March 2024

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

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

Debbie Roney Smith Call or text: (850) 209-8039

LIC#SL642701

“Be SOLD with American Gold”

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

www.realtordrs.com • debson1999@gmail.com

Together We Can Stay Safe

West Florida Electric, Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

Mold Removal Remodels Water Damage Additions Fire Damage New Construction

24 Hour Emergency Response CBC1255149, CCC1330340, MRSR9

2024 Youth Tour Winners Announced

Pages 8 -9

INSIDE ...

Youth Tour participants: Front row, l-r: Randi Jo Boyd, Morgan Faircloth, Rebecca Lee and Larame Gates. Back row, l-r: Joseph Smith, Wyatt Speers, Chelsea Edenfield, LaRae Baxter and Matthew Evans.

Trustee Election Materials Arrive Soon Graceville School Visit

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

Call 811 before you dig and stay safe.

...pg. 3 ...pg. 4

Clearing the Path to Reliability ...pgs. 6-7

ISSUE MARCH 2024

Read Online www.WestFlorida.coop

VOL 74, NO 3

Fish & Game Forecast

...pg. 11

Local Classifieds

...pgs. 13-14

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 74, NO 3

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.

Vote for and Re-Elect

Efficiency Tip:

Myron Hudson WFEC Board of Trustees District 9

• WFEC Member for 49 years • Earned Director Gold Credential from NRECA • Ret. Educator – Ag. Teacher, Principal, Superintendent of Schools • Member of Florida Farm Bureau • Owner/Operator of a local farm • Married to Susan for 48 years; 3 children & 9 grandchildren

Ballots Mailed March 28

“As your WFEC board member, I will continue to work diligently to maintain an effective and efficient co-op that will BEST serve all member-owners. Thank you for your vote and support.”

Pd. Pol. Adv. Pd. for and approved by Myron Hudson

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

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

Lengthen the life of your clothes dryer with regular cleaning. Clean the lint filter after every load, which improves air circulation and safety. Check the lint trap opening to ensure it’s clean. Use a vacuum to remove any lint that’s fallen inside the opening.

WFEC Board of Trustees

David

ALFORD

Jackie

John

District 1

If you use dryer sheets, check the lint filter for residue buildup.

Remove any residue with hot water and a nylon brush or toothbrush. Over time, dryer sheets can leave a film on the filter, which can affect the performance of the motor.

Tim

TATUM

District 2

James & Son Tree and Crane Service POOSER District 3

Insured and Reasonable

850-272-3620

ADAMS District 4

Free Estimates

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

George Clayton

District 5 / Vice President

District 6

CORBIN

OWENS

New Year/New Plans

Middlebrooks Contractors, Inc. Serving the Area for Over 60 Years Septic Tank Service, Installation & Repair • Mobile Home Pads • Land Clearing • Excavation • Dirt • Rock • Culverts Rent-All • We have everything you need! Equipment Rentals, Tractors, Trenchers, Etc.

Randy

BUSH

District 7 / Secretary-Treasurer

I’m Local.

Licensed/Certified/Dependable/Helpful

Joe E.

HUDSON District 9

WALLING

Executive VP/CEO

FL Lic.# W489703 Al Lic.# 300759370

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

WISEFLYAUTOGLASS.COM

Paper Only Bingo. Located across the street from Graceville High School.

Open 6 days a week. Closed Tuesdays. Session at 7:30 nightly. $50 payouts before & after session. Pull tab games up to $1,000!

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

Saturdays 7 Sundays: Jackpot games @ 4-5-6-7-9 & 10 PM

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

(850) 658-2635

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

AUTO GLASS

SAFETY COUNCIL-

(850) 263-7788

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

PAGE 2

A Afr.lSTFAfO MFMflfA OF THf

HWY. 77 BINGO, INC.

District 8 / President

Shawn

DUPONT•

Authorized Agent

• Any Glass • Any Vehicle

Plumbing • Electrical • Licensed & Insured

RONE

Melonie Wood (850) 658-2635 Myron

Ph: (850) 547-3658

◄

Double Action Mini-Session at 4:00 PM

Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night ISSUE MARCH 2024

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

Multiple Listings (cont.) Vehicles Household items, bed frames, tables, microwaves, PC desk dresser, TV stand, washer/dryer, AC, infant bed, sofa & much more; 850-573-6583.

Three-horse slant trailer; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; grain wagon; new Alpha Tracking system & collars; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

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

New doublewide on approximately 0.6 acres, 4BR/2BA in Bonifay, $170,000; 850-768-0135, Larry.

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

2013 Mercedes GLK 350, 69,000 miles, midnight blue, leather, heated Enclosed trailer, will pay cash; & power front seats, navigation, 850-332-8876. $17,500; 850-638-2999.

Border Collie puppy, prefer female; 850-447-0390.

WANTED Aluminum CB base station antennas for a project, does not need to be working; 850-526-8020, Bill.

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

Stained glass pieces; 561-762-0116.

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

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

Jack Deloney prints, must be in good condition; 850-573-6613.

Backhoe loader, will pay cash; 850-726-0132.

Land to lease for deer hunting, call or text; 850-768-1064.

Trustee Election Materials Arrive Soon

ROW Update:

B

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

allots and election materials for West Florida Electric Cooperative's (WFEC) Board of Trustee elections will be mailed on Thursday, March 28. 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 7, 8, and 9 are up for election this year.

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.

Notification Statement

• Profiles of each candidate up for election.

