AUGUST 2025 POWERSOURCE CLEAN

VOL. 17 NO. 4 – AUGUST 2025

POWERSOURCE

Published monthly and mailed to all employees, retired employees and directors of 4-County Electric Power Association

CEO/General Manager

Brian Clark

Communications Coordinator

Brad Barr

P.O. Box 351

Columbus, MS 39703-0351

662-327-8900

Outage number: 1-800-431-1544

Fax: 662-327-8790

Website: www.4county.org

Mission Statement

We are a member-owned electric power association committed to improving the quality of life for all those we touch.

Our commitment is to

• create a service first attitude in everything we do:

• operate and maintain an efficient electric utility system

• build and nurture strong partnerships with local community development and economic growth

• compete aggresively in the marketplace Vision

We set the standards of excellence for service, satisfaction and success.

Value

• We Value Our Customers

• We Value Quality Service

• We Value Employees

• We Value Safety

• We Value Integrity

• We Value Our Environment

Our future is bright

Sometimes, it can be difficult not to get a little discouraged about the future. We seem to be constantly bombarded with negative news. This is especially true with news coverage of our younger generations. Gen Z and Millennials are largely perceived as soft, entitled, easily offended, lazy and financially irresponsible. But really, all we need to do is look around and we can see that is not entirely true. We’ve got some very impressive young people who are poised to do great things. In fact, this month we’re celebrating the achievements of several graduates with 4-County ties. Just looking at their accomplishments gives me great hope for the future of our communities. We also have some impressive local students participating in our Cooperative Youth Leaders program. Four of our area’s best and brightest young people recently made the annual trip to Washington D.C. to join more than a thousand of their peers from around the country. These high school juniors aren’t quite ready to graduate yet, but when they do, I have no doubt that they will also achieve special things. We feature more information on both these groups on pages 4,5, 10 and 11.

And while all these students will eventually be the leaders of our communities, 4-County is trying to make sure they have all the tools they need when they get there. In fact, the 4-County Foundation just had the largest disbursement amount in program history. Some 15 organizations received awards totaling more than $109,000. That money will help make sure that our service territory continues to be a place where people want to be to live, work, and worship.

Finally, as we head into the 2026 fiscal year, I want to take a minute to talk about gainshare. As I hope all of you know, at FY25 year end, we are looking at about 4 % on the 4-County side and around .3447 % on FASTnet. Now, these numbers are tentative and could change a bit, pending our annual financial audit. We’ll report out the final numbers to you and you’ll get your gainshare sometime in the late fall. I do want to say that we did very well on our financial metrics for 4-County, most of which is controlling expenses. We do need some work in other areas, though, especially vehicle accidents. And, as always, we’ll be looking at the gainshare goals for next year. If some are too tough or are getting too easy, we’ll make adjustments. Remember, gainshare is set up to incentivize us to be the best possible stewards of our members’ money. When they benefit, so do we. I appreciate all the work you’ve done to hit our FY25 gainshare goals and look forward to seeing what next year brings.

BRIAN CLARK 4-County CEO/Manager

Gholson passes national exam

4-County Operations Engineer Thomas Gholson has passed the rigorous exam portion of his Professional Engineer (PE) certification.

Only about 8 percent of electrical engineers nationwide obtain the prestigious certification, Gholson explained. He will finish those requirements after 16 months of working under 4-County Engineering Director/Manager Randy Thrash, who has had his PE certification for many years.

“I’m excited about the process,” Gholson said. “I’ve been studying for about a year. It’s definitely a feeling of accomplishment.” He took the exam, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, July 2. Gholson joined 4-County in December 2022.

4-County Foundation awards over

$100,000

Fifteen area organizations received $109,770 awards recently from the 4-County Electric Power Association Foundation.

Since the Foundation’s inception in February 2015, over $2 million has been dispersed to organizations in 4-County’s service area. The recent awards total was the 4-County Foundation’s highest single meeting allocation of funds.

