Today in Mississippi April 2015 4-County by American MainStreet Publications

News for members of 4-County Electric Power Association

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

Picture This: pages 18-19

Disability Connection Playground provides accessible recreation

Electric cooperatives help prepare Mississippiâ€™s future leaders

Delta farm offers locally grown, artisan-milled rice

Today in Mississippi

April 2015

We are pioneers. Our mornings, our nights and the waking hours in between â€” this is when we discover what we can achieve. We are determined to grow and build and cultivate the life of our dreams. Because this is our ground. Our opportunity. Our responsibility. Our life to lead.

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April 2015

Electric co-op lobbyist worked on your behalf at state Capitol back and say, ‘I made a difference.’” pril 5 marks the end of the Indeed he has. The secret to Richard’s success fourth session for this legislative cycle in Mississippi. Many leg- is simple. First, as lobbyist he has to be accurate. islators will head home to start Richard always told me that there was no shame in not knowing the their re-election campaigns, answer to a question. while others will be retiring or Simply say, “Good running for other offices. question, Senator. I April 5 also marks the end of an era for one don’t know, but I will man under the Capitol dome. Much like Johnny find out the answer Vaught roamed the football field at Ole Miss, he and get back with has roamed the halls of the Mississippi Capitol. you.” His name is Richard Morgan and we all owe Second, you need to him a bit of gratitude. Many of you have never heard his name My Opinion be brief. There is a lot going on under the before, but for 27 years he has worked tirelessly Michael Callahan Capitol dome and a lot to make sure members of electric power associaExecutive Vice President/CEO EPAs of Mississippi demanding a legislations have the lowest possible rates, our employtor’s time. You have to ees are kept safe and protected, and our repreget in, make your points and get out. sentatives and senators know how legislation Last, be courteous. Regardless of whether you could affect electric power associations. Richard’s official title is vice president of gov- like or dislike a person’s politics or personally, ernment relations for the Electric Power Associa- always remember, he or she stepped out and ran tions of Mississippi. Simply put, he’s a lobbyist. for office and won. That alone requires you to He wears the ugliest yet most comfortable shoes show respect. Richard has been my advisor, mentor and you have ever seen. (The Capitol’s marble floor confidante for 10 years. When he gave me is very hard and tough on the feet and back.) While others stop to empty their pockets before advice, it was usually the type of advice that maybe I didn’t want to hear but needed to hear, going through the Capitol’s metal detector, Richard simply nods to the guard and passes by. and it was usually the truth. You can rest assured I once asked Richard why he had stayed with I listened every time. Richard’s wife, Marilyn, retired last summer the electric power associaand he is ready to join her. I wish them both the tions for so long. Why best and hope each finds something to do before hadn’t he used his talents they kill each other. to become a contract lobAs for me, I must go about the task of replacbyist chasing the big doling a legend. Next year there will be more bills lars? “Michael,” he said, “I to pass or kill, and someone will have to lobby have worked for a great on behalf of our members. But, for now, the organization and good electric power association family should give a people. My whole career I Richard Morgan farewell ovation to a man who worked tirelessly have lobbied for things that made people’s lives better and were good for to represent us all so well for so long. Thank you, Richard, and God bless. the state of Mississippi. Yes, I might have made more money, but the electric power associations JOIN TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI paid me well. I never had a troubled night’s ON FACEBOOK sleep and when my career is done, I can look

Today in Mississippi

Our Homeplace

On the cover Our cover canine is Seamus, photographed by Melanie Fuelling of Meridian, an East Mississippi Electric member. The cover kitty is Levi, photographed by Kaeli Holeman of Cruger, a Delta Electric member. Proud pet owners submitted hundreds of portraits of dogs, cats and assorted other creatures for this month’s “Picture This” feature, on pages 18-19.

