August 2023

Shawn Walling Named EVP & CEO

It is my pleasure to announce the search for West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) Executive Vice President and CEO (EVP & CEO) has concluded. Shawn Walling has been hired to serve as the cooperative’s EVP & CEO. He will begin his new endeavor August 7, 2023.

Walling comes to West Florida Electric Cooperative from Lewis County Rural Electric Cooperative in Lewistown, Missouri where he served as General Manager for the past two years. His 22-year career includes experience in electric generation, transmission, and distribution. He has designed, built, and operated power plants as well as transmission lines and equipment. Most of his career in the utility industry has been in the engineering and operations sector, working for electric cooperatives in Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

Academically, Walling possesses both a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a M.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arkansas as well as an MBA from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Walling is a native of Salem, Arkansas and follows in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps as a thirdgeneration cooperative employee. He is moving to WFEC’s service territory with his wife, Shelly, and daughter, Madison. The couple also has four adult children, one Marine, three airmen, and a son-in-law who is also an airman. Shelly is a registered nurse who has worked in the ER, ICU, and with hospice and home health agencies.

“My family and I are very excited to be moving to a rural area. We look forward to getting involved in the communities WFEC serves. I am very happy to be joining an organization that provides electricity to its members. Together with the employees at WFEC, we will continue to execute West Florida Electric’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to meet the needs of our member-owners,” said Walling.

Please join WFEC’s Board of Trustees in welcoming the Walling Family to our area and to the co-op family at West Florida Electric. We believe Walling’s education, work experience and knowledge of the electric cooperative industry makes him a great asset to our cooperative, its members, and employees.

Joe Rone, President, Board of Trustees

Shawn Walling, EVP & CEO

ROW Update: LET’S POWER SAVINGS

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

August

Campbellton, Malone, Clarksville & Blountstown

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.

10 WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILL

Master Your Thermostat 78o

Program

Use

Change Air Filters Monthly

Add life to your air unit and lower your bill.

Use Drapes and Blinds

Shut to stay cooler. Open for warmth.

Seal Cracks

Up to 1/3 of heated or cooled air escapes this way. Caulk Doors and Windows And use weatherstripping for a tight seal.

Be Hot Water Wise

Wash clothes in cold water and take short showers.

Turn It Off

Keep Water Heater at 120 o Save energy and avoid scalding, too.

Turn off lights (including LEDs), and unplug unused appliances.

WFEC Co-hosts Energy Education Workshop for Area Teachers

Ten teachers from West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) service area became students at an energy education workshop hosted by WFEC in partnership with PowerSouth Energy Cooperative and the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED) during the month of June.

“This conference is so valuable in educating teachers about the importance of energy education. By far, this is the best conference I have ever been to. My students always enjoy the activities and fun lessons that are taught using the many resources from Empower,” said Marie Ellenburg, a high school teacher at Poplar Springs School.

The Empower Energy Education Workshop provides fun, engaging, fast-paced activities about electric generation and distribution with a focus on energy education and is part of an initiative to promote a balanced approach to energy education in the classroom. Each teacher who attended the Empower Education Workshop received a

continued on page 6

Teachers attending the Empower Energy Education Workshop (front row, l-r): Jeannie Barefield, Lacy Brown, Deborah Holmes, Lori Hutchinson, Ashley Jenkins, and Talita Olds, (back row, l-r): Derek Chadwell (WFEC), Vickie Everett, Tammy Pinnella, Teresa McDaniel and Marie Ellenburg.

kit with experiments, curriculum, and resources they can use with their students in the classroom. The materials, aimed at K-12 students, include hands-on activities designed to teach tomorrow’s leaders about all energy sources – from fossil fuels to renewables. Developed by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, this curriculum is used in more than 65,000 classrooms nationwide. These resources meet students’ diverse needs and learning styles.

“I look forward to using the resources to create more hands-on activities in my classroom. I am super excited to incorporate some copper wire activities for our circuit unit! I also plan to use some of the activities as ice breakers,” said Ashley Jenkins, a 5th grade science teacher at Marianna K-8.

When asked about her favorite activity, Jenkins said creating the energy house is a favorite, but that she especially enjoyed the circuit/copper wire tape activities this year. “I had never seen or used this activity and am very excited to use it in my class this year,” she said.

Whether you are new to teaching or a veteran of many years, your co-op welcomes your participation and attendance at Empower in the future.

