Today in Mississippi June 2018 Local Pages

News for members of Electric Cooperatives in Mississippi

Drivers can do more to make 4 Mississippi roadways safer

9 Outdoors Today: Back to Africa

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

Cooking with fresh 14 Gulf Coast seafood

MHP Capt. John Poulos

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June 2018

Central Electric Power Association

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937

Carthage 601-267-5671 • Philadelphia 601-656-2601 • Rankin 601-829-1201 • Sebastopol 601-625-7422

PREPARING

for disaster in advance Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes.

The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons.

• Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelf-life items, such as canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups.

• First Aid Kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer.

For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org.

• Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand.

For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www.ready.gov/build-akit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms.

Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices. Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located.

While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for your home. These can cost anywhere from a few hundred to few thousand dollars, depending on your needs. Be sure to test the generator before the disaster to ensure it’s operating properly.

If you don’t have a backup generator and lose power, don’t panic. Most power outages in the U.S. are short and will not last more than a few hours.

However, without knowing in advance how long the outage will last, it’s wise to assume and act as though it will last for days. Here are a few general tips for wise energy practices during a disaster: • Consume perishable and refrigerated foods first before they spoil.

• Pack frozen foods close together and consider freezing water bottles to eliminate any air pockets.

The frozen water will help keep the food cooler longer.

• Make sure you have alternative lighting sources, like candles and flashlights (with spare batteries) located throughout the home.

• Keep manual tools such as a can

opener on hand to replace any electronic gadgets you typically use.

• Similar to filling a bathtub with water before a storm, make sure that all cell phones are fully charged.

• If the disaster involves lightning, unplug all electronic devices to protect against a power surge.

After the storm, be cautious when leaving your home. Listen to government warnings and use common sense when approaching any damaged buildings or fallen trees. If you see a power line that is down, always assume the wires are live and dangerous.

If possible, call your local electric cooperative to report the downed power line.

With a little bit of forethought, you’re highly likely to make it through a disaster without too many problems. Remember, you and your family’s safety should always come first.

For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.

Tip of the

Month

Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs!

Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

June 2018 I Today in Mississippi

Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

ECM Foundation Scholarship Recipients The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation was created by the electric cooperatives of Mississippi in 2005. In an effort to give back to the communities they serve, the Foundation provides scholarships for postsecondary and vocational education to accredited institutions for qualifying high school seniors. For the fall of 2018, the Foundation awarded scholarships to dependents of employees of participating electric cooperatives. Four Central Electric employee’s children who are entering college this fall were awarded the ECM Foundation Scholarships. Central Electric wants to congratulate each recipient on receiving this scholarship.

Hunter Burkes

Hunter Burkes is the son of Ryan and Amy Burkes. He is a graduate of Sebastopol Attendance Center. Hunter enjoys hunting and fishing. He played football and baseball while in high school. He attends Steam Mill Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Hunter plans to attend East Central Community College where he will pursue a degree in electrical technology.

Abby Holmes

Jason Pugh

Jason Pugh is the son of Randall and Glenda Pugh.

He is a graduate of Sebastopol Attendance Center. Jason enjoys hunting, fishing, and fourwheeler riding. He attends High Hill Baptist Church. Jason plans to attend East Central Community College where he will pursue a degree in automation control technology.

Matthew Kea

Matthew Kea is the son of Mike and Sally Stubbs and Donnie and Emily Kea. He is a graduate of Leake Academy. Matthew enjoys playing basketball and fishing. He plans to attend East Mississippi Community College and pursue a degree in business.

Abby Holmes is the daughter of Kirk and Ginger Holmes. She is a graduate of Kosciusko High School. While in high school, she was a cheerleader and was a member of the Crown Club, Junior Auxiliary, Beta Club, and Mayors Youth Council. Abby will be attending Holmes Community College on a cheerleading scholarship. She plans to pursue a degree in psychology and pre-law.

Congratulations

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION will be closed Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 1-866-846-5671. CEPA Dispatcher on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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June 2018

PREPARING for disaster in advance Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes.

The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons.

• Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelflife items, such as canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly

and condensed soups.

• First Aid Kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer. For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org.

• Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand.

For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www.ready.gov/build-akit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms.

Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings

and evacuation notices. Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located.

While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be

Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage.

No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets.

• Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils

• Blankets/pillows, etc.

• Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may

not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc.

Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.

June 2018

dangerous, consider purchasing a backup the home. generator for your home. These can cost • Keep manual tools such as a can anywhere from a few hundred to few opener on hand to replace any electronic thousand dollars, depending on your gadgets you typically use. needs. Be sure to test the generator • Similar to filling a bathtub with water before the disaster to ensure it’s operatbefore a storm, make sure that all cell ing properly. phones are fully charged.

If you don’t have a backup • If the disaster involves lightgenerator and lose power, ning, unplug all electronic don’t panic. Most devices to protect power outages in the against a power surge.

U.S. are short and will After the storm, be not last more than a cautious when leaving few hours. However, your home. Listen to when you need to without knowing in government warnings use a gererator. advance how long the outand use common sense age will last, it’s wise to when approaching any damassume and act as though it will aged buildings or fallen trees. If last for days. Here are a few general you see a power line that is down, always tips for wise energy practices during a assume the wires are live and dangerous. disaster: If possible, call your local electric coop• Consume perishable and refrigerated erative to report the downed power line. foods first before they spoil.

With a little bit of forethought, • Pack frozen foods close together and you’re highly likely to make it through a consider freezing water bottles to elimidisaster without too many problems. nate any air pockets. The frozen water Remember, you and your family’s safety will help keep the food cooler longer. should always come first.

• Make sure you have alternative lightFor more information on disaster ing sources, like candles and flashlights preparedness, visit www.ready.gov. (with spare batteries) located throughout

STOP!

THINK SAFETY

Today in Mississippi 11

Be careful

with controlled burns Controlled burns are effective at clearing brush and weeds. But they can cause widespread power outages by damaging utility poles and electrical equipment.

Before you begin a controlled burn: • Cut grass, brush and weeds around the poles to reduce fire hazards.

• Remove dead trees and limbs within 20 feet of the planned burn.

• Water the ground near the utility poles, but keep water out of power lines and equipment.

If a utility pole catches fire:

• Call 911 to report the fire and Coahoma Electric to handle any possible electrical dangers.

• Water mixed with electricity produces an electrocution hazard. Never spray water on a pole to put out a fire.

• Keep everyone away from the power line until a Coahoma Electric crew can make repairs.

Every summer, people in Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season.

The 2018 season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Keith Hurt, manager of Coahoma Electric Power Association. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case storms produced by hurricane winds affect our service area.”

Coahoma Electric members should also make plans to protect life and property if severe storms threaten our region this season (see box at the bottom of page 10).

2018 hurricane names Alberto Beryl Chris

Debby Ernesto Florence

Tip of the

Month

Gordon Helene Isaac

Joyce Kirk Leslie

Michael Nadine Oscar

Patty Rafael Sara

Tony Valerie William

Coahoma Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

COAHOMA ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION will be closed Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday. Call 662-902-7551 to report an outage.

10 Today in Mississippi

June 2018

Communicators: April Lollar and Merilee Sands For Today in Mississippi information, call 877-7MY-CEPA (877-769-2372) www.coastepa.com

Where our members have the power CEO’s message

Coast Electric is prepared for hurricane season June has arrived and with it comes the start of this year’s storm season.

Every year, we speculate about what the upcoming hurricane season will be like – how many named storms there will be and how strong and intense the winds will get. The fact is that if there are two storms or 20, it only takes one to drastically affect our communities and cause widespread outages. While I can’t predict if a storm will come our way or not, I can promise that Coast Electric employees are prepared to respond. We are a local company that was built by and is led by people in this community. We understand what it’s like to be in the heat of the summer with no AC. The men restoring your electric service aren’t just working on lines, poles and transformers, they are lighting the homes of their families, friends and neighbors.

I hope that the tropics are quiet this year but if they aren’t, you can be sure that there is a group of people working for you that understand what it’s like to be in your shoes and who will do everything they can to safely bring power to your homes and businesses.

We want you to be prepared, too. The following pages Ron Barnes have lots of tips and information that will keep you and President and CEO your family safe and ready this storm season. I encourage you to take a few moments to look at this information and sit down with your family to review your plan for storm season. If you have any questions or would like any tips, please contact us at 877-769-2372 or visit www.coastepa.com and we will be happy to answer your questions about storm preparation.

COAST ELECTRIC will be closed Wednesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday and dispatchers will be on duty.

If you experience an outage, please use our free CE on the Go mobile app for instantaneous outage reporting or call us at 877-769-2372.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Watt’s up this month

10a PAGE

Concern for

Community: Coast Electric employees participate in community service

10b-d for storm PAGE

Be prepared

season

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PAGE

Mark your

calendars for the 4th annual Glow Run 4TH ANNUAL

Join US!

June 23

Concern for Community

June 2018

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Fill A Bucket Coast Electric crew members visited local Walmart locations in Picayune, D’Iberville and Waveland to collect items for the annual Fill A Bucket food drives. Because of the hard work of our crews and the generosity of our members, more than 2,646 pounds of food and other materials were collected for Manna Ministries in Pearl River County, the Hancock County Food Pantry and the Salvation Army in Harrison County.

Habitat for Humanity Women’s Build Coast Electric's Power Tulles were proud to participate in Habitat for Humanity's build day for women. Coast Electric and Chemours partnered to help build a home in Gulfport.

Safety presentation at HMS Coast Electric’s safety team recently visited students at Hancock Middle School to demonstrate the importance of electrical safety. Need a presentation? Give us a call!

Dragon Boat Coast Electric’s Team High Voltage participated in this year’s Dragon Boat Race to benefit the United Way of south Mississippi.

These paddlers got an arm workout paddling to support local charities!

Cooperatives are different from other businesses.

Coast Electric is a not-for-profit business that is owned and led by those we serve. As someone who receives service from Coast Electric, you are a member and owner of the cooperative. For the co-op to function effectively, it takes everyone doing their part – employ-

Adopt a Highway In April, volunteers removed 39 bags of trash and debris from a 3-mile stretch of Hwy 11 in Pearl River County and 21 bags of trash and debris from a 3-mile stretch of Hwy. 603 in Hancock County. We love the communities we serve and are proud to keep them beautiful!

ees, board members and you – to work toward a common goal. Although the tasks in each department may differ, the goal is the same – to provide superior service to the people of south Mississippi.

Our control center employees work 24/7/365.

These dedicated employees are the ones who work with our outage management system to get vital information to crews when your power goes out.

Their knowledge of our service territory and electrical distribution system means more reliable service for you. For Coast Electric to function effectively, it takes everyone doing No one wants their power to go out but when it does, their part. Control Center employees like Will Perry, above, work to provide safe, reliable electric service to members. these employees are here for you day and night.

10a

Are you ready for the 2018 storm season?

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Coast Electric is. Here are some of the things we do to make sure we are ready to respond if a storm comes our way.

Right-of-way clearing Making sure lines are clear in the areas just beneath and surrounding our lines is an important part of reducing outages caused by vegetation. Trees and limbs still cause outages but keeping these areas clear can mean fewer outages and faster restoration times.

Inventory When storms hit, Coast Electric must have the necessary items like lines, poles, transformers and more to restore service. Our purchasing and warehouse team keep inventory of the materials we have and ensure any materials necessary for power restoration are on standby if there are major outages.

Practice makes perfect Each year, Coast Electric staff members rehearse storm scenarios to ensure processes and procedures are clear and understood by every employee. It’s important for every employee to know their role in the restoration process. When storms hit, it’s all hands on deck at Coast Electric and employees take their responsibility to our members seriously.

Communication Communicating with employees, members and government officials is an important part of the storm restoration process. Coast Electric works to keep lines of communication open. Employees are assigned to speak to elected officials and to serve as liaisons between Coast Electric and emergency operations centers across the service area. The communications staff is dedicated to responding to members on social media outlets and communicating with local TV and radio stations and newspapers. Members can keep updated on Coast Electric's social media channels, at www.coastepa.com, by calling 877769-2372 or via the CE on the Go mobile app.

Safety

Nothing is more important than safety. When employees are working with and around high voltage electricity, it’s important that they are prepared to do so. Our highly-skilled employees receive the best training possible on a continual basis.

Technology Technology in the energy industry is always changing.

Coast Electric utilizes an advanced automated metering system and gives crew members systems to communicate with operations personnel quickly for faster power restoration.

Always looking ahead Employees are always looking for ways to improve the company’s response plan. After every practice and every outage event, co-op workers examine the process and determine where improvements can be made so members like you receive the best possible service.

Did you know?

When larger storms hit, Coast Electric will request assistance from other co-op crews. Depending on the severity of the storm, crews could be from neighboring cooperatives in Mississippi or from states across the country. Bringing in extra manpower to a storm-ravaged area isn’t always easy. Lots of things must be considered to keep trucks rolling and buckets in the air like food, housing and laundry. Coast Electric’s energy experts become logistical experts after storms, changing their roles temporarily to make sure crew members have what they need to safely restore electricity.

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PREPARING

for disaster in advance Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes.

The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons.

• Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelflife items, such as wheat, soybeans, canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups.

• First Aid Kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer. For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org.

• Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand.

For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www.ready.gov/build-a-

kit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms.

Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices. Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located.

While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for your home. These can cost anywhere from a few hundred to few thousand dollars, depending on your needs. Be sure to test the generator before the disaster to ensure it’s operating properly.

If you don’t have a backup generator and lose power, don’t panic. Most power outages in the U.S. are short and will not last more than a few hours.

However, without knowing in advance how long the outage will last, it’s wise to assume and act as though it will last for days. Here are a few general tips for wise energy practices during a disaster:

• Consume perishable and refrigerated foods first before they spoil.

• Pack frozen foods close together and consider freezing water bottles to eliminate any air pockets.

The frozen water will help keep the food cooler longer.

• Make sure you have alternative lighting sources, like candles and flashlights (with spare batteries) located throughout the home.

• Keep manual tools such as a can opener on hand to replace any electronic gadgets you typically use.

• Similar to filling a bathtub with water before a storm, make sure that all cell phones are fully charged.

• If the disaster involves lightning, unplug all electronic devices to protect against a power surge.

After the storm, be cautious when leaving your home. Listen to government warnings and use common sense when approaching any damaged buildings or fallen trees. If you see a power line that is down, always assume the wires are live and dangerous. If possible, call your local electric cooperative to report the downed power line.

With a little bit of forethought, you’re highly likely to make it through a disaster without too many problems. Remember, you and your family’s safety should always come first.

For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.

Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage.

No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets.

• Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils

• Blankets/pillows, etc.

• Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may

not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security Cards, etc.

Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.

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Even the handiest of handymen shouldn’t mess with electricity.

Instead of tinkering with plugs and wires, it’s a good idea to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to do electrical work around your house.

Not convinced? The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends: I Learn as much about your home electrical system as possible so you will know how to maintain it safely.

I Know your limitations. Do not start an electrical project that is beyond your skill level. Getting help from a pro could save your life and prevent a fire.

I Turn off the power to the circuit that you will work on.

I Unplug any appliance before you work on it.

I Test wires to make sure the power has been turned off before you touch them.

I Stay away from plumbing and gas pipes when you’re working on electricity.

Tip of the

Month

Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Going the Extra Mile Did you know electric cooperatives maintain more miles of power lines per consumer and acquire less revenue than other types of electric utilities?

Electric Cooperatives Number of consumers served: 8

Revenue:

$19,000 Other Electric Utilities Number of consumers served: 32

Even though they serve fewer consumers and acquire less revenue (per mile of line), electric co-ops always go the extra mile, maintaining a tried-and-true record of delivering safe, reliable electric service to the members they serve.

Revenue:

$79,000 Sources: EIA, 2016 data.

Includes revenue and consumer averages per mile of line.

June 2018

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READY, SET, GLOW

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June 2018 USE IT ANY TIME

Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425.

24/7

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

Greenwood • Winona • Cleveland • Indianola

Summer’s in full swing at Cecil Womble’s woodshop

By Debbie Stringer Even in hot, humid Mississippi, there’s nothing like stretching out in the shade to read a book, relax with the family or catnap with the dog— better yet, in a swing bed built by Carrollton resident Cecil Womble.

This Delta Electric Power Association member builds spacious, sturdy and affordable swing bed frames to order. The whole family can pile into the twin size, and the crib size is perfect for solitary reading.

The buyer supplies the mattress, fitted sheet and pillows, and a porch or other place to hang their cozy new retreat.

Womble began building swing beds a few years ago after his wife,

Dulcey, saw a ready-made (and pricey) model displayed online.

“She calls me cheap but I consider myself thrifty or frugal, so I thought, I could make that,” Womble said.

