Today in Mississippi May 2020 4-County

FOR MEMBERS OF 4-COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

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2 TODAY | MAY 2020

At your electric co-op, we help you find more ways to save energy, save money and help the environment. So small savings today lead to big savings tomorrow.

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Coming together during a crisis We are living in unprecedented times.

Our country has asked for sacrifice and discipline during the COVID-19 crisis.

That has meant a temporary change in the way residents of our communities live as well as the way our electric cooperatives interact with our members.

I’m proud to say that our electric cooperative family – both employees and members – has responded to these unique challenges professionally and with empathy. The choices we have made have been about what’s best for our community. Concern for community is a core principal our electrical cooperatives have always promoted and prioritized.

COVID-19 has brought out the best in all of us and serves as a reminder that Mississippi’s electric cooperatives have always done what’s necessary to help one another. Members have stayed indoors to work from home, teach and nurture children while school is out and to take care of loved ones. While some of our members don’t have the luxury to work from home, they have stayed home anyway for the communal sacrifice to stop the virus from spreading.

Cooperative employees have changed the way they serve our members. Those changes, however, have not affected the cooperatives’ ability to respond to the needs and services our membership deserves. Across Mississippi and the country, cooperative leadership has assessed priorities and needs to ensure power outages are dealt with in a timely and safe manner.

Many cooperative employees are working from home like other Americans across the country. That decision was one of necessity to stop the spread of COVID-19. Although our customer service representatives miss the personal one-on-one interaction they usually share with our members, the cooperatives have

created other ways to pay bills and deal with other service requests via online or by phone.

More than 1.8 million Mississippians rely on the electric cooperatives for electric service. But the relationship between cooperative employees and members is more than a simple service. A true concern for our community is at the heart of what we do.

Speaking of serving community, last month I wrote that April 13 was National Lineworker Appreciation Day. Instead of participating in that celebration on their day, the brave men and women that ensure Mississippi’s electric cooperatives have power were out restoring power to areas hit hard by Easter Sunday storms and tornadoes.

At the peak of the storm outages, there were more than 55,000 electric cooperative meters without service and more than 1,500 poles had to be replaced. Several Mississippi and out-ofstate electric cooperatives assisted the distressed systems in restoring service in the heavy damaged areas. Because of social distancing, it took a few more days than usual to restore service to all the areas in need.

A sincere thanks to all our members for their patience during the storms’ aftermath and for continuing to stand strong during this difficult time in our country’s history. Mississippi’s electric cooperative employees and members continue to work as one to lift and strengthen ourselves because community is everything.

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

It was a typical evening on the patio — kids chasing the dog; all the while, tripping over toys galore strewn about our backyard. And me — well, I was either buried in my phone finishing up emails left over from work or checking the most up-to-date news on Facebook ... or both. We had just finished dinner and the weather was pleasant enough to enjoy the rest of the evening outdoors.

The sun continued to set and it was just about dusk when I heard Olivia yell out some unintelligible series of words. Since she had just reached a new level of talking, I didn’t pay her much attention.

By this time my wife had joined us.

She said it again and I looked up from my phone to see her pointing toward our landscaping.

Then, she said it again ... “Red! Red! Red, flow-der Daddy!” and reached out toward a rose bush with her tiny, little finger.

In that moment, I believe I saw the most beautiful red roses I had ever seen. Not literally, of course — the roses hadn’t changed at all; it was my heart that did.

I’m going to be honest ... being a dad is the most difficult thing I have ever done. It seems like life has tripled in speed. Gratitude and perspective seems to dim with each passing day. And, in all the rush and movement, it’s so easy to lose direction and focus on the things that matter most.

It’s humbling to serve a God that knows all of the little moments like this about our lives. His text in Matthew 18:2-5 speaks directly in advance — almost foreshadowing — my season of life today. Keep it simple. Appreciate the beauty all around you. Slow down enough to be amazed at what God is doing right in front of your very eyes. Be grateful.

Be humble. Don’t lose focus on what’s important.

May you be ever more simple.

May you trust Him recklessly.

May you laugh often.

And, may you stop long enough to see the roses all around you.

by Derrick Cowan, Madison photo by Ron Stewart

MAY 2020 | TODAY 3

in this issue

5 southern gardening Gardening offers many stay-at-home benefits

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

11 outdoors today

8

Hope for the Bobwhite

12 local news 18 feature

Thacker Mountain Radio Hour: Bringing live music and storytelling to all of Mississippi

18

the love of 23 for the game Baseball has been good to Squeaky

24 on the menu

Mississippi produce can pack a punch of flavor in Mexican cuisine

27 mississippi seen

24

We are all closer to one another than we think

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 73 No. 4

OFFICERS Keith Hayward - President Kevin Bonds - First Vice President Eddie Howard - Second Vice President Randy Carroll - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Ron Stewart - Senior VP, Communications Steven Ward - Editor Chad Calcote - Creative Director/ Manager Elissa Fulton - Communications Specialist Rickey McMillan - Graphic Designer Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer Chris Alexander - Administrative Assistant 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: 466,387

Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year.

Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 11 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

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On the cover Blues guitarist Grady Champion plays at a September 2017 broadcast of Thacker Mountain Radio Hour. Photo by Taylor Square Photography

thanks to the dedicated men and women who restore our power!

Storms and tornadoes roared through Mississippi on Easter Sunday, knocking down poles and wiping out power for members of several of the state’s electric cooperatives. When bad weather strikes, lineworkers stop what they are doing and head out to restore service. They serve on the front lines for power service restoration. The next day, April 13, happened to be National Lineworkers Appreciation Day. Most of our lineworkers were still busy and out bringing power to our members. So, even though April was National Lineworkers Appreciation Month, it’s never too late to thank a lineworker for their service.

Go online and use #thankalineworker or tell them when you see them out in the community.

4 TODAY | MAY 2020

scene around the ‘sip co-op involvement southern gardening

picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it

Gardening offers many stay-at-home benefits

10 years, and they are easy for the home With much of our workforce telegardener to grow. commuting from home and with school Another idea I’ve often shared in group suspended or canceled for the kids, presentations is the concept of Little Free cabin fever has already become an issue Gardens. This was an idea that originated for many households. in the Fargo, North Dakota, and Morehead, Gardening is an activity everyone can Minnesota, area with the hope of building take advantage of during the coming relationships and sustainability in local weeks to relieve the growing pressure. neighborhoods.

One activity for the kids that can be a Microgreens grow quickly indoors with minimal effort Little Free Gardens are organized learning experience is planting seeds. and make nutritious additions to many dishes. much like Little Free Libraries. People It’s amazing when kids — and adults are encouraged to plant something, — realize that seeds are actually living give something, take something or leave components of plants. The potential of a something. My wife and I established our tiny acorn to produce a mighty oak tree Little Free Garden in 2018, and it is No. 146 always inspires me! These tiny objects nationally and the first in Mississippi. We have all the information required to grow seasonal vegetables all year. With grow a complete plant. Use quick-growthe current situation we’re all in, we hope ing flowers like marigolds, sunflowers to share fresh herbs and vegetables with and zinnias to get started. our neighbors.

