For 31 years,Anthony Marshall has beena familiar face atAce Power. His journeybegan on March2, 1995, when he walked throughthe doors as a nervous new employee. Fortunately, he wasn't alone.
Todd Hajek started the same day, making thatfirst stepinto a new career a little easier.
"I remember being so nervous,"Anthonyrecalled. "If I remember correctly, it had snowed, and we spent about a week workingin the warehouse. I went home andtold my wife it was the easiest job I'd ever had."
That opinion quicklychanged.
Anthony's first position was a newly createdrole called a Laborer. His job wasto follow behind the right-of-way tractor and hand-cut the brushand vegetationleft behind around poles, fence rows, and ditch banks.
"After that first week, I went home and told my wife it was the hardest job I'd ever had," he laughed.
The experience taught himone of the most important lessonsof his career: the value of hardwork and productivity.
After three yearsas a laborer,
Anthonyadvanced tothe line crewas a Ground Man.There,he learned how to frame and set poles, read job prints, identify materials,and understandhow each component fit intobuilding and maintaining the electrical system.The position alsointroduced him tothe entire county as crewsworked in everycornerof the service area.
Beingplaced on call was a milestone he still remembers fondly.
"I thought that wasthe coolest thingever because I got to drive a pickuptruck home," he said.
Anthony spent 15years onthe line crew before setting his sights onanother goal.WhenAce Power began buildinga new warehouse, he knewthatwas where he wanted to be.
As the years passed, he approached then-General Manager Don Rinehart about his interest in working in the warehouse. Eventually, afterthe facility was completed, Rinehart approachedAnthony and askedif he was still interested.
"I smiledreal big and said, 'Yes, sir'; Don didn't forget me."
Anthony has worked in the warehouse ever since and now serves as Warehouse Manand Storage Clerk, overseeing all power and fiber materials used
by the cooperative.
Today,Anthony's responsibilities are significant. He orders, receives, inventories, andmanages all warehouse materials, ensuring line crews and fiber crews have everythingtheyneed to perform their jobs efficiently.
"If I don't have the materials to keep the guys working, I'd probablybe lookingfor another job," he joked.
Fortunately, he was trained by some of the best people in the business.
Throughout his career, Anthony has been blessedwith mentors who helped shape him intothe employee andleader he is today. He credits hisUncle Eurl "Boots"Wyke for recommending him toJimNannyand Don Rinehart when he first sought employment atAce Power.
Onthe line crew, Jim Benjamin became a major influence.
"Jimtaught me so much about building the grid from the ground up,"Anthony said. "We became soclose thatpeople started calling him mydaddy."
His uncle Robert"Rope" Patterson also played a major role, teaching him how to drive stick-shift trucks and pushing him to strive for excellence.
"He was probably the hardest on me because he wanted me to be the best worker and truck operator inthe business."
Peace is the passport to prayer. Where peace reigns, panic retreats. Peace replaces fear with faith and gives us the boldness to seek God with confidence. —Author Unknown
Stop by our new location at 712 S. Tate St., Corinth, Mississippi, or contact me, Jerry W. Porter, at (662) 643-6842, or visit us on Facebook to get more information on this ministry. If you wish to make a donation to this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Please use the Cash App at $SuitsYouToo or mail your donation to PO Box 1292, Corinth, MS 38835.
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MONEY
IsRefinancingYourHome aSmartMoveforYou?
(StatePoint) Refinancing
a home can be a smart move – if youtime it well and understandthe factors involved.
Refinancing means replacingyour current mortgage with a new one, and doingso will result in a new rate, term and monthlypayment.While refinancing does have some upfront costs,takingthis step could improve your financial situation.
Reasons to Refinance
Some of the best times to consider refinancing include:
•When mortgage rates are lowerthanthe rate of your current mortgage. Even small differences in mortgage rates can have a big impact on your monthly payment, and the total cost of your loan.
•When your financial situationhas improved and you can secure a loan with a shorterterm to build equity in your home faster.