The timing was right: Mother’s Day was on the horizon and he had a spare twin mattress. So Womble gave the project a go. He sawed, drilled and assembled a wooden frame, set the mattress inside and presented it to his wife. “We put it up and the first night my son (then 14) slept on it. The wind was kind of blowing and it was a nice night, a little cool.

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Delta Electric member Cecil Womble enjoys building swing beds, like this one at his mother’s home, left. He gave it a distressed finish by sanding the paint and beating the wood with a rusty chain. Above, he crafts a swing bed of pine. He will add cup holders, tweak the design or do most anything the customer wants.

He said he loved it. But the dogs love it too,” Womble said.

Word of his creation spread, and soon the Air Force veteran was filling swing orders between his two jobs as an air traffic controller at Greenwood-Leflore Airport and a self-employed residential construction pro.

Womble uses 2-by-6-inch pine lumber for his swings’ mattress frame, so the user will feel only the mattress, not the frame, when he climbs aboard. Slats supporting the mattress are spaced to prevent rainwater from pooling underneath the mattress.

“The main thing regarding how much weight the swing is The whole family can pile into going to hold is what you’re the twin size, and the crib size is attaching it to. As long as it’s good and sturdy, you should perfect for solitary reading. have no problem. The bed is not going to break,” Womble said.

Since he makes all his swings to order, he customizes the design and finish to the each customer’s wishes. He’ll even deliver and set it up.

For a bed swing to hang on a porch or other covered space, Womble will use untreated pine, which can be painted immediately after assembly. Treated pine is more suitable for a swing that will be exposed to the weather but can’t be painted until the preservative dries for several months.

Some makers’ swing beds hang from ropes—a charming look but Womble prefers to use swing chain for strength and durability.

“Some people like the ropes, and it does look good, but the ropes stretch and they’ll rot. The chain will be there forever, and I know it will hold,” he said.

Whether his swing bed actually swings or not depends on how it is hung, Womble said. “There is a swinging bed and then there’s a hanging bed,” he pointed out. A swinging bed hangs from two overhead eyebolts, a hanging bed from four.

For those lacking a porch or pavilion, he can supply an outdoor stand, built of 4-by-4-inch posts, for suspending the swing bed in the yard.

Womble’s own swing bed hangs on the porch of his home in Carrollton. He mounted a ceiling fan overhead to provide a cooling breeze and discourage bugs. “If we could keep the dogs off it, we’d really enjoy it. They love it,” he quipped.

Womble’s swing beds are priced at $300 for crib and $350 for twin size.

Contact him at 662-299-8041.

Womble learned construction from his father and stepfather, who both have backgrounds in the trade. He is self-employed in residential construction and remodeling, and works as an air traffic controller in Greenwood.

Delta Electric introduces new Text Messaging Service Effective immediately, Delta Electric is making a new Text Messaging Service available to its customers on their mobile devices. If you are currently using Delta Electric’s Alerts and Reminders System, you should already be receiving messages from Short Code Number 352667 and are automatically opted into the Text Messaging Service. You can reply STOP to opt out of the service at any time.

If you are not currently using the Alerts and Reminders System and would like access to the Text Messaging Service, contact a local Delta Electric office to sign up for the Alerts and Reminders System. You will automatically receive a welcome message explaining how to begin the service. Please let us know if your cell phone number changes.

“We are excited to be offering this Text Messaging Service to our members,” said David O’Bryan, general manager. “This is just another convenient way, along with our mobile app and internet portal, for our customers to access and pay their account balance.”

Text messaging charges may apply when using this service.

A list of the available commands is as follows:

10 I Today in Mississippi I June 2018

Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Youth Tour reflections

The road to self discovery For many teens, the Rural Electric Youth Tour is full of Randy Smith “firsts.” It may be General Manager the first time they left the state, flew on a plane, visited the nation’s capital or have been away from their family for an extended period of time. Even more are seeing and experiencing the larger world through their own eyes, rather than through their parents’ perspective. That’s the most important first, as it’s truly a “leap” to their next phase and where their journey to adulthood begins.

In preparation for Youth Tour, teens learn about electric cooperatives, our history and grassroots advocacy. Youth Tour sprang from a suggestion of then

Sen. Lyndon Johnson to a national gathering of co-ops. Johnson felt youth from rural areas would benefit by visiting Washington to see first-hand how government works and gain a wider perspective through the experience. It was from this idea that Youth Tour evolved. High school juniors selected by their electric co-ops participate in a week-long trip to the nation’s capital in June. The program has grown exponentially since its inception, and this year we will see more than 1,800 high school juniors participate from co-ops in 44 states. Our state typically sends a delegation of 76 students.

ENERGY FAIR

Clean slate The week is interspersed with visits to many D.C. monuments and sites,

including Capitol Hill. A highlight of Youth Tour is a meeting with our congressional delegation. Teens learn first-hand that their elected officials work for their hometown community.

Students often have the opportunity to discuss issues with legislators, and our chaperones are always impressed with the interactions and questions asked by our students.

I can say that nearly all teens who have participated in our Youth Tour program look back with fond memories of an educational, interesting and eventful week. Many make lifelong friends. For a few, Youth Tour is a transformational experience. Parents, me being one of them, remark how their child returned noticeably different— more mature, more confident with

bigger goals and aspirations; they have a sense of purpose.

Take the leap Youth Tour is one of the most important programs that Dixie Electric provides for the community. I am constantly impressed by the caliber of students that our co-op sponsors. As it is so often said, our teens are our future, and I think it’s vital that we do everything we can to help prepare them.

I hope you will consider urging your teen to “take the leap” and join our next Youth Tour delegation.

For more information about the Youth Tour program, visit dixieepa.com or contact your school’s guidance counselor just after school starts in the fall.

Join us for Dixie Electric’s

Helping our community save energy Tuesday, July 24

in Waynesboro at Gatlin’s Building Supply

Thursday, July 26

Fto tRheEpuEblic

at the Petal Lowe’s

Friday, July 27 at the Laurel Lowe’s

All locations: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

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Joe McMichael retires and reflects on changes at Dixie Electric Since 1999, District Supervisor Joe McMichael has been the face of Dixie Electric in Wayne County. McMichael’s career began in 1973 as a serviceman trainee.

He later became a serviceman, and ultimately the district supervisor, the position he held until his retirement in February 2018.

“I have worked with some of the greatest people that anyone would have ever worked with and have made many lifelong friends.

The people of Wayne County will always be special to me. I have so many good memories that I will always treasure,” McMichael said as he reflected on his years with Dixie Electric.

McMichael has seen numerous changes over the past 45 years. “At the time (I began), we did not have the equipment that is available today. We climbed (poles) on every outage,” he explained. “Also, cards were mailed to members to read their own meters; however, some would not send these back, and we would have to go read them.

Now we have computers to read the meters.

We’ve come a long way since then.”

McMichael shared that Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was, unfortunately, his most memorable moment because “the damage to our service area was devastating. Every member was out of power. We all worked many days and nights for many weeks, restoring power to our members.”

Dixie Electric employees, retirees and directors celebrated McMichael’s service to the cooperative on April 26, at a luncheon held in his honor. Working on the farm and with cattle is his hobby, so his retirement luncheon was decorated in a country theme complete with hay and small tractors.

After retirement, McMichael plans to spend more time with his wife and family, working on his family farm. He and his wife, Janis, have two children and two grandchildren. They are members of Liberty Baptist Church in Waynesboro.

“I have so many good memories that I will always treasure. I owe everything to the Lord for all He’s done.

He has watched over me and protected me every single day I worked at Dixie Electric,” McMichael said.

Right-of-way clearing projects underway 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.

Here are the substations and surrounding communities that are either currently being cleared or will be cleared soon: • South Waynesboro substation – Winchester,

Denham-Progress, Sunlight, Big Rock and the Central School area • Glade substation – Glade, Antioch and Powers communities • Indian Springs substation – Sunrise and Petal Spraying the underbrush will begin in May and continue through the summer for the communities surrounding following substations: • Diamond substation – Holly Bush Church Road, Highway 84 East of Waynesboro, MathersvilleDiamond Road, Boice, Cypress Creek, Chaparral, Highway 45 North and Shubuta • West Richton substation – Runnelstown, Ovett,

Top left: General Manager Randy Smith presents Joe McMichael with a plaque honoring him for his 45 years of service.

Above: McMichael’s granddaughters assisted him in opening his gifts at his retirement luncheon.

Left: McMichael was the district supervisor in Waynesboro. He worked alongside Nancy Loper, Dan Wooten, Julie McKee and Margaret Little.

Goodhope, Buck Creek, McSwain, Clay Hill, Whitfield, Pumping Station, Corinth Church, New Augusta and Mahnad community • Macedonia substation – Macedonia, Leeville, Union, Corinth Church and Ovett Oilfields • Cleo substation – Poole Creek, Highway 84 East of Laurel to Wayne County line, Magnolia Road, Mill Creek Road, Beaver Dam, Sandersville-Eucutta Road, Freedom Road and Walters Loop 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.

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“Why do I Relay?”

June 2018

Answering the Question,

By Lydia Walters “Why do I participate in Relay,” is a question that Dixie Electric’s employees respond to both as a group and as individuals. Unfortunately, the answer is often because so many have been touched by cancer in their lives. This year, before the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, employees were asked to provide the reasons they participate in Relay each year. The answers quickly confirm why the employees annually participation in Relay For Life.

“I participate in Relay For Life for myself. My name is Mark Manning, and I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2011 after a Healthy You appointment. I had surgery to remove a mass in my colon and then started chemotherapy four weeks later. I am now five years cancer free. I encourage anyone who has never attended the Jones County Relay For Life to go and experience it. As a cancer survivor, it is truly humbling to see the outpouring of

Petal employees get ready for the company lap.

love and support from our community. I Relay and give to the American Cancer Society to just simply give back a portion of what was given to me and pay it forward. I am why I Relay.” Mark Manning is a Journeyman Lineman with more than 25 years of experience at Dixie Electric.

“My name is Ann Polen and I participate in Relay For Life for my husband, Ron Polen. After a Healthy You check-up, Ron was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July 2011. Ron underwent a brachytherapy procedure at New York’s Mt. Sinai Medical Center in November 2011, as well as radiation after. He is now a cancer survivor! To the world he may be one person, but to me, he is my world. I give to the American Cancer Society and Relay for the survivors like my husband, but also for the ones who were not as fortunate as him. Ron is why I Relay.” Billing Supervisor Ann Polen has worked with Dixie Electric for nearly 20 years.

These are just a few of the stories that were shared by our employees and the reason that our Laurel and Waynesboro offices raised $10,610 for the Jones County event and the Petal office employees raised $4,421 for the event there.

The Relay For Life theme for 2018 was superheroes Dixie Electric chose to honor its own linemen as superheroes. The slogan was “lighting a way to a cure.”

At the Jones County event, Dixie Electric was recognized for the Top Money Raised by a business, Best Campsite, Best T-shirt and Best Baton.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Each year the American Cancer Society hosts Relay For Life in many different commu nities.

Laurel employees and family volunteer and participate at Rel

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June 2018

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Today in Mississippi

Employees enjoy the fellowship at Relay for Life.

s.

�

Above and right: Luminary bags, lanterns and torches are sold in memory of or in honor of someone who has battled cancer.

Below: Board members Allen Sledge and Robert Smith annually support Relay For Life in Petal.

-

u-

lay For Life.

Left: Mark Manning is honored by participating in the survivor lap.

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Bylaws govern Dixie Electric’s board elections Section 4.03. Tenure & Qualifications. (a) At each annual meeting of the members, approximately onethird (1/3) of the total number of directors shall be elected by ballot, by and from the members, to serve for a term of three (3) years as provided by law. If the election of directors shall not be held at the annual meeting or if such annual meeting is not held, each director shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been qualified and elected. If there is no individual who has been duly nominated and qualified as set forth in Section 4.04, the director shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been qualified and elected. The Association will make reasonable attempts to qualify candidates and hold the election for the successor as set forth in Section 4.04 as soon as practicable. (b) At any meeting, ballots shall not be necessary in the event the number of persons nominated for directors does not exceed the number of directors to be elected, but in such case if there be no objection, the directors may be elected in any other proper manner. Drawing by lot shall resolve, where necessary, any tie votes. (c) No person shall be eligible to become or remain a director or to hold any position of trust in the Association who is not an active member in good standing of the Association, has not been a bona fide resident of the district from which they are to be elected for one year immediately preceding the nomination to directorship, or who is in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise. (d) No person shall be eligible to become or remain a director who has been finally convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. (e) In order to be eligible to become or remain a director of the Association, a person must be a member of the Association and receiving service therefrom at his or

her primary residential abode, and not be a close relative as defined in Section 4.08 of an employee, incumbent director, or the director being replaced.

When a membership is held jointly by a married couple, either one but not both may be elected a director; provided, however that neither one shall be eligible to become or remain a director or to hold a position of trust in the Association unless both shall meet the qualifications hereinabove set forth. No person shall take or hold office as director who is the incumbent of or a candidate for any elective county, beat, district, school district, municipal or state public office for which a salary is paid. (f) In order to be eligible to become or remain a director of the Association, a person must have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract. (g) In order to be eligible to become or remain a director of the Association, a person must not have been an employee of the Association for at least three (3) years and must not be a close relative, as defined in Section 4.08, to a current employee of the Association. (h) Upon establishment of the fact that a nominee for director lacks eligibility under this Section or as may be provided elsewhere in these bylaws, it shall be the duty of the chair presiding at the meeting at which such nominee would be otherwise voted upon to disqualify such nominee. Upon establishment of the fact that any person being considered for, or already holding, a directorship or other position of trust in the Association lacks eligibility under this Section, it shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to withhold such positions from such persons, or to cause them to be removed therefrom, as the case may be. (i) Nothing in this section contained shall, or shall be construed to, affect in any manner whatsoever, the validity of any action taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, unless such action is taken with

respect to a matter which is affected by the provisions of this section and in which one or more of the directors have an intent adverse to that of the Association.

Section 4.04. Nominations by Petition and Credentials and Election Committee. (a) Nominations by Petition.

Except for Association employees or their spouses, twenty-five (25) members acting together, may nominate by petition a candidate for Director by submitting a petition for nomination between June 1 and 5 p.m. on the last business day in July of that year. Any petition for nomination shall contain the name and address of the nominee and be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, printed name, address, account number, telephone number and service location of the member. For a nomination by petition to be placed on the notice of the members’ meeting, it shall be received at the Association’s headquarters no later than 5 p.m. on the last business day in July of that year and be approved by the Credentials and Election Committee. No member may submit more than one petition for nomination and no member may nominate more than one candidate.

Petitions by joint members will only be counted as one petition and in the event a married couple attempts to nominate two different people, only the first received petition will be accepted. The Secretary must mail with the notice of the meeting or separately a statement of the number of Board members to be elected and the names of the candidates nominated by petition. (b) Credentials and Election Committee. In order to carry out its duty to approve eligibility for membership on the Board of Directors, and to review the Director election process, the Board of Directors may appoint a Credentials and Election Committee consisting of not less than five (5) nor more than seven (7) members

who shall be selected from different Districts so as to ensure equitable geographic representation.

Members of the Credentials and Election Committee may serve for a three (3) year term with an initial term to be set so that approximately a third (1/3) of the Committee will be appointed each year. Members of the Credentials and Election Committee may serve a second consecutive three (3) year term if so appointed. Individuals who have already served two (2) consecutive terms on the Credentials and Election Committee are not eligible to serve again until they have been off of the Committee for at least one (1) three (3) year term. Said appointment shall be made during the month of May or June. No existing Association employees, agents, officers, Directors or known candidates for Director, and close relatives (as hereinafter defined) or members of the same household of existing Association employees, agents, officers, Directors or known candidates for Director may serve on such committee. In the event of the

Notice of Dixie Electric’s Director Qualification Period Candidates seeking election to represent Districts 3, 4, or 6 on the board of directors for Dixie Electric must visit Dixie Electric’s headquarters office at 1863 Highway 184, Laurel, Miss., and obtain a Director Qualification Packet during business hours between June 1 and July 31.

The forms and petitions in the packet must be completed and returned by close of business on

Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

June 2018

failure of the Board to appoint said Credentials and Election committee, then the President or his or her designee may appoint said committee in the month of July or at such appropriate time. It is the responsibility of the Credentials and Election Committee to appoint a chair for the Committee. The Credentials and Election Committee shall meet at a time and place to be determined by the majority of the members of the Committee. It may be the responsibility of the Committee to pass upon all questions that may arise with respect to the registration and qualifications of members in person or by proxy, the regularity of all petitions for nominations of Directors, the qualifications of all nominees for

directors, to count all ballots cast in any election or other ballot vote taken, and to rule upon the effect of any ballots irregularly marked. In the exercise of its responsibility, the Credentials and Election Committee may have available to it the advice of counsel provided by the Association.

