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The PRTC

Connection May/June 2013

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Telco groups unify to bring stronger voice and new opportunities to rural subscribers

By Stephen V. Smith, Editor

Editor’s Note: In February, America’s leading telecommunications trade groups voted to become one association. The unification of NTCA (National Telecommunications Cooperative Association) and OPASTCO (Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies) created a single group representing the concerns of rural telcos and their customers across the nation. As of March 1, the organization became known as “NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association.” In an interview following the vote, we asked Shirley Bloomfield, the CEO of NTCA, about the impact a unified group will have on rural subscribers.

Smith: NTCA and OPASTCO were both 50-year-old trade associations comprised of rural telecommunications providers. How were the two groups different?

Bloomfield: NTCA had a very strong basis in the cooperative movement, and actually originated as an arm of the NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperation Association). The organization itself was established as a cooperative entity, with control being held by telephone cooperatives.

OPASTCO was formed as a home for those companies that were traditionally family-owned. When rural telephone systems were first established, people either got together and created member-owned cooperatives, or a family said “we see a void, let’s fill it,” and they built a telephone company.

Smith: What was the driving force behind unifying the two organizations?

Bloomfield: Over the past several years, we have found that in this industry the issues are all the same. It doesn’t matter whether you are a cooperative or a family-owned company, the issues facing this industry impact all the carriers. Things that are taking place on the regulatory front, with state utility commission deci2 | May/June 2013

sions, with technology transforming at a daily rate and changing people’s business models ... these things created an opportunity for the two organizations to work more closely together. We all began to realize that if we bring these forces together there is more that we can do as one, as opposed to trying to do the same thing with two separate organizations.

Smith: What benefit will rural telcos, and the industry as a whole, gain from the unification?

Bloomfield: The first area I would highlight is advocacy. Because there is so much dissension and politicking in Washington, it has become imperative that the message of the rural telecommunications industry find a voice, that we speak a little bit louder. When you have two entities saying the same thing, they diffuse each other. When you put all carriers together, speaking in a definitive voice for the entire industry, it cuts through the clutter. It allows us to move faster and be more powerful, in a day and age where, frankly, this industry is still very heavily dominated by the large carriers.

Another area is the business opportunity front. We now have more than 800 companies at the table, and that will give us the ability to go to wireless carriers,

Shirley Bloomfield NTCA CEO go to middle-mile institutions such as hospitals and educational institutions, and form partnerships to offer different kinds of services.

Smith: How do these benefits translate to the consumer at the end of the line?

Bloomfield: It will give rural telcos the ability to create some scope and scale in order to offer new services. Rural providers have been terrifically innovative, but what could they do if they could get a nationwide presence? What kind of things could they offer their customers?

Also, so much of the revenue of these carriers is tied up in the regulatory arena.

If we can be successful speaking with one voice, we hope to keep local costs low, to minimize rate increases and to continue universal service support, which makes things like advanced broadband affordable in these rural communities where you don’t have the customer base to offset the costs. 

Our interview with Bloomfield continues in the July/August issue, as she talks about how the uncertainty surrounding FCC regulations is threatening the level of service and investment in rural communities.

The truth behind what’s driving up TV subscription costs nationwide Your Telco (Content Providers/Networks)

(Customers/Subscribers)

As a provider of TV service, we are caught in the middle of a tug-of-war. On one side, content providers and networks are demanding more money every year from companies like ours who carry their programming. On the other side, consumers demand quality content but are growing weary of package prices that continue to rise.

“W

hy does my bill keep going up?” It’s a common question consumers nationwide are asking, as they watch the steady climb of TV programming costs. There are two main factors driving these increases.

1) Cable channels charge us a fee to deliver their programming to you — and those fees keep rising.

We work to include as many channels as possible in our lineup.

But most channels add an expense to our cost of providing you TV service.

According to estimates from analysts SNL Kagan and Barclays Capital, sports programming accounts for four of the top ten channels as ranked by their monthly subscriber fees. ESPN/ESPN HD leads their list at $5.06 per subscriber. The NFL Network comes in at 84¢. Compare that to Nickelodeon’s 52¢, MTV’s 39¢ and Discovery Channel’s 37¢ and you get a clear picture of the dominant driver behind programming price hikes. (Note: These estimates are based on fees paid by the large, nationwide providers, and do not reflect the exact cost we pay for these channels.)

2) Local network affiliates now charge us a fee to deliver their programming to you — and those fees keep rising.

