Today in Mississippi April 2025 Local Pages by American MainStreet Publications

SEAFOOD’S COASTAL HISTORY

PICTURE THIS: SWEET TREATS

SOURDOUGH IN THE SPRING

84 students learn leadership skills at ECM workshop

High school juniors from all over the state descended on Jackson Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 to participate in the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The conference, held at The Westin in downtown Jackson, gave 84 high school students this year to learn about leadership, community service, and state government in action.

Each student was sponsored and chosen by di erent electric cooperatives throughout the state.

The students also earned an all-expense paid group trip to Washington, D.C. in June.

During the three-day workshop, students met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the event.

at the state capitol Cooperative Day

Mississippi electric co-op general managers, communicators, and linemen spent Feb. 20 at the state capitol in Jackson celebrating Cooperative Day.

The event promoted the important relationship between Mississippi legislators and electric co-ops, which provide electric power and high-speed internet to rural Mississippians.

The co-ops set up booths and demonstrations. Key sta from the co-ops visited with lawmakers during the event to talk about the state’s important relationship with cooperatives and how their partnership works to better local communities.

“Improving the quality of life for all those we touch.”

In the quiet hours before dawn breaks, while many of us are still nestled in our beds, lineworkers begin their day, often clad in ﬂame-resistant clothing, safety goggles, rubber gloves and thick, heavy boots. They are the individuals who epitomize dedication to service in its purest form. As we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month in April, this is an important moment to reﬂect on the essential role they play in our daily lives.

Amid towering utility poles and power lines, lineworkers exhibit a strength that goes far beyond the physical. Whether battling inclement weather, troubleshooting technical problems or navigating treacherous heights, lineworkers demonstrate resilience and a quiet determination to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable, and our communities connected.

4-County Electric crews travel across our service territory, building, maintaining, and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible — a lifeline that connects us all.

In moments of crisis, when the lights go out and we ﬁnd ourselves in the dark, lineworkers emerge as beacons of hope. Their swift response restores normalcy, o ering reassurance in times of

Annual meeting returns to familiar venue

uncertainty. Whether repairing storm-ravaged power lines or ensuring continuity during emergencies, their unwavering commitment illuminates life when we need it most.

4-County Electric lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life.

by Brian Clark

CEO/General Manager

The 2025 4-County Annual Meeting, set for Thursday, June 5, will return to the East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) Golden Triangle Lyceum, 8731 S. Frontage Road in Mayhew. The meeting has been held at the Communiversity for the last few years.

4-County o cials say the EMCC Golden Triangle Lyceum will better accommodate a growing number of annual meeting participants. Please make a note to attend!

(Due to limited space, we will not be hosting a health fair.)

GROWING leadersfuture

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

The students earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative. They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

4-County Electric students Armando Dunand, Bes Sumrall, Carey Beth Honnoll, and Hayes Carver spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Hayes Carver, Armando Dunand, Bes Sumrall, and Carey Beth Honnoll take photos on the ﬁrst day of the workshop. B. Armando, Bes, Carey Beth, and Hayes display their leadership awards. C. (From left to right) Sen. Bart Williams, 4-County Electric youth leaders Armando Dunand, Carey Beth Honnoll, Bes Sumrall, and Hayes Carver, and Sen. Charles A. (Chuck) Younger.

&

interactive Learning Leadership

Representing 4-County these past couple of days has been such a privilege. I’m so grateful for all the speakers and legislators who took their time to pour into us. – Bes Sumrall

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

MEETING

ANNUAL MEETING CHECKLIST

❏

JUNE 5, 2025

❏ Registration • 9 a.m.

❏ Lunch • 10:15 a.m.

❏ Business Meeting • Noon

❏ Door Prizes • from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(Grand Prize is a retired 4-County vehicle! You must be present to win.)

EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GOLDEN TRIANGLE LYCEUM

8731 S. FRONTAGE ROAD IN MAYHEW

Nominees submitted

Johnny Johnson and Marty Crowder are nominated for three-year terms on 4-County Electric Power Association’s board of directors.

March for co-op Director

Johnson (District 1, Lowndes County) and Crowder (District 5, Choctaw and Winston counties) – both current board members – were placed in nomination by the association’s nominating committee at its March 20 meeting. Nominations may also be made by petition. The deadline for those falls after press time. Any petition nominees will be listed in the May issue and will appear on your ballot.

Notice of Nomination Reports

Nominating committee reports were posted March 20 at both 4-County o ces and online. The deadline for additional nominations for directors, by petition of at least 50 consumermembers, is April 4, no later than noon. At press time, no nominees successfully petitioned to become a board candidate. Ballot/proxies will be mailed by May 6 to all 4-County members.

The deadline for returning ballot/proxies is May 30 by noon, six days prior to the annual membership meeting June 5.

Members of the nominating committee present for the March 20 meeting included: Paul Crowley, Benny Graves, Charles McMinn, Donald Land, Belk Weems, Frank Howell, John Partridge, Brian D. Power, James Gillespie, Grey Land III, Henri Sue Kennard, Odie L. Shaw, Ann Shelton and Angela Robertson.

O cial notice of 4-County Annual Meeting

Pursuant to Article II, Sections 1 and 3 of the 4-County Electric Power Association Bylaws, notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of members of 4-County Electric Power Association will be held Thursday, June 5, at noon.

In accordance with the laws of the state of Mississippi and the Bylaws of the Association, two directors will be elected for threeyear terms, reports will be given on the operation of the Association for the past year and other matters of business will be addressed.

Jay Gilliland Secretary-Treasurer

4-County Electric Power Association Board of Directors

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937

CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 | PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 | RANKIN: 601-829-1201 | SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

In the quiet hours before dawn breaks, while many of us are still nestled in our beds, lineworkers begin their day, often clad in ﬂame-resistant clothing, safety goggles, rubber gloves, and thick, heavy boots. They are the individuals who epitomize dedication to service in its purest form. As we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month in April, this is an important moment to reﬂect on the essential role they play in our daily lives.

Amid towering utility poles and power lines, lineworkers exhibit a strength that goes far beyond the physical. Whether battling inclement weather, troubleshooting technical problems, or navigating treacherous heights, lineworkers demonstrate resilience and a quiet determination to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable, and our communities connected.

Central Electric crews travel across our service territory, building, maintaining, and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible — a lifeline that connects us all.

In moments of crisis, when the lights go out and we ﬁnd ourselves in the dark, lineworkers emerge as beacons of hope. Their swift response restores normalcy, o ering reassurance in times of uncertainty. Whether repairing storm-ravaged power lines or ensuring continuity during emergencies, their unwavering commitment illuminates life when we need it most.

Central Electric lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life.

CELEBRATING

GROWING leadersfuture

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

Central Electric students An Le, Hayes Haney, and Emily Ingram spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. An Le, Hayes Haney, and Emily Ingram take photos on the steps of the Capitol building on the second day of the workshop.

B. Emily, Hayes, and An after receiving their leadership awards.

C. (From left to right) Rep. Lee Yancey, Sen. Josh Harkins, Emily Ingram, Hayes Haney, An Le, and Rep. Scott Bounds.

&

interactive Learning Leadership

[This was an] amazing environment to be able to meet new and amazing people!!! I was able to meet a lot of di erent people from all di erent backgrounds! – An Le

How

can I prepare my home for lower energy bills this summer?

summer savings Prep Now For Q A

Spring is in the air, and before you know it, summer will be here. There are many ways to get a jump start on preventing summertime high bills and energy waste.

Add your cooling equipment to the spring-cleaning checklist. An annual tune-up by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional should include refrigerant charge, airﬂow adjustment, and condenser and evaporator fan coil cleaning. This helps maximize your system’s e ciency and the lifespan of your equipment, reducing wasted energy and costs.

Some HVAC companies o er discounts for cleaning equipment during the months when they are less busy. Once high temperatures hit, they are more likely to be swamped with calls to repair or replace broken equipment. Signing up for an annual maintenance plan may provide additional savings.

A dirty furnace filter can waste energy by causing your system to work harder. Make sure you have a stack of replacement filters ready to go, so you are more likely to replace them as needed. Filters tend to be less expensive if you buy them in bulk. When I recently shopped for filters for my home, the per-filter price was about half as much for a 12-pack as it was for a two-pack.

Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-splits, have a filter in the indoor unit, or head, which should be cleaned. If you clean the indoor filter yourself, be sure to turn the unit o before removing the filter and let it dry completely before putting it back.

As we transition from cool to warm weather, keep an eye on your thermostat settings. The Department of Energy recommends setting cooling temperatures to 78 degrees when you are home and higher when you are away. You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.

One way to feel cooler is using fans in the room you’re in during the day or when you’re sleeping. Using a fan can make a warm room feel cooler without having to adjust the thermostat. Remember: fans cool people, not rooms. Turn fans o in unoccupied rooms.

If your ceiling fan has a reverse function, make sure you flip the switch so it blows air down into the living space. The reverse function is great at circulating warm air in the winter, and you can maximize the comfort benefit of a fan by switching the flow of air seasonally. Another consideration before summer hits is your home’s impact on peak load — when demand for electricity is highest. This typically

occurs in the morning when people are getting ready for work and school and in the evening when they return home. Your electric co-op must manage the energy use of all its consumers, which can be a challenge. Consider starting the dishwasher before you go to sleep or starting a load of laundry outside of your utility’s peak times.

Cooking outdoors lets you avoid using your stove and oven, which heats up your home and leads to higher energy use.

If you have a photovoltaic solar system, run your dishwasher or do laundry when your system produces the most electricity, which is typically during the sunny mid-day.

Cooking outdoors in summer is a great way to save energy. Using the stove or oven heats your kitchen, which requires more energy for cooling. Get the grill cleaned now, so you are ready to enjoy outdoor cooking.

Incorporate these tips into your summer prep to save energy and lower your bills.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

Miranda Boutelle

MUSIC MUSCLE MUSIC MEETS

by Qua’Shara Monix

Get ready to groove, celebrate, and appreciate the backbone of both music and power lines, because in 2025, the Juke Joint Festival and Lineman Appreciation Day are coming back-to-back for unforgettable weekends of blues, barbecue, and bucket truck brilliance!