In the] event a written protest or objection is filed concerning any election, such protest or objection shall be filed during, or within three (3) business days following the adjournment of the meeting in which the voting is conducted. The Credentials and Election Committee shall thereupon be reconvened, upon notice from its chair, not less than seven (7) business days after such protest or objection is filed.

The Committee shall hear such evi-

dence as is presented by the protestor(s) or objector(s), who may be heard in person, by counsel, or both, and shall hear any opposing evidence; and the Credentials and Election Committee, by a vote of a majority of those present and voting, shall, within a reasonable time, but not later than thirty (30) calendar days after such hearing, render its decision, the result of which may be to affirm the election, to change in part the outcome thereof, or to set it aside entirely. The Credentials and Election Committee decision (as reflected by a majority of those actually present and voting) on all matters covered by this Section shall be final. (c) In the event of any meeting of the members at which directors

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Today in Mississippi

Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage.

No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets.

• Blankets/pillows, etc.

• Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may

not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc.

Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.

BE PREPARED WITH OUR CRISIS MANAGEMENT WEBSITE Visit Dixie Electric’s crisis management website, prepared.dixieepa.com, for up-todate outage information. · The site is smartphone friendly, so members can get information during a power outage. · The site features a real-time outage map that allows members to know where outages are located. The outages are shown on the map as a general location; as a safety precaution, specific structures and road names are not visible. · The site also provides tips on preparing for storms, contact information for reporting outages and safety information in the aftermath of severe weather or an outage.

prepared.dixieepa.com

11

shall not be elected, the Board of Directors may nevertheless appoint a Credentials Committee with authority to pass upon all applicable matters herein provided as well as any other matters or questions which may be referred to it by the Chair of the meeting or by the Board of Directors. The President of the Board, or the President’s designee, shall preside at and conduct all meetings of the Members with full authority to act or refer any questions deem appropriate to the aforesaid Committee for decision. (d) Notwithstanding anything in this section contained, failure to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall not affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any election of directors.

Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 • Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils

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East Mississippi Electric Power Association Louisville 662.773.5741

Meridian 601.581.8600

Quitman 601.776.6271

DeKalb 601.743.2641

time-of-use rate plan

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Managing wholesale power costs with At a meeting I attended several years ago the speaker suggested we learn to change faster than the rate of change. What seemed like an odd challenge at the time has become a requirement for managing wholesale power cost.

In recent years, a lot of my time has been spent in CEO Randy Carroll meetings with Mississippi Power Company (MPC), Southeastern Federal Power Administration (SeFPC) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) analyzing, and many times arguing, our wholesale purchased power cost and rate structure when changes are suggested. Three years ago, TVA implemented seasonal base rate changes along with monthly fuel cost changes followed by seasonal time-of-day base rates. Most recently, TVA has implemented a grid access charge that is designed to recover a portion of their fixed cost.

Between the monthly fuel cost adjustments and the base rate changes, EMEPA has experienced many changes in wholesale power pricing over the last couple of years.

During the last 12 months, EMEPA paid just over $50 million for wholesale purchased power to distribute to our 37,000 member accounts. Wholesale purchased power cost is the largest single variable in delivering service to you. Think about it this way, for every dollar we collect to cover the expense of delivering the power, we have to collect two more dollars to cover the cost of wholesale purchased power. Influencing the decisions at MPC, TVA and SeFPC is a crucial part of managing our members’ costs of having safe, affordable and reliable power.

Because EMEPA pays a large part of the power cost

in demand related charges and the remainder in energy charges, influencing how these costs are divided affects our operating margin significantly.

Electric demand refers to the maximum amount of electrical power that is being consumed at a given time, as opposed to energy, which is the amount of power used over a period of time.

For example, the typical home iron requires, or demands, 1,000 watts of power. If that iron is used for two hours it consumes 2,000 watt-hours or 2 kilowatthours (kWh) of energy.

1,000 x 2 hours = 2,000 watt-hours (2 kWh) Using multiple appliances at the same time increases your demand. The typical dishwasher uses 1,200 watts.

If you used the dishwasher at the same time as the iron, the total demand for these two appliances would be 1,000 watts plus 1,200 watts or 2,200 watts.

However, if you chose to use these two appliances at separate times, the maximum demand for these two appliances would only be 1,200 watts.

While EMEPA’s residential members are not directly billed based on demand, but rather on energy used, it is important to understand the basics of demand to realize the value in EMEPA’s new time-of-use (TOU) rate plan.

Decreasing demand has the potential to lower EMEPA’s cost of delivering power to your home or business – a savings that can then be passed on to you.

EMEPA’s TOU rate plan is based on the time of day you use electricity and our cost of supplying electricity to you during that time. If you use electricity when the total used by all EMEPA members is low (off-peak) your rate will be lower than the standard rate. On-peak hours, or electricity used during periods of high demand, will cost more than the standard rate. By reducing your electric use during peak times, you have the opportunity to decrease your monthly energy costs without reducing the overall amount of electricity you use.

June 2018 I Today in Mississippi

Severe Weather Safety Week

. w no

The 2018 hurricane season begins on Friday, June 1.

o t e tim is

e r a prep

The

Are you prepared to protect your family?

Stop by your local EMEPA office anytime during normal business hours from Monday, June 4 through Friday, June 8 for East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s SevereWeather SafetyWeek.

Pick up educational materials on preparing for hurricane season as well as other severe weather occurrences. This storm safety information, such as proper use of a generator, will better equip you to provide for and protect your family during a severe weather situation.

EMEPA’s outage map keeps you informed

when the

lights go

out !

As we gear up for the 2018 hurricane season, don’t forget to take advantage of East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s outage map. This map offers a powerful tool to aid in power restoration and keep you informed during an outage. The easy-to-use map allows you to report an outage and view current outages with just a click of a button. The map displays where the outage is occurring and the number of members without power, and it is available both on our website and our free smart phone app.

Knowledge is power, and when it comes to outages, knowledge is also a comfort because it tells you when the lights are coming back on. With this knowledge, you can take steps necessary to protect your

family and your property. As your local electric cooperative, EMEPA is working to keep you informed about our service.

Check out EMEPA’s outage map by downloading our free smart phone app or visiting www.emepa.com/outage-map.

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PREPARING

for disaster in advance Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes. The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons.

• Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelf-life

items, such as canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups.

• First Aid Kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer. For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org.

• Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand.

For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www.ready.gov/build-akit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms.

Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices. Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located.

While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be

Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage.

No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets.

• Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils

• Blankets/pillows, etc.

• Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may

not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security Cards, etc.

Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.

June 2018

dangerous, consider purchasing a backthe home. up generator for your home. These can • Keep manual tools such as a can cost anywhere from a few hundred to opener on hand to replace any electronic few thousand dollars, depending on gadgets you typically use. your needs. Be sure to test the generator • Similar to filling a bathtub with water before the disaster to ensure it’s operatbefore a storm, make sure that all cell ing properly. phones are fully charged.

If you don’t have a backup • If the disaster involves lightgenerator and lose power, ning, unplug all electronic don’t panic. Most devices to protect power outages in the against a power surge.

U.S. are short and will After the storm, be not last more than a cautious when leaving few hours. However, your home. Listen to when you need to without knowing in government warnings use a gererator. advance how long the and use common sense outage will last, it’s wise to when approaching any damassume and act as though it will aged buildings or fallen trees. If last for days. Here are a few general you see a power line that is down, tips for wise energy practices during a always assume the wires are live and disaster: dangerous. If possible, call your local • Consume perishable and refrigerated electric cooperative to report the foods first before they spoil. downed power line.

• Pack frozen foods close together and With a little bit of forethought, consider freezing water bottles to elimiyou’re highly likely to make it through a nate any air pockets. The frozen water disaster without too many problems. will help keep the food cooler longer.

Remember, you and your family’s safety • Make sure you have alternative lightshould always come first. ing sources, like candles and flashlights For more information on disaster (with spare batteries) located throughout preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.

STOP!

THINK SAFETY

Every summer, people in south Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season.

The 2018 season begins Jun. 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Randy Carroll, CEO of EMEPA. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case storms produced by hurricane winds affect our service area.”

EMEPA members should also make plans to protect life and property if severe storms threaten our region this season (see box at the bottom of page 10).

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Debby Ernesto Florence

Tip of the

Month

Gordon Helene Isaac

Joyce Kirk Leslie

Michael Nadine Oscar

Even the handiest of handymen shouldn’t mess with electricity.

Instead of tinkering with plugs and wires, it’s a good idea to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to do electrical work around your house.

Not convinced? The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends: I Learn as much about your home electrical system as possible so you will know how to maintain it safely.

I Know your limitations. Do not start an electrical project that is beyond your skill level. Getting help from a pro could save your life and prevent a fire.

I Turn off the power to the circuit that you will work on.

I Unplug any appliance before you work on it.

I Test wires to make sure the power has been turned off before you touch them.

I Stay away from plumbing and gas pipes when you’re working on electricity.

Electric Cooperatives

Going the Extra Mile Did you know electric cooperatives maintain more miles of power lines per consumer and acquire less revenue than other types of electric utilities?

Number of consumers served: 8

Revenue:

$19,000 Other Electric Utilities Number of consumers served: 32

Even though they serve fewer consumers and acquire less revenue (per mile of line), electric co-ops always go the extra mile, maintaining a tried-and-true record of delivering safe, reliable electric service to the members they serve.

Revenue:

Patty Rafael Sara

$79,000

Tony Valerie William

Sources: EIA, 2016 data.

Includes revenue and consumer averages per mile of line.

Monroe County Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

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DIYers: Don’t mess with electricity

2018 hurricane names Alberto Beryl Chris

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EAST MISSISSIPPI ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

will be closed Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday.

Visit emepa.com or call 601-581-8600 to report an outage.

With LEDs, the future of bulbs is bright.

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Shining light on energy savings

By Derrill Holly When it comes to lighting, the potential for energy efficiency is just too great to ignore. Around the home, changing bulbs can change your electric bills, and the monthly savings can add up quickly.

“Lighting efficiency upgrades have long been the poster child of energy efficiency,” said Alan Shedd, director of energy solutions for Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

That’s because consumers regularly use dozens of bulbs in fixtures out of necessity and convenience.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration, nearly 130 billion kilowatt hours of electricity are consumed by residential lighting each year, representing about 9 percent of all home energy use.

As light emitting diode (LED) design options increase, prices are coming down, and more consumers see LEDs as an alternative to carbon filament incandescent bulbs first popularized by Thomas Edison in the 1880s.

‘The economics make sense,” said Shedd. “When LED lamp products were $20, it was a tough sell, now for a couple of bucks you can get a lamp that saves energy and lasts 10 times longer.”

To get an idea of your potential for energy savings, complete a home inventory. Don’t just count fixtures – count bulbs, checking wattage, and whether they are dimmable, three-way or require special bases. Also note the type of bulb now in use: incandescent, halogen, compact florescent lights or straight or circular florescent tubes.

There’s a good chance your total bulb count for the average single-family home will be between 50 and 75, including hallways, garages and storage areas.

Savings add up In 2009, 58 percent of U.S. households had at least one energy-efficient bulb indoors. By the spring of 2016, 86 percent of all households used at least one CFL or LED bulb, and nearly 20 percent of all households had completely abandoned incandescent bulb use.

Since passage of the Energy Independence Act of 2007, electric cooperatives, including East Mississippi Electric Power Association, have promoted energy efficiency in lighting by sharing information on potential savings.

The federal law mandating a 25 percent increase in lighting efficiency led many U.S. manufacturers to phase out incandescent bulbs of 100 watts or more.

Halogen varieties available for residential applications can produce excessive heat. That becomes more of a consideration during cooling season, when

HVAC systems can get their most use.

In recent years, manufacturers have focused more research on lighting efficacy, energy efficiency and cycle longevity. That’s led to major increases in the projected hours of use and lower failure rates.

Many consumers don’t like the lighting quality offered by compact florescent light bulbs, which can also be prone to failure due to heat build-up when used in closed lighting fixtures.

While LED lighting was initially expensive and limited to warm white or a few color temperatures and designs, market acceptance and continued research have forced prices down, and led to an expanded variety of products.

Lumens not watts Cashing in on lighting efficiency can get easier if we rethink the way we buy and use the lighting products.

Many consumers resist switching from ounces to grams, miles to kilometers or Fahrenheit to Celsius when discussing measurements and temperatures.

But, when it comes to lighting, thinking lumens instead of watts makes sense, because it could save you dollars and cents.

Cool white, soft white, dimmable, decorative, three-way and color are now among the options, with LEDs taking up an increasing share of shelf space in the lighting sections of hardware, discount and home improvement stores.

“The wide range of products is the biggest chal-

lenge – used to be a lamp was a lamp – you pretty much knew what you were getting,” said Touchstone Energy’s Shedd. “Now, the shelves are packed with a dizzying array of choices.”

According to Shedd, education, or re-education is the key. Once a consumer knows that lumens are a measurement of the amount of light given off by a bulb, they understand that the lower the lumens, the dimmer the light.

“Sure lumens can be confusing – we didn’t grow up with that,” said Shedd. “But showing that a 1,000 lumen lamp is equivalent to a 60 Watt incandescent bulb is a short term fix.”

While replacing compact florescent light bulbs with LEDs saves more energy, consumer preferences have driven a shift away from CFLs, in part because of color and lighting quality.

“The energy savings and life expectancy of an LED is incrementally better,” said Shedd. “The early CFLs did not offer good color, they took a long time to reach full brightness, particularly in cold environments, and some failed prematurely – especially if they were used in enclosed fixtures.”

Derrill Holly writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape.

June 2018

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Co-op Connections Business Spotlight Each month, EMEPA spotlights local businesses that participate in the Co-op Connections Program.

This month’s featured businesses are: Purchase any set of wipers and g et the installatio n for free 1901 Highway 39 N, Meridian, 601-693-6531

PINER’S

to m

ng

5407 Highway 145, Meridian 601-693-6398 *Appointment Only

I n terio r S e

wi

nt 5 percent discou nly *Appointment O

s

qualifies you for special discounts and offers at local participating businesses.

There are no sign-up or participation fees and we do not track your participation or purchases. There is no charge to you for this program. This is just one more way you benefit from being a cooperative member. To receive discounts, simply show your Co-op Connections card to any participating business.

Cu

EMEPA has been delivering value to our communities for more than 79 years and now we are proud to offer another member benefit – the Co-op Connections Card.

Through this free program, you will receive discounts on products and services from participating local and national businesses.

The card is a simple membership card that in identifying you as a member, also

80th EMEPA Annual Meeting set for October

Democracy is the co-op way Every October East Mississippi Electric Power Association has an annual meeting.

One of the most important activities we conduct is the election for the board of directors. These are the 10 people we entrust to give strategic direction and ensure EMEPA has good governance.

This year EMEPA will host its 80th Annual Meeting Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at the EMEPA Meridian Auditorium to inform members of actions taken during the past year, conduct Association business and elect three directors. Notices will be mailed later this summer to invite all EMEPA members to attend the meeting.

At EMEPA, we try to make it as convenient as possible for members to participate in the election by allowing members unable to attend the meeting the opportunity to vote by proxy. As the utility industry is experiencing some of the biggest changes since its founding, electric co-ops need your active participation.

As a member of a EMEPA, you have the right (and some may even say the obligation) to help set the direction for the co-op. This is a critical difference between coops and other electricity providers, such as investor-owned utilities (IOUs) or municipally-owned systems.

With IOUs, you are a customer and there is no required ownership. IOU stockholders live far away and have no direct attachment to the organization other than seeking a return on their investment. Communities served by municipally-owned systems may vote for the mayor or city council, but the connection to the electric service is very indirect.

The board of directors of a co-op makes important strategic decisions for the organization, while the operations (day-to-day running of the business) is entrusted to the employees. Examples of decisions boards make that impact all the members are: • the level of involvement in community economic development • whether to offer renewable types of energy such as solar or wind generated power to the members • offering other services such as broadband • approving the budget for the co-op As locally-owned businesses in the community, electric coops have the opportunity to introduce neighbors to neighbors and rekindle that spirit of democracy at the grassroots level.

We can encourage respectful debate about the role we see our co-op playing in our community.

We know that democracy is not a perfect form of governing, it just happens to be better than any of the others. Maybe if we can practice doing it well at the local level, it will have a positive impact on our democracy as a whole.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, and make plans to attend EMEPA’s 80th Annual Meeting. If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting or just want to know more, please contact EMEPA’s Marketing and Communication Department at 601-581-8624 or visit our website at www.emepa.com. Any member of EMEPA may obtain a complete set of bylaws by contacting their local EMEPA office.