There was a time when your “local stations” charged nothing for a carrier to rebroadcast their signals. Not anymore. In order for you to enjoy channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, we must pay them a fee based on our number of subscribers —

and these fees continue to rise each time we renegotiate what is known as the retransmission consent agreements with them.

SNL Kagan reported in November that the revenue TV station owners receive from these fees could reach $5.5 billion by 2017 — an even higher number than was previously projected. Why? “The increased projections are due to the success of a wider range of TV station owners in securing sequentially higher (retransmission) fees from multichannel operators over the last year of negotiated deals,” says the report.

Will this trend continue?

Unfortunately, there is no end in sight. Content providers know that consumers want their channels, and they continue to build fee increases into their contracts with providers like us. Furthermore, sports channels are negotiating huge deals with teams and leagues that are driving up their production costs (for example, in late 2011 ESPN agreed to pay the NFL some 70 percent more to carry Monday Night Football through 2021). They are passing these costs on to providers like us nationwide, who have no choice but to pass the increases on to consumers.

The bottom line is that we are committed to providing all our subscribers with the channels they want. And as your local telecommunications company, we are doing everything we can to control our operating costs and keep our prices as low as possible. In the end, however, the reality is that TV rates will continue to move upward as long as content providers keep increasing the fees we must pay and the number of channels we must carry.  May/June 2013 | 3

From the CEO

Investing in a stronger future For those who put money in the U.S. stock market, the past few years have been like a long ride down a rough road. The same can be said for the real estate market. But as your telco, we are making investments that have guaranteed returns.

We are investing in our communities. We are committed to doing more than just providing a basic service to the communities in our area. We understand that quality of life is about more than the basics; it’s about having access to services that create greater opportunities for our families, businesses, schools and other institutions. We are investing the time and resources into making sure you have access to those advanced services.

We are investing in technology. Technology is the key that makes those advanced services possible. Just like electricity in the 1930s and 1940s, and reliable telephone service in the 1950s, broadband is the new infrastructure that is driving our community development. We are investing in the equipment and people to deliver broadband technology to everyone in our service area.

We are investing in education. Today, children in rural America can have the same opportunities to pursue a top-notch education as their urban counterparts. To take advantage of those opportunities, the systems and the technology must be in place — from Wi-Fi tablets to distance learning. We are partnering with our schools by investing in the broadband network that makes advanced education happen.

We are investing in health care. Technology is changing health care faster than perhaps any sector. From electronic medical records to telemedicine, technology is helping people receive better care while helping providers control costs. We are partnering with health care providers by investing in the broadband network that powers these advances.

We are investing in business. Local businesses are no longer competing with just the shop next door or in the next town. Now they are competing with companies in other states, and even other countries, thanks to the Internet. We are partnering with our businesses by investing in the broadband network that helps them offer the best local service while competing on a much larger stage.

We are investing in the future of this industry. The progress of rural America is directly tied to the success of the rural telecommunications industry. On Page 2 of this issue, you will read how two national rural telco associations have come together to form one voice in order to be more effective in representing your concerns in Washington, D.C. In April, leaders from rural telcos across the country met in our nation’s capital to discuss policy concerns and remind our elected officials that any reforms to this industry must be fair and workable for rural communities. For every proposed law or regulation that comes along, we are there to work on your behalf to protect the progress we have all made together.

These are the kinds of investments we are making — and will continue to make. And they are guaranteed to yield a return, because ultimately what we are investing in is a stronger future for you and your family.  Jason Dandridge is Chief Executive Officer for PRTC 4 | May/June 2013

is a member-owned cooperative providing a complete telecommunications solution (voice, Internet, digital TV and wireless phone) to the homes and businesses of Colleton County, South Carolina.

Board of Directors District 1 - Brian Ackerman District 2 - Cynthia “Cindy” Colson District 3 - Donald Wood District 4 - Joanne Herndon District 5 - Michael Crosby District 6 - Furman Hodges District 7 - Heath Griffith District 8 - Gloria Warren District 9 - Travis Avant District 10 - Lynn Tanner

The PRTC

Vol. 3, NO. 3 May/June 2013

Connection is a bimonthly newsletter published by Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative, © 2013. It is distributed without charge to all member/owners of the cooperative.

Send address corrections to: Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative P.O. Drawer 1577 Walterboro, SC 29488 Telephone: 843-538-2020 www.prtc.coop Produced for PRTC by: www.WordSouth.com On the Cover: Colleton County's Michelle Pye digs in against Wade Hampton High School at the new ACE Basin Sports Complex.