If you love music with soul and history, then Clarksdale is where you need to be from April 10 to 13. The Juke Joint Festival is a legendary celebration of blues culture featuring live performances from local and international musicians, street vendors serving up authentic Southern food, and a vibrant atmosphere where music pulses through the streets.

From old-school Delta blues to high-energy juke joint jams, this festival is an annual pilgrimage for blues lovers, history bu s, and those who just want to dance with a cold drink in hand. Expect guitars wailing, harmonicas crying, and lyrics that tell stories as rich as the Mississippi River itself. Expect live music on multiple stages featuring top blues artists, mouth-watering barbecue, and Southern eats. Alongside the musical magic, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the men and women who keep the lights on — literally!

Lineman Appreciation Day is April 18 — a special tribute to the hardworking Coahoma Electric linemen who climb poles, brave storms, and restore power when we need it most. Their work safeguards homes, businesses, and communities to ensure we all have reliable and uninterrupted power, which is essential for modern life. Linemen play a vital role in public safety and economic stability. Linemen often work in challenging conditions, including heights, extreme weather, and other dangerous situations, to ensure that we have electricity.

Kick back and enjoy whatever April has to o er but don’t forget to show some gratitude and thank a lineman!

The yearly Farmer’s A davit is no longer valid. Farmers are now required to have a Commercial Farmer’s Permit, which will replace the existing Farmer’s A davit. Please submit a copy of your current Commercial Farmer’s Permit by May 1, 2025, for utility billing.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact our o ce at 662-624-8321.

Prep Now For summer savings

QHow

can I prepare

my home for lower energy bills this summer?

by Miranda Boutelle

ASpring is in the air, and before you know it, summer will be here. There are many ways to get a jump start on preventing summertime high bills and energy waste.

to be less expensive if you buy them in bulk. When I recently shopped for ﬁlters for my home, the per-ﬁlter price was about half as much for a 12-pack as it was for a two-pack.

If your ceiling fan has a reverse function, make sure you flip the switch so it blows air down into the living space. The reverse function is great at circulating warm air in the winter, and you can maximize the comfort benefit of a fan by switching the flow of air seasonally.

Another consideration before summer hits is your home’s impact on peak load — when demand for electricity is highest. This typically occurs in the morning when people are getting ready for work and school and in the evening when they return home. Your electric co-op must manage the energy use of all its consumers, which can be a challenge. Consider starting the dishwasher before you go to sleep or starting a load of laundry outside of your utility’s peak times.

If you have a photovoltaic solar system, run your dishwasher or do laundry when your system produces the most electricity, which is typically during the sunny mid-day.

Incorporate these tips into your summer prep to save energy and lower your bills.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

Cooking outdoors lets you avoid using your stove and oven, which heats up your home and leads to higher energy use.

When preparing for a day out for play or work, raise your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees to reduce energy use and save on your power bill.

by Jennah Denney

Today, the modern electriﬁcation movement continues this legacy by providing signiﬁcant cost savings and empowering smarter, more informed co-op members.

The concept of beneficial electrification focuses on replacing direct fossil fuel use with electricity in ways that reduce overall costs. By adopting electric technologies, members may see financial savings.

Here are some of the key ways electriﬁcation can lead to cost savings:

• Heat pumps: Replacing traditional heating systems with electric heat pumps can improve energy e ciency and lower home heating bills. Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it, making them more cost e ective in the long run.

• Energy e cient appliances: Upgrading to energy e cient appliances can reduce electricity consumption and save money on utility bills. Modern appliances are designed to use less energy while providing the same level of performance.

• Smart home technologies: Using smart thermostats and home energy management systems can optimize energy use and reduce waste. Smart devices allow you to monitor and control your energy consumption, leading to more e cient use of electricity and lower energy bills.

Smart

Beyond ﬁnancial savings, electriﬁcation has been a cornerstone of improving the quality of life in communities served by electric cooperatives. Since the early 20th century, the introduction of electricity has revolutionized rural areas, providing access to modern conveniences and fostering economic growth.

Today, the benefits of electrification continue to enhance daily life in several ways. Electric technologies, such as heat pumps and smart home devices, o er greater comfort and convenience. Consumers can enjoy consistent heating and cooling, as well as the ability to control their home’s energy systems remotely. Additionally, electrification can improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks associated with burning fossil fuels. Electric stoves, for example, eliminate the need for open flames and reduce the emission of harmful pollutants. Smart technologies also empower consumers to make informed decisions about their energy use. Access to real-time data and insights provide a better understanding of energy consumption patterns and identify more opportunities for savings.

Electric cooperatives have a long history of empowering their consumer-members through electrification, and beneficial electrification is a powerful strategy for creating a sustainable and cost-e ective energy landscape.

From the early days of bringing electricity to rural areas to today’s modern electriﬁcation movement, electric co-ops continue to play a vital role in enhancing quality of life.

Jennah Denney writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Upgrading to energy e cient appliances can reduce electricity consumption and save money on utility bills.

They are the individuals who epitomize dedication to service in its purest form. As we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month in April, this is an important moment to reﬂect on the essential role they play in our daily lives.

Coast Electric crews travel across our service territory, building, maintaining and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible — a lifeline that connects us all.

Coast Electric lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life.

by Ron Barnes

President and CEO

GROWING leadersfuture

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The students earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by Coast Electric. They will travel to Washington, D.C., in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Coast Electric students Crosby Parker, Rose Duch, Keegan Walls, Raleigh Seal, and Reagan Krebs spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Keegan Walls, Raleigh Seal, Reagan Krebs, Rose Duch and Crosby Parker take a fun photo the ﬁrst day of workshop.

B. Crosby Parker and Reagan Krebs display their awards. Krebs was recognized as one of the top 10 students considered to represent Mississippi on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Leadership Council (YLC). Parker was selected to represent Mississippi as the state’s representative on the national YLC. C. (From left to right) Sen. Philman Ladner, Rep. Jay McKnight, Coast Electric youth leaders Keegan Walls, Raleigh Seal, Reagan Krebs, Rose Duch, and Crosby Parker, and Rep. Greg Haney.

This has truly been one of the most growing experiences of my life. I’ve met so many new friends and made so many memories. Thank you for the opportunity! – Raleigh Seal

HAPPY RETIREMENT

Congratulations to Engineering Technician I Brian Fithian on his retirement from Coast Electric after 31 years of hard work and dedication. We wish Brian the best as he begins this new chapter of his life.

STUDENT ARTISTS!calling all

Coast Electric is inviting artists in Kindergarten through 12th grades in Harrison, Hancock and Pearl River counties to enter our Earth month art contest This year’s theme is pollinators Winners will be selected in the following categories:

· Lilypads: Ages 5 - 7

· Tadpoles: Ages 8 - 13

Bullfrogs: Ages 14 - 18

A winner will be selected from each of the categories listed above in each county. Lilypads could win a $25 gift card. Tadpoles could win a $50 gift card. Bullfrogs could win a $75 gift card. Artwork will be displayed in our Coast Electric offices.

Parents may take photos or scans of artwork and email th community@coastelectric coop OR artwork may be drop person to any Coast Electric office in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ba Picayune, Poplarville or Kiln. All entries must be submitt before Monday, April 21. No late entries will be accepted per student. Winners must be available for a photo oppo must pick up gift cards at their local Coast Electric office

Rules:

Contest entries will be accepted March 17 - April 21. Artwork must be original and completed solely by the student. Artwork must include the name and age of the student, the phone number of the student's guardian and their county. Artwork must be pollinator-related in honor of Earth month. Examples: bees, flowers, bats, butterflies, caterpillars, etc. Artist may use markers, crayons, color pencils, watercolors, canvas, paper, acrylic, clay, etc. Use your imagination to make your art come alive.

*Winner will forfeit their prize if they cannot collect their prize within 30 days of being notified that they have won st hem to: pped off in ay St. Louis, ted on or d! One entry ortunity and e *

(does it clearly convey 15 what the artist is trying to tell you?)

Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your energy costs. Each month, you can register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home.

Visit coastelectric.coop/my-home/reduce-your-use-contest/ and ﬁll out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

Congratulations to Karen Oliver, the winner of our February Reduce Your Use prize!

In the quiet hours before dawn breaks, while many of us are still nestled in our beds, lineworkers begin their day, often clad in ﬂameresistant clothing, safety goggles, rubber gloves, and thick, heavy boots.

Delta Electric crews travel across our service territory, building, maintaining, and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible — a lifeline that connects us all.

In moments of crisis, when the lights go out and we ﬁnd ourselves in the dark, lineworkers emerge as beacons of hope. Their swift response

restores normalcy, o ering reassurance in times of uncertainty. Whether repairing storm-ravaged power lines or ensuring continuity during emergencies, their unwavering commitment illuminates life when we need it most.

Delta Electric lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life.

General Manager by Harold Pittman

Prep Now For summer savings

QHow

can I prepare

my home for lower energy bills this summer?

by Miranda Boutelle

ASpring is in the air, and before you know it, summer will be here. There are many ways to get a jump start on preventing summertime high bills and energy waste.

to be less expensive if you buy them in bulk. When I recently shopped for ﬁlters for my home, the per-ﬁlter price was about half as much for a 12-pack as it was for a two-pack.

If you have a photovoltaic solar system, run your dishwasher or do laundry when your system produces the most electricity, which is typically during the sunny mid-day.

Incorporate these tips into your summer prep to save energy and lower your bills.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

Cooking outdoors lets you avoid using your stove and oven, which heats up your home and leads to higher energy use.

When preparing for a day out for play or work, raise your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees to reduce energy use and save on your power bill.

by Jennah Denney

Today, the modern electriﬁcation movement continues this legacy by providing signiﬁcant cost savings and empowering smarter, more informed co-op members.

Here are some of the key ways electriﬁcation can lead to cost savings:

Smart

From the early days of bringing electricity to rural areas to today’s modern electriﬁcation movement, electric co-ops continue to play a vital role in enhancing quality of life.

Jennah Denney writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Upgrading to energy e cient appliances can reduce electricity consumption and save money on utility bills.

