April 2022

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

P.O. Box 127 Graceville, FL 32440-0127

West Florida Electric, Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

Simple Steps that Help Hold Down Your Bills Pages 10-11

WISEFLY AUTO GLASS Est. 2007

Windshield Replacements Call Now (850) 387-2400 • Any Glass • Any Vehicle

MV100767

Energy Efficiency Tip:

When streaming content, use the smallest device that makes sense for the number of people watching.

Avoid streaming on game consoles, which uses 10 times more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop.

Free Pool Water Testing!

Deck Kits!

6x8 8x10 10x12 12x16

Pole Barn Kits Available Several to choose from.

Pool Supplies

Bulk Chlorine, Salt & Chemicals In Stock Now!

Streaming content with electronic equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR® rating uses 25-30% less energy than standard equipment.

www.panhandlesalvage.com

Source: Dept. of Energy

850-547-9354 • 405 W. Hwy. 90 • Bonifay, FL

Case Knives on Sale!

Many more sizes to choose from!

Soil Mulch Manure & Rock Available Now

Panhandle Lumber & Supply

It’s not just about how much electricity you use but when you use it. During peak hours, simply delay chores that require electricity, like washing & drying clothes. Shift your use of large appliances and hot water to off-peak times to save.

INSIDE ...

ISSUE APRIL 2022

...pgs. 3-4

Official Notice of 2022 Annual Meeting

...pg. 5

Youth Tour Winners ...pgs. 7-8 Announced A Benefit You Don’t Have to Take to the ...pg. 12 Bank Lineworkers Always Rise to the ...pgs. 13-14 Challenge

Tri-State Leader of Barn Kit & Deck Kit Sales Since 1997

*Prices subject to change. Call to confirm.*

Busy Legislative Session Adjourns

Read Online www.WestFlorida.coop

VOL

72, NO 4

Local Classifieds

...pgs. 17-18

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

ST!”

HALL Roofing, Siding & Building, LLC

USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 72, NO 4

Current Light Flashes is the official voice of West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., a member-owned Touchstone Energy® cooperative serving Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. It is published as a service to the Co-op’s members. Periodicals postage is paid at Graceville, Florida.

WFEC Board of Trustees

Mold Removal Remodels Water Damage Additions Fire Damage New Construction

“If You’ve Called the Rest • Now Call The B BE

Residential • Commercial

New Construction, Re-Roof, Additions & Repairs Shingle • Metal & More!

Andy Hall 850.557.3368

Over 21 Years Professional Experience 5 Years Labor Warranty • Licensed & Insured

Brent Hall 850.718.7314

# CBC1260614 • # CCC1330769 Free Estimates • 24 Hour Emergency Service

24 Hour Emergency Response

Serving Northwest Florida!

CBC1255149, CCC1330340, MRSR9

A perfectly cut lawn.

Now for a perfectly matched offer.

Serving the Area for Over 60 Years

Rent-All • We have everything you need! Equipment Rentals, Tractors, Trenchers, Etc. Septic Tank Service, Installation & Repair • Mobile Home Pads • Land Clearing • Excavation • Dirt • Rock • Culverts

Ph: (850) 547-3658

Plant Trees Safely

Tim

TATUM

ALFORD

District 1

District 2

Z200

Together we do more.®

Gas powered

Get a fast, professional-level cut with precise, effortless control.

And legendary Kubota quality. Demo the Z200 today.

John

Jackie

ADAMS

POOSER

District 4 / Secretary-Treasurer

District 3

$0 DOWN 0% APR 36 MONTHS Panhandle Tractor • (850) 526-2257 5003 Highway 90 • Marianna, Florida 32446

MEDIUM TREE ZONE

Avoid planting within 20 ft. of power lines. If planting is unavoidable, only plant shrubs and small trees that reach a mature height of 15 ft. or less.

Plant medium trees (under 40 ft. when mature) at least 25 ft. away from power lines.

KubotaUSA.com

David

George Clayton

District 5

District 6

CORBIN

OWENS

Randy

Joe E.

BUSH

RONE

District 7 / Vice President

District 8 / President

Trees, Too.

We know everyone in our community enjoys the beauty and shade trees provide. But trees and power lines can be a dangerous mix without regular trimming during the growing season.

(850) 676-1802

Frank E.

Myron

BONDURANT Attorney

District 9

Ty

Executive VP/CEO

PAGE 2

Over 40 ft.

Keep shrubs at least 10 ft. away from transformer doors & 4 ft. away from sides.

4 ft.

10 ft.

1010 ft. ft.

We offer both roll off containers & dumpster trailers to better service your needs.

Together We Can Stay Safe

20 ft. 3030ft. ft. 40 40ft.ft.

20 ft.

50 ft.

50 ft.

60 ft.70 ft.70 ft.

Digging too close to a pad-mounted transformer can damage underground cables, leading to electrical shock or interruptions in service. Use caution when landscaping. Call 811 before you dig and stay safe.

60 ft.

HWY. 77 BINGO, INC. (850) 263-7788

•H elps us restore power outages more quickly

Paper Only Bingo. Located across the street from Graceville High School.

Open 6 days a week. Closed Tuesdays. Session at 7:30 nightly.

• K eeps crews and members of our community safe

$50 payouts before & after session. Pull tab games up to $1,000!

Friday nights: All sessions pay $250!

Saturdays: Jackpot games @ 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 & 10 Sundays: Balloon games - win up to $250!

Wednesdays & Sundays: T-shirt night

•R educes unexpected costs for repairs PEEL

Plant large trees (over 40 ft. when mature) at least 50 ft. away from power lines.

Maximum tree height 15 ft.

• K eeps power lines clear of tree limbs

HUDSON

LARGE TREE ZONE

Graceville, Florida

www.brianshauling.com

40 ft. high or less

00

If you see us out in the community trimming, remember the many benefits it brings:

Dumpster Rental 7 day rentals: 10 yard • $325 • 20 yard • $400

Before you dig, call 811 to locate buried utility lines.

LOW TREE ZONE

© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2022. $0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for 36 months available on purchases of new Kubota Z200 series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation USA; subject to credit approval. Example: 36 monthly payments of $27.78 per $1,000 financed. Some exceptions apply. Offers expire 6/30/22. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only.

Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your Dealer or KubotaUSA.com.

We

955 Tate Drive Dothan, Alabama 334-792-8408 • dplinc@graceba.net

Middlebrooks Contractors, Inc. Plumbing • Electrical Licensed & Insured

David

Providing quality printing and service to the Florida panhandle and south Alabama since 1961.

Trimming improves service reliability for you, the members we serve.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE APRIL 2022

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE! (1.844.688.2431) PAGE 19

Real Estate

Vehicles

Twenty-two acres, hobby farm, 3BR/2BA, needs work, 2 ponds, 2 wells, old barn, $179,000; 850-547-0157 or 850-768-3608.

2004 Thunderbird hardtop convertible, 61,000 miles, $15,000; 850-573-5102.

16x70 mobile home on 16.25 acres, for sale by owner, Grand Ridge area, beautiful front & back decks, four storage units, $89,000; 850-592-2655, texts only, please.

WANTED

Recreational Vehicles 50 HP Evinrude E-tech outboard, good condition, runs good, controls included, make offer; 850-206-2329.

Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, collections and estates, will buy, trade and sell; 850-326-3437.

Handyman, who can do plumbing, electrical and almost anything; 850-419-0696, leave message.

License plates from any state, Horses; mules; donkeys; goats; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532. mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.

150-500 acres of pasture land, in Holmes or Washington Counties; 850-234-7070.

FREE

Queen sofa bed; 850-557-4327.

Since 1969

4” to 12”

Water Well Drilling & Pump Repair Residential, Commercial, Agricultural Water Analysis & Treatment

850-263-8064

Notification Statement

Notice is hereby given that the West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. Board of Trustees regularly meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, unless special circumstances warrant a change.

Main Business and Publications Offices 5282 Peanut Road Graceville, Florida 32440-0127 (850) 263-3231 or 1-800-342-7400 Subscription Rate Cooperative members, $2.50 per year Non-members, $6.00 per year Change of Address Notices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Current Light Flashes P. O. Box 127 Graceville, Florida 32440-0127 DISCLAIMER: Although paid advertisements may appear in West Florida Electric (WFEC) publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, WFEC does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. WFEC reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish any advertisement, article or information.

This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

PAGE 18

Take advantage of Medicare plans with a variety of benefits.

When you are turning 65, your opportunity to enroll in Medicare plan begins. I can meet with you one-on-one to discuss your unique needs and answer any questions you may have about AARP® Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare®.

Get one-on-one help. Call me today.

Gene Alford

Licensed Sales Agent 850-209-1381, TTY 711 www.MyUHCagent.com/gene.alford Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organizationwith a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. AARP isn’t an insurer, doesn’t recommend products, and encourages you to evaluate your needs. AARP does not employ or endorse Y0066_21SPRJ56516_C SPRJ56516B agents, producers or brokers. ©United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Busy Legislative Session Adjourns

T

he Florida Electric Cooperatives Association’s (FECA) primary focus is to monitor and analyze bills and work with legislators on any legislation impacting you, our members, while ensuring our not-for-profit electric co-ops are able to continue their mission providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. Much of this is handled during Florida’s legislative session which ended on March 14.

This session, the Florida Legislature was required to complete the process of redrawing Ty Peel, Executive VP & CEO state legislative and congressional boundaries, called redistricting. This requires apportioning each seat with an equal number of constituents to ensure citizens receive representation. The Legislature successfully passed the House and Senate legislative maps. In early March, the Florida Supreme Court upheld the validity of the new district lines for the state House and Senate maps, although legal challenges could still be filed by various groups in other courts. The House and Senate passed two Congressional District maps but await action by the Governor and any challenges brought to the courts.

