February 2024

CURRENT LIGHT

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

FLASHES West Florida Electric, Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

Affordable Electricity Powers Our Daily Lives Page 8

INSIDE ...

$1

Did you know worth of electricity will get you drinks made in the blender?

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

Read Online www.WestFlorida.coop

428 VOL 74, NO 2

Trustee Nominations Due Feb. 15

...pg. 3

Billing Delays Impact WFEC Members

...pg. 5

Energy Conservation - Why ...pg. 6 Does it Matter?

The Good Kind of Audit

...pg. 9

Fish & Game Forecast

...pg. 11

Local Classifieds

...pgs. 13-14

Efficiency Tip:

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

Area rugs are an easy, cost-effective solution to cold floors. Adding area rugs to hard-surface flooring can add warmth to any room and keep your feet cozy on cold winter days.

USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 74, NO 2

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

Black History Month is an opportunity to understand black histories, going beyond stories of racism and slavery to spotlight black achievements.

Middlebrooks Contractors, Inc. Serving the Area for Over 60 Years Septic Tank Service, Installation & Repair • Mobile Home Pads • Land Clearing • Excavation • Dirt • Rock • Culverts

Choose rugs made from wool or other natural fibers or high-pile textures for the most insulation. Place rugs in areas where you need additional warmth, like the foot of a bed or under a coffee table. Area rugs can enhance the aesthetic of your home and keep you cozier.

Rent-All • We have everything you need! Equipment Rentals, Tractors, Trenchers, Etc.

Ph: (850) 547-3658

Plumbing • Electrical • Licensed & Insured David

TATUM District 1

Jackie

POOSER District 3

Tim

ALFORD

Mold Removal Remodels Water Damage Additions Fire Damage New Construction

District 2

John

ADAMS District 4

◄

DUPONT•

Authorized Agent

A Afr.lSTFAfO MFMflfA OF THf

AUTO GLASS

SAFETY COUNCIL-

• Any Glass • Any Vehicle

WISEFLYAUTOGLASS.COM

Debbie Roney Smith Call or text: (850) 209-8039 “Be SOLD with American Gold”

24 Hour Emergency Response CBC1255149, CCC1330340, MRSR9 David

George Clayton

District 5 / Vice President

District 6

CORBIN

OWENS

New Year/New Plans

LIC#SL642701

“I List - I Sell” Full Time Realtor Since 1996 4420 Lafayette St., Marianna, FL 32446

www.realtordrs.com • debson1999@gmail.com Randy

BUSH

District 7 / Secretary-Treasurer

I’m Local.

Licensed/Certified/Dependable/Helpful

Joe E.

Melonie Wood (850) 658-2635 Myron

HUDSON District 9

HWY. 77 BINGO, INC.

RONE

District 8 / President

Shawn

WALLING

Executive VP/CEO

FL Lic.# W489703 Al Lic.# 300759370

Call for a FREE consulation regarding the new medicare plans/ more benefits/larger physician networks/larger drug formulary

Over 200 carriers: Cigna/Aetna/Humana/United Healthcare/WellCare/Blue Cross-Blue Shield/AIG/ Mutual of Omaha/Allianz/Athene/Silac/Americo

(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

Medicare/Long Term Care/Final Expense & Life Insurance/Retirement Plans

(850) 658-2635

PAGE 2

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Double Action Mini-Session at 4:00 PM

Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night ISSUE JANUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE! (1.844.688.2431) PAGE 15

Real Estate 16 acres of land in the Graceville area, portions farmable; 727-403-4463.

14x40 cabin, 1BR/1BA, kitchenette, dining & living area, AC/heat, stove, fridge included. $28,000, must be moved; 352-308-7608 or 850-768-8773.

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

Older model Nissan or Toyota truck, 4-cylinder, 2-wheel drive, running & drivable; 850-674-6243.

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 14

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

Peanut picker tires, 900245SL, good condition; 4-row cultivator w/tracking, opening feet; 850-317-5056.

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

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

The gentleman from Chipley, please call me back about the J.S. albums; 850-956-2221.

Jenny donkey, age 1-8 years old; 850-956-5090.

Together We Can Stay Safe

Digging too close to a pad-mounted transformer like the one above can damage underground cables, leading to electrical shock or interruptions in service. Use caution when landscaping.

Call 811 before you dig and stay safe.

Lynn & Steve Helping Hands, LLC

Tractor Work • Loader Work • Bush Hogging • Chainsaw/Pruning/Hedge Trimming

Serving Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties

386-748-9035 or 850-768-0822

Best Dental/Vision Plans NCD by MetLife VSP Unlimited Local Providers enrollment.ncd.com/593880

Agent: Jeff Cooper (850) 209-4038 for details!

Stump Grinding David & Family Trim Tree Services, LLC Cut Bonded & Fully Insured Free Estimates

(850) 326-1559

Remove Structure Demo

Veteran-Founded

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Trustee Nominations Due Feb. 15

ROW Update:

I

WFEC Right-of-Way Crews will be cutting & trimming in the following area(s) during

n accordance with Article IV, Section 5, of West Florida Electric Cooperative’s bylaws, WFEC has appointed a nominating committee to identify interested and qualified members to be candidates for the board of trustees in the co-op’s upcoming elections. WFEC’s members will elect trustees to represent the following districts: District 7: That part of Holmes County lying east of State Road 79 from the south boundary of Holmes County to the junction of State Road 79 and State Road 177 and that portion of Holmes County lying east of State Road 177.

District 8: That portion of Holmes County lying west of State Road 177 and lying west of State Road 79, from the junction of State Road 177 and State Road 79 to the south county line of Holmes County and east of the Choctawhatchee River.

District 9: That part of Holmes County lying west of the Choctawhatchee River.

To be eligible to serve as a trustee, a person must be a bona fide WFEC member in good standing, residing in the respective district, and meet certain other requirements set forth in WFEC’s bylaws. Desired qualifications include the ability to become bonded, the capability of receiving and sending electronic mail transmissions and successfully meeting all requirements to become a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director within 36 months. All candidates must agree to abide by Board Policy No. 126: Board Election Campaign Policy. Any WFEC member living in Districts 7, 8 or 9 interested in running for the board should contact a committee member in the appropriate district or Terry Mullen at (850) 263-3231. All completed documents must be mailed or delivered to the Graceville office and submitted to Terry Mullen or his designee by noon on February 15. The deadline for submitting nominations by petition is also February 15.

