Today in Mississippi September 2019 4-County

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A new energy transformation is creating a new energy. elcome to the latest edition of Every day, this new energy is taking the Today in Mississippi! You may shape of more affordable, down-to-earth have noticed that we have a ways to live. It’s exciting. Opportunities to new look, which we are very create something new have never been pleased to debut this month. greater, and this is a driving force in helping As always, it is our privilege to bring you attract, start and grow new business and stories that highlight the people, places, industry across rural Mississippi. culture and creativity that make our state so As we see it, this new energy is at the special. Throughout the following pages, we heart of the cooperative spirit. This sense hope you find thoughtful, entertaining and of community has always been one of the informative content that not only inspires best things about living in rural Mississippi. you, but that also makes you proud to call We know that we are stronger together.

Mississippi home.

That’s community. That’s what fueled the Like you, we at the Electric Cooperatives co-op movement so of Mississippi and your many years ago, and local electric cooperative it’s the source of our recognize that there’s a new energy today. passive transformation ... the power of An important part in lifestyle happening of this new energy is across Mississippi (and community is what Today in Mississippi. the nation) — and it is being an electric After all, we take pride changing our smaller cooperative is in the collective beauty communities in remarkable all about. and offerings of our ways. Because we are many communities shaped and led by you, throughout this great state — and the power our members, it is no wonder that at the of community is what being an electric center of this change we find the steadfast cooperative is all about. values that, for generations, have made It is our sincerest hope that you enjoy these the places people choose to build a this issue of Today in Mississippi. Please quality life for themselves and their families. email us at news@ecm.coop and let us To others, our rural communities may know what you think! seem quiet; but scratch below the surface, and you’ll find a whole lot happening. We look out for our neighbors; we work for the common good; and we celebrate both the little things and the big accomplishments.

It is also here that we embrace a revitalized Michael effort to get back to the basics and soak Callahan in the benefits of a simpler lifestyle.

We are growing in new ways and in Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi new directions — and this progressive

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Photo by Joe Mac Hudspeth, Jr. Central Electric Power Association member

Mississippi is ...

Mississippi is the place I call home Where through the hills and swamps I did roam.

Looking for Mr. Bob White Quail, Or maybe Mr. Bushy Tail.

With Ole’ Joe I did go, Through the fields and hollows oh so slow, Never knowing what I’d find.

Mostly just spending my time, Being free from the chores That always seemed to come in hoards.

Those were the days of yesteryear.

Now, I just sit back and Wish they were still here.

Bill Boulton, Heidelberg Southern Pine Electric member

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 3

in this issue

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

11 outdoors today The memory stick

13 southern gardening Ornamental peppers

member 14 local communications

20 feature

The southern wild: in focus with award-winning wildlife photographer Joe Mac Hudspeth, Jr.

24 on the menu Between the levees

29 grin ‘n’ bare it They were pioneers

31

Vol. 72 No. 9

Today in Mississippi

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

OFFICERS Randy Smith - President Keith Heyward - First Vice President Kevin Bonds - Second Vice President Eddie Howard - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Ron Stewart - Senior VP, Communications Sandra Buckley - Editor Mark Bridges - Manager, Support Services Elissa Fulton - Communications Specialist Rickey McMillan - Graphics Specialist Kevin Wood - Graphics Specialist Chris Alexander - Administrative Assistant EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600

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

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

Circulation of this issue: 462,376

Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year.

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

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300

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

mississippi seen September surprise

On the cover Cover photo by Joe Mac Hudspeth, Jr. of a male blue-winged teal duck in breeding plumage resting from its north-bound travels at the Ross Barnett Reservoir.

what’s new?

Your local electric cooperative is proud to present you with the first edition of the Today in Mississippi magazine. We dedicate this issue to our loyal readers, as it remains our goal to provide you with a publication that is a reflective portrait of our great and beautiful state. We are dedicated to bringing you a balance of articles, topics and information that celebrate the rich culture and diversity across Mississippi — while also promoting the many positive contributions and services our electric cooperatives offer within the communities they serve. Along with the addition of pages in this new magazine format, it is our sincerest hope that you enjoy the new design, sharper photos and eye-catching colors. It is our privilege to bring you Today in Mississippi each month. Thank you for being a valued reader.

4 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

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events

mississippi marketplace on the menu outdoors today scene around the ‘sip my opinion co-op involvement Mississippi Songwriters Festival to honor Paul Overstreet southern gardening grin ‘n’that bare it accomplishments and emphasizes his

By Nancy Jo Maples The 10th Annual Mississippi Songwriters Festival will kick off its four-day event September 19 in Ocean Springs with famed songwriter Paul Overstreet being the first inductee in the festival’s Hall of Fame.

A native Mississippian, Overstreet was born in Newton and relocated to the Vancleave community of north Jackson County at a young age. After graduating high school in 1973, he moved to Nashville and worked blue-collar jobs while pursuing his dream as a songwriter. His songwriting career took off in the 1980s and includes multitudes of hits. Two of those, “Forever and Ever Amen” performed by Randy Travis and “Love Can Build a Bridge” recorded

by The Judds, earned Grammy Awards. A Country Music Trail marker on Highway 57 in Vancleave acknowledges Overstreet’s

songs focus on “affirmed married love, the value of family life, and of the spirit.”

This year’s festival will showcase more than 80 aspiring and professional songwriters who will be performing “in the round” throughout the weekend, including Overstreet, at various venues in the downtown area. Mississippi Songwriters Alliance President George Cumbest said having talents such as Overstreet, Brent Anderson, Chris Wallin, Buddy Jewel and other pros attend the event “is incredible and inspiring to the kids with dreams of being professional writers. We are continuously growing and providing a more solid platform for aspiring writers.”

Visit www.mssongwritersfestival.com for more information.

Country music celebrity Paul Overstreet will be inducted as the first member of the Hall of Fame for the Mississippi Songwriters Festival this month.

Iconic Tiki turns 50 Celebrating 50 years of service, Tiki Restaurant, Lounge and Marina’s owners Eddie Thornton and his mother Norma continue their tradition of personally welcoming guests days and evenings.

The iconic restaurant, known for superb steaks and seafood, sits along the water’s edge on Mary Walker Drive in Gautier. Norma and her late husband William purchased it in May 1969 along with William’s twin, the late Walter Thornton. They bought it from Louis Temple who sold boats, motors and trailers at the spot. Temple appeased hungry customers by establishing a little café called the Tiki Room selling sandwiches and salads. The Thorntons kept the Tiki name concentrating on food, not boats.

