Today in Mississippi September 2020 Southwest

FOR MEMBERS OF SOUTHWEST ELECTRIC

CROSSROADS OF RURAL AMERICA

COMPETITIVE STUDENT SHOOTING RECALLING

POPLAR HILL SCHOOL

SEPTEMBER 2020

on the menu

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2 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2020

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One year of the new Today in Mississippi The issue of Today in Mississippi you with the stories of the people and places are holding in your hands is a special one. that make Mississippi a remarkable place A year ago this month, we debuted our to live, we also want to provide the best publication’s new look. The September information we can on the state’s electric 2019 issue was our first magazine version cooperatives. of Today in Mississippi.

Providing that information is one of the After decades in newsprint, we decided Seven Cooperative Principles. The fifth to make the change to better serve our principle is Education, Training and Inforreaders. The response has been overmation. Part of the fifth principle states, whelmingly positive. We continue to re“They inform the general public about the ceive phone calls, emails and notes from nature and benefits of cooperation.” readers to tell us how much they enjoy There’s also some of the seventh printhe magazine. ciple in what we We appreciate do at the magathe feedback. zine — Concern Like I wrote in last for Community.

It’s our privilege to bring you year’s Septem“While focusing ber issue, putting stories that highlight the people, on member needs, together this magcooperatives work places, culture and creativity azine is a privilege that make Mississippi so special. for the sustainable that we take very development of seriously. their communities through policies acIt’s our privilege to bring you stories cepted by members,” the principle states. that highlight the people, places, culture Readers, members and community — and creativity that makes Mississippi so you are all three and Today in Mississippi special. We want to continue to entertain, is here to foster the world of electric inform and inspire you each month. cooperatives in service to our members.

We do that with a dedicated and So, enjoy this issue and let’s celebrate talented communications team, but the a year of the magazine format. readers are at the heart of the success of We want Today in Mississippi to continue Today in Mississippi. Because of that, we to be part of the cooperative community will continue to seek your input and feed- and tell this community’s best and most back to make the magazine even better. interesting stories.

Never hesitate to reach out to editor Steven Ward with story ideas and feedback — both good and bad — so we continue to improve. Email us at

by Michael news@ecm.coop so we can publish a Callahan magazine that reflects the values and Executive Vice President/CEO interests of our readers.

Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Although we love to entertain readers

Mississippi is...

Warm summer days, The sun with a haze, Honeysuckle scent in the air, Bumble bees humming, A soft guitar strumming, A child without a care.

A lone rooster crowing, An old cow lowing, A tractor plowing the earth.

A squeaky screen door, Kids playing on the floor, Buttermilk churning on the hearth.

I’ve traveled afar, By bus, plane, and car, Making my fortune, then some, But none of its worth, The place of my birth, Mississippi, I’m going home.

by Pat Ballard A resident of Nashville, Ballard owns a home near Quitman and is a member of EMEPA.

What’s Mississippi to you?

What do you treasure most about life in our state?

Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop or mail to P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 3

in this issue

5 southern gardening

Time to spice things up with peppers

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

7

11

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 73 No. 8

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

outdoors today The intrigue of September

12 local news

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600

18 feature

Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is going to be a one of kind experience

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: 468,787

Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year.

Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year

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

18

24 on the menu

A can of milk secret to dinner and dessert

27 mississippi seen

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300

www.facebook.com/TodayinMississippi

Speaking of back to school

www.todayinmississippi.com

24

On the cover The entrance of the new Mississippi Aquarium is marked by three giant sails that represent the three pillars of the facility – Education, Conservation and Community. Photo: Chad Calcote

HARVEST SAFETY TIP Maintain a 10-foot clearance around all utility equipment in all directions.

4 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2020

HOT, HOT, HOT PEPPERS WITHSTAND HEAT AND HUMIDITY

It’s the end of summer, and much of my vegetable garden is a distant memory due to the heat and humidity.

But I’m always encouraged by the production I enjoy from my pepper plants.

I marvel at the way these plants seem to laugh at the heat and produce fresh peppers all the way to frost in the fall.

There really isn’t anything better than picking fresh peppers from my home garden.

I guess that’s true for all of our garden vegetables.

The options for growing peppers are endless. I personally grow a wide variety, ranging from sweet to rather spicy peppers. I used to grow and enjoy the weapons-grade, super-hot varieties like Ghost, Trinidad Scorpion and Carolina Reaper, but I guess I’ve gotten smarter as I’ve gotten older.

I watch the cooking shows looking for ideas not only for recipes but also for new, trendy vegetables to grow.

This year, I’m growing a superb group of peppers that are changing my thoughts about an already versatile fruit. Yes, a fruit.

Although its classified as a vegetable, a pepper contains seeds, making it a fruit.

A fun little pepper I’m growing for the first time is the biquinho red, commonly called Brazilian Little Beak. This small pepper has a pointed shape that starts out pale yellow and transitions to bright red. It has a mild heat profile that I enjoy pickled and used as a playful garnish.

A popular pepper to grow is the Fresno pepper.

Taste-wise, a Fresno is similar to a jalapeño, but it has a smoky flavor note to me. The peppers are 2 to 3 inches long and about an inch in diameter. As they transition from glossy green to bright red, they tend to increase in heat level. The peppers are cone-shaped, and many will be slightly curved.

Another popular pepper I’m growing is the Shishito. This is an

old Asian variety that is thin-skinned and about 3 inches long. Shishito peppers are mild, but one in 10 is randomly hot and can be a pleasant surprise. I first enjoyed these peppers at Chef Morimoto’s restaurant in Orlando, where they were flash fried. The wrinkly skin made them perfect for holding onto the peanut dipping sauce.

I’m growing an improved Shishito hybrid called Mellow Star. This is a Shishito crossed with sweet red pepper that is deliciously mild and sweet. I like to wait until these peppers display their bright, glossy skin before harvesting.

One of the best peppers I continue to grow in my home garden is Giant Marconi.