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.

• An official ballot.

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

• A pre-addressed, postage-paid reply envelope.

Livestock Fencing Materials, Maintenance & Installation

Ballots are due on Wednesday, April 17, 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 all 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.

Board, Privacy, and Chain-link

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE MARCH 2024

MARCH:

North & South of Bonifay When ROW crews are trimming in your area, there may be several days between ROW cutting & clean-up crews due to inclement weather, equipment failure or other unforeseen circumstances.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 3

Car Stereo Spray-in Bedliners

Shop Local, Buy Local, Support Local

Bed Covers Truck Accessories

Cell Phone Signal Boosters Leather Seat Replacement Home Wifi & TV Services Ranch Hand Stepbars & Grill Guards

2817 Hwy. 71 • Marianna, FL 32446 • 850-394-4406 www.Fullersoundav.com

OLEN BARFIELD Have Sawmill, Will Travel

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

638-7105 McIntosh

Outboard & Small Engine Grand Ridge

What’s in YOUR Water?

Owner

Sneads

We buy boats & motors!

3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462

Over 40 Years Experience License #2252

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

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

Larry Englert Owner

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

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

Licensed & insured

WFEC recently hosted 5th grade students from Graceville School at our office. While there, students took a tour of the office, learned about electrical safety and visited with linemen who talked with them about their jobs and demonstrated pole-top rescue techniques.

(850) 630-9225

Justin Joyner 850-658-2890

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

SOUTHSIDE

Interested in a safety demonstration?

Contact the co-op at 800-342-7400.

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Animals/Livestock

Coastal Bermuda hay, 5x5 roll, fertilized, excellent quality, barn stored; 850-592-4798.

Leftover 2x6 and one by boards from barn construction; 850-726-0132.

Coastal hay, 5x5 roll, excellent quality, fertilized and barn stored; 850-592-4798.

Multiple Listings

Miscellaneous

Clarity cordless phone/ answering machine, $55; large bird cage on wheels, $90; Birkenstock sandals, $80; 850-209-6581.

Power pole w/100 amp box Parakeets, assorted colors, $10 each; included, pole also includes weather 850-557-8901, call or text. head; 850-258-2961.

Grain fed Angus beef, no hormones, 5 months on corn, ready April 2024, 1981 Honda Golden Eagle, good condition, $6,800; w/6x10 trailer, $.75/lb. on the rails, cut & wrap; $7,800; golf cart seat, 36.5x151/2; 850-326-2754.

Antique Long 445 tractor & bush850-547-0448 or 850-373-3709. hog, with other attachments; Lap steel guitar w/slides, picks 251-979-5971. included, $375; 5-string bass guitar Homemade/handmade quilts, lap $350; 850-326-7308.

Antique fishing reels, excellent quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or condition, approx. 60 total, top queen; two used bathtubs, to be brands, must see to appreciate, make AO Smith 52 gallon well pump used for water or feed troughs, great pressure tank, looks almost price; 850-547-3649. offer; 334-405-9164. new, always inside pump house and in perfect working order; 850-573-5117.

Home/Farm

1960s Massey Ferguson diesel tractor, 35 hp, manual steering, recent oil change, new battery & hoses, good metal, $2,750 OBO; 513-562-7244.

Ladies Rolex watch, in new condition, $1,200; 850-642-8557.

Architectural integrator, made by Amsler in Switzerland, for marine engineers, antique, amazing condition, all manuals included, $500 OBO; 850-718-8790.

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

Commercial & Residential

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.

Need Ice? Ice Machine Leasing

850-703-5486 State Certified Contractor CAC1819784

www.mysouthsideair.com CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

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

Antiques/Collectibles

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

Sales, Service, Leasing, Maintenance, Installation, Ice Vending Machines

PAGE 4

FOR SALE

Bull, 3-year-old registered Angus, $3,500; bull, 10-month-old AngusBeefmaster, $2,300; 315-224-2129.

Panhandle Pump Repair & Filtration Service John White

CLASSIFIEDS

ISSUE MARCH 2024

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

Handyman Charlie

Carpentry & Plumbing Repairs Pressure Washing Cleanup & Hauling

Greenwood, Florida

484-464-5938

Mr. Fence

Commercial • Residential • Farm • Industrial

Chris & Sheryl Tate

Locally Owned & Operated for 28 Years

(850) 547-5516 Your Privacy is Our Business

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

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

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

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

Community Calendar

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

Jackson County Master Gardner Help Desk Every Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Need help identifying plants? Want more information about growing fruits and vegetables? Is an insect attacking your plants? Ask a Master Gardener.

Call 850-482-9620 or email payne.abigail@ufl.edu for more information.

Garden to Table: The Southern Way March 16; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Do you want to grow vegetables like okra, peas and summer squash? Join our workshop focusing on how to best grow and care for summer vegetable gardens; also learn new recipes to make with your harvest. This is the second in a three-part series. $15/person. Participants will be able to taste several foods and take home a variety of seeds and starter plants. Pre-registration is required. Visit the office on Penn Avenue, call 850-482-9620 or visit http://JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. UF is committed to providing universal access to all events. For disability accommodations like sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact payne.abigail@ufl.edu or teri2003@ufl.edu two weeks in advance.