Those receiving the recent Foundation awards were: Ackerman Police Department ($9,900 for a security gate); Dream Center of Columbus, Inc. ($8,312 for a trailer and other tools); East Oktibbeha Volunteer Fire Department ($9,162 for saws , a chainsaw and a blower); Eupora Fire Department ($5,842 for materials to combat electric vehicle fires); Golden Triangle Theater ($10,000 for technical upgrades); New Hope Elementary School (sensory room equipment); Macon Rotary Club (tables and trash cans for walking track); Mennonite Service Center ($5,000 for elderly meals assistance program); Millsaps Career and Technology Center ($2,000 for competition costs); Mississippi State University Summer Scholars Program ($4,880 for camp costs); Monroe County Sheriff’s Department ($7,559 for K-9 search and rescue unit); Starkville Police Department ($8,142 for SWAT team equipment); Una Volunteer Fire Department ($10,000 towards purchase of Jaws of Life); West Clay Elementary School ($9,715 for library equipment to include furniture and a book vending machine); West Point Police Department ($6,200 for radars and tasers);

Class of 2025 celebrated for their achievements

Presley Andrews, daughter of Jaron and Meredith Andrews, recently graduated from Columbus Christian Academy (CCA). While at CCA, Presley was a member of the Lady Rams basketball team that won two state championships. She was a member of the 20+ ACT Club and a member of the Chapel Worship Team. Presley plans to attend Lyon College, in Batesville, Ark., on an academic/basketball scholarship. She plans to major in secondary education and become a basketball coach.

Gavin M. Burton, son of Maria and Brock Burton, recently graduated from Choctaw County High School. At Choctaw County High, Gavin was a member of the marching and concert bands. He served as drum captain in his junior and senior years. Gavin was in the chamber choir for six years, serving as lead tenor during his junior and senior years. He was chosen as the #2 “Tenor One” for the State of Mississippi at the MMEA-ACDA State Contest in 2025. He was on the golf and archery teams. Gavin plans to attend Hinds Junior College, receiving band and ACT scholarships. He has been accepted to the Hinds Eagle Marching Band and the Eagle Drum Line. Gavin is seeking an associate’s degree in music industry technology.

Kathryn Vernon Comer, daughter of Ronnie Vernon, recently graduated from the University of North Alabama with a master’s degree in nursing as a family nurse practitioner.

Caleb Giles, son of Rob and Maggie Giles, recently graduated from East Mississippi Community College. He is transferring to Mississippi State University where he will continue his studies in mechanical engineering.

Zara Harris, daughter of Fred and Veronica Harris, recently graduated from New Hope High School. Zara plans to attend Mississippi State University (MSU), majoring in political science. After MSU, she plans to attend law school.

Zoe Harris, daughter of Fred and Veronica Harris, recently graduated from New Hope High School. Zoe plans to attend East Mississippi Community College, studying business and cosmetology.

4-County’s George Jones recently graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and data analytics.

Presley Scarbrough, daughter of Wayne and Jessica

Scarbrough, recently graduated from Choctaw County High School. While in high school, Presley was named Choctaw County’s 2025 Distinguished Young Woman (DYW). She received overall fitness, self-expression and talent awards (along with a fitness scholarship) at the state DYW program. At Choctaw County High, she received a variety of awards, including: Miss Choctaw County High School, Most Likely to Succeed, Class Favorite, Most Beautiful, Citizenship and Charger Pride. She was a member of the: cheer and softball teams, the Mississippi All-State Choir, and the homecoming court. Presley is a two-time Oktibbeha County Hospital Athlete of the Week and was named to the all-area team three consecutive years by the Starkville Daily News. She is a four-time most valuable player in softball, a member of the all-district team, a MAC all-star and district pitcher of the year. Presley will attend college on a softball scholarship and major in health sciences.