The backbone of our communities: Honoring linemen on Lineman Appreciation Day

In the early days of electricity, linemen were pioneers in a new and dangerous profession. The occupation began in the 1840s when telegraph lines crisscrossed the country, requiring skilled workers to install and maintain them. As electricity became more widespread in the late 19th century, the demand for linemen surged. These workers braved extreme conditions to extend power lines to homes and businesses, often with minimal safety equipment and little formal training.

When President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Rural Electriﬁcation Administration (REA) in 1935, the role of the lineman became even more critical. Before then, electricity was largely limited to cities, with rural communities left in the dark. With the REA’s assistance, electric cooperatives were formed, and linemen set out to bring power to farms, schools, and homes across rural America — including right here in Mississippi.

These early Mississippi linemen faced signiﬁcant challenges. They worked in isolated areas, building power lines through dense forests, over rivers, and across farmland. Their work changed lives — electricity brought modern conveniences, increased productivity, and improved overall quality of life.

As the industry evolved, so did the tools and technology linemen used. While wooden poles remain a staple of electrical infrastructure, advancements such as bucket trucks, insulated gear, and improved safety protocols have transformed the way linemen work. Today’s linemen undergo extensive training and certiﬁcations, ensuring they are prepared to handle high-voltage

electricity, severe weather, and emergency power restoration. Their job extends beyond installation and repair — they are ﬁrst responders during storms, working tirelessly to restore power to homes and businesses, often in the most challenging conditions.

Despite these advancements, one thing has remained the same — the unwavering dedication of linemen. Their work requires courage, skill, and a deep commitment to serving their communities. They work in the scorching Mississippi heat, battle freezing temperatures in the winter, and work through the aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes, and ice storms.

On Lineman Appreciation Day, we take a moment to recognize and honor these hardworking men and women. They are more than utility workers — they are the backbone of our communities, ensuring that we have access to the modern conveniences we’ve come to expect. To all the linemen who have helped shape Mississippi’s history and continue to power its future, we say thank you. To our Dixie Electric linemen, we are incredibly grateful for your sacriﬁce and service.

by Randy Smith

General Manager

GROWING leadersfuture

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

Dixie Electric students Kenadie Zumwalt, Connor Holiﬁeld, and Sophie Bello spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Kenadie Zumwalt, Connor Holiﬁeld, and Sophie Bello on the front steps of the Capitol in Jackson. B. Connor, Sophie, and Kenadie starting o the workshop with a smile. C. (From left to right) Sen. Chris Johnson, Rep. Charles Blackwell, Connor, Kenadie, Sophie, Sen. Robin Robinson, and Rep. Donnie Scoggin.

&

interactive Learning Leadership

The CYL community is extremely welcoming and accepting. No matter where you are from everyone in this program becomes extremely close over the few days we are together. – Sophie Bello

to Save TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION

by Amanda Mills

Some of life’s most valuable lessons are learned at home. Whether it’s how to manage money, cook a family recipe, or ﬁx a leaky faucet, these small habits shape who we become. The same is true when it comes to energy e ciency — kids often learn their habits from watching us.

April is Teach Kids to Save Month, and while it’s typically about ﬁnancial literacy, it’s also a great time to talk about saving energy. Forming good habits at a young age can make a lasting impact, not just on a family’s monthly bill but on our environment and future generations.

Parents and grandparents play a crucial role in teaching children how to be mindful of their energy use. Simple steps like turning o the lights or ceiling fans when leaving a room, unplugging electronics when they’re not in use, and adjusting the thermostat can add up over time. Making it fun can also help reinforce good habits. Try setting up a challenge to see who can remember to turn o the most lights in a week, or reward kids when they help conserve energy by using natural light during the day instead of ﬂipping the switch.

At Dixie Electric, we believe that energy education starts young. That’s why, throughout the month of April, some of our employees will be visiting local schools to teach students about the importance of electricity and how they can play a part in conserving it. If you’re looking for fun, kid-friendly resources to continue the conversation at home, be sure to check out the Kids Corner section on our website, located inside our Energy Calculators.

There are many ways families can work together to make their homes more energy e cient. Simple changes like using LED bulbs, adjusting blinds to regulate indoor temperatures, or setting the water heater to a safe and e cient level can all help reduce energy waste. You can ﬁnd even more energy-saving tips on our website, including tools to help you manage your electricity use e ectively.

By teaching kids to save energy now, we’re empowering them with habits that will last a lifetime. Just like the lessons we learned from our parents and grandparents, these small actions can make a big di erence.

DeKalb 601-743-2641 • Louisville 662-773-5741 • Quitman 601-776-6271 • Meridian / After-Hours Outages 601-581-8600

MEMBER OWNED. LOCALLY OPERATED. THAT’S THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE.

Wiredservice for

In the quiet hours before dawn breaks, while many of us are still nestled in our beds, our linemen begin their day, clad in ﬂame-resistant clothing, equipped with safety goggles, rubber gloves and heavy boots.

These employees epitomize dedication to service in its purest form. As we celebrate Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18, I’d like to reﬂect on the essential role these key people play in each of our daily lives.

No matter the obstacles thrown at them, linemen exhibit a strength that goes far beyond the physical strength required to do their job. Whether battling inclement weather, troubleshooting technical problems, or navigating heights most of us are uncomfortable with, linemen demonstrate resilience and a quiet determination to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable, and our communities connected.

East Mississippi Electric Power Association crews travel across our fourcounty service territory, building, maintaining, and repairing our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible while fulﬁlling our mission of delivering services that empower lives.

In moments of crisis, when the lights go out and we ﬁnd ourselves in the dark, linemen emerge as beacons of hope. Their swift response restores normalcy, o ering reassurance in times of uncertainty. Whether repairing storm-ravaged power lines or ensuring continuity during emergencies, their unwavering commitment illuminates life when we need it most.

EMEPA linemen also answer the call beyond the boundaries of our local homes. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur, and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable employees who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

by Randy Carroll

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — those who are wired for service and dedicated to empowering life. CEO —

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

GROWING LEADERS future

East Mississippi Electric Power Association students Chamber Lee Copeland, Hayden Clark, Lauren Skinner, Myles Coleman, and RosEyunta Ott spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

Pictured right Hayden Clark, Chamber Lee Copeland, Myles Coleman, RosEyunta Ott, and Lauren Skinner pose for a photo the ﬁrst day of workshop.

(From left to right) Sen. Je Tate, Sen. Rod Hickman, East Mississippi Electric Power Association youth leaders Chamber Lee Copeland, Lauren Skinner, Hayden Clark, RosEyunta Ott, Myles Coleman, Sen. Tyler McCaughn, and Rep. Billy Adam Calvert

summer savings Prep Now For

How can I prepare my home for lower energy bills this summer?

ASpring is in the air, and before you know it, summer will be here. There are many ways to get a jump start on preventing summertime high bills and energy waste.

by Miranda Boutelle

If you have a photovoltaic solar system, run your dishwasher or do laundry when your system produces the most electricity, which is typically during the sunny mid-day.

Incorporate these tips into your summer prep to save energy and lower your bills.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

Cooking outdoors lets you avoid using your stove and oven, which heats up your home and leads to higher energy use.

A Network Built Tough

Prepared for the Unexpected

When severe weather strikes, staying connected is critical. Thanks to a network built for resilience, East Mississippi Connect ensures that homes and businesses remain online no matter the conditions.

Ready Internet: East Mississippi Connect Provides Reliability During Severe Weather

East MS Connect’s ﬁber optic network depends on the same infrastructure that delivers power to homes and businesses. While ﬁber lines are above ground on power poles, East MS Connect’s system is durable and more resistant to severe weather compared to traditional cable or DSL connections.

Fiber optic cables are lighter and more resilient than older copper lines, making them less prone to sagging or breaking from high winds or debris. Additionally, ﬁber is not a ected by electrical interference, meaning that lightning strikes and power surges are less likely to disrupt internet service.

While no network is 100% defended against extreme weather, East MS Connect made a range of key investments to minimize downtime and quickly restore service when disruptions occur. These measures include:

 Storm-hardened infrastructure—East MS Connect uses strong, weather-resistant ﬁber optic cables that can withstand high winds, heavy rain and more.

 Fast restoration response—Because East MS Connect’s ﬁber network runs alongside power lines, crews can often restore service simultaneously with power restoration, reducing downtime.

 Local technicians—Unlike national providers, East MS Connect has boots on the ground in the communities it serves. That means faster response times and more reliable service.

Keeping Subscribers Informed

Learn more about how ﬁber internet can enhance your home this spring at EastMSConnect.com or call 601-581-8800.

Beyond delivering reliable internet, East MS Connect prioritizes keeping subscribers informed before, during and after severe weather. Through real-time social media updates and email notiﬁcations, East MS Connect ensures subscribers know what to expect and when service will be restored if an outage occurs.

Tips for Staying Connected in a Storm

While East MS Connect is committed to keeping subscribers online, there are steps you can take to improve your connectivity during severe weather:

Additionally, the East MS Connect Wi-Fi app allows subscribers to monitor their home network, troubleshoot minor issues and receive service updates. It’s real-time access, even when weather conditions are unpredictable.

 Download emergency information in advance—Save weather updates, emergency contacts and other important documents for o ine access.

 Follow East MS Connect for updates—Check East MS Connect’s social media pages and enable notiﬁcations in the East MS Connect app for real-time service updates.

Severe weather is unpredictable, but East MS Connect’s commitment to reliability isn’t. With a durable ﬁber network, strategic storm preparedness and a dedicated local team, East MS Connect ensures that subscribers stay connected.

wiredservice for are

Amid towering utility poles and power lines, lineworkers exhibit a strength that goes far beyond the physical. Whether battling inclement weather, troubleshooting technical problems, or navigating treacherous heights, lineworkers demonstrate resilience and a quiet determination to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable, and our communities connected.

Magnolia Electric crews travel across our 5,020 miles of line in our service territory, building, maintaining, and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible — a lifeline that connects us all.

Magnolia Electric lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life.