Today in Mississippi OFFICERS Randy Wallace - President Keith Hurt - First Vice President Tim Smith - Second Vice President Barry Rowland - Secretary/Treasurer

EDITORIAL STAFF Michael Callahan - CEO Ron Stewart - Sr. VP, Communications Mark Bridges - Manager, Support Services Debbie H. Stringer - Editor Elissa Fulton - Communications Specialist Trey Piel - Digital Media Manager Rickey McMillan - Graphics Specialist Linda Hutcherson - Administrative Assistant

Vol. 68 No. 4

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600 Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s Electric Power Associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. • National advertising representative: National Country Market, 800-626-1181 Circulation of this issue: 460,494 Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year

The Official Publication of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published eleven times a year (Jan.Nov.) by Electric Power Associations of Mississippi, Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Today, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300

Visit us online at www.todayinmississippi.com

Dog Minnie, left, and cat Hotchner defy stereotype by peacefully sharing nap time in this photo by Laura Culliver of Columbia, a Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association member. More readers share photos of their precious pets on pages 18-19.

Mississippi is home. We have lived in Alabama and Florida but we always come home to Mississippi, where going to church, fellowshipping with your neighbors in praying, singing, Sunday school and good preaching are the best. And the hugs from everyone telling you to have a good week, knowing all is well in God’s world. — Frances Barlow, Hazlehurst Living in Mississippi is like being on vacation all year! It is back in the silence of my home place, where I can connect to the loved ones who have long been gone. In the glory of the morning, the trees move to the sounds of heaven, the Great Creator who put life into their roots. The naked trees of winter dance with the wind and sing of His wonder. The evergreens wake up winter with sounds of movement with the glorious wind. Then the daffodils appear like company that comes to stay for a while. The fruit trees blaze with pink and white blooms, as if they are preparing for a wedding. There is beauty everywhere! I am thankful that I live in Mississippi. — Sarah Hall, Black Hawk Mississippi to me is the place of my birth; And it’s where I came to remember my worth. It’s the sweet aroma of honeysuckle in the spring, And it’s the joy of hearing the bluebirds sing. It’s the discovery of tomato sandwiches and remembering the importance of Lent, And it’s the appreciation of knowing that my time is well spent. It’s the freedom to worship wherever I select, And at the end of the day, a stress-free rest. — Cheryl W. Glenn, Winston County

What’s Mississippi to you? What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your thoughts to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158, or email them to news@epaofms.com. Please keep your comments brief. Submissions are subject to editing.

Today in Mississippi

April 2015

Disability Connection Park A place for all to play

Armed with rakes and brooms, volunteers gather for a clean-up day at Disability Connection Playground, located at Bruce Ladner Memorial Park north of Gulfport.

By Nancy Jo Maples “Come play. Come swing on my swings. Come spin on my toys. Come play.” A playground near Gulfport is calling everyone’s name this spring. Disability Connection Playground is south Mississippi’s first all-inclusive recreational site and was founded by long-time community activist Janie O’Keefe. “The idea for the playground started with a woman and her little girl. In all of Harrison County there was no place for her child to play. She could not push her wheelchair through gravel to get to any play equipment,” O’Keefe said. O’Keefe had been involved in previous educational and community projects. She learned about the need for an inclusive playground because one of those projects focuses on disabled citizens. It is a non-profit agency called The Disability Connection of Mississippi. Her brother has multiple sclerosis and her oldest daughter is intellectually disabled. She knows how difficult it can

be to find activities that truly accommo- swing and panels with activities designed for autistic children. date disabled people. The playground Every piece of equipment can be used issue fit within the scope of her disability by either a disabled or non-disabled perconnection project. son. O’Keefe noted that many times par“I started going to playgrounds and ents are the ones in wheelchairs and found the mother of this little girl was their children are able to run and play; right,” O’Keefe said. however, the parents are limited in their The playground officially opened in August 2013, in Bruce Ladner Memorial ability to access a park to watch their children play. Another scenario involves Park on Highway 53 which lies just off Highway 49 north of Gulfport. “The Bruce Lad“Several schools don’t have ner Park was in need of repairs anyequipment on their playgrounds way so it was a for children with disabilities. good idea to make That’s a travesty for me. The it the Disability Connection play child doesn’t understand.” site,” O’Keefe said. — Janie O’Keefe Specialized equipment in the park includes a roller table as a modified slide, a single handicapped children who have ablepost swing with a harness, the Ominbodied siblings they want to play with ispin® spinner which is a safer alternative on a playground. to the merry-go-round, the Oodle® “Ours is a very inclusive community