WFEC Trustee Election Ballots Mailed: March 28 WFEC Trustee Election Ballots Due Back to CRI, CPA: April 17 WFEC Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day: April 27 Graceville Civic Center (more details below)

(850) 326-8419 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

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

ffbf.com | 850-526-4411 Bonifay - Chipley - Graceville - Marianna

Don Nowell - Regional Senior Commercial Banker Amanda Parrish - Marianna Branch Manager PAGE 12

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE MARCH 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 5

Clearing the Path to Reliability Safety Working near power lines can be

dangerous, and we care about your e know our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to safety and that of our lineworkers.

For example, if trees are touching their homes and businesses. That's why West Florida Electric power lines in our members' yards, Cooperative (WFEC) strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we love with ensuring reliable electricity. You might they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming. trees, they can potentially climb into Reliability a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. We have seen the impacts of Mother Nature during severe weather jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree. events with falling tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles.

Any tree or branch that falls While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages across a power line creates a can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see potentially dangerous situation. A WFEC crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on proactive approach lessens the changes of fallen trees during severe the latest industry standards.

In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too weather that make it more complicated and dangerous for close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better lineworkers to restore power. able to prepare for severe weather events. Plus, we all know it's more costeffective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact. continued on page 7

W

• Glass Shower

Elect

Enclosures • Window Panes • Mirrors • Screens • Tabletops

Jeremy Rolling WFEC District 9 Trustee

“I believe agriculture is the greatest asset to our community. I want to be a voice for our local farmers as well as all members, if elected.”

Thank you for your consideration!

Paid political ad paid for & approve by Jeremy Rolling

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Levon Carnley

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

Licensed

20-Years Limited Warranty 21 Colors to Choose From

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

Phone: 850-703-0318

Gary McIntosh

(850) 593-0009

SURVEYOR

Roger Lonsway

Mobile: 850-260-5438

March 2024

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Call Gary • 912-271-5781 Florida Licensed Surveyor since 1969

Doug Hannon's Fish & Game Forecast

PAGE 6

Lawn Care Service

Excellent Times AM PM

Moon Stage

Good Times AM PM

FRI.

1

3:30-5:30

3:54-5:54

9:57-11:27

10:21-11:51

SAT.

2

4:18-6:18

4:42-6:42

10:45-12:15

11:09-12:39

SUN.

3

5:06-7:06

5:30-7:30

11:33-1:03

11:57-1:27

MON.

4

5:54-7:54

5:30-7:30

N/A

12:45-2:15

Lynn & Steve Helping Hands, LLC

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

TUE.

5

6:42-8:42

7:06-9:06

1:09-2:39

1:33-3:03

WED.

6

7:30-9:30

7:54-9:54

1:57-3:27

2:21-3:51

THU.

7

8:18-10:18

8:42-10:42

2:45-4:15

3:09-4:39

Serving Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties

FRI.

8

9:06-11:06

9:30-11:30

3:33-5:03

3:57-5:27

4:21-5:51

4:45-6:15

6:09-7:39

6:33-8:03 7:21-8:51

386-748-9035 or 850-768-0822

SAT.

9

9:54-11:54

10:18-12:18

SUN.

10

N/A

12:06-2:06

MON.

11

12:30-2:30

12:54-2:54

6:57-8:27

TUE.

12

1:18-3:18

1:42-3:42

7:45-9:15

8:09-9:39

WED.

13

2:06-4:06

2:30-4:30

8:33-10:03

8:57-10:27

THU.

14

2:54-4:54

3:18-5:18

9:21-10:51

9:45-11:15

FRI.

15

3:42-5:42

4:06-6:06

10:09-11:39

10:33-12:03

SAT.

16

4:30-6:30

4:54-6:54

10:57-12:27

11:21-12:51

NEW

SUN.

17

5:18-7:18

5:42-7:42

N/A

12:09-1:39

MON.

18

6:06-8:06

6:30-8:30

12:33-2:03

12:57-2:27

TUE.

19

6:54-8:54

7:18-9:18

1:21-2:51

1:45-3:15

WED.

20

7:42-9:42

8:06-10:06

2:09-3:39

2:33-4:03

THU.

21

8:30-10:30

8:54-10:54

2:57-4:27

3:21-4:51

FRI.

22

9:18-11:18

9:42-11:42

3:45-5:15

4:09-5:39

SAT.

23

10:06-12:06

10:30-12:30

4:33-6:03

4:57-6:27

SUN.

24

10:54-12:54

11:18-1:18

5:21-6:51

5:45-7:15

MON.

25

N/A

12:06-2:06

6:09-7:39

6:33-8:03

TUE.

26

12:30-2:30

12:54-2:54

6:57-8:27

7:21-8:51

WED.

27

1:18-3:18

1:42-3:42

6:09-7:39

6:33-8:03

THU.

28

1:18-3:18

1:42-3:42

7:45-9:15

8:09-9:39

FRI.

29

2:54-4:54

3:18-5:18

9:21-10:51

9:45-11:15

SAT.

30

3:42-5:42

4:06-6:06

10:09-11:39

10:33-12:03

SUN.

31

4:30-6:30

4:54-6:54

10:57-12:27

11:21-12:51

ISSUE MARCH 2024

Armondi Roofing, LLC Re-roof Specialist Shingles • Flat Roofs • Re-Roofs New Roofs & All Types of Repairs

Free Estimates

5 Year Workmanship Warranty Licensed & Insured #CCC1330359

(850) 547-2934

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 11

Local help with your Medicare questions.