Bo Allen

Brett Abernathy

Justin Anderson

Chris Anglin

Lonnie Ball

Nyles Branch

Kent Breland

Dennis Butler

Wes Burns

Jett Calcote

Terry Causey

Corey Fletcher

Alex Fortenberry

Colby Fortenberry

Tanner Gunther

Matthew Hamilton

Tyler Hodges

Daniel Hollingsworth

Kendall Holmes

Kasy Jenkins

Terry Jackson

Tracy Lambert

Matt Lee

Samuel Mabile

Dorneail Magee

Jason Mallette

Chad Moak

Luke Morgan

Jonathan McCaskill

Stacy McCaskill

Jase Roberts

Torun Robinson

Dusty Rollinson

Logan Rushing

Adam Sandifer

Eddie Spence

Aaron Stewart

Kelvin Steptoe

Justin Thomas

F’Darian Thompson

Scott Weeks

Jason Wilson

Paul Wilson

Andrew Wood

Magnolia Electric Power’s Linemen:

COOPERATIVE LEADERS WORKSHOP

GROWING leadersfuture

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

Magnolia Electric students Brady Durr, Meghan Richardson, Lainey Sterling, and Lauren Hornesby spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Brady Durr, Lainey Sterling, Lauren Hornesby, and Meghan Richardson take photos on the ﬁrst day of the workshop.

B. (From left to right) Sen. Andy Berry, Lauren Hornesby, Sen. Joey Fillingane, Brady Durr, Rep. Vince Mangold, Meghan Richardson, Sen. Jason Barrett, Lainey Sterling, and Rep. Bill Pigott.

Thank You!

Magnolia Electric Power wants to thank all of our local legislators for always supporting our Cooperative Youth Leaders program. Thank you again to:

Rep. Angela Cockerham

Rep. Becky Currie

Rep. Vince Mangold

Rep. Sam Mimms

Rep. Bill Pigott

Sen. Jason Barrett

Sen. Andy Berry

Sen. Gary Brumﬁeld

Sen. Albert Butler Sr.

Sen. Joey Fillingane

The program taught me time management, which was previously a struggle for me. My favorite part was being at the Capitol and the Capital Club for lunch. I felt like it was a glimpse in the future. Also, the speakers were incredible! – Lainey Sterling

student leaders magnolia electric's new

How would you like an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for one week?

Learn. Grow. Experience.

Because of the Magnolia Electric Power Cooperative Youth Leaders program, students that are members of Magnolia Electric Power have the opportunity to compete and win such a trip.

Three words to help you become a young adult.

Participate in the MEP Cooperative Youth Leaders program, learn about electric cooperatives, and be given a chance to win two trips.

The ﬁrst trip, to Jackson, will help build your leadership skills. You will also learn about Mississippi government.

The second trip, to Washington, D.C., will help you learn about American history and the U.S. government while sight seeing in our nation’s capital. Interested?

See your school guidance counselor today and tell them you want to ﬁnd out more about this exciting program! Or, for more information, contact Lucy Shell at 601-250-2421.

We are currently looking for 10th graders who would like to compete in August 2025 for next year’s competition.

New Deadline APRIL 23 TO TURN IN ENTRY FORMS

AMORY – P.O. BOX 300 - 50408 GREENBRIAR ROAD – 662-256-2962 • CALEDONIA – 746 MAIN STREET – 662-356-4100

Monroe County Electric crews travel across our service territory, building, maintaining, and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible — a lifeline that connects us all.

Monroe County Electric lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life.

Prep Now For summer savings

QHow can I prepare my home for lower energy bills this summer?

by Miranda Boutelle

ASpring is in the air, and before you know it, summer will be here. There are many ways to get a jump start on preventing summertime high bills and energy waste.

to be less expensive if you buy them in bulk. When I recently shopped for ﬁlters for my home, the per-ﬁlter price was about half as much for a 12-pack as it was for a two-pack.

If you have a photovoltaic solar system, run your dishwasher or do laundry when your system produces the most electricity, which is typically during the sunny mid-day.

Incorporate these tips into your summer prep to save energy and lower your bills.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

Cooking outdoors lets you avoid using your stove and oven, which heats up your home and leads to higher energy use.

When preparing for a day out for play or work, raise your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees to reduce energy use and save on your power bill.

by Jennah Denney

Electric cooperatives have a rich history of improving the quality of life for their members. Since the early 20th century, electric cooperatives have brought electricity, or electrification, to rural communities, transforming daily life and boosting local economies. Today, the modern electrification movement continues this legacy by providing significant cost savings and empowering smarter, more informed co-op members.

Here are some of the key ways electriﬁcation can lead to cost savings:

Smart devices allow you to monitor and control your energy consumption, leading to more e cient use of electricity and lower energy bills.

From the early days of bringing electricity to rural areas to today’s modern electriﬁcation movement, electric co-ops continue to play a vital role in enhancing quality of life.

Jennah Denney writes on consumer and cooperative a airs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Upgrading to energy e cient appliances can reduce electricity consumption and save money on utility bills.

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

The students earned the opportunity to attend the workshop following a competitive selection process sponsored by their local electric cooperative. They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

Natchez Trace Electric Power Association students Dixie Ellison and Joseph Powell spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problemsolving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

GROWING leaders future

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson also spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Dixie Ellison and Joseph Powell smiling for the camera on the ﬁrst day of the workshop. B. Joseph and Dixie visit the Capitol in Jackson.

C. (From left to right) Sen. Ben Suber, Dixie Ellison, Joseph Powell, and Rep. Jon Lancaster.

OFFICIAL NOTICE

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

Will be held at the Houston High School Auditorium in Houston

Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 7 p.m.

The Annual Meeting of the members of the Natchez Trace Electric Power Association (“Association”) will be held at 7 p.m. on April 29, 2025, in the Houston High School Auditorium, Houston, Mississippi.

Among the business to come before the members are (a) hearing and passing upon reports covering the previous ﬁscal year and (b) the election of three Directors.

Each member in good standing is entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to vote at the meeting of members. A member may vote in person or by proxy through o cial mail ballot provided by the Association.

The Committee on Nominations are Jacob Samuell, Stan Blaylock, Michael Watkins, Leon Morris, Billy Gore, Max Johnson, Walter B. Meek III, Darren Buggs, and Perry Baily. Submitted by members of the Association, this committee receives and considers nominees for Director. The Committee met in the Board Room at the Association’s Houston o ce, 551 East Madison Street, on Feb. 11 for the purpose of selecting nominees considered for the Board. The Committee will prepare and post a list of their nominations for Board Members at the Houston, Calhoun City, and Eupora o ces of the Association at least 45 days before the Annual Meeting.

The Association’s secretary mails with the notice of the Annual Meeting, or separately, a statement of the Board Members to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates. Only those nominations made by the Committee, or by petition as hereinafter described, will be valid.

Any 50 members acting together may make nominations by petition, and the secretary will post such nominations at the same place where the list of nominations by the committee on nominations is posted. Any petition for nomination shall be submitted at least 45 days before the Annual Meeting on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, member’s number, and service location of the member. Nominations made by petition, if any, received at least 45 days before the meeting shall be included on the o cial ballot.

Notice is further given that three (3) directors are to be elected at the annual meeting and that the nominations for directors made by the Committee on Nominations and/or the Credentials and Elections Committee are as follows:

DISTRICT 1: Chickasaw and Pontotoc counties

Jamie Earp, 249 County Road 21, Houlka, MS 388501

DISTRICT 2: Webster and Clay counties

Robbie Harrington, 13950 Highway 15 South, Mantee, MS 39751

DISTRICT 3: Calhoun, Grenada, and Yalobusha counties

Sheila Freely, 10 County Road 445, Vardaman, MS 38878

Return your ballot to win

Return your ballot promptly for a chance to win a $500 credit for electricity. You do not have to be present at the Annual Meeting in order to win this prize.

Thanks to all of the members who voted their ballot last year. We need your ballot again this year in order to have a valid director’s election and annual meeting.

Please vote your ballot, sign it, seal it in the postage prepaid envelope, and return it to us. Please vote for one director in each district, three in total. Remember, you may win the $500 credit by doing so promptly.

Members can vote by mail or in person at the Annual Meeting. Members who vote by mail are also encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. As noted above, members who vote by mail are eligible for a chance to win the $500 Credit. Members who also attend in person are eligible for a chance to win a $100 or $50 cash prize drawing. So, if a member votes by mail and attends the Annual Meeting in person, he/she has two opportunities to win a prize.

Directors election process explained

According to our Bylaws, three of our nine directors are elected every April. The process starts in January when the Board appoints the Committee on Nominations, as well as the Credentials and Elections Committee. Though separate committees with entirely different functions, they are usually made up of the same persons. After the Nominating Committee is constituted, Natchez Trace publishes their names in the three principal papers within our service area, as well as its stating of the time and place of the Nominating Committee meeting.

This year the Nominating Committee members are Jacob Samuell, Stan Blaylock, Michael Watkins, Leon Morris, Billy Gore, Max Johnson, Walter B. Meek III, Darren Buggs, and Perry Baily. These same persons constituted the Credentials and Elections Committee.

The Association’s attorney announced that after the Nominating Committee makes its decision as to the nominee or nominees for each

of (the three) positions, the nominees will be posted at the three principal offices of the Association. If a member or group of members is unsatisfied with the Nominating Committee recommendations, there would be another opportunity for additional inputs as to board candidates, in the form of nomination by petition, until March 8, 2025. After the committee members decided to separate the respective responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and of the Credentials and Elections Committee, the Committee on Nominations nominated the three incumbent directors whose respective slots were coming vacant to run again: nominated by petition, Jamie Earp, District One; Robbie Harrington, District Two; and Sheila Freely, District Three.

Candidates for director

DISTRICT ONE

Jamie Earp (Incumbent)

Jamie Earp is a candidate for director of District One in Chickasaw and Pontotoc counties. A Houlka native and resident, Earp worked in various manufacturing plants over the years before working on his family farm in 1995. Earp is a member of the County Farm Bureau Board and is the current president of the Chickasaw County School Board, where he has served for more than 30 years. Earp is a past president of the Mississippi Sweet Potato Council, where he served for eight years. He is also a member of the Bent Knee Church in Houlka where he volunteers as treasurer on the church’s board of directors. Earp has been married to his wife, Joy Earp, for 46 years. The couple has two sons, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. His hobbies include spending time with his sons and grandkids as well as playing with his great grandchildren.

