FLASHES
USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 74, NO 8
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.
Board of Trustees
Storm Preparedness
As members/employees of West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC), we face challenges everyday in our lives. At times, we take weather for granted as we live our fast-paced lives. We all know the weather can become extreme and dangerous in a matter of minutes. We live in the Panhandle that has been devastated at certain times over the years. I want to emphasize to all members and employees to prepare now before storms affect you and your loved ones. Prepare yourself for the worst. Ask yourself these questions:
• Do I have a back-up power supply? (generator, etc.)
• If I own a back-up power supply, is it in working condition?
• Do I have the supplies I need? (bottled water, nonperishable food items, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio, medications, extension cords, baby items, pet food, first aid kits, gas, cash and cell phones with chargers and back-up power sources)
• Do I have an alternate route to leave my home if conditions are worse than predicted?
• Do I have a family member that uses life-sustaining medical equipment requiring electricity or batteries? This specifically includes ventilators, oxygen machines, heart monitors, CPAP machines, nebulizers and others that I may have failed to mention. If so, please make arrangements and plan for extended outages now.
Shopping for these items can be cheaper during Florida's tax free holidays (August 24-September 6, 2024), but who am I to say wait? I recommend stocking up now if possible.
Always keep extra supplies on hand in case you need them. Electricity is a valuable resource and when it's not working, it's normal for us to become tense and sometimes, frustrated. Make sure the cooperative has your current contact information on file - including phone numbers and physical addresses - this will assist in the power restoration process. The outage reporting number is 844-688-2431. Don't hesitate to report your outage. Everyone please stay safe during this storm season.
Sincerely,
Right-of-Way Crews will be cutting & trimming in the following area(s) during
Alford, Esto & Graceville
When 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.
Tim Alford, WFEC Board President
Focused
Let's Shut the Door on Higher Energy Costs
Shut the door on high energy costs and apply for a lowinterest Energy Efficiency Loan to make home improvements that can save you energy and money.
A comfortable home and low energy costs should go handin-hand. That's why West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) offers its members an easy and affordable way to finance home energy improvements through its Energy Efficiency Loan Program
Residential members may qualify for low-interest loans to finance the purchase and installation of home efficiency upgrades like:
• HVAC replacement and tune-up
• Duct repair or replacement
• Heat pump water heater
• Water heater blanket and pipe insulation
• Windows
• Insulated exterior doors
• Exterior wall, floor, perimeter or attic insulation
• Air sealing
• Attic ventilation
• Manufactured home skirting
KnocK. KnocK. Want to shut the door on high energy costs? Apply for a low-interest Energy Efficiency Loan & make home improvements that save energy & money. Learn More:
After taking advantage of this program, you'll enjoy a home that's comfortable and energy-efficient. For more information or to start the process, contact WFEC's Energy Services Department by calling 800-342-7400.
Corbin Earns Director Gold Re-Certification
West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) District 5 Trustee, David Corbin (right) was recently presented with a Director Gold re-certification by Shawn Walling, WFEC Executive Vice President & CEO (left). The Director Gold Credential recognizes trustees committed to continuing their education beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Certificate and Board Leadership Certificate. Director Gold demonstrates a tangible commitment for advancing their knowledge and executing their board responsibilities to the best of their ability. Re-certification requires a trustee to earn three credits by taking National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) approved education programs within a two-year period.
WFEC Sends Local Students to Washington, D.C.
44 states. 341 state staff & chaperones. 44 bus drivers. 1,659 delegates. 2,061 individuals representing Rural America in our nation’s capital.
West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) Youth Tour program participants visited Washington, D.C. June 16-21. LaRae Baxter, Malone School, and Joseph Smith IV, Sneads High 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, including the Holocaust Museum, other important landmarks, Mt. Vernon, and Arlington National Cemetery.
“We were able to visit the Holocaust Museum, which was an eye-
opening experience. It made me realize how bad it was during that time, and how lucky I am to live how and where I live,” said LaRae Baxter.
“The MLK Memorial really moved me. The sheer size of his statue really replicates all that he did; it felt like he was right there when you look up at him. The Holocaust Museum was also impactful. It really opens your eyes to everything that happened and makes you question what could’ve been done to prevent that period in history and efforts to
"this triP to Washington, d.c. Was onE of thE most mEmorablE triPs i'vE bEEn on. ovErall, this Will bE a triP i Will talk about for yEars to comE. i am so gratEful for this oPPortunity that WEst
florida ElEctric cooPErativE PrividEd mE." ~ laraE baxtEr
prevent something like that in the future,” said Joseph Smith.