See story, Page 12.

Crews completing fiber build in some areas PRTC fiber crews are nearly ready to check several areas of Colleton County off of their to-do lists.

Crews have recently finished work on the area around Sniders Highway west of I-95 and Cypress Pond, as well as the area around Estates Drive off of Academy Road and Lakeshore.

From there, the crews are moving to Longleaf Drive, Wade Hampton Avenue, and Carolina Circle in the Academy Road area. They plan to cross off these areas from the list in mid July.

Work is also beginning around North Jefferies.

Installation continues around Bedons, with one crew working around Phillips Road and another near Cottageville Highway. They expect to finish this area by the end of June.

Video on Demand New Release Schedule For a small rental fee, PRTC’s Video on Demand service gives you access to new releases as many as eight weeks before Netflix or Redbox (designated by an *). To access Video on Demand, press the “VOD” or “On Demand” button on the remote or press the “Menu” button and look for “On Demand.”

APRIL 30 • Broken City • Silver Linings Playbook • The Guilt Trip May 7 • Mama* • Jack Reacher • Safe Haven*

Bubsy McLaine (left) and Nick Segura install a fiber line near Wood Meadows Road.

May 14 • Cloud Atlas* • Texas Chainsaw: Evil Wears Many Faces May 21

Relay team needs help PRTC is proud to once again support Relay for Life of Colleton County. This year's relay will begin at 6 p.m. on May 10 at Colleton County Middle School.

For those who have never been, relay teams take turns walking or running around a track all night long. The event, which benefits the American Cancer Society, goes all night because cancer never sleeps. Each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times. Those who aren't on the track join the party around the site.

The relay also includes luminaries to remember those who have died from cancer.

PRTC usually has one of the biggest teams around and we could use your support!

Visit our team’s website at main. acsevents.org/goto/PRTC or stop by our Retail Center at 292 Robertson Blvd. to make a donation or dedicate a luminaria.

We look forward to seeing you at Relay!

Relay for Life of Colleton County

• Parker • The Last Stand • Side Effects* • Beautiful Creatures* May 28 • Dark Skies June 4 • Identity Thief* • A Good Day to Die Hard* • Escape from Planet Earth • Warm Bodies June 11 • Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters • Snitch • Quartet

May 10 at 6 p.m. • Colleton County Middle School Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative

May/June 2013 | 5

Education Focus

Keeping students off the summer slide

By Brian Lazenby

R

eading, writing and arithmetic are the last things on kids’ minds during summer vacation. Most are focused on sports, video games and playing with their friends.

This educational downtime contributes to what is known as the “summer slide,” when students lose much of the skill, knowledge and motivation acquired during the previous school year. In fact, a 2011 study conducted by the RAND Corporation shows that most students lose a month’s worth of learning by the time school resumes the following year.

This phenomenon affects children of all ages and from all economic backgrounds, but it is most harmful to those students already struggling to keep up. However, it can be avoided.

Broadband technology provides access to numerous websites and applications that transform computers and Wi-Fi-enabled tablets into tools that make learning fun and will help avoid the summer slide. Let's take a look at a few of the best sites for your kids to visit this summer.

FunBrain.com, for example, is a site geared toward children in grades K-8 that offers online activities to boost learning in math, grammar, science, spelling and history.

6 | May/June 2013

E-learningforkids.org is another site that specializes in providing fun, educational activities for children. Others include thekidzpage.com and pbs.org.

According to many educators, one of the most valuable things students can do during the summer to avoid the slide is to continue reading.

“Just because school is out doesn’t mean students should take a break from reading,” says Dennis Van Roekel, National Education Association president, on the group's website at www.nea.org. “When students return to their classrooms in the fall, we want reading to top the list of what they did this summer.”

There are thousands of books available on just about any reading level that can be downloaded to an e-reader or wireless tablet.

Farfarfia is an app for your smart tablet that gets kids excited about reading. It includes more than 100 stories in e-book form for kids ages 2 to 9, and new titles are added every week. This app will make reading fun for your child, and will make it easy to carry a whole load of books to the pool, the park or the beach — without lugging a heavy bookbag. 

There are many other apps designed to keep your kids entertained all summer (they may not even realize they are learning!). For example: • PBS character apps are for children 6 and under who will love reviewing science and math skills with favorite characters from PBS shows.

• Ruckus Reader, another educational app for children, offers a unique series of digital storybooks designed to help your child practice important reading skills.

