January 2023

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

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

West Florida Electric, Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

Middlebrooks Contractors, Inc. Serving the Area for Over 60 Years

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

Ph: (850) 547-3658 Plumbing • Electrical Licensed & Insured

◄

Seal Air Leaks to Stop Drafts & Save Money

Pages 8-9

DUPONT•

Authorized Agent

A Afr.lSTFAfO MFMflfA OF THf

AUTO GLASS

SAFETY COUNCIL-

• Any Glass • Any Vehicle

WISEFLYAUTOGLASS.COM

Happy New Year!

Available:

• Concrete Block • Rebar

Due to bylaw requirements mailing delays may occur for the February & March issues of the CLF.

Pool Supplies

INSIDE ...

Deck Kits!

Free Pool Water Testing!

Bulk Chlorine, Salt & Chemicals In Stock Now!

• Wire • Culverts

Pole Barn Kits Available Several to choose from.

WFEC Recognizes Employees ...pgs. 3-4

6x8 8x10 10x12 12x16

WFEC Provides Energy Education to Local Teachers ...pgs. 5-6

Many more sizes to choose from!

Shop online: www.panhandlelumber.com

Panhandle Lumber & Supply

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

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

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

*Prices subject to change. Call to confirm.*

Read Online www.WestFlorida.coop

VOL

73, NO 1

Why We Plan Outages

...pg. 10

Alford Makes Donation

...pg. 11

Local Classifieds

...pgs. 13-14

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

Get Money Today

USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 73, NO 1

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.

Happy New Year!

Built heavy duty, to make light work of any job.

WFEC Board of Trustees

L Series

24.8-62 HP

Together we do more.® David

Tim

TATUM

ALFORD

District 1

District 2

Galloway Automotive & Equipment, LLC Drive a little & Save a lot!

Call today to schedule a demo on the L Series compact tractor. Part of our tractor lineup rated #1 for durability and owner experience in the U.S.* • A range of affordable and premium models to choose from • Kubota diesel engine

• Performance-matched Kubota front loader • Gear or HST transmission

Panhandle Tractor • (850) 526-2257 5003 Highway 90 • Marianna, Florida 32446

John

Jackie

District 4

District 3

2000 Lincoln LS 152K miles • $2,995 2012 Cadillac CTS • Premium • Loaded Only 39K Original Miles

David

George Clayton

District 5 / Vice President

District 6

CORBIN

OWENS

114K miles Joe E.

BUSH

District 7 / Secretary-Treasurer

RONE

District 8 / President

Frank E.

Myron

BONDURANT

HUDSON

Attorney

District 9

Derek

CHADWELL

Interim Executive VP/CEO

PAGE 2

$9,995

2006 Ford 500 SEL 135K miles • $4,995

2016 Ford Fusion SE • New Tires Only 52K miles

$16,995

$16,495 2015 Kia Soul

Randy

Did you know insulating your electric water heater can reduce standby heat loss by 25-45%? This could save you 7-16% on annual water heating costs. Insulating your water heater is an easy, inexpensive project. You can purchase pre-cut blankets for about $20 at most home improvement stores.

*Award based on 2021 Progressive Farmer Reader Insights Tractor study. ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2022. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your local dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com.

ADAMS

POOSER

Efficiency Tip:

144K miles

2010 Cadillac SRX

130K miles $9,495

Super Clean 2013 Tahoe LT

2013 Ford F-150 XLT Super Crew Loaded • 142K miles $14,995 $16,995

1284 Hwy. 81 N. • Westville, FL • (850) 393-3100

Mold Removal Remodels Water Damage Additions Fire Damage New Construction

ST!”

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

HALL Roofing, Siding & Building, LLC Residential • Commercial

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

Andy Hall 850.557.3368

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

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

Drew Hall 850.557.2573

Serving Northwest Florida!

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

HWY. 77 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

24 Hour Emergency Response

Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night

CBC1255149, CCC1330340, MRSR9

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

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

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

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

Larry Englert Owner

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

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

Licensed & insured

(850) 630-9225

SURVEYOR

Florida Licensed Surveyor since 1969

Roger Lonsway

Mobile: 850-260-5438 OLEN BARFIELD Have Sawmill, Will Travel

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

638-7105

AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Real Estate 48.8 acres farmland, in the Graceville, Florida area, access from paved road; 651-230-2451.

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

WANTED Live-in companion needed to live with elderly lady, free room and board in exchange for light housekeeping and cooking, references needed; 214-405-4720.

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

(850) 593-0009

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

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

McIntosh

Levon Carnley

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

Licensed

Outboard & Small Engine Grand Ridge

Sneads

We buy boats & motors!

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

Phone: 850-703-0318

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

License Number: CMC1250499

(850) 263-3427 or Cell: (850) 326-0330 Email: wilcruent@bellsouth.net

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

Instant Orchard Packages

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

We will design and install your backyard fruit tree orchard.

Very affordable, call for appointment! 15 tree minimum.

Clarksville (850) 451-6222

Licensed family owned and operated since Hurricane Michael Schuckelberry Farms Retail Nursery and Edible Landscaping

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

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

Call for a free estimate!

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

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

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

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

20-Years Limited Warranty 21 Colors to Choose From

Gary McIntosh

WFEC Recognizes Employees

Horses; ponies; donkeys and mules; round pen panels; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Will Melton (center) was selected as WFEC's 2022 Employee of the Year. Wayne Williams, VP of Operations (left) and Derek Chadwell, Interim EVP & CEO (right) presented Melton with his award.