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Board of Directors

www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544

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

YOUR COOPERATIVE

By Joe Cade CEO/General Manager

The value of cooperative member engagement Most consumers would not equate active involvement with their electric company with helping their community. But 4-County Electric Power Association is not an ordinary utility company. We’re a co-op, and our business model is meant to serve the members and the community in which it operates— not to make a hefty profit for investors five states away.

4-County’s customers are more than consumers; they are members of the cooperative.

And herein lies the difference.

Our core purpose and mission are to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to our members. But as a co-op, we are motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. After meeting our annual expenses, we invest any extra money back into the coop. We depend on the guidance and perspective of our members and board to help set priorities for the co-op and guide governance decisions. At our annual meeting, we provide information to our members, interacting with them to help gain insight on future goals and considerations. Our board of directors comprises members who live and work in our service area, for they are in a position to know where community investments are most needed.

4-County is controlled by members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. This is why we value your

participation in our annual meeting, set for June 7, and in other co-op events.

4-County has numerous ongoing programs that impact the community. Every summer, for example, we participate in Youth Tour and take local high school students to the nation’s capital to meet with lawmakers, enabling students to learn firsthand how our democracy works. This year’s three Youth Tour delegates—Haley Fye of Starkville, Clay Walters of Columbus and Lake Little of Starkville—are leaving June 9.

Our 4-County Foundation has awarded numerous grants, totaling over 500,000, to organizations in our communities.

Decisions and criteria for determining these programs are based on member guidance and feedback.

We recognize the vital role 4-County plays in energizing our local economy. But to continue to innovate and more effectively serve the community, we rely on you, our members, to provide guidance. We value your perspective, and we cannot operate effectively and help our community thrive without you. Please let your voice be heard.

For more information about how you can become more involved, call 1-800-431-1544.

Here’s An Idea

Please make room for roadside crews When the power goes out, so do 4-County Electric Power Association’s line crews. Linemen are the first to respond after an outage occurs, and they work tirelessly to restore power to the communities we serve.

If you’re traveling and see one of our crews on the side of the road, we kindly ask that you move over if possible and give them a little extra space to work. We deeply care about the safety of all, and this extra precaution ensures just that.

If you approach a crew while traveling on a two-lane road, moving over to the next lane might not be an option. In this case, we simply ask that you slow down when approaching roadside crews. If you approach a crew while traveling on a four-lane road, and safety and traffic conditions allow, we ask that you move over into the far lane.

Utility crews aren’t the only ones who could use the extra space.

Emergency responders, such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians, often find themselves responding to emergency situations near busy roadways. We ask that you follow the same procedures mentioned above to help keep these crews safe.

There’s plenty of room for all. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on our local roadways.

Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $661,694 on prescription drugs through April.

Look here each month to see the savings total!

June 2018

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June 7 Annual meeting a day of information and fun Members of 4-County Electric Power Association are invited to attend the cooperative’s annual membership meeting Thursday, June 7, at the East Mississippi Community College auditorium in Mayhew.

Plans for the day are simple. Sit back, relax and enjoy a day of good food, good fun, good fellowship and good information.

Registration and a health fair for members begin at 9 a.m. A catfish lunch with all the fixings for members will begin at 10:15 a.m. The business portion of the meeting will begin at noon.

Those attending the meeting will have an opportunity to view a variety of displays featuring 4-County programs, services and equipment.

Joe Cade, 4-County CEO/general manager, said the meeting will have something for everyone. “We’ll provide some really good information, elect board members and, of course, give away some great door prizes—including a truck,” Cade said.

Held in conjunction with the annual meeting, the health fair will provide consumers the opportunity to receive a variety of healthcare screenings.

In addition to the pre-meeting health fair, the business session will include financial and management reports along with the election of three directors to the Association’s board of directors.

Three incumbent directors—Kenneth M. Seitz of Starkville for District 2, Oktibbeha County; E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson of West Point for District 3, Clay and Monroe counties; and John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. of Mathiston for District 6, Webster and Chickasaw counties—are up for reelection. Two additional people submitted petitions for nomination for this year’s election. Neither petition met qualifications set forth in Association Bylaws.

The current board members’ names were placed in nomination by the Association’s nominating committee at its March 14 meeting.

In accordance with the Association’s

bylaws, the candidates’ names were placed in nomination for election to three-year terms, beginning June 7 at the cooperative’s annual The 4-County Annual Meeting is set for Thursday, June 7, at East Mississippi Community College’s Mayhew membership meeting. campus. Registration and a health fair (as pictured from last year) begin at 9 a.m. Lunch is set for 10:15 Ballot/proxies were a.m., and the business portion of the meeting will kick off at noon. mailed by May 8 to all 4County members. Those returning their proxy/ballots how to participate in a variety of 4-County programs. (by mail, proxy or online voting) qualified to win one For more information on the annual meeting or of three $1,000 credits for electricity. Those attending how to vote in the directors’ election, please call the meeting may qualify for the grand prize, a retired 1-800-431-1544 and ask for the 4-County marketing 4-County fleet pickup truck. Other attendee prizes department. include weather radios and gift cards.

4-County offices will be open June 7 during the Employees will be on hand to instruct members on annual meeting.

Kenneth M. Seitz

John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr.

ing t e e ual M n n A ty ’s n u o at 4-C

June 7, 2018

1-1544 or 1-800-43 g r .o y t n u www.4co

E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson

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Today in Mississippi

June 2018

PREPARING

for disaster in advance The U.S. is hit every year by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes.

The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well, according to 4-County Electric Power Association officials.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area, said Joe Miller, 4-County safety training and loss prevention coordinator. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons.

• Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelflife items, such as canned fruits, meats and fish,

peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups.

• First aid kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer.

For a full list of suggested items, visit RedCross.org.

• Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand.

For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit Ready.gov/build-a-kit.

Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

“Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms.

Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices. Make sure every family mem-

ber knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event,” Miller said. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located, 4-County officials added.

While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. Fortunately, 4-County’s average outage time in 2017 was only 1 hour, 13 minutes. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for your home. These

Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage.

No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets.

• Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils

• Blankets/pillows, etc.

• Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may

not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc.

Make sure these items are stored in a waterproof container.

June 2018 Today in Mississippi

can cost anywhere from a few hundred • Keep manual tools such as a can to few thousand dollars, depending on opener on hand to replace any electronic your needs. Be sure to test the generator gadgets you typically use. before the disaster to ensure it’s operat• Similar to filling a bathtub with water ing properly. before a storm, make sure that all cell If you don’t have a backup generator phones are fully charged. and lose power, don’t panic. Most power • If the disaster involves lightning, outages in the U.S. are short unplug all electronic devices to and will not last more protect against a power than a few hours. surge.

Without knowing in After the storm, be advance how long cautious when leaving the outage will last, your home. Listen to however, it’s wise to government warnings assume and act as and use common sense when you need to though it will last when approaching any use a generator. for days. Here are a damaged buildings or few general tips for wise fallen trees. energy practices during a disIf you see a power line that is aster: down, always assume the wires are live • Consume perishable and refrigerated and dangerous. If possible, call 4-County foods first before they spoil. to report the downed power line.

• Pack frozen foods close together and “With a little bit of forethought, consider freezing water bottles to elimiyou’re highly likely to make it through a nate any air pockets. The frozen water disaster without too many problems. will help keep the food cooler longer.

Remember, you and your family’s safety • Make sure you have alternative lightshould always come first,” Miller said. ing sources, like candles and flashlights For more information on disaster (with spare batteries) located throughout preparedness, call 4-County at 1-800the home.

431-1544 or visit Ready.gov.

STOP!

THINK SAFETY

Be careful

with controlled burns Controlled burns are effective at clearing brush and weeds. But they can cause widespread power outages by damaging utility poles and electrical equipment.

Before you begin a controlled burn: • Cut grass, brush and weeds around the poles to reduce fire hazards.

• Remove dead trees and limbs within 20 feet of the planned burn.

• Water the ground near the utility poles, but keep water out of power lines and equipment.

If a utility pole catches fire:

• Call 911 to report the fire and 4-County to handle any possible electrical dangers.

• Water mixed with electricity produces an electrocution hazard. Never spray water on a pole to put out a fire.

• Keep everyone away from the power line until a 4-County crew can make repairs.

Every summer, people in Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season.

The 2018 season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Joe Cade, CEO of 4-County. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case storms produced by hurricane winds affect our service area.”

4-County members should also make plans to protect life and property if severe storms threaten our region this season (see box at the bottom of page 10).

2018 hurricane names Alberto Beryl Chris

Debby Ernesto Florence

Tip of the

Month

Gordon Helene Isaac

Joyce Kirk Leslie

Michael Nadine Oscar

Patty Rafael Sara

Tony Valerie William

4-County wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

4-COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION will be closed Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday. Call 1-800-431-1544 to report an outage.

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June 2018

Watts

Snapshots of your co-op at work

Happening This list of area events is compiled from information provided by area chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus.

The events listed are subject to change. Please call to confirm dates, times and additional details.

SATURDAY, JUNE 2 Farmers Market; Fire Station Park, 500 E. Lampkin St. in Starkville; 7:30 to 10 a.m.; continues each Saturday (same time) and each Tuesday (4 to 6 p.m.) through June; details, (662) 3233322.

The 4-County Corporate Center recently got a facelift. The building, which opened for business in 1975, got a fresh coat of paint, some added parking space and new flag poles.

THURSDAY, JUNE 7

Monthly Gallery Opening and Reception; Main gallery of the Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 Possum Town Quilters; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus; 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; meetings held the second and fourth Saturday of every month (same time); (662) 328-2787.

FRIDAY, JUNE 22

Viva Las Elvis with the Dips; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus; 7 to 10 p.m.; Columbus Arts Council members, $15 advance ticket, $17 at door, nonmembers, $20 advance ticket, $22 at door, children (12 and under), $5 ticket; (662) 328-2787.

SUNDAY, JUNE 24

Sunday Funday; The Parthenon, 513 University Drive in Starkville; 1 to 6 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322.

4-County’s Bluefield Substation, shown under construction recently and set for completion this summer/early fall, will enhance the reliability and meet the growing demand for power in the southwestern portion of Oktibbeha County.

Catfish farmer catches a big one 4-County Electric Power Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently presented area catfish farmer Macon Gravlee with an impressive incentive check.

The check, worth nearly $13,000, was awarded to Gravlee through TVA’s Energyright Solutions Program. The program has recently begun incentivizing 4-County Key Accounts Executive Brent Lochala proprojects that represent vides area farmer Macon Gravlee with an electrification incentive check from 4-County and TVA. new load or a fuel switch from propane diesel to electric. Gravlee switched from diesel to electricity for the operation of catfish pond aerators.

The experience was a positive one, Gravlee said. “Without 4-County’s help in identifying the program and leading us through the process, it would not have happened.”

TVA uses Lockheed Martin as a third party to administer the EnergyRight program and verify that the participants qualify and that program stipulations are followed.

4-County’s Key Accounts Executive Brent Lochala was on hand in May to present Gravlee with the check. The TVA EnergyRight program is a great way to help 4-County’s commercial, industrial, and agricultural members be efficient and expand. “Electricity is the cleanest, most reliable and affordable energy source for these applications. With an incentive available to help offset costs related to power lines and electric motors, the decision to go electric becomes very easy,” Lochala said. “It has been a great asset for our members.”

June 2018

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11

4-County’s Dale Hall retired in May

Congratulations,

Over 100 people attended her retirement reception.

Dale HHaall!

Da 31 Years of Service!

19 ,

,

em e

h

. d

Stay away from substations An electrical substation converts electricity to a lower voltage so it can be safely routed and delivered to your home. Because high-voltage power runs through substation equipment, please avoid substation areas and the fences that surround them. Keep the following safety tips in mind:

Never relea lease metallic balloo loon loo oon ons ons ns near substation tions. ons. ns n s.. If s If the th th he ey e yg get et c et ca caught aug a ught gh g htt in the equipment qui qu uip ui pm p me m ent e nt o orr lines, llin liin ines nes, s, the tth hey hey he ey can cause use se p po ower er ou outages o out utta utag ages age es s..

Te T each youngs ou ters to stay away from electricall substattion fences.

The area is dangerous, and these fences are NOT for climbing.

Ne N eve er fly kit ki es s or drones near ar electrical el e ec e ect cttrri ctri ric cal ca c a s subs stations. tions If you do and th tthe he kite he ki k kitte e or or d drron o one gets caught inside th tthe he h e fenc fenc enc ce, let le ett u us s rre etrieve it for you. et

If you see ee a sub s bstation fen ence or transf ans ormer cab binet that is open or looks to be vandalized, please contact us immediately y..

Baty rolls up his sleeves at work and play At work or home, Allen Baty doesn’t mind getting his hands a little dirty.

His work as an Apprentice Lineman 4 at 4-County Electric Power Association is often accomplished in and around the rich prairie soil of the Golden Triangle. “There’s something new to tackle every day,” Baty said. “And it’s all taking place in the great outdoors.” Away from work, Allen doesn’t stray far from nature. He and his buddies often load up their four-wheelers and hit ATV parks around the country. “We’re just looking for a mud hole,” Allen said of their excursions. “I enjoy hanging out with my friends, and being outside.”

The Hamilton native and resident is engaged to Anna Dobbs. They attend Vibrant Church in Columbus. Allen joined 4-County in November 2017 and works on Glen Ledbetter’s crew at the Corporate Center.

Prior to 4-County, he worked for over a year on the right-of-way and line crews at Monroe County Electric Power Association.

He is a graduate of Hamilton High School, where he played on the Lions’ baseball team.

His determination to succeed was evident after undergoing Tommy John surgery (arm) his senior year at Hamilton. “Three months later, I was throwing. I was determined,” he said.

Allen attended Itawamba Community College, studying industrial maintenance. He then transferred to East Mississippi Community College where he completed the Lineman Training Program. “A friend told me about line work. I decided it’s what I wanted to do, and here I am.”

His outdoor exploits include hunting. What kind?

“Any kind,” he answered with a smile. “No matter what season it is, there’s something that I’m hunting.”

Allen also enjoys taking his 18-foot Stratos fishing boat on the Tenn-Tom River. “Any given Saturday morning, you may find me bass fishing,” he said.

Allen said he enjoys seeing the job through at 4-County. “I like to see the construction process, going from nothing to something,” he stressed. “There is a definite feeling of accomplishment.”

The co-op is on the cutting edge of technology, he said. “We have really good equipment to work with. It makes a difference.”

The cooperative is a true home away from home. “It’s a great place to be,” he said.

“We’re all friends. Everyone makes you feel welcome. And I’m really glad to be here.”

The young lineman knows his role at the cooperative. “I like to keep everyone’s power on,” Allen said. “People rely on us, and we don’t take that lightly.”

10

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Today in Mississippi I June 2018

PREPARING

for disaster in advance Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes. The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons.

• Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelf-life items, such as canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups.

• First Aid Kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer. For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org.

• Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand.

For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www.ready.gov/build-akit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms.

Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices. Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leav-

ing, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located.

While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for your home. These can cost anywhere from a few hundred to few thousand dollars, depending on your needs. Be sure to test the generator before the disaster to ensure it’s operating properly.

Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage.

No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets.

• Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils

• Blankets/pillows, etc.

• Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may

not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security Cards, etc.

Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.

June 2018

If you don’t have a backup generator • Similar to filling a bathtub with water and lose power, don’t panic. Most power before a storm, make sure that all cell outages in the U.S. are short and will phones are fully charged. not last more than a few hours.

• If the disaster involves lightning, However, without knowing in advance unplug all electronic devices to protect how long the outage will last, it’s wise to against a power surge. assume and act as though it will After the storm, be cautious last for days. Here are a few when leaving your home. general Listen to government warntips for wise energy ings and use common practices during a disassense when approaching ter: any damaged buildings • Consume perishable or fallen trees. If you see and refrigerated foods a power line that is when you need to first before they spoil. down, always assume use a gererator.

• Pack frozen foods close the wires are live and dantogether and consider freezing gerous. If possible, call your water bottles to eliminate any air local electric cooperative to report pockets. The frozen water will help keep the downed power line. the food cooler longer.

With a little bit of forethought, • Make sure you have alternative lightyou’re highly likely to make it through a ing sources, like candles and flashlights disaster without too many problems. (with spare batteries) located throughout Remember, you and your family’s safety the home. should always come first.

• Keep manual tools such as a can For more information on disaster opener on hand to replace any electronic preparedness, visit www.ready.gov. gadgets you typically use.

STOP!

THINK SAFETY

Every summer, people in south Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season.