• Motion Math Games is one of the many apps that offers a variety of games focused on fundamental math skills. It provides fun with numbers for students ranging in age from 4 to 14, and studies show children who played the game improved their scores on a fractions test by 15 percent.

• iLearnWith is an app that offers a suite of games to encourage children ages 3 to 6 to have fun while learning key developmental skills such as adding, counting, spelling, phonics and meteorology.

Summer vacation doesn’t mean your kids have to take a break from learning. By exploring these tools and the many others that are available, your child can still have fun while staying off the summer slide.

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Nationwide, consumers are reporting failed connections and poor call quality when dialing into rural areas

By Stephen V. Smith, Editor

“I

called you earlier today, but I couldn’t get through; it never even rang.”

If you have heard this or similar complaints from friends, family or business associates, there’s a good chance the problem is not with your local telephone company. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), telephone subscribers in rural areas “are reporting significant problems receiving long distance or wireless calls on their landline phones.”

The problem appears to lie in the fact that some long distance and wireless carriers, in an effort to cut costs, are contracting with third-party service providers to route phone calls into rural areas. The FCC in February announced that it plans to adopt rules requiring these carriers to keep records on call attempts to determine and track the rural call failure rate.

“Our nation’s telephone network is a valuable asset in part because everyone has access to it,” says Trevor Bonnstetter, CEO of Ben Lomand Connect, WK&T Telecommunications and Ardmore Telephone, serving portions of Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. “These call completion issues are weakening that network, making it less useful to consumers.”

Fred Johnson, executive vice president and general manager of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative in Alabama, agrees. “I’m proud to see the FCC stepping up its efforts to address this issue,” he

says. “Substandard service into America’s rural areas threatens commerce, public safety and consumer convenience. This is an issue that must be resolved.”

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS?

On its website (www.fcc.gov), the FCC outlines two problems that are being reported by rural consumers and people who call them: Failure to Complete »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear nothing or “dead air” for 10 seconds or more after they dial your number. If they stay on the line, the call may seem to be dropped or they may eventually hear a busy signal. »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear prolonged ringing on their end after they dial your number (e.g., the callers wait 10-20 rings before they finally hang up). »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear a recording such as “The number you have dialed is not in service” or “Your call cannot be completed as dialed” when they know they’ve correctly dialed your number.

Poor Call Quality »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear nothing or

“dead air” for 10 seconds or more before hearing ringing and you answer your phone. »» Long distance or wireless callers tell you they repeatedly hear prolonged ringing (e.g., 10-20 times or more) before you answer the phone — when you are sure the phone actually rang only a couple of times before you answered. »» Consistently after you answer a call, the voice quality is unacceptable. For example, one person cannot hear the other, the sound is choppy, there are awkward transmission delays after speaking, or there is an echo. »» Fax machines fail to interoperate.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

If someone has trouble completing a call to you from a long distance or wireless telephone service provider, the FCC recommends that you encourage them to report the issue to their provider. They will need the following information: • the date and time the call was attempted • the calling and called telephone numbers • the name of the caller’s long distance or wireless telephone service provider Next, call your local phone company and provide the same information so it may work with the caller’s provider to isolate the problem.  May/June 2013 | 7

Jenkins is back Longtime barber reopens on Robertson Boulevard

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TOP: Israel Jenkins works on customer Donte Calloway, of Walterboro. BOTTOM: Jenkins cuts the ribbon to officially open his shop along with Mayor Bill Young (second from left) and PRTC's Chuck Crabtree (right of Jenkins).

he news hit Israel Jenkins like a lousy haircut — things didn’t look good, but there was nothing he could do but wait and see how it turned out.

The shopping center where he’d run his barbershop for 11 years was being renovated and he had to leave. He feared moving the shop, which relies on repeat customers, would put a serious crimp in his business.

“When you have to move, in some ways it’s like starting over,” says Jenkins, who celebrated the grand opening of Professional Barbershop on Feb. 15.

But the barber, with his constant upbeat attitude and strong faith, has found a new home a few doors down from the PRTC Retail Center that he says is probably going to work out better than his last location. “It’s a good spot,” he says. “Sometimes, when the devil tries to steal your joy, the Lord’s going to make it work out better.”

Jenkins feels like that will be the case with his new shop, which now has plenty of parking and is located alongside a major road in Walterboro. Those are two necessities for a barber, based on his experience.

