June 2023

Linemen Luke Gates (right) and Kaleb Frost (not pictured) demonstrated how they climb poles when trucks and equipment cannot be utilized during power restoration efforts.

Danger Surrounds Downed Power Lines

What would you do if you encountered a downed power line? Because safety is our top priority, we want you to know what to do and what not to do if this happens.

Remember: There’s no way to tell if a downed line is still energized just by looking at it. Even on the ground, up to 500,000 volts of electricity can be coursing through it. Because electricity also travels through the ground, the earth can be energized up to 35 feet away in all directions from where the line has fallen.

That’s why you should always take the safest action by staying AWAY from downed power lines and anything touching them. Do not drive over a downed line, and never attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with it, including tree limbs. They can act as a conductor for electricity.

Even though your first instinct is to pull away a person who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, don’t touch them. Grab that person, and you could be electrocuted. Instead, grab a phone and call 911.

It’s also dangerous to touch or step in water near a downed power line. Avoid using objects such as brooms or sticks to move a downed power line or anything in contact with it. Remember that non-conductive materials can carry electricity even if they’re only slightly wet.

Another situation you should prepare for involves your vehicle and downed lines. If your car comes into contact with a downed power line, remain inside the vehicle. The car will shield you.

continued on page 4

West Florida Electric Right of Way

Clearing Crews will be cutting & trimming right of ways in the following area(s) during the month of

June Shelton's Crossroads, Sneads & Clarksville

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.

Call 911 for help, honk your horn and direct others to stay away from your car. Do not exit the vehicle until workers have de-energized the downed line and given you clearance.

Remember, electricity always seeks a path to the ground. If you absolutely must exit your vehicle because it is on fire, minimize the possibility for a strong electric shock: Jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together, avoiding contact with both the car and the ground at the same time. Then, shuffle away from the car with small steps. Be sure to keep your feet together and on the ground at all times.

We’re connecting you to safety, because we care about your well-being. Sharing these lifesaving tips could help others, too. Contact

Your medical history determines which plan you qualify for I offer the first

1) Receive 20,000 uChoose Reward Points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days with a new First Federal Bank Visa Rewards Credit Card. Reward points may take up to 40 days to show in your account. Cash back rewards may be subject to tax reporting. Subject to credit approval. Offers valid until June 30, 2023.

Powering Up Generators Safely

Having a generator to power your home during an outage can be a lifesaver. But if not used correctly, a generator can end your life or the lives of those restoring your power. We want to help you use this equipment safely.

First, select a qualified vendor or electrician who can help you determine whether a portable or a permanent generator is best for your home. Unless you’re a licensed electrician, installing a permanent generator is never a DIY project. This type of generator must have a transfer switch that prevents energy from leaving your generator and going back out onto the utility’s electrical equipment, or “back feeding.” That’s why West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) recommends the GenerLink Transfer Switch. It’s a way to safely connect a portable generator to your home in minutes. The GenerLink device is installed behind your electric meter and delivers power directly to your breaker box, eliminating the hassle of running power cords through your home. It is:

• Always installed, use it when you need it

• Requires no re-wiring or subpanel

• Compatible with 200 Ampere service or less

• Takes 30 minutes to install by utility personnel

• Prevents back feeding

• UL listed meter mounted transfer switch

Interested in learning more about GenerLink? Visit our website (www.westflorida.coop) or www.generlink.com. You can also call 800-886-3837 to inquire about ordering your device today. WFEC does not sell or provide a warranty, service, or repair for the GenerLink, but the co-op will install the device at no cost to members wishing to purchase one directly from Global Power Products. If requested, WFEC will also provide financing for members wishing to purchase a GenerLink. Financing will be for qualified members (only) at 5 percent interest for a maximum of 36 months. A down payment is required and is based upon credit approval with the cooperative.

Back feeding can be fatal to a line worker or others near downed

continued on page 7

Generators give off deadly carbon monoxide. Operate your portable generator outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation.

Never run it in your home or garage.

Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home.

power lines. Only a qualified professional should install your generator and transfer switch and connect the equipment directly to your home’s wiring. If using a portable generator, keep these tips in mind:

• Before using any generator, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Operate the generator outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation, because it gives off exhaust that contains carbon monoxide. This odorless, poisonous gas can be fatal. That’s why a generator should NEVER be run in a home or garage.

• Protect the generator and yourself by operating it in a dry, outdoor space. An ideal location is under an open, canopy-like structure on a surface where water cannot form puddles or drain under the generator. Help minimize the risk of electrical shock during moist or wet weather by using a generator only when necessary, and always dry your hands before touching it.

• Avoid back feeding. NEVER plug the generator into the wall. Instead, use a heavy-duty extension cord to plug appliances into your portable generator.

• Turn the generator on before plugging appliances into it. Once the generator is running, avoid overloading it. Prioritize your needs and turn on necessary appliances and lights one at a time.