The 2018 season begins Jun. 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Darrell Smith, manager of Magnolia Electric Power. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case storms produced by hurricane winds affect our service area.”

Magnolia Electric Power members should also make plans to protect life and property if severe storms threaten our region this season (see box at the bottom of page 10).

I

Today in Mississippi

Debby Ernesto Florence

Tip of the

Month

Gordon Helene Isaac

Joyce Kirk Leslie

Michael Nadine Oscar

Even the handiest of handymen shouldn’t mess with electricity.

Instead of tinkering with plugs and wires, it’s a good idea to hire a qualified, licensed electrician to do electrical work around your house.

Not convinced? The Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends: I Learn as much about your home electrical system as possible so you will know how to maintain it safely.

I Know your limitations. Do not start an electrical project that is beyond your skill level. Getting help from a pro could save your life and prevent a fire.

I Turn off the power to the circuit that you will work on.

I Unplug any appliance before you work on it.

I Test wires to make sure the power has been turned off before you touch them.

I Stay away from plumbing and gas pipes when you’re working on electricity.

Going the Extra Mile Did you know electric cooperatives maintain more miles of power lines per consumer and acquire less revenue than other types of electric utilities?

Electric Cooperatives Number of consumers served: 8

Revenue:

$19,000 Other Electric Utilities Number of consumers served: 32

Even though they serve fewer consumers and acquire less revenue (per mile of line), electric co-ops always go the extra mile, maintaining a tried-and-true record of delivering safe, reliable electric service to the members they serve.

Revenue:

Patty Rafael Sara

$79,000

Tony Valerie William

Sources: EIA, 2016 data.

Includes revenue and consumer averages per mile of line.

Magnolia Electric Power wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

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DIYers: Don’t mess with electricity

2018 hurricane names Alberto Beryl Chris

I

MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC POWER’S business office will be closed Wednesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day In case of a power outage or emergency, please call 601-684-4011. MEP’s answering service and crews will be on standby for any outages during the holiday.

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June 2018

Providing affordable, reliable electricity to our members since 1936.

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

PREPARING

for disaster in advance Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes. The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons.

• Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelf-life

items, such as canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups.

• First Aid Kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer. For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org.

• Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand.

For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www.ready.gov/build-akit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms.

Pay special attention during the week leading up to

the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices.

Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located.

While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for

Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage.

No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets.

• Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils

• Blankets/pillows, etc.

• Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may

not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc.

Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.

June 2018

your home. These can cost anywhere consider freezing water bottles to elimifrom a few hundred to few thousand nate any air pockets. The frozen water dollars, depending on your needs. Be will help keep the food cooler longer. sure to test the generator before the dis- • Make sure you have alternative lightaster to ensure it’s operating proping sources, like candles and erly. flashlights (with spare batIf you don’t have a backteries) located throughup generator and lose out the home. power, don’t panic.

• Keep manual Most power outages in tools such as a can the U.S. are short and opener on hand to will not last more than replace any eleca few hours. However, tronic gadgets you when you need to without knowing in typically use. use a gererator. advance how long the • Similar to filling a outage will last, it’s wise to bathtub with water assume and act as though it will before a storm, make sure last for days. Here are a few generthat all cell phones are fully al charged. tips for wise energy practices during a • If the disaster involves lightning, disaster: unplug all electronic devices to protect • Consume perishable and refrigerated against a power surge. foods first before they spoil.

After the storm, be cautious when • Pack frozen foods close together and leaving your home. Listen to govern-

STOP!

THINK SAFETY

ment warnings and use common sense when approaching any damaged buildings or fallen trees. If you see a power line that is down, always assume the wires are live and dangerous. If possible, call your local electric cooperative to report the downed power line.

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With a little bit of forethought, you’re highly likely to make it through a disaster without too many problems.

Remember, you and your family’s safety should always come first.

For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.

Every summer, people in south Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season.

The 2018 season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Barry Rowland, manager of Monroe County Electric Power Association. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case storms produced by hurricane winds affect our service area.”

MCEPA members should also make plans to protect life and property if severe storms threaten our region this season (see box at the bottom of page 10).

Alberto Beryl Chris

Debby Ernesto Florence

Gordon Helene Isaac

Joyce Kirk Leslie

Michael Nadine Oscar

Patty Rafael Sara

Tony Valerie William

Monroe County Electric annual meeting set for August 7, 2018, in Amory Notice is hereby given that the official 2018 Annual Meeting of the Members of Monroe County Electric Power Association will be held in the association’s boardroom in Amory at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018 to take action on the following matters:

• The reports of officers, directors and committees.

• The election of two directors of the association from District 4 and one director from District 5.

• All other business that may come before the meeting.

Nominations for directors are selected by a nomination committee as stated in Article IV, Section 4 of the association’s bylaws. However, any 50 or more members from any of the five districts may make other nominations from their respective districts in writing over their signatures at the same time the nomination committee shall meet, which will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018.

Further information concerning the election of directors will be furnished to members upon request to the association.

Tip of the

Month

Monroe County Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

11

MONROE COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION will be closed Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday weekend. Call 662-256-2962 to report an outage.

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June 2018

MDOT I-269 project brings economic growth to Northcentral service area For more information

By Elissa Fulton In most major metropolitan cities, the highways and interstate systems are a vast economic development driver. In the early 1990s, federal agencies approached Mississippi Congressmen about a highway project that would eventually connect Canada to Mexico with over 1,600 miles of interstate through North America. The concept of the project would have I-69 go directly through Memphis, Tenn., north Mississippi and down through the Mississippi Delta—an economic development game changer for the state.

In order to connect the existing interstates and highways, Mississippi and Tennessee would have to work together to build a loop for the Memphis Metropolitan area, known today as the I-269 loop. Currently, the loop is 30 miles long and begins at MS 305 in Lewisburg, Miss., travels eastward where it connects with I-22/US 78, and continues to the north where it joins I-40 to I-69 and U.S. 51 at Millington, Tenn. The Mississippi portion of the loop is a 25 miles stretch to the state line with 13 fully controlled access ramps.

Shortly after former Repsentative Tommy Woods was elected to office in 1988, he was selected to serve on the transportation committee in the House of Representatives, which he served for 25 years until retiring in 2013. As a committee member, he was privy to information related to the development for the proposed beltway project. Working in the best interests of

I-269 at the I-22 interchange

north Mississippi citizens, Woods and DeSoto County former Sen. Bill Hawks decided it was their responsibility to influence how the project would go. One afternoon, the two got in Woods’ old pickup truck and rode the two counties, deciding on a path that would do the least damage to the residents of both counties.

Commissioner Mike Tagert Photo courtesy of MDOT

Former Rep. Tommy Woods

“After we mapped out an area, the federal boys came back with a route that would go through the new Center Hill High School. They had just built that school and it was going to go straight through all those big houses in the area, and it just wasn’t going to work,” said Woods. “So we went to work trying to change that. We talked to the people and had meetings of the population. After the people voiced their opinions, we put enough pressure on them that they finally picked our route.”

The initial route for the loop proposed by the government would have cut out Marshall County all together, but Woods, Hawks and the citizens stirred up enough momentum to change the entire course. It was a huge feat for Marshall County.

The highway project finally broke ground in 2011.

In 2015, a joint ribboncutting ceremony with Tennessee celebrated the first section of the Mississippi portion of the route being opened. This route also included work on the north side of the state line in Tennessee and was a very closely coordiKevin Doddridge nated joint effort between Northcentral CEO/general manager the two states. According to Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Northern District Commissioner Mike Tagert, the project is two-thirds of the way complete, with the final segment slated to open in the fall of 2018.

“The final segment is a 9-mile stretch from 305 to the connection at I-55. We are looking for an opening of that final segment in October 2018,” said Commissioner Tagert. “This is the largest construction project in the state of Mississippi, certainly this year, and has been for several years. It is very uncommon that

June 2018

I

Today in Mississippi

I

on Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 800-325-8925. we are able to build new sections of federal interstate.

This has really been a crown jewel for the Department of Transportation. We all have a great appreciation for this project, as it’s rare and uncommon that we get to work on one of this scope and this scale.”

With a project of this size, it has certainly not been without its challenges. When construction reached the Coldwater River basin, the engineers and contractors had to follow strict Environmental Protection Agency

The project is about moving freight and moving big trucks in a more efficient, cost-effective and safer way.

(EPA) guidelines when building the Coldwater River bridge, and special construction techniques were adopted.

“We worked very closely with our federal partners, and obviously we were all concerned with the environmental sensitivity of the area,” said Commissioner Tagert. “We agreed with our partners with the Corps of Engineers and with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration that we would use a method where we would build basically from the top down. We built laterally as opposed to vertically and it was certainly need-

ed for the sensitivity of that area.”

Local economic development possibilities are unlimited with this interstate connection project, and Northcentral Electric is already seeing those opportunities come to fruition. With the convergence of four major interstates that are all interconnected near the Memphis International Airport and an intermodal yard located north of the state line, north Mississippi residents are seeing major corporations and manufacturing plants moving to the area. Along with those companies are job opportunities.

“Seeing is believing. All you have to do is drive the stretch of highway and see all the undeveloped green areas and envision the impact that it will have,” said Kevin Doddridge, Northcentral CEO/general manager.

“As you continue driving you will realize how close this area will be to Millington, Tenn., and Helena, Ark. Couple that potential workforce with the dynamic and diverse development opportunity, and you understand why this area is on the radar of every client looking to build, relocate or expand. It’s an incredible opportunity and we at Northcentral are excited to be a part of it.”

Commissioner Tagert explained how the project is about moving freight and moving big trucks in a more efficient, cost-effective and safer way. “When you place bigger trucks on a bigger road, everyone is safer,” said Commissioner Tagert. “DeSoto and Marshall counties and the local leadership have done a fantastic job of embracing the 269 corridor and trying to plan and get ahead of that kind of growth and opportunity, and to maximize it. These counties are a major revenue source, not just for north Mississippi but the entire state. It is the fastest growing region of our state and all of Mississippi is certainly going to benefit.”

Although there is no current federal or state funding for the future I-69 project, it has officially been established that it will turn at Tunica and go south through the Mississippi Delta, creating even more economic potential for the state.

Aerial photo courtesy of MDOT

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10 Today in Mississippi

June 2018

PRVEPA Contact Information: Columbia: 601-736-2666 Hattiesburg: 601-264-2458

Purvis: 601-794-8051 Wiggins: 601-928-7277

To pay bills or report outages:

855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) Visit us on line at www.PRVEPA.com

1938 - 2018 Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference.

PREPARING

for disaster in advance Every year, the U.S. is hit by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes. The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well.

Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons.

• Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelf-life items, such as canned fruits, peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups.

• First Aid Kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer. For a full list of suggested items, visit www.redcross.org.

• Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand.

For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. Also consider training offered by local emer-

gency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes.

Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms. Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices.

Make sure every family member knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located.

While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for your home. These can cost anywhere from a

few hundred to few thousand dollars, depending on your needs.

Be sure to test the generator before the disaster to ensure it’s operating properly.

If you don’t have a backup generator and lose power, don’t panic.

Most power outages in the U.S. are short and will not last more than a few hours. However, without knowing in advance how long the outage will last, it’s wise to assume and act as though it will last for days. Here are a few general tips for wise energy practices during a disaster: • Consume perishable and refrigerated foods first before they spoil.

• Pack frozen foods close together and consider freezing water bottles to eliminate any air pockets. The frozen water will help keep the food cooler longer.

• Keep manual tools such as a can opener on hand to replace any electronic gadgets you typically use.

• Similar to filling a bathtub with

water before a storm, make sure that all cell phones are fully charged.

After the storm, be cautious when leaving your home. Listen to government warnings and use common sense when approaching any damaged buildings or fallen trees. If you see a power line that is down, always assume the wires are live and dangerous. If possible, call your local electric cooperative to report the downed power line.

With a little bit of forethought, you’re highly likely to make it through a disaster without too many problems.

Remember, you and your family’s safety should always come first.

For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.

Pearl River Valley Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

PEARL RIVER VALLEY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

will be closed Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday. Call 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) to report an outage.

June 2018 Today in Mississippi

11

Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Every summer, people in south Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season.

The 2018 season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Randy Wallace, manager of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case a storm affects our service area.”

PRVEPA members should also make plans to protect life and property if a hurricane threatens our region this season (see box to the right). For more safety information, please go to www.PRVEPA.com.

2018 HURRICANE NAMES Alberto Debby Gordon Joyce Beryl Ernesto Helene Kirk Leslie Chris Florence Isaac

Michael Patty Nadine Rafael Sara Oscar

Tony Valerie William

Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage. No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets.

• Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Toiletries • Cooking tools/fuel • Flashlight/batteries • Paper plates/plastic utensils • Blankets/pillows, etc.

• Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc. Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.

Be sure to use emergency generators safely Read these tips before you connect Whenever a storm interrupts electric service, especially for an extended period of time, many south Mississippi residents and business owners use emergency generators to help keep food refrigerated and to operate lights and other appliances. Several million portable or standby generators are now in use around the country.

However, it is critical that any auxiliary generator is hooked up properly and used correctly and safely.

“Generators can help make life bearable after a natural disaster,” said Kurt Brautigam, manager of member services. “We cannot stress enough, however, how important it is that proper safety precautions be taken in order to prevent accidents that could affect consumers, their family members and neighbors, or our line workers.”

A permanently-installed standby generator must be wired into a house by a qualified electrician using a transfer switch, which prevents electricity from backfeeding onto power lines whenever the generator is in use. Putting electric current out on lines that are thought to be de-energized can cause serious injury to utility restoration crews or anyone else coming into contact with those lines.

Portable, temporary generators should never be attached to a home’s circuit breakers, fuses or outlets, and there are other important safety considerations whenever they are in use.

“The improper use of generators can lead to serious injuries or death, it’s that simple,” Brautigam noted. “That is why it’s so important to follow directions.”

• Before you try to start a new generator, read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions. Make sure it is properly installed and grounded. Standby generators must have a transfer safety switch installed by a professional.

• Portable generators should never be plugged directly into a home outlet or electrical system—use an extension cord to plug appliances into an outlet on the generator.

• Never operate a generator in a confined space, such as a garage. Generators produce gases, including deadly carbon monoxide. They require proper ventilation.

• Generators pose electrical risks, especially when operated in wet conditions.

Operate a generator under an open, canopy-like structure on a dry surface. Always ensure that your hands are dry before touching a generator.

• When you refuel a generator, make sure the engine is cool in order to prevent a fire, should the tank overflow.

• Be sure to keep children and pets away from the generator, which could burn them.

For more information on the safe use of portable and standby generators, go to PRVEPA.com or SafeElectricity.org.

Standby generators need to be installed with safety in mind Standby generators provide emergency power for many businesses and critical need situations such as hospitals, nursing homes, fire and police departments. Standby generators are installed permanently and are hardwired into the building’s electrical system.

Standby generators must be installed by a licensed electrician and meet the requirements of local ordinances and the National Electrical Code.

Contact Pearl River Valley Electric We’re here to serve you. If you have questions about portable or standby generators, please contact us. We can help you find a safe, reliable solution to your emergency power needs.

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June 2018

“Pioneers In America’s Rural Electrification”

Pontotoc Electric families celebrate their graduates

Tiarra Charvonne Lackey South Pontotoc High School

John Prentiss Stewart Bruce High School J. P. is the son of Billy Jack Stewart, II (Pontotoc Electric Meter Route Coordinator/Collector for the Bruce District) and Paige Stewart.

J. P. is a member of the National Beta Club and ranks fourth in his graduating class. He has been recognized on the Principal’s Honor Roll. He is a member of the Bruce High School baseball team.

He is a youth Rotary winner.

J. P. attends Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. He plans to attend Itawamba Community College and major in secondary education. His future plans are to become a baseball coach.

Tiarra is the daughter of Charles and Lavonia W. Lackey (Lavonia is head cashier at Pontotoc Electric’s Pontotoc office). She is the recipient of the Health Award and the Algebra II Award. Tiarra is a member of the South Pontotoc High School Band where she has been a member of the color guard for five years and winter guard for seven years. She received the Best All Around and Red and Gray Pride Awards for band.

Tiarra is a member of Treble Song (the Mississippi Girls Choir), and she is a member of The Remnant Church youth choir and praise team.

She was on the South Pontotoc homecoming court and was chosen for the South Pontotoc High School Hall of Fame. She is also a member of the Beta Club.

Tiarra has received scholarships to Itawamba Community College for band, ACT incentive, and leadership.

She plans to attend Itawamba Community College for two years and transfer to the University of Mississippi to earn a degree in nutrition and food sciences.

McCade Davis South Pontotoc High School McCade Davis is the son of Marty and Cody Laster (Cody is an apprentice lineman for Pontotoc Electric) and Michael and Jennifer Davis.

