APRIL 2026
THE MESSENGER A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
Get utilities marked to stay safe April is a great time to start outdoor projects. It’s also Safe Digging Month. Professionals and homeowners alike must practice safe digging by contacting Arkansas 811 to have the utilities marked at no charge. Following this process helps avoid danger, delays and fines. Whether you’re planting a tree, building a fence or doing any other digging, you are required by law to contact Arkansas 811 before you begin. You can get starting by dialing 811, visiting ar811.org or using the Arkansas 811 app. Each method is free and available at all times. Contact Arkansas 811 at least two days before you plan to dig, and mark the desired excavation area with white spray paint. After the ticket is made, you can track its progress online. After your request is submitted, buried lines will be located and marked in a designated color by the utilities or their contractors. For example, underground electric lines are marked with red paint or flags, and communication lines are marked with orange paint or flags. Please note that any utility lines behind the meter belong to the property owner and will not be marked. After the lines are marked, use safe digging methods to dig outside of the indicated markings.
When the lights go out, lineworkers are ready to answer the call, day or night, to safely restore power and keep our communities moving forward. They take pride in powering the places we call home. Today and every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and commitment.
Lineworker Appreciation Day April 13, 2026
Let there be lights
Several NAEC line personnel spent their annual volunteer day working on the lights at the Viola City Park ball fields. First row, from left: Dylan Tharp, Joey Prinner and Lance Neal. Second row: Ethan Pierce, Ryan Foster, Jamie Robbins. Third row: Marlin Coggins, Michael Wehmeyer, Bradley Tucker and Bryan Manes. Fourth row: Paul Hickinbotham and Jason Perryman.