DISTRICT TWO

Robbie Harrington (Incumbent)

Robert D. Harrington is a candidate for director of District Two in Webster and Clay counties. Mr. Harrington has served on the board since 2001 and received his Credentialed Cooperative Director certification in October 2004. Harrington is a resident of Mantee. He graduated from Cumberland High School in 1957 then continued his education at Mississippi State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in 1962, a master’s degree in 1969, and a specialist degree in 1973. Harrington taught school in Chickasaw County and Cumberland (East Webster) in Webster County. He retired from teaching in 1994. Harrington is a member of Mantee Baptist Church and serves as deacon. His wife is the former Mary Griffin of Vardaman. They have two daughters, Anita Walton of Grenada and Emily Harrington of Madison.

DISTRICT THREE

Sheila Freely (Incumbent)

Sheila Freely is a candidate for director of District Three of Calhoun, Grenada, and Yalobusha counties. Mrs. Freely came on the Board in 2018. Sheila retired in 2011 from USDA, Rural Development with 33 years of service, working throughout north Mississippi. She is currently the Director of Calhoun Economic Development in Pittsboro. She is a lifelong resident of Vardaman and has two children and four grandchildren. She is a member of Vardaman First Baptist Church where she serves on numerous committees. She is a Rotarian, Paul Harris Fellow, Master Gardener, member of the Gardeners’ Delight and Friends of the Library in Vardaman, board member of Three Rivers Planning and Development District, Baptist-Calhoun Hospital and Nursing Home, Calhoun County Endowment Foundation, and the Cadence Bank Community Advisory Council.

NATCHEZ TRACE ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION BALANCE SHEET

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2024

ASSETS

Utility Plant

Original Cost

$ 143,518,016 Less Depreciation $ 48,576,322

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices and employees and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Person with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. MAIL: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2. FAX: 202-690-7442; or

3. EMAIL: program.intake@usda.gov

Good Neighbors is a volunteer program designed to help – on a one time basis – families who fall on hard times and need help in paying their electric bill. NTEPA customers voluntarily agree to add at least one dollar per month to their electric bill as a contribution to this worthy cause. NTEPA collects and Community Action agencies administer this fund at no charge. Anyone interested in helping such families as a “Good Neighbor” please call 662-456-3037.

Together in mission

The middle of March saw severe weather move through the United States. High winds, lightning, and tornadoes caused widespread damage and power outages across the country. As the weather began to clear, the linemen of electric cooperatives and other associations did what they always do: respond. In April, we recognize all the utility linemen for the job they do, the sacriﬁce they make, and the risk they encounter daily.

It’s not just linemen that make our cooperatives strong. Your electric cooperative has a myriad of sta working to make our community better. From cashiers to customer service representatives, engineers, accountants, IT specialists, mapping specialists, mechanics, system operators, warehouse personnel, as well as communications and marketing personnel. All, and more, work together in equally important roles to carry out our mission. We celebrate them all this month.

Northcentral will be closed Friday, Apr. 18, for Good Friday. We wish you and your family a happy Easter weekend. If you experience an outage during the long weekend, dispatchers will be on duty and crews will be on call to respond.

Stay safe.

Earlier in March we witnessed a great moment when Mississippi’s own, Maggie Martin, spoke to 6,000-plus at the NRECA national convention. Maggie is the national spokesperson for the Youth Leadership Council. Seeing these young leaders excel is a reason for all of us to have promise for the future. I, like author William Faulkner, believe that these future leaders will not just help us endure, but prevail.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

GROWING leaders future

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

a Benson, Lee McNeil, Elizabeth Flowers, Silas Pennington,

Northcentral Electric Cooperative students Caleb Rucker, Elĳah Williams, Eliza Cavender, Emma Lucy Hardman, Jonicha Benson, Lee McNeil, Elizabeth Flowers, Silas Pennington, Trinity Moore, and Xavier Reyes Sánchez spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson A

A. Northcentral Electric Cooperative Youth Leaders pose for a fun photo. B. Back row (from left to right) Lee McNeil, Xavier Reyes Sanchez, Caleb Rucker, Jonicha Benson, and Silas Pennington and front row (from left to right) Eliza Cavender, Liz Flowers, Trinity Moore, Emma Lucy Hardman, and Elijah Williams take photos on the ﬁrst day of the workshop. C. (From left to right) Rep. Bill Kinkade, Silas Pennington, Rep. Steve Massengill, Elijah Williams, Xavier Reyes Sanchez, Lee McNeil, Liz Flowers, Sen. Kevin Blackwell, Eliza Cavender, Rep. Justin Keen, Emma Lucy Hardman, Rep. Kimberly Remak, Sen. David Parker, Trinity Moore, Sen. Neil Whaley, Jonicha Benson, Caleb Rucker, and Rep. Je Hale.

I cannot put into words how these cooperatives have changed my life. This workshop creates a network of students I want in my Mississippi to change the world. – Liz Flowers

Northcentral Connect’s service area continues to grow

Spring flowers aren’t the only things popping up from the ground in our service area. Olive Branch residents along Church Road have noticed our crews installing underground fiber infrastructure in recent months. We are pleased to announce that many of these members will now have access to high-speed fiber internet services through Northcentral Connect as the new Pleasant Hill phase opens in April!

Pleasant Hill is the 10th phase to go live since Connect installed its ﬁrst service in 2021. To date, over 25,000 locations in DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Lafayette counties have access to ﬁber-to-the-home internet and phone services with Northcentral Connect.

Only two planned phases remain to be completed to cover the entire Northcentral Electric territory. Construction of the Olive Branch Central phase began in January, with services projected to be delivered by summer. Engineering and “make ready” work is underway in Olive Branch West. We anticipate services to be o ered there by late 2026.

Our Ultimate Gig plan is o ered at the ultimately competitive price of $79.95 a month. Connect o ers symmetrical upload and download speeds and does not require a contract. Installation is totally free, and there are no charges for equipment. It’s simple: local and world-class service, fair and stable pricing, provided by folks you know!

To sign up for Connect service today, please visit northcentralconnect.com, or just scan the QR code in the banner below.

COLUMBIA: 601-736-2666 | HATTIESBURG: 601-264-2458 | PURVIS: 601-794-8051 | WIGGINS: 601-928-7277

Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference. • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com. PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372)

LINEMEN

Lineman Appreciation Day

When a storm rolls through and the lights go out, we don’t often stop to think about what it takes to get them back on. But behind every restored home and business is a team of dedicated linemen who brave the elements and put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities running. April 18 is Lineman Appreciation Day, and at Pearl River Valley Electric, we see their dedication ﬁrsthand, and it’s a commitment that deserves our deepest gratitude.

A job like no other

Being a lineman isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. Every day, they face extreme hazards, working with high-voltage electricity, climbing poles, and handling complex equipment. Their job is physically demanding, requiring skill, precision, and intense focus. A single mistake can have lifethreatening consequences, making safety a top priority.

But it’s not just the dangers that set them apart; it’s the conditions they work in. When a major storm strikes, most people take shelter. Linemen, however, go out into the elements — battling wind, rain, ice, and downed trees — to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Whether it’s the heat of summer, the chill of winter, or the aftermath of a hurricane, they answer the call 24/7, often leaving their own families behind to serve our members.

Front line workers

Linemen are more than just specialists; they operate on the front lines of our cooperative. They are the ones members see working on lines, responding to outages, and maintaining our infrastructure. Their professionalism and commitment to service represent the values that deﬁne Pearl River Valley Electric.

It’s easy to take electricity for granted, but we should never take for granted the people who make it possible. As we celebrate Lineman Appreciation Day, I encourage you to take a moment to recognize the hard work and sacriﬁce of these dedicated individuals. At Pearl River Valley Electric, we are incredibly proud of our linemen and grateful for their unwavering commitment to our members. On April 18 — and every day — we salute them.

by Matthew Ware

CEO/General Manager

GROWING leadersfuture

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

Pearl River Valley Electric students Maddie Hylender and Samantha Cardenas spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Maddie Hylender and Samantha Cardenas take photos on the ﬁrst day of the workshop. B. Maddie and Samantha display their Leadership Awards. C. (From left to right) Sen. Chris Johnson, Sen. Joseph M. (Mike) Seymour, Sen. Joey Fillingane, Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association youth leaders Maddie Hylender and Samantha Cardenas, Rep. Kenneth (Kent) McCarty, Rep. Joseph (Bubba) Tubb, Rep. Bill Pigott, Rep. Ronald (Steve) Lott.

The Cooperative Leaders Workshop has been such a blessing to me! I am so grateful for the opportunities this program has given me and I cannot wait to go and use what I have learned in my own community. – Maddie Hylender

NOTICE OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, AND OF THE QUALIFICATIONS OF, AND THE MANNER OF QUALIFYING AS, A CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF PEARL RIVER

PURSUANT TO MISSISSIPPI HOUSE BILL 366

To: The Members of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED OF THE FOLLOWING: Election of Directors for District 1, District 4, and District 9.

If you desire to be a candidate for the o ce of Director in one of the above Districts and if you meet the qualiﬁcations of Director as set forth below, then you may obtain an application in the form of a Petition for the candidacy to the Board of Directors at the o ce of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association (hereinafter the “Association”), 1422 Highway 13 North, Columbia, Mississippi. You must obtain the signatures of at least ﬁfty (50) members of the Association on the Petition for your nomination, and you must deliver the signed Petition to the o ce of the General Manager of the Association. The Association must receive the signed Petition no later than Friday, May 30, 2025. If your Petition is received by the Association by the above deadline then your Petition will be reviewed to determine compliance with this Notice and the applicable law and By-Laws of the Association. If the Petition is in such compliance, then your nomination will be placed before the members for a vote at the Annual Meeting of the Association to be held on the fourth Saturday in September 2025.

The qualiﬁcations for the o ce of Director of the Association are set out by Mississippi law and in the By-Laws of the Association and are as follows:

• Must be 21 years of age and have no felony convictions.

• Must be a member of the Association, receiving service therefrom at his or her primary residential abode and a resident of the district from which he or she is elected.

• May not be employed by or ﬁnancially interested in a competing enterprise, or a business selling electric energy to the Association, or a business primarily engaged in selling electrical or plumbing appliances, ﬁxtures or supplies to the members of the Association.

• May not be the incumbent or a candidate for any elective county, city, ward, beat, district, or state public o ce.