Gene Alford

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

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. Anthony Register 850-573-0219

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

“Home Folks Serving Home Folks”

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

Structure Demo Stump Grinding

(850) 326-1559 Veteran-Founded

We Buy Vintage Call Us First

Syrup kettles Advertisement Items Vintage Items Records

Affordability As a co-op, WFEC always strives to keep costs down for our members.

If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.

When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they are planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 ft. or smaller) should be planted at least 25 ft. from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 ft.) should be planted at least 50 ft. from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. from the transformer door and 4 ft. from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.

Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that is dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by calling 800-342-7400.

We have deep roots in our communities, and we love our beautiful surroundings. Our vegetation management program is a crucial tool to ensure reliability.

Vote Jerry Eldridge for WFEC Board of Trustees District 9

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

547-3696

• Member since 1976 • Born & Raised in Prosperity • Graduate of Ponce De Leon HS • Employed with Holmes Co. Sheriff’s Dept.

• Worked as a block layer, residential/commercial electrician & Dept. of Corrections • Member of Hudson Hill Church & Masonic Lodge Pd. Pol. Adv. Pd. for and approved by Jerry Eldridge #157

#RM0048955

Greg A. Varner Owner

(850) 956-4325 Mobile: (850) 259-0467 Fax: (850) 956-4169

SOUTHERN ROOFING, INC. All Types Licensed • Bonded • Insured

1945 Tower Lane Westville, FL 32464

850-209-2012

We Buy One Piece or Entire Collections

Email: southroofing@centurylink.net

How much does it really cost to use your appliances?

GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE

Ever wonder how much your household appliances are costing you in electricity?

Xtreme Southern Kustomizing

Find out in just 30 seconds.

License# CCC058016

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

Visit www.westflorida.coop

3783 Woodham Rd., Graceville, FL

Art’s Home Services

Since 1969

Carpenter/Handyman Build It - Fix It Clean It - Haul It

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

LLC/Insured/ 40 Years Experience

(850) 638-2611 PAGE 10

4” to 12”

850-263-8064

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE MARCH 2024

William

Crutchfield Enterprises, Inc.

License Number: CMC1250499

(850) 326-0330

Email: wilcruent@bellsouth.net

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 7

2024 Youth Tour Winners Announced

C

ongratulations to this year's West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) 2024 Youth Tour winners. Joseph Smith, a junior at Sneads High School and LaRae Baxter, a junior at Malone School, were named West Florida Electric's Youth Tour competition winners on Feb. 20. Wyatt Speers of Cottondale High School is the alternate winner. Smith and Baxter have won an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. and will represent WFEC on the National Rural Electric Youth Tour trip taking place June 16-21, 2024. They will travel with other students from Florida to meet up with hundreds of other high school juniors from across the country to tour our Nation's Capitol and learn more about leadership, our government and cooperatives. Smith and Baxter also won $1,000 college scholarships to use at any college, university or technical school of their choice. Speers won a $500 scholarship.

Ten local students participated in the Youth Tour program this year: Chelsea Edenfield, Altha School; Morgan Faircloth, Bethlehem School; Matthew Evans, Blountstown High School; Rebecca Lee and Kason Nelson, Chipley High School (these students participated in a separate competition for the children and grandchildren of WFEC employees); Wyatt Speers, Cottondale High School; Larame Gates, Graceville High School; LaRae Baxter, Malone School and Joseph Smith, Sneads High School.

The purpose of Youth Tour is to get students out of the classroom and familiarize them with the utility that brings electricity to their lives. They also get a first-hand look at the activities of our government at state and national levels.

This is a great opportunity to meet people, experience new things, and travel.

WFEC has participated in Youth Tour since 1979, sending students almost every year since. For more information about the Youth Tour program, visit www.westflorida.coop.

Above: Florida's Youth Tour delegation in the Florida House of Representaives with Representative Gallop Franklin (back row, center).

Rep. Franklin spoke with YT students about how important it is to participate in government and become involved by voting and exercising their rights.

Below: (l-r) WFEC Executive Vice President and CEO, Shawn Walling; Matthew Evans, Blountstown HS; George Clayton Owens, WFEC District 6 Trustee; LaRae Baxter, Malone School; John Adams, WFEC District 4 Trustee; Randi Jo Boyd, HCHS; Morgan Faircloth, Bethlehem School; Chelsea Edenfield, Altha School; Larame Gates, Graceville HS; Joseph Smith, Sneads HS; Rebecca Lee, Chipley HS; Jackie Pooser, WFEC District 3 Trustee and Joe Rone, WFEC Board President & District 8 Trustee.

West Florida Electric Cooperative's 2024 Youth Tour participants were (l-r): Larame Gates, Graceville HS; Wyatt Speers, Cottondale HS; Joseph Smith, Sneads HS; Randi Jo Boyd, Holmes Co. HS; Morgan Faircloth, Bethlehem School; Rebecca Lee, Chipley HS; Chelsea Edenfield, Altha School; LaRae Baxter, Malone School and Matthew Evans, Blountstown HS. Kason Nelson, Chipley HS (not pictured).

PAGE 8

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE MARCH 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 9

2024 Youth Tour Winners Announced

C

ongratulations to this year's West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) 2024 Youth Tour winners. Joseph Smith, a junior at Sneads High School and LaRae Baxter, a junior at Malone School, were named West Florida Electric's Youth Tour competition winners on Feb. 20. Wyatt Speers of Cottondale High School is the alternate winner. Smith and Baxter have won an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. and will represent WFEC on the National Rural Electric Youth Tour trip taking place June 16-21, 2024. They will travel with other students from Florida to meet up with hundreds of other high school juniors from across the country to tour our Nation's Capitol and learn more about leadership, our government and cooperatives. Smith and Baxter also won $1,000 college scholarships to use at any college, university or technical school of their choice. Speers won a $500 scholarship.