WFEC is also exploring funding options available through the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package which was passed into law by the federal government. It includes investment and funding opportunities for electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. This includes funding for projects like grid modernization and resiliency, physical and cybersecurity projects, and clean energy technologies. Some of the grants and funding opportunities cover specific projects like grid hardening efforts of the existing electric grid to reduce the risk of power lines causing wildfires and to mitigate the consequences of significant weather events.

Grid reliability and resilience grants would also be available for innovative demonstration projects to harden and enhance resilience and reliability for transmission, storage and distribution infrastructure to enhance regional grid resilience. These projects would also improve the resilience, safety, reliability and environmental protections of energy in rural areas like ours.

Cybersecurity projects for a technical assistance program at the Department of Energy for utilities to detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats and to encourage cybersecurity investments by electric co-ops would also be funded. This infrastructure package includes many other programs that will benefit rural communities like broadband funding, electric vehicle charging infrastructure funding and more.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

ROW Update: West Florida Electric Right of Way Clearing Crews will be cutting & trimming right of ways in the following area(s) during the month of

April

Bascom & Grand Ridge When right-of-way (ROW) crews are trimming in your area, there may be several days between ROW cutting & clean-up crews due to inclement weather, equipment failure or other unforeseen circumstances.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 3

D West Florida Turf SO SOCentipede • St. Augustine • 419 Bermuda D Centipede Seed

On the FarmDelivered or Installed 850-638-4860 • Cellular 415-0385 Est. 1980

Debbie Roney Smith (850) 209-8039 debson1999@gmail.com Full Time Realtor since 1996 4420 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446 Property Searches • Follow my blog @http://realtordrs.com

Mr. Fence

Commercial • Residential • Farm • Industrial

Chris & Sheryl Tate

Locally Owned & Operated for 28 Years

(850) 547-5516 Your Privacy is Our Business

Jamie’s Welding Fabrication Repair 5301 Duncan Ridge Road Marianna, Florida 32448

Florida passed a Tax package that includes the following sales tax holidays: • May 28 – June 10, 2022 “Disaster Preparedness” Holiday • July 1 – July 7, 2022 “Freedom Week” Holiday • July 25 – August 7, 2022 “Back-to-School” Holiday • September 3 – September 9, 2022 “Tool Time” Holiday • October 2022 “Gas Tax” Holiday

CLASSIFIEDS

As the Legislative Session finishes, the road to the mid-term elections in November will be very busy in Florida. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, all 28 U.S. Congressional seats, all 160 Florida Legislative seats, and the entire Florida Cabinet will be on the ballot. Now more than ever, making your voice heard on election day is vital. Visit www.vote.coop to learn more about issues affecting electric co-ops, information on your elected officials, and important election dates.

It is critical that Florida’s not-for-profit electric cooperatives remain strong and continue providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to consumer-members in their communities. We all play a part in the legislative process and we are proud of our role in making sure Florida’s electric co-ops contribute to our communities’ overall success.

German Shorthair Pointer puppies, new litter in April; have 2 female & 2 male from last litter; 850-693-5001, Archie Jones.

Owner: Jamie Lipford • Over 30 Years Experience

Power Out? Text Us!

Specializing in: Conveyors, Mechanical Belt Splicing, Nearings & Gearbox Replacement

(850) 317.5138

Yard Needs Mowed?

Call Mike (850) 596-8767

4’x8’ fiberglass skylight, aluminum framed w/domed double fiberglass, very good condition, $200 OBO; 850-547-1519.

Buzzaround Lite scooter, in excellent condition, $650; 850-482-5604.

Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or queen; two used bathtubs, great price; 850-547-3649.

Four-wheel farm trailer, 5 ton chassis, excellent condition, $1,150; 850-317-5056.

What’s in YOUR Water?

Owner

3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462

Barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; 6’ bush hog; 16’ hay trailer; hay fork; coon dog; horse trailer; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Compound bow, Infinite w/570 lb. draw weight, like new condition, $125; Hoover carpet cleaner, very good condition, $75; 850-592-2628.

40 wood stakes, 2x2x18, $25; step climber, like new, $75; 850-592-2628.

Alford 579 Altha 762 Bascom/Malone 569 Blountstown 674, 237 Bonifay 547 Caryville 548 Chipley 638, 415 Cottondale 352 Graceville 263

Grand Ridge Greenwood Marianna Ponce de Leon Sneads Sunny Hills Vernon Westville

592 594 482, 526 836 593 773 535 956

Email: touchtonsbarnsandsheds@yahoo.com

Panhandle Pump Repair & Filtration Service John White

Four rabbit cages, 2 dog carriers, 4 TVs & an antique school desk w/attached chair, located in Caryville; 850-535-9715.

Set of 2 new tires and rims, with Sofa sleeper & matching loveseat, $250; antique Suzuki emblem, 225/70R16, wardrobe, $225; other wardrobe $300; 850-768-1058.

2 pieces, $375; antique makeup desk/dresser, $150; antique 3-drawer dresser, $100, solid Multiple Listings wood, very good condition; 12x16 cooler box, 5x5 rolls grass 850-674-9161. hay, square bales of peanut hay, Local Telephone Prefixes grain fed beef; 850-263-3427.

(850) 307-4449

“We Work to please YOU”

Land Clearing & Forestry Services

PAGE 4

Miscellaneous

MIRRO 8 quart canner/pressure 120 year old Essex 12 gauge cooker, new, never used, still shotgun, 32” barrel, have info on in the box, comes w/original gun, $300; 850-674-6242. instruction book; 850-592-4740.

*Please note that your phone plan’s standard data charges will apply.*

Over 20 years experience

850.762.9402 or 850.832.5055

Antiques/Collectibles

Home/Farm

• Pole Barns • Equipment Sheds • Enclosed Sheds, Etc.

Clay O’Neal:

Animals/Livestock

Text WFEC to (800) 342-7400 to sign up. When you need to report an outage, text OUT to (800) 342-7400.

Text STATUS for any updates,HELP for more info & STOP to unsubscribe. Remember to update your account information to include your current cell phone number before storms hit our area!

Touchton’s Barns & Sheds

Dozer and Excavation Work Heavy-Duty Brush Cutting Ponds • Road Building • Demolition Pine Tree Planting • Herbicide Spraying Fire Line Plowing • Burning • Root Raking Chopping • Bedding www.claycoforestry.com clayslandclearing@gmail.com

FOR SALE

Tifton 9 and Argentine Bahia seed & hay, 850-718-7779, Pat or 850-592-2647, Dan.

Over 40 Years Experience License #2252

Home: (850) 535-1121 Cell: (850) 260-2204 CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

CLF Free Ad Policy (Limited to one ad per household) WFEC publishes free classified ads in the Current Light Flashes as a service to its members. The following limitations apply: 1) Ads must be 20 words or less and must be legible, with an active electric account number at the top. 2) Ads exceeding 20 words are subject to elimination. 3) Submit ads to the Graceville office by the 5th of the month to appear in the following month’s issue. (Example: An ad arriving

by Jan. 5 will appear in the Feb. CLF) 4) Ads for services & businesses are not free. Service businesses include, but are not limited to, pet or livestock breeders or stud services, rentals, baby-sitting, etc. 5) Any buying or selling on a regular basis will be considered a business. On-going garage sales & the sale of similar items on a repeated basis do not qualify for free advertising. 6) WFEC may refuse to publish any ad. 7) You may submit your ad online at www.westflorida.coop.

WFEC will not accept ads over the phone.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

CLF Free Ad Form Please Type or Print Neatly.

Name Acct. # St. Address/P.O. Box City Phone #

For Sale • Wanted • Free • Thank You • Lost (circle one)

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 17

AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS GUTTERS 20-Years Limited Warranty 21 Colors to Choose From

Gary McIntosh

(850) 593-0009

Jackson Farm Well Services Patrick Jackson

850-573-6623 Boat & Trailer Electrical Repair, Modifications & Installations

Sharpening Service Handyman Service

850-768-0454 or 850-768-0383 McIntosh

Outboard & Small Engine Grand Ridge

Sneads

We buy boats & motors!

(850) 593-0009 • 7524 Old U.S. 90 Ln., Sneads, FL

Bush Paint & Supply

Carpet • Paint • Feed & Seed Vinyl Flooring • Ceramic Tile Free Estimates

263-4744 • 971 6th Ave., Graceville SURVEYOR

Florida Licensed Surveyor since 1969

Roger Lonsway

Mobile: 260-5438 OLEN BARFIELD Have Sawmill, Will Travel

Efficient & portable bandsaw can cut your trees into lumber on your site with minimal sawdust waste.

638-7105

William Crutchfield Enterprises, Inc. • Refrigeration • Heating & Cooling • Ice Machines • Residential/Commercial

License Number: CMC1250499

For Service Call: (850) 263-3427 or Cell: (850) 326-0330

PAGE 16

Community Calendar (cont.)

Silver Lake Community Yard & Craft Sale May 14; 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Located at the corner of Fairview Road (167) and Lake Drive.

Private Well & Water Quality Workshop May 17; 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Learn more about private wells and drinking water quality at this workshop.

Facilitated water testing will be offered. Pre-registration is required. For cost info and additional details, please visit http://JacksonCountyFCS.Eventbrite.com or call 850-482-9620. People with disabilities should contact 800-955-8771 at least at least 5 days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given to the request.

All about Blueberries Meeting June 9 Washington County Extension Office, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley For more info, contact the Wash. Co. Extension at 850-638-6180 or Jackson Co. at 850-482-9287. The cost is $5 and the course will be geared toward those wanting to grow blueberries and learn about the current varieties, insect and disease issues and more. UF Institute of Food and Ag. Sciences (IFAS), UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide edcuational information without discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations.