park,” O’Keefe said. Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, the park has a lighted walking track, benches, accessible bathrooms, shade trees and ample parking. All areas are easily accessible by wheelchairs or strollers. Ground coverings are smooth enough to roll a wheelchair and resilient enough to cushion a fall. Other cities, communities and schools

are realizing the need to put at least one piece of equipment in their playgrounds and to make areas more easily accessible by wheelchair. O’Keefe’s foundation is

April 2015

Today in Mississippi

Every piece of equipment in the park, including the roller tables, above, and the Omnispin®, below left, can be used by disabled and non-disabled kids and adults. Volunteers are welcome to help clean and maintain the park, left. Special events include the upcoming cleanup fun day on April 22. Photos courtesy of Disability Connection

“The idea for the playground started with a woman and her little girl. In all of Harrison County there was no place for her child to play. She could not push her wheelchair through gravel to get to any play equipment.”

opening an office in Ocean Springs with plans to install an inclusive playground there. Also, she would like to add phase two at the Gulfport park and is seeking

$30,000 in donations. “Several schools don’t have equipment on their playgrounds for children with disabilities. That’s a travesty for me. The child doesn’t understand,” O’Keefe said. The playground cost about $69,000. It was made possible through a grant and monetary donations of businesses and the Harrison County Board of Supervisors. O’Keefe orchestrated the effort through the organization she founded in

2002, The Disability Connection of Mississippi. The Disability Connection began as an effort to create an Internet connection for disabled people to become engaged in the community and find the same opportunities that others have. In addition to assisting people with disabilities Disability Connection aids homeless, seniors and jobless citizens. Several events are hosted throughout the year such as the annual Arbor Day 5K/1-mile Walk, Run, Roll which is an inclusive event allowing all community citizens to participate whether their ability level is to walk, to run or to roll their

— Janie O’Keefe

wheelchair. An upcoming event is the playground’s clean-up fun day set April 22. Other resources, services and contact information can be found at www.disabilityconnection.org, by calling 228604-4020, or by visiting its sites on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Writer Nancy Jo Maples can be reached at 188 Ernest Pipkins Road, Lucedale, MS 39452 or nancyjomaples@aol.com.

Today in Mississippi

April 2015

Providing students the skills to lead now and into future What are the qualities of an effective leader? A group of 63 Mississippi high school juniors found the answers to this and other leadership-related questions at the 29th annual Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop, held Feb. 25-27 in Jackson. The workshop brought together students from across Mississippi to participate in challenging team-building exercises, meet their local legislators, tour the state Capitol and hear words of encouragement from motivational speakers and top leaders in the state. “Our goal is to encourage and challenge these young people to make a difference in their schools and communities,” said Ron Stewart, coordinator of the statewide program. “By providing them with the appropriate resources and proper training, they are able to excel and serve in leadership roles now and in the future.” The workshop offered the young people an opportunity to interact with other students interested in fulfilling a leadership position and serving their community. Stewart emphasized the

program is built around using the cooperative philosophy: working together to accomplish goals. “This exceptional group of young people in our leadership class of 2015 are committed to making a difference in the lives of others,” Stewart said. “They have outstanding qualities and traits and, as our future leaders, they will make us all proud.” Gov. Phil Bryant, keynote speaker, encouraged the students to stay in Mississippi. “There are opportunties for you in Mississippi,” he said. “I urge you to stay here and take on leadership roles in this great state. And our future will be much brighter because of the valued contributions you can make.” The student leaders were challenged by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves at the workshop’s legislative breakfast. “I encourge you to dream big, develop a plan and work hard to reach your goals. Remember, even at a young age, nothing is impossible,” Reeves said. This year’s participants, who represented schools throughout the state, earned the expense-paid trip to the workshop in a competitive selection process sponsored by their electric power association.

