Today in Mississippi July 2023 Dixie

FERN CURB APPEAL

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE SWEETNESS MAYFLIES FOR THE CATCH

If Your Hands, Arms, Feet, or Legs Are Numb - If You Feel Shooting or Burning Pain or An Electric Sensation - You Are at Risk Get The Help You Need - Here's What You Need to Know...

Purvis, MS - If you experience numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet or if you experience shooting or burning pain, this is important.

Please read this carefully

Peripheral Neuropathy is when small blood vessels in the hands, arms, feet or legs become diseased and tiny nerves that keep the cells and muscles working properly shrivel up and die.

Early-warning symptoms include tingling and numbness, mild loss of feeling in your hands, arms, legs or feet, inability to feel your feet, which increases your risk of foot-injury and falling

More Advanced Symptoms Include...

Loss of coordination & dexterity, which puts you at increased risk of accidents

Inability to feel clothing like socks and gloves

High risk of falling, which makes walking dangerous, and makes you more dependent on others

Burning sensations in your arms, legs, hands or feet that may start mild, but as nerves and muscles die, may feel like you're being burned by a blow torch.

Ignore the early warning signals long enough and you risk progressive nerve damage leading to muscle wasting, severe pain, loss of balance and a lot of staying at home wishing you didn't hurt

When every step is like walking on hot coals, sitting still may be the only thing you feel like doing But there's little joy in sitting still all day long

Now here's the scary part....

Nerve damage CAUSES cell damage Cell damage SPEEDS UP nerve degeneration

Without treatment this can become a DOWN-WARD SPIRAL that accelerates.

The damage can get worse fast Mild symptoms intensify Slight tingling, numbness or lack of feeling can turn into burning pain.

Before you know it, damage can become so bad you hurt all the time

Unless this downward spiral is stopped and nerves return to proper function - the damage to nerves and cells in the affected area can get so bad your muscles begin to die right along with the nerves and cells. And that sets the stage for weakness, loss of mobility, disability, and dependence on others.

If you have early warning signs of peripheral neuropathy, (tingling &/or numbness, loss of feeling or pain) it's CRITICAL you get proper treatment

It's critical, because with proper treatment the symptoms can often be reversed Without it, you are playing Russian Roulette with your health

Once your nerve loss reaches 85%, odds are there's nothing any doctor can do to help.

The most common method your doctor may recommend to treat neuropathy is prescription drugs

Drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, & Neurontin are often prescribed to manage the pain But, damaged nerves and dying cells do not heal on their own

Pain pills do not restore healthy nerve function. They just mask the pain as the nerves continue to degenerate and cells and muscle continue to die.

Taking endless drugs and suffering terrible side effects that may damage your liver & kidney and create even more problems, is not a reasonable path. You deserve better. Three things must be determined to effectively treat neuropathy

1) What is the underlying cause? 2) How much nerve damage has been sustained?

3) How much treatment your condition will require? With proper treatment, shriveled blood vessels grow back & nerves can return to proper function How much treatment you may need depends on your condition

At Purvis Chiropractic we do a complete neuropathy sensitivity exam to determine the extent of your nerve damage The exam includes a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, & a detailed analysis of the findings.

Dr Rob Acord, D C will be offering this complete neuropathy sensitivity exam for $47 This special offer goes away at the end of this month as we have a limited number of exam appointments available

Stop Hurting & Start Healing

Call Now to Schedule Your Complete Neuropathy Sensitivity Exam with Dr. Rob Acord, D.C. (601) 794-0081

105 Main Street Purvis, MS 39475

Voting: It’s important

We want you to use your voice and power to help shape the future of Mississippi.

Back in January, I told you about an electric co-op e ort to better inform members about our statewide elections and the voting process, so you will be armed with the information you need to go to the polls and cast your ballot.

Our campaign — Co-ops Vote MS — became o cial and went live in late May with our new website, www.coopsvotems.com.

The website features quick links to important voting information, including where to register to vote, our current elected o cials, what elections are slated for this year, and videos of statewide elected o cials talking about the importance of voting, and what they do on a day-to-day basis.

If you follow your electric cooperative on social media, (and if you don’t, we encourage you to do so) you will notice a campaign underway now to equip you with the knowledge you need to become a better-informed Mississippi voter.

Our e ort is all about voting and getting informed. We don’t care about political parties, and we are not backing any candidates. We will give equal opportunity to all candidates for statewide o ce to be interviewed.

Co-ops Vote MS is about participation and helping you understand who you are voting for and why.

July is an important month in the 2023 election cycle.

July 10 is the registration deadline to vote in the Aug. 8 primary election. Circuit Clerk o ces will be open longer hours for Mississippians to register.

The deadline for registration to vote in the Nov. 7 general election is Oct. 9.

The plan is to continue this e ort annually. Our message with Co-ops Vote MS is a simple one:

You have the POWER to Register. Be informed. Vote. It’s that simple, folks.

And we hope our e ort will assist you all in becoming better informed voters.

From the Father of Country Music to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll Music can run deep in a Mississippi soul

It’s the Hospitality State with its river rolling through Home of the Natchez Trace, and the Mississippi Blues

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Its truth runs deep, and its song runs wide

I will never forget my Mississippi pride.

by Kennedy McDaniel,

a

resident of

Toomsuba, and a member of East Mississippi EPA.