This is an elongated, Italian sweet pepper selection that tastes great with no heat. It produces up to 8-inch-long fruit that have a smoky flavor without the need for the grill. I think they taste best when fully bright red.

Giant Marconi is an All-America Selection winner that produces strongly through the heat and humidity of our Mississippi summers.

It’s too late to start from seed this season, but I’ve noticed that garden centers have a nice supply of transplants that will still bear a late-season pepper crop.

by Dr. Gary Bachman Gary Bachman, Ph.D., Extension/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.

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 5

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“If Pete would have been sent to a nursing home we could have lost him forever,” said Maryanne, “FastHelp has been a Godsend for us.”

FastHelp works at home or anywhere cell service is available so whether Pete or one of the brand new 50,000 users are out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino they are never alone.

“Folks absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, it’s free for life,” said Joseph Rodgers, Chief of Staff for U.S. based Universal Physicians.

Millions of seniors fall every year and spend painful hours praying for help. But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and get to STAY living in their own home safely and independently.

Yet countless seniors are still risking their safety because they just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices.

That’s why seniors who want to avoid the nursing home and its potential death sentence are rushing to get FastHelp free for life once they cover the first month as long as they call before the 7 day deadline ends. Heavy call volume is expected so if lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered.

WWII HERO GETS TO STAY AT HOME: Pete Shaw has always been sharp as a tack, but when the minor falls started, Pete nearly landed in a nursing home. But Pete dodged all that when his daughterin-law found this number (1-800-929-8049 EXT: FHHW209) and got him a tiny medical alert device that instantly connects him to help whenever and wherever he needs it with no monthly bills ever.

How FastHelp keeps seniors out of nursing homes We sat down with Philip Howren MD, top emergency room physician, to find out how FastHelp can help seniors stay out of nursing homes. This is what he said: “I see it every day, one fall or major health event and seniors land in a nursing home. In an emergency situation seconds count and a few minutes can make all the difference. “ I l o v e Fa s t H e l p b e c a u s e i t immediately and directly connects you to highly trained emergency operators who can help you. That saves time and can be the difference between coming back home or a potentially fatal nursing home

confinement.

“Another reason seniors end up in nursing homes is they can’t afford the cost of a medical alert device but with FastHelp they are never alone and they are never exposed to any monthly bills.

And the best part is they get to continue living in their own homes and their families don’t have to worry. “ H e re ’s t h e b o t to m li n e , t h e Coronavirus Pandemic hits seniors harder than anyone else and the nursing home is the worst place they can be, so if I can help them keep living in their own homes with FastHelp, that’s a win for everyone.”

HOW TO GET FASTHELP FREE FOR LIFE For the next 7 days seniors born before 1956 are getting FastHelp Free For Life to help them avoid the catastrophic health and financial risks associated with a nursing home confinement. Here’s how it works.

The sleek little device normally goes for $299 and an open line to immediate help whenever and wherever you need it is worth $149 per month. This week only, if you were born before 1956 the device is free when you cover only the first month for just $149 and you never see a monthly bill. In other words it’s Free For Life. Seniors are urged to call 1-800-929-8049 EXT: FHHW209.

• Seniors born before 1956: To get FastHelp Free For Life, call this Toll-Free Hotline:1-800-929-8049 Ext: FHHW209

• Those born after 1956: You cannot get FastHelp Free For Life and must pay $448. Call: 1-800-929-8165 Ext: FHHW209

FASTHELP IS COVERED BY A 30-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE LESS SHIPPING AND A 1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. FASTHELP IS A 3G GSM CELLULAR DEVICE. FASTHELP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE 911 CALLS WHEN CELLULAR SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE SUCH AS IN REMOTE AREAS. FASTHELP USES GPS TRIANGULATIONS TO APPROXIMATE YOUR LOCATION WHEN YOUR DEVICE IS TURNED ON. DR. HOWREN IS A COMPENSATED MEDICAL ADVISOR AND FRANK MCDONALD IS AN ACTUAL USER AND COMPENSATED FOR HIS PARTICIPATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. UNIVERSAL PHYSICIANS 7747 SUPREME AVE, NORTH CANTON, OH 44720.

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Crossroads: Rural life in America

by Steven Ward “The United States needs vibrant and sustainable rural Later this month, residents of rural Mississippi will have a communities. Americans, no matter where they live, rely on the chance to explore the history and future of rural life in America. products of the countryside (and the productivity of rural people) “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” is a traveling museum for food and fuel. This is particularly true in Mississippi, a state exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute that will tour Mississippi that is ‘rural’ in every sense of the word. Mississippi is comprised beginning later this month in Senatobia through June 27 in of hundreds of small towns and communities, each with their own Greenwood. identity, challenges and successes. Understanding both our histoThe exhibit takes a broad look at the characteristics of rural ry and future as a rural state is an important step in learning more America and explores how change has transformed the rural about ourselves and our identity.” landscape and how rural Americans are evolving for the future.

There is a local component to the exhibit that each host site is “The exhibit is combined into six free-standing kiosks and one responsible for, Gillespie said. interactive digital kiosk. Each of the six “Because we know that the Musekiosks examine different aspects and um on Main Street exhibits can’t fully themes like rural identity, connection explore specific Mississippi stories, each to the land, the role of community in Mississippi host site is required to develrural areas, persistence and how rural op a complementary exhibit that focuscommunities manage change,” said es on their own local Crossroads story.

Caroline Gillespie, program manager of The local exhibit component ensures the Mississippi Humanities Council. that the themes addressed in the main For the past 15 years, the MississipCrossroads exhibit are also explored at pi Humanities Council has partnered the local level, and it’s an opportunity with the Smithsonian’s Museum on for local host sites to explore their own Main Street division to bring traveling community’s history,” she said. exhibits to communities around MissisSENATOBIA Those local portions of the exhibit sippi at no charge to host communiNorthwest Mississippi Community College Middle of September—October 27, 2020 could include student art projects, oral ties or exhibit visitors, Gillespie said. histories or public calls for artifacts The exhibit will arrive in Mississippi MOUNT OLIVE and memorabilia. in September and stay through June Jane Blain Brewer Memorial Library Gillespie said exhibit visitors can 2021, touring six different End of October—December 15, 2020 expect a real treat. communities during its stay. Each “The free exhibit is appropriate host community will have Crossroads WAVELAND Waveland Ground Zero Hurricane Museum for all ages and includes text, images, on display for six weeks, during which Middle of December—February 2, 2021 interactive objects and more. However, time they’ll also conduct public proCrossroads isn’t just a static, physical grams, events and community initiaSCOOBA exhibit for people to look at and enjoy. tives to complement the exhibit.