Biography of John Wayne Mixon, Florida's 39th Governor Available The book, written by Sid Riley, is available from the Florida Historical Society, (321) 690-1971 or by emailing Dorothy Dickey (dorothy.dickey@ myfloridahistory.org) or on Amazon. The book provides personal details about Jackson Co. native, Mixon's childhood, education, farm experiences, and accomplishments as a legislator. It is full of his humor and interesting anecdotes.

Official Notice of 2022 Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day Dear WFEC Members, The 2022 Member Appreciation Day and Annual Meeting of West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., will be held at 8:00 a.m.

Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Graceville Civic Center, 224 Brown St. (Hwy. 77), Graceville, Florida. Registration will close at 10:00 a.m.

All WFEC members are invited to come and participate. By attending, members will have the opportunity to gain valuable information about their cooperative. WFEC’s Board of Trustees and employees hope to make this year’s meeting as informative and entertaining as possible. Show your support and interest in your electric cooperative by attending the 2022 Member Appreciation Day and Annual Meeting.

John Adams, Secretary-Treasurer/District 4 Trustee

Instant Orchard Packages

Citrus Apples Nuts Peaches Figs Plums Pears Avocados Berry Patches Olives Bananas Tropicals and many more Florida grown trees Let us help you eat fresh picked fruit from your yard all year long!

We will design and install your backyard fruit tree orchard.

Very affordable, call for appointment! 15 tree minimum.

Clarksville (850) 451-6222

Licensed family owned and operated since Hurricane Michael

Triple S Outdoor Maintenance LLC Backed by 21 Years of U.S. Military Experience

Some of our full spectrum outdoor services include: • Land Clearing • Skid Steer Work • Mini Excavator Work • Tree & Stump Removal • Driveway & Pads • Ditch Digging & Clearing

Forestry Mulching

with our equipment, we simply grind the bush or trees to the ground into a mulch. The mulch will decay & put nutrients back into the soil, food plots, fence runs or cut over timber.

Hinson Land Clearing (850) 481-2960 Free Estimates

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

(850) 263-8831 (850) 326-8419

Respectfully submitted,

Schuckelberry Farms Retail Nursery and Edible Landscaping

Dellwood Amaryllis Flower Gardens 3667 Northside Church Rd., Greenwood; open 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy the free walking trail. Over 60 varieties of Amaryllis flowers to view.

Call (850) 592-8769, in advance, to let them know you are coming to visit.

W&S Farm and Service Tractor & Equipment Repair Welding Irrigation Repair Excavator & Bulldozer Work Land Clearing Earth Moving

Call for a free estimate!

(850) 693-9999 Why trust your valuable property & investment to just any service? Let us show you how a decorated veteran leads this family business through hard work, integrity & attention to detail.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

Always here for you If you’re driving and see utility crews working on the roadside, slow down and move over. Their families will appreciate your thoughtful and safe actions.

By observing the Move Over Law, you’ll help ensure those lineworkers continue to be there when you need them.

It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 5

Own a manufactured home?

Save about $550 per year on heating costs!

That $550 could buy a whole lotta fun!

Members who own manufactured homes are eligible for a $400/ton REBATE to upgrade from an electric furnace to a highefficiency heat pump.* On top of that, you’ll enjoy savings of about $550 per year on heating costs!

Call (850) 263-3231 today. * Limitations apply.

PAGE 6

Hinson Land Clearing

Stump & Debris Removal Bulldozer & Excavator Work Tractor Services Including Bush Hogging, Discing & Spraying Heavy Forestry Mowing 30 Years Experience • Owned & Operated by Francis Hinson

(850) 481-2960

Davis and Son’s Plumbing & Septic Tank Service • New Installation • Drainfield Repair/Replacement • Septic Tank Pumping & Service • Free Estimates

Bonifay: 956-4329 • Chipley: 638-5406 State Certified CFC1425994

Family Dentistry of Chipley 415-1411 Family Dentistry of Bonifay 547-9290 Most Insurances Accepted New Chipley Location Cosmetic, General & Family Dentistry

• Veneers • Crowns • Dentures • Cleanings • Whitening • Bonding New & Emergency Patients Welcome

Dr. Ernie Hooper, Dr. John Wilson, Dr. Brian Parker & Dr. Hilary Whitaker 1410-A 410-A Brickyard Rd, Chipley ...................................... 415-1411 110 E. North Ave, Bonifay ............................................ 547-9290 CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Community Calendar

Make a Change that Pays!

Upgrade & Save

Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day April 23; 8 a.m.-Noon Graceville Civic Center Activities include a health fair with vendors conducting various health screenings.

Entertainment provided by local gospel group, The Thompsons. They carry on a family musical legacy as a second generation gospel group. The Thompsons sing and play anything from praise and worship songs to old hymns from your church hymnal. Door prizes, registration gifts and lunch will be provided.

In the Garden Workshop April 30; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Ag Auditorium, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna This workshop covers what to do in your garden heading into the early summer months. The cost is $15 per person. More info can be found on Eventbrite: http://jacksoncountyhorticulture.eventbrite.

9th Annual Beekeeping in the Panhandle Conference May 6-7; 8:00 am. - 5:00 p.m.

Washington Co. Ag Center Auditorium, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley This event features hands-on open hive experiences, presentations on the latest research-based beekeeping management practices, interaction with expert beekeepers, vendors with beekeeping equipment, and hive products. Door prizes will be available. The registration fee for the event is $30 for one day or $50 for both days per person over 12 years old, and $10 per day for kids 12 and under.

Preserving Food at Home - Canning & Dehydrating Class May 7; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. & June 4; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Need a refresher or want to get started preserving food by canning or dehydrating?

Register for this workshop now. Designed to help you understand the science of canning and dehydrating, proper food safety techniques, the difference in methods and how to properly preserve food. Pre-registration is required and costs vary by class. For more info, call 850-482-9620. People with disabilities should contact 800-955-8771 at least 5 days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given to the request.

Homebuyer Education Class May 14; 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Washington Co. Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley June 6 & 13; 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna This course is designed to help you understand the homebuying process, analyze your personal financial and credit situation, and learn basic home care and maintenance to maintain the value of your home and save money on repairs. This course is open to individuals just beginning to those further along in the process.

Completion of this course satisfies the homeownership education requirement for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development programs. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

WFEC wants to help you lower your energy costs and increase your savings by making your home’s heating and cooling system more efficient. You could be eligible for a rebate of up to $350 PER TON when you upgrade to a high-efficiency dualfuel heat pump or mini-split system.* *limitations apply

1001 USES Portable Buildings, Carports & Garages Mobile Home & RV Supplies

850-526-3797 E WE MOV LE PORTAB GS IN D IL BU

T

J

G

4673 HIGHWAY 90 E.

MARIANNA (Across from CVS)

SOUTHSIDE T J G

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Commercial & Residential Sales, Service, Leasing Installation

850-703-5486 www.mysouthsideair.com License #: CAC1819784

Air Conditioning Refrigeration Ice Machines Exhausts/Make Up Air

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 15

Art’s Home Services Carpenter/Handyman Build It - Fix It Clean It - Haul It

LLC/Insured/ 40 Years Experience

(850) 638-2611 200-Amp Power Pole $499.95 100 - Amp Power Pole $399.95 Delivery & Installation Available Rick Carnley - Lic. # EC-13006648

Florida Meter Pole Company, Inc. Contact Rick at 850-526-2183 or Anthony Register at 850-573-0219

GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE Xtreme Southern Kustomizing

(850) 263-4861 (850) 658-2886

3783 Woodham Rd., Graceville, FL

goes far beyond climbing utility poles to repair a wire. Today’s lineworkers are information experts who can pinpoint power outages from miles away.

Line crews now use laptops, tablets, drones and other technologies to map outages, survey damage and troubleshoot problems.

Being a lineworker may not seem like a glamorous job, but it is absolutely essential to the life of our community. Without the exceptional dedication and commitment of these hardworking men and women, we simply would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life.

So, the next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. After all, lineworkers are the power behind your power. Please join us as we recognize them this April, and follow #ThankALineworker” on social media to see how others are recognizing linemen across the country.

David & Family Tree Services

Prices Normally Run 25% less than other insured competitors Bonded & Fully Insured • Free Estimates

(850) 326-1559

Trim Cut Remove Stump Grinding Veteran-Owned

2022 Youth Tour Winners Announced

A

junior from Cottondale High School, Haven White, and Marianna High School junior, Noah Mercer, were named West Florida Electric's Youth Tour competition winners on March 1. Kat Blackburn from Blountstown High School was named the alternate. These students will represent WFEC on the National Rural Electric Youth Tour taking place June 14-19, 2022, traveling to Washington, D.C. with other high school students from across the state and country.

The cooperative's Board of Trustees created a scholarship program linked to the Youth Tour program. Each year, a scholarship of $4,000 to Chipola College is awarded to the highest scoring participant from each county served by the cooperative. The scholarship recipients were: Kat Blackburn, Calhoun County; Kaden Lemieux, Holmes County; Haven White, Jackson County and Cass Dillard, Washington County.

Brayden Whitehead, a junior at Cottonwood High School, is the grandson of Susie Johnson, an employee of the cooperative. He competed in a separate essay competition for the children and grandchildren of employees, sponsored by the Florida Rural Electric Cooperatives

Association. The winner of the essay competition wins a trip to Washington, D.C. and becomes the representative for the rural electric cooperatives of Florida. Whitehead placed second in the essay competition. Gracyn Johnson of Sneads, competed in the essay competition as well. Her grandmother is employed by Talquin Electric Cooperative in Quincy.