The following are the names and telephone numbers of the nominating committee members: District #7 Jerry Newman 850-849-3196 Perry Jackson 850-326-2490

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

District #8 Madea Callahan 254-423-5807 Connie Mason 850-326-0929

District #9 David Adams 850-261-3980 Joan Tinsley 850-326-1611

FEBRUARY: North & South of Bonifay 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.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 3

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE Animals/Livestock Grain fed Angus beef, no hormones, ready April 2024, $4.75/lb. on the rail, cut & wrap; 850-326-2754.

Want to find out more about your household's energy spend?

Home/Farm

Multiple Listings

John Deere D160 tractor mower, 48” cut, many new parts, recent battery, $650; 843-271-1730 or 843-4419270.

Square bale annual peanut hay; 5x5 rolls; walk-in cooler; shelled ear corn; 850-263-3427.

Bahia grass hay, 5x4 rolls; 850-573-5145.

Coastal hay, 5x5 roll, each German Shepherd pups, $350; cutting fertilized, excellent quality, never been wet, barn 850-369-0148. stored; 850-592-4798.

CKC registered Husky puppies, all are black and Miscellaneous white with brown eyes, shots & wormer UTD, 6 weeks old; Boxing bag w/stand, like 850-768-8804. brand new, used about 4 times;

Our personalized analysis tool shows you where your energy dollars are going and how to keep more of them in your wallet!

ABGA 100% traditional Boer goats, all ages; bucks & does; 850-849-2426, leave message & will get back to you ASAP. William

Scan QR code to check out our Home Energy Calculator

Crutchfield

850-596-1244 or 850-6939684.

Lots barn siding, no longer needed; also 500 bf cherry and 500 bf cedar; 850-726-0132.

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

Enterprises, Inc.

License Number: CMC1250499

(850) 326-0330

Email: wilcruent@bellsouth.net

(850) 638-2611

CLF Free Ad Policy (Limited to one ad per household)

• Glass Shower

Enclosures • Window Panes • Mirrors • Screens • Tabletops

PAGE 4

LLC/Insured/ 40 Years Experience

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.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or queen; two used bathtubs, to be used for water or feed troughs, great price; 850547-3649.

Three-horse slant trailer; grain wagon; pregnant mare; bridles, saddles, tack; coon dog; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Local Telephone Prefixes 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

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

“Home Folks Serving Home Folks”

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

547-3696 #RM0048955

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 13

Community Calendar

Billing Delays Impact WFEC Members

Sweetheart Pancake Breakfast February 10; 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown Come together and enjoy pancakes and sausauge with us. There will be Valentine goodies for children. Ages 13 & up - $8 each; ages 5-12 - $4 and 4 and under are free. For more information call 850-674-2777.

Florida River Fest February 24; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Neal Landing/BHS Football Stadium, Blountstown Florida River Fest is a one day outdoor sporting and recreation festival.

Presented by the Calhoun County Community Foundation, the event will feature live music, vendors and more. The vendor fair event will be held at Neal Landing on River Street in Blountstown from 10-4. The Rock the River Concert will be held at the BHS Football Stadium, Bowles Field, at 4:30 with gates opening at 3. Admission to the vendor fair is $5 (cash only) and $10 (cash only) for the concert. Colt Ford's show begins at 7.

Due to bylaw requirements related to the annual meeting, mailing dates for the Homebuyer Education Class March issue of the March 6; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Washington Co. Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Avenue, Chipley CLF may change. Understand home buying, analyze personal financial and credit situations McIntosh

Outboard & Small Engine Grand Ridge

Sneads

We buy boats & motors!

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

Mr. Fence

AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Chris & Sheryl Tate

Locally Owned & Operated for 28 Years

Call Gary • 912-271-5781 W&S Farm and Service Tractor & Equipment Repair Welding Irrigation Repair Excavator & Bulldozer Work Land Clearing Earth Moving

(850) 326-8419 PAGE 12

• Online via the cooperative's website (www.westflorida.coop).

Create a user name and password and you are on your way. You can view statements, sign up for alerts and reminders and make payments.

• Bank/credit card draft - you can sign up to have your payments automatically drafted from your bank account or a credit card.

• Phone - just call the co-op's automated payment system by dialing 855-699-3322.

You can also call the co-op during business hours and make a payment over the phone.

You can also receive statements and notifications for your account via text or email.

& 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 requirement for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development program. For more info call 850-638-6265 or 850-482-9620. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Require assistance? Call 800-955-8771.

Commercial • Residential • Farm • Industrial

Lawn Care Service

R

ecently, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) members have experienced delays receiving their monthly billing statements. The cooperative has utilized the same billing procedure for several years now. However, changes in the way the USPS conducts business has impacted when members receive their bills. In turn, this has influenced members' ability to make payments by the due date listed on bills. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the volume of mail and packages processed by the USPS has particularly impacted when members have received their billing statements in the past few months.

The cooperative mails bills in three cycles each month - they are sent by a third-party billing company. This means the bills have three separate due dates - the 5th, 15th, and the 25th. WFEC strives to mail bills as early as possible each month, running the billing program to generate statements around 10 days after each cycle's due date.

If you don't receive your bill or have issues sending payments, contact the co-op for assistance by calling 800-342-7400.

To avoid delays with the mail, WFEC does offer several other ways to make payments: • Mobile apps - simply go to your IOS or Android store to download the app. You can view bills, sign up for alerts/reminders, view payment history, pay bills and more.

(850) 547-5516 Your Privacy is Our Business

20-Years Limited Warranty 21 Colors to Choose From

Gary McIntosh

(850) 593-0009

Panhandle Pump Repair & Filtration Service What’s in YOUR Water?

John White Owner

3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462

Over 40 Years Experience License #2252

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

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 5

Energy Conservation - Why Does it Matter?

James & Son Tree and Crane Service Insured and Reasonable

850-272-3620

I

n a world driven by technology and growing energy demands, the concept of energy conservation has become more important than ever.