East Mississippi Community College It goes beyond that by asking important “Americans have relied on rural Early February—March 23, 2021 questions about rural identity and rural America for generations,” Gillespie COLUMBIA communities that spark conversations, explained.

Marion County Historical Society Museum & Archives stories and sharing. It’s a chance for “These places where people gather End of March—May 11, 2021 communities to come together to to exchange goods, services and celebrate, learn and grow,” she said. culture and to engage in political and GREENWOOD community discussions are an importMuseum of the Mississippi Delta Middle of May—June 27, 2021 ant part of our cultural fabric,” she said.

GO

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 7

TARGET PRACTICE

by Steven Ward Mississippi high school football, basketball and baseball may be known as traditional sports that teach students about teamwork, the importance of practice and sportsmanship, but there’s another pastime becoming more popular each year.

In 2015, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) started the Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program.

The program provides an outlet for 7th-12th-grade students who want to compete in skeet, trap and sporting clays shooting.

When the program began, they started out with four participating schools and 30 students.

Today, 47 schools from around the state are involved with 800 students shooting competitively, said Michelle Carter, director of outreach programs at MDWFP. Almost half of the 47 schools that field teams are based in north Mississippi.

Last year, a new shooting facility opened near Sardis in Panola County.

MDWFP operates three shooting ranges in the state — Turcotte Shooting Facility in Canton, McHenry Shooting Facility in Perkinston and the new McIvor Shooting Facility near Sardis.

Competitive student shooting at McIvor

McIvor, which is open to the public, allows visitors use of a 330-yard rifle range, two 100-yard rifle ranges, a 50-yard pistol range, two skeet/trap fields, a 5-stand Duck Flush and a 15 station sporting clays trail.

The 300-acre shooting facility was built with a $1.425 million grant from Olin Chemical, the parent company of Winchester Ammunition, which operates a plant near Oxford. MDWFP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were able to obtain additional grant money to help fund the facility, which began construction in 2016.

This past June, the program’s state shooting tournament was held at McIvor where students competed for $10,000 in college scholarship money.

In 2019, MDWFP and the State Treasury Department partnered with the Foundation For Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to provide the scholarships. The students who win the money will have interest-bearing Mississippi Affordable College Savings accounts established for them.

The tournament is usually held in May, but was pushed back this year because of COVID-19.

Carter said one of the many positives of competitive shooting is that the sport is considered low risk in the time of COVID-19.

“It’s considered low risk by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and the National Federation of High Schools because of easy social distancing, space, preventing opposing teams from interacting and the students don’t share equipment,” Carter said. Scottie Jones, the MDWFP shooting range coordinator, said the program teaches students about team building but is also another tool to teach gun safety and firearm responsibility.

“We teach them, you don’t just shoot it. You respect it,” Jones said.

Jones said it’s amazing to watch young people compete.

“And it’s boys and girls. The girls shoot just as well as boys,” Jones said.

Carter said the winner of this year’s state tournament was an eighth-grader who won $4,000 in college scholarship money.

Visit mdwfp.com/law-enforcement/ms-scholastic-shooting-program for more information about the program and mdwfp.com/law-enforcement/ mcivor-shooting-facility for more information about the shooting range.

SEPTEMER 2020 | TODAY 9

mississippi seen events

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on the menu Survival of the Sharpestscene around the ‘s When it’s you against nature, there’s only one tool you need: the tempered steel Stag Hunter from Stauer—now ONLY $49!

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hat first crack of thunder sounded like a bomb just fell on Ramshorn Peak. Black clouds rolled in and the wind shook the trees. I had ventured off the trail on my own, gambled with the weather and now I was trapped in the forest. Miles from camp.

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INTRICACY AND grin ‘n’ bareOF it INTRIGUE

And above it all, at least on a clear day, is the most Genesis begins with a bold statement: “In the beginning brilliant and encouraging of all skies. The blue is bluer and God created the heaven and the earth.” And what an amazing the sunrise is soft and welcoming. There are leafy trees creation it is. This creation has been discussed and studied contemplating a color change, perhaps faint but inarguable. and theorized about since creation was created. As well, a On a September morning. great deal of philosophy has been generated surrounding this Then there are the aural suggestions. The rustling of aging topic. Let us, for a moment, set that all aside and move to a cornstalks or summer gardens, nearing specific matter relating to creation — the rest from their chores of production. changing of seasons.

The call of crickets and katydids, a These changes result from the Earth’s near-constant whine that soothes and tilt — 23.5-degrees on Earth’s vertical Though not a loud proclamation smooths the wrinkles of a long summer. axis. An intricate business, this tilting. of autumn, black gum leaves Perhaps my favorite piece of music And that tilt allows the northern and in September whisper a hint southern hemispheres to have summer is Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 that fall is on the way. in E Minor, popularly known as the and winter — only at opposing times.

“New World Symphony.” Generally I have visitied South Africa many times in July. Board a plane in Mississippi with a temperature of 96 built around American music melodies, it is a European composer’s rendition of what he heard and/or perceived from and step off a plane in Johannesburg with a temperature of 56. his time in the United States. One theme that permeates the But none of that is particularly relevant to the topic at hand. symphony is a tune called “Goin’ Home.” I hear those crickets That topic is September, month of the autumnal equinox. and see those withering corn stalks and want nothing more September’s intrigue presents in various forms. Visual than to go home. is likely the most recognized, for it, in a way, speaks softly The autumnal equinox will be here soon — in September. of autumn. No, that season has not fully arrived, this verified Don’t miss the intricacies and intrigue. by persistently disagreeable temperatures. But there is a whisper of fall in the air. The sight of changing shadows is a paramount indicator.