Electric Power Associations of Mississippi

YOUTH LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP ALCORN COUNTY EPA Madelynn Lynch, Corinth Matthew Turner, Rienzi CENTRAL EPA Emerson Billy, Conehatta Ali Pike, Philadelphia Carly Pippin, Carthage COAST EPA Tommy Duong, Biloxi Erin Geist, Saucier Savanah Rupkey, Long Beach Beth Shiyou, Diamondhead DIXIE EPA Alicia Brown, Petal Chance Sumrall, Ovett EAST MISS. EPA Nathan Bilbo, Noxapater Darby Chaney, Collinsville Brianna Gunn, Enterprise Josh Hopkins, Daleville Gibson Horne, Meridian Shelby Irby, Quitman Alec Marlow, Meridian Zoria Nicholson, Louisville Whitney Palmer, Louisville Kiera Phillips, Noxapater Alli Vick, Philadelphia

4-COUNTY EPA Philip Evans, Ackerman Macy Walters, Columbus Grant Wolfe, Starkville MAGNOLIA EPA Alexcia Carr, McComb Brooke Myers, Bogue Chitto Brooke Wells, Summit NORTH EAST MISS. EPA Lindsey Lott, Water Valley Tate Russell, Oxford Savannah Shirley, Myrtle NORTHCENTRAL EPA Garrett Addington, Olive Branch Hailey Corbett, Southaven Bailey Easley, Southaven Josh Gramm, Hernando Alyssa Marie Grant, Byhalia Stuart Gunner, Olive Branch

Sarah Henthorn, Olive Branch Annette McGee, Byhalia Holly McGinnis, Hernando Tyneria Moore, Byhalia Kaycee Robbins, Byhalia Loren Williams, Olive Branch PEARL RIVER VALLEY EPA Bethany Lawson, Purvis Luke Logan, Hattiesburg PONTOTOC EPA Rick Campbell, Tupelo Molly Sorto, Pontotoc SINGING RIVER EPA Emily Barnes, Ocean Springs Brice Fortinberry, Leakesville Rachel Pugh, Moss Point

SOUTHERN PINE EPA Zavan Brown, Louin Brooklyn Mooney, Collins Marly Perkins, Seminary SOUTHWEST MISS. EPA Marcus Durrell Jr., Roxie Katherine Shell, Brookhaven TALLAHATCHIE VALLEY EPA Bryce Griffin, Crowder Taylor Norwood, Batesville Dalton Robison, Batesville Sarah Toole, Senatobia TWIN COUNTY EPA Caleigh Haynes, Greenville Baljot Singh, Belzoni

YAZOO VALLEY EPA Curtis Hill, Lexington Jeremy (J.J.) White, Bentonia Due to the severe weather in north Mississippi, the following students were unable to attend the 2015 Youth Leadership Workshop:

NATCHEZ TRACE EPA Liza Boyer, Houston Walker Winter, Houlka TOMBIGBEE EPA Tucker Carter, Saltillo Beth Ezell, Saltillo Melea Mansel, Saltillo Carson Robbins, Shannon Lane Scribner, Mooreville Dakota Taylor, Nettleton

Lynch wins top Leadership Award

Madelynn Lynch, sponsored by Alcorn County Electric Power Association, accepts the Youth Leadership Award from Ron Stewart, senior vice president of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi. A junior at Corinth High School, Madelynn is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council, environmental club, historical society, competition play, basketball team, track team, pep club, drama club, foreign language club, Fellow Christian Athletes and the Junior Leadership of Alcorn County. She lives in Corinth with Mark and Shelia Gardner. Madelynn will serve a one-year term as Mississippi’s representative on the national Youth Leadership Council of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The award includes a $1,000 scholarship. Tommy Duong, Coast Electric, and Stuart Gunner, Northcentral Electric, were recognized at the conclusion of the workshop. Both students received leadership awards and a $500 scholarship.