Energy conservation is the decison and practice of using less energy.

Conservation is important because it aims to keep operating reserves above an emergency level, prevent load curtailment, and blackouts.

Energy conservation helps preserve the reliability of the electric grid as a whole.

Plus saving energy is saving money. Tactics to save come in all shapes and sizes - including these steps you can take today.

1. Turn off lights when you leave the room.

2. Unplug appliances when they are not in use.

3. Turn your refrigerator temperature down. Refrigerators account for nearly 14 percent of the total household energy use. Set your fridge to 37 degrees and your freezer to 3 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Do full loads. Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before running them to get the most from each run cycle.

5. Air-dry dishes and clothes. Instead of using your dishwasher's drying feature, consider letting the dishes air-dry.

And, instead of using the dryer on a nice day, hang your clothes outside to dry.

6. Keep your house a little hotter in the summer and a little cooler in the winter. Wear lighter clothes in the summer months and a few extra layers in the winter in exchange for the change in temperature.

7. Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. Most traditional water heaters are set to keep water heated to 140 degrees but water at 120 degrees works just as well.

When you are taking steps toward energy conservation, changing your daily energy habits is key to managing your energy use.

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 PAGE 6

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

BUSH PAINT & SUPPLY Graceville, FL Open: Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

(850) 263-4744 or (850) 263-6345 Randy: (850) 415-2222 Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic Wood • Laminate Feed Seed Fertilizer Bonnie Plants

(850) 547-2934 CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

200-Amp Power Pole $499.95 100 - Amp Power Pole $399.95 Delivery & Installation Available

Free Estimates

Rick Carnley - Lic. # EC-13006648

Specialist at Removing Hazardous Trees • Land Clearing • Stump Grinding • Forestry Mulching • Debris Removal Since 1969

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

Local help with your Medicare questions.

4” to 12”

Gene Alford

Licensed Sales Agent 850-209-1381, TTY 711 genealford@gmail.com MyUHCagent.com/gene.alford

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

850-263-8064

GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE Xtreme Southern Kustomizing

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

3783 Woodham Rd., Graceville, FL

Doug Hannon's Fish & Game Forecast Feb. 2024

Excellent Times AM PM

Moon Stage

Good Times AM PM

THU.

1

4:18-6:18

4:42-6:42

10:45-12:15

11:09-12:39

FRI.

2

5:06-7:06

5:30-7:30

11:33-1:03

11:57-1:27

SAT.

3

5:54-7:54

6:18-8:18

N/A

12:45-2:15

SUN.

4

6:42-8:42

7:06-9:06

1:09-2:39

1:33-3:03

MON.

5

7:30-9:30

7:54-9:54

1:57-3:27

2:21-3:51

TUE.

6

8:18-10:18

8:42-10:42

2:45-4:15

3:09-4:39

WED.

7

9:06-11:06

9:30-11:30

3:33-5:03

3:57-5:27

THU.

8

9:54-11:54

10:18-12:18

4:21-5:51

4:45-6:15

FRI.

9

10:42-12:42

11:06-1:06

5:09-6:39

5:33-7:03

SAT.

10

11:30-1:30

11:54-1:54

5:57-7:27

6:21-7:51 7:09-8:39

NEW

SUN.

11

N/A

12:42-2:42

6:45-8:15

MON.

12

1:06-3:06

1:30-3:30

7:33-9:03

7:57-9:27

TUE.

13

1:54-3:54

2:18-4:18

8:21-9:51

8:45-10:15

WED.

14

2:42-4:42

3:06-5:06

9:09-10:39

9:33-11:03

THU.

15

3:30-5:30

3:54-5:54

9:57-11:27

10:21-11:51

FRI.

16

4:18-6:18

4:42-6:42

10:45-12:15

11:09-12:39

SAT.

17

5:06-7:06

5:30-7:30

11:33-1:03

11:57-1:27

SUN.

18

5:54-7:54

6:18-8:18

N/A

12:45-2:15

MON.

19

6:42-8:42

7:06-9:06

1:09-2:39

1:33-3:03

TUE.

20

7:30-9:30

7:54-9:54

1:57-3:27

2:21-3:51

WED.

21

8:18-10:18

8:42-10:42

2:45-4:15

3:09-4:39

THU.

22

9:06-11:06

9:30-11:30

3:33-5:03

3:57-5:27

4:21-5:51

4:45-6:15

5:09-6:39

5:33-7:03

FRI.

23

9:54-11:54

10:18-12:18

SAT.

24

10:42-12:42

11:06-1:06

SUN.

25

11:30-1:30

11:54-1:54

5:57-7:27

6:21-7:51

MON.

26

N/A

12:42-2:42

6:45-8:15

7:09-8:39

FULL

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

SOUTHSIDE

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Sales, Service, Leasing, Maintenance, Installation, Ice Vending Machines Commercial & Residential

Need Ice? Ice Machine Leasing

850-703-5486

TUE.

27

1:06-3:06

1:30-3:30

7:33-9:03

7:57-9:27

State Certified Contractor CAC1819784

WED.

28

1:54-3:54

2:18-4:18

8:21-9:51

8:45-10:15

THU.

29

2:42-4:42

3:06-5:06

9:09-10:39

9:33-11:03

www.mysouthsideair.com

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 11

Statement of Non-Discrimination West Florida Electric Cooperative receives Federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In accordance with Federal and civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA conducted or filing deadlines by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested on the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistance Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

West Florida Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

PAGE 10

Easy Chicken & Rice Soup

OLEN BARFIELD Have Sawmill, Will Travel

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

Submitted by: Gail Parsons

Ingredients:

638-7105

1 (2 pound) rotisserie chicken 1 onion, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons butter 1 (7 oz.) package Spanish-style rice and vermicelli pasta mix (such as Rice-A-Roni) 1 handful chopped spinach or arugula

Livestock Fencing

Directions: Remove meat from chicken and shred. Place chicken bones, skin and juices in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Add onion. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 2-4 hours. Strain. Now, you should have 6 cups of broth. Add water to equal 6 cups, if necessary. Return broth to pot. Add shredded chicken. Heat butter in a saucepan. Add rice and pasta mix with seasoning packet. Simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add 2 cups water if soup is too thick.