Ways to Report Power Outages:

“I have always recommended Empower to our science teachers and others. I am thankful someone recommended it to me. Empower truly does empower teachers. The impact that it has on teachers is unimaginable. The excitement we have only pales in comparison to the excitement that students will have with the resources provided. Thank you, West Florida Electric, for feeding my passion for learning,” said Ellenburg.

Local Students Travel to D.C.

West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) Youth Tour program participants visited Washington, D.C. June 13-18. Keshawn Daniels, Graceville High School, and Kaycie Rich, Malone School, represented WFEC as its Youth Tour delegates on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.

While in Washington, the students learned first-hand what it is like to be involved in politics, how our government operates and about how and why electric co-ops were formed. The students also visited many monuments and memorials including the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Memorial, World War II Memorial, Viet Nam Memorial, the Iwo Jima Monument and many more. They also visited many of D.C.’s famous museums, landmarks, Mt. Vernon, and Arlington National Cemetery.

“Arlington was probably the most moving for me,” said Kaycie Rich. “It was shocking how large the area was and how so many sacrificed everything for our country. I also loved witnessing the Changing of the Guard.”

While in the city, the group was also able to attend a professional baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the Washington Nationals.

Keshawn Daniels said that being able to see all the historic figures and monuments was the thing that impacted him most during the trip. “But my favorite experience was going to the Marlins/Nationals baseball game,” he said.

Youth Tour representatives also had the chance to participate in Youth Day, where they heard motivational speaker, Paralympic gold medalist and author, Mike Schlappi speak. He shares with our future leaders how he overcame challenges from an accident that left him paralyzed and in deep despair to become a successful athlete, author and speaker. He is the founder and director of the Wheelchair Sports Foundation, providing sports and recreational opportunities for disabled athletes.

WFEC’s Youth Tour reps agree they discovered new things about themselves through their participation in the trip.

“I have a better outlook on the history of the country after this experience but I will always be a small-town guy,” said Daniels.

Florida's Youth Tour students were able to meet with and learn from several elected officials including Congressman Neal Dunn (above), Congressman Matt Gaetz, Congressman Aaron Bean and Congresswoman Kat Cammack. They also met Sgt. Major of the Army, Michael Grinston (Army's highest ranking enlisted soldier) (pg. 9 to left) and NASA Administrator, Bill Nelson (pg. 9 bottom).

The Youth Tour program is open to high school juniors whose parents or guardians are members of West Florida Electric Cooperative. Each high school within WFEC’s service area selects a representative for the Youth Tour during the fall semester each year. The selected representatives then go on to compete for the slots available for the National Youth Tour trip. Rich and Daniels also took home $1,000 college scholarships as Youth Tour winners.

If you'll be a junior during the 2023-2024 school year, see your school’s guidance counselor for more info about the Youth Tour program or contact Candace Croft, Communications & Public Relations Coordinator at ccroft@westflorida.coop.

“Through this experience I learned that it truly is okay to step out of my comfort zone in order to allow myself to grow as a person. I was nervous about the trip at first, but I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to go,” said Rich.

Sour Cream

Poundcake

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. butter

3 cups sugar

6 eggs (large)

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 pinch salt

1 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon pure lemon extract

Directions:

Submitted by: Wynell C. Broxton

Cream butter; add sugar. Cream together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Add flour, baking soda, salt, sour cream, lemon, and vanilla equally. Mix until smooth. Bake in 350-degree oven. Done when pulls loose from side of pan about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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Community Calendar

Preserving Food at Home Pressure Canning Class

August 15 • 6-8 PM

Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

Canning is one of the three main methods of preserving food. If you want a refresher or to learn how to get started, register now. This workshop is designed to help you understand the science of how canning works, proper food safety techniques, differences in canning methods, and how to preserve food properly using a pressure canner. The cost is $20/person and participants will be able to take home a sample jar of vegetables prepared in class. Call 850-482-9620 for more information or to register. Due to size limitations, pre-registration is required. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People with disabilities requiring assistance should call 800-955-8771 at least 10 working days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given.

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement Ice Cream Social

August 19 • 5:30 PM

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, 17869 NW Pioneer Settlement Rd., Blountstown

Enjoy homemade ice cream and vote for your favorite. Contact the Settlement at 850-674-2777 if you'd like to enter your speciality or for additional information.