Norma Thornton and her son Eddie Thornton have been delighting customers at the Tiki Restaurant, Lounge and Marina for five decades. Eddie serves as a board member of Singing River Electric During the 1970s, the Tiki grew in building size and customer base as its menu and reputation lured Cooperative. guests. It offered both a family eating environment food and showcases live music most nights. Slips along the dock and a supper club for finer dining that offered music and dancing. allow easy access for boaters. The supper club was never rebuilt, Prior to the wrath of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, the Tiki covered but the dancefloor can still be seen in the parking lot by keen 12,000 square feet. Upstairs was the Tiki Too, a small piano bar. eyes.

After battling insurance companies for several years, the Tiki Visit www.tikiofgautier.com for more information. reopened in 2011 with 4,000 square feet. Today’s main dining room is upstairs. A decorative mural salvaged from Hurricane Katrina Nancy Jo Maples is an award-winning journalist who has been writing adorns one wall. The mural, made of Styrofoam, is painted with a about Mississippi people and places for more than 30 years. Contact view of the Tiki from the water. The open-air bottom deck serves her at nancyjomaples@aol.com.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 7

Williamsburg cemetery holds historical value for Covington County

By Nancy Jo Maples Williamsburg and its Old General Cemetery hold rich parts of Covington County’s 200-year-old history.

The largest town between Monticello and Ellisville in the 1800s, Williamsburg served as county seat 1829-1906. When the county was formed in 1819, several venues were used for court. In 1829, the first official courthouse was built in Williamsburg. After it burned, a second was built, but was later razed and rebuilt. An arsonist burned the third one in 1904. Afterward, a committee voted to move the county seat three miles away to Collins. The courthouse there was built in 1906 and still serves the county.

Not much remains in Williamsburg other than the storied cemetery, ironically located on Bone Street. The name of this street is believed to possibly predate the cemetery and could have been a wagon road or Native American path. Cedar trees shade the tombstones dating back to 1820 of the community’s early inhabitants that include families who pioneered the area and soldiers from the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

8 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

The Covington County Genealogical and Historical Society spearheaded the cleaning of the graveyard about 10 years ago and erected a granite stone near the front of the cemetery listing the names of 40-plus people buried in unmarked graves. Resto-

ration of the cemetery evolved into a book as the cemetery project neared completion due to the wealth of material collected that needed to be preserved.

Contact ponder97@bellsouth.net for more information.

The Great

Oxonian Exposition

By Sandra M. Buckley The inaugural Great Oxonian Exposition will take place in Oxford September 19-20 and feature 3-D media works of art in metal, glass, clay, wood and fiber in addition to jewelry, sculpture, paintings, photography and more. The event will showcase the skilled work of 23 professional artists from across the south, including Mississippi as well as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee.

“By stressing work in 3-D media, we hope to expand people’s conception of art,” said Greg Belz, executive director of the event’s presenting organization, ArtWorks Foundation, which provides a range of benefits and opportunities for professional artists who are primarily from southern states.

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We believe that art should be a part of one’s daily life, whether it is displayed on a wall, or worn, or used in some aspect of daily life, and that in this manner it helps — even more — to enrich one’s life.

Greg Belz

“We feature a great deal of functional art, with the intention of underscoring that well-designed, well-made objects, be they a coffee mug, a lady’s cloak or a chef’s knife, can have as much validity as works of art, as a painting, if they display skill and talent,” he said. “We believe that art should be a part of one’s daily life, whether it is displayed on a wall, or worn, or used in some aspect of daily life, and that in this manner it helps — even more — to enrich one’s life.”

ArtWorks has presented similar shows in the Memphis and Nashville areas, and found extreme interest in expanding to Oxford. “The Great Oxonian

Exposition seeks to elevate Oxford’s standing as an arts center,” said Belz, noting that the event is being held on a popular Ole Miss home football game weekend to maximize the audience.

The name of the event ties in geographic symbolism.

“According to the Oxford English Dictionary, ‘Oxonian’ is defined as both an adjective describing something relating to Oxford, England; or, a noun designating one who attends Oxford University,” explained Belz. “They may have overlooked the Oxford in this country, but we consider it as referring to the rare jewel of a town in Mississippi, and use the word in the same sense, but with a decided drawl.”

The event is free to attend, and all artwork displayed will be available for purchase.

“This exhibition should be thought of as a museum,” Belz added. “The fact that one is able to purchase the exhibits is an added bonus.”

Visit www.greatexposition.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 9

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stick

The Memory Stick already contains a large collection of memories, and plans are for many others to be added before the stick is retired.

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emories are an integral part of life. Some may be less pleasant than others, but all combine to tell the stories of living. These memories are generally collected in one form or another. Photo albums, videos, letters or simply remembering — all these, and perhaps others, are tools that remind us.

Over the past decade, I’ve come to use a rather unusual system of gathering memories. This I call a Memory Stick, a hiking stick to be more exact. It began life as a cypress limb that I trimmed green from a recently cut tree. The limb rested quietly under a shed until it was

“

Memories are an integral part of life.

Some may be less pleasant than others, but all combine to tell the stories of living. completely dry and was then peeled and rasped and sanded and shaped into proper proportions, multiple coats of polyurethane sealing the grain. I added two leather wraps, spaced so as to make a two-hand hold possible when more leverage was required. Rawhide and sinew were used to cover the toe of the stick and short turkey feathers dangled from a beaded string

attached to the upper wrap. The gathering of memories began.

These memories are identified by hiking badges, little metal units that are available at practically any park or trailhead or other venues where one might go and take a walk.

Attached to that stick, they are most handsome. And they bring to recall some marvelous adventures.

While using the stick recently, I saw a badge from Petit Jean State Park; memories began to flow.

I recalled a spectacular waterfall that demanded a strenuous descent into a creek basin to reach.

That waterfall poured over a rock wall overhead and crashed into an otherwise quiet pool near where I stood. It was breathtaking. There were four of us who opted to attempt that descent, and we did it. We knew we had seen something that many others never had nor ever would.

What we didn’t know, however, was that one of those four would no longer be with us for a planned return

Photo by Tony Kinton

the following year.

And there, near the top of the stick on the back, was a badge from Yellowstone National Park. That one brought to mind a late evening at Dunraven Pass, 8,878 feet elevation.

A storm was coming. We stood as long as we dared and faced the wind, a biting, treacherous and foreboding thing that spoke forcefully of power and the need to take shelter. Facing storms, in those various persuasions that life elects, can help us become stronger, help us persevere. The following morning, much lower down that mountain, was a perfect covering, its whiteness blinding, its welcome gentle.

I remember it well and long for it often.

There are many memories collected on that Memory Stick.

by Tony Kinton Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 11

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scene around the ‘sip my opinion

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rnamental peppers O bring a spicy show of color to a fall garden

The late summer garden and landscape in Mississippi can be a tough place. Extreme heat and humidity result in heat index numbers that keep me, like many other gardeners, indoors enjoying the air conditioning.

But, I can take solace in knowing that, while many of my flowering summer annuals are starting to succumb to the heat, my ornamental peppers will be growing strong.

What a great selection for any later summer garden!