Ten local students participated in the Youth Tour program this year: Chelsea Edenfield, Altha School; Morgan Faircloth, Bethlehem School; Matthew Evans, Blountstown High School; Rebecca Lee and Kason Nelson, Chipley High School (these students participated in a separate competition for the children and grandchildren of WFEC employees); Wyatt Speers, Cottondale High School; Larame Gates, Graceville High School; LaRae Baxter, Malone School and Joseph Smith, Sneads High School.

The purpose of Youth Tour is to get students out of the classroom and familiarize them with the utility that brings electricity to their lives. They also get a first-hand look at the activities of our government at state and national levels.

This is a great opportunity to meet people, experience new things, and travel.

WFEC has participated in Youth Tour since 1979, sending students almost every year since. For more information about the Youth Tour program, visit www.westflorida.coop.

Above: Florida's Youth Tour delegation in the Florida House of Representatives with Representative Gallop Franklin (back row, center).

Rep. Franklin spoke with YT students about how important it is to participate in government and become involved by voting and exercising their rights.

Below: (l-r) WFEC Executive Vice President and CEO, Shawn Walling; Matthew Evans, Blountstown HS; George Clayton Owens, WFEC District 6 Trustee; LaRae Baxter, Malone School; John Adams, WFEC District 4 Trustee; Randi Jo Boyd, HCHS; Morgan Faircloth, Bethlehem School; Chelsea Edenfield, Altha School; Larame Gates, Graceville HS; Joseph Smith, Sneads HS; Rebecca Lee, Chipley HS; Jackie Pooser, WFEC District 3 Trustee and Joe Rone, WFEC Board President & District 8 Trustee.

West Florida Electric Cooperative's 2024 Youth Tour participants were (l-r): Larame Gates, Graceville HS; Wyatt Speers, Cottondale HS; Joseph Smith, Sneads HS; Randi Jo Boyd, Holmes Co. HS; Morgan Faircloth, Bethlehem School; Rebecca Lee, Chipley HS; Chelsea Edenfield, Altha School; LaRae Baxter, Malone School and Matthew Evans, Blountstown HS. Kason Nelson, Chipley HS (not pictured).

PAGE 8

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE MARCH 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 9

Local help with your Medicare questions.

Gene Alford

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

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. Anthony Register 850-573-0219

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

Tri-County Gas Service, Inc.

“Home Folks Serving Home Folks”

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

Structure Demo Stump Grinding

(850) 326-1559 Veteran-Founded

We Buy Vintage Call Us First

Syrup kettles Advertisement Items Vintage Items Records

Affordability As a co-op, WFEC always strives to keep costs down for our members.

If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.

When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they are planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 ft. or smaller) should be planted at least 25 ft. from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 ft.) should be planted at least 50 ft. from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. from the transformer door and 4 ft. from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.

Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that is dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by calling 800-342-7400.

We have deep roots in our communities, and we love our beautiful surroundings. Our vegetation management program is a crucial tool to ensure reliability.

Vote Jerry Eldridge for WFEC Board of Trustees District 9

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

547-3696

• Member since 1976 • Born & Raised in Prosperity • Graduate of Ponce De Leon HS • Employed with Holmes Co. Sheriff’s Dept.

• Worked as a block layer, residential/commercial electrician & Dept. of Corrections • Member of Hudson Hill Church & Masonic Lodge Pd. Pol. Adv. Pd. for and approved by Jerry Eldridge #157

#RM0048955

Greg A. Varner Owner

(850) 956-4325 Mobile: (850) 259-0467 Fax: (850) 956-4169

SOUTHERN ROOFING, INC. All Types Licensed • Bonded • Insured

1945 Tower Lane Westville, FL 32464

850-209-2012

We Buy One Piece or Entire Collections

Email: southroofing@centurylink.net

How much does it really cost to use your appliances?

GOLF CART SALES & SERVICE

Ever wonder how much your household appliances are costing you in electricity?

Xtreme Southern Kustomizing

Find out in just 30 seconds.

License# CCC058016

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

Visit www.westflorida.coop

3783 Woodham Rd., Graceville, FL

Art’s Home Services

Since 1969

Carpenter/Handyman Build It - Fix It Clean It - Haul It

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

LLC/Insured/ 40 Years Experience

(850) 638-2611 PAGE 10

4” to 12”

850-263-8064

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE MARCH 2024

William

Crutchfield Enterprises, Inc.

License Number: CMC1250499

(850) 326-0330

Email: wilcruent@bellsouth.net

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 7

Clearing the Path to Reliability Safety Working near power lines can be

dangerous, and we care about your e know our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to safety and that of our lineworkers.

For example, if trees are touching their homes and businesses. That's why West Florida Electric power lines in our members' yards, Cooperative (WFEC) strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we love with ensuring reliable electricity. You might they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming. trees, they can potentially climb into Reliability a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. We have seen the impacts of Mother Nature during severe weather jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree. events with falling tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles.

Any tree or branch that falls While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages across a power line creates a can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see potentially dangerous situation. A WFEC crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on proactive approach lessens the changes of fallen trees during severe the latest industry standards.