E

ach year, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) takes the opportunity to honor its employees with award presentations. The awards presented to employees include service anniversary awards, outstanding service awards and an employee of the year award. This year, Will Melton, Manager of Operations and Construction for the Sneads District Office, was named Employee of the Year by his peers. Melton was chosen to receive this award by his co-workers because he best exemplifies the following traits: personality, punctuality, safety habits, team work, flexibility and outstanding performance on the job.

He has worked at WFEC for 34 years, beginning his career as a meter reader in 1988. In his role as Manager of Operations and Construction, Melton is responsible for the day-to-day activities at the Sneads District Office; delegating daily construction jobs, which jobs are built and when. He is also responsible for the welfare of the cooperative’s system to ensure that it supplies safe and reliable power for all members. He has been married to Julie Melton for 23 years, and they have two children, a daughter, Payton Kressman (21) and a son, Parker Melton (16). In his free time, he enjoys hunting and fishing. He also enjoys long range shooting and finds it interesting to see how accurate a person can make a rifle shoot and what it takes to do so. continued on page 4

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

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

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 3

“I’m honored and very appreciative for the award. I feel a little like a quarterback winning MVP. I try to do the best job I can for the co-op and its members.

But the truth of it all is without the GREAT group of men and women supporting me, and having my back I couldn’t accomplish anything. I’m literally the person that passes the job to someone else and relies on them completing the work to the best of their abilities.

So, in reality I am only as good as the people around me and they’ve done a fantastic job of making me look good. I want to thank them for making my job easy,” said Melton.

In addition to recognizing the Employee of the Year, three other employees were recognized with the Outstanding Service Award – one at each district office. They were: Terrell Culbreth, a staking technician at the Bonifay office; David Gilpin, a journeyman lineman at the Sneads office; and Shannon Holton, Supervisor of Human Resources at the Graceville office.

Our employees and their families live and work in the communities we serve. Join us in congratulating them on their achievements this year.

CLASSIFIEDS

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE

Fiberglass topper, white, 72” wide by 72” long, A-1 shape; 320-304-5414.

Animals/Livestock

Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full Purebred Belgian Malinois pups, parents on premises, $300 or queen; two used bathtubs, great price; 850-547-3649. each; 850-643-7894.

Small amaryllis flower bulb Tiny Shih tzu, boy, adorable, can send pics, he is a doll, $575; business, approximately 5,500 potted plants, extensive 850-768-0709, text or call. ad listings on eBay and our website, present customer base information, rights to our 440+ Home/Farm YouTube videos, miscellaneous Rheem 50 gallon electric water items, some training help, $54,000; 850-592-8769. heater; 850-209-8520.

Terrell Culbreth (center) was presented with an Outstanding Service Award for the Bonifay district

by Wayne Williams, VP of Operations (left) & Derek Chadwell, Interim EVP & CEO (right).

5x8 trailer, mesh floor, built

by Trailer World, $600; 850-272-2477.

Mahindra 4550 tractor, 4-wheel drive, 268 hours, more implements, $21,000; 850-394-7485.

Argentine Bahia hay, 4x5 rolls, barn stored; 850-579-2732.

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

PAGE 4

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Square bale annual peanut hay; 5x5 rolls grass hay; walkin cooler; grain fed beef; 850-263-3427.

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

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

WFEC will not accept ads over the phone.

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

Large gas tank; medium gas tank; GE electric stove, white; GE microwave, white; GE dishwasher, white; best offer; 850-592-2153.

Multiple Listings

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

Shannon Holton (right) was presented with an Outstanding Service Award for the Graceville district by Derek Chadwell, Interim EVP & CEO (left).

Large antique sewing cabinet, 21” wide, 42” long, 31” high, $100; seasonal wreaths, various and assorted Christmas decorations; 850-372-7500.

Three-horse slant trailer; 16’ hay trailer; barrel, pleasure, roping saddles; tack; coon dog; harness for mules and Climbing tree stand, Warren & ponies; 850-592-2494 or Sweat, $50 firm; 850-703-1859. 850-209-8532.

*Not pictured David Gilpin*

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

Clearing out storage; end tables; ceiling fans; shelves; kitchen items; much more; 850-272-4935.

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

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

Local help with your Medicare questions.

Community Calendar

Gene Alford

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

Glen Scott

Stump Grinding Best Service

Best Prices

(850) 209-2105 Tractor work Marianna, Florida

GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE Xtreme Southern Kustomizing

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

3783 Woodham Rd., Graceville, FL

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

LLC/Insured/ 40 Years Experience

(850) 638-2611 T

J

G

SOUTHSIDE T J G

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Commercial & Residential Sales, Service, Leasing Installation

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

Air Conditioning Refrigeration Ice Machines Exhausts/Make Up Air PAGE 12

Beginner's Pressure Canning Class January 24; 6:00-9:30 p.m.

Washington County Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley Learn the basics of pressure canning by canning vegetables. Class format is demonstration and some hands-on. Registration fee is $5 and includes materials.

Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by calling the Washington Co. Extension Office at 850-638-6265 or Holmes Co. Extension Office at 850-547-1108. UF is an equal opportunity institution. People with disabilities requiring special accommodations, call 850-638-6265 or 800-955-8771 at least 5 working days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given the request.

Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Conference January 26; 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Jackson County Ag Conference Center, 2471 Penn Ave., Marianna The audience for this conference is primarily small/medium-sized, diversified cucurbit and vegetable producers in the tri-state region. The residential community is also welcome to attend. There will be a full morning of educational sessions with lunch to follow. A special section on drip irrigation and fertigation, specialty vegetable and fruit crops, cucurbit updates, cover crops and soil health, and budgeting and marketing a farm/specialty crop will also be provided. The cost is $5 at the door and pre-registration is highly encouraged. Call 850-482-9620 to reserve your seat.