The best show is saved for late summer and lasts through fall as the plants keep producing. This means you should plant your ornamental peppers in late spring.

You’ll appreciate a little garden planning.

There are lots of different ornamental peppers available, but here are just a few of my current favorites.

Purple Flash is an example of the versatility and value of ornamental peppers. With its purple-and-white variegated leaves, it is one of the showiest peppers available on the market.

Chilly Chili seems to explode in a dramatically colorful demonstration. The fruit starts as yellow-green and transitions to a bright orange and brilliant red. Chilly Chili, a great choice for container planting, grows to about 1 foot tall and wide. This plant will tolerate our hot and humid Mississippi summers and have great color when other plants are fading. The peppers are not hot and are probably the safest to grow around curious children.

The ornamental pepper variety Sangria holds its slender fruit pointing upward boastfully as if getting ready for a party.

This pretty ornamental pepper bears fruit in almost unbelievable numbers that resemble confetti. Young fruit emerge greenish yellow and then march through a wonderful parade of colors: orange, lilac, purple and finally on to a glorious crimson red.

Chilly Chili will tolerate hot and humid Mississippi summers and keep great color when other plants are fading.

Photo by Dr. Gary Bachman.

A new ornamental pepper variety, at least for me, is Midnight Fire. This plant has unique and distinctive dark-black foliage. It is accented by abundant, smallish, dark-purple fruit, which mature to bright red. The contrast between the foliage and the fruit is an eye-catching combination in any garden.

Ornamental peppers prefer to grow in consistently moist soil, but don’t be overly generous with the water because the plants don’t tolerate waterlogged soil. Fertilize with a good slow-release fertilizer early in the season. Once fruit starts to set, there is no need to add additional nutrition.

Whenever we use the word “ornamental” to describe any vegetable, many folks automatically assume the fruit is not to be eaten. Generally, this is true because the

plants have been selectively bred for color.

However, ornamental peppers can be used to spice up a dish, but just remember they tend to be very, very hot and not in a good culinary way.

by Dr. Gary Bachman Gary Bachman, Ph.D., is an associate Extension and research professor of horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 13

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

Don’t wait. Be prepared

before the storm.

Let’s play a game of “what if” for a moment. Imagine a worst-case scenario of the perfect storm. A major weather event was predicted and this time, the predictions were right. Many power lines are down, and your electricity may be out for several days. You are low on everything—food, pet supplies, toilet paper, batteries, diapers and your medication.

Brian Clark Imagine how you would feel in this situation. You can plan ahead so when a severe weather event strikes, you have the tools and resources to effectively weather the storm. The Department of Homeland Security offers several resources to help you prepare for major weather events and natural disasters. Visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Preparedness actions and items • Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries).

• Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies, including towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer.

14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

• Ensure your first-aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current.

• Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio or TV. • Organize emergency supplies so they are together in an easily accessible location.

With advance warning If a severe storm is expected with high winds and sustained rain, you may need to take extra steps to safeguard your home.

Shutter windows and securely close exterior doors. Fully charge all cell phones, laptops and devices so you have maximum power in the event of a power outage.

Power in planning Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and can lessen the impact of the storm’s effects.

Sign up for NOAA emergency alerts and warnings and check 4-County’s Facebook page to stay abreast of restoration efforts and other important co-op news and information. Act today, because there is power in planning.

■ Lights out Automatic controls can keep lighting costs in check Whether you can’t train your kids to turn out lights when they leave a room or need a better outdoor lighting scheme, automatic controls might be a cost-effective solution.

■ Indoors Occupancy sensors are helpful indoors, as long as they’re positioned to detect people in any corner of the room.

There are two types of occupancy sensors: ultrasonic and infrared. Ultrasonic sensors detect sound; infrared sensors detect heat and motion.

Timers make an empty home look occupied. If kids are still running in and out, however, timers aren’t as effective as occupancy sensors. Plug timers into a wall outlet or install them in the wall, like a light switch or thermostat. New varieties are digital.

Photosensors are generally best outdoors, but new applications have found they’re also useful for LED nightlights.

When an overhead light is on, the nightlight shuts off automatically.

■ Outdoors If you already have or are thinking about installing an outdoor security light, consider combining it with a photosensor to keep it from burning all day. A motion sensor goes one step further, if you don’t want continuous light.

Timers are commonly used for aesthetic or holiday lighting, sometimes in conjunction with a photosensor—so they turn on at dusk and turn off at a designated time.

■ Holiday office schedule 4-County offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day. A dispatcher will be on hand to handle emergencies.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Maria Garcia answers the call

Just call and she’ll be there.

Maria Garcia is a familiar voice for 4-County Electric Power Association members. She is a consumer service representative at the co-op’s call center in West Point.

If you call a 4-County telephone number seeking information, she very well may answer the phone and your question. “It’s great to help our members. I’m here for them,” Maria explained.

She joined 4-County in March 2018.

Maria enjoys explaining the process of delivering electric service to members.

“There is a lot involved that most people

Maria Garcia is a key member of the 4-County Call Center. She is a familiar voice for those calling the cooperative. Maria joined 4-County in March 2018.

don’t know about. I enjoy teaching our members about that process,” she said.

Prior to 4-County, Maria worked at Rose Drug Store, a cornerstone in downtown West Point.

She and her husband, Ziad, live in West Point. Originally from Mexico, Maria moved to West Point with her family when she was 10. She is a graduate of West Point High School. Maria attends Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in West Point.

Her hobbies include exercise. “I like to work out,” Maria said. “It keeps me healthy and is a good stress reliever.” She particularly enjoys lifting weights and running.

She is bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish, and is learning Portuguese and Arabic.

“I like to learn new things.” And she often serves as an interpreter for the cooperative. “I’ll get people on the phone that are excited to speak with someone who knows Spanish,” she added.

Maria feels 4-County is a home away from home. “I have amazing people that I work with,” she said. “My co-workers help me and support me. Everyone is respectful.

They take care of me.”

Adams joins 4-County team Collin Adams, originally from Winona, has joined the 4-County Electric Power Association team.

Collin will serve as an Apprentice Lineman 4, working on Glen Ledbetter’s crew at the Columbus-based Corporate Center.

Prior to 4-County, Collin worked as a lineman for Pike Electric and Southern Electric Corporation. He is a graduate of Holmes Community College’s Lineman School.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his son, Phoenix, 3.

Welcome to the 4-County team, Collin!

Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $731,884 on prescription drugs through July. Look here each month to see the savings total!

Collin Adams

4-County asking young leaders to step up Three high school juniors in the 4-County Electric Power Association service area can win an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Tour, June 20-26.

4-County’s 2020 Youth Leadership contest, set for Nov. 13, 2019, is open to high school juniors who attend school in, and whose parents or guardians live in, the 4-County service area.