• May not be a close relative of a director or of an employee of the Association as deﬁned in Section 4.14 of the By-Laws.

The information contained in this Notice concerning the qualiﬁcations of a Director and the means and manner of being nominated by Petition for the o ce of Director is a general summary only. The complete policy for Director election is available in the Association By-Laws which may be found on the Association’s website at prvepa.com. In the event of a conﬂict between the summary set out herein and the actual law and By-Laws, the provisions of the law and the By-Laws shall control.

Linemen restore power after March 15 storm

When long-track tornadoes and severe thunderstorms hit Pearl River Valley Electric’s service territory on March 15, PRVEPA linemen went to work restoring nearly 4,000 outages. Some areas were originally impassable, but thanks to contract crews like Looks Great Services, Brett Jones, county road crews, and other ﬁrst responders, linemen from PRVEPA, Coast Electric, 4-County Electric and MDR were able to work on replacing 210 broken poles and countless miles of electrical lines. Restoration took three days, with crews working long hours. Thank you to our linemen, our sister cooperatives, and our contract crews for helping us to restore service for our members.

PEARL RIVER VALLEY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Lineman APPRECIATION

by Jennifer Johnson

This month, we celebrate our linemen for all they do for PEPA and our members! When you see them out and about, take a moment to thank a lineman!

NAMENILListed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in America.

Installs and repairs wires used in electrical power systems. It’s intense work that must be done safely.

No matter the day or hour, a lineman is ready to grab his/her gear and get to work to restore power.

Electricity up to 14,000 volts is the norm. A lineman ensures there is a reliable power supply for residences and businesses in the areas we call home.

Maintenance tasks include inspecting power lines for damage or wear or testing electrical equipment for proper function.

Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial. Working with electricity requires both of these to make sure the linemen and other workers on the site are safe.

Needed, appreciated, and loved by family, friends, and their communities for all they do to keep the lights on.

Apprentice linemen Ben Bond, Corie Lucroy, Seth Moss, and Sam Stewart tested in late February to move into year three of the lineman apprenticeship program. Assistant Foreman Robert Mitchell reported that all four candidates successfully completed their testing. We appreciate the work they have put in to advance to the next level of the program.

Ben Bond Corie Lucroy

Sam Stewart

Seth Moss

GROWING leaders future

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

Pontotoc Electric Power Association students Corban Rock, Adalyn Vandiver, and Leah Clark spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Adalyn Vandiver and Leah Clark sharing a laugh with Rep. Beth Luther Waldo on the second day of the workshop. B. Leah, Corban, and Adalyn posing for the camera, ready to start the workshop with a smile. C. (From left to right) Rep. Jonathan Lancaster, Adalyn, Corban, Leah, and Sen. Ben Suber.

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interactive Learning Leadership

I truly believe this Cooperative Workshop has been life changing. I’ve met new people along the way who will continue to make a di erence in my life. I have also been pushed to think about ways I can change my community and that, alone, is impactful. I will take things from this week and bring them back home to better my county. – Adalyn Vandiver

MILLS EMBRACES CALLING Wearing many hats

by Jennifer Johnson

Like many kids, Cage Mills grew up with a love for playing sports. Football, baseball, basketball, and golf were all part of his high school experience. After graduating from North Pontotoc Attendance Center, Mills had his eye set on coaching as a career path, so he worked to obtain his teaching degree. While doing his student teaching in Tupelo, Mills received an offer from South Pontotoc Attendance Center. He accepted the position and taught U.S. and world history. He also was an assistant football and baseball coach and then became head golf coach.

Three years ago, he was having lunch with a good friend who works for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Lee County. His friend recounted the exciting things happening in their schools through FCA. He mentioned that he would love to have a full-time FCA representative in Pontotoc and asked if Mills knew anyone who would be a possible candidate.

“I started thinking of some folks who might be a good fit, then we finished lunch, and I got ready to leave. I got in my truck and the Lord — in a voice so distinct and clear — asked, “What about you?”

Somewhat like the story of Moses in the Bible, Mills admitted he started back pedaling. “I said, ‘I can’t do it.’ We just had our second child. We just built a house. I have never spoken in front of those kinds of large crowds.”

Mills said taking the job with FCA meant he would have to raise his own financial support to cover his salary and anything needed for his ministry. He said the prospect was a little daunting. “I went through trainings, which were a three-month process. I tried to convince the Lord to let me do it part time so I would still be in the school system for a year.”

Mills said he felt the Lord telling him to fully rely on Him, so he let the principals at South Pontotoc know he would not be coming back. He said he was concerned about losing a paycheck, but he raised the money he needed. He is quick to thank the schools, churches, and individuals who made it possible for his ministry to be successful.

I realized when I listened to God and committed completely to doing this, God’s timing was perfect. “There were some seniors in the schools that God wanted me to get to know and encourage. If I had not listened to Him, I would have missed out on that blessing.”

Another blessing he’s seen is being able to provide a way for lowincome students to attend FCA camps to grow them as young leaders, make a difference in their lives, and help them to grow in their faith walk.

Mills oversees several events to continue the mission God has given him. “We did Coaches Time Out in January, which was aimed at allowing coaches and their spouses to be poured into spiritually. The event included time for them to connect without distractions. We know coaching can be hard on a marriage and family.”

Another event in April is the Night of Champions, which will be held at the Cadence Bank Arena. Two students each from North Pontotoc, South Pontotoc, and Pontotoc City Schools, as well as two from each of the middle schools, will be recognized for going above and beyond as student leaders.

There’s also an FCA golf tournament in April, which is one of their largest fundraisers. Mills said anyone can play, and he’s looking forward to a good crowd of golfers.

Mills’ ministry even reaches to Uganda in East Africa. His FCA chapter has a “change for change” drive every October and November. They send the money they collect to FCA teams ministering there. Additionally, he’s part of a team praying for the country.

Mills said his biggest support comes from wife Meagan, whom he met in 2015. He had noticed when Meagan posted on Facebook about her dad and the kind of man she hoped to eventually marry. That impressed Mills, so he reached out to his brother’s girlfriend and got Meagan’s number. The two started talking and dating. That led to a wedding and, a few years later, two children: Brantley, 6, and Mia Jo, 4.

In addition to spending time with his family and worshipping with his church family at Green Valley Baptist Church, Mills spends his days leading or overseeing “huddles” at each of the schools, which are times for Bible study and conversation for students. He can also be found putting together larger events within the schools, like the Every Rally which reminds students that FAC is not just for athletes and that everyone is invited to take part. He makes it a point to attend sporting events at each of the three Pontotoc schools and cheer on the athletes who are participating.

A busy man, Mills answers to “husband,” “father,” sometimes “coach” or even “Donut Guy” — he purchases lots of them to give to students at their meetings — but no matter the title, he’s accepting the call God has on his life. “My wife and I prayed for awhile that there was something the Lord had for us to do. Never in a million years did I think I would be speaking at churches and large meetings. The Lord is faithful. He can use us if we’re willing.”

To learn more about giving to Cage Mills’ FCA ministry, see his website: MY.FCA.ORG/CAGEMILLS

Pontotoc County FCA Representative Cage Mills said he did not seek God’s will for his career for a while, but once he asked, God showed him exactly where He wanted Mills to be.

The Mills family (clockwise from bottom): Brantley Mills, Meagan Mills, Cage Mills, and Mia Jo Mills.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

LINEMAN APPRECIATION MONTH

With April being National Lineman Appreciation Month, we recognize this unique group of employees who take immense pride in their profession. Line workers are highly skilled and encounter some of the most challenging work conditions, often working in rain, wind, extreme heat and cold, in the dark, and on the side of the road next to fastmoving tra c. Safety is a lineman’s primary focus, as his life and the lives of those who work with him depend on it. Daily, Singing River Electric linemen work with an element of danger that requires constant concentration, with no margin for error.

Singing River Electric linemen go through years of extensive training to

achieve journeyman status. For many, that training started before they arrived at Singing River Electric. Our 25-year partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has proven to be invaluable in hiring individuals who have succeeded in both the classroom and in the ﬁeld to become apprentice linemen and allows for a seamless transition of these new linemen into the workforces of Singing River Electric, other electric cooperatives, and electric contractors.

This month we honor Singing River Electric linemen and all linemen across our great nation for their strength of character and love of family, community, and country. We are grateful for our linemen and all our employees, as well as the families who support them.

by Brian Hughey

Laundry Room Savings

Lower your energy use in the laundry room by washing clothes with cold water whenever possible, as heating water accounts for most of the energy used in a laundry cycle. Wash full loads and use high-e ciency detergent designed for cold washes.

For drying cycles, clean the lint ﬁlter before each load to improve airﬂow and use dryer balls to reduce drying time.

To help spread out your energy demand, wash and dry clothes late in the evening, when other appliances are less likely to be running. This will help control unwanted dryer heat and the demand portion of your electric bill.

RIGHT-OF-WAY TRIMMING

Contractors are or will soon begin clearing trees, limbs, and underbrush around and below the power lines on these streets and surrounding areas to help decrease the number of power outages and reduce the risk of coming in contact with the lines.

 Forts Lake Substation – Forts Lake Road, Constitution Road, Highway 90, Presley’s Outing Road

 Monaco Lake Substation – Old Mobile Highway, Industrial Road, Highway 90

 Aleco Substation – Highway 57, Wire Road, Highway 15, Old Biloxi Road

 Dickerson Sawmill Substation – Old Highway 63, Highway 63, Brushy Creek Road

 Agricola Substation – Highway 613, Barton Agricola Road, Highway 612

Years 25

OF HIRING LINEMAN SCHOOL GRADUATES

In 1999, now retired Singing River Electric General Manager and CEO Lee Hedegaard saw the need to attract and retain qualified linemen since many were reaching retirement age, and our membership was growing. His goal was to develop a workforce for the future – not just for Singing River Electric but for the industry as a whole.

Thanks to Hedegaard’s vision, Singing River Electric partnered with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to create an apprentice electric lineman program at the George County Center. The first class began in August 1999, and Singing River Electric hired the first of many lineman school graduates in December 1999.