This sight, caused by that tilting mentioned above and set in place by the Creator acknowledged in that passage from Genesis, is an odd and haunting thing to see. It comes on

by Tony Kinton gently but is probably noticed suddenly as an observer steps outside one day and recognizes that the surroundings simply Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. He lives in don’t look the way they did a week earlier. Shadow angles Carthage and is a Central Electric member. Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information. are….well, different. A peculiar slant; a curious leaning.

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 11

P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 601-437-3611 • 800-287-8564 • Fax: 601-437-8736 • Email: info@swepa.coop

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

southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

2020 Annual Meeting Thank you to all of our Members who were able to attend the 2020 Annual Meeting that was held Wednesday, August 12, in Lorman. We regret we were not able to get to see each of you up close due to the social distancing requirements placed on us during these trying times. We also would like to thank all of our Members who returned the bottom portion of their Annual Meeting Notice.

We had a great return. Congratulations are also in order for the winners of the four $200 electric bill credit prizes. Even though the meeting was held outdoors, we feel like it was a huge success.

We hope to see all of you next year at the 2021 Annual Meeting.

Congratulations to the following prize winners who each received a $200 electric bill credit: •Anna Breyel •Kim Mathieu

Board President Stan Rucker opened the Annual Meeting.

•Bessie Montgomery •Daniel Tarver

The Committee on Nominations report was given by Chairman Travis Hill.

Secretary/Treasurer Betsy Mosby confirmed there was a quorum.

12 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2020

Employees Stephanie Knotts and Les Southerland welcomed and registered Members.

The Credentials and Election Committee report was given by Chairman Jerry Moore.

Prize winners were drawn at the end of the meeting.

Marcus Durrell, Jr. awarded ECM Foundation scholarship Each year the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation awards scholarships to college students currently enrolled in an engineering program.

This year, we are proud to announce that Marcus Durrell, Jr. received the $2,500 scholarship. Marcus represented Southwest Electric in the 2015 Youth Leadership Program and he is a student at Mississippi State University.

Lineman Apprenticeship Program Congratulations to Carl Allred for recently completing the Lineman — Class 3 level in our Lineman Apprenticeship Program. The Lineman Apprenticeship Program has demanding curriculum that requires multiple levels of testing in order to advance. Keep up the good work, Carl!

CEO Kevin Bonds awards MSU engineering student Marcus Durrell, Jr. the ECM Foundation Scholarship.

RIGHT-OF-WAY WORK Contract crews from Delta Tree Services are working in the area indicated on the map in green.

Their trucks are marked with their logo and our logo. Clearing the right-of-way of tree limbs is a vital element of power line maintenance and helps keep outage times and costs down. This is part of our project to clear 550 miles in our service area by the end of the year.

COMMON UTILITY SCAMS

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 13

by Keri Collins Lewis From the outside, a honey bee hive looks pretty simple: bees fly in and out. They fly around flowers, and once inside the hive, they make honey.

They must be hard workers — after all, the phrase “busy as a bee” had to come from somewhere.

Like many natural phenomena, a hive of honey bees is incredibly complex. Some scientists even classify a beehive, also called a colony, as a superorganism, an insect society made up of individuals that create a functioning whole.

Jeff Harris, a bee specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, explained the intricacies of life as a worker honey bee.

“I don’t think most people appreciate that worker bees change their jobs as they age, which is fascinating in its own right given that the typical worker bee lives a mere 5-7 weeks during the summer season,” Harris said.

Within the colony, worker bees have plenty to keep them occupied. Jobs include cleaning the nest, building comb, nursing bee larvae, heating and cooling the nest, caring for the queen, guarding against intruders, handling and storing food and foraging for food and water.

In terms of division of labor and based on gender, male bees — called drones — are living the lush life. They do no work. They do not have stingers for defense and do not collect pollen.

That’s right. All of the worker bees are female.

Drones exist for one purpose: to reproduce. When they are not congregating midair and waiting for a virgin queen to fly by, drones basically live off the effort of the workers in the colony.

In areas with more severe winter temperatures, workers force the drones out of the hive at the end of the warm season to preserve the colony’s food stores.

As for the queen, she may have the advantage of being fed, tended to and fiercely protected by workers, but she has her own job to do: laying eggs.

14 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2020

“The colony’s survival depends on the queen,” Harris said. “A queen can live for several years, and after her mating flight, she spends the rest of her life inside the hive laying eggs.”

During her peak, a queen bee can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day. Laying eggs every day allows the colony’s population to remain relatively constant through the summer. Depending on how long she lives, a queen could lay up to a million eggs during her lifetime.

When winter comes, the colony shifts from foraging for food to survival.

The queen stops laying eggs and the size of the colony shrinks. Short-lived summer workers die off, and winter bees take their place. These winter bees live longer than their summer counterparts and are typically born in the fall when goldenrod, aster and other pollen-rich plants are in bloom. They have more fat in their bodies to survive the winter, and then are able to transition to being nurse bees when the queen resumes laying in January.

On days when the temperature drops below about 57 degrees, honey bees do not fly. They stay inside the hive and cluster around the queen to keep her warm. But they are not hibernating. They are still busy, said Extension Entomologist Blake Layton.

“The bees gather in a ball around the queen and rapidly flex their muscles to generate heat,” Layton said. “As bees on the outer layers get cold, they move into the cluster and other bees move outward, so there is constant motion in the hive.”

All this activity requires a lot of energy, which comes from honey.

“The bees store honey and pollen for their own use, not to provide a delicious snack for humans,” Layton said. “Successful beekeepers leave enough stores for their colonies to survive the winter, when the bees rely on what they have stored in the comb.”

Keri Collins Lewis is a media relations manager at the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

ELECTRIC FARMING EQUIPMENT

is an energy trend to watch

by Maria Kanevsky  Our nation’s farmers have worked for generations in fields across the country. They have seen firsthand how farming equipment has improved over the decades to increase efficiency and to feed an ever-growing population.