The three winning students will represent 4-County at the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Feb. 26-28, 2020. This workshop is designed to help participants sharpen their leadership skills and acquaint them with state government.

In addition, 4-County’s overall winners will travel with other Mississippi students to join hundreds of students from across the nation in Washington, D.C. During their stay, students will tour historical memorials and monuments, the nation’s Capitol, the Smithsonian Institute, Arlington Cemetery and other national landmarks.

Each public and private school in the 4-County service area may nominate a student to participate in the 4-County contest. Student winners will be selected during an interview process to be held Nov. 13, 2019 at the cooperative’s corporate center.

Information packets will be sent to area schools in September. Teachers or counselors may also request additional information by contacting Brad Barr, 4-County’s Youth Tour coordinator, at 662-245-0714.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 15

“

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Earl McIlwain has never been one to keep his enthusiasm for things bottled up. The 87-year-old Oktibbeha County resident has collected bottles for many years, some dating from the 1800s.

I tell people all the time that it’d be nice to go back to the old days when we could leave the door open. We didn’t have much, but we were happy.

Earl McIlwain

A little piece of history in a

bottle

By Brad Barr What’s the best way to immerse yourself in history?

Find a little piece of it, according to Earl McIlwain of Oktibbeha County.

Earl has done his part to uncover a little bottled-up piece of history, excavating a collection of bottles that dates to the 1800s.

The 87-year-old retired 4-County Electric Power Association meter reader has always enjoyed collecting historical items.

He started with stamps, collected coins and then switched to bottles. In his travels, Earl would sometimes come across old, abandoned houses and property. After gaining permission from the owners, he would look around and, more often than not, find hidden treasures. “I found some fabulous stuff through the years,” he said. Bottles of all shapes, sizes and colors.

His collection, at times, has numbered in the thousands.

The history hunter even joined a group of archaeologists from Mississippi State University, traveling around the state exploring abandoned dumping sites. The result? Stone jugs, stone bottles, medicine bottles and a bevy of soda bottles. “I’m fascinated with history,” he said.

A self-admitted jack of all trades, Earl made a little history of his own in his 43-year association (1966 to 2009) with 4-County. “I really enjoyed it,” he said. Through the years as a meter reader, Earl was often asked his name by children. “I’m Earl the Squirrel,” he replied, drawing giggles from his young audience. The name stuck. “Years later, this tall fellow with a big grin came up to me at Wal-Mart. He wanted to know if I was Earl the Squirrel.

He was one of the kids I saw on my routes. That was kind of neat.”

As a child, Earl grew up working 30 acres of cotton and corn on the family farm. Hard work was a way of life in those days. At five years old, Earl begged his father for a tricycle. “He told me that if picked a bale of cotton,

he’d get one for me. I started at sunup and worked until sundown. I picked my bale of cotton and he got my tricycle.”

His father, a farmer and carpenter, turned over the farming and responsibility to a 15-year-old Earl. “It was a full-time job,” he said, adding that he was still going to Maben High School. He also drove a school bus his senior year.

“I tell people all the time that it’d be nice to go back to the old days when we could leave the door open. We didn’t have much, but we were happy,” he said.

After high school, Earl served in the Navy and was stationed in California. He later worked in the San Diego area as a plant nursery supervisor for eight years.

California was nice, Earl said, but it wasn’t home. He returned to Mississippi, settling in Oktibbeha County and went to work for I.G. “Big” Daniels at 4-County Electric Power Association. He also worked closely with early 4-County pioneers Louis Wise and Chloe Miller.

Today, Earl and his wife of 41 years, Juanita, live on 60 acres of family land in the Self Creek area of Oktibbeha County. His wife is a collector, too, keeping an eye out for antique glass and china bells. The couple are members of First Baptist Church of Mathiston. Earl has four children, nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Earl said he stays away from doctors (other than an annual checkup at the VA Center) and doesn’t take any medicine. “I do what I want to do,” Earl said with a twinkle in his eyes. “I just have to do it a little slower than I used to.”

Collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, Earl said. “I’ve made a lot of friends through this hobby. I’ve learned a lot about history. And, most importantly, I’ve had a lot of fun.”

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 17

Co-ops learning new approach to training

An aging lineman population and an influx of new utility employees has the electric industry looking at newer, more efficient training methods.

This summer, for example, 4-County Electric Power Association enhanced its training protocol by taking an unused piece of land at its corporate center and turning it into an overhead line training field. Previously, training like this was sometimes done offsite, requiring travel and multiple days away from work.

“

We can train the day-to-day basics, when needed, to help our lineman progress in their job skills. Also, they’ll be able to use the site to participate in the ECM lineman apprentice program.

Joe Miller The field will be used by 4-County for its internal training needs and by electric cooperatives around the state undergoing lineman apprenticeship training through the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM).

The field is just over two acres and is equipped with 12 poles and wire. The equipment is de-energized for training purposes.

Joe Miller, 4-County safety, training and loss prevention coordinator, said the new training site has obvious benefits. “We can train the day-to-day basics, when needed, to help our lineman progress in their job 18 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

skills. Also, they’ll be able to use the site to participate in the ECM lineman apprentice program,” Miller said.

The 4-County official said the site was a good space that wasn’t being utilized.

Sometimes, Miller explained, there is no substitute for hands-on lineman training. “Studying a book is not always the complete package. If you combine it with hands-on experience, you can get there.

What they learn from books can be tested in exercises completed at the training site,” he added.

In addition to 4-County’s use of the site as a day-to-day training area, ECM will use the site as an advanced training testing ground for cooperatives around the state with lineman going through the apprenticeship program.

Chad Crockett, director of education and apprenticeship training at ECM, said the apprenticeship program is important in the development of safer, more efficient and better trained electric linemen. ECM and 4-County, Crockett stressed, are taking a proactive approach to training. “It’s great that 4-County has this training area, for the co-op’s educational purposes and for co-ops around the state,” he said.

Crockett said 4-County’s training site is a great location. “Logistically, 4-County has the space and resources conducive to a good learning environment,” he explained.

“And 4-County is very open and supportive of the statewide apprenticeship program.”

Meet your Director Jay Gilliland President

Hometown: Mathiston Serving since: 1988 Family: Wife, Sandy; two daughters, one son, and three grandchildren Occupation: Co-owner and manager of Gilliland’s Piggly Wiggly; President of Gilliland’s of Mathiston Inc.; and Owner/Manager of Gilliland Outdoors LLC. When I was growing up, I wanted to be a: Football player, collegiate and/or professional. I was also interested in being a United States Marshall.

Something few people know: I’m involved in competitive shooting and interested in DIY projects and cooking.

Favorite place to vacation: Smokey Mountain Area What accomplishment are you most proud of: To see my children and grandchildren use the lessons and skills they were taught to be successful in life. And as a 4-County Director, it has been my great pleasure and privilege to serve.

What got you interested in serving on the 4-County Electric Power Association Board of Directors?