• Turn the generator off and be sure it’s cool before fueling it.

• Keep children and pets away from generators. Components get hot during operation.

We’re connecting you to safety with information that helps protect you and your family. Consider posting these lifesaving guidelines with the generator and in the home.

Powered by Service: Highlights from WFEC's Annual Meeting

West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) held its Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 29. Attendees were greeted by a large American Flag suspended between two bucket trucks when they entered the grounds of the Graceville Civic Center. Booths ranging from health screenings to a live line electrical safety demonstration provided by Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, pole climbing by WFEC linemen, and touch-a-truck displays were some of the main attractions for members. The co-op also provided valuable information about surge protection, EVs and more. Entertainment was provided by Ricky Atkinson and Compassion of Sylvester, Georgia.

The meeting started with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem sung by LaBreeska Atkinson with Ricky Atkinson and Compassion, and the colors were presented by the Chipley High School JROTC students. This was followed by an address to the members by Derek Chadwell, Interim Executive Vice President & CEO of WFEC. Chadwell spoke about the importance of members’ participation in the governance of the co-op by electing members to the Board of Trustees.

“They are leaders who embody the phrase, ‘leadership is measured in actions, not words’ and they understand the needs of members and employees,” said Chadwell of the Board of Trustees.

He also said the co-op’s employees are mindful of the trust placed in them by members and

Top left: Neighboring co-op, Gulf Coast EC employees, Brennis Smith, Director of Operations and Scheduling electrical safety demonstration and conducted demonstrations for the crowd throughout the day. left: Derek Chadwell, Interim EVP & CEO of WFEC addressed the crowd and updated them about the Compassion from Sylvester, Georgia. about the state of the cooperative. Bottom right: Members were

that the work ethic has never been stronger among them, striving to provide the extra value and personal service that sets co-ops apart.

“We have approximately 5,000 miles of powerlines across four counties. Our trucks travel hundreds of thousands of miles every year.

Up hills, through snake infested swamps, mud bogs and sandy terrain. We provide a product and service that you all depend on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are here on the stormy spring

nights, hot August mid-days, beautiful fall evenings and cold winter mornings. Maintaining our electrical grid is not for the faint of heart. However, I assure you that making sure you have reliable electricity is our top priority,” Chadwell said.

During the business meeting, a quorum of 287 members (1.36% of the co-op’s membership) was established. The results of this year’s District 6 election were announced to the members present at the meeting. Those results were:

District 6: George Clayton Owens – 1,495 Daniel “Danny” Exum – 698 Brice Phillips – 760

JaLisa Brannon was the winner of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala given away to one lucky member at the meeting. Delores McDougald of Blountstown and Bobby Haddock of Chipley were the winners of the $250 bill credit drawing awarded to members for voting in the trustee elections.

As a member-owned, notfor-profit cooperative, WFEC is a democratic organization controlled by its members, who actively participate in setting policy and making decisions. The elected representatives are elected by the members and accountable to them. Members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote). The elections were overseen and conducted by Carr, Riggs & Ingram, CPAs and Advisors.

Scheduling (front right) and Tucker Barfield, Apprentice Lineman (back left) brought their live line Top right: JaLisa Brannona was the winner of the drawing for the 2004 Chevrolet Impala. Bottom the state of the cooperative. Bottom center: Entertainment was provided by Ricky Atkinson and were able to participate in a health fair conducted by Northwest Florida Community Hospital.

Preparing to Serve You Better

Providing reliable power to you is and will always be top priority West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC). These days, power reliability seems to be making the news more than ever.

As the energy industry continues to transition and more segments of the economy are becoming electrified, such as vehicles, machinery and lawn equipment, additional pressures are being placed on our nation’s electric grid.

With summer storm season upon us, it’s a good time to tell you about a few measures WFEC takes to ensure you continue receiving the reliable power you depend on and deserve.

We love trees and the charm they add to our communities, and know you do too. While trees provide shade and add beauty to our area, you may be surprised to learn that overgrown vegetation accounts for about half of all power outages.

That’s why we strive to keep the co-op’s power lines clear in right-of-way (ROW) areas. A ROW area is the land a co-op uses to construct, maintain, replace or repair underground and overhead power lines. This ROW enables WFEC to provide clearance from trees and other obstructions that could hinder distribution power lines. Our crews typically maintain a right-of-way area of 15 feet on either side of the powerlines. The overall goal of our vegetation management strategy is to provide reliable power to

Benefits of Tree Trimming

Clearing trees and overgrown vegetation is vital to provide safe, reliable power to our members.

We clear certain areas in our service area, known as rights-ofway, to:

• Keep power lines clear of tree limbs

• Restore power outages more quickly

• Keep crews and members of our community safe

• Reduce expected costs for repairs

Vegetation management improves service reliability for you - our members!

our members while maintaining the beauty of our area.