•When your adjustablerate mortgage is adjusting upward and you want to convert to a fixed-rate mortgage for the security
of consistent payments.
•When you’ve built up significant equityinyour home and could use the moneyfrom a cash-out refinance for home improvements or to improve your financialsituation.With a cash-out refinance, you’re refinancing your mortgage for more than you currently owe.In return, you’re getting a portion of your equityback in cash.
Key Factors to Consider
Although refinancing your mortgage could save you money inthe long and short term,it isn’t free.The total cost to refinance your mortgage will be determined by your lender,credit score and location.As a generalrule,you can expect to spend 3-6% of your loanprincipalon a refinance.
Aquick checktosee if refinancing makes financial sense for you is to calculate how long it will take to recoupthe costsof the refinance. To do this, take the total cost associated with the refinance and divide it byyour monthly savings.
Note that this model will not workfor cash-out refinances or if you are refinancing to reduce the term of your loan.
You’llalso want to consider when youplan to move, and whether you’re going to significantly extendyour loan term. For example, if youhave 20 years lefton your 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and you refinance into a 30year fixed-rate mortgage, you’ve essentially extended the term of your loan and will pay more interest over the life of the loan asa result.
You should workclosely with a lender todiscuss options that fit your goals. You can refinance through your existing lender or a new lender.What’s most important is that the lender you choose istrustworthy and offers competitive rates and terms.
Crunch the Numbers
To determine how much it will cost youtorefinance your mortgage, and how much moneyyou can save by doing so,lean onfree online resources. Freddie Mac’s tools and refinance calculators can help you estimate payments, compare optionsand ultimately evaluate whetherrefinancing aligns withyour financial goals.Visit My Home by Freddie Mac at myhome.freddiemac.com to access these resources. When it comesto refinancing, timing is everything. Before taking this step, ensure it’s the right move for you now.
(c) Jacob Wackerhausen / iStock via Getty Images Plus
StrongMinds,StrongFathers:Men’sMentalHealthinJune
Special tothe CNF June is a special month. It’s a time when we honor fathers, father figures, mentors,andthe menwho standin the gap for families, communities, andchildren who need guidance.
Father’s Day is not just about ties,grills, and cards—it’s also a moment to recognize something deeper: the mentaland emotional health of men.
For generations, many men were taught tobe strong, silent, and steadyno matterwhat life brought their way. “Handle it,” “push through,” and “don’t show weakness” became the unwritten rules.While strength is important, silence cansometimes
become a burden that weighs heavy onthe mind and heart.
Mental health is not a sign of weakness. It is part of being human. Just like a car needs maintenance to keep runningsmoothly, the mindneeds care, attention, and honest check-ins.
Stress, grief, pressure, and responsibility don’t disappear just because they are ignored.They build up quietly, andover time, they can affect sleep, relationships, work,andoverall peace of mind.
The good news is that more men are beginningto speak up. More fathers are learningthat it is okay to say,“I’m overwhelmed,” “I need help,” or “I’m not
MARSHALL....from page 1
AnthonyalsocreditsJerry"Bull" Manessfor teachinghim attention to detail, John Lee Crow for helping him maintain perspective, and Don Rinehart and Jim Nanny for believing in him.
One mentor who hada particularlyprofound impact wasHarold Peters.When Anthony entered the warehouse, Harold taught him the purchasing side of the operationand helped him understand inventory management, organization, vendor relations, and the businessside of the cooperative.
"Haroldtaught me how to organize and keepit organized,"Anthony said. "I learnedhow to purchase materials, receive shipments, and work withsales representatives.I learned the ins and outs of the business through Harold."
AnthonyalsocreditsSean McGrath and Eddie Howard for helpinghim transition into the warehouse role.At the time, the computer systems andpaperwork seemed overwhelming.
"I called Sean every day with questions,"Anthonylaughed. "Finally, he told me to figure it out and that if I tore something up, he'dfix it. Looking back, I'm thankful he did because it forced me to
do not take awaymanhood—they protect it.They protectfamilies, friend-
learn."