My uncle, Charles Gilliland, worked at 4-County. He worked his way from a ground man to an executive staff member. He portrayed 4-County as an integral part of the community that made a difference in the lives of its members.

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Legal Bucks Northeast, East Central, Southwest, and Southeast Zones A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 10 inches OR one main beam at least 13 inches long.

Mississippi’s 2019-2020

How to estimate a 10 inch inside spread:

How to estimate a 13 inch main beam:

10” Inside Spread

13” Main Beam

HUNTING SEASONS

Estimating a 10 inch spread is accomplished by observing a buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately 14 inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam is 1 inch inside the ear-tip, the inside spread is approximately 10 inches.

To estimate a 13 inch main beam, the buck’s head must be observed from the side. If the tip of the main beam extends to the front of the eye, main beam length is approximately 13 inches.

Delta Zone

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 12 inches OR one main beam at least 15 inches long.

How to estimate a 12 inch inside spread:

How to estimate a 15 inch main beam:

For a complete list of12”hunting seasons, bag limits and Inside Spread To estimate a 15 inch main beam, the buck’s other legal restrictions, go to www.mdwfp.com. head must be observed from the side. If the

Estimating a 12 inch spread is accomplished by observing a buck’s ears in the alert position. When in the alert position, the distance from ear-tip to ear-tip measures approximately 15* inches. If the OUTSIDE of each antler beam reaches the ear-tip, the inside spread is approximately 12 inches. (Therefore, if the outside of both antler beams reach the ear tips, the buck is legal).

DEER ZONES

15” Main Beam

tip of the main beam extends between the front of the eye and the tip of the nose, main beam length is approximately 15 inches.

Wear Orange

*Due to body size differences in the Delta Zone, ear-tip to ear-tip measurements are slightly larger compared to the other zones.

WHITE-TAILED DEER

DELTA, NORTHEAST, EAST CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES METHOD

SEASON DATES

LEGAL DEER

Archery

Oct. 1 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF

Nov. 9 - 22

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands.

Antlerless Primitive Weapon

Nov. 11 - 22

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Youth Season (15 and under)

SEASON

(SEEdogs) OPEN AREAS) GunFALL (without

Antlerless Deer Only on private lands.

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Fall Either-Sex Turkey on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF.

Weapon of choice may be used on private land BAG with appropriate license.

DATES LIMIT

on private landTWO and (2) Holly SpringsEITHER NF. OCT. 15 - NOV.Either-Sex 15 TURKEYS, SEX

Dec. 16 - 23

Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Open Areas: In the following counties or portion of counties, on private lands where the landowner/lease holder completes a fall turkey Either-Sex private Regional land and Holly huntingGun application and provides a copy property deed or lease agreement at on a MDWFP OfficeSpring or the NF. Jackson Office. (with dogs) Dec. of 24the - Jan. 22

Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Delta Zone: Bolivar County - west of the main Mississippi River levee and those lands east of the main Mississippi River levee known as Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs . Legal Bucks only on open 27Archery/Primitive Break Hunting Club; Coahoma, Desoto, Tunica, and Washington counties - west of theNF main Mississippi River levee.public Weapon Jan. Issaquena, 23 - 31

land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

North-Central Zone: Benton, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Tippah, and Union counties.

SOUTHEAST ZONE

METHOD

SEASON DATES

BAG LIMITS

LEGAL DEER

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

Archery

Oct. 15 - Nov. 22

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

Youth Season (15 and under)

Nov. 9 - 22

Either-Sex on private and authorized state and federal lands.

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Spring Turkey Either-Sex on private land and open public land. Weapon of choice may be

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 23 - Dec. 1

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Youth Gun (without dogs)

Dec. 16 - 23

SEASON

DATES

(Private and authorized state and federal Gun lands. (with dogs) Dec. 24 - Jan. 22 public Youth 15 and under) Spring

Archery/Primitive Weapon

BAGlicense.

LIMIT used on private land with appropriate

One (1) adult gobbler orpublic 1 gobbler Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open land.with

Mar. 7 - 13

a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Spring season.

Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest 1 gobbler of

Jan. 23 - 31

Either-Sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open land.

Weapon of choice (anypublic age) per day, Mar. 14 - May may 1 choice be used on private land with license. perappropriate Spring season.

Feb. 1 - 15

Legal Bucks only on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

SEASON

SMALLGame GAME Small SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Youth Squirrel*

Sept. 24 - 30

8

Squirrel - Fall Season

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

8

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

4

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT 8

Rabbit

Oct. 12 - Feb. 28

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 28 - Mar. 7

8

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/NIght

Raccoon

July 1 - Sept. 30

1 per Party/Night

Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 (Food and sport) Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 (Food, sport, and pelt)

5/Day; 8/Party No Limit

Trapping

Nov. 1 - Mar. 15

No Limit

*On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

SEASON FALL (SEE OPEN AREAS)

FALLTurkey TURKEY Fall DATES

BAG LIMIT

OCT. 15 - NOV. 15

TWO (2) TURKEYS, EITHER SEX

■ In All Zones: For youth hunters fifteen (15) years of age and younger, hunting on private land and authorized state and federal lands, all three (3) of the three (3) buck bag limit may be any antlered deer.

■ Antlered Buck Deer: The bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season. One of these three may be any antlered deer on private land and Holly Springs National Forest. Legal bucks must meet the antler criteria within the appropriate deer management zone.

■ Antlerless Deer: Private lands: The bag limit on Northeast, Delta, East Central, and Southwest Zones antlerless deer is five (5) per annual season. The bag limit on Southeast Zone antlerless deer is one (1) per day, two (2) per annual season.

■ U.S. Forest Service National Forests: The bag limit is one (1) per day, not to exceed five (5) per annual season except in the Southeast Zone which is two (2) per annual season/one (1) per day.

DOVE Mourning and White-Winged Doves

Open Areas: In the following counties or portion of counties, on private lands where the landowner/lease holder completes a fall turkey hunting application and provides a copy of the property deed or lease agreement at a MDWFP Regional Office or the Jackson Office.

North Zone - Sept 1-Oct 6, Oct 19-Nov 16, Dec 21-Jan 14

Delta Zone: Bolivar County - west of the main Mississippi River levee and those lands east of the main Mississippi River levee known as 27 Break Hunting Club; Coahoma, Desoto, Issaquena, Tunica, and Washington counties - west of the main Mississippi River levee.

South Zone - Sept 1-Sept 15, Oct 5-Nov 6, Dec 21-Jan 31

North-Central Zone: Benton, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Tippah, and Union counties.

Southwest Zone: Adams, Amite, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Warren, Wilkinson, and Yazoo counties.

SEASON Youth (Private and authorized state and federal

Spring Turkey

• Dove North Zone - Areas north of U.S. Hwy. 84 plus areas south of U.S. Hwy. 84 and west of MS Hwy. 35.