Sara Kate Thompson, daughter of Mark and Cara Thompson, recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) with a bachelor’s degree in sports and recreation administration. While at Ole Miss, Sara Kate was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, the Gamma Beta Phi Honors Society, the Golden Key Honors Society and the Phi Sigma Theta Honors Society. She will now pursue her master’s degree in higher education at Ole Miss.

Ella Wiggins, daughter of Curt and Tasha Wiggins, recently graduated from Starkville Academy. In high school, she was a member of the Anchor Club, Better Together, the Student Ambassador program, Vols Production team and served as co-captain of the Starkville Academy Cheer Team. Ella plans to attend East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), pursuing a degree in dental hygiene. She was recently offered a position on the EMCC Cheer Team.

Jack Wiggins, son of Curt and Tasha Wiggins, recently graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in forestry with a concentration in forest management. While earning his degree, Jack interned with the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC). He will continue his work with the MFC as the Area 26 Registered Forester.

Congratulations to all!

Anniversaries Birthdays

August

Keith Monahan – 38 years on Aug. 5

Curt Wiggins – 32 years on Aug. 16

Wayne Stewart – 24 years on Aug. 13

Jon Turner – 17 years on Aug. 11

Hayden Nickels – 13 years on Aug. 13

Kyle Elam – 12 years on Aug. 26

Tanner Owen – 5 years on Aug. 10

Cade Jenkins – 4 years on Aug. 30

Tony Glenn – 4 years on Aug. 30

Shaw Adcock – 3 years on Aug. 22

Anna Claire Watkins – 1 year on Aug. 19

August

Brad Barr – Aug. 3

Ronald Ward – Aug. 7

Taylor Brunson – Aug. 9

Fred Harris – Aug. 12

Ronnie Vernon – Aug. 13

Cole Bright – Aug. 15

Richie Orr – Aug. 19

Brent Lochala – Aug. 20

Ivy Davenport – Aug. 21

Ethan Box – Aug. 23

Jonathan Edwards – Aug. 24

Drew Swan – Aug. 24

Butch Peay – Aug. 28

Stephen Quinn – Aug. 29

Hayden Nickels – Aug. 30

New employees join 4-County team

Two new employees have joined the 4-County team.

Triston Stevens, apprentice lineman 1, has joined Tim Adkins’ corporate center crew. Prior to 4-County, Triston worked nearly five years as a lineman for contractor Sumter Utilities. He is a graduate of Northwest Line College. Triston and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Pickensville, Ala.

Josh McMullen has joined the 4-County team as an apprentice lineman 1 on Adkins’ crew. Prior to 4-County, Josh worked as a transmission lineman for Mortenson Construction. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida, and he graduated from the East Mississippi Community College Lineman Program. While at Central Florida, Josh was a starting offensive tackle for the Knights football team. He and his wife, Nina, live in Starkville. When not working, Josh enjoys spending time with Nina, working out and hunting.

Welcome to the 4-County team, Triston and Josh!

EMPLOYEE Evans taking inventory of blessings

As a 4-County/FASTnet warehouse technician, Michael Evans keeps a written and visual tally of the hundreds of power and fiber items on the co-op storage shelves. “We have to make sure we have enough parts in stock to ensure the 4-County and FASTnet crews have what they need,” he explained.

Michael says he challenges himself to learn as much as possible about each piece of equipment in the warehouse. “I try to understand what each part is and what it does. That helps me in the overall process.,” he said.

4-County/FASTnet uses cutting edge parts and equipment, he stressed, looking at the rows and rows of essential items. “If we need something to help keep the lights on or the fiber strong, 4-County will get it,” Michael said.

The Aberdeen native began his 4-County career in April 2024, following an 18-year career as manager of an auto parts

store. He has a degree in auto collision repair from Itawamba Community College.

Growing up, Michael spent his summers along Coontail Road hunting, fishing, tinkering with cars and working in the family logging business. Today, he and his wife, Ashton, live on 100 acres in Monroe County with their son Jace, 10. Free time there is often spent at the pond, shop, sawmill or taking care of the dogs, cats, and chickens. “If my wife had it her way,” he joked, “she’d have a farm.”