Add spinach or arugula just before serving. Makes about 10 cups. Serves 8.

God’s Handyman, LLC

Licensed & Insured L19000238025

Specializing in Remodeling & Antique Restoration • 20 years experience • Finish Carpentry • Decks • Interior & Exterior Doors • Vinyl Siding • Additions • Hard Wood Floor • Baseboards • Windows Restoration • Crown/Custom Trim • Painting • Kitchen & Bathroom • Sheetrock Remodels • Chair Rail • Much More!

• Toilets • Flooring (850) 209-6593 All Are Welcome!

We Buy Vintage Call Us First

SURVEYOR

Florida Licensed Surveyor since 1969

Roger Lonsway

Mobile: 850-260-5438 Justin Joyner 850-658-2890

Materials, Maintenance & Installation

Chainlink Barbed Wire Vinyl Fence Wood Fence Field Fence “New” “Used” Repairs

Board, Privacy, and Chain-link

Larry Englert Owner

Pool cages, screen rooms, car ports, rescreening & repairs.

Larry’s Rescreening, LLC Veteran owned with 30 years experience

Licensed & insured

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC Levon Carnley

Specialized in: Decorative Concrete • Interior/Exterior Pool Decks • Porches Patios • Garages

Licensed

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

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

On the Farm Delivered or Installed 850-638-4860 • Cellular 415-0385

Focused on You (850) 630-9225

Phone: 850-703-0318

Est. 1980

We’re passionate about taking care of our customers and making them feel at home. Our hospitality paired with our experienced Bankers and Lenders is at the heart of who we are at First Federal Bank.

Syrup kettles Advertisement Items Vintage Items Records

ffbf.com | 850-526-4411

850-209-2012

We Buy One Piece or Entire Collections CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Bonifay - Chipley - Graceville - Marianna

Don Nowell - Regional Senior Commercial Banker Amanda Parrish - Marianna Branch Manager ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 7

Affordable Electricity Powers our Daily Lives

L

et's talk about electricity. It's been around a long time, but there's still no greater value among America's commodities than electricity.

Just as important as electricity itself, costs to the user have remained low, and this has kept electricity one of the greatest values among all energy sources. In fact, electricity remains an excellent value, especially when compared to other costs of living that have gone up due to inflation.

2022 saw the highest demand ever for electricity in the United States, and 14 times greater than the electrical demand in 1950. With virtually any other commodity, this would have an enormous impact on the price to the consumer. And yet, electricity remains one of the greatest and most affordable energy sources.

Electricity has been around now for so many generations, it is easy to take for granted. But when you consider the staggering number of things today powered by affordable electricity, it's hard to imagine life without it.

Electricity Will Power the Future The trend toward greater electrification will continue. This is already evident in the manufacturing sector, where equipment such as loaders and forklifts are more commonly electrically powered.

Even during times of economic inflation, electricity remains a great value. Compared to recent price increases in other products and services, electrical power price increases have been minimal. For example: $1 worth electricity would get you: • 428 drinks made in the blender • 11 pots of coffee brewed • 137 hours of laptop usage • 59 gallons of ice cream made • 103 uses of a hair dryer • 744 slices of toast • 17 uses of your washing machine • 52 hours of gaming time on the latest console Keeping You Powered, And Your Costs Low Keeping you powered is no small task. The reason we exist is to serve you.

West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC), your local energy cooperative, is owned by members like you. It is our mission to provide homes and businesses with reliable electrical power at an affordable price.

Let's talk about electrical power. It keeps our lives flowing, powers innovation, and opens the door to a future of possibilities. It's not just a commodity, but a necessity and WFEC is proud to bring it to you.

PAGE 8

Think electricity is no longer a good value?

Let’s Talk.

Here are 5 IMPORTANT FACTS you can count on:

1

Electricity is reliable.

It is 99.97% reliable.

2

Electricity is affordable.

A dollar now buys nearly 44 times as much electricity as it did in 1902.

Source: energy.gov

Source: ieee.org

3

Electricity is safe when treated with respect; it has the power to save lives or cause devastating harm.

4

Electricity is abundant.

We use it everywhere – to illuminate our homes, charge our devices, power our appliances and perform most of our daily tasks.

5

Electricity is versatile. It can be transformed into other types of energy, such as light, heat or motion.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

The Good Kind of Audit

C

old weather typically results in higher energy bills, and with winter in full swing, we'd like to remind you about a free co-op service that can help you boost efficiency and save money.

As your trusted energy partner, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC)believes savings and efficiency are within reach for everyone, and we want to help you get there. That's why we offer free home energy audits.

An energy audit provides a comprehensive overview of your home's efficiency. Understanding how your home uses energy can help determine the best way to adjust energy consumption, improve problem areas and keep more money in your wallet. An energy audit can also identify potential safety issues surrounding electrical wiring and HVAC systems, making your home safer. You could say this is a good kind of audit.

How does it work? First, give us a call and ask to speak with our resident energy advisor, Rhonda Byrd-Lee. She will talk with you about your energy use and ask you some questions about your home and habits. She will also review past energy bills. One of the greatest values of an energy audit is helping you understand how you use electricity and more importantly, identify ways to use it more efficiently. Making improvements and upgrades based on the audit can increase your property value - all the more reason to schedule an audit.

Four Ways an Energy Audit Can Benefit You A home energy audit can determine the overall efficiency of your home or business and ways to improve it. Here are the main benefits of conducting an energy audit.

Free energy audits are just one of the many perks of your co-op membership, so we hope you will take advantage of this valuable service. If you are looking for more ways to save, check out our additional efficiency offerings like rebates on dual-fuel and minisplit heat pumps or upgrading electric furnaces to high-efficiency heat pumps in your manufactured home. WFEC also offers a lowinterest energy efficiency loan program to finance the purchase and installation of home efficiency upgrades. These programs and services are designed with our members in mind, putting the power to save in your hands.

An audit can identify potential safety issues with home wiring and ventilation.

Making changes based on the audit recommendations will raise your property value.

An audit will identify where most of your energy use is going and ways to use energy more efficiently to save money.

It can determine if appliances and heating/cooling equipment are properly sized for the home or business.