Homebuyer Education Class January 28; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jackson County Agriculture Office, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Understand the homebuying process, analyze personal financial/credit situation, and learn basic home care/maintenance techniques to maintain the value of your home and save money. This course is open to all from individuals just starting out to those further along in the process. Completion satisfieds the homeownership education requirement for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development programs.

The Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. No walk-ins due to class size limitations. For more info, class schedules or to register, call Jackson Co. Extension at 850-482-9620 or Washington Co. Extension at 850-638-6265. UF is an equal opportunity institution. People with disabilities requiring special accommodations, call 800-955-8771 at least 5 working days prior to the class so that proper consideration may be given the request.

Panhandle Corn/Soybean Update February 3; 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Washington County Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley Pesticide CEUs available at this event. Call 850-638-6265 for more info.

Jackson County Master Gardener Plant Sale March 2023 Jackson County Agricultural Office, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Plant sale coming up in March 2023. Keep your eyes out for details in the next issue of the Current Light Flashes. There will be plant vendors, educational talks, and much more at this free event.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

WFEC Provides Energy Education to Local Teachers

I

f you’re a K-12 educator interested in teaching your students more about energy, EMPOWER is for you. This Energy Education Workshop provides an exciting opportunity to learn about electric generation and distribution with a focus on energy education and fun ways to integrate it into your classroom using curriculum designed for your students.

Join us for two-days of engaging, hands-on energy explorations with curriculum developed by the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED).

Reserve your space now to join other K-12 educators June 4-7, 2023 in Destin, Florida. There, you will learn about the many aspects of energy generation and how electricity is distributed, with a focus on integrating energy education into curriculum for your students, whatever their grade level or learning style.

Energize your classroom with fun, up-to-date resources and curriculum that meet your state’s Common Core Standards. This FREE workshop will provide a balanced approach to the science of energy, sources of energy, transportation, electricity, efficiency, and environmental and economic impacts.

• Network with fellow educators.

“This was a great conference which provided the opportunity to learn and develop classroom lessons surrounding the energy that is used in every day life. The hands-on experience really helped in solidifying certain points and allowed knowledge to be accessible for all kinds of learners,” said Kitana continued on page 6

Benefits Include: • Continuing Education Credits for each participant who completes the workshop.

• The workshop registration, event lodging at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and meals at the event are included.

Mileage to and from the workshop will also be reimbursed.

• Attendees receive a NEED Science of Energy Kit ($300 value), a class-set of NEED Energy Infobooks (at grade level), access to all NEED Curriculum Guides (L-R): Local teachers, Haley Burdeshaw, Rachel Nandho and Kitana Passmore build a and supplemental resources. generator during the 2022 Empower Energy Education Workshop. After attending,

teachers were able take tools and activities into their classrooms to help enrich their students' energy education.

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 5

Make a

Change that Pays!

Passmore, a teacher of gifted children at Marianna K-8.

The co-op will provide scholarships for nine local educators to the Empower Energy Education Workshop this summer. If you are a teacher in Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson or Washington County, contact your school district’s county office or Candace Croft (ccroft@westflorida.coop) at West Florida Electric for more information. Availability is limited. The deadline to apply is February 10, 2023.

Alford Makes Donation

• Bucket work • Bush Hogging • Chainsaw/Pruning Work • Light Clearing

Serving Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties

386-748-9035 or 850-768-0822

What’s in YOUR Water?

Over 40 Years Experience License #2252

Owner

3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462

Home: (850) 535-1121 Cell: (850) 260-2204

Armondi Roofing, LLC

Stay

COMFORTABLE year round by upgrading your home's heating and cooling system.

Install a high-efficiency dual-fuel or mini-split system and get rebates of up to $350/ton!

You'll enjoy a cozier home & savings on your electric bill. *Applies to site-built homes* PAGE 6

DBA

Tri-County Tractor & Lawn Service

Panhandle Pump Repair & Filtration Service John White

Lynn & Steve’s Helping Hands, LLC

Re-roof Specialist Shingles • Flat Roofs • Re-Roofs New Roofs & All Types of Repairs

Free Estimates

5 Year Workmanship Warranty Licensed & Insured #CCC1330359

(850) 547-2934

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

Tim Alford, District 2 Trustee, recently made a donation to the Town of Grand Ridge to assist the town with its annual Christmas Festival. The event took place on Dec. 9th immediately after the town's Christmas parade. Alford (far right) is pictured with Tracy Hagan (center) and Amanda Applewhite (left).

Clay O’Neal:

850.762.9402 or 850.832.5055

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

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

Dijon Chicken Submitted by: Lynn Kight Lowenthal Ingredients: Equal parts Dijon mustard & sour cream Italian seasoned bread crumbs (gluten free can be used instead, just add your favorite Italian seasoning blend) Chicken thighs Directions: Rinse, skin & pat the chicken dry. Mix equal amounts of Dijon mustard and sour cream in a pie pan, flat bowl, or plate. Pour breadcrumbs into a second flat bowl or plate. Coat chicken with mustard mixture, then roll in bread crumbs. Lay flat on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

The My Safe Florida Home Program is now open & accepting applications for free hurricane home inspections.

Owners of any site-built, single-family residential Florida property may apply for a free home hurricane inspection. The owner will receive an inspection report & recommended improvements.