Southern Gardening

Ferns

Look for a mayfly hatch to load up on fish

Scene Around the ‘Sip

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

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601-605-8600

Mississippi’s tiniest museum — The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum — is an almost hidden treasure

On the Menu

Barbecued pulled chicken and strawberry shortcake

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Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional o ce. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. The magazine is published for members of subscribing co-ops. The magazine is a bene t of membership.

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On the cover

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

Vicki Taylor and Rick Taylor are the masterminds behind The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum behind the historic Saenger Theater downtown. Photo by Chad Calcote.

Mississippi students gather in D.C. for 2023 youth tour

The Mississippi delegation of the NRECA Electric Cooperative Tour arrived in Washington, D.C., on June 18 and came back home on June 23.

The delegation included 81 high school juniors from around the state and adult advisors from Mississippi’s electric cooperatives.

More than 1,800 youth delegates and advisors were scheduled to attend at di erent times over a two-week period, from June 13 to 23. Forty-four states were represented this year, compared to 28 in 2022.

“We are still feeling the e ects of the pandemic,” said Beth Knudson, NRECA’s youth programs and training manager. “Not having

our in-person program in 2020 or 2021 put a dent in our applications simply because we don’t have those recent attendees in our pipeline to promote the program at school. But we’re getting there!”

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Cooperative Youth Leaders program provides an opportunity for students from across the state to learn the value of electric cooperatives, grow in their leadership qualities, and experience the democratic process at the state and federal levels by visiting the Mississippi and U.S. capital cities.

Nearly half the U.S. Senate asked the Department of Energy to avoid placing electricity supplies and national security at risk and halt its plan to require distribution transformers, already in short supply, to be made using less readily available amorphous steel.

“We urge the department to refrain from promulgating a final rule that will exacerbate transformer shortages at this strategically inopportune time,” a bipartisan group of 47 senators told Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in a June 1 letter.

“Such a standard could come at meaningful cost to grid reliability and national security, continuing the clean energy transition, and bolstering domestic supply chains and the workforce.”

The senators encouraged DOE instead to “convene stakeholders across the supply chain to develop [a] consensus-based approach to setting new standards.”

The department’s proposal, part of its draft Energy Conservation Standards for Distribution Transformers rule, is based on e ciency gains it says will be realized if transformers and other electrical components are made of lighter-weight but less-durable amorphous steel rather than traditional grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES).

There is currently only one domestic supplier of amorphous steel, which has a market share of less than 5%, a scenario the senators said

would lead to further supply chain delays of up to two years.

“We believe the most prudent course of action is to let both GOES and amorphous steel cores coexist in the market as they do today, without government mandates, for new installations as we ramp up domestic production and reorient supply chains,” the senators wrote Granholm.

The senators also requested a briefing from DOE on its proposal and how the department might “bolster domestic supply chains and help alleviate the current and persisting supply chain challenges facing distribution transformers.”

NRECA praised the Senate e ort, led by Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., for underscoring to DOE the significant electric reliability risk of the proposed rule.

“We sincerely appreciate Sen. Hagerty and the extensive list of bipartisan cosigners for raising concerns about DOE’s proposed distribution transformer rule and its e ects on national security and grid reliability. We need to support, not hamper, the domestic supply chain of distribution transformers,” said Will Mitchell, NRECA legislative a airs director.

“We look forward to working with our colleagues, senators, representatives and DOE to ensure electric reliability and e ciency solutions.” NRECA

NRECA honors Dixie Electric employee

Dixie Electric’s Dan Wooten was one of 31 lineworkers across the nation honored this year by the NRECA during National Lineworker Month.

Wooten, Dixie Electric’s Waynesboro District supervisor, is always ready to assist his community at every opportunity. For example, in 2021, a 6-year-old boy went missing from his home. Wooten immediately went to assist local law enforcement in the search for the missing boy. After hours of searching, Dan found the missing boy and returned him home with only a few minor cuts and bruises.

Dan loves Wayne County and serves his members and community well.

One of the best ways to highlight ferns is to plant them in hanging baskets or pots.

Many varieties of ferns grow as a bush of green foliage, so lush that the fronds spill over the sides of the container. Raising this display up to eye level where it can be properly admired is one of the best ways to showcase their beauty.

Fern hanging baskets thrive in our Mississippi heat and humidity if they are kept in partial to full shade. They do best in filtered light, although a little morning sun is permissible.

If ferns sound like something your house or yard needs, there are many di erent varieties to choose from.

A popular but classic fern for hanging baskets is the Boston fern. The graceful and arching branches are lush with a rich, green color. You see these used all over the South in hanging baskets on front porches.

The Kimberly Queen fern, also known as the Sword fern for its lush, sword-shaped fronds, is gorgeous with both upright and sprawling growth habits. The leathery and toothed, dark-green foliage provides great texture. It also is a great choice for our hot and humid summers.

The Kimberly Queen tolerates more sun than does the Boston, and it can put on an enormous amount of growth in a year. They handle indoor conditions well for those who want to overwinter them.

Many gardeners don’t realize that, if it is planted in the ground, Kimberly Queen has quite a bit of cold tolerance, which frequently allows it to return from ground level in the spring. Mulching, of course, is mandatory.

