FLASHES
Youth Tour Winners Announced
West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) is proud to recognize the local students selected to participate in the 2026 Youth Tour program. Eight students from across WFEC’s service area took part in this leadership and educational experience. They are: Harmony Tillman, Altha School; Logan Killingsworth, Bethlehem School; Berklee Neel, Blountstown High School; Jamison Trolard, Chipley High School; Morgan Hunter, Cottondale High School; Kinsley Parker, Holmes County High School; Bryce Newton, Malone School; and Wilson Meyers of Grand Ridge.
The Youth Tour program provides students with a unique opportunity to
step outside the classroom and learn more about the electric cooperative that powers their homes and communities. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model, the history of cooperatives, and the importance of community involvement and leadership. Through hands-on activities like mock legislative sessions, and other educational assemblies, students explore real-world topics related to energy, public service, and civic responsibility. 31827004
In addition to learning about the electric utility industry, students are introduced
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Page 2: Evans Retires with 30 Years of Service
Page 3: Let’s Get Storm Ready Together
Page 3: WFEC Assists Altha Junior Beta with Robotics Project
Page 4: Heat Pump Rebates: Comfort that Saves
WFEC Right-of-Way Crews will be cutting & trimming in the following area(s) during Westville and Pittman
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.
to government procedures at both state and national levels. Youth Tour encourages students to become engaged by helping them understand how legislative decisions are made and how they can play a role in shaping the future of their communities. The program also gives participants the chance to meet new people, build lasting friendships, and experience new places and perspectives.
WFEC has proudly participated in
the Youth Tour program since 1979, sending students to Washington D.C. and Tallahassee nearly every year and continuing ts commitment to investing in the youth of our communities.
Youth Tour winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a $1,000 college scholarship each. The alternate winner will receive a $500 scholarship.
Evan Retires with 30 Years of Service
After more than three decades of dedicated service to both his country and our cooperative, Roger Evans officially retired on January 22, 2026. Roger’s career with West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) began on September 11, 1995, when he was hired as a mechanic. He was promoted to Supervisor of Transportation in 2011, a role where he made a lasting impact.
His professional achievements set a high standard for others to follow. Evans was one of the first certified ASE mechanics in our area, demonstrating his strong technical knowledge and dedication to maintaining safe, reliable equipment
for the cooperative. His attention to detail and willingness to mentor others helped shape and strengthen our transportation department.
In addition to his contributions at WFEC, Roger proudly served 24 years in the National Guard. His military service included a year-long deployment to Iraq, participation in Desert Storm, and multiple domestic deployments focused on homeland security and humanitarian relief following hurricanes and other natural disasters.
Throughout his career, Roger earned the respect of coworkers and leadership through his strong
A panel of judges who work in the electric utility industry selected WFEC’s Youth Tour winners at the cooperative’s headquarters on February 10 following an interview competition. Those winners are: Berklee Neel, Blountstown High School and Logan Killingsworth, Bethlehem School. The alternate winner is Bryce Newton from Malone School.
work ethic and willingness to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. 68102005
“Roger will be missed at the co-op. It’s been a privilege working with him throughout my career. I hope he enjoys his retirement and is able to fish as much as he likes,” said Wayne Williams, VP of Engineering & Operations.
Let’s Get Storm Ready Together
At West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC), we work year-round to strengthen the power grid so it’s ready when severe weather strikes. Crews routinely trim trees near power lines and replace aging poles with newer, more durable materials. Reliability is a shared effort, though. When members take a few proactive steps, we’re all better prepared to weather storms.
What to do:
Have trees professionally trimmed. Trees are one of the leading causes of power outages. Regular trimming by a professional arborist helps prevent branches from falling on roofs, vehicles, or power lines during high winds. Be sure to keep trees clear of service lines connected to your home as well.
Secure loose outdoor items. Patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and decor can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds. Before storms arrive, secure or store loose items to protect your property and nearby power equipment.
Upgrade to storm resistant windows and doors. Storm-rated windows and doors can help protect your home from wind and flying debris, improve energy efficiency, and reduce long-term repair costs. 103351002
Additional storm-smart tips:
• Assemble an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, medications, water, and non-perishable foods.
• Keep phones and backup chargers fully charged when severe weather is forecast.
• Know how to report outages and bookmark the co-op’s outage map and reporting page or save the outage reporting number in your phone.
• Remember to never approach downed power lines - always assume they are energized and dangerous.
By preparing ahead of time and staying informed, we can minimize disruptions and recover more quickly when storms impact our area. WFEC is committed to doing our part to keep the lights on and with your help, we will be ready to power through whatever comes our way.
West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) was proud to assist the Altha Junior Beta Robotics team with a project for the State Beta Convention. These students created a scenario where a robot moved debris after a natural disaster in order to help linemen reach downed power lines. They said they were inspired by all of the linemen from across the country who came to help restore power after Hurricane Michael. The co-op was able to provide photos and information to the students about the power outages it experienced during the Category 5 storm, which helped support the project. Team members (l-r): Kara Melvin, Silas White, Maddox Powell, Aiden Stephens, and Wyatt Roberts. 109608002