Eligible applicants may then apply for program grant money for home strengthening improvements.

For more info: www.MySafeFLHome.com

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 11

Why We Plan Outages

H

ave you ever received a notification from West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) informing you of a “planned outage?” You may have wondered, “what is a planned outage?” and “why does one need to be performed?” Sometimes, the equipment we use to bring power to your home needs to be replaced, repaired or updated. When this happens, to keep our crews and you safe, we plan an interruption of electric service.

We do our best to plan these outages during times when you will be least inconvenienced, so we often perform planned outages during school and business hours, late at night or early in the morning. We also try to avoid planning these outages during extreme winter or summer temperatures. The exception to this unspoken rule is if there is an emergency repair that must be performed immediately or if specialized equipment must be utilized to make the repair.

The cooperative does its best to inform members about these planned outages ahead of time. If you are going to be impacted by a planned outage, the co-op will either contact you with an automated phone call, send you an email communication and post the information to its social media accounts, or all of the above.

Since 1969 While planned outages may sound slightly inconvenient, they are beneficial to our members.

Regular system upgrades are necessary for optimal performance, and these upgrades increase reliability. Repairing and upgrading our equipment is also critical to maintaining public safety. If older lines or poles need to be replaced, we plan for it, repair or replace it, and that keeps everyone safe.

At WFEC, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep you safe and to keep our system running smoothly. So, the next time you hear about a planned outage, know that it is one of the best ways we can provide you with quality electric service.

4” to 12”

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

850-263-8064

David & Family Tree Services

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

(850) 326-1559

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

“Home Folks Serving Home Folks”

For All Your Propane Needs 415 S. Waukesha St., Bonifay #RM0048955

Debbie Roney Smith (850) 209-8039 debson1999@gmail.com

Centipede Seed

Service, Inc.

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

547-3696

Trim Cut Remove Stump Grinding Veteran-Owned

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

Tri-County Gas

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

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

Mr. Fence

Commercial • Residential • Farm • Industrial

Chris & Sheryl Tate

Locally Owned & Operated for 28 Years Full Time Realtor since 1996 4420 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446 Property Searches • Follow my blog @http://realtordrs.com

(850) 547-5516 Your Privacy is Our Business

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

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

PAGE 10

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 7

Seal Air Leaks to Stop Drafts and Save Money

A

ir infiltration from the home’s “envelope” can cause homes to lose efficiency so sealing and insulating its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors and floors – is often the most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Sealing air leaks throughout the home stops drafts, blocks air flow and can help you save money and energy.

Many improvements can be made by rolling up your sleeves and tackling problem areas yourself, but you can also hire a contractor who will use tools to pinpoint and seal the hidden air leaks in your home.

You may already know where some air leakage occurs in your home, like an under-the-door draft, but you’ll need to find the less obvious gaps to properly seal your home.

You can start by conducting a visual inspection outside and inside your home. Here are some things you should look for:

Look for gaps around pipes and wires, foundation seals and mail slots. Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping are applied properly, leaving no gaps or cracks, and are in good condition.

On the outside of your house: • Inspect all areas where two different building materials meet • All exterior corners • Outdoor water faucets • Where siding and chimneys meet • Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.

Inside your home, inspect around the following areas for any cracks and gaps that could cause air leaks: •

Electrical outlets

•

Switch plates

•

Door and window frames

•

Electrical and gas service entrances

•

Baseboards

•

Weather stripping around doors

•

Fireplace dampers

•

Attic hatches

•

Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners

•

Cable TV and phone lines

•

Where dryer vents pass through walls

•

Vents and fans

PAGE 8

Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see whether exterior storm doors and primary doors seal tightly. Sealing your home will reduce drafts & eliminate moisture problems caused by holes, cracks, and gaps.

Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weatherstripping them. Check storm windows to see if they fit and are not broken. You may also consider replacing your old windows and doors with newer, high-efficiency ones.

Another area to check is the door leading from the outside or garage into the house - this is a common area for air leakage. By installing a door sweep to seal the gap, you can prevent conditioned inside air from escaping while blocking outside air from getting in. This helps keep the indoor living space comfortable.

Another place air can infiltrate your home is through outlets and light switches. Use inexpensive outlet gaskets to seal any holes around them.

You can also purchase these gaskets for light switches.

Caulking and sealing air leaks is a cost-effective measure that can help save money and energy.

These upgrades and improvements to seal your home also qualify for low-interest financing with the cooperative’s Energy Efficiency Loan Program, making them even more affordable.

Through an agreement with Regions Bank, our

Many improvements can be made by rolling up your sleeves and tackling problem areas yourself.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

members can take advantage of these low-interest loans. This program is available to residential members of WFEC who have received electric service from the co-op for at least one year, own the dwelling, meet income and credit score requirements, and are in good standing with WFEC – meaning they are current on utility payments and have made timely payments for the previous 12 months. This program is offered to owners of existing homes, including manufactured homes. All improvements and repairs must be performed by a licensed contractor to qualify for the loan program.

For a list of all qualifying projects, visit www.westflorida.coop or contact the cooperative’s Energy Services department by calling (800) 342-7400.

Low-Interest Loans to help Lower Electric Bills Heat Pump Purchase & Tune-Up Duct Repair & Replacement Insulation • Skirting • Doors • Windows • Air Sealing • Heat Pump Water Heaters

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 9

Seal Air Leaks to Stop Drafts and Save Money

A

ir infiltration from the home’s “envelope” can cause homes to lose efficiency so sealing and insulating its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors and floors – is often the most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Sealing air leaks throughout the home stops drafts, blocks air flow and can help you save money and energy.