Another way to observe the power of Americans have always stuck together tiny seeds and to make a delicious salad Consider planting a Little Free Garden in your yard, in adversity. During World War II, Victory is by growing microgreens. where people are encouraged to plant something, Gardens fed our country. When the econoIf you’re staying inside, growing give something, take something or leave something. my went into recession in 2008, interest in microgreens is a perfect and easy way growing vegetable gardens rose exponentially. to garden. Microgreens grow quickly indoors with minimal We’re faced with adversity again. More gardeners putting in effort on a window sill or under lights. They don’t take up a lot Little Free Gardens would increase availability of fresh food for of space, but they can have big meal-time impact. everyone. Little Free Gardens could be called the COVID-19 You harvest microgreens at a young growth stage, usually Victory Garden. cotyledon or first true leaf stage. This ranges from 7 to 21 days Remember, the garden is not canceled. after germination, and microgreens will have reached approximately 1 to 3 inches tall.

Growing microgreens is a fun way to add fresh flavors along with a tender crunch to dishes. They have a variety of uses. As vegetable confetti, they add flavor, texture and color to evening

by Dr. Gary Bachman meals. They can be added to salads, eaten as the salad themselves, layered on sandwiches and used as a colorful garnish.

Gary Bachman, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor of Horticulture at Microgreens are rich in phytonutrients. Different varieties can the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in have high concentrations of vitamins C and phytonutrients.

Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs.

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

I have been growing and enjoying microgreens for more than MAY 2020 | TODAY 5

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AND ABILITY WORKS: I N S P I R I N G A C U LT U R E O F I N D E P E N D E N C E

by Elissa Fulton When stepping into a Sephora store, there is a cachet feeling amid the elite black and white striped walls and exclusive beauty products on the shelves. There is no place like Sephora when it comes to convenience and brand exclusivity.

Sephora is an omni retailer owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, headquartered in Paris, France. Since its global launch in 1998, the corporation operates hundreds of retail locations across the United States. As a global leader in beauty and prestige, merchandise must arrive to its retail locations and to its e-commerce customers through a timely approach. For Mississippian Derek Coulter, director of operations for the southeastern supply chain of Sephora, distribution productivity is his area of expertise.

In 2017, Sephora opened its fourth warehouse — and selected Olive Branch, Miss. as that site. For a shipping location, the proximity of air and ground shipping facilities, the new I-269 corridor, as well as the workforce availability, north Mississippi is a perfect central location to service southeastern customers.

Sephora ships approximately one third of their e-commerce volume for the network from the Mississippi warehouse.

As operations manager, it has been extremely important to Coulter that the culture and environment he strives to create for his employees should match the brand philosophy. Sephora strives for distinction in the beauty market and Coulter brings that excellence into the warehouse.

“I have a saying for our operations groups,” said Coulter. “You are only as good as you were yesterday. In operations that is so true. I believe that motto, and I don’t take anything for granted.

What we did in the past doesn’t mean anything. 2019 was a great year for us, but all that matters now is going forward.”

One distinct culture change that Sephora has made in the Olive Branch location is that approximately 30 percent of its associates have a disability that may have prevented them from holding a job in the past. To implement this pilot project for Sephora, Coulter and the leadership team reached out to Jim Flanagan and the Desoto Economic Development Council who got them in touch with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) and its Community Rehabilitation Partner called Ability Works. The initiative was communicated through the facility recruitment process and has been a group effort of several organizations to launch.

The Olive Branch Sephora warehouse currently employs more than 400 associates with 30 percent of the workforce being hired through the Ability Works program. Though the initiative is exclusive to the Olive Branch location, Coulter feels hopeful that the North American company will adopt its practice companywide because of its success in Mississippi.

Part of this initiative’s success is due to Billie Walker, Ability Works project supervisor at the Sephora Warehouse. Once a person expresses interest in working at Sephora, their counselor refers them to Walker. They then go through a nine-week training program. The first week begins in a classroom and weeks two through nine are on the warehouse floor learning actual job functions of the Sephora employees. Once the trainees complete the program and have been able to meet production in all areas of the job, they become an employee of the Sephora corporation with full benefits.

“The partnership between the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and Sephora has resulted in successful careers for people with disabilities throughout the state of Mississippi,” Walker said. “This project has further demonstrated, if given the opportunity, people with disabilities are a valuable asset to the workplace.”

Sephora has had positive feedback from the family members and friends of their disabled associates, and it has been a true testament to the capability of these workers. The employees have a sense of wellbeing and pride for being able to provide for themselves and manage their day-to-day lives. Coulter hopes to see other companies adopt similar programs.

“Some companies are still nervous to take that leap or try something outside of their comfort zone,” said Coulter. “But if I could impact other CEOs or other Supply Chain VPs, I would.

This is an untapped market that has so much potential to positively impact someone’s business in such a major way. Being a part of this and seeing the way that it changes people’s lives who are not only a part of the program, but people that work in the building and the leadership staff is just unbelievable.”

The Ability Works and partnerships like the Sephora project help disabled community members gain freedom many have never experienced before. To contact Ability Works, visit www.mdrs.ms.gov or call 1-800-443-1000 for more information.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 7

CRAFTING

old treasures INTO

beautiful birdhouses How a son’s special gift for his father took flight

by Elissa Fulton Woodworking has been a hobby for Chad Houston for as long as he can remember.

His father was a carpenter and, as a child, he watched as he built beautiful artisan furniture in his shop. Houston has always admired his father’s work and is proud of the skilled craftsman that he is.

Houston was born and raised in Hatley, Mississippi and is a copy machine repairman by day. Several years ago, he was looking for a hobby to occupy his free time and decided he would build a birdhouse for his father. He knew it couldn’t be just any birdhouse. He had to build it perfectly since he knew his father would silently critique his work. Because his father remodeled homes for a living, his shop was filled with old treasures, like doorknobs and fences and other cool items to choose from. Houston picked several items and went to work handcrafting a meaningful gift for his father. A month later, he had a special birdhouse to give his father for Christmas.

Houston didn’t stop there. He scoured his father’s shop until he was able to build birdhouses for everyone in the family to give as Christmas gifts. He posted a photo of his father’s birdhouse on his Facebook account.

That’s when he realized there was a demand for birdhouses and folks would pay good money for them.

“These aren’t your average birdhouses,” Houston said. “I picked very special items to build them with that had meaningful connections to those I gave them to. They are very well built, and I took my time on each one. It takes me about two to four weeks to build one, and I generally just can’t make them fast enough now.” Some of his more special birdhouses are constructed from materials that 8 TODAY | MAY 2020

people bring to him. “When people bring me barnwood from their grandfather’s barn, or other unique things that are special to them, they make the best birdhouses,” he said.

Lately, he’s also been spending time trying to find places to pick around for old stuff or cool materials to use on his latest projects.

“People are always giving me things to work with,” Houston said. “But it’s not always the stuff that people give me that ends up on birdhouses. One of these houses kind of has to come together naturally. I found a doorknob a while ago, and I hung onto it for a couple of years before I found just the right birdhouse to put it on.”