“The establishment of the Electrical Lineman Training School will enable us to develop a qualified pool of applicants,” said Hedegaard in 1999 when the program began. “This will not only benefit Singing River Electric and other utilities, but also our customers as having qualified, trained employees adds value to the service they receive.”

The apprentice electric lineman program marked its 25th anniversary with the Fall 2024 class.

Over the past 25 years, 135 linemen have been hired by Singing River Electric, with others hired by fellow Mississippi electric cooperatives and contractors. The program provides a strong foundation with students learning about basic electricity, OSHA regulations, equipment, safety, and other necessary training to begin work in this industry.

Eight graduates of the first lineman school class currently work at Singing River Electric in a variety of roles.

Many Singing River Electric employees and retirees served as instructors for the lineman school over the years, notably the late H.L. Ivey, the late Buck Williams, and current instructors David Eubanks and Russell Fairley.

“This program opened a door for me to get into line work” said SRE Safety Manager Jason Havard. “The class continues to improve and evolve, but even after 25 years, many things are done the same way – apprentice linemen hired have a good foundation in safety and several certifications that prepare them for their new career.”

MGCCC’s apprentice electric lineman program received recognition from the Mississippi Public Education Forum in 2001. Pictured are program founders retired Singing River Electric General Manager Lee Hedegaard (left) and Magnolia Electric Power Chief Engineering and Operations Manager Aaron Achord; Achord worked for contractor Red Simpson at the time.

“On day one of being hired, the apprentice linemen are ready to work with general knowledge and capabilities,” said Field Representative James Daughtery who supervises SRE overhead line crews. “Already having their CDL license and hours logged to achieve climbing and other certifications lets them immediately start getting on-the-job line work experience.”

HELPING DIXIE ELECTRIC

Thirteen Singing River Electric linemen worked in Wayne County’s Beat Four area after a tornado touched down and broke more than 70 poles in Dixie Electric’s service area on Feb. 12. Changing out that many poles and restringing the power lines was long, tedious work that our linemen performed until power restoration was complete. Through Cooperative Principle No. 6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives, electric cooperatives come together to assist with power restoration efforts.

Singing River Electric employees who graduated from the first MGCCC apprentice lineman class in 1999 are (from left) Safety Manager Jason Havard, Construction Foreman I Brandon Fairley, Substation Technician II Jerry Furby, Field Representative James Daughtery, Construction Foreman II Ricky Cain, Field Representative Ryan Bounds, Construction Foreman II Wesley Carlisle, and Serviceman Matt Reeves.

Free Wi -Fi EXPANDS TO GEORGE COUNTY

Singing River Connect now has two places with free Wi-Fi access for the public.

Lum Cumbest Park in Hurley • George County High School baseball ﬁeld

Signs with QR codes are placed throughout Lum Cumbest Park and the George County High School baseball ﬁeld, allowing visitors to download a proﬁle and access Singing River Connect SmartTown Wi-Fi for free.

Visitors can roam freely and stay connected while attending sporting events and other activities.

Singing River Connect subscribers enjoy the same great Wi-Fi service they have at home, and those who are not subscribers can see just how fast ﬁber internet is. See the difference having a trusted, local provider makes. We appreciate our partnerships with Jackson County and George County High School Baseball to provide this service.

Singing River Connect representatives Taylor Switzer, Raven Pipkins, and Karli Pilkington assisted George County High School baseball game attendees with accessing free Wi-Fi and provided the local customer service that sets Singing River Connect apart.

APRIL 2025

Get blazing-fast ﬁber internet from local people you trust.

Step 2: Make-Ready Construction

Replacing, upgrading, and installing poles to allow for ﬁber lines

• Bayou Cassotte

Step 3: Fiber Construction

Running ﬁber lines on poles and burying lines underground

• Kreole

• Monaco Lake

• Singing River Mall

• Gautier

• Fountainbleu

• Hamill Farm

• Ocean Springs

• Gulf Park Estates

• Sunplex • Fort Bayou

Thank you to our Singing River Connect subscribers who completed our email survey! We appreciate the feedback and are using it to shape how we continue bringing our subscribers the best ﬁber internet service and customer service possible.

Congratulations to our residential and business survey drawing winners!

Janice G.

Jarrod F.

Phillip J.

Hurley United Methodist Church

Donald Bunch

Lott Family LLC

Step 4: Splicing

Connecting ﬁber lines to the network

• St. Martin

• Martin Blu

• Hickory Hills

Step 5: Service Drop & Drop

Splicing & Step 6: Installation

Bringing mainline ﬁber to the exterior of your home and connecting your home to blazing-fast ﬁber internet

• Tucker Road

• Forts Lake

• Helena

• Helena Industrial

• Escatawpa South

• All previously opened areas

GROWING leadersfuture

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson on February 26-28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

This program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

Singing River Electric representatives Camila Cristobal from George County High School, Aliya Douglas from St. Martin High School, and Brett Jackson from East Central High School met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in leadership and problem-solving activities, and listened to speeches from Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Secretary of State Michael Watson, and political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey.

Camila, Aliya, and Brett earned the trip to the workshop following a competitive selection process in the fall during Singing River Electric’s Cooperative University event. They will travel to Washington, D.C. in June for a seven-day youth leadership tour.

A. Camila, Brett, and Aliva smiled for the camera in front of the Capitol. B. (From left to right) Senator Chris Johnson, Representative Steve Lott, Senator Robin Robinson, and Senator Mike Seymour joined the students for breakfast and a photo. The students also visited with Representative Elliot Burch and Senator Dennis DeBar Jr. C. Camila, Aliya, and Brett participated in team-building exercises throughout the workshop.

A ordability and Reliability: Two Key Factors for Cooperatives

As I have shared with you before, our mission is to enhance the quality of life of our members and community by safely providing reliable electric energy at an a ordable price. Here at Southern Pine, and with co-ops across the country, balancing a ordability and reliability is one of the greatest challenges that we face.

I reported to our members during the ﬁ rst quarter of 2021 that it would be necessary to adjust the rates. At that time, there had been no changes to the residential rates for over a decade, and we chose to make small adjustments over three to ﬁ ve years rather than at one time. We did this to help ease the strain on our members’ pocketbook while still providing a way for us to update and maintain the system’s reliability.

E ective April 1, 2025, we made a third adjustment to the residential service charge. This adjustment brought the current residential service charge to $1.30 per day for an average increase of $4.50 per month, regardless of the amount of electricity that you use. This charge is a ﬁ xed monthly fee that covers the cost of maintaining the electricity grid infrastructure, including power lines, poles, transformers, and meters, which are necessary to deliver electricity to your home.

Rising costs of everything in our industry — poles, transformers, meters, line, and materials — quickly consumes the funds collected from this service charge, yet we understand the frustration that members feel with any increase, however small. Our commitment to you has not changed over the last 87 years as we still work hard to ﬁ nd ways to make electricity a ordable for everyone while ensuring that you always have a reliable supply of power when needed.

To view all the rates, fees, and charges, please visit our website at southernpine.coop.

Thank you, members, for your support. We will always be clear and upfront about the reasons behind any increase, and will continue to focus on a ordability and reliability, to make sure you are receiving the service you deserve and expect as we continue to bring the power.

by Chris K. Rhodes

GROWING leaders future

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

Southern Pine Electric students Addison Barry, Brenna Lintner-Davis, Corinne Allen, Jayden Smith, Macie Morrow, and Tyson McLaurin spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Addison Barry was awarded a $500 scholarship.. B Southern Pine youth leaders take photos on the ﬁrst day of workshop. Pictured are (front row) Tyson McLaurin, Brenna Lintner-Davis, and Macie Morrow and (back row) Corinne Allen, Jayden Smith, and Addison Barry. C. (From left to right) Sen. Robin Robinson, Rep. Charles Blackwell, Macie Morrow, Rep. Donnie Scoggins, Addison Barry, Sen. Josh Harkins, Tyson McLaurin, Sen. Joey Fillingane, Corrine Allen, Rep. Price Wallace, Brenna Lintner-Davis, Sen. Albert Butler, Jayden Smith, and Rep. Lee Yancey. D. (From left to right) Sen. Brian Rhodes, Tyson McLaurin, Sen. Chris Johnson, Brenna Lintner-Davis, Rep. Price Wallace, Macie Morrow, Sen. Tyler McCaughn, Jayden Smith, Sen. Joey Fillingane, Addison Barry, Corrine Allen, and Sen. Andy Berry.

interactive Learning Leadership

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The Cooperative Youth Leader Program recognizes your leadership abilities and strengthens them. The entire program is unique and absolutely amazing! - Tyson McLaurin

SOUTHERN PINE LINEMEN:

O en Working Under Cover of Darkness

While the rest of us sleep, the linemen of Southern Pine Electric are hard at work, battling the elements to keep the lights on. In the dead of night — when homes are quiet, families are resting, and the world is still — these dedicated men stand ready.

Storms don’t wait for daylight, and neither do our linemen. When lightning ﬂashes and winds howl, they answer the call, leaving their own families asleep at home to restore power for yours. Climbing poles in the darkness, wading through ﬂoodwaters, and braving the cold, they work tirelessly so that when the sun rises, life can go on as usual.

Their dedication goes unseen by most, but it never goes unnoticed. Every restored light, every warm home, every humming appliance is proof of their sacriﬁce. While members of Southern Pine sleep soundly, these men push forward, ensuring electricity ﬂows safely and reliably, no matter the hour.

This month, as we celebrate Lineman Appreciation Day, we say thank you to our Southern Pine linemen. Thank you for your courage, commitment, and willingness to serve—even in the darkest hours. While the rest of us sleep, you stand watch, keeping our homes and lives powered.

COOPERATIVE LEADERS WORKSHOP

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

Southwest Electric students – Cooper Creel, Payshunce Hall, Kynnedi Smith, and Keldrick Wilson – spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem-solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

GROWING leaders future

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson also spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Kynnedi Smith, Keldrick Wilson, Payshunce Hall, and Cooper Creel smiling for the camera on the ﬁrst day of the workshop.

B. Southwest Electric students visit the Capitol in Jackson. C.

(From left to right) Sen. Jason Barrett, Kynnedi Smith, Cooper Creel, Rep. Vince Mangold, Payshunce Hall, Keldrick Wilson, and Sen. Albert Butler.