LEADERSHIP CLASS OF 2015

April 2015

Today in Mississippi

One place leads to another in Mississippi got an email the other See the George Ohr Museum in day from someone say- Biloxi, the Walter Anderson Museum in ing that she and her Ocean Springs, the Lauren Rogers husband were both Museum in Laurel, the Mississippi about to retire (on the Museum of Art in Jackson, plus any same day!) and wanted multitude of galleries and museums I no me to suggest some places they could go doubt left out. Columbus has a great see in Mississippi. She said they had gallery just down the street from the already either gone to or were planning Tennessee Williams house (now the welto see the usual places—Natchez, Vicks- come center.) burg and the coast—and intended to And speaking of Tennessee Williams, taste the world’s best fried chicken at the not only is his childhood home open in Old Country Store at Lorman. But Columbus, so are the Eudora Welty where else could they go? house in Jackson and William Faulkner’s Since warm weather is upon us and home, Rowan Oak, in Oxford. the itch to get out of the house may Elvis Presley’s birthplace is open in have hit many of us, here Tupelo. The Tupelo Autoare a few of the places I sugmobile Museum is there gested to them. too. And cars remind me of Explore the blues at the trains, which brings to Clarksdale Blues Museum. mind the McComb RailAlso see the B.B. King road Museum. The rail yard Museum in Indianola. Blues in McComb was where Illiis a musical movement that nois Central repaired trains. swept the world and it startThe museum chronicles ed right here. And if you that era. really want to experience the If you are spry, hike the Mississippi Delta, spend the night at trail to the waterfalls at Seen Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale. Clark Creek, southwest of William Faulkner's home, Rowan Oak, is a favorite Mississippi destination. While you are in Oxford, browse by Walt Grayson I like the old CCC cabins Woodville in Wilkinson Square Books downtown and see if you can find a Faulkner novel. It's just across the street from the Confederate at Tishomingo State Park. County. Woodville is inter- statue on the courthouse grounds. Photo: Walt Grayson They aren’t for everybody, though. Miz esting with its old courthouse surroundJo wrinkles her nose at the idea. She says ed by live oaks so old their limbs droop Live oaks remind me of the Friendsippi’s most haunted house. But I think there are too many crickets. (City girl.) all the way to the ground. ship Oak in Long Beach. Legend says you really have to believe in stuff like the person you walk with hand in hand that for it to be so. I’ve been to c beneath the tree will remain your friend 26th Annual McRaven many times and never experiMusi forever. Worked so far. enced anything out of the ordinary. But I’ve always liked the Ring-in-the-Oak someone needs to buy it and re-open it, COMING DUE? Collins, MS in Biloxi at the Church of the May 5, 2015 not only for the ghosts but for the hisRedeemer. It survived Katrina while tory. many younger trees around it didn’t. Well, I have just been rambling on Catch a performance at the MSU and on. Maybe this will get you started. Riley Center in Meridian not only for And once you start you will run into Featuring: Includes First Year 8% Bonus the performance sake but just to go sit plenty of leads on your own everywhere Grayson in that 19th century auditorium that Learn the Safe & Secure Way to Earn Stock you go, for your next destination. Capps Market Linked Return Without Market has been so meticulously restored. Tour Happy travels! Risk to Your Principal. the Temple Theatre in Meridian if you S p ec ia l E v e n ts : can. Hopefully someone will play the 5- k R u n / W a l k 8 : 0 0 a m & c h i l d r e n ’ s f u n r u n Financial Services pipe organ. See the Gypsy Graves at A r ts & C r a f ts , Q u il t E x h i b i t, F o o d B o o t hs , F a i r Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi R i d e s , H e a lt h F a i r & L iv e En t e r t a in m e n t Rose Hill cemetery while in town. And Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting 1-800-844-3254 “Serving you for Over 50 Years” television, and the author of two “Looking take a tour of Merrehope. You may For More Info: www.covingtonchamber.com Covington County Chamber of Commerce Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That Guarantees subject to the claim paying ability of the bump into one of the several ghosts insurance company. Surrender of the contract may be Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown subject to surrender charge or market value adjustPhone: (601) 765-6012 while you are there. ment. Product not available in all states. This is a single premium deferred Annuity. Interest rates are subject to Stories.” Contact Grayson at Fax: (601) 765-1740 Speaking of ghosts, I wish McRaven change. Withdrawals prior to age 59 / may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty. Download the walt@waltgrayson.com. Covington Chamber App in Vicksburg was still open. It is Missis-

