includes a 12-foot-wide, interactive version of Van Gogh’s Starry Night! 1608 US 82. Details: 662- 453-0925.

Barnyard Marketplace Sweetheart Fest. Feb. 10. Poplarville. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crafts, food trucks, Valentine’s Day items for sale, vendors, jewelry, baked goods, soaps, candles, and more. 295 Buck Kirkland Road. Details: 504-234-3579.

Melodies of Bluegrass Festival. Feb. 23 and 24. Morton. Bands include: The Kody Norris Show, The Edgar Loudermilk Band, Foxfire, Fair River Station, Firetown, The Bluegrass Cartel Band, and Weary Heart. Show starts at 1 p.m. each day. Livingston Arts Performing Center at Roosevelt State Park. 2149 MS 13. Details: 601-604-4234 or 601-527-9127.

Mississippi Gem, Mineral, Fossil, and Jewelry Show. Feb. 24 and 25. Jackson. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Mississippi Trademark building on the State Fairgrounds. $8 for adults; $3 for students; scouts and leaders in uniform $2; ages 5 and under are free. Children activities, exhibits, and educational opportunities from colleges and state organizations will be available. Demonstrations of lapidary art. Over 25 dealers of gems, fossils, minerals, jewelry, lapidary tools, beads, and more. Hourly door prizes and a grand prize. Details: 601-344-8171 or email mgmshow@yahoo.com.

Mid-South Military History & Civil War Show. March 1 and 2. Southaven. The South’s oldest military history show will be at the Landers Center on I-55 and Church Road, Exit 287.

Open March 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and March 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for

adults and children 12 and under are free. Vendors from across the country will have quality artifacts from the American Revolution through the 20th Century available to buy, sell, or trade. These include books, documents, uniforms, weapons, relics, photographs, and Native American items. Musicians and food trucks will be on site. On Saturday, historians will speak on Civil War and World War II topics. Civil War re-enactors with a cannon and World War II re-enactors will be there as well. Details: 901-832-4708 or email dwharrison@aol.com.

Good Ole Days Festival. March 8 and 9. Lucedale. All day events for a tractor show with new and antique tractors, antique vehicles, hit and miss engines, antique farm equipment, petting zoo, food, and craft vendors. Admission is free. L C Hatcher Elementary School, 689 Church St. Details: 601-337-3136 or 601-508-9132 or mail dc5823@gmail.com.

Big Spring Gospel Singing Jubilee. March 9. Pearl. Starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Pearl Community Center, 2420 Old Brandon Road. Featuring The Dixie Echoes, Terry Joe Terrell, Tim Frith and the Gospel Echoes, and Revelations. Details: 601-906-0677 or 601-720-8870.

Kings-Gold 2024. March 15. Hattiesburg. Kingsmen Quartet and the Gold City Quartet perform. Begins at 7 p.m.at Heritage Church at 3 Baracuda Drive. Details: 601-261-3371.

South MS Boucherie BBQ Festival and Cooking Competition. March 23. Tylertown.

The festival is a competition is a deep south stop on the sanctioned Memphis BBQ Network circuit, firing up local community food, fun and free family entertainment with Pro and Amateur competition cooking and prizes, food trucks, a 5K fun run, pancake breakfast, vendors, kids’ corner and more. This project is partially funded by a grant through Visit Mississippi. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Southwest Events Center, 29 MS 48. Details: 864-320-8742.

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FEBRUARY | 2024

devill(ed devi ed eggs) eggs Deviled eggs are evidently a hot topic for a lot of people. I am referring to my January column here in Today in Mississippi about my miscalculation of the number of deviled eggs we made for Christmas and how hard they are to peel. The day the issue hit mailboxes I started getting emails about the best way to boil and shell eggs. And the emails continued. This is by far the most response I’ve have ever had to any article I have ever written. I even considered becoming a food writer, except I don’t really know a lot about cooking. I think I proved that with the deviled eggs.

“The Help” in Mississippi. And afterwards, he moved back to Mississippi.

Now, several of his movie-making friends have visited here and decided they want to live here, too. A bunch of those friends and others are settling in and fixing up some of the old homes at Church Hill.

And with the Variety store here, they don’t have to drive all the way to Natchez for a loaf of bread, a weekend meal, or a place to relax with friends.

I like to see old places like Church Hill come back to life again with a real purpose — a new purpose.

With the Variety store here, they don’t have to drive all the way to Natchez for a loaf of bread, a weekend meal, or a place to relax with friends.

I have gotten a lot of good suggestions about how to boil and extract eggs from their shells. I haven’t digested (pardon the pun) all the tips yet. But I promise to come up with a condensed set of recommendations when I do. Hopefully before Easter, since that’s the next time we will be boiling a bunch of eggs. One almost universal tip — new eggs don’t do as well as old ones. So, don’t wait until the week before you need them to buy them if you plan to peel them later.

But in thinking about writing about food, since I’m not that good of a cook, maybe I could get other people to share their recipes with me.

For instance, I’d love to get Mr. D at the Old County Store in Lorman to give me a lesson on frying chicken. But then again, it’s a lot easier just stop by and pick up a to-go order when I’m in that part of the state.

Speaking of that part of the state, if you have a map that shows Lorman, look down to the southwest on Highway 553 and see if you can find Church Hill. Church Hill is probably best known for Christ Church, an Episcopal church built in 1858. For a long time, the church has been one of the last things standing at Church Hill. But that changed recently.

Around the end of November, the Church Hill Variety store opened.

It is a convenience store, restaurant, and pub put together by screenwriter and film director Tate Taylor and some of his friends. Taylor directed the movie “The Help.” Taylor is from Mississippi and filmed

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.

2024 | FEBRUARY 31