A major new change for farming equipment is the trend of switching fossil fuel-powered farming equipment towards electric farming equipment. This trend builds on the idea of beneficial electrification, where switching to an electric end-use technology satisfies at least one of the following conditions without adversely affecting the others: saving consumers money over time, benefiting the environment, improving product quality or consumer quality of life, and fostering a more robust and resilient grid.

Historically, the most common form of electrification for farms has been electric irrigation pumping systems. Irrigation systems are crucial for many farmers and can make or break the crop yield for the entire year. Water heaters are the second most-used forms of electric technology on farms. They can be used for many different purposes, like in dairy farm processing, sterilizing equipment and general cleaning. Choosing an electric water heater for the right application depends on efficiency, size, recovery speed and peak temperature.

There are many benefits of replacing diesel motors with electric motors. Highly efficient electric motors can operate at 90% efficiency, which helps to provide cost savings over time, compared to inefficient diesel motors that only operate at 30% to 40% efficiency.

Farmers can simply plug in the electric equipment without needing to refill a diesel tank. One of the greatest benefits of electric motors is they do not emit fumes like diesel motors, which means farmers get to breathe in cleaner air around them. Overall, electric motors are cleaner, quieter and easier to maintain. Some farmers are making the switch to electric tractors as companies like John Deere, AgCo and other companies continue to perfect their own electric models. While electric tractors are more efficient, quieter and better for the environment than conventional diesel tractors, they lack the battery power that many farmers need for a long day of working in the fields.

But the largest barrier of converting to electric

technologies is the cost. Both the price of the electric technology itself and for the wiring to connect it to the entire farm can be extremely costly. Even with savings on fuel costs over time, farmers will be reluctant to replace their farming equipment because of high initial costs. However, there are federal and local government programs that can help to lessen the upfront costs for farmers. Electric cooperatives can also help farmers in their local territory with energy audits to identify energy efficiency opportunities, or with applying for funding from federal programs such as the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP) or the Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG).

Besides electric irrigation systems and water heaters, the availability of other electric farming technologies is much less common, such as grain dryers, thermal electric storage systems and heat pumps.

Many of these electric technologies are still in the early stages of commercialization and have not fully entered the agricultural market. The accessibility of these other technologies will depend on a variety of factors, like the type of farm, electricity prices versus fossil fuel prices, and any incentives to decrease upfront costs for buying new equipment.

Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for expansion, especially for electric tractors and other electric farm vehicles which are used on many different types of farms. With more time and investment, electric farming equipment will likely become more widespread in the coming years.

Maria Kanevsky is a program analyst for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

photo credit: John Deere

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 15

Chronic Wasting Disease Regulations and Best Management Practices

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DEER HEALTH OBSERVATION

DEER HEALTH OBSERVATION

If you observe a deer you suspect may be diseased or sick, report it to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks at:

1-800-BE-SMART

If you observe a deer you suspect may be diseased or

sick, report it to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife,

or www.MDWFP.com/cwd

Fisheries, and Parks at:

1-800-BE-SMART

SYMPTOMS

or

 Malnourished / Frail  Excessive Salivation www.MDWFP.com/cwd  Not afraid of Humans  Erratic Behavior SYMPTOMS  Malnourished / Frail  Not afraid of Humans

 Excessive Salivation  Erratic Behavior

Management of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) requires a long-term adaptive

www.mdwfp.com/cwd Chronic Wasting Disease www.mdwfp.com/cwd 1-800-BE-SMART 1-800-BE-SMART /mdwfp

/MDWFPonline

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Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is caused by a contagious, fatal prion, or abnormal protein, that affects cervids such as whitetailed deer, elk and mule deer. Prions associated with the disease are found throughout the body of infected animals, but are found in higher concentrations in the eyes, lymph nodes and nervous tissues. For some animals, it may be a year or more before symptoms develop, which can include drastic weight loss (wasting), stumbling, listlessness and other neurologic symptoms. Infected animals shed prions through saliva, feces, blood and urine. Other animals can become infected through direct contact with an infected animal and through indirect contact from an infected environment. Once the disease occurs in an area, evidence demonstrates eradication is unlikely.

Chronic Wasting Disease management approach that will be refined through new science and information.

/mdwfp

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/MDWFPonline

/mdwfponline

/mdwfponline

Search MDWFP

Search MDWFP

HOW CAN HUNTERS HELP? • • • •

Submit your deer to be tested.

Report sick deer to MDWFP. Abide by supplemental feeding and carcass transportation regulations.

Continue to hunt!

Addressing conservation challenges, such as CWD, requires active involvement of those with a passion for our rich natural resources.

A primary goal of CWD response and management efforts is to determine the geographic extent and prevalence of the disease.

MDWFP asks hunters to aid in this effort by submitting deer for testing Brain deer hunting season. All deer during the 2020–2021 white-tailed Brain harvested in the respective counties and dates listed below must be Spinal Cord submitted for CWD sampling by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest. Check Spinal Cord station and drop-off locations can be found at mdwfp.com/cwd.

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Dates/Locations: Nov. 21-22: In any county or portion thereof in the North Mississippi and Issaquena CWD Zones.

Jan. 2-3: In the following Tonsils counties: all portions of Adams, Amite, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson.

Tonsilsall portions of Covington, Jan. 16-17: In the following counties: Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lymph Nodes Jones, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Stone and Wayne.

Lymph Nodes 16 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2020

Legal Bucks Northeast, East Central, Southwest, and Southeast Zones

Mississippi’s 2020-2021

A legal buck is defined as having EITHER a minimum inside spread of 10 inches OR one main beam at least 13 inches long.

HUNTING SEASONS

How to estimate a 10 inch inside spread:

How to estimate a 13 inch main beam:

10” Inside Spread

13” Main Beam

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.

DEER ZONES

a complete list of hunting seasons, bag anda 15 inch main beam: How to estimate For a 12 inch inside spread: Howlimits to estimate other legal restrictions, to www.mdwfp.com.