• Dove South Zone - Areas south of U.S. Hwy. 84 and east of MS Hwy. 35.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 19

DATES

BAG LIMIT

Mar. 7 - 13

One (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per

FEATURE

The Southern Wild in focus

By Sandra M. Buckley

Joe Mac Hudspeth, Jr. is an award-winning photographer who skillfully captures images that celebrate the magnificence of Mississippi’s wildlife and natural landscape. However, he won’t accept credit for his stunning photographs, humbly maintaining “I am only the messenger.”

Photos by Joe Mac Hudspeth,Jr.

“I’ve never met scenery I didn’t like when it had cypress, the sunrise, fog, mist and mood.”

Joe Mac Hudspeth, Jr.

Hudspeth, who lives in Brandon with his wife of 36 years, retired two years ago after a career as a print media salesman.

A lifelong Mississippian, he grew up in Oxford and has always considered himself an outdoorsman. And as a wildlife photographer, he has three published coffee table books: “In the Southern Wild,” “Return to the Southern Wild” and “My Southern Wild.”

This fall, he is debuting his fourth book, “My Best of The Southern Wild,” which is an exquisite collection of his favorite photos taken over the last 40 years.

Since 1997, his photographs have appeared as the official images for numerous Mississippi Duck Stamps and also Mississippi Sportsman Licenses. In fact, this was

the first time in 25 years that the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks used a photograph on the Mississippi Duck Stamp and the first time ever on a Sportsman License. “It was an honor to have my photographs selected to grace both the Mississippi Duck Stamp and Sportsman License for some 19 years,” said Hudspeth.

His interest in photography traces back to the late 1980s, when as a deer hunter he would spend a lot of time hunting on private property off of the Natchez Trace.

It was then that he realized there was a shift in his interest. “My favorite stand overlooked a cypress brake, and I spent more time watching the waterfowl, turtles, beaver, wading birds and other wildlife than

deer hunting,” he said.

The wood duck was his first species of choice to capture on film. “That was because of its beauty and because I knew they were native to Mississippi and would be around after hunting season,” he explained. “At that time, however, there was no such thing as a pop-up blind. So, I created a custom blind of PVC pipe with Mossy Oak camouflage sewn to fit the frame that I set up in a cypress swamp to be close to the ducks. Then after figuring out where I needed my blind positioned to be close to them, I started capturing beautiful, frame-filling images of wood ducks.”

Next, he began photographing species of birds that came close to his duck blind

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 21

and “posed” for the camera. Then he ventured out on his boat for others. “While I started out chasing wood ducks and other waterfowl from a stationary blind, I learned to love trying to slip up on wading birds in my Poke boat,” he said. “Purple gallinules, common moorhens, green herons, least bitterns, snowy egrets and others were a challenge, and their breeding plumage is colorful.

To be honest, I would rather have a great picture of a red-winged blackbird doing something ‘cute’ than a so-so picture of a beautiful bird just standing there.”

As Hudspeth cultivated his hobby, he would buy and read books on cameras, photography and wildlife. And as his knowledge grew, so did his camera equipment. “After I learned the mechanics of photography, I started upgrading my equipment – especially my lenses so that I could extend my range and capture more full frame images,” he said.

“We have many native species to enjoy year round, including deer, turkey, gators and great blue herons, just to name a few,” he said of Mississippi’s abundant wildlife. “We also have many non-native migratory species that visit every spring from Central and South America. They nest and raise their young in our woods, fields and wetlands. These visitors include hummingbirds, buntings, tanagers, purple gallinules, least

bittern and many others. As they head home in the fall, our winter visitors start arriving from the north, such as waterfowl.”

The subjects he photographs expand outside of wildlife. “Mississippi is blessed to have different landscapes — the Mississippi Delta, the mountainous foothills of Northeast Mississippi, the rolling hills of Central Mississippi and the Gulf Coast,” he said. The Pascagoula River basin, Noxubee Refuge and Springdale Refuge are other favorite scenic locations of his. In addition, he enjoys the foothill scenery of Mississippi, such as Tishomingo County and Bear Creek. “They are beautiful and different from other areas of the state.

“I’ve never met scenery I didn’t like when it had cypress, the sunrise, fog, mist and mood,” he added. “Going forward, I see myself doing more of this type image.”

Over the years and while still working full time, he continued building his portfolio, selling images for commercial use and promoting his books on the side. His dedication as a photographer led to his work being displayed in galleries, offices and museums across Mississippi and gracing the pages of local, regional and national publications. He also traveled the state speaking to church and civic organizations. “This opportunity provided me the chance to meet many special Mississippians,” he added.

He discovered, though, that between traveling, promotions and keeping up with the digital advancements of film, that his beloved hobby had turned into a second job. He wasn’t spending time doing what he loved — simply photographing wildlife.

These days, Hudspeth is retired and has all the time in the world to indulge in his passion and “get back into the swamp with my camera,” he said. “That is, when I’m not chasing my new favorite wildlife — my granddaughters, Lainey and Ramsey!”

Visit www.southernfocus.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 23

mississippi seen

mississippi is...

events

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

CELEBRATING grin ‘n’ bare it

National Rice Month in September

By Sandra M. Buckley Since the 1940s, farmers in the Mississippi Delta have been cultivating their rich soil to grow a farm to table favorite — rice. Today, it is one of the state’s top agriculture exports with Mississippi ranking fifth in the United States for rice production.

“Here we are in 2019, and we are now one of the leading states in the USA for rice production,” said Laura Giaccaglia of the Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension in Cleveland. “Our annual rice crop contributes more than $130 million to our state’s economy. Not only is rice making a huge contribution in dollars, but it provides thousands of jobs for people who work on farms and in the rice industry.”

In 2018, there were 135,000 acres of rice harvested across 259 farms in Mississippi — including in Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Washington and Yazoo counties.

Consumers who choose high-quality Mississippi grown rice products, such as Two Brooks Farms and Delta Blues Rice, can be assured it is also locally harvested, milled and packaged. “Next time you purchase rice, take a look at the label,” she added. “Make sure you are purchasing locally grown rice. Not only will you experience comfort knowing where your food came from, but you will also be supporting Mississippi farmers who practice sustainability and who support conservation efforts.”

To help celebrate September as National Rice Month in Mississippi, Delta Rice Promotions, Inc., a Bolivar County-based volunteer organization, along with MSU Extension, is hosting the 29th Annual Rice Tasting Luncheon September 20 in Cleveland. The event draws around 1,500 people and features buffets of more than 300 rice dishes prepared by area restaurants and volunteer cooks for guests to sample and explore the versatility of rice. “There will be tastings of appetizers, side dishes, entrees and desserts — something for everyone to enjoy,” Giaccaglia said. “Most people are amazed at how many ways rice can be prepared.”