Modernizing Vegetation Management

Generally speaking, healthy trees don’t fall on power lines, and clear lines don’t cause problems. Proactive trimming keeps lines clear to improve reliability. However, traditional vegetation management is costly and time consuming. It entails on-the-ground, laborintensive efforts involving dozens of workers assessing vegetation and overseeing the quality and completion of contractor work.

Planned Outages Improve Reliability

Although it may seem counterintuitive, we also maintain power reliability through planned, controlled outages. By carefully cutting power to one part of our local area for a few hours, WFEC can safely perform system repairs and upgrades, which ultimately improve electric service. Planned outages can also be used to balance energy demand, but only in rare circumstances. Rest assured, we will always notify you in advance of a planned outage, so make sure we have your correct contact information on file to receive the latest updates.

Vegetation management is an essential tool in ensuring power reliability and minimizing the risk of outages. As advancements become more accessible and costs drop, we anticipate using additional technologies to ensure a consistent energy supply while managing the environment.

Follow WFEC on social media so you can learn about the latest co-op updates.

Community Calendar

Homebuyer Education Class

June 13; 9 AM-4 PM, 1424 Jackson Avenue, Chipley

Understand the homebuying process, analyze your personal financial and creditsituation, and learn basic home care and maintenance techniques to help maintain the value of your home and save money. The course is open to all participants from just starting the process to those further along. Completion satisfies the homeownership education requirement for the SHIP and USDA Rural Development programs. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Due to class size limitations, pre-registration is required. No walk-ins. For more information call 850-638-6265 or 850-482-9620. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People with disabilities requiring assistance should call 800-955-8771 at least 10 working days prior to the class so proper consideration may be given the request.

Vacation Bible School - "Keepers of the Kingdom"

June 14-16; 5:30-8:30 PM,11030 SW Frink Baptist Church Road, Clarksville Frink Baptist Church will host "Keepers of the Kingdom" VBS nightly for pottytrained 3 year olds through 10 year olds. Dinner will be provided each night. Please pre-register at FrinkBaptistChurch.MyAnswers.com. Call 850-557-4531 or 850-718-7197 with questions. You can also visit their Facebook page or email the church at frinkbaptistchurch@gmail.com.

UF Peanut Field Day

August 10; 7:45 AM-Noon; North Florida Research and Education Center Registration and CEU sign-in begins at 7:45 AM, field tours will begin at 8:40 AM and the day will end with a lunch. Tour groups will rotate through six field stops with topics like insects, disease, fertility management and discussions about pesticide labels and use. This event is approved for up to three Florida pesticide CEUs, Georgia pesticide CEUs and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) CEUs and 2 Demo and Research. UF is committed to providing universal access to all events. For disability accommodations, such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact the Jackson County Extension at 850-482-9620 at least 2 weeks in advance.

Vold, Rodger J. Watts, Walter Whiting, Thomas A. Wise, Cathy S. Young, Stephen L.

Weeks, Amy B. Whitman, Becky L. Witherell, Robert K. Yount, James D.

WWagner, Marvin G. Jr. Weeks, Christina Wilcox, Tammy K. Wood, Fatemeh R. Z

Ward, George F. Weeks, Dale Ann Wileman, Nancy M. Woods, Phillis J. Zaharis, Dwyn Z.

Warren, Hilton Len Weir, Charles Williams, Dawn Christine Works, Cheryl Zaino, Maria

Warren, James F. Weiss, Frederick C. Williams, Sharon L. Worley, Ellen Zwicker, Marjorie A.

Watson, David W. West, Alison N. Williams, Willie E. Wright, Stephanie Ann

Watson, Glenda Stokes Whatley, Linda T. Willoughby, Peggy Ann

Watson, Robert Edward White, James Jr. Winterman, Paul T. York, Chris

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

Levon

Specialized

Pool

Patios • Garages

Licensed Phone: 850-703-0318

Key Lime Cake

Ingredients:

Butter for greasing pan

Flour for dusting pan

3 oz. lime flavored Jello

11/3 cups sugar

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

11/2 cups vegetable oil

3/4 cup orange juice

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

5 large eggs (slightly beaten)

Directions:

Glaze:

1/2 cup key lime juice

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Icing:

1/2 cup room temperature butter

1 lb. box confectioners' sugar

8 oz. room temp. cream cheese

YSubmitted by: Mrs. Amos Morris

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour three 9" cake pans. In a large mixing bowl mix Jello, sugar, flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. After mixing well, add the oil, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla and eggs. Mix until well combined. Pour batter evenly in the pans and bake for 35-40 minutes. Cool cakes for 5 minutes, then turn onto cooling rack. For the glaze: while cakes are still hot, mix lime juice and confectioners' sugar together. Pierce the cake with a fork to allow glaze to soak in better and pour over cakes. Icing: cream the butter and cream cheese, beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth and easy to spread. ice the top and sides of cake.