And luckily for Jenkins, there is plenty of that experience to draw on. Officially, he’s been buzzing, clipping and snipping hair around Colleton County for 27 years. He started after being laid off from a manufacturing plant that closed in 1986. He earned his certification, started cutting and by 1992 opened his own shop.

But his education in hair care goes back further than that. As a boy, he would help his uncle sweep up his barbershop. “I’ve got it in my bloodline, in my spirit to cut hair,” he explains.

Over the years, there are some families that have trusted Jenkins to trim four generations of hair. Donte Calloway has been coming to Jenkins' shop — wherever it’s been — since he was 5 years old. Now 20, he says he wouldn’t go anywhere else. “It’s everything — the haircuts and the people,” he explains.

Though Jenkins acknowledges that it may take time for his customer base to gel, he believes the commitment he and his two apprentices make to doing good work will keep customers coming back. “A bad haircut is something you can’t hide,” he says. “You can’t wear a hat all of the time. You have to do quality work.” 

Excellent location for your retail business Space is immediately available in the shopping center on Robertson Boulevard where the PRTC Retail Center is located. If you are interested in opening your business in this great location, please contact PRTC about leasing options.

8 | May/June 2013

Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative

Watch what you want, when you want VOD and Pay-PerView give members unprecedented access to movies and events

W

hat if it’s a stressful Monday and you need something to cheer you up?

Comedy: 150 choices to choose from.

What if it’s a rainy Saturday and you feel like watching something scary?

Horror: 70 choices.

Or what if there’s a big mixed martial arts fight coming up and you don’t want to miss it?

Whatever you’re looking for, Video on Demand (VOD) and Pay-Per-View (PPV) from PRTC have you covered. “There’s a lot of really good content out there that you can rent from the comfort of your own home,” says Chris Green, PRTC’s systems engineer.

When PRTC brought Mediaroom consoles to video customers in 2011 and 2012, it came with a host of new features. But the VOD and PPV services are quickly becoming member favorites.

Movies at your command

The primary offerings through PRTC’s VOD service are movies, which usually cost $4.99 to rent. Many of the films are fresh from theaters and available on VOD as much as eight weeks earlier than Netflix or Redbox. “You’ve got thousands of movies to choose from,” says Green. “It covers everything from horror to comedy.”

This month, new releases include “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Mama” and Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative

“Cloud Atlas.” Some classic movies, like “Ghostbusters,” are also available through VOD. “The options are growing every day,” Green says.

In addition to movies, nearly 40 channels also offer their shows for free on VOD. Discovery, HBO and other networks upload hit programs like "Game of Thrones" so PRTC members can access them at a time convenient for them. The network VOD content is available to members who have the network in their subscription package.

Pay-Per-View: Comedy, concerts and competitions

chased for about $39.99, are particularly popular among PRTC members, Green says. “We have lots of wrestling fans,” he explains.

Both VOD and PPV are strong offerings that are growing in popularity. Already, PRTC members rent hundreds of movies each month and industry experts expect that number to increase.

“The customer response has been great,” Green says. “We expect that as more members find out about the service, more will give it a try and see just how convenient it is.” 

While PRTC’s PPV offerings don’t provide the flexibility of on-demand streaming, they do give members access to events they couldn’t see any other way.

The PPV content, which can be found on Channel 950, is a mix of comedians, live and classic concerts, boxing, mixed martial arts and wrestling.

The fights, which can usually be pur-

To access Pay-Per-View content, turn to Channel 950.

To access VOD, press the Video On Demand button or find it in the menu.

May/June 2013 | 9

The Southeastern U.S. is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Whether you're looking for a rugged multi-day hike or an afternoon paddle along a quiet creek, the region has something for everyone. But before packing up, spend some time exploring the Internet to ensure you get the most from your adventure.

Congaree National Park

Six outdoor destinations and the technology that can enhance the nature experience

By Andy Johns

Canoeists at Congaree National Park

✔ Map ✔

Compass

✔ Water od ✔ Extra fo thes ✔ Extra clo kit ✔ First aid

10 | May/June 2013

knife ✔ Pocket tection ✔ Sun pro

Savage Gulf

Dotted with waterfalls, unusual rock formations and lush gorges, the trails at Savage Gulf State Natural Area in Tennessee have been ranked among the nation’s best by Backpacker magazine. Not all of the park’s 50 miles of trails are as savage as the name states, but there is a good mix of routes from short walks to multi-night backpacking adventures.

The area is also popular with rock climbers for features like the Stone Door, a 10-foot wide, 100-foot deep crack in the rock.