In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too weather that make it more complicated and dangerous for close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better lineworkers to restore power. able to prepare for severe weather events. Plus, we all know it's more costeffective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact. continued on page 7

W

• Glass Shower

Elect

Enclosures • Window Panes • Mirrors • Screens • Tabletops

Jeremy Rolling WFEC District 9 Trustee

“I believe agriculture is the greatest asset to our community. I want to be a voice for our local farmers as well as all members, if elected.”

Thank you for your consideration!

Paid political ad paid for & approve by Jeremy Rolling

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

AFFORDABLE SEAMLESS GUTTERS

Levon Carnley

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

Licensed

20-Years Limited Warranty 21 Colors to Choose From

Concrete Designs by Levon, LLC

Phone: 850-703-0318

Gary McIntosh

(850) 593-0009

SURVEYOR

Roger Lonsway

Mobile: 850-260-5438

March 2024

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

Call Gary • 912-271-5781 Florida Licensed Surveyor since 1969

Doug Hannon's Fish & Game Forecast

PAGE 6

Lawn Care Service

Excellent Times AM PM

Moon Stage

Good Times AM PM

FRI.

1

3:30-5:30

3:54-5:54

9:57-11:27

10:21-11:51

SAT.

2

4:18-6:18

4:42-6:42

10:45-12:15

11:09-12:39

SUN.

3

5:06-7:06

5:30-7:30

11:33-1:03

11:57-1:27

MON.

4

5:54-7:54

5:30-7:30

N/A

12:45-2:15

Lynn & Steve Helping Hands, LLC

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

TUE.

5

6:42-8:42

7:06-9:06

1:09-2:39

1:33-3:03

WED.

6

7:30-9:30

7:54-9:54

1:57-3:27

2:21-3:51

THU.

7

8:18-10:18

8:42-10:42

2:45-4:15

3:09-4:39

Serving Holmes, Jackson & Washington Counties

FRI.

8

9:06-11:06

9:30-11:30

3:33-5:03

3:57-5:27

4:21-5:51

4:45-6:15

6:09-7:39

6:33-8:03 7:21-8:51

386-748-9035 or 850-768-0822

SAT.

9

9:54-11:54

10:18-12:18

SUN.

10

N/A

12:06-2:06

MON.

11

12:30-2:30

12:54-2:54

6:57-8:27

TUE.

12

1:18-3:18

1:42-3:42

7:45-9:15

8:09-9:39

WED.

13

2:06-4:06

2:30-4:30

8:33-10:03

8:57-10:27

THU.

14

2:54-4:54

3:18-5:18

9:21-10:51

9:45-11:15

FRI.

15

3:42-5:42

4:06-6:06

10:09-11:39

10:33-12:03

SAT.

16

4:30-6:30

4:54-6:54

10:57-12:27

11:21-12:51

NEW

SUN.

17

5:18-7:18

5:42-7:42

N/A

12:09-1:39

MON.

18

6:06-8:06

6:30-8:30

12:33-2:03

12:57-2:27

TUE.

19

6:54-8:54

7:18-9:18

1:21-2:51

1:45-3:15

WED.

20

7:42-9:42

8:06-10:06

2:09-3:39

2:33-4:03

THU.

21

8:30-10:30

8:54-10:54

2:57-4:27

3:21-4:51

FRI.

22

9:18-11:18

9:42-11:42

3:45-5:15

4:09-5:39

SAT.

23

10:06-12:06

10:30-12:30

4:33-6:03

4:57-6:27

SUN.

24

10:54-12:54

11:18-1:18

5:21-6:51

5:45-7:15

MON.

25

N/A

12:06-2:06

6:09-7:39

6:33-8:03

TUE.

26

12:30-2:30

12:54-2:54

6:57-8:27

7:21-8:51

WED.

27

1:18-3:18

1:42-3:42

6:09-7:39

6:33-8:03

THU.

28

1:18-3:18

1:42-3:42

7:45-9:15

8:09-9:39

FRI.

29

2:54-4:54

3:18-5:18

9:21-10:51

9:45-11:15

SAT.

30

3:42-5:42

4:06-6:06

10:09-11:39

10:33-12:03

SUN.

31

4:30-6:30

4:54-6:54

10:57-12:27

11:21-12:51

ISSUE MARCH 2024

Armondi Roofing, LLC Re-roof Specialist Shingles • Flat Roofs • Re-Roofs New Roofs & All Types of Repairs

Free Estimates

5 Year Workmanship Warranty Licensed & Insured #CCC1330359

(850) 547-2934

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 11

Handyman Charlie

Carpentry & Plumbing Repairs Pressure Washing Cleanup & Hauling

Greenwood, Florida

484-464-5938

Mr. Fence

Commercial • Residential • Farm • Industrial

Chris & Sheryl Tate

Locally Owned & Operated for 28 Years

(850) 547-5516 Your Privacy is Our Business

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

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

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

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

Community Calendar

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

Jackson County Master Gardner Help Desk Every Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Need help identifying plants? Want more information about growing fruits and vegetables? Is an insect attacking your plants? Ask a Master Gardener.

Call 850-482-9620 or email payne.abigail@ufl.edu for more information.