Living up to its name, the Macho fern is a big, brawny fern that sports bright-green fronds with bold, broad leaves. Before the name Macho became attached to this fern, it was commonly called the broad sword fern.

I believe one of the easiest ways to add curb appeal to your home is to add beautiful ferns to the landscape. Ferns can also be brought inside to add greenery to indoor spaces.

The graceful and arching branches of the Boston fern have made it a popular hanging basket for decades across the South.

Growing up to 3 feet tall and wide, this plant makes a statement hanging on the porch. Despite their size potential, Macho ferns are commonly sold as large baskets that look great.

Feed ferns every month during spring and summer using a water-soluble fertilizer, and they will look great all season long. Indoors, ferns require very little fertilizer until you get ready to bring them outdoors in the spring.

Ferns do require frequent watering during the spring and summer. Give your ferns a good, deep soaking and then let them dry lightly before the next watering. Be careful not to overwater your ferns. More ferns are harmed from overwatering than underwatering.

During the winter, you can bring ferns in hanging baskets and pots inside. When growing ferns indoors, choose a spacious area that will allow their fronds plenty of room to shoot out in all directions.

Visit your local garden center to see what ferns they o er to add some beauty to your landscape or home.

by Dr. Eddie Smith

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

The Kimberly fern is a lush and beautiful selection that tolerates more sun than does the traditional Boston fern.

The Macho fern grows up to 3 feet tall and wide with bold, broad leaves.

One sweltering summer afternoon, the waters beneath an overhanging branch along a shoreline seemed to boil. Despite the heat of the day, the sun did not cause this phenomenon.

Millions of insects attempted to dry their new wings on the branch and nearby bushes or buzzed around the vegetation. Inevitably, some fell into the water, kicking o a ferocious feeding frenzy.

Mayflies spend most of their lives underwater as nymphs that somewhat resemble elongated or flattened crickets. Hatches, technically just bugs metamorphizing into their winged adult form, periodically erupt during warmer months. In Mississippi, hatches typically take place from late March through early November, peaking from late June to mid-September.

The insects change into adults for one purpose — to mate and then die. Mayflies belong to the insect order Ephemeroptera, which means “lasting only one day.” Each hatch could produce millions, perhaps even billions, of winged insects clinging to tree branches, low bushes, reeds, or whatever they can find before taking flight to mate.

Huge mayfly swarms sometimes appear on radar. On July 3, 2020, a gigantic swarm appeared on National Weather Service radar 50 miles away and blanketed the town of Burlington, Iowa. In June 2015, a hatch along the Susquehanna River near Columbia, Pennsylvania, grew so thick that police had to close to bridge over the river because motorists couldn’t see. In 2014, a hatch on the upper Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wisconsin, reached an altitude of 2,500 feet. On radar, it resembled a powerful rainstorm approaching the town. Sometimes, northern communities use snowplows to push piles of dead insects o bridges so people can drive safely.

Most mayflies don’t even last their one day of adulthood. When such copious amounts of protein suddenly enter the food chain, that kicks o a massive feeding frenzy, attracting every bug eater around.

Most mayflies don’t even last their one day of adulthood. When such copious amounts of protein suddenly enter the food chain, that kicks o a massive feeding frenzy, attracting every bug eater around. Birds snatch flies from the air. Those that fall into the water, alive or dead, soon attract every fish in the vicinity.

Anglers never know when or where a major hatch might erupt. A hatch could happen along any freshwater stream or lake in the Magnolia State at any time, but generally occur in places with little or no current, like backwater areas away from the main channels or along placid lake shorelines.

Fishermen fortunate enough to find a mayfly hatch could load the boat quickly. Bait selection doesn’t matter as much as placement. If an enticement lands in the right spot where the water seems to boil with activity, strikes come fast. It the bait doesn’t hit the sweet spot, nothing happens.

For the most fun, cast small floating “popping bugs” made of cork or foam with fly tackle. These floating temptations mimic insects swimming on the surface. Some even closely resemble crickets, grasshoppers, or other creatures that fish love to eat.

Bass also eat the insects, but larger bass gather to feed on the multitude of smaller fish consuming the insects. Finding a mayfly hatch could swiftly turn a humdrum day into incredibly fast action.

by John N. Felsher

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

Scene Around the ‘Sip

by Steven Ward

Walter “Radar” Mullins spent a little over a year in Iraq manning a gun truck as a soldier with the Mississippi Army National Guard.

The assignment was stressful to say the least.

When he returned to Waynesboro in 2003, Mullins picked up an activity that he only “piddled with” before — woodworking.

“It was relaxing. And it allowed me to clear my mind,” Mullins, 56, said recently at the Waynesboro district o ce of Dixie Electric Power Association.

Mullins was visiting with Dan Wooten, Dixie Electric’s Waynesboro district supervisor.

Wooten and Mullins became friendly after Wooten spotted a wooden bulldozer inside Chickasawhay Feed, Seed, and Lumber.

“I was there buying some cow feed,” Wooten said. “I saw that bulldozer, and I couldn’t believe it. Whoever made it was so talented. I asked the owner who made it, and I tracked him down.”

Wooten’s o ce is now adorned with several wood trucks he commissioned from Mullins, including a few electric cooperative staples — a bucket truck, digger truck, and a track machine.