Located on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau, Savage Gulf offers fantastic views during leaf season in the fall. www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/savage

The Duck River

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Located southeast of Columbia, S.C., the Congaree National Park claims to preserve the biggest section of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the region. What that means is visitors should be prepared to see trees like they’ve never seen before. In fact, to find a “taller” forest you have to travel out west to the famous redwoods and sequoias.

One of the nation’s newest national parks, Congaree offers everything from a 2.4-mile boardwalk to the ominously-named, 11-mile King Snake Trail. Rangers say the best way to see the park, however, is by water. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from outfitters in Columbia, or you can register for one of the park’s guided canoe tours. www.nps.gov/cong

The 270-mile Duck River has more species of fish than all of Europe, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. A 37-mile section of the river has been designated a State Scenic River and is a perfect spot for beginning paddlers. The river is mostly moving flat water with only a few easy rapids that can be easily portaged.

Paddlers will enjoy a variety of wildlife, along with forested banks, rocky cliffs and even a cave or two. At least three outfitters offer canoe or kayak rentals from Columbia and Chapel Hill, so not having a boat is no excuse to stay on the banks. www.tn.gov/environment/tn_consv/archive/duckriver.htm

Upper Greeter Falls in Savage Gulf

A great blue heron at Congaree National Park

Web-based technology can add to your hiking experience before, during and after your hike. Here are three ways technology can help you on the trails.

Photos courtesy of Tennessee State Natural Areas and Congaree National Park.

A green anole lizard at Congaree National Park

Before:

Lower Greeter Falls in Savage Gulf

Zebra swallowtail butterfly at Congaree National Park

Hiker at the Walls of Jericho

The Sheltowee Trace

Running for about 300 miles through East Tennessee and Kentucky, the Sheltowee Trace offers hikers a multi-night long-distance trail experience or a collection of shorter day trips.

Some of the highlights along the route include Cumberland Falls, Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Cave Run Lake. For some variety, sections of the trail are open to mountain bikes, horses and some off-road vehicles. www.sheltoweetrace.org

North/South Trail

While many trails will wear you out climbing mountains, the North/South Trail at Kentucky's Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area is wide and relatively flat, making it easy on hikers. Like other long distance trails, the North/South offers appealing segments for single day hikes or the full 60-mile distance for multi-day trips. The trail offers a few views of nearby Kentucky Lake, but the big attraction to hikers here is the solitude and wildlife. Deer and turkey roam the LBL, and there are even bison in one designated area off the trail. Mountain bikes and horses are allowed, but motor vehicles are prohibited. www.lbl.org/Hiking.html

Walls of Jericho

The Walls of Jericho is a great example of two states working together. Tennessee and Alabama (with the help of private groups) have teamed up to protect 21,000 acres on their border that feature 200-foot cliffs, endangered species and unusually shaped rocks. Getting to the Walls is a 7-mile round-trip hike with several small stream crossings. Hikers need to be sure to wear good boots, bring plenty of water and pay attention to the weather. www.tn.gov/environment/na/natareas/jericho

Websites like backpacker.com/ destinations and gorp.com (which stands for "Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts," a popular trail snack) offer countless maps, images and user reviews for hikes in your area.

Research ahead of time so you don’t miss spectacular side trails — and so you'll be aware of hazards in the area.

During: The Audubon Society and other groups have developed apps for smartphones that can enhance your nature experience. Apps like Audubon Birds give you access to thousands of bird call sound files and photos to help identify species you may run across.

After: Mobile apps like RunKeeper allow you to map your route as you go.

Most of them have features that allow you to review your pace, elevation gain and distance covered so you can analyze your trip. Many also allow you to share your route with friends so they can see where you’ve been and try it themselves.

May/June 2013 | 11

By Andy Johns

The crack of the bat! The roar of the crowd! The speed of the Wi-Fi?

W

Brittney Risher warms up for the Colleton County High School Cougars softball team.

12 | May/June 2013

hen people visit the new ACE Basin Sports Complex for the first time, they will notice the immaculate green grass. They’ll notice the comfortable plastic seats at the Championship Field. They’ll notice the smooth infields.

But if they look closely, or get out their smartphone or tablet, they will notice streaming video cameras and high-speed Wi-Fi. “Technology-wise, we’ve added a lot out here that we’ve never had before,” says Chris Myers, parks and recreation director for Colleton County.