She was selected as the winner of the essay competition and will represent the Florida Rural Electric Cooperatives Association on the trip to Washington, D.C. additional photo page 8

Banking For Everyone Our accounts are designed to grow with you. Our team can answer all your questions and find the right account or loan for you or your business.

ffbf.com | 850-547-3624 Friendly. Stable. Flexible.

WFEC Trustees (back row, l-r) George Clayton Owens, District 6; David Tatum, District 1 and Tim Alford, District 2, along with EVP & CEO, Ty Peel (front right) congratulate this year's Youth Tour winners. (Front, l-r) Kat Blackburn, Blountstown High School, Noah Mercer, Marianna, High School and Haven White, Cottondale High School.

PAGE 14

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE APRIL 2022

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 7

Lineworkers Always Rise to the Challenge

Y

WFEC Trustees (back row, l-r) George Clayton Owens, David Tatum, and Tim Alford, along with EVP & CEO Ty Peel congratulate the 2022 WFEC Scholarship winners. (Front, l-r) Cass Dillard, Washington County; Kat Blackburn, Calhoun County; Haven White, Jackson County and Kaden Lemieux, Holmes County.

Greg A. Varner Owner

(850) 956-4325 Mobile: (850) 259-0467 Fax: (850) 956-4169

SOUTHERN ROOFING, INC. All Types Licensed • Bonded • Insured

1945 Tower Lane Westville, FL 32464

License# CCC058016

Email: southroofing@centurylink.net

Tier One Land Development 850-563-1620

Get A Quote

www.t1land.com

WHAT WE DO

Land Development Services for You Retention Pond Maintenance

Hunting/Rural Property Management

Ditch/Drainage Maintenance

Private Rural Road Maintenance

Now Open!

Tuesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

(850) 593-0062 8110 Hwy. 90 • Suite 100 • Sneads, FL PAGE 8

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ou’ve likely noticed West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) crews out and about, working on power lines and other electrical equipment in our community. It’s no secret that a lineworker’s job is tough––but it’s a job that’s essential and must be done, often in challenging conditions. This month, as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, we would love to share some interesting facts about electric lineworkers with you.

The work can be heavy, in more ways than one. Did you know the equipment and tools that a lineworker carries while climbing a utility pole can weigh up to 50 pounds? That’s the same as carrying six gallons of water.

Speaking of utility poles, lineworkers are required to climb poles ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 feet tall. Needless to say, if you have a fear of heights, this likely isn’t the career path for you.

Lineworkers must be committed to their career––because it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. The long hours and ever-present danger can truly take a toll. In fact, being a lineworker is listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Lineworkers often work non-traditional hours, outdoors in difficult conditions. While the job does not require a college degree, it does require technical skills, years of training and handson learning. Did you know that to become a journeyman lineworker can take more than 7,000 hours of training (or about four years)? That’s because working with highvoltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and an ongoing mental toughness.

Shortcuts are not an option, and there is no room for error in this line or work.

Despite the many challenges, WFEC’s lineworkers are committed to powering our local community. During severe weather events that bring major power outages, lineworkers are among the first ones called.

They must be ready to leave the comfort of their home and families unexpectedly, and they don’t return until ISSUE APRIL 2022

the job is done, often days later.

That’s why the lineworker’s family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community.

Nationwide, there are approximately 120,000 electric lineworkers. Here in Florida’s Panhandle, WFEC has 33 lineworkers that are responsible for keeping power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year. To do this, they maintain approximately 4,800 miles of power lines across four counties.

In addition to the highly visible tasks lineworkers perform, their job today continued on page 14

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 13

A Benefit You Don't Have to Take to the Bank

H

ere’s some exciting news: Capital credits are coming to members cooperative membership. Capital soon. Be looking for a credit on your bill this year instead of a credits are something that customers check in the mail. of other kinds of power providers What are capital credits? You receive this money because you are a do not receive. We’re pleased to put member and owner of your electric cooperative. That’s right — when you money back into your pocket and, began receiving service from us, you became a member-owner of this notin turn, give our local communities for-profit electric cooperative. a boost. It’s another way your Your electric cooperative has a different way of doing things. Formed hometown electric cooperative is and governed by those who use our services, we are not in business to always here for you. make a profit but rather to safely provide reliable electricity to you at cost.

That means we do not have shareholders. Our owners are the people we serve — members like you.

As we safely provide you with reliable and affordable power, you pay your monthly electric bills. During the year, we set aside some of those funds to improve and maintain our system, as well as money to cover unexpected costs, such as storm recovery. The balance is returned to members, based on the Board of Trustees’ approval.

Money is set aside A for-profit utility returns these for improvements and expenses profits to shareholders instead of its customers.

This return indicates your The rest of the funds are returned cooperative is financially healthy.

Your individual amount is based to members, like you on your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage as a percentage of the overall power sold during a certain You can enjoy this benefit of period. being a member-owner of a In an effort to reduce costs not-for-profit cooperative. associated with printing and mailing checks, the Board of Trustees approved applying the reimbursement as a credit to a member's account this year.

Checks will still be mailed to members who are due capital credits and no longer have an active account with WFEC. This benefit adds value to your

Always here for you

As a cooperative member, you receive capital credits. Here’s how the process works:

$ $

Robin’s

1240 South Blvd. • Chipley, FL 32428 www.backwoodsbuildings.net

F R E E E S T I M AT E S !

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

850-676-4903

(850) 596-8768 For Rent Open Spaces Located Hwy. 231 & I-10 Park Campers, Boats or Trailers

Call Ron Brewer with Questions (850) 896-2733

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

Proudly Serving the Panhandle Torreya Realty

“Home Folks Serving Home Folks”

For All Your Propane Needs 415 S. Waukesha St., Bonifay

547-3696 #RM0048955

Alex Cook, Sales Associate • (850) 294-6893 Casey Clenney, Sales Associate • (334) 389-0932 Heather Ellerbee, Sales Associate • (850) 643-6419 Nicholas Brown, Sales Associate • (850) 510-3529 Waylon Dykes, Sales Associate • (850) 209-3612 Tyler Poole, Broker • (850) 573-1599

Lynn & Steve’s Helping Hands, LLC DBA

Tri-County Tractor Work

• Bucket work • Bush Hogging • Chainsaw/Pruning Work • Light Clearing Servicing Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties

386-748-9035 850-547-1676

(Cell)

Congratulations to Mr. Lafayette Shelley

$

PAGE 12

tion Installa ! le Availab

CBC1257046 backwoodsbuildings@yahoo.com

Need help cleaning?

One call cleans it all

Mr. Shelley recently won a bill credit for updating his contact information with WFEC. Mr. Shelley's name was selected in a drawing held in March.

Remember that summer storm season and the afternoon thunderstorms that come with it are quickly approaching.

Now is the time to make sure the correct phone number is listed on your account.

Use our mobile app, online member portal or call your local district office to make account updates.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 9

Simple Steps that Help Hold Down Your Bills

I

f you knew an easy way to help West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) keep your bills as affordable as possible, would you take action? Together with other members, you can hold down a major cost that impacts your bill: the cost of wholesale power.

It all begins with “peaks.” When many people use electricity at the same time, the demand for power rises, sometimes leading to the highest or “peak” demand of the day, week, month or year. Peaks normally occur on cold winter mornings when people are getting ready for work and school, as well as on hot summer afternoons when more homes and businesses are using energy for cooling. Peaks usually only last for a few hours.

You may be wondering why peaks matter and how they affect the price you pay for electricity. Peaks cause an increase in your cooperative’s largest expense — the cost of generating power. This increase can, in turn, cause your electric bill to rise.

It’s not just about how much electricity you use but when you use it.

During peak hours, simply delay chores that require electricity. Shift your use of large appliances and hot water to off-peak times. In summer, WFEC's peak times are between 2 and 6 p.m. In winter, the co-op's

peak times are from 5-9 a.m. If you shift your schedule and pay attention to when you are using energy, you’ll be helping to reduce the cost of wholesale power and delaying the need for new power plants.

The good news is that you can take easy actions, like adjusting your thermostat a few degrees, turning off unneeded lights and switching off electronics to help keep those costs low. More good news? The more members who take steps to help hold down costs, the more ALL members benefit. Taking a break from chores during peak hours gives you some time to relax or enjoy outdoor activities.

Adjust your thermostat during peak hours. The more members who take steps to hold down costs, the more ALL members benefit.

Here’s what you can do to help reduce peak demand: •

Adjust your thermostat. Bump it up a few degrees in summer and down in winter.

•

Delay the use of hot water. Set your dishwasher to run during an off-peak time and postpone baths and showers.

•

Give those large appliances a rest. Delay using the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and stove until off-peak times.

•

Turn off unneeded lights and electronics, like gaming systems.

It may not seem like much, but when you and other members take these simple steps to reduce power use during peak times, it helps even out the need for electricity.

Most importantly, you’ll be doing your part to keep power costs as low as possible, not just for you but for all members. That’s a winwin!

We’re sharing easy steps that let you partner with us in keeping our costs — and your bills — as low as possible. It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.

Armondi Roofing, LLC Re-roof Specialist Shingles • Flat Roofs • Re-Roofs New Roofs & All Types of Repairs

Free Estimates

5 Year Workmanship Warranty Licensed & Insured #CCC1330359

(850) 547-2934 PAGE 10

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE APRIL 2022

Always here for you When many people use electricity at the same time, the demand for that power rises. This is called a “peak” and typically occurs on cold winter mornings from 5 to 9 a.m.

(Nov.-March) and hot summer afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m.

(May-Sept.)

Peaks increase the cost of wholesale power, which can, in turn, cause your electric bill to rise. For easy ways you can help keep rates as affordable as possible, visit www.westflorida.coop It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 11

Simple Steps that Help Hold Down Your Bills

I

f you knew an easy way to help West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) keep your bills as affordable as possible, would you take action? Together with other members, you can hold down a major cost that impacts your bill: the cost of wholesale power.