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 9

Affordable Electricity Powers our Daily Lives

L

et's talk about electricity. It's been around a long time, but there's still no greater value among America's commodities than electricity.

Just as important as electricity itself, costs to the user have remained low, and this has kept electricity one of the greatest values among all energy sources. In fact, electricity remains an excellent value, especially when compared to other costs of living that have gone up due to inflation.

2022 saw the highest demand ever for electricity in the United States, and 14 times greater than the electrical demand in 1950. With virtually any other commodity, this would have an enormous impact on the price to the consumer. And yet, electricity remains one of the greatest and most affordable energy sources.

Electricity has been around now for so many generations, it is easy to take for granted. But when you consider the staggering number of things today powered by affordable electricity, it's hard to imagine life without it.

Electricity Will Power the Future The trend toward greater electrification will continue. This is already evident in the manufacturing sector, where equipment such as loaders and forklifts are more commonly electrically powered.

Even during times of economic inflation, electricity remains a great value. Compared to recent price increases in other products and services, electrical power price increases have been minimal. For example: $1 worth electricity would get you: • 428 drinks made in the blender • 11 pots of coffee brewed • 137 hours of laptop usage • 59 gallons of ice cream made • 103 uses of a hair dryer • 744 slices of toast • 17 uses of your washing machine • 52 hours of gaming time on the latest console Keeping You Powered, And Your Costs Low Keeping you powered is no small task. The reason we exist is to serve you.

West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC), your local energy cooperative, is owned by members like you. It is our mission to provide homes and businesses with reliable electrical power at an affordable price.

Let's talk about electrical power. It keeps our lives flowing, powers innovation, and opens the door to a future of possibilities. It's not just a commodity, but a necessity and WFEC is proud to bring it to you.

PAGE 8

Think electricity is no longer a good value?

Let’s Talk.

Here are 5 IMPORTANT FACTS you can count on:

1

Electricity is reliable.

It is 99.97% reliable.

2

Electricity is affordable.

A dollar now buys nearly 44 times as much electricity as it did in 1902.

Source: energy.gov

Source: ieee.org

3 4 5

Electricity is safe when treated with respect; it has the power to save lives or cause devastating harm.

Electricity is abundant.

We use it everywhere – to illuminate our homes, charge our devices, power our appliances and perform most of our daily tasks.

Electricity is versatile. It can be transformed into other types of energy, such as light, heat or motion.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

The Good Kind of Audit

C

old weather typically results in higher energy bills, and with winter in full swing, we'd like to remind you about a free co-op service that can help you boost efficiency and save money.

As your trusted energy partner, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC)believes savings and efficiency are within reach for everyone, and we want to help you get there. That's why we offer free home energy audits.

An energy audit provides a comprehensive overview of your home's efficiency. Understanding how your home uses energy can help determine the best way to adjust energy consumption, improve problem areas and keep more money in your wallet. An energy audit can also identify potential safety issues surrounding electrical wiring and HVAC systems, making your home safer. You could say this is a good kind of audit.

How does it work? First, give us a call and ask to speak with our resident energy advisor, Rhonda Byrd-Lee. She will talk with you about your energy use and ask you some questions about your home and habits. She will also review past energy bills. One of the greatest values of an energy audit is helping you understand how you use electricity and more importantly, identify ways to use it more efficiently. Making improvements and upgrades based on the audit can increase your property value - all the more reason to schedule an audit.

Four Ways an Energy Audit Can Benefit You A home energy audit can determine the overall efficiency of your home or business and ways to improve it. Here are the main benefits of conducting an energy audit.

Free energy audits are just one of the many perks of your co-op membership, so we hope you will take advantage of this valuable service. If you are looking for more ways to save, check out our additional efficiency offerings like rebates on dual-fuel and minisplit heat pumps or upgrading electric furnaces to high-efficiency heat pumps in your manufactured home. WFEC also offers a lowinterest energy efficiency loan program to finance the purchase and installation of home efficiency upgrades. These programs and services are designed with our members in mind, putting the power to save in your hands.

An audit can identify potential safety issues with home wiring and ventilation.

Making changes based on the audit recommendations will raise your property value.

An audit will identify where most of your energy use is going and ways to use energy more efficiently to save money.

It can determine if appliances and heating/cooling equipment are properly sized for the home or business.

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 9

Statement of Non-Discrimination West Florida Electric Cooperative receives Federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In accordance with Federal and civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA conducted or filing deadlines by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_ cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested on the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistance Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or 3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

West Florida Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

PAGE 10

Easy Chicken & Rice Soup

OLEN BARFIELD Have Sawmill, Will Travel

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

Submitted by: Gail Parsons

Ingredients:

638-7105

1 (2 pound) rotisserie chicken 1 onion, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons butter 1 (7 oz.) package Spanish-style rice and vermicelli pasta mix (such as Rice-A-Roni) 1 handful chopped spinach or arugula

Livestock Fencing

Directions: Remove meat from chicken and shred. Place chicken bones, skin and juices in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Add onion. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 2-4 hours. Strain. Now, you should have 6 cups of broth. Add water to equal 6 cups, if necessary. Return broth to pot. Add shredded chicken. Heat butter in a saucepan. Add rice and pasta mix with seasoning packet. Simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add 2 cups water if soup is too thick.

Add spinach or arugula just before serving. Makes about 10 cups. Serves 8.

God’s Handyman, LLC

Licensed & Insured L19000238025

Specializing in Remodeling & Antique Restoration • 20 years experience • Finish Carpentry • Decks • Interior & Exterior Doors • Vinyl Siding • Additions • Hard Wood Floor • Baseboards • Windows Restoration • Crown/Custom Trim • Painting • Kitchen & Bathroom • Sheetrock Remodels • Chair Rail • Much More!

• Toilets • Flooring (850) 209-6593 All Are Welcome!

We Buy Vintage Call Us First

SURVEYOR

Florida Licensed Surveyor since 1969

Roger Lonsway

Mobile: 850-260-5438 Justin Joyner 850-658-2890

Materials, Maintenance & Installation

Chainlink Barbed Wire Vinyl Fence Wood Fence Field Fence “New” “Used” Repairs

Board, Privacy, and Chain-link

Larry Englert Owner

Pool cages, screen rooms, car ports, rescreening & repairs.