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.
“One of things I enjoyed most was the NRECA Youth Day. All of the delegates from the 44 states attended this event. The energy in the room was intense. Every state had different cheers to do, pins to trade, and people to meet. It was such a lively experience. During this event we listened to a speaker who had an incredibly moving and motivating story,” said Baxter. “The trip to Washington DC was one of the most memorable trips I’ve been on. You see pictures and movies that depict these historical places, but they do them no justice when you have seen them in person. To see these things that hold so much history is an amazing experience. The greatest thing was being able to experience it with other kids from all over Florida. The connections and friendships I have made will last a lifetime. From walking 15 miles a day, to exploring museums, to dancing the night away on a river boat cruise. We did it all together!” she continued.
“Words can’t even describe the feeling I had on the trip. I was around so many people that were just as enthusiastic as me to be there. It was an amazing time for all of us, and even though I traded contacts and have talked to them since, I already miss them. In addition, Washington D.C. is amazing and always full of life; I will definitely have to come back again. I would like to thank my school for the opportunity and West Florida
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Electric for the scholarship and this unforgettable experience. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity,” said Smith.
Youth Tour is open to all 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 State Youth Tour each year. The selected representatives then go on to compete for the slots available for the National Youth Tour trip. If you’ll be a junior during the 20242025 school year, see your school’s guidance counselor for more info about the Youth Tour program or contact Candace Croft, Comms & PR Coordinator by emailing ccroft@westflorida.coop.
BINGO, INC.
(850) 263-7788
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! Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: All session games pay $250!
Saturdays 7 Sundays: Jackpot games @ 4-5-6-7-9 & 10 PM
Double Action Mini-Session at 4:00 PM
Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night
Set it Up and Forget it with Draft Payments
In today's busy world, paying household bills can feel like a juggling act. But, there are convenient ways to streamline the process, like using West Florida Electric Cooperative's (WFEC) bank or credit card draft service to pay utility bills.
Bank or credit card draft, also known as automatic bill payment, is a method where your utility payment is automatically deducted from your bank account or charged to your credit card each month. This ensures timely payments without the hassle of remembering due dates or having to write checks or use other payment methods. Drafts can be set up on a recurring basis. Signing up is easy - simply visit www.westflorida.coop/ ways-to-pay. Then download the draft authorization form located on that page. This form must be completed and returned to the cooperative with a voided check. Each draft authorization form and voided check must be mailed to the address provided on the form in its own envelope or returned to the billing department at the Graceville office in person. Please continue making your regular monthly payments until you see "TO BE PAID BY DRAFT" on your billing statement.
Benefits of Using Bank/Credit Card Draft:
1. Convenience - Once set up, payments are automatic, saving time and effort.
2. Timeliness - Payments are made on time, eliminating late fees and service interruptions.
3. Security - Transactions are secure, reducing the risk of lost or stolen checks or personal financial information.
4. Control - You maintain control over your payments, with the ability to review bills before deductions are scheduled.
Things to Consider:
1. Sufficient Funds - Ensure there are sufficient funds in your account or available credit on your card to cover the payments.
2. Review Bills - Although payments are automatic, it's important to review your bills regularly for accuracy and any unexpected changes.
3. Cancellation - You can typically cancel automatic payments at any time by contacting WFEC or your financial institution. By opting for bank or credit card draft, you simplify your financial management and gain peace of mind knowing your bills are taken care of promptly. This method is not only convenient but also helps you stay organized in your household budgeting. Embrace the ease of automated payments and enjoy more time for the things that matter most in your life.
Doug Hannon's Fish & Game Forecast
10 4:30-6:30 4:54-6:54 10:57-12:27 11:21-12:51
11 5:18-7:18 5:42-7:42 N/A 12:09-1:39 MON. 12 6:06-8:06 6:30-8:30 12:33-2:03 12:57-2:27 TUE. 13 6:54-8:54 7:18-9:18 1:21-2:51 1:45-3:15 WED. 14 7:42-9:42 8:06-10:06 2:09-3:39 2:33-4:03
15 8:30-10:30 8:54-10:54 2:57-4:27 3:21-4:51
16 9:18-11:18 9:42-11:42 3:45-5:15 4:09-5:39
Community Calendar
UF Peanut Field Day • August 8; 7:45 a.m.