It all begins with “peaks.” When many people use electricity at the same time, the demand for power rises, sometimes leading to the highest or “peak” demand of the day, week, month or year. Peaks normally occur on cold winter mornings when people are getting ready for work and school, as well as on hot summer afternoons when more homes and businesses are using energy for cooling. Peaks usually only last for a few hours.

You may be wondering why peaks matter and how they affect the price you pay for electricity. Peaks cause an increase in your cooperative’s largest expense — the cost of generating power. This increase can, in turn, cause your electric bill to rise.

It’s not just about how much electricity you use but when you use it.

During peak hours, simply delay chores that require electricity. Shift your use of large appliances and hot water to off-peak times. In summer, WFEC's peak times are between 2 and 6 p.m. In winter, the co-op's

peak times are from 5-9 a.m. If you shift your schedule and pay attention to when you are using energy, you’ll be helping to reduce the cost of wholesale power and delaying the need for new power plants.

The good news is that you can take easy actions, like adjusting your thermostat a few degrees, turning off unneeded lights and switching off electronics to help keep those costs low. More good news? The more members who take steps to help hold down costs, the more ALL members benefit. Taking a break from chores during peak hours gives you some time to relax or enjoy outdoor activities.

Adjust your thermostat during peak hours. The more members who take steps to hold down costs, the more ALL members benefit.

Here’s what you can do to help reduce peak demand: •

Adjust your thermostat. Bump it up a few degrees in summer and down in winter.

•

Delay the use of hot water. Set your dishwasher to run during an off-peak time and postpone baths and showers.

•

Give those large appliances a rest. Delay using the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and stove until off-peak times.

•

Turn off unneeded lights and electronics, like gaming systems.

It may not seem like much, but when you and other members take these simple steps to reduce power use during peak times, it helps even out the need for electricity.

Most importantly, you’ll be doing your part to keep power costs as low as possible, not just for you but for all members. That’s a winwin!

We’re sharing easy steps that let you partner with us in keeping our costs — and your bills — as low as possible. It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.

Armondi Roofing, LLC Re-roof Specialist Shingles • Flat Roofs • Re-Roofs New Roofs & All Types of Repairs

Free Estimates

5 Year Workmanship Warranty Licensed & Insured #CCC1330359

(850) 547-2934 PAGE 10

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE APRIL 2022

Always here for you When many people use electricity at the same time, the demand for that power rises. This is called a “peak” and typically occurs on cold winter mornings from 5 to 9 a.m.

(Nov.-March) and hot summer afternoons from 2 to 6 p.m.

(May-Sept.)

Peaks increase the cost of wholesale power, which can, in turn, cause your electric bill to rise. For easy ways you can help keep rates as affordable as possible, visit www.westflorida.coop It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 11

A Benefit You Don't Have to Take to the Bank

H

ere’s some exciting news: Capital credits are coming to members cooperative membership. Capital soon. Be looking for a credit on your bill this year instead of a credits are something that customers check in the mail. of other kinds of power providers What are capital credits? You receive this money because you are a do not receive. We’re pleased to put member and owner of your electric cooperative. That’s right — when you money back into your pocket and, began receiving service from us, you became a member-owner of this notin turn, give our local communities for-profit electric cooperative. a boost. It’s another way your Your electric cooperative has a different way of doing things. Formed hometown electric cooperative is and governed by those who use our services, we are not in business to always here for you. make a profit but rather to safely provide reliable electricity to you at cost.

That means we do not have shareholders. Our owners are the people we serve — members like you.

As we safely provide you with reliable and affordable power, you pay your monthly electric bills. During the year, we set aside some of those funds to improve and maintain our system, as well as money to cover unexpected costs, such as storm recovery. The balance is returned to members, based on the Board of Trustees’ approval.

Money is set aside A for-profit utility returns these for improvements and expenses profits to shareholders instead of its customers.

This return indicates your The rest of the funds are returned cooperative is financially healthy.

Your individual amount is based to members, like you on your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage as a percentage of the overall power sold during a certain You can enjoy this benefit of period. being a member-owner of a In an effort to reduce costs not-for-profit cooperative. associated with printing and mailing checks, the Board of Trustees approved applying the reimbursement as a credit to a member's account this year.

Checks will still be mailed to members who are due capital credits and no longer have an active account with WFEC. This benefit adds value to your

Always here for you

As a cooperative member, you receive capital credits. Here’s how the process works:

$ $

Robin’s

1240 South Blvd. • Chipley, FL 32428 www.backwoodsbuildings.net

F R E E E S T I M AT E S !

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

850-676-4903

(850) 596-8768 For Rent Open Spaces Located Hwy. 231 & I-10 Park Campers, Boats or Trailers

Call Ron Brewer with Questions (850) 896-2733

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

Proudly Serving the Panhandle Torreya Realty

“Home Folks Serving Home Folks”

For All Your Propane Needs 415 S. Waukesha St., Bonifay

547-3696 #RM0048955

Alex Cook, Sales Associate • (850) 294-6893 Casey Clenney, Sales Associate • (334) 389-0932 Heather Ellerbee, Sales Associate • (850) 643-6419 Nicholas Brown, Sales Associate • (850) 510-3529 Waylon Dykes, Sales Associate • (850) 209-3612 Tyler Poole, Broker • (850) 573-1599

Lynn & Steve’s Helping Hands, LLC DBA

Tri-County Tractor Work

• Bucket work • Bush Hogging • Chainsaw/Pruning Work • Light Clearing Servicing Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties

386-748-9035 850-547-1676

(Cell)

Congratulations to Mr. Lafayette Shelley

$

PAGE 12

tion Installa ! le Availab

CBC1257046 backwoodsbuildings@yahoo.com

Need help cleaning?

One call cleans it all

Mr. Shelley recently won a bill credit for updating his contact information with WFEC. Mr. Shelley's name was selected in a drawing held in March.

Remember that summer storm season and the afternoon thunderstorms that come with it are quickly approaching.

Now is the time to make sure the correct phone number is listed on your account.

Use our mobile app, online member portal or call your local district office to make account updates.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 9

Lineworkers Always Rise to the Challenge

Y

WFEC Trustees (back row, l-r) George Clayton Owens, David Tatum, and Tim Alford, along with EVP & CEO Ty Peel congratulate the 2022 WFEC Scholarship winners. (Front, l-r) Cass Dillard, Washington County; Kat Blackburn, Calhoun County; Haven White, Jackson County and Kaden Lemieux, Holmes County.

Greg A. Varner Owner

(850) 956-4325 Mobile: (850) 259-0467 Fax: (850) 956-4169

SOUTHERN ROOFING, INC. All Types Licensed • Bonded • Insured

1945 Tower Lane Westville, FL 32464

License# CCC058016

Email: southroofing@centurylink.net

Tier One Land Development 850-563-1620

Get A Quote

www.t1land.com

WHAT WE DO

Land Development Services for You Retention Pond Maintenance

Hunting/Rural Property Management

Ditch/Drainage Maintenance

Private Rural Road Maintenance

Now Open!

Tuesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

(850) 593-0062 8110 Hwy. 90 • Suite 100 • Sneads, FL PAGE 8

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ou’ve likely noticed West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) crews out and about, working on power lines and other electrical equipment in our community. It’s no secret that a lineworker’s job is tough––but it’s a job that’s essential and must be done, often in challenging conditions. This month, as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, we would love to share some interesting facts about electric lineworkers with you.

The work can be heavy, in more ways than one. Did you know the equipment and tools that a lineworker carries while climbing a utility pole can weigh up to 50 pounds? That’s the same as carrying six gallons of water.

Speaking of utility poles, lineworkers are required to climb poles ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 feet tall. Needless to say, if you have a fear of heights, this likely isn’t the career path for you.

Lineworkers must be committed to their career––because it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. The long hours and ever-present danger can truly take a toll. In fact, being a lineworker is listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Lineworkers often work non-traditional hours, outdoors in difficult conditions. While the job does not require a college degree, it does require technical skills, years of training and handson learning. Did you know that to become a journeyman lineworker can take more than 7,000 hours of training (or about four years)? That’s because working with highvoltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and an ongoing mental toughness.

Shortcuts are not an option, and there is no room for error in this line or work.

Despite the many challenges, WFEC’s lineworkers are committed to powering our local community. During severe weather events that bring major power outages, lineworkers are among the first ones called.

They must be ready to leave the comfort of their home and families unexpectedly, and they don’t return until ISSUE APRIL 2022

the job is done, often days later.

That’s why the lineworker’s family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community.

Nationwide, there are approximately 120,000 electric lineworkers. Here in Florida’s Panhandle, WFEC has 33 lineworkers that are responsible for keeping power flowing 24/7, 365 days a year. To do this, they maintain approximately 4,800 miles of power lines across four counties.

In addition to the highly visible tasks lineworkers perform, their job today continued on page 14

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 13

Art’s Home Services Carpenter/Handyman Build It - Fix It Clean It - Haul It

LLC/Insured/ 40 Years Experience

(850) 638-2611 200-Amp Power Pole $499.95 100 - Amp Power Pole $399.95 Delivery & Installation Available Rick Carnley - Lic. # EC-13006648

Florida Meter Pole Company, Inc. Contact Rick at 850-526-2183 or Anthony Register at 850-573-0219

GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE Xtreme Southern Kustomizing

(850) 263-4861 (850) 658-2886

3783 Woodham Rd., Graceville, FL

goes far beyond climbing utility poles to repair a wire. Today’s lineworkers are information experts who can pinpoint power outages from miles away.

Line crews now use laptops, tablets, drones and other technologies to map outages, survey damage and troubleshoot problems.