Delta Rice Promotions also offers the award-winning cookbook, “Between the Levees,” whose name is significant because levees are essential to rice farming. The cookbook features more than 500 recipes, with the mission to “give the potato a rest, and eat the best — rice!”

“Between the Levees” cookbook will be available for $10 at the September 20 luncheon. Visit www.deltaricepromotions.org or call 662-843-8371 for event tickets, the cookbook, recipes and more information.

24 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

Mississippi Rice Salad 3 cups cooked rice, cooled 4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup sweet pickles, chopped 1 (2-ounce) jar pimiento, diced 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon mustard Lettuce leaves Blend rice, eggs, onion, pickles, pimiento, salt, pepper, mayonnaise and mustard; chill. Serve on lettuce leaves.

Yields: 6 servings

Delta State University, Wyatt Gymnasium, Cleveland, MS Tickets for this event are $5 and can be purchased from the Extension office of Bolivar County by calling 662-843-8371.

Tickets will also be on sale at the door.

Fast Dish Catfish

Peppermint Rice Cloud

4 catfish fillets 1 tablespoon butter, melted 2 tablespoons lemon juice, divided 1 teaspoon dill weed, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 small zucchini, cut into ribbon-like strips (with vegetable peeler) 1 carrot, cut into ribbon-like strips 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 (4.3 to 7.2-ounce) package rice pilaf mix, prepared according to package directions

2 cups cooked rice 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 cup milk 1/3 cup peppermint candy, crushed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup whipping cream, whipped 1 (6-ounce) prepared chocolate crumb piecrust 1/4 cup fudge sauce

Brush catfish with butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon dill weed and salt. Broil fillets 8 to 10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with fork. Stir zucchini, carrot, mayonnaise, remaining lemon juice and dill weed into hot rice. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Serve vegetable rice with broiled catfish.

Combine cooked rice, marshmallows, milk and candy in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy, 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla; cool. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into chocolate crust. Chill at least 3 hours. Drizzle with warm fudge sauce before serving.

Yields: 6 servings

Yields: 4 servings

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 25

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

southern gardening grin ‘n’ bare it Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi awards engineering scholarships The ECM Foundation recently awarded its 2019 engineering scholarships to Haley Van Drunen, East Mississippi EPA; Jared Bennett and Andrew Harper, Cooperative Energy; and Kyle Cupit, Southwest Electric. These recipients have served as co-op student interns at local electric cooperatives in Mississippi.

Each student received a $2,500 scholarship.

Pictured from left are Randy Carroll, CEO, East Mississippi Electric; Kevin Bond, CEO, Southwest Electric; Kyle Cupit, Brookhaven; Michael Callahan, CEO, ECM; Haley Van Drunen, Meridian; Andrew Harper, Spanish Fort, Ala.; Jared Bennett, Petal; and Jeff Bowman, president, Cooperative Energy.

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES FACTS & FIGURES • 784,327 total meters served • Cooperatives serve 50% of the electric meters in Mississippi • Cooperatives serve approximately 85% of the state’s land mass • 94,519 miles of distribution lines

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28 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2019

sip

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my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it

They were pioneers In the late 1800s, people moved to south Mississippi to earn money during the timber boom. By the early 1900s, the supply of timber was decreasing but the migration of settlers continued. Americans have always had a restless spirit, whether it was just adventure or searching for something better. Many of the new settlers that came to Mississippi were from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama.

Some of the new residents, however, came from the Midwest. Mr. Roy’s grandparents came from Indiana and settled in a community between Lucedale and Pascagoula called Big Point. Land investment companies purchased large parcels of cheap land in Jackson County, Mississippi. Then, they placed ads in newspapers throughout the Midwest touting “This Garden of Eden.” They pitched the slogan: “It never gets cold, you can grow oranges by the bushel, and vegetables practically grow wild.” Mr. Roy’s grandfather, John Grafe, being the adventuresome guy he was, decided this sounded pretty good. Not only that, but some of his neighbors and friends were already headed south.

John contacted one of the salesmen in the area and arranged to go to Mississippi and check this out for himself. He traveled to the Big Point area in early October; and sure enough, oranges were hanging on the

trees, and it was warm. With a little encouragement from the salesman, John picked out a 120-acre plot of good, level farmland.

There was no way for him to contact his wife, Maggie, and ask what she thought, so I guess John assumed, “I’ll convince her later.”

“

Americans have always had a restless spirit, whether it was just adventure or searching for something better.

He must have convinced her in some way, because within a few months they sold their large, two-story house, furniture and 80 acres of land and boarded a train for Mississippi. The family arrived at Big Point in January 1914, and it was cold. Not only that, the land John thought he bought was not legally what he really purchased. His 120 acres were several miles farther out in the wilderness in an area commonly called the Island. John had no choice but to make the best of the situation.

The Willard J. Ogborn family was friends of the Grafes in Indiana, and they moved to Mississippi two years before the Grafe family arrived. Willard Ogborn, his wife Daisy

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Ellen and their three children lived in a tent until they could build a house. They offered the use of their tent to the Grafes, and that is where Roy’s grandparents and their four children lived for approximately two years until they could build some kind of house.

John had to clear land, build a barn and a house and a multitude of other things. The family had four school age children who walked almost three miles to school every day. So now Maggie found herself going from living in a nice house with out buildings, on a road with neighbors nearby, to living in a tent, in practically a wilderness, in the middle of nowhere. Roy said that his Dad told him his mother cried every night. In most cases, it was the wives who suffered the most from the family’s pioneer wandering.

But the Ogborns and Grafes were pioneer people; they survived and made the best of the situation. Both were carpenters, farmers and hard workers. They soon found jobs, built new comfortable homes and raised their families. And this is typical of the thousands of families that moved to Mississippi in the early 1900s. They were hard working families with strong religious values who wanted a better life for themselves and their children. Mr. Roy said that he asked his grandfather if he ever regretted leaving what he had in Indiana and moving to Mississippi. His grandfather told him that he had no regrets. I also asked Dave Ogborn, grandson of Willard Ogborn, if he ever asked his grandfather if he regretted moving to the South. He said his grandfather told him he had no regrets.

We should all be thankful for these “pioneers” who risked so much and worked so hard to leave us the legacy we have today.

by Kay Grafe

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 29

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mississippi marketplace Want more than 462,000 readers tomenu know about your special event?

Camp & outdoors Jam, September 16-21, Polkville.

A weeklong Bukka White Blues Festival, October 4-5, Aberdeen. on the today Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space bluegrass, country and gospel music event. Live music each Non-stop blues music on the banks of the Tenn Tom allows. Submit details at least two months prior to the event date. night at 6 p.m. The Music Barn; 6303 Highway 13. Camper Waterway, with Ribs On The River BBQ Contest, Bob Submissionsscene must include a phonearound number with area code forthe publi- ‘sip hook-ups available. Free admission. Details: 601-955-9182; Tartar Exotic Animal Show, Gator Bait Kayak Race, kids cation. Mail to Mississippi Events, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, 601 946 0280. activities, arts and crafts and food vendors. Details: Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300; or email to news@ecm.coop. Events are www.bukkawhitebluesfestival.com. subject to change.