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Tame wisteria for a dramatic display enjoyed the warm spring weather while driving around south Mississippi this past weekend. One of the sights I noticed for the first time this year was the wisteria starting to bloom. Wisteria doesn’t bloom at the first sign of warm weather. It’s one of those plants that waits patiently and is a good indicator that spring has officially sprung. I’m always amazed at how high wisteria can climb into the tops of the trees, showing off how vigorous and aggressive these plants can be. As such, they can seem to be a little too much for the typical home landscape. But believe it or not, these vines can actually be used in a confined space, assuming the home gardener is committed to keeping the plant in its place through training and pruning. Never allow wisteria to grow randomly. Wisteria can be made to grow as a shrub by judiciously pruning and training a main stem, much like the process

used to grow grape vines. Older trunks can be extremely twisted and many inches in diameter. Consistent pruning helps control the vigorous growth and actually promotes more flowering each spring. Wisteria is a great landscape plant because it is hardy and can be extremely long-lived. When given a sturdy trellis or pergola, this climbing vine can provide beneficial summer shade. The plant climbs using twining stems to grab hold of any structure available. Its landscape value is enhanced in the spring by the pendulous flowers it produces. Along the road, we commonly see purple and white colors. For the landscape, there is a variety of colorful selections available in the nursery trade, ranging from white to pink and blue. These colors often are grafted plants. Check with your local garden centers for availability. Two deciduous species of wisteria are commonly found for the landscape. Japanese wisteria is perhaps the most common. The pendulous flower clusters open along with the emerging foliage.

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Wisteria is a climbing vine that is very hardy and extremely long-lived. Its landscape value is enhanced in the spring by the pendulous flowers it produces. Wisteria vines are often seen with purple or white flowers, but selections in other colors, such as this Millettia Reticulata, left, are available in the nursery trade. Photos: MSU Extension Service/Gary Bachman

The other species is Chinese wisteria, which produces flower clusters that can be 12 inches long or more. The flowers open before the foliage emerges. Flower timing is very close to the flowering dogwood, and these two would make a fantastic landscape combination planting. Southern Evergreen wisGardening teria also deserves attention in by Dr. Gary Bachman Mississippi. I was first introduced to this plant at Mississippi State University’s Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station in Crystal Springs, where it covers the central pergola. This variety is not as aggressive and invasive as others, and its foliage is leathery and dark green. Flowers emerge in the sum-

mer in shades of deep mauve and have a delightful cedar or camphor fragrance. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10. Always plant wisteria in the full sun to get the most out of the beautiful spring flowering. The soil needs to be consistently moist and fertile. Use a good-quality compost and controlledrelease fertilizer after flowering. Sometimes the home gardener is frustrated by a lack of flowering. If this happens, make sure the wisteria is receiving enough sunlight, and use fertilizers that are lower in nitrogen. Also, once planted, the wisteria does not like having its roots disturbed and will not tolerate transplanting, especially if transplanted after several years. Dr. Gary Bachman is an associate Extension and research professor of horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs.

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The horsedrawn auction will be held on Saturday. Find deals on plows, discs, mowers, hay rakes, wagons, buggies, cultivators, harnesses, antiques, farm collectibles, and much more. Sale handled by Holden Brothers Auction-MS License #995