McCade is co-captain of the South Pontotoc High School baseball team and was chosen as a 2018 NEMCABB All Star.

He is a member of First Baptist Church where he is involved in the youth group.

He plans to attend Itawamba Community College and major in sales and marketing.

A WORD OF CAUTION June 2018

Watts Cooking?

Perfect Lemonade

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Today in Mississippi

WHEN MAKING ONLINE PAYMENTS TO PONTOTOC ELECTRIC:

Joanne R. Bradley, PEPA Retiree Recipe belongs to Dr. Jerri Lamar Kantack ½ cup sugar ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice to every 3 cups of water Mix and serve.

Creamy Cheese Grits Mary Williamson, Collections Manager 1 tbsp butter 1 tbsp oil 2 jalapenos, diced 1 whole onion, diced 1 red pepper, diced 4 cups stone-ground grits 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth 2 cups half and half 2 cups grated cheddar Heat butter and oil in pan, and add jalapenos, onions, and bell peppers. Cook until softened, five minutes or more. Pour in grits, broth, and three cups water. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add half and half, and stir. Cook until grits are tender (about 20 minutes). Add more broth if it looks like the grits need more cooking liquid.

Remove grits from heat and stir in cheese. Serve immediately.

PONTOTOC ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION will be closed Wednesday, July 4, in observance of

Independence Day In case of a power outage or an emergency, please call 662-489-3211 (Pontotoc) or 662-983-2727 (Bruce). A Pontotoc Electric dispatcher is on duty 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Online payments should only be made through the official Pontotoc Electric website at www.pepa.com.

Be aware that there are scams on the internet that will direct you to another site to make your payment. Some of these sites even use our image to make it appear official. These unauthorized sites may hold your payment for days or weeks before sending to Pontotoc Electric or your payment may never reach Pontotoc Electric. To protect yourself against scam websites, please make your payment online only at www.pepa.com. If you notice anything that appears to be different from our official payment site, please use caution.

If you have any questions, please call our offices at 662-489-3211 (Pontotoc) or 662-983-2727 (Bruce).

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10 Today in Mississippi June 2018 Pay Bill Report Outages

Your Co-op, Your Vote

Brian Hughey, General Manager & CEO Lorri Freeman, APR, Manager of Public Relations Amanda Parker, Public Relations Specialist For more information, call 601-947-4211, 228-497-1313 or visit our website at singingriver.com. SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

CEO’s Message

Brian Hughey General Manager and CEO Singing River Electric

Electric cooperatives adhere to seven guiding principles, one being “Democratic Member Control.” Singing River Electric Cooperative is an organization controlled by its members, who actively participate in making decisions. Your voice is important to the success of our cooperative, so I encourage you to exercise your right to vote.

Recently, you received the notice of Singing River Electric’s upcoming Annual Meeting along with an attached proxy. You can return your mailed proxy or vote online

Check Energy Use

Round Up Bill

View Outage Map

Contact Us

in our annual board of directors election.

Simply complete, tear off and return the proxy postcard that was mailed to you, or use your SmartHub app or visit singingriver.com to vote online. All online voting must be completed and proxies received by Wednesday, June 20. Members who return proxies or vote online will be entered in a drawing for one of six $250 prizes and one grand prize of $500.

Members will vote for a total of five (5) board member posts this year. There are the traditional three posts up for election (1 from

PLUG INTO the

OF YOUR

each of the three districts), along with an un-expired post in District 2 and the new post for District 3. The candidates for these director posts are all members of our cooperative who live in the communities we serve and have been certified as qualified candidates by Singing River Electric members serving on the Elections and Credentials Committee.

For candidate biographies, please see the official ballot which can be accessed on the SmartHub app and the cooperative’s website located at singingriver.com.

Singing river electric’s 2018 annual meeting notice WHEN: Thursday, June 28 WHERE: Lucedale – 11187 Old 63 South registration opens: 4:30 p.m.

Meeting begins: 6 p.m. energy fair: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Detach and keep these membership cards handy.

2018 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

They can be used when voting online, paying your bill or reporting a power outage.

PLUG INTO the

> THIS IS YOUR OFFICIAL SRE PROXY < Cast your vote. return proxy or vote Online.

you could win

$500 ca$h!

of your membership We Are committed to providing above & beyond, friendly, professional & expert service to each and every member.

PLUG INTO the of your membership We Are committed to providing above & beyond, friendly, professional & expert service to each and every member.

June 2018

Singing River Electric was a corporate partner for the May 18 Renew Our Rivers event to clean up the Pascagoula River. Twelve employees volunteered to aid by boat and foot to clean the waterways and reach more of the river system. The project launched from Gautier City Park and Pier.

“Our employees were proud to be part of this Gautier-based event,” said Singing River Electric Right-of-Way Coordinator Nick Greer, who coordinated the cooperative’s involvement. “We value being an active part of our community, in ways that go beyond providing electricity.”

Renew Our Rivers is a national award-winning environmental stewardship program.

Piloted in 2005 by Mississippi Power Company, the initiative was created to clean waterways, educate the public, and raise awareness on the protection and preservation of our area’s valuable community resources.

Before this year’s event, the community effort had collected a total of 362 tons of debris from approximately 20 different waterways in south Mississippi.

“We don’t just work here, we live here,” said Singing River Electric General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey. “We want to leave our beaches, sand bars and rivers how we found them and protect our community’s precious resources.”

Today in Mississippi 11

10 I Today in Mississippi I June 2018

New fiber network opens door to connectivity The story is familiar: Rural households and families lack access to a service that has become more and more important to everyday life. It is the same story that led to the creation of Southern Pine 80 years ago. Back then, rural Mississippians referred to electricity as “the Next Greatest Thing.” The development of the electric grid was, and continues to be, one of our nation’s greatest achievements.

Nowadays we are faced with a new, next greatest thing— access to high-speed internet across rural Mississippi.

Jason S. Siegfried Originally created President/CEO as a means to share information between computers and their users, the internet has grown into a data mecca. It is a crucial component of education, health and public safety, and government operations, and is vital to the promotion of economic growth. It aides in countless conveniences in our day-to-day lives. In short, not having high-speed, high-capacity access to the internet will stifle the progress of rural America.

At Southern Pine, we understand the need for high-speed connectivity. I could go on and on listing the key components of the electric grid system dependent on broadband access. To help mitigate some of those issues, we are in the process of installing a communication infrastructure ring consisting of fiber optic cable that will interconnect all Southern Pine offices and substations. This will provide a direct, web-based communication link to all our sites. While securing Southern Pine’s infrastructure, the construction will also give us the ability to utilize

state-of-the-art equipment to increase the reliability and efficiency of our electric distribution system.

This fiber network also provides another potential service to our members. Upon completion of Southern Pine’s required communication infrastructure ring, this same system would allow us to expand the network to provide fiber directly to members’ homes. This means individual broadband access at speeds of up to one gigabit.

We introduced the possibility of this member service last month by hosting a survey through our website that asked how important access to high-speed internet is to you, our member.

Other questions asked if you are pleased with your current internet

service, if you have it. The response was significant, and it is overwhelmingly evident that our members desire high-speed internet connection at an affordable price.

So where do we go next? For this to become a reality, it will take tremendous effort on behalf of the cooperative and its members. We are in the preliminary

stages of exploring the possibilities, but we need to know what you think. We will continue to host the member survey on the cooperative’s website, and I ask that you take the time to share your thoughts. This is an important time in the life of Southern Pine as we work to meet the needs of our members and Bring the Power to their lives.

Southern Pine Electric employees work to install fiber optic cable that will allow web-based communications among the cooperative’s offices and substations.

Pierce Castle

June 2018 I Today in Mississippi

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11

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Located outside the rural Mississippi town of Decatur you will find a magical place resembling a charming scene directly out of 15th century Europe.

It’s a location bursting with so much beauty and enchantment that Cinderella herself would be mesmerized to find an actual castle located on a hill in Newton County.

With June being wedding month, we recently spoke with Margaret Lorren, Southern Pine Electric member and owner of Pierce Castle.

Tell me the story of Pierce Castle and how a castle ended up in Decatur, Mississippi?

The inspiration to build a “castle on that hill” was planted by my mother while sitting under a shade tree on our property shelling butterbeans one cool summer evening with her five daughters.

My mother was a dreamer and she always believed a castle would look beautiful on the hill that graced our property.

About 40 years later, our family had the pleasure of touring Ireland and Scotland in all its splendor. We were awestruck by the beauty and majesty of their history, and the tremendous role that the castle played in the survival of the family for generations. The thought was if the castle could remain intact, then the family was safe from invaders.

Upon our return and with immense inspiration from our trip, we pondered the idea of building something special on

the hill and fulfill my mother’s dream.

In 2008 Pierce Castle was completed.

Photos: Keepsake Images, LLC, of Newton, Miss.

What kind of events does Pierce Castle host?

We host all kind of events, including banquets, dances, holiday events and company parties. We offer plenty of options for various-size groups. These include an indoor and outdoor ballroom, plus a covered patio. We’ve even held Medieval Festivals with real horses and jousting. However, weddings are our main event. From the castle environment and decor, to the King and Queen quarters for newlyweds, we truly offer a fairytale environment for our guests.

In addition to the castle, we also have the Mississippi Cabin on our property.

Nestled beside the Oka-Itsu-Pyah Falls, the Mississippi Cabin is located on the Chunky River. We offer the cabin as the perfect place for wedding parties to recoup and relax during a usually hectic few days.

What can someone expect while visiting Pierce Castle?

The first reaction is typically awe and amazement. The visitors don’t expect to see a castle. It is a little unbelievable that a castle is located in this rural

area of Mississippi.

Once past the guardhouse, guests will enter the castle grounds. Visitors can expect to get a true castle experience including dragons, knights, flags flying from the old country, family coat of arms, lookout posts and two thrones fit for the king and queen.

What does being a member at Southern Pine Electric mean to you?

My appreciation for our Southern Pine Electric Cooperative can best be

told by a true story. It was an hour before a wedding was to start, and guests were already seated with others gathering at the front of the castle for the special occasion. The food was being prepared and treats were resting in the electric-powered coolers.

Furthermore, the bride and her bridesmaids were putting on their final touches before the proceedings commenced.

All of a sudden, the skies turned dark and a summertime thunderstorm ascended upon the castle, which resulted in a power outage. Everyone was frantic!

I assured the guests, asking them to “stay calm and carry on,” that Southern Pine would take care of it.

I quickly called my local Newton District office, stated the situation, and swiftly the trucks were there and the power was restored. The kingdom (and the wedding) was saved and the vows were exchanged right on time!

Please give any additional information about your venue that you would like to share.

We encourage people to visit our website at www.piercecastle.ms.com to learn more about us. We welcome the opportunity to treat you, friends and family like royalty!

10

Today in Mississippi

June 2018

P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 601-437-3611 or toll-free 1-800-287-8564 • Fax: 601-437-8736

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

www.southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

Southwest Electric employees volunteered at the

Hog Wild Family Festival & BBQ Cookoff on Saturday, May 3.

This is the fourth year that Southwest Electric employees have volunteered at this Brookhaven event.

Sue Redd won the raffle for the RTIC SoftPak 30. All proceeds were donated to the fire departments.

Employees who volunteered are left to right: Leah Ross, Joseph Nettles, Dusty Matthews, Kevin Bonds, Deb McGee, Les Southerland and Stephanie Knotts.

Southwest Electric wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

Our offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4, in observance of

Employees sold drinks and raffle tickets to raise money for the Lincoln County Volunteer Fire Departments.

Independence Day Dispatchers will remain on duty and crews will be on call throughout the holiday. Call 800-287-8564 or use the SmartHub app to report an outage.

Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage.

• Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel

• Paper plates/plastic utensils • Blankets/pillows, etc.

• Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated

NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc.

Make sure these items are stored in a water proof container.

Southwest Electric will be closed at noon on Thursday, June 21.

June 2018 Today in Mississippi

11

Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association annual meeting The annual meeting of Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association Members will be held in August. The date and location will be announced in the July issue of Today in Mississippi. The meeting is being held for the purpose of electing directors, hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year and transacting other such business as may come before the meeting.

HINDS COUNTY

CLAIBORNE COUNTY

COPIAH COUNTY

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Bylaws outline meeting procedures Article III, Meetings of Members Section 3.01. Annual Meeting For the purposes of electing directors, hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the meeting, the annual meeting of the members shall be held in August each year, at the general office of the Association or at such place in one of the counties of Mississippi within which the Association serves, as the Board of Directors shall order; PROVIDED, that for sufficient cause the Board of Directors may decide to hold the annual meeting in July or September. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time and place shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Association.

It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to make adequate plans and preparation for the annual meeting, and to encourage attendance by the membership at these meetings.

Section 3.02. Special Meetings Special meetings of the members may be called by at least four (4) directors or upon written request signed by at least 10% of the members, and it shall thereupon be the duty of the Secretary to cause notice of such meeting to be given as hereinafter provided. Special meetings of the members may be held at any place within one of the counties of Mississippi within which the Association serves, as specified in the notice of the special meeting.

Section 3.03. Notice of Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Meetings Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than seven (7) calendar days nor more than twenty (20) calendar days before the date of the meeting, either personally, electronically, or by mail, by or at the direction of the Secretary, or by the directors or members calling the meeting, to each member. If directors are to be elected at such meeting, the notice of members' meeting shall include a statement of the number of directors to be elected, the districts from which they are to be elected, or that the candidate is at-large, and the names of the candidates nominated by the committee on nominations and of any candidates nominated by petition pursuant to Section 4.04(b). Unless contained with such notice, no matter may be acted upon at that meeting which requires the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the members. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the member as it appears on the records of the Association, with postage thereon prepaid. The failure of any member to receive notice of an annual or special meeting of the members shall not invalidate any action which may be taken by the members at any such meeting.

Section 3.04. Quorum 250 members present in person or by valid proxy shall consti-

tute a quorum at a regular or special meeting of the members. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting of members, the presiding officer of the meeting may, without a motion, declare the meeting adjourned and closed, or he or she may hold the meeting open for not longer than thirty minutes to see if a quorum is present within that time; and meeting shall automatically be adjourned and closed if a quorum shall not be present at the end of said thirty-minute period. The members present at the meeting at which a quorum is not present shall not have the power to take any kind of action, including, but not by way of limitations, adjourning said meeting to another time and place. At all meetings of the members, whether a quorum be present or not, the Secretary shall annex to the meeting minutes, or incorporate therein by reference, a list of those members who registered as present in person or who were represented by valid proxies.

Section 3.05. Voting Each member who is not in a status of suspension, as provided for in Section 2.01, shall be entitled to only one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at any meeting of the members at which a quorum is present. A member may vote in person or by proxy. No person not a member, except the spouse of a member, shall be allowed as proxy. At a meeting of the members where directors are to be elected, all members present in person or by proxy may cast one vote for each director to be elected; each member may vote their own vote plus those proxies executed in their favor, pursuant to Section 3.06 of these bylaws. Voting by members other than members who are natural persons shall be allowed upon the presentation to the Association, prior to or upon registration at each member meeting, of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting same to vote. At all meetings of the members, all questions shall be decided by a majority of the members voting thereon, except as otherwise provided by law or by the Association's Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws.

Members may not cumulate their votes.

Section 3.06. Proxies At a meeting of the members, a member may vote by proxy executed in writing or electronically (when available by the Association) by the member, subject to the provisions hereinafter set forth, provided, however, any member holding and intending to vote a proxy must file the executed proxy at the Association's headquarters, not less than five (5) calendar days prior to the meeting. The proxy must have entered thereon the account number of the member executing the proxy. If one person shall receive electric service through two (2) or more meters at different premises, he or she shall nevertheless be entitled to only one (1) vote at any meeting of the members. No proxy shall be voted at any meeting of the members unless it shall designate the particular meeting at which it is to be voted, and no proxy shall be voted at any meeting other than the one so designated or any adjournment of such meeting. No proxy shall be voted by anyone except a member. No member shall vote as proxy for more than 250 members at any meeting of the members. The presence of a member at a meeting of the members shall revoke

a proxy theretofore executed by that member, and such member shall be entitled to vote at such meeting in the same manner and with the same effect as if the proxy had not been executed. A standard proxy form shall be used which identifies the member by name and account number, in order to assure authenticity and facilitate the tabulation of votes. If the proxy form of a member is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the Association shall furnish the member with a replacement proxy form upon request, provided that the member executes a revocation of the lost, stolen or destroyed form, to be witnessed by an employee of the Association. Blank proxy forms will not be distributed in bulk to any member or other person.

Only the proxy form issued by the Association shall be valid.