Being a lineworker may not seem like a glamorous job, but it is absolutely essential to the life of our community. Without the exceptional dedication and commitment of these hardworking men and women, we simply would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life.

So, the next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. After all, lineworkers are the power behind your power. Please join us as we recognize them this April, and follow #ThankALineworker” on social media to see how others are recognizing linemen across the country.

David & Family Tree Services

Prices Normally Run 25% less than other insured competitors Bonded & Fully Insured • Free Estimates

(850) 326-1559

Trim Cut Remove Stump Grinding Veteran-Owned

2022 Youth Tour Winners Announced

A

junior from Cottondale High School, Haven White, and Marianna High School junior, Noah Mercer, were named West Florida Electric's Youth Tour competition winners on March 1. Kat Blackburn from Blountstown High School was named the alternate. These students will represent WFEC on the National Rural Electric Youth Tour taking place June 14-19, 2022, traveling to Washington, D.C. with other high school students from across the state and country.

The cooperative's Board of Trustees created a scholarship program linked to the Youth Tour program. Each year, a scholarship of $4,000 to Chipola College is awarded to the highest scoring participant from each county served by the cooperative. The scholarship recipients were: Kat Blackburn, Calhoun County; Kaden Lemieux, Holmes County; Haven White, Jackson County and Cass Dillard, Washington County.

Brayden Whitehead, a junior at Cottonwood High School, is the grandson of Susie Johnson, an employee of the cooperative. He competed in a separate essay competition for the children and grandchildren of employees, sponsored by the Florida Rural Electric Cooperatives

Association. The winner of the essay competition wins a trip to Washington, D.C. and becomes the representative for the rural electric cooperatives of Florida. Whitehead placed second in the essay competition. Gracyn Johnson of Sneads, competed in the essay competition as well. Her grandmother is employed by Talquin Electric Cooperative in Quincy.

She was selected as the winner of the essay competition and will represent the Florida Rural Electric Cooperatives Association on the trip to Washington, D.C. additional photo page 8

Banking For Everyone Our accounts are designed to grow with you. Our team can answer all your questions and find the right account or loan for you or your business.

ffbf.com | 850-547-3624 Friendly. Stable. Flexible.

WFEC Trustees (back row, l-r) George Clayton Owens, District 6; David Tatum, District 1 and Tim Alford, District 2, along with EVP & CEO, Ty Peel (front right) congratulate this year's Youth Tour winners. (Front, l-r) Kat Blackburn, Blountstown High School, Noah Mercer, Marianna, High School and Haven White, Cottondale High School.

PAGE 14

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE APRIL 2022

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 7

Own a manufactured home?

Save about $550 per year on heating costs!

That $550 could buy a whole lotta fun!

Members who own manufactured homes are eligible for a $400/ton REBATE to upgrade from an electric furnace to a highefficiency heat pump.* On top of that, you’ll enjoy savings of about $550 per year on heating costs!

Call (850) 263-3231 today. * Limitations apply.

PAGE 6

Hinson Land Clearing

Stump & Debris Removal Bulldozer & Excavator Work Tractor Services Including Bush Hogging, Discing & Spraying Heavy Forestry Mowing 30 Years Experience • Owned & Operated by Francis Hinson

(850) 481-2960

Davis and Son’s Plumbing & Septic Tank Service • New Installation • Drainfield Repair/Replacement • Septic Tank Pumping & Service • Free Estimates

Bonifay: 956-4329 • Chipley: 638-5406 State Certified CFC1425994

Family Dentistry of Chipley 415-1411 Family Dentistry of Bonifay 547-9290 Most Insurances Accepted New Chipley Location Cosmetic, General & Family Dentistry

• Veneers • Crowns • Dentures • Cleanings • Whitening • Bonding New & Emergency Patients Welcome

Dr. Ernie Hooper, Dr. John Wilson, Dr. Brian Parker & Dr. Hilary Whitaker 1410-A 410-A Brickyard Rd, Chipley ...................................... 415-1411 110 E. North Ave, Bonifay ............................................ 547-9290 CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Community Calendar

Make a Change that Pays!

Upgrade & Save

Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day April 23; 8 a.m.-Noon Graceville Civic Center Activities include a health fair with vendors conducting various health screenings.

Entertainment provided by local gospel group, The Thompsons. They carry on a family musical legacy as a second generation gospel group. The Thompsons sing and play anything from praise and worship songs to old hymns from your church hymnal. Door prizes, registration gifts and lunch will be provided.

In the Garden Workshop April 30; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Ag Auditorium, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna This workshop covers what to do in your garden heading into the early summer months. The cost is $15 per person. More info can be found on Eventbrite: http://jacksoncountyhorticulture.eventbrite.

9th Annual Beekeeping in the Panhandle Conference May 6-7; 8:00 am. - 5:00 p.m.

Washington Co. Ag Center Auditorium, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley This event features hands-on open hive experiences, presentations on the latest research-based beekeeping management practices, interaction with expert beekeepers, vendors with beekeeping equipment, and hive products. Door prizes will be available. The registration fee for the event is $30 for one day or $50 for both days per person over 12 years old, and $10 per day for kids 12 and under.

Preserving Food at Home - Canning & Dehydrating Class May 7; 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. & June 4; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Need a refresher or want to get started preserving food by canning or dehydrating?

Register for this workshop now. Designed to help you understand the science of canning and dehydrating, proper food safety techniques, the difference in methods and how to properly preserve food. Pre-registration is required and costs vary by class. For more info, call 850-482-9620. People with disabilities should contact 800-955-8771 at least 5 days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given to the request.

Homebuyer Education Class May 14; 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Washington Co. Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley June 6 & 13; 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna This course is designed to help you understand the homebuying process, analyze your personal financial and credit situation, and learn basic home care and maintenance to maintain the value of your home and save money on repairs. This course is open to individuals just beginning to those further along in the process.

Completion of this course satisfies the homeownership education requirement for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development programs. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

WFEC wants to help you lower your energy costs and increase your savings by making your home’s heating and cooling system more efficient. You could be eligible for a rebate of up to $350 PER TON when you upgrade to a high-efficiency dualfuel heat pump or mini-split system.* *limitations apply

1001 USES Portable Buildings, Carports & Garages Mobile Home & RV Supplies

850-526-3797 E WE MOV LE PORTAB GS IN D IL BU

T

J

G

4673 HIGHWAY 90 E.

MARIANNA (Across from CVS)

SOUTHSIDE T J G

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Commercial & Residential Sales, Service, Leasing Installation

850-703-5486 www.mysouthsideair.com License #: CAC1819784

Air Conditioning Refrigeration Ice Machines Exhausts/Make Up Air

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 15

AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS GUTTERS 20-Years Limited Warranty 21 Colors to Choose From

Gary McIntosh

(850) 593-0009

Jackson Farm Well Services Patrick Jackson

850-573-6623 Boat & Trailer Electrical Repair, Modifications & Installations

Sharpening Service Handyman Service

850-768-0454 or 850-768-0383 McIntosh

Outboard & Small Engine Grand Ridge

Sneads

We buy boats & motors!

(850) 593-0009 • 7524 Old U.S. 90 Ln., Sneads, FL

Bush Paint & Supply

Carpet • Paint • Feed & Seed Vinyl Flooring • Ceramic Tile Free Estimates

263-4744 • 971 6th Ave., Graceville SURVEYOR

Florida Licensed Surveyor since 1969

Roger Lonsway

Mobile: 260-5438 OLEN BARFIELD Have Sawmill, Will Travel

Efficient & portable bandsaw can cut your trees into lumber on your site with minimal sawdust waste.

638-7105

William Crutchfield Enterprises, Inc. • Refrigeration • Heating & Cooling • Ice Machines • Residential/Commercial

License Number: CMC1250499

For Service Call: (850) 263-3427 or Cell: (850) 326-0330

PAGE 16

Community Calendar (cont.)

Silver Lake Community Yard & Craft Sale May 14; 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Located at the corner of Fairview Road (167) and Lake Drive.

Private Well & Water Quality Workshop May 17; 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Learn more about private wells and drinking water quality at this workshop.

Facilitated water testing will be offered. Pre-registration is required. For cost info and additional details, please visit http://JacksonCountyFCS.Eventbrite.com or call 850-482-9620. People with disabilities should contact 800-955-8771 at least at least 5 days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given to the request.

All about Blueberries Meeting June 9 Washington County Extension Office, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley For more info, contact the Wash. Co. Extension at 850-638-6180 or Jackson Co. at 850-482-9287. The cost is $5 and the course will be geared toward those wanting to grow blueberries and learn about the current varieties, insect and disease issues and more. UF Institute of Food and Ag. Sciences (IFAS), UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide edcuational information without discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations.

Biography of John Wayne Mixon, Florida's 39th Governor Available The book, written by Sid Riley, is available from the Florida Historical Society, (321) 690-1971 or by emailing Dorothy Dickey (dorothy.dickey@ myfloridahistory.org) or on Amazon. The book provides personal details about Jackson Co. native, Mixon's childhood, education, farm experiences, and accomplishments as a legislator. It is full of his humor and interesting anecdotes.

Official Notice of 2022 Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day Dear WFEC Members, The 2022 Member Appreciation Day and Annual Meeting of West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., will be held at 8:00 a.m.

Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Graceville Civic Center, 224 Brown St. (Hwy. 77), Graceville, Florida. Registration will close at 10:00 a.m.

All WFEC members are invited to come and participate. By attending, members will have the opportunity to gain valuable information about their cooperative. WFEC’s Board of Trustees and employees hope to make this year’s meeting as informative and entertaining as possible. Show your support and interest in your electric cooperative by attending the 2022 Member Appreciation Day and Annual Meeting.