12” Inside go Spread 15” Main Beam 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).

To estimate a 15 inch main beam, the buck’s head must be observed from the side. If the 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

MANDATORY CWD SAMPLING

DELTA, SOUTH DELTA, NORTHEAST, CENTRAL, AND SOUTHWEST ZONES During the 2020-2021 hunting season, all deer harvested in theEAST respective counties and dates listed below must be submitted for CWD sampling day of harvest. can beDEER found at mdwfp.com/cwd.

METHOD by 10 p.m. on the SEASON DATES Check station and drop-off locationsLEGAL DATES Archery

Oct. 1 - Nov. 20

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

Nov. 7 - Nov. in 20the North Mississippi Either-Sexand on private lands andZones. authorized state and federal lands.

In any county or portion thereof Issaquena CWD Youth Season Either-Sex on private lands.

(15 and under) Nov. 21 - Jan. 31of Adams, Amite, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, Walthall, and Wilkinson.

Jan. 2-3 In the following counties: all portions On open public lands, youth must follow below legal deer criteria.

Nov. 21-22

Antlerless Primitive Weapon Nov.all 9 -portions 20 Antlerless Deer Only on private lands. Jackson, Jefferson In the following counties: of Covington, Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jan. 16-17 Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Stone, and Wayne.on private land and Holly Springs NF. Either-Sex Gun (with dogs) Nov. 21 - Dec. 1 Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was discovered in Mississippi in February 2018. Since then, proactive measures have been enacted for continued surveillance Either-Sex on private land,and open public land, and Holly NF. and management. Some measures include: *Supplemental feeding of wildlife, (including feeders, salt licks, mineral licks), is banned within Springs any MDWFP Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 - 15 defined CWD Management Zone. *Only cut/wrapped meat, deboned meat, hides with no headmay attached, finished products, with no tissue Weapon of choice be used on taxidermy private land with antlers appropriate license. attached, and cleaned skulls or skull plates may be transported outside the CWD Zones or into Mississippi from any other state or country.

Either-Sex on was private land and Holly Springs NF. *MDWFP hunters to submit the heads of harvested deer for CWD sampling, especially if the deer harvested in CWD Zones.

Gunurges (without dogs) Dec. 16 - 23

Legal Bucks only on open public land.

Gun (with dogs)

Dec. 24 - Jan. 20

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

Archery/Primitive Weapon SEASON

Jan. 21 - 31

Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF. Legal Bucks only on open public BAG LIMIT land.DATES Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.

Fall Turkey

Fall turkey season is open BY PERMIT ONLY from October 15-November 15 on private lands in the following counties or portions of SOUTHEAST ZONE counties where the landowner/leaseholder completes a fall turkey hunting application to the MDWFP Jackson Office and receives tags. The fall season bag limit is twoSEASON (2) turkeys, which may be of either sex.

METHOD DATES LEGAL DEER Delta Zone: Bolivar County - west of the main River levee and those lands east of the main Mississippi Archery Oct. 15 -Mississippi Nov. 20 Either-Sex on private and open public River land. levee known as 27 Break Hunting Club; Coahoma, Desoto, Issaquena, Tunica, and Washington counties - west of the main Mississippi River levee.

Nov. 7 - Nov. 20

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

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

Either-Sex on private lands.

(15 and under)

Nov. 21 - Feb. 15

Gun (with dogs)

Nov. 21 - Dec. 1

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

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Either-Sex on private and open public land.

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

Gun (without dogs) SEASON

Dec. 16 - 23

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

DATES LIMIT

Gun (with dogs) Youth

Dec. 24 - Jan. 20

open public lands, youth must follow below legal deer criteria.

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

Spring Turkey

(Private and authorized state and federal public lands. Youth 15 and under) Jan. 21 - 31

Archery/Primitive Weapon Spring

Feb. 1 - 15

SEASON Youth Squirrel*

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

OneBucks (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a Mar. 8 - 14 on private land. Legal 6-inch or longer perpublic day, 3 land. per Spring Either-Sex Bucks onlybeard on open season.

Hunters 15 years of age and youngWeapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license. er may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any Mar. 15 - May 1 age) peropen day, 3 per Spring Legal Bucks only on private and public land. season.

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

Small Game SMALL GAME SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

Sept. 24 - 30

8

MANDATORY CWD SAMPLING

During the 2020-2021 hunting season, all deer harvested inOct. the respective Squirrel - Fall Season 1 - Feb. 28 counties and dates listed below must8be submitted for CWD sampling by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest. Check station and drop-off locations can be found at mdwfp.com/cwd.

Squirrel - Spring Season

May 15 - June 1

4

SEASON

SEASON DATES

DAILY BAG LIMIT

DATES

Nov. 21-22 Jan. 2-3 Jan. 16-17

LOCATIONS

InRabbit any county or portion thereof in the North Mississippi and Issaquena CWD Zones.

Oct. 17 - Feb. 28

8

Bobwhite Quail Nov. 26 - Franklin, Mar. 6 8 In the following counties: all portions of Adams, Amite, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, Walthall, and Wilkinson.

Frog

April 1 - Sept. 30

25/Night

In the following counties: all portions of Covington, Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson

Raccoon July 1Stone, - Sept.and 30 Wayne.

Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River, Perry,

1 per Party/Night

Oct. 1 - Oct. 31

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was discovered in Mississippi in February 2018. Since then, proactive measures have been enacted for continued surveillance (Food and sport) 5/Day; 8/Party Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat and management.

Some measures include: *Supplemental feeding of wildlife, feeders, salt licks, and mineral licks), is banned within any MDWFP Nov. 1(including - Feb. 28 No Limit defined CWD Management Zone. *Only cut/wrapped meat, deboned meat,sport, hides with head attached, finished taxidermy products, antlers with no tissue (Food, andno pelt) attached, and cleaned skulls or skull plates may be transported outside the CWD Zones or into Mississippi from any other state or country.

