March 2023

WFEC Announces New Scholarship Opportunity

Commitment to community is one of the basic foundations on which West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) stands. To support the educational goals of students in the communities it serves, WFEC is proud to announce that it will sponsor a $1,000 educational scholarship to one eligible graduating 2023 student at each high school within the cooperative's four-county service area. A scholarship will also be available to homeschooled students who wish to continue their education. These scholarships are for study at post-secondary or vocational/technical institutions. Applications are available from any WFEC office, high school guidance counselors and online: www.westflorida.coop. The deadline to apply is April 18, 2023 by 5:00 p.m.

To qualify, a student’s parent or legal guardian must be a member of West Florida Electric Cooperative. Applicants must also be graduating in 2023 from a school located within the cooperative’s four-county service area. Recipients will be selected by a committee of judges. To apply, complete the application and write a 500-1,000 word essay on the topic provided. Incomplete, late or misdirected applications will not be considered.

Scholarship Criteria:

• Applicants must be graduating in 2023 from a school located within the cooperative’s four-county service area.

• The applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be a member of West Florida Electric Cooperative.

• The applicant must be enrolled or enrolling in an accredited college program, either full-time or part-time.

• The recipient must be a vocational/technical or undergraduate student only.

• The scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the college’s business office on behalf of the recipient in the amount of $1,000.

• The recipient must use the funds within three (3) years.

• The judges will review the applications anonymously, so their decisions are based solely on the strength of the applicant’s essay and application.

• All judges’ decisions are final.

• Previous winners are not eligible to win. Any questions should be directed to Candace Croft at 850-263-3231, 800-342-7400 or ccroft@westflorida.coop. Please consult the application for the essay topic and all other pertinent information.

ROW Update:

West Florida Electric Right of Way

Clearing

March Clarksville, Sneads, Altha & Blountstown Areas

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

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.

Look for Election Materials in Your Mailbox Soon

Ballots and election materials for West Florida Electric Cooperative’s (WFEC) Board of Trustee Elections will be mailed on Thursday, March 30. Each WFEC member’s voting packet will arrive in an envelope marked: “Annual Election Materials.” This packet will contain everything you need to exercise your voting rights as a member-owner of WFEC. Seats on the board in Districts 4, 5 and 6 are up for election this year.

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.

Each election packet will include:

• A letter from Carr, Riggs and Ingram, Certified Public Accountants & Advisors, the certified public accounting firm that receives and counts all completed ballots and announces the results to ensure fairness.

• A nominating committee report listing qualified candidates for the Board of Trustees.

• Profiles of each candidate.

• An official ballot.

• A pre-addressed, postage paid reply envelope.

Ballots are due back by Wednesday, April 19, and should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Ballots received after this deadline will be declared invalid. Do not deliver your ballot to any WFEC office.

Please follow the voting procedures listed in the packet you receive.

It is important to note that ALL MEMBERS of the cooperative may vote in EACH district's election, regardless of their district of residence.

Play it Safe: 10 Do's and Don'ts When Using Portable Generators

If you're planning to use a portable generator in the event of an outage, West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) reminds you to play it safe. With proper use and maintenance, portable generators can provide great convenience during an outage. When generators are used incorrectly, they can be extremely hazardous. In a 2022 report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that 85 U.S. consumers die every year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators. Here are 10 do's and don'ts to keep in mind when using portable generators:

1. DO: Install backup CO alarms.

2. DO: Keep children and pets away from portable generators at all times.

3. DO: Position generators at least 25 feet outside the home, away from doors, windows and vents that can allow CO to enter the home.

4. DO: Ensure your generator is properly grounded. Use a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electric shock injuries.

5. DO: Use three-pronged extension cords that are rated to handle the load of the generator. Inspect extension cords for cuts, frays or other damage before use.

6. DON'T: Operate a generator inside your home or an enclosed (or partially-enclosed) space. Generators produce high levels of CO, which can be deadly.

7. DON'T: Open windows or doors while the generator is running.

8. DON'T: Rely on generators as a full-time source of power. They should only be used temporarily or in emergency situations to power equipment or appliances.

9. DON'T: Overload generators. They should only be used to power essential equipment. Make sure your generator can handle the load of the items you plan to power.

10. DON'T: Connect generators directly into household wiring unless you have an appropriate transfer switch (like Generlink) installed. If a generator is connected to a home's wiring without a transfer switch, power can backfeed along power lines and electrocute utility workers making repairs.

While generators provide convenience during power outages, they can quickly become hazardous - and even deadly - if improperly operated. Before you operate a portable generator, be sure to thoroughly read the owner's manual for important safety information and tips.

If you have questions about the proper use of portable generators, we're here to help. Give us a call at

Tap Into Water Heating Savings

If your home is like most, you and your family are using about 45 gallons of hot water each day. If your water heater is electric, that probably accounts for about 18 percent of your power bill. That makes your water heater the second-largest energy expense in your home. So, why not use less electricity to heat it?