It’s not always easy for Houston to part with his birdhouses. He puts a lot of time and work into each one and the result is always very special.

“It’s been hard to let go of each one of them because it’s like a piece of art,” he said.

“You kind of grow fond of it, and it’s hard to let go.”

Houston succeeded in making his father proud. He has since made several more houses for his father, but that first birdhouse is sitting prominently in his father’s living room, and to this day he won’t put it outside.

“Most people don’t put them outside,” said Houston. “But they are well constructed and are built to last. If you put it outside, you can rest assured your kids and grandkids are probably going to enjoy this birdhouse.”

Houston’s father was a high-quality craftsman, and he has proved himself to be quite the artisan as well. Houston said he learned from the best.

Email chad7houston@gmail.com for more information.

BEEF It’s what’s for dinner

THE BEST STEAK AND BURGER IN MISSISSIPPI

by Steven Ward Swaney said he always wanted to open a feed store or a gun Imagine two 61-year-old Mississippi men with no restaurant store. Plans eventually went forward to open a gun store but he background who decide to open restaurants in their hometowns thought it might be a nice idea to also have a spot to grill hamanyway. burgers for lunch. “That had me thinking there were no steakhouses Although the premise doesn’t sound like a recipe for success, in the area,” he said. “I love to eat a good steak. I didn’t know anyRandall Swaney and Keith Riley have proved backgrounds don’t thing about the restaurant business but I think God had a plan for necessarily dictate achievement. me.” So, the gun store turned into the steakhouse.

Swaney is the owner and operator of Marshall Steakhouse in Swaney hired a chef to handle the kitchen. “What I do is walk Holly Springs and Riley owns and runs R House near Columbia. around the restaurant and make The Mississippi Beef Council sure the customers have everynamed the steaks at Marshall thing they need,” Swaney said.

Steakhouse ‘Best Steak’ and He also takes their photos and the burgers at R House ‘Best posts them on the restaurant’s Burger’ in Mississippi this year. popular Facebook site, which has Andy Berry, executive dimore than 17,000 followers. rector of the Mississippi Beef So, what’s the secret at Council, said the contest has Marshall Steakhouse? been ongoing for more than 10 “We use prime beef and cook years. “We do this as a methit on a charcoal grill,” Swaney od to promote beef and the said. “That’s it. That’s the only restaurants that do a good job secret. We put kosher salt, pepper of preparing and serving the and garlic on it.” Either way, the products our cattlemen and Keith Riley Randall Swaney secret is out beyond Mississippi. women produce,” Berry said.

R House • 2421 US 98 West • Columbia • 601-674-2021 Recently, The Food Network The council solicits votes Marshall Steakhouse • 2379 Highway 178 West • Holly Springs • 662-252-2424 named Marshall Steakhouse in through their social media Mississippi the best in the state during the network’s roundup, platforms and targeted advertising, which both link back to “50 States of Steakhouses.” an online survey page. They run the online voting portion for While the best steak in Mississippi, according to the Mississippi roughly two months. Once they gather the online votes, they Beef Council, is up north, the simplicity of a juicy burger will be name the top five finalists for each category and then send a found in the southern part of the state. panel of judges to each restaurant to anonymously judge the Is there a secret ingredient in the burgers at R House? “It’s steak or burger. made with love,” Riley said.

Once the judges return their scorecards, the council contacts Riley’s R House sits just four miles east of Columbia. The both winners to inform them and arranges for them and com“old country store,” as Riley described it, sells fresh produce and panions to attend the annual Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson meat. Plate lunches are available Mondays through Saturdays where the winners are announced during Saturday night and and feature all the Southern plate lunch staples: think fried chicken Sunday afternoon performances. and hamburger steak.

Swaney’s steakhouse, which opened in 2017, has won the Riley, a former cattle farmer and portable toilet business owner, award two years in a row. The steakhouse’s origin story is a tale cooks his burgers on a solid metal flat grill. “It’s an old-fashioned of twists, turns and do overs. A former billboard business owner, burger,” Riley said. “The meat is always fresh. Never frozen.”

Swaney decided he wanted to build a barn and buy a sawmill Riley said he should be retired these days. “I call it (R House) to cut his own wood. But he needed a building to house the my midlife crisis,” Riley said laughing. sawmill and the building he bought was too big just to house one piece of equipment.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 9

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grin ‘n’ bare it My comrades were shooting 12s, but I uncased and assembled I am reasonably affectionate toward and tolerably accepting a Mossberg Silver Reserve II in .410. Eyebrows raised. By the of a great many outdoor items and activities. But my flaming end of that hunt, however, sentiments had morphed into calm passion is ignited by bird hunting and properly-devised shotacceptance. The .410 worked wonderfully well. I’ll guns. Make mine twin-tubed, please. from this point forward divide an equal penchant Twenty-eight gauge. between the 28 and .410.

These elements — game and shotgun — We found quail. Everywhere! And we talked smack solidly of quail hunting. management. McConnell highlighted his concept During those grand years that marked the of thirds that satisfy the needs of quail: 1/3 native half-way point of the 20th century, I was one for whom quail hunting was a common ocgrasses, 1/3 annual forbs and 1/3 shrub cover, currence. An after-school hunter could locate these interspersed throughout a given property.

Some 900 acres of the 6,400 making up Prairie quail and bring four or five home for supper if his or her shooting were good. Shooting was Wildlife have been converted into native grasses.

And many of these hold coveys of wild birds. good back then because we had all grown Will practices such as these restore quail to up doing it. Sadly, few if any quail are now available. former habitats? Only time — and a great deal of effort — will tell. But given enough acreage and But wait. That assumption is not absolute proper management, it could happen. Perhaps truth. For certain there are quail preserves. I have been a practitioner in this arena of quail There is nothing short of magic in the point of a quail will never return to the extent they once fine bird dog. It is a ballet of wildness. were, but management could produce benefits, hunting for a couple decades now and find these resulting in boisterous and unnerving covey rises of that most venues highly agreeable. But today’s reality mitigates covgrandest bird ever, the Bobwhite. ey rise after covey rise in the wild. Not so with preserves. Quail abound on these. There may, however, be hope on the horizon for enhanced wild hunting.

In early February, I had the distinct pleasure of hunting Prairie Wildlife (prairiewildlife.com) just outside West Point. Along for the experience were Jimmy Bryan, owner of Prairie Wildlife, and Dr. Mark McConnell, assistant professor of Upland Birds at Missisby Tony Kinton sippi State University. McConnell works closely with Jimmy in the management scheme of Prairie Wildlife and hosts seminars there Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. He lives geared to quail management. His work is productive. in Carthage and is a Central Electric member. Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information.

That morning found us in an expansive broom sedge field.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 11

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

4-County adapting to change; still working for you The world has undergone some fundamental changes over the last few weeks. We are seeing things we never, ever believed would happen. COVID-19 has caused us all to change the way we live, work and even think. Here at 4-County, it has meant working a little differently as we try to keep members and employees safe and healthy.

As an electric cooperative, we are an essential business. Keeping the lights on is even more important since many people are at home all day, every day during the quarantine.