Larry’s Rescreening, LLC Veteran owned with 30 years experience

Licensed & insured

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC Levon Carnley

Specialized in: Decorative Concrete • Interior/Exterior Pool Decks • Porches Patios • Garages

Licensed

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

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

On the Farm Delivered or Installed 850-638-4860 • Cellular 415-0385

Focused on You (850) 630-9225

Phone: 850-703-0318

Est. 1980

We’re passionate about taking care of our customers and making them feel at home. Our hospitality paired with our experienced Bankers and Lenders is at the heart of who we are at First Federal Bank.

Syrup kettles Advertisement Items Vintage Items Records

ffbf.com | 850-526-4411

850-209-2012

We Buy One Piece or Entire Collections CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Bonifay - Chipley - Graceville - Marianna

Don Nowell - Regional Senior Commercial Banker Amanda Parrish - Marianna Branch Manager ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 7

Energy Conservation - Why Does it Matter?

James & Son Tree and Crane Service Insured and Reasonable

850-272-3620

I

n a world driven by technology and growing energy demands, the concept of energy conservation has become more important than ever.

Energy conservation is the decison and practice of using less energy.

Conservation is important because it aims to keep operating reserves above an emergency level, prevent load curtailment, and blackouts.

Energy conservation helps preserve the reliability of the electric grid as a whole.

Plus saving energy is saving money. Tactics to save come in all shapes and sizes - including these steps you can take today.

1. Turn off lights when you leave the room.

2. Unplug appliances when they are not in use.

3. Turn your refrigerator temperature down. Refrigerators account for nearly 14 percent of the total household energy use. Set your fridge to 37 degrees and your freezer to 3 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Do full loads. Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before running them to get the most from each run cycle.

5. Air-dry dishes and clothes. Instead of using your dishwasher's drying feature, consider letting the dishes air-dry.

And, instead of using the dryer on a nice day, hang your clothes outside to dry.

6. Keep your house a little hotter in the summer and a little cooler in the winter. Wear lighter clothes in the summer months and a few extra layers in the winter in exchange for the change in temperature.

7. Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. Most traditional water heaters are set to keep water heated to 140 degrees but water at 120 degrees works just as well.

When you are taking steps toward energy conservation, changing your daily energy habits is key to managing your energy use.

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 PAGE 6

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

BUSH PAINT & SUPPLY Graceville, FL Open: Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

(850) 263-4744 or (850) 263-6345 Randy: (850) 415-2222 Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic Wood • Laminate Feed Seed Fertilizer Bonnie Plants

(850) 547-2934 CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

200-Amp Power Pole $499.95 100 - Amp Power Pole $399.95 Delivery & Installation Available

Free Estimates

Rick Carnley - Lic. # EC-13006648

Specialist at Removing Hazardous Trees • Land Clearing • Stump Grinding • Forestry Mulching • Debris Removal Since 1969

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

Local help with your Medicare questions.

4” to 12”

Gene Alford

Licensed Sales Agent 850-209-1381, TTY 711 genealford@gmail.com MyUHCagent.com/gene.alford

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

850-263-8064

GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE Xtreme Southern Kustomizing

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

3783 Woodham Rd., Graceville, FL

Doug Hannon's Fish & Game Forecast Feb. 2024

Excellent Times AM PM

Moon Stage

Good Times AM PM

THU.

1

4:18-6:18

4:42-6:42

10:45-12:15

11:09-12:39

FRI.

2

5:06-7:06

5:30-7:30

11:33-1:03

11:57-1:27

SAT.

3

5:54-7:54

6:18-8:18

N/A

12:45-2:15

SUN.

4

6:42-8:42

7:06-9:06

1:09-2:39

1:33-3:03

MON.

5

7:30-9:30

7:54-9:54

1:57-3:27

2:21-3:51

TUE.

6

8:18-10:18

8:42-10:42

2:45-4:15

3:09-4:39

WED.

7

9:06-11:06

9:30-11:30

3:33-5:03

3:57-5:27

THU.

8

9:54-11:54

10:18-12:18

4:21-5:51

4:45-6:15

FRI.

9

10:42-12:42

11:06-1:06

5:09-6:39

5:33-7:03

SAT.

10

11:30-1:30

11:54-1:54

5:57-7:27

6:21-7:51 7:09-8:39

NEW

SUN.

11

N/A

12:42-2:42

6:45-8:15

MON.

12

1:06-3:06

1:30-3:30

7:33-9:03

7:57-9:27

TUE.

13

1:54-3:54

2:18-4:18

8:21-9:51

8:45-10:15

WED.

14

2:42-4:42

3:06-5:06

9:09-10:39

9:33-11:03

THU.

15

3:30-5:30

3:54-5:54

9:57-11:27

10:21-11:51

FRI.

16

4:18-6:18

4:42-6:42

10:45-12:15

11:09-12:39

SAT.

17

5:06-7:06

5:30-7:30

11:33-1:03

11:57-1:27

SUN.

18

5:54-7:54

6:18-8:18

N/A

12:45-2:15

MON.

19

6:42-8:42

7:06-9:06

1:09-2:39

1:33-3:03

TUE.

20

7:30-9:30

7:54-9:54

1:57-3:27

2:21-3:51

WED.

21

8:18-10:18

8:42-10:42

2:45-4:15

3:09-4:39

THU.

22

9:06-11:06

9:30-11:30

3:33-5:03

3:57-5:27

4:21-5:51

4:45-6:15

5:09-6:39

5:33-7:03

FRI.

23

9:54-11:54

10:18-12:18

SAT.

24

10:42-12:42

11:06-1:06

SUN.

25

11:30-1:30

11:54-1:54

5:57-7:27

6:21-7:51

MON.

26

N/A

12:42-2:42

6:45-8:15

7:09-8:39

FULL

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

SOUTHSIDE

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Sales, Service, Leasing, Maintenance, Installation, Ice Vending Machines Commercial & Residential

Need Ice? Ice Machine Leasing

850-703-5486

TUE.

27

1:06-3:06

1:30-3:30

7:33-9:03

7:57-9:27

State Certified Contractor CAC1819784

WED.

28

1:54-3:54

2:18-4:18

8:21-9:51

8:45-10:15

THU.