John Adams, Secretary-Treasurer/District 4 Trustee

Instant Orchard Packages

Citrus Apples Nuts Peaches Figs Plums Pears Avocados Berry Patches Olives Bananas Tropicals and many more Florida grown trees Let us help you eat fresh picked fruit from your yard all year long!

We will design and install your backyard fruit tree orchard.

Very affordable, call for appointment! 15 tree minimum.

Clarksville (850) 451-6222

Licensed family owned and operated since Hurricane Michael

Triple S Outdoor Maintenance LLC Backed by 21 Years of U.S. Military Experience

Some of our full spectrum outdoor services include: • Land Clearing • Skid Steer Work • Mini Excavator Work • Tree & Stump Removal • Driveway & Pads • Ditch Digging & Clearing

Forestry Mulching

with our equipment, we simply grind the bush or trees to the ground into a mulch. The mulch will decay & put nutrients back into the soil, food plots, fence runs or cut over timber.

Hinson Land Clearing (850) 481-2960 Free Estimates

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

(850) 263-8831 (850) 326-8419

Respectfully submitted,

Schuckelberry Farms Retail Nursery and Edible Landscaping

Dellwood Amaryllis Flower Gardens 3667 Northside Church Rd., Greenwood; open 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy the free walking trail. Over 60 varieties of Amaryllis flowers to view.

Call (850) 592-8769, in advance, to let them know you are coming to visit.

W&S Farm and Service Tractor & Equipment Repair Welding Irrigation Repair Excavator & Bulldozer Work Land Clearing Earth Moving

Call for a free estimate!

(850) 693-9999 Why trust your valuable property & investment to just any service? Let us show you how a decorated veteran leads this family business through hard work, integrity & attention to detail.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

Always here for you If you’re driving and see utility crews working on the roadside, slow down and move over. Their families will appreciate your thoughtful and safe actions.

By observing the Move Over Law, you’ll help ensure those lineworkers continue to be there when you need them.

It’s another way your hometown electric cooperative is always here for you.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 5

D West Florida Turf SO SOCentipede • St. Augustine • 419 Bermuda D Centipede Seed

On the FarmDelivered or Installed 850-638-4860 • Cellular 415-0385 Est. 1980

Debbie Roney Smith (850) 209-8039 debson1999@gmail.com Full Time Realtor since 1996 4420 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446 Property Searches • Follow my blog @http://realtordrs.com

Mr. Fence

Commercial • Residential • Farm • Industrial

Chris & Sheryl Tate

Locally Owned & Operated for 28 Years

(850) 547-5516 Your Privacy is Our Business

Jamie’s Welding Fabrication Repair 5301 Duncan Ridge Road Marianna, Florida 32448

Florida passed a Tax package that includes the following sales tax holidays: • May 28 – June 10, 2022 “Disaster Preparedness” Holiday • July 1 – July 7, 2022 “Freedom Week” Holiday • July 25 – August 7, 2022 “Back-to-School” Holiday • September 3 – September 9, 2022 “Tool Time” Holiday • October 2022 “Gas Tax” Holiday

CLASSIFIEDS

As the Legislative Session finishes, the road to the mid-term elections in November will be very busy in Florida. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, all 28 U.S. Congressional seats, all 160 Florida Legislative seats, and the entire Florida Cabinet will be on the ballot. Now more than ever, making your voice heard on election day is vital. Visit www.vote.coop to learn more about issues affecting electric co-ops, information on your elected officials, and important election dates.

It is critical that Florida’s not-for-profit electric cooperatives remain strong and continue providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to consumer-members in their communities. We all play a part in the legislative process and we are proud of our role in making sure Florida’s electric co-ops contribute to our communities’ overall success.

German Shorthair Pointer puppies, new litter in April; have 2 female & 2 male from last litter; 850-693-5001, Archie Jones.

Owner: Jamie Lipford • Over 30 Years Experience

Power Out? Text Us!

Specializing in: Conveyors, Mechanical Belt Splicing, Nearings & Gearbox Replacement

(850) 317.5138

Yard Needs Mowed?

Call Mike (850) 596-8767

4’x8’ fiberglass skylight, aluminum framed w/domed double fiberglass, very good condition, $200 OBO; 850-547-1519.

Buzzaround Lite scooter, in excellent condition, $650; 850-482-5604.

Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or queen; two used bathtubs, great price; 850-547-3649.

Four-wheel farm trailer, 5 ton chassis, excellent condition, $1,150; 850-317-5056.

What’s in YOUR Water?

Owner

3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462

Barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; 6’ bush hog; 16’ hay trailer; hay fork; coon dog; horse trailer; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Compound bow, Infinite w/570 lb. draw weight, like new condition, $125; Hoover carpet cleaner, very good condition, $75; 850-592-2628.

40 wood stakes, 2x2x18, $25; step climber, like new, $75; 850-592-2628.

Alford 579 Altha 762 Bascom/Malone 569 Blountstown 674, 237 Bonifay 547 Caryville 548 Chipley 638, 415 Cottondale 352 Graceville 263

Grand Ridge Greenwood Marianna Ponce de Leon Sneads Sunny Hills Vernon Westville

592 594 482, 526 836 593 773 535 956

Email: touchtonsbarnsandsheds@yahoo.com

Panhandle Pump Repair & Filtration Service John White

Four rabbit cages, 2 dog carriers, 4 TVs & an antique school desk w/attached chair, located in Caryville; 850-535-9715.

Set of 2 new tires and rims, with Sofa sleeper & matching loveseat, $250; antique Suzuki emblem, 225/70R16, wardrobe, $225; other wardrobe $300; 850-768-1058.

2 pieces, $375; antique makeup desk/dresser, $150; antique 3-drawer dresser, $100, solid Multiple Listings wood, very good condition; 12x16 cooler box, 5x5 rolls grass 850-674-9161. hay, square bales of peanut hay, Local Telephone Prefixes grain fed beef; 850-263-3427.

(850) 307-4449

“We Work to please YOU”

Land Clearing & Forestry Services

PAGE 4

Miscellaneous

MIRRO 8 quart canner/pressure 120 year old Essex 12 gauge cooker, new, never used, still shotgun, 32” barrel, have info on in the box, comes w/original gun, $300; 850-674-6242. instruction book; 850-592-4740.

*Please note that your phone plan’s standard data charges will apply.*

Over 20 years experience

850.762.9402 or 850.832.5055

Antiques/Collectibles

Home/Farm

• Pole Barns • Equipment Sheds • Enclosed Sheds, Etc.

Clay O’Neal:

Animals/Livestock

Text WFEC to (800) 342-7400 to sign up. When you need to report an outage, text OUT to (800) 342-7400.

Text STATUS for any updates,HELP for more info & STOP to unsubscribe. Remember to update your account information to include your current cell phone number before storms hit our area!

Touchton’s Barns & Sheds

Dozer and Excavation Work Heavy-Duty Brush Cutting Ponds • Road Building • Demolition Pine Tree Planting • Herbicide Spraying Fire Line Plowing • Burning • Root Raking Chopping • Bedding www.claycoforestry.com clayslandclearing@gmail.com

FOR SALE

Tifton 9 and Argentine Bahia seed & hay, 850-718-7779, Pat or 850-592-2647, Dan.

Over 40 Years Experience License #2252

Home: (850) 535-1121 Cell: (850) 260-2204 CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

CLF Free Ad Policy (Limited to one ad per household) WFEC publishes free classified ads in the Current Light Flashes as a service to its members. The following limitations apply: 1) Ads must be 20 words or less and must be legible, with an active electric account number at the top. 2) Ads exceeding 20 words are subject to elimination. 3) Submit ads to the Graceville office by the 5th of the month to appear in the following month’s issue. (Example: An ad arriving

by Jan. 5 will appear in the Feb. CLF) 4) Ads for services & businesses are not free. Service businesses include, but are not limited to, pet or livestock breeders or stud services, rentals, baby-sitting, etc. 5) Any buying or selling on a regular basis will be considered a business. On-going garage sales & the sale of similar items on a repeated basis do not qualify for free advertising. 6) WFEC may refuse to publish any ad. 7) You may submit your ad online at www.westflorida.coop.

WFEC will not accept ads over the phone.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

CLF Free Ad Form Please Type or Print Neatly.

Name Acct. # St. Address/P.O. Box City Phone #

For Sale • Wanted • Free • Thank You • Lost (circle one)

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 17

Real Estate

Vehicles

Twenty-two acres, hobby farm, 3BR/2BA, needs work, 2 ponds, 2 wells, old barn, $179,000; 850-547-0157 or 850-768-3608.

2004 Thunderbird hardtop convertible, 61,000 miles, $15,000; 850-573-5102.

16x70 mobile home on 16.25 acres, for sale by owner, Grand Ridge area, beautiful front & back decks, four storage units, $89,000; 850-592-2655, texts only, please.

WANTED

Recreational Vehicles 50 HP Evinrude E-tech outboard, good condition, runs good, controls included, make offer; 850-206-2329.

Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, collections and estates, will buy, trade and sell; 850-326-3437.

Handyman, who can do plumbing, electrical and almost anything; 850-419-0696, leave message.

License plates from any state, Horses; mules; donkeys; goats; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532. mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.

150-500 acres of pasture land, in Holmes or Washington Counties; 850-234-7070.

FREE

Queen sofa bed; 850-557-4327.

Since 1969

4” to 12”

Water Well Drilling & Pump Repair Residential, Commercial, Agricultural Water Analysis & Treatment

850-263-8064

Notification Statement

Notice is hereby given that the West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. Board of Trustees regularly meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, unless special circumstances warrant a change.