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

Animals/Livestock

Donkeys, tame and good livestock protectors; German Shepherd, 5 years old with all shots & housetrained; 850-569-2593.

GSP puppies; 850-693-5001.

Dominique chicks, limited quantities hatching, straight run 15 chick maximum, $4 each; 850-814-7015, call to reserve and pickup.

Appliances

GE French-door refrigerator, used 6 months, dimensions: 67 & 1/2” high x 25 & 1/2” wide x 32 & ½” deep, asking $1,750; 850-372-7500, text or call.

Home/Farm

Bissell carpet cleaner, excellent condition, used only 3 times, $50; 850-415-6510, call to see.

John Deere & Bar bush hogs, 6 foot, $400 & $550; 850-573-1239.

Lightly used Good Year Opitrac tractor tire, size LSW 420/75R34; 850-573-5117.

Solid wood full-size bedroom suite, $500; solid wood twin bedroom suite, $500; recliner, $200; 850-849-0459.

Miscellaneous

Regulation size ping-pong table, good condition, $125; 850-352-4349, leave message.

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

Buzz Around XL mobility scooter and hitch platform, new batteries, max load 300 lbs./135 KGS., $1,000; 850-547-5725 or 850-849-1514.

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

WFEC publishes free classified ads in the Current Light Flashes as a service to its members. The following limitations apply: 1) Ads must be 20 words or less and must be legible, with an active electric account number at the top. 2) Ads exceeding 20 words are subject to elimination. 3) Submit ads to the Graceville office by the 5th of the month to appear in the following month’s issue. (Example: An ad arriving by Jan. 5 will appear in the Feb. CLF) 4) Ads for services & businesses are not free. Service businesses include, but are not limited to, pet or livestock breeders or stud services, rentals, baby-sitting, etc. 5) Any buying or selling on a regular basis will be considered a business. On-going garage sales & the sale of similar items on a repeated basis do not qualify for free advertising. 6) WFEC may refuse to publish any ad . 7) You may submit your ad online at www.westflorida.coop WFEC will not accept ads over the phone.

Road Master 2 Wheel tow dolly/car hauler, model RM3477, 2,500 miles, $1,000; 850-547-5725 or 850-849-1514.

Claude Dunnier 1/4 ct. solitaire engagement ring, 14K yellow gold, diamond weight stamped inside ring, $350, never worn; 850-593-6181.

50 caliber reloading dies, never used, $50; 850-703-1859.

Multiple Listings

Older model VW Bug parts; other parts; 100 year old barn to be torn down; you tear down & clean up; 334-798-1592.

2002 Ford F-150 XLV8, 180,000 miles, new tires & battery, $5,500; Maytag gas stove, $150; 850-352-4158, 850-718-7100 or 850-209-0433.

Multiple Listings (cont.)

Very large bird cage on wheels, very good condition, $125 OBO; Hoover carpet cleaner, used about 3 times, very good condition, $65; 850-209-6581.

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

Two-horse trailer; Treeing Walker coon dog puppies, all shots, wormed, PKC & UKC super stakes; 3-horse slant trailer; tack; 850-592-2492 or 850-209-8532.

Bose table-top radio with CD player, excellent sound quality with clock & alarm, remote operation, excellent condition, $70; round dining table with pedestal, very good condition; $50; 850-592-2628.

Brown 400 series bush hog, tractor box blade, 23 ft. camping trailer, combo infant bed, converts to bed with mattress; desk; file cabinet; 850-638-7269.

Recreational Vehicles

2019 39’ bumper-pull Puma RV, 2BR/2BA, 1 has shower, dual air, 3-slide outs, good tires & new RV battery, solar capable and has hook up for over/under washer & dryer, very clean, $30,000; 850-447-1133, text for more info.

WANTED

.45-70 Govt. Siamese Mauser rifle, also other 98 Mausers; 850-526-8020, Bill.

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

Someone to restore and paint two bicycles; 850-638-7874, Roger.

15” tires with rims, 2 sets or all four; 850-209-1361.

Male Yorkshire Terrier, to breed with my female; 850-209-4554.

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

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.

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.

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

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: All session games pay $250!

Saturdays 7 Sundays: Jackpot games @ 4-5-6-7-9 & 10 PM Double Action Mini-Session at 4:00 PM

Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night

Energy Efficiency Tip:

Looking for additional ways to save energy this summer? Your laundry room is a great place to start. Wash clothes with cold water, which can cut one load’s energy use by more than half. Your washing machine will use the same amount of energy no matter the size of the clothes load, so fill it up when you can. When drying clothes, separate the heavier cottons. Loads will dry faster and more evenly if you separate heavier cottons like linens and towels from your lightweight clothing.