Garden to Table: The Southern Way March 16; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Jackson Co. Extension, 2741 Penn Ave., Marianna Do you want to grow vegetables like okra, peas and summer squash? Join our workshop focusing on how to best grow and care for summer vegetable gardens; also learn new recipes to make with your harvest. This is the second in a three-part series. $15/person. Participants will be able to taste several foods and take home a variety of seeds and starter plants. Pre-registration is required. Visit the office on Penn Avenue, call 850-482-9620 or visit http://JacksonCountyFCS.eventbrite.com to register. UF is committed to providing universal access to all events. For disability accommodations like sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact payne.abigail@ufl.edu or teri2003@ufl.edu two weeks in advance.

WFEC Trustee Election Ballots Mailed: March 28 WFEC Trustee Election Ballots Due Back to CRI, CPA: April 17 WFEC Annual Meeting/Member Appreciation Day: April 27 Graceville Civic Center (more details below)

(850) 326-8419 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

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

ffbf.com | 850-526-4411 Bonifay - Chipley - Graceville - Marianna

Don Nowell - Regional Senior Commercial Banker Amanda Parrish - Marianna Branch Manager PAGE 12

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE MARCH 2024

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 5

Car Stereo Spray-in Bedliners

Shop Local, Buy Local, Support Local

Bed Covers Truck Accessories

Cell Phone Signal Boosters Leather Seat Replacement Home Wifi & TV Services Ranch Hand Stepbars & Grill Guards

2817 Hwy. 71 • Marianna, FL 32446 • 850-394-4406 www.Fullersoundav.com

OLEN BARFIELD Have Sawmill, Will Travel

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

638-7105 McIntosh

Outboard & Small Engine Grand Ridge

What’s in YOUR Water?

Owner

Sneads

We buy boats & motors!

3024 Firefly Lane Vernon, FL 32462

Over 40 Years Experience License #2252

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

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

Larry Englert Owner

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

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

Licensed & insured

WFEC recently hosted 5th grade students from Graceville School at our office. While there, students took a tour of the office, learned about electrical safety and visited with linemen who talked with them about their jobs and demonstrated pole-top rescue techniques.

(850) 630-9225

Justin Joyner 850-658-2890

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

SOUTHSIDE

Interested in a safety demonstration?

Contact the co-op at 800-342-7400.

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Animals/Livestock

Coastal Bermuda hay, 5x5 roll, fertilized, excellent quality, barn stored; 850-592-4798.

Leftover 2x6 and one by boards from barn construction; 850-726-0132.

Coastal hay, 5x5 roll, excellent quality, fertilized and barn stored; 850-592-4798.

Multiple Listings

Miscellaneous

Clarity cordless phone/ answering machine, $55; large bird cage on wheels, $90; Birkenstock sandals, $80; 850-209-6581.

Power pole w/100 amp box Parakeets, assorted colors, $10 each; included, pole also includes weather 850-557-8901, call or text. head; 850-258-2961.

Grain fed Angus beef, no hormones, 5 months on corn, ready April 2024, 1981 Honda Golden Eagle, good condition, $6,800; w/6x10 trailer, $.75/lb. on the rails, cut & wrap; $7,800; golf cart seat, 36.5x151/2; 850-326-2754.

Antique Long 445 tractor & bush850-547-0448 or 850-373-3709. hog, with other attachments; Lap steel guitar w/slides, picks 251-979-5971. included, $375; 5-string bass guitar Homemade/handmade quilts, lap $350; 850-326-7308.

Antique fishing reels, excellent quilts, baby quilts, twin, full or condition, approx. 60 total, top queen; two used bathtubs, to be brands, must see to appreciate, make AO Smith 52 gallon well pump used for water or feed troughs, great pressure tank, looks almost price; 850-547-3649. offer; 334-405-9164. new, always inside pump house and in perfect working order; 850-573-5117.

Home/Farm

1960s Massey Ferguson diesel tractor, 35 hp, manual steering, recent oil change, new battery & hoses, good metal, $2,750 OBO; 513-562-7244.

Ladies Rolex watch, in new condition, $1,200; 850-642-8557.

Architectural integrator, made by Amsler in Switzerland, for marine engineers, antique, amazing condition, all manuals included, $500 OBO; 850-718-8790.

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

Commercial & Residential

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.

Need Ice? Ice Machine Leasing

850-703-5486 State Certified Contractor CAC1819784

www.mysouthsideair.com CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

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

Antiques/Collectibles

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

Sales, Service, Leasing, Maintenance, Installation, Ice Vending Machines

PAGE 4

FOR SALE

Bull, 3-year-old registered Angus, $3,500; bull, 10-month-old AngusBeefmaster, $2,300; 315-224-2129.

Panhandle Pump Repair & Filtration Service John White

CLASSIFIEDS

ISSUE MARCH 2024

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

Multiple Listings (cont.) Vehicles Household items, bed frames, tables, microwaves, PC desk dresser, TV stand, washer/dryer, AC, infant bed, sofa & much more; 850-573-6583.

Three-horse slant trailer; barrel, roping, pleasure saddles; tack; grain wagon; new Alpha Tracking system & collars; 850-592-2494 or 850-209-8532.

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

New doublewide on approximately 0.6 acres, 4BR/2BA in Bonifay, $170,000; 850-768-0135, Larry.

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

2013 Mercedes GLK 350, 69,000 miles, midnight blue, leather, heated Enclosed trailer, will pay cash; & power front seats, navigation, 850-332-8876. $17,500; 850-638-2999.

Border Collie puppy, prefer female; 850-447-0390.

WANTED Aluminum CB base station antennas for a project, does not need to be working; 850-526-8020, Bill.