Many improvements can be made by rolling up your sleeves and tackling problem areas yourself, but you can also hire a contractor who will use tools to pinpoint and seal the hidden air leaks in your home.

You may already know where some air leakage occurs in your home, like an under-the-door draft, but you’ll need to find the less obvious gaps to properly seal your home.

You can start by conducting a visual inspection outside and inside your home. Here are some things you should look for:

Look for gaps around pipes and wires, foundation seals and mail slots. Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping are applied properly, leaving no gaps or cracks, and are in good condition.

On the outside of your house: • Inspect all areas where two different building materials meet • All exterior corners • Outdoor water faucets • Where siding and chimneys meet • Areas where the foundation and the bottom of exterior brick or siding meet.

Inside your home, inspect around the following areas for any cracks and gaps that could cause air leaks: •

Electrical outlets

•

Switch plates

•

Door and window frames

•

Electrical and gas service entrances

•

Baseboards

•

Weather stripping around doors

•

Fireplace dampers

•

Attic hatches

•

Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners

•

Cable TV and phone lines

•

Where dryer vents pass through walls

•

Vents and fans

PAGE 8

Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see whether exterior storm doors and primary doors seal tightly. Sealing your home will reduce drafts & eliminate moisture problems caused by holes, cracks, and gaps.

Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. See if you can rattle them movement means possible air leaks. If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, then the door or window leaks. You can usually seal these leaks by caulking or weatherstripping them. Check storm windows to see if they fit and are not broken. You may also consider replacing your old windows and doors with newer, high-efficiency ones.

Another area to check is the door leading from the outside or garage into the house - this is a common area for air leakage. By installing a door sweep to seal the gap, you can prevent conditioned inside air from escaping while blocking outside air from getting in. This helps keep the indoor living space comfortable.

Another place air can infiltrate your home is through outlets and light switches. Use inexpensive outlet gaskets to seal any holes around them.

You can also purchase these gaskets for light switches.

Caulking and sealing air leaks is a cost-effective measure that can help save money and energy.

These upgrades and improvements to seal your home also qualify for low-interest financing with the cooperative’s Energy Efficiency Loan Program, making them even more affordable.

Through an agreement with Regions Bank, our

Many improvements can be made by rolling up your sleeves and tackling problem areas yourself.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

members can take advantage of these low-interest loans. This program is available to residential members of WFEC who have received electric service from the co-op for at least one year, own the dwelling, meet income and credit score requirements, and are in good standing with WFEC – meaning they are current on utility payments and have made timely payments for the previous 12 months. This program is offered to owners of existing homes, including manufactured homes. All improvements and repairs must be performed by a licensed contractor to qualify for the loan program.

For a list of all qualifying projects, visit www.westflorida.coop or contact the cooperative’s Energy Services department by calling (800) 342-7400.

Low-Interest Loans to help Lower Electric Bills Heat Pump Purchase & Tune-Up Duct Repair & Replacement Insulation • Skirting • Doors • Windows • Air Sealing • Heat Pump Water Heaters

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 9

Why We Plan Outages

H

ave you ever received a notification from West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) informing you of a “planned outage?” You may have wondered, “what is a planned outage?” and “why does one need to be performed?” Sometimes, the equipment we use to bring power to your home needs to be replaced, repaired or updated. When this happens, to keep our crews and you safe, we plan an interruption of electric service.

We do our best to plan these outages during times when you will be least inconvenienced, so we often perform planned outages during school and business hours, late at night or early in the morning. We also try to avoid planning these outages during extreme winter or summer temperatures. The exception to this unspoken rule is if there is an emergency repair that must be performed immediately or if specialized equipment must be utilized to make the repair.

The cooperative does its best to inform members about these planned outages ahead of time. If you are going to be impacted by a planned outage, the co-op will either contact you with an automated phone call, send you an email communication and post the information to its social media accounts, or all of the above.

Since 1969 While planned outages may sound slightly inconvenient, they are beneficial to our members.

Regular system upgrades are necessary for optimal performance, and these upgrades increase reliability. Repairing and upgrading our equipment is also critical to maintaining public safety. If older lines or poles need to be replaced, we plan for it, repair or replace it, and that keeps everyone safe.

At WFEC, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep you safe and to keep our system running smoothly. So, the next time you hear about a planned outage, know that it is one of the best ways we can provide you with quality electric service.

4” to 12”

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

850-263-8064

David & Family Tree Services

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

(850) 326-1559

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

“Home Folks Serving Home Folks”

For All Your Propane Needs 415 S. Waukesha St., Bonifay #RM0048955

Debbie Roney Smith (850) 209-8039 debson1999@gmail.com

Centipede Seed

Service, Inc.

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

547-3696

Trim Cut Remove Stump Grinding Veteran-Owned

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

Tri-County Gas

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

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

Mr. Fence

Commercial • Residential • Farm • Industrial

Chris & Sheryl Tate

Locally Owned & Operated for 28 Years Full Time Realtor since 1996 4420 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL 32446 Property Searches • Follow my blog @http://realtordrs.com

(850) 547-5516 Your Privacy is Our Business

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

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

PAGE 10

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 7

Make a

Change that Pays!

Passmore, a teacher of gifted children at Marianna K-8.

The co-op will provide scholarships for nine local educators to the Empower Energy Education Workshop this summer. If you are a teacher in Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson or Washington County, contact your school district’s county office or Candace Croft (ccroft@westflorida.coop) at West Florida Electric for more information. Availability is limited. The deadline to apply is February 10, 2023.