Marianna North Florida Research & Education Center, Greenwood
Registration begins at 7:45 and the event will end with a sponsored lunch. Field tours start promptly at 8:40 a.m. Tour groups will rotate through 6 field stops. Topics include insect, disease, fertility management, pesticides and more. The event will offer Florida and Georgia pesticide CEUs and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) CEUs. For disability accommodations, contact 850-482-9620 at least 2 weeks prior.
Water Bath Canning Class • August 17; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Jackson Co. Ag Complex, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
Better understand the science of how canning food works, proper food safety techniques, differences in canning methods, and how to properly preserve food using a water bath canner. The cost is $20/person and participants will take home a sample jar of jam or jelly prepared in class. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620 or visit the website: http://JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. UF is committed to providing universal access to all events. For disability accommodations, contact Terri Keith, teri2003@ufl.edu or call 850-482-9620 at least 2 weeks prior.
Homebuyer Education Class
September 7; 9:00-4:00 p.m.; 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley
Understand home buying, analyze personal financial and credit situations & learn basic home care/maintenance to help maintain the value of your home/save money. Pre-registration is required. The Florida Cooperative Extension service is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Completion of the course satisfies the homeownership education requirements for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development program. To register, call 850-638-6265 or 850-482-9620 or visit https:tinyurl.com/FCSCalendarofEvents. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Require assistance? Call 800-955-8771.
Garden to Table: Winter Herbs • September 10; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Jackson Co. Ag Complex, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna
Join us for this workshop about herbs. The cost is $15/person and participants will take home a small planter of seasonal winter herbs. They will also taste several ways to use winter herbs while cooking. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620 or visit the website: http://JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. UF is committed to providing universal access to all events. For disability accommodations, contact Terri Keith, teri2003@ufl.edu or call 850-482-9620 at least 2 weeks prior.
121st Andrew Elton Williams Reunion • October 5 Galilee UMC, Graceville Registration at 9. Program begins at 10:30 a.m. For more information, contact Lamar Faircloth at 850-547-2275 or 850-326-3045.
Florida tax holidays help residents by eliminating sales tax for some disaster preparedness supplies. Some eligible items include: generators radios batteries fuel tanks coolers bleach
flashlights/lanterns/candles tarps/ground anchors/tie downs portable power banks smoke/carbon monoxide detectors fire extinguishers
laundry detergent/dryer sheets toilet paper/soaps & more
CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE
Animals/Livestock
Australorp chicks, all sizes, black and blue; 850-481-2023.
Home/Farm
2000 Massey Ferguson 241, $3,500; 850-768-9811.
Cherry 4-poster water bed, California King, split mattress, hard side, 2 heaters, all bedding, $400; 850-956-1224.
Miscellaneous
Winchester shotgun, over under, 12-gauge, model 101, trap grade, $1,200; 850-643-8557.
Multiple Listings
Inagen One 65 portable oxygen, as seen on TV; Journey motorized wheelchair; 805-305-1590.
Homemade/handmade quilts, lap, baby, twin, full or queen quilts; two used bathtubs, to be used for water or feed troughs, great price; 850-547-3649.
Real Estate
16 acres of land, in the Graceville area, portions farmable; 727-403-4463.
Vehicles
Antique 1989 Dodge Ram Charger; 4x4 SUV, was running when parked, $2,000; 850-260-5088.
1984 Chevrolet Blazer, new mud tires, transmission, brakes, military edition, 4 wheel drive turbo, Detroit diesel, runs great, $6,000; 850-956-4325.
WANTED
150-500 acres pasture land in Holmes or Washington County; 850-234-7070 .
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.
Penny through dollar coins, loose, in jars, collections and estates; 850-326-3437.
License plates from any state, mainly Florida, prior to 1980; old motorcycles or parts prior to 1960; 850-557-7030, Greg.
FREE
Two tiny puppies, 10 weeks old, to a good home; 850-447-1474.
Land Clearing & Forestry Services
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 Clay O’Neal: 850.762.9402 or 850.832.5055
CLF Free Ad Form Please Type or Print Neatly.
Sale
Wanted
WIll
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
to publish any advertisement, article or information.
This Institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