Spring is usually a time of severe weather in Mississippi as evidenced by the storms that rolled through on Easter Sunday. So, making sure our crews are ready to respond is even more important. To make sure we are at as full strength as possible, in early April we began staggering our crews’ workdays to limit their exposure. While this may slow down some of our usual daily work, it helps to make sure that if, and when weather hits, we are ready to react so our members will continue to experience the great service they expect. This service, I’m happy to say, was on full display as we restored power in the aftermath of the Easter storms. Thank you 4-County team!

Another thing I am very proud of is that a lot of things 4-County had already put in place through the years ended up helping us through these tough times. That’s especially true of our use of technology and our range of payment options. Members can continue to do business with us without having to come to the office. New accounts can be set up online. All other business can also be conducted online, over the phone or through a drive through. Payments can be made at kiosks across the service territory or can also be made online, over the phone or through a

12 TODAY | MAY 2020

smart device.

Our maintenance men were already able to start work from home without having to come into the office and we were able to quickly adapt in other areas to the same system. All of this means we were uniquely situated to continue our core business processes with little or no interruption for our employees or our members.

Besides the changes brought on by the pandemic, there is obviously a lot of stress and uncertainty. Many people are out of work or working reduced schedules. Many businesses are closed. It is something unprecedented in recent memory for this country and I want to assure each and every one of you that we understand what a difficult time this is for many people. I also want to assure you that we will work with each one of our members to find a payment program or make an arrangement when possible to help lighten the economic burden brought on by COVID-19.

Another issue of importance is our broadband survey. At press time, we didn’t have a final tally but the response has been good and I thank those of you who took the time to participate. I look forward to sharing the totals with you all and seeing where we go.

I don’t know what the future looks like, but I do know this. 4-County will work hard to continue to serve our members to the utmost of our ability. We take pride in what we do and we think that pride shows each and every day.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

HERE’S AN IDEA Efficiency tips for outdoor shops and barns There are many benefits to having an energy efficient outdoor shop or barn. Aside from saving energy, an efficient outdoor building can keep the environment around your structure healthy and safe; save money on your water bill; keep your animals happier and healthier; and save you from costly structural repairs.

Whether you are looking to build a new structure, or make changes to an existing structure, there are many ways you can make your outdoor shop or barn more energy efficient.

Are you planning to build a new structure on your property? Follow these tips to achieve energy efficiency: • Location matters. If possible, carefully consider where you build your shop or barn. Consider drainage, sun exposure and how the building may affect your neighbors.

• Start with a sustainable design plan. A sustainable design plan, according to the U.S. General Services Administration, includes the ability to use environmentally preferable products; protect and conserve water; enhance indoor environmental quality; and optimize operational and maintenance practices.

• If you are hiring a contractor to help build your structure, make sure you look for companies who specialize in energy efficient practices.

• Choose efficient building methods. Pole barns offer reliable shelter without costly excavation, concrete foundations or general site disruption.

4-County annual meeting will be held online this year 4-County Electric Power Association officials are asking members to participate in the co-op’s Annual Meeting June 4 by watching the event online.

Co-op officials, following state and national safety guidelines for dealing with the COVID-19 virus, made the tough call to have the meeting online.

“In an effort to exercise safety precautions for our members in the wake of COVID-19, we have decided to have this year’s annual meeting online. Members will still be able to vote for board positions by proxy or online. And we’ll also give away our annual meeting prizes,” 4-County CEO Brian Clark said.

The meeting will be streamed live on 4-County’s Facebook page, YouTube and, possibly, on the co-op’s website, too. As the event gets closer, 4-County will continue to provide members via Facebook and the 4-County website instructions on how to participate in the annual meeting. Again, the annual meeting grand prize truck giveaway will be part of the meeting. Also, 10 $100 electric credits will be given away. The entire membership will be eligible for all prizes.

The business portion of the meeting is set for noon. Financial and management reports, along with the election of two Association directors, will be given. Incumbent directors Mike Banks of Macon for District 4, Noxubee County; and Bill Bell of Noxubee County for District 7, At-Large, are up for Mike Banks reelection.

The current board members’ names were placed in nomination by the Association’s nominating committee at its March 18 meeting.

In accordance with the Association’s bylaws, the candidates’ names were placed in nomination for election to three-year terms, beginning June 4 at the cooperative’s annual membership meeting.

Ballot/proxies will be mailed by May 5 to all 4-County members. The deadline for returning ballot/proxies is noon on May 29, six days prior to the annual membership meeting, June 4, at noon.

Cooperative members also have the option to go online to cast votes for board of directors. Online voting will work just like the paper ballot members Bill Bell receive in the mail every year, but instead of using the mail, they will be able to cast their votes via the Internet. When the annual meeting notice and ballot arrives at member homes this month, it will include instructions on how to cast a vote online instead of returning a paper ballot.

The online voting option features easy-to-use instructions and candidate biographies and has the option to alert members when their votes have been successfully submitted for counting. Members may receive an election reminder by e-mail.

Members returning their proxy/ballots may qualify to win valuable prizes.

Those returning their proxy/ballots (by mail, proxy or online voting) may qualify to win one of three credits for electricity.

For more information on the 4-County annual meeting, call 1-800-431-1544 and ask for the marketing department.

4-County Electric Power Association Annual Meeting Thursday, June 4, 2020

ONLINE In concern for our members and employees, this year’s 4-County Annual Meeting will be held ONLINE. Business portions of the meeting and the awarding of prizes will still take place. The meeting will be streamed live on the 4-County Facebook page and possibly on the 4-County website. More information on how to participate will follow. If you have questions now, please call

1-800-431-1544 and ask for the marketing department.

Here’s a snapshot of this year’s ONLINE ANNUAL MEETING: • Business Meeting - Noon (includes Financial and Business Reports, Election of Directors) • Door Prizes will be announced (includes the chance to win one of 10 $100 credits for electricity, one of three $1,000 electric credits, and the chance to win the Grand Prize, a retired 4-County Fleet Truck!

• Meeting will be adjourned upon completion of previously listed events

MAY 2020 | TODAY 13

May is Military Appreciation Month While recognizing Memorial Day this month, we hope you will join us in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s veterans and their families. We are especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms their service affords us in this great country of ours.

May is Military Appreciation Month, and in the words of John F. Kennedy, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live them.”

4-County Electric Power Association is honored to serve and maintain the electric distribution system at Columbus Air Force Base. Our daily interaction with these brave men and women is a true highlight of our working schedule. We Salute You! We also salute our members and employees who have served this great country of ours. We are grateful for these heroes who live in our local communities.

4-County is part of a network of more than 900 electric

cooperatives across the country that support and honor our nation’s veterans of all generations.

The Department of Defense is one of the largest energy consumers worldwide and the single largest energy consumer in the U.S. We, like other electric co-ops across the country, work closely with military installations, providing electricity and collaborating on various projects.

Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice and service of those who gave all, but the month also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8 and Armed Forces Day on May 16.

4-County is proud to be a part of the electric cooperative network that honors and supports veterans of all ages, ranks and branches of the military. Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to a veteran – not just this month, but every month.