When they first met, Mullins asked Wooten for a bucket truck photo. Mullins finished the truck two months later.

From left: Dan Wooten of Dixie Electric and Walter “Radar” Mullins

Mullins has a day job working as a mechanic and a painter, but when he’s not doing that, or spending time with his wife, Margaret, he can be found woodworking in the workshop behind his home.

“Some people have hobbies, and others just exist. I don’t want to just exist, I want to do something meaningful,” Mullins said.

Through trial and error for more than six months, Mullins taught himself how to create detailed trucks.

“At the time I was working for a trucking company. I looked at an 18-wheeler and thought, I can make one of those,” Mullins said. He uses just four tools — a drill, scroll saw, sander, and a pocketknife. He uses cedar, poplar, ash, and oak wood for his trucks.

Although Mullins has made trucks for buyers in West Virginia, Alaska, North Carolina, and Alabama, he doesn’t do it for the money or commercial purposes.

“In a way, other than God, when I’m doing this, (woodworking) I’m in my happy place. This is my relaxing, alone time. Some people fish. This is what I do,” Mullins said.

Some people have hobbies, and others just exist. I don’t want to just exist, I want to do something meaningful.

Photos by Chad Calcote

A milestone worth celebrating

In an era where fast and reliable internet connectivity has become more than a luxury but, for most, a necessity, the successful completion of the three-year DE Fastlink broadband deployment project is a milestone worth celebrating. This month, DE Fastlink will open the last area in our fiber project, making access to high-speed internet available for all Dixie Electric members. This ambitious endeavor has not only met the needs of our members but has also positively impacted our local community.

From the beginning, the goal was clear: to provide reliable and a ordable high-speed internet access to every corner of our service area. Recognizing the importance of bridging the digital divide, we aimed to bring connectivity to unserved and underserved communities, empowering individuals, and fostering economic growth. We are proud to announce that we have finished more than a year earlier than scheduled, ensuring our community can access this vital service sooner.

Throughout this journey, our members have demonstrated remarkable patience and understanding. We are immensely grateful for their support and unwavering belief in our commitment to deliver a highquality service. We built this state-of-the-art system from the ground up, which took time because we were determined to get it right. We faced numerous challenges during this project, including starting a business during a global pandemic, rising costs, and supply chain issues, but the confidence our members placed in us fueled our determination to overcome those challenges.

One of the key indicators of DE Fastlink’s success is the take rate achieved throughout the deployment project. Currently averaging an impressive 46%, with some areas reaching as high as 69%, it is evident that the demand for reliable internet services has been met with enthusiasm and gratitude by our members. These numbers also reflect the trust our members have placed in us. I can’t begin to express how thankful we are for the support we’ve received from our members, legislators, business owners, realtors, and our communities.

The impact of the DE Fastlink broadband project extends far beyond the realm of connectivity. The benefits to the local community are numerous. Education has been revolutionized, as students now have access to a wealth of online resources, enabling them to explore new horizons from home and unlock their full potential. Small businesses and entrepreneurs can now thrive in a digitally connected marketplace, boosting economic development, and creating employment opportunities. Telemedicine has become more accessible, ensuring that healthcare services reach those in need, regardless of their geographical location.

By completing this project ahead of schedule, we have been able to bring about positive change sooner than anticipated. The advantages of fast and reliable internet connectivity are now within the grasp of a larger portion of our community — Dixie Electric members. It’s a satisfying feeling to look at internet service maps and see the many areas in our service area that were once considered unserved and underserved and know we’ve removed those barriers. This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless e orts of our dedicated team and the unwavering support of our board of directors and board of managers.

As we celebrate the completion of the DE Fastlink project, I’d like to acknowledge the power of connectivity. This milestone serves as a testament to our shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected Mississippi. Together, we have taken a significant step toward a future where opportunities are abundant, knowledge knows no boundaries, and progress is within reach for all.

by Randy Smith General Manager

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

ENER�Y EFFICIENCY Summer

Beat the Heat and Save on Your Energy Bill

by Amanda Mills

As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to prepare for the summer season and keep your energy use in check. By adopting energy-e cient practices, you can beat the heat while also saving money on your energy bills. Below are some simple yet e ective strategies to enhance your summer energy e ciency and create a comfortable and sustainable living environment.

OPTIMIZE YOUR COOLING SYSTEM

The air conditioner often becomes the hero of the summer season, but it can also significantly contribute to high energy bills. The suggested thermostat setting to maximize cooling e ciency is 78°F or higher. We know that in South Mississippi, that setting isn’t always reasonable. Please be aware that any setting lower than the suggested 78 degrees will cause your cooling unit to run more frequently, increasing your electric bill in the process. To combat this, we suggest using programmable thermostats to adjust settings when you’re away and regularly cleaning or replacing air filters to ensure proper airflow. You should also consider investing in energy-e cient models if it’s time to upgrade your cooling system.

REDUCE HEAT GAIN

Prevent excess heat from entering your home by minimizing heat gain. Close curtains or blinds during the day to block out the sun’s rays and reduce the need for additional cooling. Use energy-e cient window treatments designed to reflect heat away from your home. Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent warm air infiltration.