Section 3.07. Representative Voting Legal entity organizations and non-legal entity organizations which are members of the Association may be represented at any meeting of the members and may vote only as follows: (a) any director, officer or general manager duly authorized in writing may represent and cast the one vote of a corporation; (b) a trustee, steward, deacon, clerk, or pastor, duly authorized in writing may represent and cast the one vote of a church; (c) a school trustee, principal or superintendent duly authorized in writing may represent and cast the one vote of the school; (d) and any other association or organization not a legal entity may be represented by and have its one vote cast by any person duly authorized in writing who is a trustee, or manager or part owner, or any officer of such association or organization.

Section 3.08. Order of Business The order of business at the annual meeting of the members and, so far as practicable at all other meetings of the members,

LINCOLN COUNTY

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ADAMS COUNTY

AMITE COUNTY

WILKINSON COUNTY

Service area

shall be essentially as follows, except as otherwise determined by any officer of the Association who is presiding at such meeting: 1. Report on the existence of a quorum.

2. Reading of the notice of the meeting and proof of the due publication or mailing thereof, or the waiver or waivers of notice of the meeting.

3. Reading, or the waiver thereof, of unapproved minutes of previous meetings of the members and the taking of necessary action thereon.

4. Presentation and consideration of reports of officers, directors, and committees.

5. (a) Receive report of Committee on Nominations. (b) Secretary to present petitions filed and posted for the nominations of directors. (c) Receive report of Credentials and Elections Committee. (d) Election of Directors.

6. Unfinished Business.

7. New Business.

8. Adjournment.

Nondiscrimination statement Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

10 I Today in Mississippi I June 2018

Tombigbee Electric Power Asso Tupelo 662-842-7635 • Fulton 662-862-3146 • www.tombigbeeelectric.com

From the

Past On June 30, 1936, Tombigbee Electric made a payment of $1,123.54 to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for their purchase of wholesale power. This amount represented service for one month. Today, Tombigbee Electric’s average wholesale cost for one month of purchased power from TVA is $7.4 million.

A photograph (below) depicts the first TVA pole being erected during a pole-raising ceremony on Jan. 22, 1934.

Photo courtesy of the archives of Pontotoc Electric Power Association

Members of the Tombigbee Electric board of directors (top photo) attend a meeting in 1955. In 1935, the first Tombigbee Electric office (left) was located on Main Street in Tupelo. The facility was located next door to the old T. K. E. Drug Store. Pictured from left are Rob Miller Wood, Rebecca Pough and Louis Cook (manager). In 1945, Tombigbee Electric’s office (above) was located on South Spring Street in Tupleo. This location served members until 1963.

June 2018 Today in Mississippi 10a

TEPA KWH COST

ociation

TEPA average electricity use per home per month

1930 – 50 KWH 1945 – 91 KWH 1955 – 290 KWH 1969 – 1000 KWH

1979 – 1260 KWH 1989 – 1073 KWH 1999 – 1245 KWH 2010 – 1389 KWH

1935 – 2.5¢ per KWH 1955 – 1.5¢ per KWH 1969 – 1.1¢ per KWH 1979 – 3.332¢ per KWH 1989 – 5.7¢ per KWH 1999 – 6.4¢ per KWH 2010 – 8.78¢ per KWH

On Feb. 26, 1934, charter was granted to the Lee County Rural Electric Power Association. In June 1924, TVA took over, from Mississippi Power Co., lines serving electric consumers at Guntown, Saltillo, Sherman, Shannon, Nettleton, Plantersville, Verona, East Tupelo, Auburn, Chesterville and Belden in Lee County, and Fulton in Itawamba County.

On June 25, 1935, Mr. Louis Cook was appointed manager of Lee County EPA, and during that same year the name was changed to Tombigbee Electric Power Association (TEPA). On Oct. 10, 1935, TEPA bought from TVA all of their distribution lines in this area and began operation as a cooperative with approximately 168 miles of lines and 151 members.

On Nov. 1, 1967, Mr. James M. Allen succeeded Mr. Cook as manager of TEPA. On Dec. 1, 1989, TEPA had 2,799 miles of line, 28,572 members and 110 employees.

On June 30, 1995, Mr. William W. “Bill” Long succeeded Mr. James M. Allen as manager of Tombigbee Electric Power Association. On June 1, 2010, TEPA had 3,963 miles of line, 41,316 members and 135 employees.

Follow@TombigbeeEPA

A Mississippi Electric Cooperative

Message from your general manager Louis Cook, Manager 1935-1966

Jim Allen, Manager 1966-1995

CREW MEMBERS - FEBRUARY 1967 From left: Billy Hawkins, Gene Hood, Holland Little, Jim Gray, Larry Hamner, Jud Clayton, Poss Wigginton, Bitsy Payne, Junior Inmon, George Kennedy, Bill Lee, Joe Carr, Tommy White, James Jackson, Paul Gandy, Carlos Reynolds, Curtiss Parker, Billy Riley, Unidentified, Jimmy Rea, Dale Carr, Joel Spradling, James Brown, Earnest Davis, Elvin Turner, Scotty Knowles, James Herndon, Harry Collins, Clinton McCormick, Royce Finley, Gerald Rushing, Junior Box, Relmer Guin, William Kelly, Mack Clemons, Wayne Moore, Jimmy Moore, Milford Justice, Johnny Edwards, Doyle Young, Joe Morgan, Leonard Newman, Neal Bishop, Lynn Irvin, Buford Ramage and Bonnor Griffin.

Kneeling: M. T. Davis, Virgil Dozier, Ben Rabb, T. E. Yancey, Louis Cook and J. M. Allen.

Greetings, fellow members of Tombigbee Electric Power Association (TEPA). I’m proud to introduce to you our very first issue of Today in Mississippi. It is the official member publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi, and it is the most widely circulated publication of any kind in the state. It will be available to you quarterly through our TEPA website during a special trial offering.

If you enjoy the publication, send us a message through our website.

The unique design of Today in Mississippi provides members of Tombigbee Electric up-to-date system information, local news and information on the centerspread.

Today in Mississippi’s editorial content includes humaninterest features, an editorial, four special-interest columns by freelance writers, a recipe page and an events calendar. Reader involvement is encouraged through a “Mississippi is…” feature and the submission of photographs.

Here at Tombigbee Electric, our board has decided to participate in Today in Mississippi with a digital version on a trial basis, with four publications to be made available on our website only. We thought we would begin with our first issue focusing on some of the history of TEPA, with special emphasis on all the people who have served the Association. We are proud of our service history to our members and community, and we look forward to enhancing that service in the future.

We welcome all our members to read it and provide us feedback on how you like the publication. Other topics planned for future issues include community involvement through participation in the Youth Leadership Program, our governance and director election process, and other informative articles concerning the operation and services available through your Association.

William W. Long General Manager BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 1955 Seated from left: James C. Young, J. R. Ford, J. L. Evans, Herman Jones and F. G. Wiygul. Standing, from left: J. M. Savery, P. K. Estes, Olen Sheffield, Delmus Harden, A. K. McFerrin, T. C. Russell, Swep Monts and J. E. Gray. Not pictured are Kyle Brown and Luther Harris.

Tombigbee Electric Power Association

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June 2018

to the

Present

Eleven years have passed since the last yearbook printing. We have more new faces added to “the family” … and the ones remaining are showing more signs of wisdom and maturity. Those employees that were new in the 70s and 80s are now leaders in the organization and facing new challenges and ever increasing member expectations. Even though we still serve members that grew up without electricity, the majority of our members now don’t know what it was like to not have the conveniences of electricity… TV, air conditioning, refrigeration and indoor plumbing (that little house that’s too close in the summer and too far away in the winter).

Since the last printing, we’ve seen significant issues threatening our way of business. Issues like Y2K, de-regulation (really re-regulation), catastrophic losses on Wall Street and In October 2013, Tombigbee Electric moved into their new headquarters facilities, the 9/11 tragedy, just to mention a few. We continue to of the administrative office building in front center, with the warehouse and servic experience emergencies among our fellow cooperatives and ing our members with reliable and quality service, and provides for future growth have sent our workforce to Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, This message from our Louisiana and Missouri, not to general manager appeared in our 75th anniversary report to mention at least eight neighborour membership in 2010. ing cooperatives where we have provided assistance due to tornadoes, hurricanes and ice storms.

At Coast EPA, due to Katrina, our workers alternated two-week work cycles from August 29, 2005, until the middle of February 2006. During that time, not only did our men at the emergency site provide work assistance and donations to families in need, but those remaining at our local co-op also had to give extra effort to fill in for those traveling. We have continued On April 30, 2012, the board of directors held a ground-breaking ceremony for the new headquarters facilities. to learn the valuable lesson that whatever adverse event doesn’t defeat you, often makes you stronger.

OUR PURPOSE Looking forward, we still have challenges to continis to provide: ue upgrades to our electric system and expanded The highest quality of customer service. member services and conveniences. Services like autoA safe workplace for our employees. matic meter reading (AMR), online bill payment and an improved outage management tool that provides Fair and constant application of policies. more member access to “real time” information while Economical rates. we restore power. Let us all remember that our memReliability. bers expect Tombigbee Electric to provide the very best in VALUE, whether that value is in the cost of As a service to our members, we offer having electricity or through the other services we pro- paperless billing, online bill payment, bank vide to our community and members. drafts, energy-efficiency programs, and more. Visit www.tombigbeeelectric.com William W. “Bill” Long The eastern part of Tombigbee Electric’s service area is served through our branch office located at for more information.

General Manager 813 West Main St. in Fulton.

June 2018

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Today in Mississippi

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TOMBIGBEE SERVICE AREA

FULTON TUPELO

located on Auburn Road in Tupelo. The architectural rendering provides an aerial view ce area at the rear of our property. The new facility enhances our commitment to servof your organization.

TOMBIGBEE ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION will be closed Wednesday, July 4

Independence Day Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case of outages.

TOMBIGBEEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GROWTH

As part of our commitment to help others, in September 2017 Tombigbee Electric sent crews to assist a Florida electric cooperative in restoring electric service in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Throughout our history, emergency cooperative crews from across Mississippi and adjoining states have helped us recover from ice storms and tornadoes.

Category 1937 Miles of Line 223 Annual Payroll $9,020.00 Density 10.7 Number of Employees 9 System Investment $471,818.00 Depreciated Value Long-Term Debt $375,189.00 Members/Customers 2,377 Annual Sales $68,289.00 Purchased Power $ 19,561.00 Area Covered 1,600 sq. miles Substations Owned and Maintained 0 Counties Served: Lee, Itawamba and portions of six other counties

2017 4,149 $5,932,631.00 10.6 135 $212,200,000.00 $95,400,000.00 $ 5,930,000.00 43,200 $112,000,000.00 $88,200,000.00 1,600 sq. miles 18

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June 2018

Basic Electricity Overview GENERATING SUBSTATION

Transmission Lines DOWNED TREE ON POWER LINE

If transmission lines are not energized, meters served by the substation will not receive power. Service must be restored to the transmission line before the substation is able to serve the customer.

Transmission Lines

A RECLOSER is used to protect our system line when a fault occurs. A downed tree on this line will cause the RECLOSER to operate, shutting off power to houses A,B,C,D, but allowing power to stay on for houses E,F, & G.

Recloser

NOTICE: Houses 1,2,3 receive power from phase A. Houses 4,5,6 receive power from phase C. The power to these houses on the same street are delivered by two different single-phase lines. Therefore, it is possible for some of these houses to have power while the others do not, even though they are within sight of one another.

Distribution Three-Phase Line

Recloser

Distribution Three-Phase Line

THE DELIVERY OF ELECTRICITY The system that produces and delivers electricity to homes and businesses is usually described as three separate components: generation, transmission and distribution.

Electricity can be produced using a number of different sources as long as the source is capable of driving the turbines of a generator. Some sources are economical to build but expensive to operate. The best system is one that is both economical to build and economical to operate.

The transmission system takes the electricity from the source where it is produced (the generator, TVA) to the local distributor (Tombigbee Electric), who sells it to the end users: the homes, businesses and farms that use electricity.

The distribution system comprises the wires and electrical equipment that connect the transmission system to the end users, such as homes, commercial buildings and factories.

June 2018

Active Employees Adams, Alonzo Baggett, Charles M. Bartlebaugh, Candice S. Bates, Linda F. Beard, Kevin Benefield, Jeffrey Brown, Jr., Charles K. Burleson,, Mark A Butler, Jeffrey M. Carden, Alex Carr, Joseph B. Carr, Joseph B. Carr, Patrick S. Carter, Jason Coggin, Gregory B. Collier, Johnny F. Collum, William Seth Cooley, Justin Culver, Ernie Michael Dabbs, John T. Davis, Carolyn J. Davis, Tangela T. DeVaughn, Cindy M. DeVaughn, Geoffrey W. Dickinson, Jordan B. Dickinson, Michael W. Dickinson, Regina Dillard, James Matthew Dillard, Sherry M. Dozier, Jordan S. Dykes, James M. Edwards, Diane Edwards, Rickie D. Ellis, Charlotte H. Ellis, Shawn F. Enlow, Mark Estes, Brian M. Ezell, Jennifer F. Fennell, John M. Finley, Richard R. Frederick, Jr., Billy R. Funderburk, Dayton Funderburk, William M. Futrell, David W. Gann, Gregory G. Garner, Bradley S. Gibson, Sherry M. Godfrey, Jeffery A. Graham, Mark B. Graham, Robert G. Gray, Jacob D. Green, Ricky J. Griffin, Jr., Roger B. Guin, Kelly W. Harlow, James B. Harmon, Gerald Wayne Harris, Jovon Hester, Dickie L. Hinds, Mitzi G. Holloway, Chelsea Holt, Kristin Hood, April N. Hood, Gregory W. Hood, Timothy E. Hughes, Ricky J. Humble, Stevie D. Irby, Dama W. Johnson, Paul C. Johnson, Shannon R. Jones, Jerry Michael Kelso, David Kelso, Lee Kitchens, Barry G. Langford, Chad A. Langley, Jamie T. Lindley, Chris

Logan, Jermaine D. Long, William W. Martin, James Lance Mask, Toby McCarley, Danny McKinney, Penelope A. McMillen, Rickie A. Miller, Matthew W. Miller, Maurice M. Monaghan, Daniel R. Neal, Bobby G. Nichols, Dewayne L. Park, Jr., William T. Parker, Bobby R. Pearce, Brock L. Phillips, Zackary C. Pierce, Rickey D. Pitts, Thomas J. Ponders, James W. Rice, Hugh H. Ridings, George W. Riley, David A. Riley, Edgar L. Robertson, James M. Ruff, Cameron Alex Shumpert, Wesley A. Shumpert, William Smith, Megan Smith, Timothy H. Smithey, John T. Spencer, Allen W. Spradling, Cory B. Spradling, Greg A. Sprayberry, Michael D. Stanford, Cynthia E. Stanford, Robert A. Stephens, Jeffrey C. Tackett, Timothy L. Tally, Russ Tarpley, Randell Steve Thornton, Kevin T. Thrasher, Connie H. Timmons, Lisa Michelle Tynes, Mise A. Vanlandingham, Brad N. Waddle, James R. Walton, Antone T. Waycaster, Gregory A. Waycaster, William Gregory Whitaker, Phillip R. White, Thomas Janson Wilemon, Randy E. Williams, Bruce A. Williams, Jr., Roger D. Wilson, Kathy M. Winters, James Bryson Witcher, Michael A. Wiygul, Robert Wade Young, David W.