Main Business and Publications Offices 5282 Peanut Road Graceville, Florida 32440-0127 (850) 263-3231 or 1-800-342-7400 Subscription Rate Cooperative members, $2.50 per year Non-members, $6.00 per year Change of Address Notices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Current Light Flashes P. O. Box 127 Graceville, Florida 32440-0127 DISCLAIMER: Although paid advertisements may appear in West Florida Electric (WFEC) publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, WFEC does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement. WFEC reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish any advertisement, article or information.

This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

PAGE 18

Take advantage of Medicare plans with a variety of benefits.

When you are turning 65, your opportunity to enroll in Medicare plan begins. I can meet with you one-on-one to discuss your unique needs and answer any questions you may have about AARP® Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare®.

Get one-on-one help. Call me today.

Gene Alford

Licensed Sales Agent 850-209-1381, TTY 711 www.MyUHCagent.com/gene.alford Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organizationwith a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. AARP isn’t an insurer, doesn’t recommend products, and encourages you to evaluate your needs. AARP does not employ or endorse Y0066_21SPRJ56516_C SPRJ56516B agents, producers or brokers. ©United HealthCare Services, Inc. All rights reserved.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Busy Legislative Session Adjourns

T

he Florida Electric Cooperatives Association’s (FECA) primary focus is to monitor and analyze bills and work with legislators on any legislation impacting you, our members, while ensuring our not-for-profit electric co-ops are able to continue their mission providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. Much of this is handled during Florida’s legislative session which ended on March 14.

This session, the Florida Legislature was required to complete the process of redrawing Ty Peel, Executive VP & CEO state legislative and congressional boundaries, called redistricting. This requires apportioning each seat with an equal number of constituents to ensure citizens receive representation. The Legislature successfully passed the House and Senate legislative maps. In early March, the Florida Supreme Court upheld the validity of the new district lines for the state House and Senate maps, although legal challenges could still be filed by various groups in other courts. The House and Senate passed two Congressional District maps but await action by the Governor and any challenges brought to the courts.

WFEC is also exploring funding options available through the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package which was passed into law by the federal government. It includes investment and funding opportunities for electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. This includes funding for projects like grid modernization and resiliency, physical and cybersecurity projects, and clean energy technologies. Some of the grants and funding opportunities cover specific projects like grid hardening efforts of the existing electric grid to reduce the risk of power lines causing wildfires and to mitigate the consequences of significant weather events.

Grid reliability and resilience grants would also be available for innovative demonstration projects to harden and enhance resilience and reliability for transmission, storage and distribution infrastructure to enhance regional grid resilience. These projects would also improve the resilience, safety, reliability and environmental protections of energy in rural areas like ours.

Cybersecurity projects for a technical assistance program at the Department of Energy for utilities to detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats and to encourage cybersecurity investments by electric co-ops would also be funded. This infrastructure package includes many other programs that will benefit rural communities like broadband funding, electric vehicle charging infrastructure funding and more.

ISSUE APRIL 2022

ROW Update: West Florida Electric Right of Way Clearing Crews will be cutting & trimming right of ways in the following area(s) during the month of

April

Bascom & Grand Ridge When right-of-way (ROW) crews are trimming in your area, there may be several days between ROW cutting & clean-up crews due to inclement weather, equipment failure or other unforeseen circumstances.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 3

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

ST!”

HALL Roofing, Siding & Building, LLC

USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 72, NO 4

Current Light Flashes is the official voice of West Florida Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., a member-owned Touchstone Energy® cooperative serving Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. It is published as a service to the Co-op’s members. Periodicals postage is paid at Graceville, Florida.

WFEC Board of Trustees

Mold Removal Remodels Water Damage Additions Fire Damage New Construction

“If You’ve Called the Rest • Now Call The B BE

Residential • Commercial

New Construction, Re-Roof, Additions & Repairs Shingle • Metal & More!

Andy Hall 850.557.3368

Over 21 Years Professional Experience 5 Years Labor Warranty • Licensed & Insured

Brent Hall 850.718.7314

# CBC1260614 • # CCC1330769 Free Estimates • 24 Hour Emergency Service

24 Hour Emergency Response

Serving Northwest Florida!

CBC1255149, CCC1330340, MRSR9

A perfectly cut lawn.

Now for a perfectly matched offer.

Serving the Area for Over 60 Years

Rent-All • We have everything you need! Equipment Rentals, Tractors, Trenchers, Etc. Septic Tank Service, Installation & Repair • Mobile Home Pads • Land Clearing • Excavation • Dirt • Rock • Culverts

Ph: (850) 547-3658

Plant Trees Safely

Tim

TATUM

ALFORD

District 1

District 2

Z200

Together we do more.®

Gas powered

Get a fast, professional-level cut with precise, effortless control.

And legendary Kubota quality. Demo the Z200 today.

John

Jackie

ADAMS

POOSER

District 4 / Secretary-Treasurer

District 3

$0 DOWN 0% APR 36 MONTHS Panhandle Tractor • (850) 526-2257 5003 Highway 90 • Marianna, Florida 32446

MEDIUM TREE ZONE

Avoid planting within 20 ft. of power lines. If planting is unavoidable, only plant shrubs and small trees that reach a mature height of 15 ft. or less.

Plant medium trees (under 40 ft. when mature) at least 25 ft. away from power lines.

KubotaUSA.com

David

George Clayton

District 5

District 6

CORBIN

OWENS

Randy

Joe E.

BUSH

RONE

District 7 / Vice President

District 8 / President

Trees, Too.

We know everyone in our community enjoys the beauty and shade trees provide. But trees and power lines can be a dangerous mix without regular trimming during the growing season.

(850) 676-1802

Frank E.

Myron

BONDURANT Attorney

District 9

Ty

Executive VP/CEO

PAGE 2

Over 40 ft.

Keep shrubs at least 10 ft. away from transformer doors & 4 ft. away from sides.

4 ft.

10 ft.

1010 ft. ft.

We offer both roll off containers & dumpster trailers to better service your needs.

Together We Can Stay Safe

20 ft. 3030ft. ft. 40 40ft.ft.

20 ft.

50 ft.

50 ft.

60 ft.70 ft.70 ft.

Digging too close to a pad-mounted transformer can damage underground cables, leading to electrical shock or interruptions in service. Use caution when landscaping. Call 811 before you dig and stay safe.

60 ft.

HWY. 77 BINGO, INC. (850) 263-7788

•H elps us restore power outages more quickly

Paper Only Bingo. Located across the street from Graceville High School.

Open 6 days a week. Closed Tuesdays. Session at 7:30 nightly.

• K eeps crews and members of our community safe

$50 payouts before & after session. Pull tab games up to $1,000!

Friday nights: All sessions pay $250!

Saturdays: Jackpot games @ 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 & 10 Sundays: Balloon games - win up to $250!

Wednesdays & Sundays: T-shirt night

•R educes unexpected costs for repairs PEEL

Plant large trees (over 40 ft. when mature) at least 50 ft. away from power lines.

Maximum tree height 15 ft.

• K eeps power lines clear of tree limbs

HUDSON

LARGE TREE ZONE

Graceville, Florida

www.brianshauling.com

40 ft. high or less

00

If you see us out in the community trimming, remember the many benefits it brings:

Dumpster Rental 7 day rentals: 10 yard • $325 • 20 yard • $400

Before you dig, call 811 to locate buried utility lines.

LOW TREE ZONE

© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2022. $0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for 36 months available on purchases of new Kubota Z200 series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation USA; subject to credit approval. Example: 36 monthly payments of $27.78 per $1,000 financed. Some exceptions apply. Offers expire 6/30/22. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only.

Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your Dealer or KubotaUSA.com.

We

955 Tate Drive Dothan, Alabama 334-792-8408 • dplinc@graceba.net

Middlebrooks Contractors, Inc. Plumbing • Electrical Licensed & Insured

David

Providing quality printing and service to the Florida panhandle and south Alabama since 1961.

Trimming improves service reliability for you, the members we serve.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE APRIL 2022

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE! (1.844.688.2431) PAGE 19

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

P.O. Box 127 Graceville, FL 32440-0127

West Florida Electric, Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

Simple Steps that Help Hold Down Your Bills Pages 10-11

WISEFLY AUTO GLASS Est. 2007

Windshield Replacements Call Now (850) 387-2400 • Any Glass • Any Vehicle

MV100767

Energy Efficiency Tip:

When streaming content, use the smallest device that makes sense for the number of people watching.

Avoid streaming on game consoles, which uses 10 times more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop.

Free Pool Water Testing!

Deck Kits!

6x8 8x10 10x12 12x16

Pole Barn Kits Available Several to choose from.

Pool Supplies

Bulk Chlorine, Salt & Chemicals In Stock Now!

Streaming content with electronic equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR® rating uses 25-30% less energy than standard equipment.

www.panhandlesalvage.com

Source: Dept. of Energy

850-547-9354 • 405 W. Hwy. 90 • Bonifay, FL

Case Knives on Sale!

Many more sizes to choose from!

Soil Mulch Manure & Rock Available Now

Panhandle Lumber & Supply

It’s not just about how much electricity you use but when you use it. During peak hours, simply delay chores that require electricity, like washing & drying clothes. Shift your use of large appliances and hot water to off-peak times to save.

INSIDE ...

ISSUE APRIL 2022

...pgs. 3-4

Official Notice of 2022 Annual Meeting

...pg. 5

Youth Tour Winners ...pgs. 7-8 Announced A Benefit You Don’t Have to Take to the ...pg. 12 Bank Lineworkers Always Rise to the ...pgs. 13-14 Challenge

Tri-State Leader of Barn Kit & Deck Kit Sales Since 1997

*Prices subject to change. Call to confirm.*

Busy Legislative Session Adjourns

Read Online www.WestFlorida.coop

VOL

72, NO 4

Local Classifieds

...pgs. 17-18