Alford Makes Donation

• Bucket work • Bush Hogging • Chainsaw/Pruning Work • Light Clearing

Serving Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties

386-748-9035 or 850-768-0822

What’s in YOUR Water?

Over 40 Years Experience License #2252

Owner

3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462

Home: (850) 535-1121 Cell: (850) 260-2204

Armondi Roofing, LLC

Stay

COMFORTABLE year round by upgrading your home's heating and cooling system.

Install a high-efficiency dual-fuel or mini-split system and get rebates of up to $350/ton!

You'll enjoy a cozier home & savings on your electric bill. *Applies to site-built homes* PAGE 6

DBA

Tri-County Tractor & Lawn Service

Panhandle Pump Repair & Filtration Service John White

Lynn & Steve’s Helping Hands, LLC

Re-roof Specialist Shingles • Flat Roofs • Re-Roofs New Roofs & All Types of Repairs

Free Estimates

5 Year Workmanship Warranty Licensed & Insured #CCC1330359

(850) 547-2934

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

Tim Alford, District 2 Trustee, recently made a donation to the Town of Grand Ridge to assist the town with its annual Christmas Festival. The event took place on Dec. 9th immediately after the town's Christmas parade. Alford (far right) is pictured with Tracy Hagan (center) and Amanda Applewhite (left).

Clay O’Neal:

850.762.9402 or 850.832.5055

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

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

Dijon Chicken Submitted by: Lynn Kight Lowenthal Ingredients: Equal parts Dijon mustard & sour cream Italian seasoned bread crumbs (gluten free can be used instead, just add your favorite Italian seasoning blend) Chicken thighs Directions: Rinse, skin & pat the chicken dry. Mix equal amounts of Dijon mustard and sour cream in a pie pan, flat bowl, or plate. Pour breadcrumbs into a second flat bowl or plate. Coat chicken with mustard mixture, then roll in bread crumbs. Lay flat on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

The My Safe Florida Home Program is now open & accepting applications for free hurricane home inspections.

Owners of any site-built, single-family residential Florida property may apply for a free home hurricane inspection. The owner will receive an inspection report & recommended improvements.

Eligible applicants may then apply for program grant money for home strengthening improvements.

For more info: www.MySafeFLHome.com

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 11

Local help with your Medicare questions.

Community Calendar

Gene Alford

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

Glen Scott

Stump Grinding Best Service

Best Prices

(850) 209-2105 Tractor work Marianna, Florida

GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE Xtreme Southern Kustomizing

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

3783 Woodham Rd., Graceville, FL

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

LLC/Insured/ 40 Years Experience

(850) 638-2611 T

J

G

SOUTHSIDE T J G

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Commercial & Residential Sales, Service, Leasing Installation

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

Air Conditioning Refrigeration Ice Machines Exhausts/Make Up Air PAGE 12

Beginner's Pressure Canning Class January 24; 6:00-9:30 p.m.

Washington County Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley Learn the basics of pressure canning by canning vegetables. Class format is demonstration and some hands-on. Registration fee is $5 and includes materials.

Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by calling the Washington Co. Extension Office at 850-638-6265 or Holmes Co. Extension Office at 850-547-1108. UF is an equal opportunity institution. People with disabilities requiring special accommodations, call 850-638-6265 or 800-955-8771 at least 5 working days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given the request.

Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Conference January 26; 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Jackson County Ag Conference Center, 2471 Penn Ave., Marianna The audience for this conference is primarily small/medium-sized, diversified cucurbit and vegetable producers in the tri-state region. The residential community is also welcome to attend. There will be a full morning of educational sessions with lunch to follow. A special section on drip irrigation and fertigation, specialty vegetable and fruit crops, cucurbit updates, cover crops and soil health, and budgeting and marketing a farm/specialty crop will also be provided. The cost is $5 at the door and pre-registration is highly encouraged. Call 850-482-9620 to reserve your seat.

Homebuyer Education Class January 28; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jackson County Agriculture Office, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Understand the homebuying process, analyze personal financial/credit situation, and learn basic home care/maintenance techniques to maintain the value of your home and save money. This course is open to all from individuals just starting out to those further along in the process. Completion satisfieds the homeownership education requirement for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development programs.

The Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. No walk-ins due to class size limitations. For more info, class schedules or to register, call Jackson Co. Extension at 850-482-9620 or Washington Co. Extension at 850-638-6265. UF is an equal opportunity institution. People with disabilities requiring special accommodations, call 800-955-8771 at least 5 working days prior to the class so that proper consideration may be given the request.

Panhandle Corn/Soybean Update February 3; 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Washington County Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley Pesticide CEUs available at this event. Call 850-638-6265 for more info.

Jackson County Master Gardener Plant Sale March 2023 Jackson County Agricultural Office, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Plant sale coming up in March 2023. Keep your eyes out for details in the next issue of the Current Light Flashes. There will be plant vendors, educational talks, and much more at this free event.

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

WFEC Provides Energy Education to Local Teachers

I

f you’re a K-12 educator interested in teaching your students more about energy, EMPOWER is for you. This Energy Education Workshop provides an exciting opportunity to learn about electric generation and distribution with a focus on energy education and fun ways to integrate it into your classroom using curriculum designed for your students.

Join us for two-days of engaging, hands-on energy explorations with curriculum developed by the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED).