Trapping 1 - Mar. 15 No Limit *MDWFP urges hunters to submit the heads of harvested deer for CWDNov. sampling, especially if the deer was harvested in CWD Zones. *On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.

SEASON

Fall FALL Turkey TURKEY DATES

DOVE

Mourning and White-Winged Doves

BAG LIMIT

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

Fall turkey season is open BY PERMIT ONLY from October 15-November 15 on private lands in the following counties or portions of counties where the landowner/leaseholder completes a fall turkey hunting application to the MDWFP Jackson Office and receives tags. The fall season bag limit is two (2) turkeys, which may be of either sex.

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.

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 public lands. Youth 15 and under)

Spring Turkey DATES

Mar. 8 - 14

BAG LIMITS ■ Antlered Buck Deer: The statewide bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day and three (3) per annual season. One (1) of these three (3) may have hardened antlers that do not meet the zone legal antler requirements on private land and Holly Springs National Forest. Only two (2) antlered deer may be harvested from the South Delta Zone. 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.

■ Antlerless Deer: Private lands: The statewide annual bag limit on antlerless deer is five (5).

Antlerless deer are male or female deer which do not have hardened antler above the natural hairline. Only two (2) antlerless deer may be harvested from the Southeast and South Delta zones.

There is no daily bag limit on antlerless deer in the Northeast, East Central, Southwest and Delta zones. Only one (1) antlerless deer per day may be harvested in the Southeast Zone.

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.

South Zone - Sept 1-Sept 15, Oct 5-Nov 6, Dec 21-Jan 31 • 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 2020 | TODAY 17 BAG LIMIT One (1) adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per Spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any

18 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2020

by Steven Ward You can’t miss the sails. more than one million gallons of fresh and saltwater, more than The first thing you see when you enter the Mississippi 200 species in 12 habitats, 50 species of native plants, a half Aquarium are three massive sails that stand 65 feet in height. mile of walking paths connecting the habitats, summer camps, Each of the sails represents one of the aquarium’s three pillars: education programs, a large event space for meetings and wededucation, conservation and community. dings as well as a 30-foot long, 360-degree tunnel.

After years of planning and construction, the new aquarium While most aquariums have a 180-degree tunnel on their on Gulfport’s coastline was slated to open on August 29. ground levels, Mississippi Aquarium’s 360-degree suspended “The aquarium sits on 5.8 acres and encompasses more acrylic tunnel goes directly through the primary habitat. This than 80,000-sqaure-feet of indoor will give guests a chance to “walk on water” and outdoor exhibits connected by while having views of marine life from every landscaped walkways with plants angle — above them and below them. that represent all the physiographic Later on, after the aquarium has been open The aquarium is an exciting regions of Mississippi,” said Mississippi for a while, the facility will allow guest and and welcome addition Aquarium Chief Executive Officer animal interactions through SeaTREK, a to our coastline Kurt Allen. helmet diving experience. Guests will be fully The aquarium’s construction and immersed in the main Aquatic Wonders habpre-opening costs were funded itat where they will get up close and personal through a public and private partwith fish, sharks, rays and more, Allen said. nership. Allen said 90% of the Once inside the main part of the funding came from the City of aquarium, children will be able to Gulfport, the state and Restore explore touch tanks, where children Act Grants and Gulf of Mexico can interact with small fish, starfish, Energy Security Act money. sharks and cownose rays.

The touch tank was partially The other 10% came from funded by Coast Electric Power private donations through Association. the aquarium’s foundation.

The aquarium features

photos by Chad Calcote

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 19

“The aquarium is an exciting and welcome addition to our coastline,” said Coast Electric President and CEO Ron Barnes.

“This facility brings great educational experiences to residents and visitors, not to mention the economic impact it will have for our state.

I am excited that through our Operation Round Up program and the generosity of Coast Electric members, we were able to provide a grant to the aquarium for touch tanks that will give students a hands-on learning experience,” Barnes added.

Education is one of the three pillars of the aquarium.

“Reaching the hearts and minds of all guests by connecting them with the planet’s most precious ecosystems is the driving force behind Mississippi Aquarium’s Education Department,” Allen said.

Mississippi Aquarium will host Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) focused field trips that

give students and teachers an opportunity to experience onsite exploration and hands-on lessons in a state-of-the-art classroom.

University education will play a role as well.

The University of Southern Mississippi will participate in saltwater research and education, while Mississippi State University will support veterinary services that will provide their students with additional hands-on opportunities.

The aquarium will also deploy a community outreach vehicle, the Mobile Marine Unit, that will travel across the state and region to provide education about animals and ocean conservation.

The second pillar of the aquarium is conservation.

Mississippi Aquarium’s Aquatic Research Center will be the foundation of conservation efforts. The

Ticket prices include daily admission. Visits — including dates and entry times — must be scheduled at the time of purchase. Visitors who purchase memberships receive unlimited daily admission and don’t need tickets.

20 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2020

aquarium’s research and conservation programs will make the maximum contribution to regional science and education while being integrated into the cultural, scientific and educational foundation of Mississippi.

Some of those conservation programs include dolphin research on behavior, genetics, welfare and health; a health study initiative to study the connection between humans, animals and the environment and a conservation Mississippi license plate that will feature an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle with the aquarium’s three sails in the background. The proceeds of the car tag will support conservation efforts for dolphins and sea turtles along coastal Mississippi and beyond.

The third pillar is community.

The aquarium is an anchor for economic development in and around downtown Gulfport with the creation

of nearly 100 full-time jobs, Allen said. The aquarium will also get involved with beach and river cleanup programs, recycling programs, mentorship opportunities and Project SAIL, an initiative that ensures diverse audiences, regardless of economic status, to participate in on-site programs at no cost to the school.

When asked why Mississippi was the perfect location for a major aquarium, Allen said the Gulf of Mexico is one of the most beloved and thriving ecosystems in the world.

“In downtown Gulfport, Mississippi Aquarium is located directly across from the white sands of the Coastal Mississippi beaches to showcase all the marine life our special ecosystem has to offer,” Allen said.