EFFICIENT LIGHTING

Make the most of longer daylight hours by utilizing natural light whenever possible. Turn o unnecessary lights and replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-e cient LEDs. These bulbs consume significantly less energy, produce less heat, and have a longer lifespan, helping you save on both energy usage and replacement costs.

SMART POWER MANAGEMENT

Be mindful of your energy use by practicing smart power management. Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use, as they can still draw energy even in standby mode. Consider using power strips to easily turn o multiple devices with one switch. Energy-e cient appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, can further reduce energy consumption while providing the convenience you need.

By adopting these summer energy e ciency strategies, you can stay cool, comfortable, and environmentally conscious throughout the season. Small changes in your daily habits and choices can make a significant di erence in reducing your energy consumption and lowering your energy bills. Let’s embrace a more energy-e cient summer and make every watt count!

Dixie Electric celebrates VOLUNTEERISM

by Amanda Mills

Dixie Electric recently partnered with CoBank, a mission-based cooperative lender, in their Sharing Success Program. This program allows cooperatives, like Dixie Electric, to apply for grants, with CoBank matching the contribution of their customers to the charitable organizations of their choosing.

Through the Sharing Success Program, Dixie Electric donated $2,000 to fire councils in Jones, Wayne, Forrest, and Perry counties to be distributed amongst the local volunteer fire departments. Dixie Electric also donated $2,000 to the Burn Foundation of America, assisting burn victims and their families in Mississippi with lodging, meals, transportation, medication, and anti-scarring garments.

Volunteer fire departments are often the first responders in emergencies, providing crucial firefighting and rescue services. By donating, we support these departments in acquiring essential equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect our communities and keep us safe.

Unlike their full-time counterparts, volunteer fire departments typically operate with limited budgets and resources. They heavily rely on community support and donations to bridge the gap and maintain operational e ectiveness. Our contributions help them procure firefighting gear, upgrade equipment, and ensure they have the tools needed to save lives and property.

In addition to emergency response, volunteer fire departments contribute to community resilience. They actively engage in fire prevention education, conduct safety inspections, and collaborate with local organizations to promote preparedness. By donating, we empower these departments to continue their community outreach e orts and enhance overall resilience against fire-related risks.

Electric cooperatives are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and are committed to making their communities better places to live, work, and play. In the same way, Dixie Electric is grateful for organizations, such as volunteer firefighters, who serve their communities through volunteerism.

Jones County

Perry County Burn Foundation of America

Forrest County Wayne County

The POWER behind the Cooperative: Cooperative:

Understanding the functions of the board of directors

by Amanda Mills

In every successful electric cooperative, there exists a group of individuals dedicated to guiding its strategic direction, ensuring its financial stability, and serving the best interests of its members. This group is commonly known as the board of directors. As the governing body of an electric cooperative, the board plays a pivotal role in shaping the cooperative’s present and future. In this article, we will delve into the essential functions of a board of directors and explore how their expertise and leadership contribute to the cooperative’s success.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND VISION:

One of the board’s primary responsibilities is to work alongside management to develop and refine the cooperative’s strategic plan. By setting long-term goals and establishing a clear vision for the cooperative, the board provides guidance for management and ensures that the cooperative remains focused on its mission. For Dixie Electric, that mission is to power communities and empower lives. Strategic planning involves making informed decisions that align with the cooperative’s values and the evolving needs of its members.

POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND OVERSIGHT:

The board of directors establishes policies that govern the cooperative’s operations and guide its decision-making processes. These policies encompass a wide range of areas, including financial management, member services, and rates. By formulating e ective policies and regularly reviewing their implementation, the board ensures that the cooperative operates in a manner that is compliant, transparent, and accountable to its members.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP:

Ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the cooperative is a critical function of the board. By exercising prudent financial stewardship, the board safeguards the cooperative’s long-term viability and ability to provide a ordable and reliable electricity. They work closely with management to evaluate financial performance, mitigate risks, and make strategic investments that enhance the cooperative’s infrastructure, reliability, and member services.

MEMBER REPRESENTATION:

A fundamental principle of electric cooperatives is member representation. Directors are elected by the members and serve as a direct link between the cooperative and its membership. The board of directors acts as the voice of the cooperative’s members, advocating for their interests and ensuring their concerns are addressed. The board fosters a culture of member engagement, participation, and transparency by actively engaging with members, attending community events, and soliciting feedback.

LEADERSHIP AND OVERSIGHT:

The board provides leadership and oversight to the cooperative’s management team by providing guidance, mentorship, and support, enabling them to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and deliver value to the membership. They also attend ongoing education and training to increase their knowledge of changes in the electric utility business, new governance skills, and a solid understanding of the cooperative principles and business model.

We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions of our board of directors. Their leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering commitment to our cooperative and its members have been integral to the success and longevity of Dixie Electric. Together, we continue to strive to make a positive impact on the lives of our members and the communities we serve.

Notice of Dixie Electric’s Director Qualification period

Candidates seeking election

to represent Districts 2 and 7 on the board of directors for Dixie Electric must visit Dixie Electric’s headquarters o ce at 1863 Highway 184, Laurel, Miss., and obtain a Director Qualification Packet during normal business hours between June 1 and July 31. Please contact Mitzi Walley at 601-425-2535 or dixieelectric@dixieepa.com to set up a time. The forms and petitions in the packet must be completed and returned by close of business on

Monday, July 31, 2023.