Today's high-efficiency water heaters use much less energy than older models, so you won't need to give up comfort for energy savings. That's good news for your power bills.

Now, there's a new kid in town; an electric heat pump water heater. These units give you the hot water you need by pulling heat from the surrounding air to heat water - like a refrigerator in reverse.

Because they do not directly produce heat, electric heat pump water heaters are two to three times more effiicient than standard units. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a family of four can save about $350 a year on water heating costs, which adds up to $3,750 over the lifetime of the unit.

A heat pump water heater may cost a bit more upfront than you'd pay for the other models. However, most people see a payback in less than three years due to the unit's lower operating costs and energy savings. That's according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR rating.

Tankless electric water heaters are another option, but think about these things before buying: While these units quickly heat water to provide it when called upon, they can use 8 times more electricity at one time than a standard water heater. This high demand increases your cooperative's cost of purchased power, which plays an important role in how much you pay for electricity. In some cases, people who use electric tankless water heaters have to upgrade the home's wiring to support the huge demand for electricity.

Before you buy a new water heater, speak with WFEC's trusted energy experts about your choices.

Other ways to lower your energy costs include setting your water heater's thermostat no higher than

120 degrees Fahrenheit - this reduces energy use and protects against scalding. Fixing leaks, installing lowflow fixtures, and using energyefficient dishwashers and washing machines can also help you conserve water and energy. Many washers and dishwashers allow you to schedule when those appliances operate and have energy-saving settings, so this is also something you can try. Consider washing your clothes in cold water, and shortening showers to help keep water heating costs low.

Save the Date: Annual Meeting is April 29

Don't miss a day filled with lots of family fun and entertainment!

Save the date for West Florida Electric Cooperative's Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day which will take place in-person on Saturday, April 29. You won't want to miss a day filled with lots of family fun and entertainment!

The Board of Trustees and employees invite all members to join us at the Graceville Civic Center (5224 Brown St., Graceville) from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

The co-op will be giving away a 2004 Chevrolet Impala to one lucky registered WFEC member attending the meeting on April 29. All WFEC members who register at the meeting will also receive a $10 bill credit as their registration gift.

Some of the fun activities taking place throughout the day include:

• Obstacle Courses and Inflatables

• Touch-a Truck

• Free Children's Photo

• Pole Climbing Demonstrations

• Electrical Safety Demonstrations

• Free Kettle Corn

• BBQ Lunch

• Free Soft Drinks

• Gospel Music

• Health Fair

• $10 Bill Credit for Registered Members

Entertainment will be provided by gospel group, Ricky Atkinson & Compassion. They are a South Georgiabased gospel music trio. From a small town called Sylvester, Georgia, in the southwest corner of the state, they travel all over the country taking the good news of the Gospel in song to everyone. Formed in 1999, this year marks their 24th anniversary. Ricky started singing with his family as a young man, and continued throughout his teen years. In 1988, he started singing with his first group, The Campmeeting Boys. In 1991, he formed a male trio called Kindred Spirit and in 1994 he began filling solo dates, which he did for two years. In 1996 he joined The Wilburns from Nashville, Tennessee, and in 1999 he returned to South Georgia to form this group. He is most noted for being one of Gospel music's top songwriters and is also a producer, arranger, publisher and President of Resting Place Music Group. Ricky sings lead and is the group owner and manager. Some of his most recognized songs are: The Valley is for Me, Resting Place, Left Behind, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, Good Time Today and many more. He has appeared on Gospel Music Television, Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, Celebration Cruises and at many other venues. We hope to see you there!

Ricky Atkinson & Compassion

Generation

Electricity is produced at a generation facility either by renewable or non-renewable energy sources.

Distributed Generation

Distributed generation systems like rooftop solar panels produce electricity when their energy source is available, such as when the sun shines. When the energy source is unavailable, the home or business receives electricity from the grid. If the system produces more electricity than needed, the excess power is sent back to the grid.

Transmission Lines and Substations

After the electricity is generated, it travels through high-voltage transmission power lines to electric substations, where the voltage is lowered.

Distribution Lines

Once the voltage is lowered, the electricity travels over distribution power lines, which ultimately deliver the electricity to our homes and businesses.

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

Community Calendar

DIY Pantry Class

850-703-0318

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

March 14; 6-8 PM; Washington Co. Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley

Learn to stock and organized your pantry and get meal ideas using preserved foods. Registration is $5 and includes course materials. Pre-registration is required by calling 850-638-6262 or 850-547-1108. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People requiring special accommodations, call 850-638-6265 or 800-955-8771 at least 5 days prior to class so proper consideration may be given the request.