Each day, Michael works on developing new relationships and helping 4/County/FASTnet team members any way he can. “I enjoy interacting with people every day.”

What makes 4-County/FASTnet different? “The people,” Michael answered. “I feel I’m appreciated here. The atmosphere is good.”

4-County holds Annual Meeting June 5

Some 700 members of the 4-County Electric Power Association attended the cooperative’s annual membership meeting Thursday, June 5, at the East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle campus in Mayhew.

The co-op members began gathering about 9 a.m. for registration and entertainment. They were later treated to a catfish lunch prepared and cooked by 4-County employees, elected two directors (Johnny Johnson, District 1 Lowndes County and Marty Crowder, District 5 Choctaw & Winston counties), and heard financial and business reports from 4-County officials. Board President Marty Crowder discussed the history of cooperatives, highlighting the importance that electricity has played in the area’s growth and development. CEO Brian Clark said the co-op is celebrating the 4-County

Foundation’s 10th anniversary this year. The program is rapidly approaching $2.5 million of distributions. Over 500 awards have been distributed to area non-profit organizations since the program’s inception in 2015.

4-County Youth Tour delegates Armando Dunand, Hayes Carver and Carey Beth Honnoll were recognized and the trio provided reports to members about their leadership activities.

Members returning their proxy/ballots, as well as those who attended the meeting, qualified to win valuable prizes. Those attending the meeting qualified for the grand prize, a retired 4-County fleet vehicle. Mike Simmons of West Point was the winner of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Other attendee prizes included home electronics and more.

Longtime dispatcher retires

4-County’s Tracy Russell joined dozens of co-workers, friends, and family June 13 as the group celebrated the veteran dispatcher’s 19 years of service to the cooperative.

At the reception, Tracy received a framed certificate of appreciation from 4-County CEO Brian Clark along with other gifts from the cooperative and those attending the

event. Tracy and her husband, Lee, enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres and punch at the motorcycle-themed reception.

Tracy’s granddaughter, Belle, spoke at the reception, honoring her grandmother’s service to 4-County. She also thanked Tracy and Lee for the impact they had on her life.

Congratulations, Tracy!

4-County delegates enjoy 39th Youth Tour

Youth leadership delegates from 4-County Electric Power Association recently joined 80 rising high school seniors from across Mississippi as the group traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the 2025 NRECA Youth Tour.

Armando Dunand of New Hope High School, Carey Beth Honnoll of Starkville High School, Hayes Carver of Starkville Christian School and Bes Sumrall of Caledonia High School participated in the prestigious June trip. And Starkville Academy graduate Maggie Martin, last year’s national winner, spoke to about 2,000 young leaders from around the country attending the event.

While in Washington, D.C., the students and adult chaperones visited historic sites, monuments, museums, and had an opportunity to learn about the impact electric cooperatives have on their communities.

P.O. Box 351

Columbus, MS 39703-0351

Return Service Requested

Take care of skin as dog days of summer begin

As the summer months approach, I am reminded of the pain associated with a sun blister. Take precautions to avoid this unnecessary pain. When going out, wear thin long sleeves, wide brim hats, sunglasses and sun screen. Sun screen with protection of SPF 15 or greater is recommended. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s harmful rays can blister.

I’ll be the first to admit, I like tanned skin and peer pressure is tough. But all of our employees who work outdoors on a regular basis need to protect their skin.

Below are some facts to think about while soaking up some rays:

1. More than a million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year.

2. More than half of all new cancers are skin cancers.

3. One in five Americans will get skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.

CURT WIGGINS

Job Safety & Training Coordinator

4. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, yet fewer than 33 percent of adults, adolescents, and children routinely use sun protection.

5. One in four people who develop skin cancer is under the age of 40.

Take care of yourself and take care of your skin.