Retirees and Past Employees Agnew, F. S. Allen, James M. Bacon, William G. Barnes, Ruth Bass, Noah Bates, Roy L. Baughman, Henry Bishop, Gerald B. Bishop, Neal Boren, Kenneth R. Box, Junior Brock, Dean Brookman, Thomas Brown, James Burleson, Sammie

Carr, David J. Carr, Jimmie D. Carson, Lucrisha Crawford Cates, James E. Chamblee, Tommy Christian, Herschell Clark, Thellis Clemons, Mack J. Collins, Theron Comer, J. G. Cook, Douglas Cook, Eckford Cook, Juanita Cook, Louis Cooley, Mavis Cox, Louise Crayton, John Cross, Dennis Cross, Jettie Cross, W. T. Cunningham, Susie Davis, Marion T. Davis, Sidney L. Dawe, Phillip W. Dickinson, John Lee Dickson, Milton Dill, Houston Dozier, Alma Dozier, Virgil E. Dulaney, Celia Easterling, Wayne Edwards, Johnnie Edwards, Ruby Jean Epting, Debora Estes, Jap Wade Finney, Burvis Franks, Juanita George, Linda G. George, William Gibson, Mildred Glenn, Jr., Robert D. Goff, Janson Gray, James Green, Larry Griffin, William B. Griffis, Fred Hamner, Larry Harris, Coundry V. Hawkins, William T. Hayden III, Martin Hayes, Cuba Herndon, James Hester, Eva Hill, Brian B. Hill, John E. Hinds, Don Hinds, Doyle Holley, Michael K. Homan, Evelyn Hood, Willie Gene Horton, Perry Horton, Ronnie Huddleston, Patrick Hunter, Roosevelt Hutcheson, Gerald Inmon, Jr., William Irvin, Lynn Jackson, Mitchell Johnson, A. C. Johnson, Fred Jones, Mirese Justice, Milford Kelly, R. A. Kennedy, George King, Randell Knowles, John Scottie Knox, Dewitt

Lann, Andrew N. Lee, Robert E. Lilly, C. E. Lindsey, Billy W. Linton, Frances Little, Holland Lockridge, Jackie Mabry, Buddy Mabry, John Mabry, John M. Magers, Thomas A. Mallette, Wayne A. Malone, A. C. Marlin, Ralph G. Mask, Jr., James H. Mattox, Billy Maynard, Jim A. McCormick, Thomas McFarling, Boyce McGaha, Jo Ann McGaughy, Houston McMullan, Malcolm G. Mills, Martha Vaughn Mize, T. E. Monaghan, Rodney W. Moore, F. L. Moore, H. C. Moore, Jimmy D. Moore, L. C. Moore, Mrs. F. Moore, Wayne Moore, William E. Morgan, James H. Morris, Talisa Murphy, Dennis Neeley, Bobby J Newman, John L. Nichols, Roger D. Ollie, Benjamin Orrick, Kenneth Parker, Curtis J. Patterson, John Robert Payne, William G. Pearce, Sarah Peters, James H. Pettigo, Larry M. Phipps, Timothy J. Posey, Andy L. Posey, Bobby G. Rabb, Sr., Benjamin J. Ramage, Buford Ramage, Thomas H. Randle, Paul Ratliff, Clifton E. Rea, Jimmy Lee Reed, Robert Reese, Lonnie A. Reynolds, Carlos Reynolds, Clifford Gayle Rhudy, Randy Riley, Billy W. Roberts, Harvey Roberts, Kenneth Roberts, Ronald D. Robinson, L. M. Rodgers, Randy Ruff, Byron Rushing, Gerald C. Russell, Opal Rye, Connie Sanders, Jettie Sandlin, Joe R. Sandoval, Gary Sartin, Donnie G. Scruggs, Timothy K. Senter, Ralph A. Shackelford, James H.

Sherfey, Kathryn Shumpert, John L. Slawson, H. T. Slawson, Hazel Smith, Norrill A. Sparks, Robert O. Spencer, Keith A. Spradling, Joel W. Stennett, Jr., William A. Stephens, Boyce M. Stephens, Frances J. Stephens, Maxwell Stone, T. B. Summerford, Casper Sumner, Effie M. Tapscott, Jr., Chester A. Taylor, James D. Thomas, James Thrasher, Barry E. Tucker, Mary Jo Turner, Carl Turner, John E. Wade, Marty D. Warren, Michael E. Washington, Derrick L. Watson, Danny Wesson, Jonathan L. West, Edward E. White, Lisa Jean White, Tommy A. Whitfield, Patrick Wilburn, G. B. Williams, Maxine Witcher, Michael Lee Witt, Jr., James E. Wood, R. M. Yancey, T. E. Yielding, Freddy W. Young, Doyle

Directors Agnew, S. B. Ballard, C. C. Barnett, Keith Bishop, M. L. Brown, Charles Brown, Kyle Bryan, Hudson Cantrell, B. C. Carr, Pat Cleveland, A. T. Cooley, Bobby Davis, Ernest Estes, Myra Estes, P. K. Estes, Tommy Evans, John L. Ford, J. R. Ford, Robert Franks, Jr., James R. Franks, Tommy Franks, W. T. Gray, Emily Gray, James Gray, Jimmy Gray, Jimmy Calvin (Jim) Gray, Travis Griffin, Harold Harden, Delmus Harris, Guy Harris, Jr., Glen Harris, Larry Harris, Luther Holland, Steve Hopkins, M. L. Inzer, W. C. Johnson, Jack

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Today in Mississippi

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Jones, Herman Knight, Donald Marion, H. C. Martin, F. G. Mattox, A. J. McFerrin, A. K. McFerrin, John T. McFerrin, O. K. McGee, J. E. Mitchell, G. T. Monts, Swep C. Murphy, H. M. Nanney, Leonard Norton, E. C. Palmer, Jr., Julius K. Pearce, James Prestage, Jr., Kelly W. Ramage, Martis Raper, D. R. Redus, J. N. Reed, R. F. Riley, George Riley, Gilford Roberts, Cy Roper, T. L. Ruff, Ben Russell, T. C. Savery, James M. Senter, N. J. Sheffield, Charles Sheffield, Olen Sheffield, Steve Shumpert, Brenda Simmons, Gill Spradling, Don Spradling, Pat Stevens, E. B. Summers, Ed Swann, Everett Thornton, Ray Turner, Lynn Turner, Prentiss Weeks, Cecil Wesson, Malcolm Wesson, T. A. West, Raymond (Mickey) Whitesides, V. S. Wiygul, J. E. Wiygul, Jr., F. G. Wiygul, Sr., F. G. York, W. M. Young, J. E. Young, James C.

Maxine Williams 50 years of service

Mack Clemons 51 years of service

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10 I Today in Mississippi I June 2018

For after-hours outages, call

866-897-7250

Save without suffering this summer

By Debbie Stringer kilowatt-hours your appliances use, When summertime temperatures the higher your electric bill. (Likestart creeping into the 90s, your wise, the more you drive, the more energy use will rise as appliances you spend on gasoline. It’s that simstruggle to do their job. ple.)

The problem is compounded As a member-owned electric when the nights are hot and humid cooperative, Twin County is comtoo. mitted to helping you manage your Twin County Electric Power energy use. Once you understand Association cautions members that how the monthly electric bill reflects power bills will rise along with the your daily habits in the home, you temperatures, because of the can take meaningful steps to reduce increased use of electricity. energy costs over the long term.

Here’s why: Here’s how: • Your air conditioner will run more • Raise the temperature setting on hours to remove the heat and the air conditioner. For every degree humidity infiltrating your home. On you turn the thermostat up during the hottest days it may run 24 hours. air conditioning season, you’ll save • The refrigerator and freezer will up to 2 to 3 percent on your cooling work harder to maintain their temcosts. Twin County recommends a perature settings, especially units summertime setting of 78 degrees or exposed to outdoor heat, like a freez- higher. er in a garage.

• If you have a central air condition• A rooftop power ventilator will run er, replace the filter monthly during hours longer than usual to remove the summer. A dirty air conditioner excess heat from the attic. filter hampers air flow and makes the • The water air conditionheater will ing system consume work harder— Once you understand how more energy and use more the electric bill reflects your when houseelectricity. hold mem• If you use daily habits, you can take bers bathe window air steps to reduce energy costs conditioners, and wash clothes more make sure to over the long term. often. seal the openAll these ings around factors comthe units’ winbined will force your home to condow mounts. Make sure it sits level sume more electricity. And the more so that it drains correctly. If possible,

mount it out of the direct sun.

• Consider replacing an old window unit with a model that meets Energy Star standards for energy efficiency and quieter operation.

• When a ceiling fan is running, you can move the air conditioner thermostat three to four degrees higher without noticing a difference in comfort level. A fan cannot lower a room’s temperature but it will deliver a cooling breeze to the skin, and can increase comfort while you sleep. Turn the fan off when the room is vacant to avoid wasting energy.

• Turn off a TV that no one is watching.

• Set the water heater to 120 degrees or below and the refrigerator no lower than 38 degrees.

• Use the bathroom’s exhaust fan to remove excess heat and humidity while bathing.

• Wash clothes in cold water. Most detergents clean just as well in cold water.

• Set the clothes dryer on the lowest heat setting and run it in the cooler hours of day or night.

• Run only full loads in the dishwasher, and set it to air dry.

• Cook with a slow cooker, microwave or outdoor grill to avoid heating up the kitchen.

• Incandescent light bulbs emit

June 2018

heat—just what you don’t want in summer. Replace them with LEDs, which won’t heat up the house, are more energy efficient and last far longer.

• Plug air leaks in the home, including cracks around window air conditioning units and exterior doors. Don’t let the air you’re paying to cool escape outside!

• Half of all the heat that enters the home in summer comes in through the windows. Install insulated curtains or blinds on windows Incandescent light that receive direct sunbulbs emit heat—just light, and what you don’t want in keep them summer. Replace them closed.

• Manufacwith cool, long-lasting tured-home dwellers LEDs. should inspect air conditioning duct work beneath the home for leaks and bad connections.

• If your home needs a new roof, select materials with energy efficiency in mind. Reflective roofs can reduce the temperature of the roof by as much as 30 percent, which means less heat will enter your home. Look for Energy Star-certified roof products.

• Adequate insulation in the attic will drastically reduce your home’s heating and cooling needs. In the summer, insulation helps prevent the heat build-up in the attic from entering the home.

Find more energy-efficiency tips and ways to save money at www.Energy.gov.

Today in Mississippi

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Twin County is ready for storms

Summer is here, school is out and families are gearing up for a few months of fun and relaxation. While summer brings much fun in the sun, it can also bring the occasional severe storm. In the event of a power outage, you can trust that Twin County Electric Power Association is ready to respond.

The major cause of most power outages comes from damage to power lines due to falling trees and branches.

We work year-round —through right-of-way clearing— to ensure power lines in our service territory stand little risk of being damaged by trees, branches or other types of vegetation.

Despite our best efforts, during major storms damage can occur to transmission stations, substations and power lines. When this happens, our first priority is to safely restore power to as many Twin County members as possible in the shortest amount of time.

We start by mobilizing our line workers and other critical staff. The big problems are handled first, like damage to

Twin County wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

TWIN COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION will be closed Wednesday, July 4, for

Independence Day To report a power outage on holidays and after office hours, call 866-897-7250.

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transmission lines, which serve tens of thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before we can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred.

Twin County employees inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to thousands of members.

Next, we check the service lines that deliver power into neighborhoods and communities. Line workers repair the damaged lines, restoring power to hundreds of people. If you continue to experience an outage, there may be damage to a tap line outside your home or business. Make sure you notify Twin County, so we can inspect these lines.

We will do our best to avoid power outages, but sometimes Mother Nature has other plans.

Call 1-866-897-7250 to report power outages or downed power lines after office hours or on weekends and major holidays.

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June 2018

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association

Manager of Member Services: Dennis McFee For Today in Mississippi information, call 662-746-4251, or email dmcfee@yazoovalley.com

BLUES TRAIL MARKERS

Featuring

Gatemouth Moore and Tommy McClennan

#

as a part of our mini-series

honor legendary musicians

“Traveling the Blues Trail” Photos courtesy of Dawn Davis

from Yazoo City Tommy McClennan Tommy McClennan was one of the most prolific blues recorders of all time. The number of songs that he recorded in his lifetime is astonishing. McClennan was born in Greenwood, Miss., in 1905. The family moved to Yazoo City and lived on the J.F. Sligh plantation when he was just young boy.

According to local blues expert Ronnie Eldridge, McClennan (also known as McClinton, McLindon, McCleland and McClenan) would walk nine miles from the J.F. Sligh plantation to Yazoo City on the weekends just to play his music. McClennan was known for being a small guy with a monstrous voice.

However, when the blues began losing momentum to genres such as rock and roll and doowop, work for McClennan and many of the blues greats dried up.

Not much is known about McClennan’s life.

He became an alcoholic living in a junk yard in his later years and died in Chicago in 1961.

McClennan’s blues marker was placed near the railroad tracks in downtown Yazoo City because of its proximity to the nightclubs he would frequent on Water Street. Railroad depots were also a popular spot for blues musicians to congregate and play their music.

Gatemouth Moore Arnold Dwight “Gatemouth” Moore was born in Topeka, Kan., and raised in Memphis, Tenn. He was one of the blues greats before finding religion on stage in Chicago. He earned his nickname “Gatemouth” from a fan, which was likely acquired from his loud singing voice. In Memphis., he was known as “Mr. Beale Street,” according to Eldridge.

“B.B. King fashioned himself after Gatemouth Moore,” said Eldridge. “That’s how famous he was.

One night on stage in 1949, he opened his mouth to sing and nothing would come out but a gospel song.

He was booed off the stage.”

After that experience, Gatemouth Moore became a preacher, carrying his stage presence and showmanship to the pulpit. The African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he became a bishop, assigned him to Yazoo City where he was a pastor at the Bethel A.M.E. Church and the Lintonia A.M.E. Church. He died in Yazoo City in 2004. The marker dedicated to musical contributions of Gatemouth Moore is located on Highway 49 near Ubon’s Restaurant.

June 2018

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Today in Mississippi

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Save without suffering this summer

By Debbie Stringer • Raise the temperature setting on the air When summertime temperatures start conditioner. For every degree you turn creeping into the 90s, your energy use the thermostat up during air conditionwill rise as appliances struggle to do their ing season, you’ll save up to 2 to 3 perjob. cent on your cooling costs. Yazoo Valley The problem is compounded when recommends a summertime setting of 78 the nights are hot and humid too. degrees or higher.

Yazoo Valley Electric Power • If you have a central air conditioner, Association cautions members that replace the filter monthly during the power bills will rise along with the temsummer. A dirty air conditioner filter peratures, because of the increased use of hampers air flow and makes the air conelectricity. ditioning sysHere’s why: tem work hard• Your air coner—and use Once you understand how the elecditioner will more electricity. tric bill reflects your daily habits, run more hours • If you use you can take steps to reduce energy window air to remove the heat and conditioners, costs over the long term. humidity infilmake sure to trating your seal the openhome. On the hottest days it may run ings around the units’ window mounts.

24 hours.

Make sure it sits level so that it drains • The refrigerator and freezer will work correctly. If possible, mount it out of the harder to maintain their temperature set- direct sun. tings, especially units exposed to outdoor • Consider replacing an old window unit heat, like a freezer in a garage. with a model that meets Energy Star • A rooftop power ventilator will run standards for energy efficiency and quihours longer than usual to remove excess eter operation. heat from the attic.

• When a ceiling fan is running, you can • The water heater will consume more move the air conditioner thermostat energy when household members bathe three to four degrees higher without and wash clothes more often. noticing a difference in comfort level. A All these factors combined will force fan cannot lower a room’s temperature your home to consume more electricity. but it will deliver a cooling breeze to the And the more kilowatt-hours your appli- skin, and can increase comfort while you ances use, the higher your electric bill. sleep. Turn the fan off when the room is (Likewise, the more you drive, the more vacant to avoid wasting energy. you spend on gasoline. It’s that simple.) • Turn off a TV that no one is watching.

As a member-owned electric coopera- • Set the water heater to 120 degrees or tive, Yazoo Valley is committed to help- below and the refrigerator no lower than ing you manage your energy use. Once 38 degrees. you understand how the monthly elec• Use the bathroom’s exhaust fan to tric bill reflects your daily habits in the remove excess heat and humidity while home, you can take meaningful steps to bathing. reduce energy costs over the long term.

• Wash clothes in cold water. Most Here’s how: detergents clean just as well in cold

Yazoo Valley Electric will be closed Wednesday, July 4

for Independence Day.

blinds on windows that receive direct water.

• Set the clothes dryer on the lowest heat sunlight, and keep them closed. setting and run it in the cooler hours of • Manufactured-home dwellers should day or night. inspect air conditioning duct work • Run only full loads in the dishwasher, beneath the home for leaks and bad conand set it to air dry. nections.

• Cook with a slow cooker, microwave • If your home needs a new roof, select or outdoor grill to materials with energy efficiency avoid heating up Incandescent light bulbs emit in mind. the kitchen. heat—just what you don’t Reflective roofs • Incandescent want in summer. Replace them can reduce the light bulbs emit temperature of heat—just what with cool, long-lasting LEDs. the roof by as you don’t want in much as 30 persummer. Replace cent, which means less heat will enter them with LEDs, which won’t heat up the house, are more energy efficient and your home. Look for Energy Star-certified roof products. last far longer.

• Adequate insulation in the attic will • Plug air leaks in the home, including drastically reduce your home’s heating cracks around window air conditioning and cooling needs. In the summer, insuunits and exterior doors. Don’t let the lation helps prevent the heat build-up in air you’re paying to cool escape outside! the attic from entering the home.

• Half of all the heat that enters the Find more energy-efficiency tips and home in summer comes in through the ways to save money at www.Energy.gov. windows. Install insulated curtains or

Crews will be on call throughout the holiday.

Call 662-746-4251 to report an outage.