Homebuyer Education Class

March 15; 9 AM-4 PM; Washington Co. Ag Center, 1424 Jackson Ave., Chipley

Understand the homebuying process, analyze your personal and financial/credit situation, and learn basic home care/maintenance techniques. Open to all from individuals just beginning to those further along in the process. Completion satisfies the homeownership education requirement for SHIP/USDA Rural Dev. Florida Cooperative Extension Service is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Pre-registration is required - no walk-ins. For more info: 850-638-6265. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution. People requiring special accommodations, call 850-638-6265 or 800-955-8771 at least 5 days prior so proper consideration may be given the request.

Jackson Co. Master Gardner Plant Sale

March 18; 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM; Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

Lots of varieties available including trees, shrubs, herbs, vegetables, fruit and bedding plants. There will be plant, craft and food vendors and three educational talks: fruit trees at 8 AM; vegetable plant forum at 9 AM, and pollinating plants at 10 AM. This event is free.

Growing Your Own Tomatoes

March 22, 10-11:30 AM; Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Planting a spring garden? We'll answer all your questions. $5 fee at the dooer. Call 850-482-9620 to reserve your seat. UF is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

WFEC Trustee Election Ballots Mailed: March 30

Ballots Due Back: April 19

Garden to Table: The Southern Way

April 1, 9 AM-12 PM; Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna

This workshop focuses on how to grow and care for summer vegetable gardens. Cost is $15/person. Taste foods and take home a variety of seeds/starter plants. Pre-registration is required. Call 850-482-9620.

Vermiculture 101

April 6, 10-11:30 AM; Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Worms, worms, worms...ever wonder what all the talk is about having your own worms? Vermiculture 101 will be taught by Leon Co. Extension Agents and they'll set you up with benefits/advantages of incorporating worms into composting.

Dellwood Amaryllis Flower GardensEnjoy this free walking trail with over 60 varieties of amaryllis flowers. Open 9-5, Mon-Sat. 3667 Northside Church Rd, Greenwood. Call 850-592-8769.

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE

Animals/Livestock

GSP puppies, can send pics; 850-693-5001, Archie.

ABGA registered Boer goats, bucks and does, all ages, Vernon; 850-849-2426.

Antiques/Collectibles

120 pieces of old pottery, porcelain, ceramics, American China, Japanese, much more, $300; 850-674-6242.

Over 75 Precious Moments figurines; 561-762-0116.

Home/Farm

Champion generator, dualfuel, model #100296, gas plus propane, $800; 850-703-1859.

1951 John Deere tractor, new tires, no oil leaks, ready for a parade, $4,000; 850-814-4437, ask for Andy.

Miscellaneous

27 used 5-foot metal fence posts, $140; 850-209-6581.

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

Zinger wheelchair, lightweight, rechargeable battery, easy steering, folds w/carrying case, like new, $1,600; 850-569-1076.

Lumber, $0.67 per square foot, rough cut pine wood, 850-726-0132, ask for Andrew.

Farm fresh eggs, unwashed, $5/ dozen; 850-774-0009.

North Star Pro Series generator, 5500 watts, gasoline, 9-HP Honda engine, started for test runs only, original clean oil; 850-573-5117.

Multiple Listings

4’ fencing, 2 rolls of about 50 ft. each, $90; 27 metal fence posts, 5’ tall, $140; Clarity cordless phone w/digital answering machine, excellent condition, $60; 850-209-6581.

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

Two old Maytag wringer wash machines, need work, $50; amaryllis bulbs, $2-$3; daffodils, six for $5’; 850-547-2864.

3-horse slant trailer; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; grain wagon, treeing Walker Coon dog puppies; gentle horse; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

New Motor Guide trolling motor, 22 pound thrust, forward, reverse; Minn Kota 24 pound thrust, three forward, one reverse, both $150; 850-674-6242.

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.

Real Estate

Price reduced, 48.8 acres farmland, Graceville area, across from paved road; 651-230-2451.

Recreational Vehicles

Boat, 10’ 2015 G3 aluminum boat, attached folding seat, $400, title in hand; trolling motor, $100; 870-321-6969.

2017 Forest River FR3, 30 DS, 3,400 miles, like brand new, 2 slides, used very little. barn stored, $73,000; 850-718-6525

Vehicles

1999 GMC Suburban, 3/4 ton, runs and drives great, 230,000 miles, 2WD, $4,500 OBO; 330-503-5201.

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

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

50 acres, cut hay or row crop, 1284 Hwy. 81 N., Westville; 850-393-3100.

Horses; ponies; mules; donkeys; 850-529-2492 or 850-209-8532.

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

Piano player for church; 850-630-5978.

King-size mattress and box springs, excellent condition; 850-393-3100.

Solid Black & Black & Tan German Shepard/Golden Retriever mixed puppies, born January 23, ready to go by March 6; 850-573-1239, ask for Mike.

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.

Washing windows and screens is a great way to practice energy efficiency during spring cleaning. Clean windows and screens make your home brighter by allowing more sunlight in, reducing the need for lamps and fixtures. Clean screens also allow more fresh air in the home when windows are open to recycle indoor air. Natural light and clean air are energy savers, and they enhance overall health and productivity.