To those who courageously gave their lives,

THANK YOU! 4-County Electric will be closed MONDAY, MAY 25

14 TODAY | MAY 2020

4-County Electric Power Association salutes its military veterans. Seven 4-County employees have served or are serving the United States of America Derek Dawkins

Glen Ledbetter

Derek, a nine-year veteran of 4-County, has also served his country as a member of the Air National Guard.

Derek, who lives in Macon, serves 4-County as a Journeyman Lineman.

An 18-year veteran of 4-County, Glen also served his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard. Glen, who lives in Columbus, serves 4-County as Crew Leader.

Bob Edwards

Chris Moore

Bob, a 34-year veteran of 4-County, has served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps.

Bob, who lives in West Point, serves 4-County as Meter Services Supervisor.

An 11-year veteran of 4-County, Chris serves his country as a member of the United States Air National Guard. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. Chris, who lives in Columbus, serves 4-County as a Journeyman Lineman.

Al Ellis

Cliff Wall

A 35-year veteran of 4-County, Al also served his country as a member of the United States Army and United States Army Reserves. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm.

Al, who lives in Starkville, serves 4-County as Lead Apparatus Mechanic.

A 43-year veteran of 4-County, Cliff also served his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard. Cliff, who lives in Starkville, is Manager of Consumer Services.

Joe Faulkner Joe, a 14-year veteran of 4-County, has served his country as a member of the United States Army and is continuing to serve as a member of the United States Army Reserves. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Joe, who lives in West Point, serves 4-County as a Journeyman Lineman.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 15

COVID-19 causes temporary changes at co-op The COVID-19 virus has disrupted the way our country does business. 4-County Electric Power Association, with its thoughts squarely on the safety of its members and employees, is no different.

Things may be a little different, but 4-County is still working for its members! Co-op officials are continuing to do everything they can to ensure safe, reliable and efficient electricity to its members. That will not change.

But, officials explain, some things will be handled a little different for the foreseeable future. Here’s what you need to know: • 4-County lobbies are closed for business. Office drive-through services, however, remain open. Some administrative services are being handled by employees working from home. A variety of member/co-op interface payment and service options are available, including online, telephone, bank draft and Prepay programs.

• Line crews continue to work. Often, the crews are staggering their visits to the office and warehouses to avoid congregating during this period of social distancing. Assignments and business are being completed by video conferencing, e-mail and other options.

• 4-County officials, in support of the co-op’s membership, are following the recommendation of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, other agencies and the Tennessee Valley Authority, voluntarily agreed to suspend disconnecting mem-

bers for non-payment through May 15, 2020. This situation is fluid and this deadline could be extended. However, 4-County officials want members to understand that their bills will have to be paid.

In summary: • This is NOT a waiver and does not eliminate a member’s bill.

• Billing cycles will remain unchanged. At the end of the grace period, any accounts with unpaid balances will be subject to disconnect.

• 4-County officials recommend that members make an attempt to stay current with their payments.

• Co-op members will continue to receive reminders of amount owed and the due date.

• 4-County officials will work with members on payment arrangements, as possible.

• The 4-County Annual Meeting, June 4, will be held ONLINE. (See article on page 13.).

• Office lobbies will remain closed for business, pending safety protocol information from state and federal officials. 4-County leadership is keeping abreast of the latest guidelines.

• Again, the safety of our members and employees is 4-County’s utmost concern.

Please call 1-800-431-1544 with questions

4-County collecting broadband survey responses 4-County Electric Power Association recently offered its members an additional way to add their voices to the co-op’s deliberations on whether or not to offer broadband service.

The co-op, which has actively sought opinions on the matter from its members, attached a survey as part of a wrap-around to 4-County’s April Today in Mississippi magazine. At press time, 4-County officials were continuing to collect and tabulate those survey results.

As part of the survey process, members completing the questionnaire qualified to win one of three prizes: a retired 4-County fleet truck, a $500 electric credit or an electric yard tool package. Co-op officials will announce winners when the survey counts are complete.

The cooperative is considering offering fiber optic broadband service to its membership. While reliable, affordable high-speed internet is something that could have a transformative impact to 4-County’s service area, the project would require a substan16 TODAY | MAY 2020

tial financial investment by the electric cooperative. The majority of financing for a broadband project (estimated at about $110 million) would be done through 4-County. That means that if the project is unsuccessful, all 4-County members would be financially impacted.

4-County officials will not consider survey responses as a binding vote on the matter, rather a way for the co-op to gauge member interest in a potential project. Member responses were limited to one survey per household.

“We appreciate the 4-County member response to this survey.

We are in the process of collecting and reading all surveys,” 4-County CEO Brian Clark said. “If you have more to say, you can e-mail us at broadband@4county.org. We’ll be glad to answer any questions or respond to any comments you might have on the subject. We appreciate 4-County members and thank you for your valuable input.”

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

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Docher solves mechanical puzzles Growing up in Columbus, Clint Docher always enjoyed the ins and outs of making things work.

It was much like solving a puzzle, the 4-County vehicle technician explained. “My father always had a vehicle maintenance shop. I would always go out and watch him when I was younger.

Eventually, I learned enough to take some of the load off of him. It came natural to me,” Docher said.

The 14-year co-op veteran is a graduate of Waukesha Technical College where he completed a two-year electrical and hydraulics program. He also finished a one-year vehicle technician program at Holmes Community College.

He and his wife, Billie Jean, live in Columbus. They have three sons and a daughter, and five grandchildren. When he’s away

‘Warm Neighbors’ gives warm feeling

Interested in helping your neighbors during these challenging times? One way you can help is by participating in 4-County Electric Power Association’s Warm Neighbors program.

“Warm Neighbors” is a special project that gives 4-County consumer/members an avenue to help their neighbors. The “Warm Neighbors” fund was created to assist 4-County members who find themselves in a one-time emergency situation, such as an unexpected hospitalization, a job layoff or the loss of the breadwinner. Many 4-County members find themselves in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

By paying $1 extra on your 4-County electric bill, you will buy a dollar’s worth of electricity for the home of a neighbor in need in the eight-county area served by 4-County. Administered by the Salvation Army, in cooperation with 4-County and area United Way agencies, “Warm Neighbors” funding comes solely from the voluntary contributions of 4-County members. To participate in “Warm Neighbors,” contact your local 4-County office this month.

For more information, call 1-800-431-1544 and ask for the 4-County marketing department.

from work, he does much of the same kind of work. His work is his hobby and his hobby is his work. “PaPa,” as Clint is often referred as, spends much of his free time making go-karts for the grandchildren. He began this hobby about a year ago.

The process begins with a pile of parts, and Clint puts the pieces together. He does the bodywork, engine work, installs the safety equipment and paints the quick-moving recreational vehicles. “I get a lot of enjoyment watching them ride.”

Clint naturally attributes his interest in vehicle maintenance to his father. “I followed in his footsteps. It’s in my blood,” he said. Clint’s youngest son is also a chip off the old block, studying diesel maintenance at East Mississippi Community College.