Homebuyer Education Class

August 21 & 23 • 9 AM-12 PM (each day)

Jackson Co. Ag Offices, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

Understand the home buying process, analyze your personal financial and credit situation, and learn basic home care and maintenance techniques to help maintain the value of your home and save money. The course is open to all participants from just starting the process to those further along. Completion 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. Due to class size limitations, pre-registration is required. No walk-ins. For more information call 850-638-6265 or 850-482-9620. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People with disabilities requiring assistance should call 800-955-8771 at least 10 working days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given.

120th Annual Andrew Elton Williams Family Reunion

October 7 • Registration @ 9 AM & Program @ 10 AM Galilee United Methodist Church, Galilee Road, Graceville

For more information, contact Lamar Faircloth at 850-547-2275 or 850-326-3045.

Animals/Livestock

Pharoah, Tennessee Red and Bob White Quail, beginning at $2 each, price varies by type and age; 850-326-1966.

Plymouth Rock chickens, 2 months old, $8 each, with or without pen, $250; 850-557-1629.

Red Angus/Simm Angus bulls; Black Simm/Angus heifers, w/ papers; 850-573-0949.

German Shorthair Pointer, AKC registered; 850-693-5001, Archie Jones.

Shih Tzu puppy, 1/8 toy poodle, boy, black/tan, silky hair, inside only, uses puppy pad, stocky build, plays constantly, adorable, 4 months, needs last booster & rabies, healthy, to loving home, $575; 850-768-0556, text please.

Home/Farm

Sleep Number king bed & headboard, $200; wood breakfast table & 4 chairs, $150; 850-226-3422.

Kubota TG180 lawn mower, 54” cut, diesel, power steering, $2,800; 850-263-6550, no texts.

Wicker table with 30”glass top, 4 wicker armchairs, $40; 850-547-3362.

American Drew glass top dining, 6 chairs, buffet cabinet with silverware; setup corner China cabinet w/light, $1,200 OBO; 850-624-3493.

LocaL TeLephone prefixes

Miscellaneous

Shureflo 12V on-demand 3.0 GPM 55PSI RV water pump, like new, $60; 850-260-0248.

Honda 5 HP pressure washer, new tires, spray gun, 25’ of hose and all nozzles, works fine; 850-573-5117.

Large Igloo dog house, $15; post hole diggers, $15; 850-847-4639.

Buzz Around XL mobility scooter by Golden, less than two hours use, like new, $750; 850-956-4287.

Multiple Listings

Square bale annual peanut grass hay, 5x5 rolls; walk-in cooler; 850-263-3427.

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.

Multiple Listings (cont.)

Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or queen; 2 used bathtubs to be used for water or feed troughs, great price; 850-547-3649.

Grain wagon; 3-horse slant trailer; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; utility trailer; T-post; rolls barb wire; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Kubota tractor, 50 HP, like new, many extras, barn kept, grapple, bucket & many extras, w/trailer; two table saws; 850-557-9905.

Real Estate

Tiny house, will sell with or without land; 850-693-3756 or 334-661-5419.

16 acres of land, Butler Road, Grand Ridge, great for hunting; 850-639-3756 or 334-661-5419.

Recreational Vehicles

2015 Jayco Eagle half ton towable 5th wheel, rear living w/ leather upholstery, Anderson hitch included, $26,000; 850-508-2041.

Vehicles

1997 GMC Sierra SLE, runs great, $4,500 OBO; 334-796-0287.

2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 4.0 liter engine, excellent condition, 47,237 miles, $15,000; 850-625-2899.

WANTED

John Deere 5320 shop manual; 1971 Monte Carlo front bumper for fair price, have a 1970 Monte Carlo bumper, will trade or buy; 850-547-0448 or 850-373-3709.

Horses; ponies; mules; donkeys; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

150-500 acres pasture land in Holmes or Washington County; 850-234-7070.

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

Antique firearms, WW2 German and Japanese items; 850-451-5263 or email: wildlifemexico911@yahoo. com.

License plates from any state, mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.

Old Craftsman wood planer, running or not; 850-703-9134, leave message.

FREE

Treadmill, runs great, must pick up; 334-796-0287.

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.

SEPTEMBER 8TH & 9TH

OPEN AT 5PM, RODEO AT 7PM

Sponsored by:

Paper Only Bingo. Located across the street from Graceville High School. Open 6 days a week. Closed Tuesdays. Session at 7:30 nightly. $50 payouts before & after session. Pull tab games up to $1,000!