29

2:42-4:42

3:06-5:06

9:09-10:39

9:33-11:03

www.mysouthsideair.com

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 11

Community Calendar

Billing Delays Impact WFEC Members

Sweetheart Pancake Breakfast February 10; 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, Blountstown Come together and enjoy pancakes and sausauge with us. There will be Valentine goodies for children. Ages 13 & up - $8 each; ages 5-12 - $4 and 4 and under are free. For more information call 850-674-2777.

Florida River Fest February 24; 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Neal Landing/BHS Football Stadium, Blountstown Florida River Fest is a one day outdoor sporting and recreation festival.

Presented by the Calhoun County Community Foundation, the event will feature live music, vendors and more. The vendor fair event will be held at Neal Landing on River Street in Blountstown from 10-4. The Rock the River Concert will be held at the BHS Football Stadium, Bowles Field, at 4:30 with gates opening at 3. Admission to the vendor fair is $5 (cash only) and $10 (cash only) for the concert. Colt Ford's show begins at 7.

Due to bylaw requirements related to the annual meeting, mailing dates for the Homebuyer Education Class March issue of the March 6; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Washington Co. Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Avenue, Chipley CLF may change. Understand home buying, analyze personal financial and credit situations McIntosh

Outboard & Small Engine Grand Ridge

Sneads

We buy boats & motors!

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

Mr. Fence

AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Chris & Sheryl Tate

Locally Owned & Operated for 28 Years

Call Gary • 912-271-5781 W&S Farm and Service Tractor & Equipment Repair Welding Irrigation Repair Excavator & Bulldozer Work Land Clearing Earth Moving

(850) 326-8419 PAGE 12

• Online via the cooperative's website (www.westflorida.coop).

Create a user name and password and you are on your way. You can view statements, sign up for alerts and reminders and make payments.

• Bank/credit card draft - you can sign up to have your payments automatically drafted from your bank account or a credit card.

• Phone - just call the co-op's automated payment system by dialing 855-699-3322.

You can also call the co-op during business hours and make a payment over the phone.

You can also receive statements and notifications for your account via text or email.

& 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 requirement for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development program. For more info call 850-638-6265 or 850-482-9620. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. Require assistance? Call 800-955-8771.

Commercial • Residential • Farm • Industrial

Lawn Care Service

R

ecently, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) members have experienced delays receiving their monthly billing statements. The cooperative has utilized the same billing procedure for several years now. However, changes in the way the USPS conducts business has impacted when members receive their bills. In turn, this has influenced members' ability to make payments by the due date listed on bills. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the volume of mail and packages processed by the USPS has particularly impacted when members have received their billing statements in the past few months.

The cooperative mails bills in three cycles each month - they are sent by a third-party billing company. This means the bills have three separate due dates - the 5th, 15th, and the 25th. WFEC strives to mail bills as early as possible each month, running the billing program to generate statements around 10 days after each cycle's due date.

If you don't receive your bill or have issues sending payments, contact the co-op for assistance by calling 800-342-7400.

To avoid delays with the mail, WFEC does offer several other ways to make payments: • Mobile apps - simply go to your IOS or Android store to download the app. You can view bills, sign up for alerts/reminders, view payment history, pay bills and more.

(850) 547-5516 Your Privacy is Our Business

20-Years Limited Warranty 21 Colors to Choose From

Gary McIntosh

(850) 593-0009

Panhandle Pump Repair & Filtration Service What’s in YOUR Water?

John White Owner

3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462

Over 40 Years Experience License #2252

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

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 5

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE Animals/Livestock Grain fed Angus beef, no hormones, ready April 2024, $4.75/lb. on the rail, cut & wrap; 850-326-2754.

Want to find out more about your household's energy spend?

Home/Farm

Multiple Listings

John Deere D160 tractor mower, 48” cut, many new parts, recent battery, $650; 843-271-1730 or 843-4419270.

Square bale annual peanut hay; 5x5 rolls; walk-in cooler; shelled ear corn; 850-263-3427.

Bahia grass hay, 5x4 rolls; 850-573-5145.

Coastal hay, 5x5 roll, each German Shepherd pups, $350; cutting fertilized, excellent quality, never been wet, barn 850-369-0148. stored; 850-592-4798.

CKC registered Husky puppies, all are black and Miscellaneous white with brown eyes, shots & wormer UTD, 6 weeks old; Boxing bag w/stand, like 850-768-8804. brand new, used about 4 times;

Our personalized analysis tool shows you where your energy dollars are going and how to keep more of them in your wallet!

ABGA 100% traditional Boer goats, all ages; bucks & does; 850-849-2426, leave message & will get back to you ASAP. William

Scan QR code to check out our Home Energy Calculator

Crutchfield

850-596-1244 or 850-6939684.

Lots barn siding, no longer needed; also 500 bf cherry and 500 bf cedar; 850-726-0132.

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

Enterprises, Inc.

License Number: CMC1250499

(850) 326-0330

Email: wilcruent@bellsouth.net

(850) 638-2611

CLF Free Ad Policy (Limited to one ad per household)

• Glass Shower

Enclosures • Window Panes • Mirrors • Screens • Tabletops

PAGE 4

LLC/Insured/ 40 Years Experience

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.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or queen; two used bathtubs, to be used for water or feed troughs, great price; 850547-3649.

Three-horse slant trailer; grain wagon; pregnant mare; bridles, saddles, tack; coon dog; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Local Telephone Prefixes 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

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

“Home Folks Serving Home Folks”

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

547-3696 #RM0048955

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 13

Real Estate 16 acres of land in the Graceville area, portions farmable; 727-403-4463.

14x40 cabin, 1BR/1BA, kitchenette, dining & living area, AC/heat, stove, fridge included. $28,000, must be moved; 352-308-7608 or 850-768-8773.

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

Older model Nissan or Toyota truck, 4-cylinder, 2-wheel drive, running & drivable; 850-674-6243.

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 14

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

Peanut picker tires, 900245SL, good condition; 4-row cultivator w/tracking, opening feet; 850-317-5056.

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

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

The gentleman from Chipley, please call me back about the J.S. albums; 850-956-2221.

Jenny donkey, age 1-8 years old; 850-956-5090.