Reserve your space now to join other K-12 educators June 4-7, 2023 in Destin, Florida. There, you will learn about the many aspects of energy generation and how electricity is distributed, with a focus on integrating energy education into curriculum for your students, whatever their grade level or learning style.

Energize your classroom with fun, up-to-date resources and curriculum that meet your state’s Common Core Standards. This FREE workshop will provide a balanced approach to the science of energy, sources of energy, transportation, electricity, efficiency, and environmental and economic impacts.

• Network with fellow educators.

“This was a great conference which provided the opportunity to learn and develop classroom lessons surrounding the energy that is used in every day life. The hands-on experience really helped in solidifying certain points and allowed knowledge to be accessible for all kinds of learners,” said Kitana continued on page 6

Benefits Include: • Continuing Education Credits for each participant who completes the workshop.

• The workshop registration, event lodging at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and meals at the event are included.

Mileage to and from the workshop will also be reimbursed.

• Attendees receive a NEED Science of Energy Kit ($300 value), a class-set of NEED Energy Infobooks (at grade level), access to all NEED Curriculum Guides (L-R): Local teachers, Haley Burdeshaw, Rachel Nandho and Kitana Passmore build a and supplemental resources. generator during the 2022 Empower Energy Education Workshop. After attending,

teachers were able take tools and activities into their classrooms to help enrich their students' energy education.

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 5

“I’m honored and very appreciative for the award. I feel a little like a quarterback winning MVP. I try to do the best job I can for the co-op and its members.

But the truth of it all is without the GREAT group of men and women supporting me, and having my back I couldn’t accomplish anything. I’m literally the person that passes the job to someone else and relies on them completing the work to the best of their abilities.

So, in reality I am only as good as the people around me and they’ve done a fantastic job of making me look good. I want to thank them for making my job easy,” said Melton.

In addition to recognizing the Employee of the Year, three other employees were recognized with the Outstanding Service Award – one at each district office. They were: Terrell Culbreth, a staking technician at the Bonifay office; David Gilpin, a journeyman lineman at the Sneads office; and Shannon Holton, Supervisor of Human Resources at the Graceville office.

Our employees and their families live and work in the communities we serve. Join us in congratulating them on their achievements this year.

CLASSIFIEDS

Miscellaneous

FOR SALE

Fiberglass topper, white, 72” wide by 72” long, A-1 shape; 320-304-5414.

Animals/Livestock

Homemade/handmade quilts, lap quilts, baby quilts, twin, full Purebred Belgian Malinois pups, parents on premises, $300 or queen; two used bathtubs, great price; 850-547-3649. each; 850-643-7894.

Small amaryllis flower bulb Tiny Shih tzu, boy, adorable, can send pics, he is a doll, $575; business, approximately 5,500 potted plants, extensive 850-768-0709, text or call. ad listings on eBay and our website, present customer base information, rights to our 440+ Home/Farm YouTube videos, miscellaneous Rheem 50 gallon electric water items, some training help, $54,000; 850-592-8769. heater; 850-209-8520.

Terrell Culbreth (center) was presented with an Outstanding Service Award for the Bonifay district

by Wayne Williams, VP of Operations (left) & Derek Chadwell, Interim EVP & CEO (right).

5x8 trailer, mesh floor, built

by Trailer World, $600; 850-272-2477.

Mahindra 4550 tractor, 4-wheel drive, 268 hours, more implements, $21,000; 850-394-7485.

Argentine Bahia hay, 4x5 rolls, barn stored; 850-579-2732.

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

PAGE 4

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Square bale annual peanut hay; 5x5 rolls grass hay; walkin cooler; grain fed beef; 850-263-3427.

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

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

WFEC will not accept ads over the phone.

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

Large gas tank; medium gas tank; GE electric stove, white; GE microwave, white; GE dishwasher, white; best offer; 850-592-2153.

Multiple Listings

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

Shannon Holton (right) was presented with an Outstanding Service Award for the Graceville district by Derek Chadwell, Interim EVP & CEO (left).

Large antique sewing cabinet, 21” wide, 42” long, 31” high, $100; seasonal wreaths, various and assorted Christmas decorations; 850-372-7500.

Three-horse slant trailer; 16’ hay trailer; barrel, pleasure, roping saddles; tack; coon dog; harness for mules and Climbing tree stand, Warren & ponies; 850-592-2494 or Sweat, $50 firm; 850-703-1859. 850-209-8532.

*Not pictured David Gilpin*

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

Clearing out storage; end tables; ceiling fans; shelves; kitchen items; much more; 850-272-4935.

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

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

Larry Englert Owner

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

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

Licensed & insured

(850) 630-9225

SURVEYOR

Florida Licensed Surveyor since 1969

Roger Lonsway

Mobile: 850-260-5438 OLEN BARFIELD Have Sawmill, Will Travel

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

638-7105

AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Real Estate 48.8 acres farmland, in the Graceville, Florida area, access from paved road; 651-230-2451.

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

WANTED Live-in companion needed to live with elderly lady, free room and board in exchange for light housekeeping and cooking, references needed; 214-405-4720.

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

(850) 593-0009

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

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

McIntosh

Levon Carnley

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

Licensed

Outboard & Small Engine Grand Ridge

Sneads

We buy boats & motors!

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

Phone: 850-703-0318

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

License Number: CMC1250499

(850) 263-3427 or Cell: (850) 326-0330 Email: wilcruent@bellsouth.net

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

Instant Orchard Packages

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

We will design and install your backyard fruit tree orchard.

Very affordable, call for appointment! 15 tree minimum.