The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...

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“I was amazed! Sounds I hadn’t heard in years came back to me!”

— Don W., Sherman, TX

Photos by Chad Calcote

by Steven Ward

The idea came about when the pandemic hit, and downtown Hattiesburg was empty.

Everyone was on lock down and nobody was outside.

“We started thinking, what we can we do? How can we get people outside again and engaged,” said Rick Taylor, executive director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission.

The pandemic caused the closure of the historic Saenger Theater downtown. The Hattiesburg Convention Commission managed the theater, so Rick Taylor, and his wife, Vicki Taylor, started thinking about ways for people to escape the isolation of lockdown with the theater as a catalyst.

Hidden for almost four decades, the couple discovered a boarded-up window in a rear storeroom of the theater that faced the outside alley. The window was replaced with security glass, and a display cabinet was created to fit the window. Lighting and an outside speaker were also added.

The idea was to create a museum experience that visitors could enjoy from the outside. The exhibits were purposefully small, so they could fit in the window.

The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum opened to the public in August

2020 with a Swiss army knife exhibit. More than 115 unique pocket knives were displayed.

The Taylors ensured there was mystery with the new museum. They wanted the public to “discover it organically.” There was no advertising. The only clue to the community was a billboard that simply said, “Can you find it?” with the museum’s logo, a mouse. The mouse is known as Milo and is the museum’s curator.

“People would call the city and say, ‘where is it?’ ‘What is it?’ We wouldn’t tell them,” Rick Taylor said.

The couple said they love to discover things when they travel, and they wanted the museum to evolve in a similar way.

Eventually, people discovered the downtown alley, and then photos started popping up on social media.

Three months after the museum

“opened,” there was a story published in The Washington Post.

“The headline was something like, the six best museums to open during the pandemic. And we were one of them,” Rick Taylor said.

After the story was published, people started to visit the alley behind the theater in droves. The Taylors said more than 150,000 people a year visit.

One of the great things about the museum is we get to do whatever we want. The city has been great and supportive. It’s brought people to downtown who might not have otherwise thought about coming before,

Many styles of art encompass the length of the alley — paintings on asphalt, utility boxes, doors and other exterior surfaces; sculptures from large to tiny in size; miniature scenes and people; and mixed media pieces. Some of the art visually and boldly transforming the space in which it exists while other pieces are hidden throughout the alley for curious explorers to find and create their own exciting adventure.

The actual pocket museum — the old window that now houses a new exhibit every month — is just one part of what the Taylors have created for the alley behind the theater.

There are numerous outdoor art installations in the alley including a Kelsey Montague painting on the city parking garage across from the museum, tiny pop culture displays hidden all up and down the corners and crevices of the alley, a 3-D Abbey Road painted on the ground for photo opportunities, a LEGO sky bridge between the theater and parking garage, a renovated newspaper stand transformed into an art gallery, and ever-changing miniature model dioramas placed on di erent utility boxes in the alley.

Right next to the window museum is a mini-theatre — The Hattiesburg Pocket Theater – where short film clips play along with the museum display.

“To keep people coming, we change the exhibit every month,” Vicki Taylor said. The monthly exhibits are always something very di erent — cute, funny, or just plain weird.

“We tend to find people either love or hate the museum exhibits,” Rick Taylor said.

The initial display, which was started during Covid, has a monthly revolving exhibit from area artists. The exhibit for June was provided by Lynda and Cory Hartup, a Cooperative Energy drone pilot that creates miniature sculptures from his 3-D printers.

Past exhibits include: “McDonald’s Through the Ages” with the chain’s iconic paper hats and blue uniform and Happy Meal boxes; “Shrunken Heads” carved from apples, sweet potatoes, and pears; the now extinct “Library Card” with old cards brought back to life as canvas drawings that give a tip of the hat to the books the cards were once tied to; and an exhibit called, “Tools of the Trade: Serial Killers,” which showcased four well-known real life and fictional killers — Dexter, Hannibal Lecter, the Zodiac Killer, and the Green River Killer — and their “tools of choice.”

The June 2023 exhibit was called, “Honey, I Shrunk the Museum.” The exhibit featured famous works of art from all over the world shrunken to mouse-size and touched up with paint, sparkles, and glitter.

The exhibit was the brainchild of Lynda and Cory Hartup, who spent about eight months putting it together. Cory Hartup is a drone pilot for Cooperative Energy, a generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale power to 11 local electric distribution cooperatives.

“The idea was Lynda’s. She just told me what I needed to do to help,” Cory Hartup said.

Hartup used 3-D printers to print the tiny statues while Lynda painted each piece and created the backstory for each panel.

Hartup said the response to the exhibit, and the museum in general, has been tremendous.

“I love it (the museum). This was such a cool idea, and it’s been great for Hattiesburg,” he added.

Rick and Vicki Taylor run the museum without any city funding. The budget when they started out was $800. They spent $300 on the museum sign.

Vicki Taylor works 30 hours a week as a volunteer.

“Honestly, this is a labor of love for us,” Vicki Taylor said. Exhibits are set through 2024, but the couple always welcomes the public’s ideas.