“The aquarium has access to some of the most respected marine scientists and researchers in their fields. It was imperative that we bring these resources to Coastal Mississippi so we can learn, educate and protect the Gulf.”

A regular adult ticket (ages 13-64) is $29.95. • A child ticket (ages 3-12) is $24.95.

Senior tickets (with ID) are $26.95. • Children 2 and under are free.

Visit msaquarium.org for more information on tickets.

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 21

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For stovetop macaroni & cheese or quick custard pie, reach for a can of milk Three cheers for the red, white and blue cans of evaporated milk tucked in the back of my pantry. They have saved me countless trips to town. Shelf-stable evaporated milk is simply cow’s milk that has been slowly heated to reduce the water content by 60%, giving it a rich texture and slightly sweet, nutty flavor.

I’ve always thought of evaporated milk as an old-fashioned ingredient, and it is. My great-grandmother and great aunt, two women who lived miles from town, seemed to always have a partial can in the refrigerator and splashed a dash in their morning coffee. They taught me to keep it handy. Up until the 1930s, when electric refrigeration became widely available, canned milk was found in most kitchens. It continues to serve as a convenient and useful ingredient. I use it in 24 TODAY | SEPTEMBER 2020

a pinch as a replacement for half-and-half in recipes or thin it with a little water for recipes calling for whole milk.

These two recipes come together with easy to have, on-hand ingredients and are perfect for school night dinners.

So, reach in the cupboard for some milk and remember to keep those cans on your shopping list.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Martha Hall Foose, the author of “Screen Doors & Sweet Tea: Recipes and Tales of a Southern Cook,” won the James Beard Award for American Cooking. Her latest collaboration is “A Good Meal is Hard to Find: Storied Recipes from the Deep South” with Amy C. Evans.

Martha makes her home in the Mississippi Delta with her husband and son. She is a member of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association.

Stovetop macaroni & cheese

Simple custard pie

This recipe is great served up right out of the pot. It also can be made ahead, topped with buttery crumbs, and baked at 325 degrees until bubbly. I find all manner of additions to stir into the mixture. (Think broccoli and ham or bacon bits and grilled chicken.)

This recipe takes a short cut by skipping the crust. When just a little something sweet is called for, this pie fits the bill. Silky textured and simply flavored with a touch of nutmeg. When the weather cools, sometimes I add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound large elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, cut in small pieces 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk 2 large eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon ground dry mustard or ¼ teaspoon prepared yellow mustard 1 pound extra-sharp cheddar, grated 8 ounces American cheese, cut in small pieces or grated 1 tablespoon cornstarch A few shakes of hot pepper sauce (I like Crystal brand) Salt and pepper, for seasoning

When it comes to toppings, a drizzle of chocolate sauce is easy as can be, so is a spoonful of your favorite fruit pie filling ladled over each slice.

1) While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the evaporated milk, eggs and mustard in a small bowl and set aside. Toss the cheeses with the cornstarch.

2) When the pasta is cooked, drain it well and return it to the pot. Add the butter and stir over low heat until melted and the pasta is coated with butter. Add the evaporated milk mixture and stir well. Add the cheese a handful at a time stirring after each addition. Continue to cook stirring constantly until the macaroni and cheese is thick and creamy.

INGREDIENTS 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk 3 large eggs ¾ cup granulated white sugar Pinch of salt 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (plus a little for dusting the baking dish) 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus a little for buttering the baking dish) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1) Heat the oven to 325 degrees. Place a buttered and floured 9-inch pie baking dish on a sheet pan.

2) Combine the eggs, evaporated milk, salt and sugar in a blender. Give the mixture a few quick whirls. Add the flour, melted butter, vanilla extract and ground nutmeg and blend well.

3) Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pie pan and place the sheet pan and pie in the oven.

4) Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until set and slightly puffed around the edges.

5) Serve warm or chilled. Leftovers should be stored covered and refrigerated.

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 25

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We measured the school year with the Magnolia tree when we were kids. In May, the fragrance of the blossoms drifted through our classroom windows (no air conditioning) when it was almost time for summer vacation. And the seed cones started forming about the time to go back to school. It’s not so much that we were botanists, but we used the seed cones as footballs during recess. So, when we saw them on the trees, we started choosing sides.

School is different this year with COVID-19. Depending on the expert, going back to class is either the best thing we can do or the absolute worst. But whatever consensus the politicians and epidemiologists come up with, we will make sure our kids get an education.

That determined attitude toward education is what saved the old Poplar Hill School building that now serves as the Poplar Hill Museum of African American Culture near Fayette in Jefferson County.

Just after the Civil War, the first thing the freed enslaved people organized were churches. And the next thing was schools.

Not big brick edifices, but classes. At first, they were held inside the churches. Then it became evident that a more adequate building was needed for education, so one-room schoolhouses were built next door on church property.

That is what the Poplar Hill School building is — a restored oneroom school where children from every grade were taught in the same classroom by one, or maybe two teachers.

After the Civil War, public education for African American children wasn’t provided by the state. Then, in the early 20th century, the teachers in these one-room schools began to be paid by the county school system. And then by the late 1950s, the last of the

students were absorbed into the public schools and the old one-room schoolhouses were closed.

The Poplar Hill School building was rescued from decay and restored over a period of several years around 2010 or 2012 — somewhere along in there — by a group of former students and other people who wanted to preserve the building to honor the dedication and show the hard work it took for the children just to get an education.

Google “Poplar Hill School Jefferson County, Mississippi” and you will find contact information and a web page with their history. You can find out how to go visit them and see the place for yourself — IF COVID-19 ever lets us visit anywhere again — depending on the expert.

On education I will say this — I was interviewing former Governor William Winter and the subject of how to get Mississippi to become more successful came up. Gov. Winter’s face took on a serious expression and his voice grew very deliberate and stern as he told me that, “As far as the road to success, it runs through the schoolhouse doors.”

And in tough times it takes determined people to make sure that road isn’t blocked.

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 | TODAY 27

FOR THE MEMBERS OF