Through a partnership with the county, PRTC has provided wireless Internet to fans at the park and streaming video to fans who could not attend. In all, PRTC has placed more than a dozen cameras around the complex. All five fields have home plate and third base cameras. Some of the fields also have a first base camera.

PRTC Chief Technology Officer Tony Stout says the plan for now is to stream the video online, but he says it’s possible that in the future some of the games could be shown on PRTC’s local cable channel.

The same fiber connection that enables the video stream extends to the register at concession stands, so Myers and other staff members can better keep up with inventory. The new complex is so wired that park employees will even be able to log in at home to turn off lights on the field.

Colleton County High School Head Softball Coach Rusty Adams, who hosted his annual Walterboro Grand Slam Jamboree at the new complex in February, has been impressed with the playing surface and the offfield amenities like Wi-Fi. “I don’t think anybody could have predicted it would turn out this nice,” Adams says.

“It’s something for Colleton County to be proud of.”

After the first few tournaments, Myers says visitors share Adams’ enthusiasm. “They’ve been excited,” he says. “We’ve gotten nothing but 5 out of 5 on the comment cards.”

Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative

Tournament competition For a long time, the only connection coaches were worried about was the one between the bat and ball. Now, many traveling teams are using mobile apps and tablets to score games and keep statistics.

At the ACE complex they can upload the stats to team or league sites right from the bleachers. “A lot of the travel ball parents are excited they can play here,” Myers says.

And that excitement will be key to the park’s success. Adams, in his 32nd year of coaching, says the park should pay dividends by helping bring in tournaments which can be an economic boon for the county. “To attract quality teams, you’ve got to have quality facilities,” he says.

In all, 30 tournaments are already booked for 2013, up from only six in 2012. And each one can bring in big league dollars for the county. Myers estimates that a small tournament for adults in February generated $12,000 in sales at area hotels, restaurants and gas stations.

Spartanburg’s Tyger River Park baseball and softball complex brought $17.6 million into the surrounding area in 2012, according to news reports.

Myers acknowledges that Tyger is a bigger facility, but he thinks ACE Basin has differentiated itself enough to become an economic all-star for Colleton County.

He says the streaming video is part of what will make the park stand out to tournament organizers. “It separates us from Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative

some of the other parks,” Myers explains.

“It’s not a common thing you see.”

The five new fields fit in with seven existing fields, making plenty of room for teams to play and practice. “There are few places you can park and walk to 12 fields,” Myers says.

In addition to the technology built into the new park, the design features other subtle enhancements. The backstops are nets instead of chain link, which offers a cleaner view of the field. There are also electrical boxes buried around the pitching rubber, which has helped the park land a big machine-pitch tournament this July.

PRTC CEO Jason Dandridge sees the park accomplishing two big missions in the community.

“I played youth sports and my kids play youth sports, so I know firsthand the lessons and life skills they can teach,” Dandridge says. “I’m especially excited that we could partner with the county on this project, not only for the dollars it will bring into our community, but for the opportunities it will give our children.”  TOP: Skylar Maxey runs to home plate, scoring a run for the Cougars in their first game of the Walterboro Grand Slam.

MIDDLE/BOTTOM: PRTC installed more than a dozen cameras around the complex to capture the game action and stream it on the Web. May/June 2013 | 13

Southern Kitchens An art fired by passion My dad was never too fond of barbecue. As a result, I really never experienced smoked foods until well beyond my youth. In fact, it wasn’t until I was well into my third decade of life that I not only learned to love barbecue, but also learned there was more to it than I ever knew — all because of an invitation to judge one of the most esteemed of all barbecue competitions, the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational. In accepting the invitation, I also took classes to become a certified judge.

I went back several years to judge this event and came to discover that barbecue is an art.

It’s a sixth sense in many barbecuers who are born to the flame, it seems. As years go on, they become adept at putting on the heat to produce just the right amount of smoke to marry with the juices flowing through the meats. These sons — and daughters — of the South have smoke in their veins. It’s an all-consuming passion, and one shared by many now that it’s gone beyond the back yard to become a global cuisine. Just take a look at Eric Stephenson’s recipes in the adjoining story and see if you don’t become addicted to his fiery passion… if you’re not already.

Smoke runs in his blood

E

ric Stephenson was just 16 years old when he learned that a little bit of flame, a smoker filled with wood and a careful eye produces incredibly good meat. It was then that his dad, James, opened a barbecue restaurant in Geraldine, Ala., and employed his son to work after school and during his summers off. Soon, Eric became a master of the flame under his father’s watchful eye.