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

Stained glass pieces; 561-762-0116.

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

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

Jack Deloney prints, must be in good condition; 850-573-6613.

Backhoe loader, will pay cash; 850-726-0132.

Land to lease for deer hunting, call or text; 850-768-1064.

Trustee Election Materials Arrive Soon

ROW Update:

B

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

allots and election materials for West Florida Electric Cooperative's (WFEC) Board of Trustee elections will be mailed on Thursday, March 28. 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 7, 8, and 9 are up for election this year.

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.

Notification Statement

• Profiles of each candidate up for election.

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.

• An official ballot.

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

• A pre-addressed, postage-paid reply envelope.

Livestock Fencing Materials, Maintenance & Installation

Ballots are due on Wednesday, April 17, 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 all 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.

Board, Privacy, and Chain-link

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

ISSUE MARCH 2024

MARCH:

North & South of Bonifay When ROW crews are trimming in your area, there may be several days between ROW cutting & clean-up crews due to inclement weather, equipment failure or other unforeseen circumstances.

TOLL FREE OUTAGE HOTLINE: 1.844.OUTAGE1 (844.688.2431)

PAGE 3

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

USPS: 702-990 | ISSN: 1042-7767 | VOL 74, NO 3

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.

Vote for and Re-Elect

Efficiency Tip:

Myron Hudson WFEC Board of Trustees District 9

• WFEC Member for 49 years • Earned Director Gold Credential from NRECA • Ret. Educator – Ag. Teacher, Principal, Superintendent of Schools • Member of Florida Farm Bureau • Owner/Operator of a local farm • Married to Susan for 48 years; 3 children & 9 grandchildren

Ballots Mailed March 28

“As your WFEC board member, I will continue to work diligently to maintain an effective and efficient co-op that will BEST serve all member-owners. Thank you for your vote and support.”

Pd. Pol. Adv. Pd. for and approved by Myron Hudson

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

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

Lengthen the life of your clothes dryer with regular cleaning. Clean the lint filter after every load, which improves air circulation and safety. Check the lint trap opening to ensure it’s clean. Use a vacuum to remove any lint that’s fallen inside the opening.

WFEC Board of Trustees

David

ALFORD

Jackie

John

District 1

If you use dryer sheets, check the lint filter for residue buildup.

Remove any residue with hot water and a nylon brush or toothbrush. Over time, dryer sheets can leave a film on the filter, which can affect the performance of the motor.

Tim

TATUM

District 2

James & Son Tree and Crane Service POOSER District 3

Insured and Reasonable

850-272-3620

ADAMS District 4

Free Estimates

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

George Clayton

District 5 / Vice President

District 6

CORBIN

OWENS

New Year/New Plans

Middlebrooks Contractors, Inc. Serving the Area for Over 60 Years Septic Tank Service, Installation & Repair • Mobile Home Pads • Land Clearing • Excavation • Dirt • Rock • Culverts Rent-All • We have everything you need! Equipment Rentals, Tractors, Trenchers, Etc.

Randy

BUSH

District 7 / Secretary-Treasurer

I’m Local.

Licensed/Certified/Dependable/Helpful

Joe E.

HUDSON District 9

WALLING

Executive VP/CEO

FL Lic.# W489703 Al Lic.# 300759370

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

WISEFLYAUTOGLASS.COM

Paper Only Bingo. Located across the street from Graceville High School.

Open 6 days a week. Closed Tuesdays. Session at 7:30 nightly. $50 payouts before & after session. Pull tab games up to $1,000!

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

Saturdays 7 Sundays: Jackpot games @ 4-5-6-7-9 & 10 PM

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

(850) 658-2635

CURRENT LIGHT FLASHES

AUTO GLASS

SAFETY COUNCIL-

(850) 263-7788

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

PAGE 2

A Afr.lSTFAfO MFMflfA OF THf

HWY. 77 BINGO, INC.

District 8 / President

Shawn

DUPONT•

Authorized Agent

• Any Glass • Any Vehicle

Plumbing • Electrical • Licensed & Insured

RONE

Melonie Wood (850) 658-2635 Myron

Ph: (850) 547-3658

◄

Double Action Mini-Session at 4:00 PM

Mondays & Wednesdays: T-shirt night ISSUE MARCH 2024

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

CURRENT LIGHT

FLASHES

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

Debbie Roney Smith Call or text: (850) 209-8039

LIC#SL642701

“Be SOLD with American Gold”

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

www.realtordrs.com • debson1999@gmail.com

Together We Can Stay Safe

West Florida Electric, Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

Mold Removal Remodels Water Damage Additions Fire Damage New Construction

24 Hour Emergency Response CBC1255149, CCC1330340, MRSR9

2024 Youth Tour Winners Announced

Pages 8 -9

INSIDE ...

Youth Tour participants: Front row, l-r: Randi Jo Boyd, Morgan Faircloth, Rebecca Lee and Larame Gates. Back row, l-r: Joseph Smith, Wyatt Speers, Chelsea Edenfield, LaRae Baxter and Matthew Evans.

Trustee Election Materials Arrive Soon Graceville School Visit

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

Call 811 before you dig and stay safe.

...pg. 3 ...pg. 4

Clearing the Path to Reliability ...pgs. 6-7

ISSUE MARCH 2024

Read Online www.WestFlorida.coop

VOL 74, NO 3

Fish & Game Forecast

...pg. 11

Local Classifieds

...pgs. 13-14