Together We Can Stay Safe

Digging too close to a pad-mounted transformer like the one above can damage underground cables, leading to electrical shock or interruptions in service. Use caution when landscaping.

Call 811 before you dig and stay safe.

Lynn & Steve Helping Hands, LLC

Tractor Work • Loader Work • Bush Hogging • Chainsaw/Pruning/Hedge Trimming

Serving Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties

386-748-9035 or 850-768-0822

Best Dental/Vision Plans NCD by MetLife VSP Unlimited Local Providers enrollment.ncd.com/593880

Agent: Jeff Cooper (850) 209-4038 for details!

Stump Grinding David & Family Trim Tree Services, LLC Cut Bonded & Fully Insured Free Estimates

(850) 326-1559

Remove Structure Demo

Veteran-Founded

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Trustee Nominations Due Feb. 15

ROW Update:

I

WFEC Right-of-Way Crews will be cutting & trimming in the following area(s) during

n accordance with Article IV, Section 5, of West Florida Electric Cooperative’s bylaws, WFEC has appointed a nominating committee to identify interested and qualified members to be candidates for the board of trustees in the co-op’s upcoming elections. WFEC’s members will elect trustees to represent the following districts: District 7: That part of Holmes County lying east of State Road 79 from the south boundary of Holmes County to the junction of State Road 79 and State Road 177 and that portion of Holmes County lying east of State Road 177.

District 8: That portion of Holmes County lying west of State Road 177 and lying west of State Road 79, from the junction of State Road 177 and State Road 79 to the south county line of Holmes County and east of the Choctawhatchee River.

District 9: That part of Holmes County lying west of the Choctawhatchee River.

To be eligible to serve as a trustee, a person must be a bona fide WFEC member in good standing, residing in the respective district, and meet certain other requirements set forth in WFEC’s bylaws. Desired qualifications include the ability to become bonded, the capability of receiving and sending electronic mail transmissions and successfully meeting all requirements to become a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Credentialed Cooperative Director within 36 months. All candidates must agree to abide by Board Policy No. 126: Board Election Campaign Policy. Any WFEC member living in Districts 7, 8 or 9 interested in running for the board should contact a committee member in the appropriate district or Terry Mullen at (850) 263-3231. All completed documents must be mailed or delivered to the Graceville office and submitted to Terry Mullen or his designee by noon on February 15. The deadline for submitting nominations by petition is also February 15.

The following are the names and telephone numbers of the nominating committee members: District #7 Jerry Newman 850-849-3196 Perry Jackson 850-326-2490

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

District #8 Madea Callahan 254-423-5807 Connie Mason 850-326-0929

District #9 David Adams 850-261-3980 Joan Tinsley 850-326-1611

FEBRUARY: North & South of Bonifay 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.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 3

Efficiency Tip:

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

Area rugs are an easy, cost-effective solution to cold floors. Adding area rugs to hard-surface flooring can add warmth to any room and keep your feet cozy on cold winter days.

USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 74, NO 2

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

Black History Month is an opportunity to understand black histories, going beyond stories of racism and slavery to spotlight black achievements.

Middlebrooks Contractors, Inc. Serving the Area for Over 60 Years Septic Tank Service, Installation & Repair • Mobile Home Pads • Land Clearing • Excavation • Dirt • Rock • Culverts

Choose rugs made from wool or other natural fibers or high-pile textures for the most insulation. Place rugs in areas where you need additional warmth, like the foot of a bed or under a coffee table. Area rugs can enhance the aesthetic of your home and keep you cozier.

Rent-All • We have everything you need! Equipment Rentals, Tractors, Trenchers, Etc.

Ph: (850) 547-3658

Plumbing • Electrical • Licensed & Insured David

TATUM District 1

Jackie

POOSER District 3

Tim

ALFORD

Mold Removal Remodels Water Damage Additions Fire Damage New Construction

District 2

John

ADAMS District 4

◄

DUPONT•

Authorized Agent

A Afr.lSTFAfO MFMflfA OF THf

AUTO GLASS

SAFETY COUNCIL-

• Any Glass • Any Vehicle

WISEFLYAUTOGLASS.COM

Debbie Roney Smith Call or text: (850) 209-8039 “Be SOLD with American Gold”

24 Hour Emergency Response CBC1255149, CCC1330340, MRSR9 David

George Clayton

District 5 / Vice President

District 6

CORBIN

OWENS

New Year/New Plans

LIC#SL642701

“I List - I Sell” Full Time Realtor Since 1996 4420 Lafayette St., Marianna, FL 32446

www.realtordrs.com • debson1999@gmail.com Randy

BUSH

District 7 / Secretary-Treasurer

I’m Local.

Licensed/Certified/Dependable/Helpful

Joe E.

Melonie Wood (850) 658-2635 Myron

HUDSON District 9

HWY. 77 BINGO, INC.

RONE

District 8 / President

Shawn

WALLING

Executive VP/CEO

FL Lic.# W489703 Al Lic.# 300759370

Call for a FREE consulation regarding the new medicare plans/ more benefits/larger physician networks/larger drug formulary

Over 200 carriers: Cigna/Aetna/Humana/United Healthcare/WellCare/Blue Cross-Blue Shield/AIG/ Mutual of Omaha/Allianz/Athene/Silac/Americo

(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

Medicare/Long Term Care/Final Expense & Life Insurance/Retirement Plans

(850) 658-2635

PAGE 2

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Double Action Mini-Session at 4:00 PM

Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night ISSUE JANUARY 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE! (1.844.688.2431) PAGE 15

CURRENT LIGHT

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

FLASHES West Florida Electric, Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

Affordable Electricity Powers Our Daily Lives Page 8

INSIDE ...

$1

Did you know worth of electricity will get you drinks made in the blender?

ISSUE FEBRUARY 2024

Read Online www.WestFlorida.coop

428 VOL 74, NO 2

Trustee Nominations Due Feb. 15

...pg. 3

Billing Delays Impact WFEC Members

...pg. 5

Energy Conservation - Why ...pg. 6 Does it Matter?

The Good Kind of Audit

...pg. 9

Fish & Game Forecast

...pg. 11

Local Classifieds

...pgs. 13-14