Prior to 4-County, Clint worked for American State Equipment in Wisconsin and as shop foreman for Columbus Transmission.

Clint enjoys his part in making sure 4-County members have electricity. “Working on the vehicle units makes me feel like part of the power reliability team. We take care of these vehicles so the line workers can take care of the members’ needs.”

What does he like about working at 4-County? “Wow,” he said.

“We’re like a big family. You can feel it.”

Statement of nondiscrimination

4-County Electric Power Association complies with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture which provide that no person in the United States on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or handicap shall be excluded from participation in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is Brian Davis, manager of human resources and training. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the statutes and regulations listed above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Washington, D.C., 20250. Complaints may be filed within 180 days after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 17

A RU R A L R A DIO C L A S SIC:

R A DIO HOUR

18 TODAY | MAY 2020

There once was a time when a family would gather around their radio on a Saturday night to listen to music or storytelling. Because we live in a world of internet streaming, Facebook video and podcasts, the notion of a radio show in 2020 might seem quaint to some. The folks at the Oxford-based Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, however, would strongly disagree.

by Steven Ward

Q: Who came up with the idea for the show?

Created in 1997, the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour — hosted by Oxford author Jim Dees — is a weekly live radio show featuring author readings and musical performances from the Square in Oxford. The program also travels around Mississippi to record shows throughout the year.

The show is recorded and broadcast every Thursday at 6 p.m. during the fall and spring and rebroadcast every Saturday at 7 p.m. on Mississippi Public Radio and Alabama Public Radio at 9 p.m. Besides Dees, the show features a house band — The Yalobushwackers — who plays during each show. In 2005, Thacker Mountain Radio received the Mississippi Governor’s Award for Broadcast Excellence.

We recently spoke to Thacker Mountain Radio Hour director and producer Alice Pierotti about the origins of the show, her dream guests for future broadcasts and the allure of radio.

: The show was founded by former Oxford musicians Caroline Herring and Bryan Ledford, and Richard Howorth, owner of Square Books.

I think it started probably as a natural marriage of good storytelling. Bryan and Caroline are good storytellers who played music. Richard was selling books from good storytellers. Square Books is a cultural hub and Thacker Mountain was born of out of that creative environment.

Q: In a world of the internet, streaming, etc., why radio?

Was a ‘throwback’ idea appealing or nostalgia part of that inspiration? : Thacker has been producing the radio show for over 22 years, and there is really nothing like it. We are a radio show, first and foremost and take great pride in that.

I suppose now with the surge in podcasts and new ways of getting our entertainment, there is an element of nostalgia in defining ourselves as a radio show. We have such good partners with Oxford’s WUMS, Mississippi Public Broadcasting and Alabama Public Radio and our sound engineer, Jeffrey Reed, is so good at mixing our sound, we know we’re in the sweet spot.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 19

Q: Most of our readers live in rural Mississippi. With that in mind, can you talk a little bit about the idea behind traveling around the state to put on some of the shows? : We love Mississippi and the rural South! We strive to hold up a mirror to the small and rural areas that so define our way of life. We seek out authors and musicians whose art is a reflection of that rural life, and we see our remote shows as a way to expand our reach so that more folks can experience our live shows — ­ which are pure entertainment. ​ Q: How do you go about selecting your musical guests and authors? : We select musicians and authors for the show who are great storytellers. Thacker’s mission is to collect and archive the stories of an evolving South. The majority of our musicians are from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee but not exclusively. Before COVID-19 shut down our live spring shows, we were set to welcome musicians from as far away as Indiana and New York. The authors we bring to the show are mostly those promoting new books on national book tours, so they come from all over, but it’s a heavy dose of regional authors.

The Walker Family Singers

Q: Is there a musical guest or author on your wish list?

A dream guest if you will. : Of course! Given that we are in the cradle of American music — where blues and jazz and rock-n-roll were born, there are some musicians or authors whose work and perspective and story we just need on the show. What I love is honoring musical families because family music factors so greatly into how our music evolved and expanded here. I’d love to welcome to the stage Bekka Bramlett or Mavis Staples or Vaneese Thomas or Roseanne Cash just to hear the stories of why these women continued with family legacy of creating music to make a living.

Q: Has there been a particular show or guest that stands out for you? A magical show for you? : I have several of these moments, and I’ve only been producing the show since last fall. Last November we had the Ellis Family, a seven-piece gospel band, on the show at Off Square Books. The Ellis Family comes from a Pentecostal Gospel tradition in Panola County even though they now live in Missouri. The band consists of the mom and dad, two sisters and three brothers and they all play and sing and are incredibly talented and with the first two songs they played, they had the audience in their hands. Really good flat picking and family harmonies. For the final song, the youngest, Joshua, sang a song his sister wrote. As I listened, it occurred to me nobody in the audience was moving or making a sound. It was as if time stood still in that moment. I was thrilled the live audience got to be a part of that special moment.

20 TODAY | MAY 2020

Memphis songwriter Mark Edgar Stuart

Q: These are challenging times with the coronavirus. Thacker Mountain has a double mission — a live show for an audience but also bringing entertainment into people’s homes. How have you managed to create content without a live audience? : We really have rolled up our sleeves to keep supporting artists and bringing music and literature to people who need art so much right now to get them through this unprecedented time. Fortunately, we have an excellent Board of Directors and they addressed COVID-19 quickly and immediately

with a plan of action. Jim and Jeffrey are bringing tremendous leadership to the table at this time and recording in the studio so that we can keep new radio shows on the air through spring.

Some of our musicians chose to reschedule their live appearance but most are working with us in a remote capacity. The response from our fanbase has been overwhelming, and we are finding new ways to keep our audience engaged so stay tuned to our social media channels - we are remaining active with our weekly email blasts, website updates and socials. We are rolling out new content daily.

Author Michael Zapata

Q: Radio has been around for decades. Talk a moment about the power and allure of radio in 2020. : When I think of the power of radio, I can’t help but frame it in terms of current events with the majority of the world in isolation. I think about those in the rural South right now who are living with a digital divide, with no access to the internet. Or those who have lost jobs and won’t have the ability to pay for internet connection. And then I’m reminded of all the years where radio was the only way to hear music or spoken word or theatre or even ideas from afar. It is the definition of cosmopolitan of getting new and fresh ideas from other peoples and cultures that are different from yours. I think of how much having access to radio and good radio programming has molded our country and our world. If you ask an author and especially a musician what has influenced his or her work, more times than not they will mention radio or radio programming. It’s undeniable. And the thing about that kind of endurance, especially given the state of the world, is something truly truly comforting. Thacker Mountain is right there in the middle of that, for the last 22 years and into the future continuing to bring the stories and the music right to the people when and where they need it — using radio to make it happen.

Alice Pierotti

We love Mississippi and the rural South! We strive to hold up a mirror to the small and rural areas that so define our way of life.

Visit www.thackermountain.com for more information.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 21

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A DREAM COME TRUE Laurel native Kenny Parker, affectionately known as “Squeaky,” could name his autobiography “A Dream Come True.” He has been getting paid to play, scout or manage one of his loves — baseball — for the past 55 years. Last year, at the age of 82, he was consulting Dan Jennings of the Washington Nationals. Jennings is an assistant general manager with the World Champs.