Now 32, Eric owns his own barbecue restaurant, Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que in Stephenson Rainsville, Ala. It has a take-out drive learned the art through, as well as a covered front porch of barbecue with a handful of picnic tables where from his father. folks can “eat-in.”

“I loved working with my dad growing up,” Eric says. "I was able to see first-hand the pride he took in his work. Before his death, he laid out a blueprint for me through multiple conversations. That’s where the idea for Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que began. It’s in my blood.”

His first barbecue hut was a Saturday-only business located next to his house. When that building was destroyed by a tornado in April of 2011, he reopened in a new location along Highway 35 in downtown Rainsville. Now folks can smell the smoke from the hickory pit five days a week.

From pork sandwiches to rib plates, Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que reigns in Rainsville.

Eric took time out from smoking to answer a few barbecue questions: Q: Do you prefer using gas or charcoal?

A: Neither. The best method is to use all wood when smoking meat. It gives it a whole lot better flavor.

Q: What are the best woods to use?

A: Most all hardwoods are good — pecan, hickory, oak, cherry.

Q: How do you get juicy meat?

A: Don’t pierce the meat; it creates holes that let the juices escape. Brining the meat is a better option. I brine all of mine, from the chickens and turkeys to pork butts and ribs.

Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when smoking meat?

A: Allowing the flame to touch the meat or cooking it at too high a temperature. That scorches the meat, and the smoke won’t have time to penetrate the inside of the meat.

Q: How do you know when the meat is done?

A: I can tell just by touch. But people who are new to smoking meats should use a meat thermometer. I cook my pork butts to at least 175° F. Makes them more tender, too. 

FOLLOW THE SMOKE TO...

Anne P. Braly Food Editor Email Anne Braly at apbraly@gmail.com.

14 | May/June 2013

Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que H 832 Main St. East H Rainsville, Ala. Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. H Tuesday – Saturday Phone: 256-717-4080 House special: Pulled pork barbecue plate with coleslaw and baked beans ($6.25-$7.75)

BBQ: A mouth-watering Southern tradition Sweet ’n Savory Rub This rub adds a zesty flair to whatever meat you put on the grill.

1/2 1 2 1 1 1 1

cup brown sugar tablespoon black pepper tablespoons paprika tablespoon salt tablespoon onion powder tablespoon garlic powder tablespoon chili powder

Mix together all ingredients and store in airtight container. May be used as a rub for chicken, beef or pork. Makes about 1 cup rub for 2-3 pounds meat.

When ready to use, sprinkle rub onto meat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before grilling. Or, rub onto meat, wrap meat in foil and refrigerate overnight to grill the next day.

Bourbon Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Makes an elegant entree or one that can be served with baked beans and coleslaw for tasty picnic fare.

2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey 2 tablespoons molasses or strong honey 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes 3 cloves garlic, crushed 2 bay leaves, crushed 5 teaspoons dried thyme 5 teaspoons dried sage 3/4 cup oil 1 teaspoon salt Combine the bourbon and molasses.

Add the remaining ingredients and roll the pork in the marinade. Refrigerate 8 hours, or overnight, turning occasionally.

Remove the pork from the marinade, season with salt, and smoke, basting with marinade for 15-20 minutes. The pork may then continue to cook on a smoker, be finished on a grill, or be roasted in a

Using nothing but wood will give your ribs that distinct smoke flavor that barbecue lovers crave.

350° F oven until reaching an internal temperature of 145-150° F. Remove pork from heating source and let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Stephenson's ribs with spicy barbecue sauce

Ribs with Spicy Barbecue Sauce The sauce tickles these ribs with lots of flavor.

1 3-pound rack of ribs

SAUCE: 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 cup ketchup 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons prepared mustard 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Place ribs in pan. Combine all sauce ingredients and pour over ribs. Cover ribs and refrigerate for 2 hours, turning ribs frequently. Drain sauce from ribs, reserving sauce. Place ribs over medium coals and grill over direct heat for 1 hour, turning ribs and basting often with sauce.

May/June 2013 | 15

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* After first 6 months of service, price will convert to the current bundle price of $129.99 per month. With all PRTC services, contracts or equipment charges may be required. Applies only where services are available.

Taxes and fees billed separately. For Digital TV services only: additional fees may apply for set-top boxes, HD service, further video upgrades or additions. The free PRTC gift cards provided through this promotion may not be used towards initial order/payments/deposits. Offer expires 6/30/2013.

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