Please confirminvolvement details before traveling.

Lower Delta Talks Series, September 17, Rolling Fork. my opinion co-op Charles Westmoreland, Jr. will deliver the presentation, “Archie Who and Why?” 6:30 p.m. Sharkey-Issaquena County Library; 116 Robert Morganfield Way. Free admission.

Details: www.lowerdelta.org; 662-873-6261.

The Inspirations in Concert, September 19, Hattiesburg.

7 p.m. First Baptist Church of Glendale. Love offering accepted. Details: 601-544-0414.

Mississippi Gourd Festival, September 20-21, Raleigh.

Handcrafted gourds, ready-to-craft gourds, gourd crafting classes, demonstrations, tools, supplies and more. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Smith County Ag Complex. Admission. Details: www.mississippigourdsociety.org; 601-374-0245.

The Old School Bluegrass Bash, September 21, Carthage.

Featured bluegrass bands include Magnolia Drive, The Russell Burton Family, Robert Montgomery and Alan Sibley & The Magnolia Ramblers. Concessions available. 2 to 9 p.m.

Old Elementary School. Adult admission; children 12 and under free. Details: 601-562-0180.

The ROUX 2019, September 21, Walnut Grove. Car show, 5k race, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, Pickers Row, exotic petting zoo and more. Details: 601-253-2321.

Indian Bayou Arts and Eats Festival, September 28, Indianola. Pecan pie competition, food talks, arts and crafts, live music, children’s activities, dog show and more. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details: 662-887 4454.

Kirtan for Cows, October 4-6, Carriere. Includes yoga classes, live music, children’s activities and great vegetarian food, with all proceeds benefitting the cow protection program. Held at the ISKCON New Talavana Farm community. Free admission; camping available for a fee. Details: www.cowfest.newtalavana.org; gopujamela@gmail.com; 601-337-2021.

Quilt Auction and Craft Sale, October 5, Gulfport.

Quilts, bake sale, children’s activities. Breakfast and lunch served. Details: gulfhavengnf@gmail.com; 601-483-2267.

Craft Fair and Bake Sale, October 5, Brandon. Start your holiday shopping early with handcrafted gifts from artists around the world, plus famous baked goods, door prizes and more, with lunch served. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nativity Lutheran Church. Free admission. Details: 601-825-5125.

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“Mississippi Gumbo” Quilt Show, September 13-14, Biloxi. Presented by the Magnolia Quilters of Orange Grove.

Quilts will be on display along with a certified quilt appraiser on hand, door prizes, special exhibits and vendors. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Beauvoir United Methodist Church; 2113 Pass Rd. Admission. Details: springerstc@icloud.com; 228-223-1033.

Hummingbird Festival & Native Plant Sale, September 14, Moss Point. Bird banders, live animal shows, native plant sale, craft and food vendors, children’s activities. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pascagoula River Audubon Center. Admission. Details: www.pascagoula.audubon.org/events; 228-475-0825.

Big Black River Festival, September 14, West. Presented by the West Civic Club. Live entertainment, food vendors, bingo, boutique, silent auction, crafts, artwork and local artists, Casey Jones Building tour and more. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Details: 662-967-2062.

Bienvenue Acres Open House, September 14, Gulfport.

Come by and visit the equine facility offering bard, training and riding lessons. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 17417 Carlton Cuevas Rd. Details: www.bienvenueacres.com; 228-357-0431.

“Three W’S Tears of Pain and Joy” Book Signing, September 14, Gulfport. Plus, enjoy conversations with the author, Ernest Gaines. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Orange Grove Public Library; 12135 Old Highway 49.

OKTOBERFEST Arts & Crafts show

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grin ‘n’ bare it

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Pascagoula Gun Show, October 5-6, Pascagoula.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 .m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jackson County Fairgrounds; 2902 Shortcut Rd. Details: bigpopgunshows.com; 601-319-5248.

Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, October 9, Olive Branch. The Expo is open to the public and looking for exhibitors. 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Northcentral EPA; 4600 Northcentral Way. Details: www.olivebranchms.com; info@olivebranchms.com; 662-895-2600.

MS Pecan Festival Sept. 27, 28 & 29, 2019

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September surprise

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

grin ‘n’ bare it

Spider lilies are an unexpected pleasant surprise. For instance, this photo was published in our first “Looking Around Mississippi” book. I had gone to Rodney to get a shot of the “other” church when I saw these spider lilies highlighted in the front yard of an abandoned house. Another day or even another time that day and I would have missed them.

T

he spider lily is to fall what the dogwood is to spring — the blooming announcement that things are about to change. Now, I call them spider lilies. That’s what Mama called them. I’ve heard them called pop-up lilies or surprise lilies — even “neked ladies.” Although there is another summer flower on a slender stalk, more pink than red, that is more frequently called “neked ladies.” Google it and the pink ones show up. You may have to misspell it as “naked” ladies, however.

And yes, I am being facetious about the spelling “neked.” But sometimes it’s just better to spell some things the way they are pronounced. That way whatever bare thing you are talking about carries the fuller meaning. Someone pointing and saying they see someone “naked as a jay-bird” just doesn’t have the urgency that “neked” carries. Hardly makes you want to turn around and look if they are only naked. Too formal.

So as far as the flower, I will go with what that famous botanists William Shakespeare said about roses smelling just as

sweet no matter what they are called and continue using Mama’s name “spider lilies.”

That’s the name I grew up with. (Although I don’t recall them having much of a smell — so the illustration breaks down a little.)

But whichever, they pop up about this time every late summer or early fall. And I have yet to determine what triggers them to bloom all of a sudden. Here in Mississippi, it certainly isn’t cool crisp weather — not with some of them starting in late August many years. I asked horticulturist Felder Rushing how spider lilies know to bloom and he sort of shrugged and said perhaps it was moonlight. Seems to me moonlight would more likely bring out those “neked” flowers.

Whatever it is, the red spider lily of late summer is the forerunner of the return of autumn. They will slip up on you and surprise you, some years. Hence the other of their many names, “surprise lily.”

They will grow their foot-long stems out of bare ground and bud and bloom between lawn-mowings. What was a smooth

yard a few days ago will be dotted with red flowers a few days later. I try to remember that when zipping around on the mower this time of year and not nip any in the bud.

I really like to see them bloom. They remind me of my childhood.

They also remind me that many of life’s pop-up surprises can be quite pleasant. So we always want to be mindful how we carry ourselves so we don’t nip any of those unexpected pleasantries in the bud before they blossom.

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.” Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | TODAY 31

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