Parker, an exceptionally talented baseball player, grew up in the west side of Laurel. Ole Miss baseball coach Tom Swayze noticed his talents, but, in the end, Parker signed with the Baltimore Orioles. He was shipped off to Thomasville, Georgia, with the remaining Orioles minor leaguers. While playing, Parker, a feisty player known for arguing with umpires, was dubbed “Squeaky” by his manager who told him, “Hey you squeak when you argue with the umpires.” That nickname has stuck to this day. Squeaky’s pro playing career, unfortunately, came to an abrupt end after he broke his ankle sliding into second base during a game.

After almost a decade of playing with various semi pro Squeaky Parker tossing out first pitch at Pensacola Blue Whaoos game with former baseball teams from Laurel, Detroit Tiger Travis Fryman.

West Point and Jackson, he became a contact for the Boston Red Sox scout Frank Bolling.

Finally, in February of 1970, Squeaky was asked by the Baltimore Orioles to help in their scouting office. Since then he has also worked for the Phillies, Giants, Reds, Pirates and the Major League Scouting Bureau.

Squeaky has touched many lives in the game, and his impact on others was evident when 16 active Major League Baseball players attended the funeral for his wife Carolyn in 2010.

Today, Squeaky is living back in Laurel after years of living in Pensacola. “The game has been good to me, and I have no regrets,” Squeaky said.

Q&A with Squeaky Q: What is your top honor in baseball?

A: Scouting Hall of Fame Award in 2018 and being part of two World Series organizations with the 1970 Orioles and 1980 Phillies Q: Who do you think is the best baseball player today?

A: Mike Trout of the Angels Q: Who is the best native Mississippian to play in the majors?

A: Jake Gibbs Q: Who is the best team ever?

A: Jesus Christ’s team is No. 1 Q: Who was your favorite team growing up?

A: St. Louis Cardinals Q: Who was your favorite player growing up?

A: Stan “The Man” Musial of the Cardinals. He was the line drive hitting machine.

Q: Who is the best hitter of all time?

A: Ted Williams Q: Who is the best defensive player ever?

A: Brooks Robinson Q: Who is the best pitcher you have ever seen?

A: Bob Gibson Q: Who is the most interesting baseball figure you have ever talked to?

A: Ted Williams Q: What was the best era of baseball?

A: When Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris were playing for the Yankees.

Q: Who are some of the local players you have signed?

A: Will Clark, Jeff Brantley and Charlie Hayes. I also helped high school players by contacting college coaches. One was Buck Showalter. The best prospect I signed up, though, was my second wife, Carolyn. I was scouting the American Legion tournament in Greenville when I discovered her.

Q: What do you think of the Houston Astros sign stealing?

A: No big deal.

Q: What do you think about Pete Rose and the Hall of Fame?

A: That’s a joke. It’s what you do on the field. Not everyone in the hall is a choirboy.

Q: Did a major league player actually give you a new car?

A: Travis Fryman bought me a new car after he signed his first major league contract with the Tigers.

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

MAY 2020 | TODAY 23

mississippi seen

mississippi is...

events

mississippi marketplace on the menu outdoors today scene around the ‘sip picture this my opinion co-op involvement southern gardening

grin ‘n’ bare it

with Rebecca Turner

April showers bring May flowers and Cinco de Mayo! Cinco and boost nutrition without losing any of the flavors. de Mayo, celebrated May 5, isn’t widely recognized in Mexico; Take the traditional taco kit up a notch by adding in however, it commemorates an underdog military victory and sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions. Add a provides Americans a great excuse to eat tacos and toast touch of Mississippi by including yellow squash and zucchini with a margarita. But Americans don’t need a national to your fajita sauté. Make your ground meat go further with celebration to feast on fajitas or burritos. fiber and protein-rich beans like pinto Taco Tuesday has already become beans or black beans. Skip the cheese a popular staple in households and dips and let your homegrown Mississiprestaurants. While you might not think of pi tomatoes shine by making fresh salsa.

While you might not think of Mississippi as having Mexican inspired agRoast or grill whole sweet corn for a Mississippi as having Mexican riculture, our summer harvest is ripe with tasty side or cut it off the cob to add to inspired agriculture, our summer Santa Fe salads or tacos. When choostomatoes, corn, hot peppers and fresh harvest is ripe with tomatoes, herbs galore. Don’t forget the Mississippi ing canned vegetables or pre-packaged corn, hot peppers and fresh Delta’s delightful rice and grains. spices, opt for lower sodium options, it herbs galore.

Mexican cuisine isn’t typically assomakes a real heart-healthy impact. ciated with being nutritious. CommerWhile the taco shell — whether soft, cial Mexican menu items are notorious hard or fried — is connected with Mexfor being fried and greasy with full-fat ican cuisine, it’s the flavors and spices sides and enormous portions sizes. Most that make it a family favorite. Bypass the customers don’t realize that for every wraps or shells altogether and use rice tortilla chip that gets eaten, it is a gram of or quinoa as a whole-grain base for a fat. Mexican restaurant food can indeed Mexican casserole or meatloaf, utilizing be a trap for calories, fat and sodium. herbs like cilantro, chili powder, cumin Healthier Mexican dishes include chicken and cloves with garlic, onion, sweet fajitas, bean burritos, grilled entrees with and hot peppers. peppers and onions, hold the cheese, and Mexican food doesn’t have to be reach for a soft taco. But, preparing your off-limits when you are trying to live favorite Mexican fare at home opens up healthier. Give these flavor-packed, the opportunity to control the ingredients nutritious recipes a try at home.

24 TODAY | MAY 2020

INGREDIENTS 1 ½ pounds ground meat 1 cup crushed tortilla chips 1 cup shredded cheese 1 small onion, diced

1 taco seasoning packet, low-sodium 2 eggs beaten ½ cup milk ¼ cup mild red taco sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine beef, tortilla chips, cheese, onion and taco seasoning in a bowl. Whisk eggs, milk and taco sauce together in a separate bowl. Add to the meat mixture and mix well. Press mixture into a 9x5-inch loaf pan and top lightly with taco sauce or salsa. Bake in the preheated oven until internal temperature reaches 160F at the deepest point and browned on top, 45 to 60 minutes.

INGREDIENTS 5-6 fresh tomatoes ½ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro ¼ cup red onion ¼ cup sweet onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 teaspoon salt 1 pinch granulated sugar

Wash tomatoes and cut out the core, slicing into fourths.

Use a spoon or your hands to gently remove the seeds from tomatoes. The tomato pieces will look empty and that’s ok!

Slice onions into 1-inch chunks. Lightly chop the fresh cilantro.

Add tomatoes to a food processor or high-powered blender.