LINEMEN are wired for service

In the quiet hours before dawn breaks, while many of us are still nestled in our beds, linemen begin their day, often clad in ﬂameresistant clothing, safety goggles, rubber gloves and thick, heavy boots. They are the individuals who epitomize dedication to service in its purest form. As we celebrate Lineman Appreciation Month in April, this is an important moment to reﬂect on the essential role they play in our daily lives.

Amid towering utility poles and power lines, linemen exhibit a strength that goes far beyond the physical. Whether battling inclement weather, troubleshooting technical problems or navigating treacherous heights, linemen demonstrate resilience and a quiet determination to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable, and our communities connected.

Southwest Electric crews travel across our service territory building, maintaining, and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible — a lifeline that connects us all.

Southwest Electric linemen also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow cooperatives, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than linemen.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — linemen, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life.

LINEMAN APPRECIATION Month

Thank You!

SMALL/MEDIUM TREES

30-35 feet from lines

• Bradford Pear

• Dogwood

• Flowering Dogwood

• Ornamental Crabapple

• Plum

• Service Berry

• Cedar

Fig

• Holly • Persimmon • Redbud • Sourwood

Avoid planting anything within 20 feet of the power lines

LARGE TREES

40-45 feet from lines

• Ash

• Cotton Wood

• Elm

• Magnolia

• Poplar

• Spruce

• Walnut

• White Oak

• Cherry

• Cypress

• Hickory

• Pine

• Red Oak

• Sycamore

• Willow

Hollandale - 662-827-2262 | Belzoni - 662-247-1909 | Greenville - 662-334-9543 | Rolling Fork - 662-873-4233 | REPORT OUTAGES 866-897-7250

Twin County Electric crews travel across our service territory, building, maintaining, and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible — a lifeline that connects us all.

In moments of crisis, when the lights go out and we ﬁnd ourselves in the dark, lineworkers emerge as beacons of hope. Their swift response restores normalcy,

o ering reassurance in times of uncertainty. Whether repairing storm-ravaged power lines or ensuring continuity during emergencies, their unwavering commitment illuminates life when we need it most.

Twin County Electric lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.

This month as we celebrate the remarkable lineworkers who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life. Whether

by Leslie Holloway

APRIL IS LINEWORKER APPRECIATION MONTH

Our lineworkes are essential to the life of our community. Without their exceptional dedication and commitment, we simply would not have the reliability that we need for everyday life. We are thankful for the lineworkers at Twin County EPA and appreciate the sacriﬁces and dedication they endure while getting the power restored e ciently and safely. Please join us in honoring their courage, commitment, and contribution to our members, the cooperative, and our communities.

General Manager

GROWING leadersfuture

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

Twin County Electric Power Association students Schyla Johnson and Walker Garrett spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

A. Walker Garrett and Schyla Johnson take photos on the ﬁrst day of the workshop. B. Schyla and Walker display their leadership awards C. (From left to right) Twin County Electric Power Association youth leaders Walker Garrett and Schyla Johnson with Sen. Robin Robinson.

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interactive Learning Leadership

I had a great time. I was super out of my comfort zone but it forced me to meet new people and make new friends. Overall, I learned many social skills and team skills that I will be able to go home and apply. All in all, great experience. – Walker Garrett

Cooperative Day at the State Capitol

General managers and employees of Mississippi’s electric cooperatives gathered at the state Capitol Feb. 20 to celebrate the ﬁrst annual Cooperative Day.

Twin County General Manager Leslie Holloway along with lineworkers and sta visited with state lawmakers to talk about the importance of the state’s relationship with Mississippi’s electric co-ops and how the partnership of power leads to better local communities.

Twin County Electric congratulates Maggie Martin

Maggie Martin, a Starkville Academy senior and member of 4-County Electric, was chosen this year as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Youth Leadership Council national spokesperson.

Even though Martin lives in Starkville, she has strong family ties to the Twin County service area.

Martin’s parents Anna Katherine (Black) and Andrew Martin are both from Sharkey County and graduated from Sharkey Issaquena Academy.

Her grandparents, Robert and Chris Martin, live in Issaquena County. Ern and Kay Black are former residents of Rolling Fork.

Twin County proudly supports Maggie Martin and other NRECA Youth Leadership Council delegates. Maggie, congratulations on your achievement!

Community Events

APRIL 5

The 48th World Catfish Festival

The festival is held in downtown Belzoni and boasts many food vendors and more than 100 arts and craft vendors. Visitors will enjoy live music and the crowning of Miss Catfish. Twin County proudly sponsors the Catfish Festival and the Miss Catfish scholarship program.

Statement of Nondiscrimination

TWIN COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION, an electric power association formed under the laws of the State of Mississippi, does not and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or age in connection with its provision of services, employment practices, selection of volunteers and vendors, or any other aspect of its operations.

Twin County is an equal opportunity employer. It does not and will not discriminate in recruitment, advertisements for employment, hiring, compensation, discipline, termination, promotions, or any other aspect of its employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Twin County’s General Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating Twin County Electric Power Association’s nondiscrimination compliance. Any individual who has questions or believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination in violation of this policy should direct such questions or complaints to Twin County’s General Manager, Post O ce Box 158, Hollandale, Mississippi 38748. Upon receiving a complaint, Twin County will promptly conduct an impartial investigation, and take appropriate corrective and preventive actions, if any, required in response to each complaint. Conﬁdentiality will be maintained to the extent possible consistent with Twin County’s obligations to investigate and remedy complaints. No person shall be subject to retaliation for ﬁling a complaint.

Yazoo Valley crews travel across our service territory, building, maintaining, and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible — a lifeline that connects us all.

Yazoo Valley lineworkers also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops, near or far, when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than lineworkers.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you ﬂip a switch, please take a moment to remember those who make it possible — lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life.

GROWING leadersfuture

A group of 84 high school juniors from all over the state gathered in Jackson from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 for the 38th Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Cooperative Leaders Workshop.

The program instills leadership skills, inspires creative thinking, encourages community service, and introduces students to legislative elected o cials from their communities.

The conference was held at The Westin in downtown Jackson.

Yazoo Valley students Kenzie Ray and Caroline Swa ord spent the three days in Jackson with other students from around the state. They met with their state lawmakers, toured the state capitol, participated in problem solving activities, and attended speeches by motivational speakers — including one by political cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — who urged them to serve their communities.

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Secretary of State Michael Watson spoke to the students during the workshop.

AA. Caroline Swa ord and Kenzie Ray exploring the Capitol in Jackson. B. Caroline and Kenzie receiving their Leadership awards at the conclusion of the workshop. C. (From left to right) Advisor Rebecca Yeates, Kenzie Ray, Sen. Briggs Hopson, Caroline Swa ord, and Advisor Jason Patterson.

interactive Learning Leadership

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This was the experience of a life time from meeting new friends to learning new things. I’m so blessed.

– Caroline Swa ord

summer savings Prep Now For

How can I prepare my home for lower energy bills this summer?

Aby Miranda Boutelle

Spring is in the air, and before you know it, summer will be here. There are many ways to get a jump start on preventing summertime high bills and energy waste.

If you have a photovoltaic solar system, run your dishwasher or do laundry when your system produces the most electricity, which is typically during the sunny mid-day.

Incorporate these tips into your summer prep to save energy and lower your bills.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

Cooking outdoors lets you avoid using your stove and oven, which heats up your home and leads to higher energy use.

A place for Mississippi’s toughest kids

Before long, it will be summertime and thousands of children will be ﬂocking to summer camp and taking part in canoe races, softball games, swimming, and fellowship. Unfortunately, not all children are able to have this type of experience. Those with special needs — medical, physical, or mental — cannot enjoy the same summertime fun as other children. Lucky for these children there was a woman who had a dream and a vision of a place where these special needs children could go and enjoy camp life and still get the medical attention they need. This woman was Mary Kitchens and her dream and vision has now become a reality.

Camp Kamassa is Mississippi’s only year-round, fully handicap-accessible camp for children and adults with chronic illness, physical and intellectual challenges, and other special needs. The name, “Kamassa” (pronounced Kuh-MAH-suh), comes from the Choctaw language and means “toughness; to persevere under di culties and not give up.” How appropriate considering the campers and families who will use this facility.

I ﬁrst learned of Camp Kamassa from Southwest Electric CEO Kevin Bonds. The camp is in Southwest Electric’s service territory and Southwest, its board, and employees have been big supporters. Kevin brought the camp to the attention of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s board of directors and co-ops from all over Mississippi have supported Camp Kamassa over the last seven years.

While I have been supporter of the camp and participated in fundraising events, I had never seen the place until March 7. Deb McGee, the human resources and public relations specialist for Southwest, invited me down for a visit. “Southwest employees are going to have a workday that Friday,” Deb said.

“It would be a great time for you to ﬁnally visit, and don’t worry, no one expects you to work.” That last part stung a little, but I realized she was referencing my cane, as I am still recovering from back surgery, and not my lack of skill or talent.

Tanya Mohawk, the executive director, gave me a golfcart tour of the facility and showed me around. I visited a huge activity center, where children will be able to experience woodworking, pottery, needle working, and even a performance room for plays or skits. Of course there are rooms for the campers, all wheelchair accessible, and even family cabins. There is a medical clinic, so children can continue to receive the medical treatment they need while attending camp. The magniﬁcent zero entry swimming pool was gorgeous. Even the ﬂoating pier on the lake has runners to hold the canoe steady while campers take their seat. The camp was much more impressive than I had originally imagined.

Camp Kamassa will open to its first campers in mid-May. However, the work is not completed. Mary and Tanya still have some big plans, and they need support to finish Camp Kamassa. Please read our cover story and consider giving to help finish this wonderful facility. No amount is too small, and all donations will be appreciated. Camp Kamassa will be an incredible miracle for Mississippi’s toughest kids.

by Michael Callahan

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Sipp & Savor

The MAX April 12

Threefoot Festival

Downtown Meridian April 18–19

Earth’s Bounty + First Saturday

The MAX • May 3

Bud N’ Boilin’ Singing Brakeman Park May 3

Meridian Symphony

Beethoven & Blue Jeans

MSU Riley Center • May 3

Jimmie Rodgers Music Festival

Downtown Meridian • May 12–18