“One of the great things about the museum is we get to do whatever we want. The city has been great and supportive. It’s brought people to downtown who might not have otherwise thought about coming before,” Rick Taylor said.

The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum is free and open to the public 24 hours a day. For more information, visit www.hattiesburgpocketmuseum.com.

A painting of dragonflies by Kelsey Montague adorns the facade of the parking garage across from the museum, in the alley.

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Picture This

1. Playing some tunes, by Morris Miller of Macon; 4-County Electric member.

2. Bleu and Lula Belle enjoying the screened in back porch, by Eleanor McClendon of Lumberton; Pearl River Valley Electric member.

3. Laila rocking on Mawmaw’s porch, by Lisa Brock of Sumrall; Pearl River Valley Electric member.

4. Our dogs are part of the family, by Diane Harper of Olive Branch; Northcentral Electric member.

5. Chatting, by Vicki Murphy of Bay Springs; Southern Pine Electric member.

6. Rocking chair, by Michelle Forsythe of Byhalia; Northcentral Electric member.

7. Back porch fun during spring 2023, by Bob Morton of Starkville; 4-County Electric member.

8. Grilling on the porch, by Glenn Dixon of Brandon; Southern Pine Electric member.

9. After the Easter egg hunt, by Teresa Lott of Perkinston; Pearl River Valley Electric member.

On the Menu

with Vicki Leach

A song out of a Christmas movie, no less, and it’s been on my mind all week long. Sounds strange to equate summer with Christmas, unless you are a Hallmark movie fan, then you live for movie marathons that revolve around the same timeless (or tiresome) plot, same crisp white snowy splendor everywhere, and little towns that look like — well, look like something out of a Hallmark movie.

I’ve been known to shut the curtains, set the air to iceberg, cuddle under a blanket, and imagine that it isn’t hotter than Georgia asphalt in August outside. But su ce to say, my jingle bell reverie doesn’t draw me into the kitchen to bake a ham, or roast a turkey, or spend a

minute making mama’s dressing with giblet gravy. I need lighter fare, and something that speaks “birds and the trees and sweet-scented breezes.” I need something more 4th of July, and outdoor picnics, and eating on the back porch watching the lightning bugs put on a show. So, how about an old-fashioned strawberry shortcake (thank the Lord for strawberry season), or some pulled chicken that can be started in the morning and be ready for dinner without heating up the whole kitchen? And for good measure, who doesn’t love potato salad in summer? This one is my oldest kiddo’s favorite, and I’ll happily share it with you.

Makes (at least) 12 sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

3 pounds of fresh chicken breasts (about 4 to 5 large breasts)

2 18-ounce bottles of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue sauce

½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper

½ teaspoon of Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning

½ teaspoon of all-purpose salt-free seasoning (Kroger makes a good ‘zesty’ one)

Garlic powder, lemon pepper, etc.

Spray the insert of a crock pot lightly with Pam. Lay the raw chicken breasts in the bottom of the liner in a single layer, overlapping the edges if necessary to make them all fit. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Season to taste with garlic powder, lemon pepper, and all-purpose seasoning. Pour the two bottles of barbecue sauce over the top and cover. Turn heat to high and cook for 4 ½ to 5 hours until chicken is totally done and fall-apart tender. Using two forks, shred the chicken in the sauce. Serve hot on hamburger or slider buns.

Note: You may think you’ve added way too much barbecue sauce to the recipe until the chicken is shredded, so don’t skimp.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds of small new potatoes, washed and halved or quartered

1 pound of bacon, cooked and crumbled

(Alternately, ½ cup of real bacon bits will work)

1 bunch of green onions, tops, and greens, sliced

½ cup of mayonnaise

¼ cup of sour cream

2 tablespoons of sugar

1 tablespoon of vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for roasting potatoes

4-6 servings

Sprinkle potatoes lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a roasting pan at 375 degrees for about 5 minutes, add the 1 tablespoon of oil to pan, and place back in the oven for a minute or two to heat well. Add potatoes to hot pan and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, taking care not to over brown, but making sure potatoes are tender (turn down oven if necessary.) When potatoes are done, remove to a bowl and allow to cool. Add the bacon and onions and toss together. Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Pour over potatoes and toss well. Serve immediately, or refrigerate to have later.

BERRIES AND CREAM INGREDIENTS

1 quart strawberries, washed and hulled

½ cup plus 2 teaspoons of sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Slice all strawberries into a medium bowl; sprinkle with ½ cup sugar and let stand at room temperature. If desired, crush berries lightly. (Save a few pretty slices or whole strawberries for garnish.) Whip cream with remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar and refrigerate until needed.

SHORTCAKE INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour

1⁄3 cup sugar

4 teaspoons of baking powder

½ teaspoon of salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

½ cup of butter

1 egg

1⁄3 cup of milk

1⁄8 teaspoon of nutmeg

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. In a separate mixing bowl, beat egg with milk. Add to flour mixture and stir just until well blended. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and pat out into a round. Cut into individual biscuits and bake on a greased baking sheet (do not allow them to touch for the prettiest shortcakes). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool 2 minutes.