Top with cilantro, onion, garlic, lime juice and salt. Place the lid on and pulse 5 to 10 times. Pulse till you reach a desired consistency of salsa, more for thinner, or less for chunkier salsa. Transfer salsa to a Mason jar. Refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving. Salsa stays fresh refrigerated in an airtight container for one week.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (or rotisserie chicken) 1 ½ cups salsa 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles, or ½ cup chopped fresh sweet or hot peppers ½ cup corn kernels, canned or roasted ½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped ½ teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder salt and pepper to taste, as needed 1 cup shredded cheese, divided Optional garnish; diced avocado, tomato and fresh cilantro Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray an 8x8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine whole-grain of choice, shredded chicken, salsa, green chiles, corn, black beans, all the spices and 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Bake uncovered until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with avocado, tomato and cilantro, if desired.

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.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Photos must be the original work of an amateur photographer (of any age).

• Digital photos must be high-resolution JPG files of at least 1 MB in size. If emailing a phone photo, select “actual size” before sending. We cannot use compressed photo files.

• Please do not use photo-editing software to adjust colors or tones. We prefer to do it ourselves, if necessary, according to our production standards.

• Each entry must be accompanied by the photographer’s name, address, phone number and electric power association (if applicable). Include the name(s) of any recognizable people or places in the picture. Feel free to add any other details you like.

• Prints will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot, however, guarantee their safe return through the mail.

• Attach digital photos to your email message and send to news@ecm.coop.

Submission deadline:

Share your favorite vacation spots in Mississippi!

• Or, mail prints or a CD to: Picture This, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300.

June 5. Select photos will appear in the July 2020 issue.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 25

mississippi seen

Ward named Today editor We’re pleased to announce that Steven Ward has joined our team as editor of Today in Mississippi. Ward has 25 years of journalism experience and is replacing Sandra Buckley, who will be relocating due to her husband’s job.

While serving only a year, Sandra was very instrumental in our transition from newspaper to magazine and has been a valuable asset to our publication team.

She had a sincere commitment to entertain and inform our readers of memorable stories about life in Mississippi and displaying the beauty of our state. Our readers enjoyed her interesting features and unique writing style. We wish her and her husband the very best in future endeavors.

Ward served the past six years as an editor for the state’s largest newspaper, The Clarion Ledger, with direct responsibility for conceiving, writing and editing feature stories. “Steven has outstanding skills, including storytelling, content creation, feature writing, print planning and audience growth strategies,” said Ron Stewart, senior vice president of communications for the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. “He has a complete understanding of publications and will be a valuable addition to our team.”

Throughout our 73 years of publishing, Today in Mississippi has been a strong advocate of promoting the cooperative business model and the

events

contributions made to the quality of life in the communities we serve. “We will continue to work diligently to keep our readers entertained and informed.

Steven will help us provide informative, valued and creative content you will enjoy,” Stewart added.

Steven and his wife, Nisey, have one daughter, Audrey and reside in Canton. He is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University where he earned a liberal arts degree with a concentration in journalism and served his country in the U.S. Navy.

We value the input of our readers and we want you to keep us informed.

Know of a special place or story idea?

You can help us uncover and share with our readers by contacting Steven at editor@ecm.coop.

Please join us in welcoming Steven to the Today in Mississippi and our cooperative family.

mississi on the menu outd scene around the ‘sip

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 or cancelation due to COVID-19. Please confirm details before traveling.

Clays for Kids Benefit Skeet Shoot, May 16, Canton, for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta. Turcotte Shooting Facility; 506 Highway 43 South. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Details: kbradley@bgcmsdelta.org; 662-763-5234.

co-op involvement southern gardening

41st Annual Harrison County Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show, May 16-17, Biloxi. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Joppa Shrine Temple; 13280 Shriners Blvd. Details: www.gulfportgems.org; www.facebook.com/gulfportgems; 601-947-7245.

3rd Annual Sappington Colt Bucking, May 23, Pontotoc. Lunch will be provided by Hayseed Cowboy Church Youth at no charge, though donations are accepted. RSVP number of people in your group for meal planning purposes. 10 a.m. 2155 Highway 341. Free admission. Details: 662-305-5620.

Choctaw Cruisers Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, June 6, Ackerman. Proceeds support local charities. Choctaw Regional Medical Center; corner of Highways 12 and 9. Details: 662-285-7720; 662-2858249.

Shirley Holmes Memorial Golf Tournament, May 30, Ocean Springs. Great Southern Golf Club. Entry fee is $85 per person for 4-man scramble. Starts at 8 a.m. Lunch included. Details: 228-872-9663

PLAY GOSPEL MUSIC #1. PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR. Piano, Keyboard.

Add chords to music. 10 easy lessons. $12.95 #2. LEARN GOSPEL MUSIC! Chording, runs, fill-ins. $12.95. Both $23. Guaranteed. DAVIDSONS MUSIC, 6727 M Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 www.davidsonsmusic.com. Free catalog available.

SOON Church/Government uniting, suppressing RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, enforcing NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW. Be informed!

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mississippi marketplace on the menu outdoors today scene around the ‘sip picture this my opinion co-op involvement southern gardening

grin ‘n’ bare it

Wow! What was that?

This COVID-19 thing?

Talk about out of nowhere!

Alright, I will try to settle down and make complete sentences for a while. But seriously! Did you ever expect that we would ever have a worldwide pandemic in our lifetimes, or ever again? I never imagined something like the coronavirus engulfing the globe with all the advances in medicine we have today.

A couple of observations about the pandemic. First, evidently it is a small world after all. The blinding speed at which the whole planet was touched by the virus is amazing. How a microscopic entity that originated in China a few months ago could be the major topic of concern in the smallest villages in Mississippi right now is mind-boggling. The old “six degrees of separation” thing must really work.

That’s the theory that we all know somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody and so on — to the point that within six people we could have contact with anybody on the planet.

I have a couple of neat stories about the degrees of separation.

Years ago, I was introduced to a Yazoo City man in his 90s who had lived in Washington, D.C. as a young man. His landlady was in her 80s. She told him about her 15th birthday — an outing to the theatre — Ford’s Theatre the night Lincoln was shot. So, I’ve met a guy who met a lady who saw Lincoln’s assassination. That puts just two degrees of separation between me and Lincoln.

Another quick story. I was interviewing a group of volunteers building a wheelchair ramp for an older lady in Rankin County. The leader of the group, obviously British by his accent, showed me a

photograph of his mother and her best friend. Her friend is Ringo Starr’s mom. So, he knows Ringo. So, there is just one degree of separation between me and Ringo.

Oddly, that puts Ringo just four degrees of separation from Abraham Lincoln through his friend, then me, then the older gentleman in Yazoo City and his landlady in Washington when he was young.

What does all of that have to do with COVID-19? Not much, except to point out that we are all a lot more related than we realize. And with the way we move around the world today, it’s not surprising something like a virus for which we have no natural immunity could whip around the globe at blinding speed.

One other observation about COVID-19. The virus seems to have brought us all to some sort of redefinition of what life is all about.

People have started visiting their neighbors, keeping their social distance of course. We have picked up hobbies that we “grew out of” because of the demands of life. We discovered we actually DO touch one another. So, we’ve started to make those touches more meaningful. Interesting that it took something that could easily kill all of us to point us back toward living.

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.” He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com.

MAY 2020 | TODAY 27

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