Clarksville (850) 451-6222

Licensed family owned and operated since Hurricane Michael Schuckelberry Farms Retail Nursery and Edible Landscaping

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

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

Call for a free estimate!

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

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

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

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

20-Years Limited Warranty 21 Colors to Choose From

Gary McIntosh

WFEC Recognizes Employees

Horses; ponies; donkeys and mules; round pen panels; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

Will Melton (center) was selected as WFEC's 2022 Employee of the Year. Wayne Williams, VP of Operations (left) and Derek Chadwell, Interim EVP & CEO (right) presented Melton with his award.

E

ach year, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) takes the opportunity to honor its employees with award presentations. The awards presented to employees include service anniversary awards, outstanding service awards and an employee of the year award. This year, Will Melton, Manager of Operations and Construction for the Sneads District Office, was named Employee of the Year by his peers. Melton was chosen to receive this award by his co-workers because he best exemplifies the following traits: personality, punctuality, safety habits, team work, flexibility and outstanding performance on the job.

He has worked at WFEC for 34 years, beginning his career as a meter reader in 1988. In his role as Manager of Operations and Construction, Melton is responsible for the day-to-day activities at the Sneads District Office; delegating daily construction jobs, which jobs are built and when. He is also responsible for the welfare of the cooperative’s system to ensure that it supplies safe and reliable power for all members. He has been married to Julie Melton for 23 years, and they have two children, a daughter, Payton Kressman (21) and a son, Parker Melton (16). In his free time, he enjoys hunting and fishing. He also enjoys long range shooting and finds it interesting to see how accurate a person can make a rifle shoot and what it takes to do so. continued on page 4

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

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

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 3

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

Get Money Today

USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 73, NO 1

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.

Happy New Year!

Built heavy duty, to make light work of any job.

WFEC Board of Trustees

L Series

24.8-62 HP

Together we do more.® David

Tim

TATUM

ALFORD

District 1

District 2

Galloway Automotive & Equipment, LLC Drive a little & Save a lot!

Call today to schedule a demo on the L Series compact tractor. Part of our tractor lineup rated #1 for durability and owner experience in the U.S.* • A range of affordable and premium models to choose from • Kubota diesel engine

• Performance-matched Kubota front loader • Gear or HST transmission

Panhandle Tractor • (850) 526-2257 5003 Highway 90 • Marianna, Florida 32446

John

Jackie

District 4

District 3

2000 Lincoln LS 152K miles • $2,995 2012 Cadillac CTS • Premium • Loaded Only 39K Original Miles

David

George Clayton

District 5 / Vice President

District 6

CORBIN

OWENS

114K miles Joe E.

BUSH

District 7 / Secretary-Treasurer

RONE

District 8 / President

Frank E.

Myron

BONDURANT

HUDSON

Attorney

District 9

Derek

CHADWELL

Interim Executive VP/CEO

PAGE 2

$9,995

2006 Ford 500 SEL 135K miles • $4,995

2016 Ford Fusion SE • New Tires Only 52K miles

$16,995

$16,495 2015 Kia Soul

Randy

Did you know insulating your electric water heater can reduce standby heat loss by 25-45%? This could save you 7-16% on annual water heating costs. Insulating your water heater is an easy, inexpensive project. You can purchase pre-cut blankets for about $20 at most home improvement stores.

*Award based on 2021 Progressive Farmer Reader Insights Tractor study. ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2022. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your local dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com.

ADAMS

POOSER

Efficiency Tip:

144K miles

2010 Cadillac SRX

130K miles $9,495

Super Clean 2013 Tahoe LT

2013 Ford F-150 XLT Super Crew Loaded • 142K miles $14,995 $16,995

1284 Hwy. 81 N. • Westville, FL • (850) 393-3100

Mold Removal Remodels Water Damage Additions Fire Damage New Construction

ST!”

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

HALL Roofing, Siding & Building, LLC Residential • Commercial

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

Andy Hall 850.557.3368

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

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

Drew Hall 850.557.2573

Serving Northwest Florida!

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

HWY. 77 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

24 Hour Emergency Response

Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night

CBC1255149, CCC1330340, MRSR9

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

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

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

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

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

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

West Florida Electric, Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

Middlebrooks Contractors, Inc. Serving the Area for Over 60 Years

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

Ph: (850) 547-3658 Plumbing • Electrical Licensed & Insured

◄

Seal Air Leaks to Stop Drafts & Save Money

Pages 8-9

DUPONT•

Authorized Agent

A Afr.lSTFAfO MFMflfA OF THf

AUTO GLASS

SAFETY COUNCIL-

• Any Glass • Any Vehicle

WISEFLYAUTOGLASS.COM

Happy New Year!

Available:

• Concrete Block • Rebar

Due to bylaw requirements mailing delays may occur for the February & March issues of the CLF.

Pool Supplies

INSIDE ...

Deck Kits!

Free Pool Water Testing!

Bulk Chlorine, Salt & Chemicals In Stock Now!

• Wire • Culverts

Pole Barn Kits Available Several to choose from.

WFEC Recognizes Employees ...pgs. 3-4

6x8 8x10 10x12 12x16

WFEC Provides Energy Education to Local Teachers ...pgs. 5-6

Many more sizes to choose from!

Shop online: www.panhandlelumber.com

Panhandle Lumber & Supply

ISSUE JANUARY 2023

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

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

*Prices subject to change. Call to confirm.*

Read Online www.WestFlorida.coop

VOL

73, NO 1

Why We Plan Outages

...pg. 10

Alford Makes Donation

...pg. 11

Local Classifieds

...pgs. 13-14