To assemble: Split a shortcake with a serrated knife into two layers. Spread a little softened butter on the bottom cut side and the top layer. Place bottom layer on serving plate. Spread with whipped cream, then top with strawberries and juice. Add top layer and add a little more cream and a few more berries. Serve.

by Vicki Leach

Vicki Leach is a full-time chef/culinary instructor at Mississippi State University in the Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. She teaches Science of Food Preparation, Foodservice Organization, and Quantity Food Production. She also serves as the food service coordinator for First Baptist Church in Starkville, where she attends with her husband, Rob. She has four children and five grandchildren, and lives in a 130-year-old farmhouse that speaks to her old soul. She still has the first cookbook she ever owned.

Clarke County Farmers Market. July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21. Quitman. Every third Saturday thru October. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lots of fresh produce, food vendors, and arts and craft vendors. Depot parking lot on Railroad Avenue. Sponsored by the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce. Details: 601-776-5701

Ricky Atkinson and Compassion. July 2. Petal. The First Baptist Church of Runnelstown will host the concert at 6 p.m. A love o ering will be received. The church is located at 9211 Highway 42. Details: 601-583-3733 or 601-325-4047.

Je and Sheri Easter and Ricky Atkinson and Compassion. July 3. Waynesboro. The concert will start at 7 p.m. at the South Mississippi Freewill Baptist Campground, 1400 Pine Grove Road. This free indoor concert will be the part of 65th Southern Gospel Sing. Bring lawn chairs. Concessions will be available and a love o ering will be received. Details: 601-735-9083 or 601-270-1543

Amory Indian Artifact and Relic Show. July 22. Amory. From 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Magnolia State Archaeological Society will meet at 3 p.m. Awards will be given for: Best Recent Find. Best of Show, Best Education Display Stone, and others. The event is free. Old Armory, 101 S. 9th St. Details: 662-397-1249 or 228-235-1506.

Calhoun County Sacred Harp Singing Convention. Aug. 12. Vardaman. Will be held at Mt. Hermon Primitive Baptist Church, 163 CR 427. Singing will begin at 10 a.m. with lunch in the fellowship hall. Singing will continue in the afternoon until 2:30 p.m. Singing will be from the 1991 edition of The Sacred Harp. Loaner books will be available. Details: 662-507-9434.

Little Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Aug. 17, 18, and 19. Sturgis. Event admission is $10. Live music, dinner ride, sound and light show, poker run, bike games, and food and merchandise vendors. Begins at 9 a.m. Diane Jackson Memorial Park.

Details: 662-465-7970

Mississippi Sacred Harp Singing Convention. Aug. 26 and 27. Forest. The event will be held at Antioch Primitive Baptist Church, 6931 MS Hwy. 21. Singing will begin at 10 a.m. both days with lunch in the fellowship hall. Details: marksdavis19@gmail.com.

The 31st Clarke Fest. Sept. 23. Quitman. Archusa Water Park, 540 County Road 110. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Car show, entertainment, Miss Clarke County pageant, fishing tournament, arts, crafts, food vendors, and kid’s zone. Sponsored by Clarke County Chamber of Commerce.

Details: 601-776-5701

Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space allows. Submit details at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Email to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change.

Thank you to all of the day lily and tomato growers who emailed me about last month’s column, where I was lamenting the poor showing of our day lilies this year and absolute lack of showing of any tomatoes on my vines last year. The photo that accompanies this article attests to the fact that my tomatoes are already doing better. Also, I think I have a handle on our day lilies as well. The day lilies ended up blooming better than I expected.

My tomato situation came to mind the other day as we were driving through Belzoni. Jo went with me to Silver City to do a story about the recovery from the March tornado. Silver City, or what’s left of it, is about five miles south of Belzoni. When we finished the story, Jo and I drove on up Highway 49 to grab a bite to eat before going back home.

In Belzoni we remembered one of our grand adventures that happened there several years ago. It started as we were trying to follow some rather obscure directions to the house of one of Jo’s friends. Now, this was before we all had location finders and GPS on our phones. For that matter, it was well before we all had phones in our pockets, too. We used dead reckoning and scribbled notes to get where we were going back then.

Our landmarks included a blue transmission shop where we were to turn left and follow that road until the power lines ran out.

After about a half hour of circling in and out of cotton patches, Jo said I should stop and ask for directions. Normally that statement would have been blasphemous to my manhood. But it was getting late, and I had no idea where we were going, so I compromised. I stopped. But Jo went up to a house to ask for directions.

She knocked on the front door. The door opened and she went inside. Five long minutes later Jo and the couple who lived there came out the back door with paper sacks in their hands and disappeared through the wooden gate into their back yard. After a while all three emerged and came toward the car with bags of squash, tomatoes, corn, and other stu . They had loaded us up with vegetables from their garden. They also knew Jo’s friend and told us exactly how to get to her house to boot.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised. I almost rethought that whole “never ask for directions” thing us men swear by.

As we were backing out of their driveway, I stopped the car and turned to Jo and said, “Let’s stop at the next neighbor’s house down the road and ask for directions again and see what they have in their garden.”

Just as a lark, before we left Belzoni the other day, we put Jo’s friend’s address in our GPS and drove straight to her house. She wasn’t home.

by Walt Grayson

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

After a while all three emerged and came toward the car with bags of squash, tomatoes, corn, and other stu . They had loaded us up with vegetables from their garden.