Over three decades,Anthony has witnessed manychangesatAcePower. Amongthem, one stands above the rest.
"The biggest thing I've ever seenis us providing internet service to all ofAlcorn County," he said proudly. "I'mproud to say
I had a small part in that."
WhileAnthonyhasenjoyed many accomplishments during hiscareer, one experience means more than anyprofessional achievement.
"The most rewardingpart of my career was getting to workside by side with my two sons."
That sense of family and commitment was put to the test during the Ice Stormof 2026,known to many asWinter Storm Fern.
Aswarehouse leader,Anthony's responsibility was to ensure crews had the materials necessary torestore power quickly and safely. Hisbiggest challenge was maintaining an adequate supply of utility polesandfuel.
"I'm pretty sure I orderedpoles and fuel every day," he said.
However,Anthonyis quick to share the credit with others whosteppedup during the crisis.He recognizes JohnEaton, Oliver Eaton, Kaden Sanders,andJake
ThisFather’s Day season is a reminder that the strongest men are not the
Allen for their tireless efforts.
inside but the oneswhoare willingto be real, seek support, pray, talk, and heal.
"Those young men and I were able to issue materialsto nearly 400 workersand keep thembusy throughout the recovery effort."
The stormreinforced severalimportant lessons.
"Ferntaught me toalways be ready and prepared for situations thatmay not go my way. It taught me patience and reminded me thateverything will be okay."
Anthony's phone rang almost nonstop for a month as concerned customers sought updates and assistance. His mission was simple: make sure everyresident ofAlcorn County knewsomeone was working hard to restore their power.
"My main concern was making sure people knew we had it under control and that we were determined to get their power restored as quickly as possible."
As he reflects on 31 yearsof service, Anthony remains grateful not onlyfor his coworkers and mentorsbut also for the support of his family.
He especially recognizes his wife, Kelly, of 31 years, whostood beside him throughout his career and even helped clearstormdebris afterthe ice storm recovery efforts ended.
"I'd like tothank my wife for always
Strengthisnot just foundin endurance—it is also found in honesty.
To everyfather,grandfather, uncle, coach, and mentor: your mind matters just asmuch as your responsibilitiesdo.Taking care of your mentalhealth is not steppingaway from your role—itisstrengthening your ability to fulfill it.
So this June,aswe celebrate fathers, let’s also encourage conversation, connection, and care.Let’s remind the men inour lives that theydon’t have to carry everything alone.
He alsoproudly speaks of his sons, Austin andAlex, and theirwives,Ashley and Emme, whom he considers daughters.
Whenasked whatadvice he wouldoffer young employeesjust starting their careers,Anthony's answer is straightforward.
"Soak upthe knowledge from the older guys. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't think youknow it all. I've been here 31years and still learnsomething new almost every day."
He alsostressesAce Power'scommitment to safety.
"The Board and the employees' first priority is safety first."
Looking back overmore than three decades,Anthony is proud of the relationshipshe's built,the challenges he's overcome, and the opportunities he's been given. His personal motto continues to guide himtoday:
"Whether your job is big or small, do it well or not atall."
From a nervous young laborer in 1995 to the trustedleader ofAce Power's warehouse operations today,Anthony Marshall's story is a testament to hard work,humility, teamwork, anda lifelong commitment to serving others.
"IheardtheSpiritofGodaskingme,'Willyou serveMe?WillyoupreachMyWord?'"Poole recalled.Toconfirmhiscalling,heaskedGodfor threeunmistakablesigns.Godansweredallthree,settinghimonapaththatwoulddefinetherestofhis life.
Suits You Too Men’s Clothing Ministry is here to help men step into life’s important moments with confidence and dignity.
Whether it’s a job interview, wedding, funeral, or special occasion, we provide the attire you need for a fresh start. We don’t just offer clothing—we offer a hand up.
For more information, contact Jerry W. Porter at (662) 643-6842 or visit 712 S. Tate St., Corinth, MS 38834.