April 2015

Today in Mississippi

April 2015

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April 2015

Today in Mississippi

Sweet potatoes aren’t yams, and other foibles t became immediately A few minutes later I sat down in the apparent that I was fightwarmth of the dining area and enjoyed ing a losing battle! Stand- my sweet potatoes, this pleasure providing in the deli line of a ing ample courage to step back outside local grocery store with an into a disagreeable winter day. extensive collection of other lunch gathAnd now to the intent of this column: erers, I requested candied sweet potatoes. There are a great many truths in life that They were right there, steaming and ooz- are false! This proclivity toward falsehood ing with their deliciously bright orange seems to sprout with abandon when brilliance behind the glass. I gestured in dealing with topics of an outdoor persuatheir direction. sion. Consider this sweet potato/yam “Did you say the yams?” thing. The server was kind but Yams are yams. Grown obviously harried by that commonly in Africa and long line of customers waitAsia, yams are not a standard ing in anticipation. dish here. I am referring to “Candied sweet potatoes.” real yams, not sweet potatoes I repeated my request and that are erroneously called this time pointed. yams. Sweet potatoes, on the “Yams,” the lady again other hand, are definitely Mississippi said. “What else would you standard. A whole bunch of Outdoors like, sir?” them are grown each year in Now, I love candied sweet Vardaman, Mississippi. by Tony Kinton potatoes. My country Other places too, but Varupbringing, I suppose. But, I daman comes easily to mind. don’t care for yams. Knowing, however, And a warning: If ever you set your taste that this deli had likely never had yams, I buds for sweet potatoes and bite into felt confident I was getting exactly what I yams instead, you will immediately wanted—candied sweet potatoes. I conbecome downcast, distraught. Sweet sidered offering a horticultural explanapotatoes are simply better. On to other tion. But such a lecture would be not fables. only rude to all involved, it would also It has often been rumored and likely serve no viable purpose. I opted to accepted as fact that old elephants, being remain silent. the intelligent creatures they are, move

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The DR® STUMP GRINDER uses carbide-tipped cutting teeth (taking 360 “bites” per second) to reduce any stump to a pile of woodchips. Grinds stumps below ground level so they are gone forever!

Yes, bucks of all the deer species shed and grow antlers each year. Yes, these are antlers and not horns. And no, a buck's age can't be determined by the number of points on his antlers. Photo: Tony Kinton

off to some common elephant graveyard when they realize their days are coming to an end. Sounds reasonable one might suppose. But this is another truth that is false. And bats are blind; everyone knows that. Again, not true. Bats do use a form of radar to locate their prey, but they can see just the same. We must certainly not forget the ostrich. Unusual birds, these. When frightened and electing to hide from danger, what do they do? Something useless, like put their heads in the sand. Right? Sorry, but no. They can run quite handily, which they do, and if cornered they are more than capable of inflicting severe damage to the entity that has cornered them. So head in the sand doesn’t happen. It is common knowledge that the spider known as Grandaddy Longlegs is dangerously venomous but can’t bite because the legs keep it suspended above its intended victim. Wrong on both assumptions. This spider can bite, but the incident may be so painless that it goes unnoticed, and the result seldom produces more than a slight irritation at the site of said bite. Perhaps there is room in this discourse for matters not related to nature but that are still accepted truths that are not true at all. For instance, George

Washington’s false teeth were made of wood. No, they were made of, among other things, hippopotamus ivory. These were attached with metal and gave the first President a great deal of discomfort. Did Vikings really wear horns on their helmets? Well, of course they did. But there is little valid evidence of this. The common image first appeared in a production of Richard Wagner’s famous operatic cycle “Der Ring des Nibelungen” in 1876. At least from that point forward, Vikings have indeed worn horns on their helmets. Is the word “irregardless” really a word? If its appearance in a dictionary evidences the fact that the word exists, there is such a word. But it is in the dictionary only with a note indicating it likely shouldn’t be. A simple “regardless” is more than adequate. I thank you for your indulgence and close with the following: Does any of this really matter? Probably not. Can we live happy, healthy lives minus such knowledge? Yes. We are allowed to go on with life while embracing falsehoods irregardless of the fact that they are not true! Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. His newest book, “Rambling Through Pleasant Memories,” is now available. Order from Amazon.com or Kinton’s website: www.tonykinton.com.

Today in Mississippi

April 2015

Board of Directors Mike Banks, President Marty Crowder, Vice President John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr., Secretary/Treasurer Johnny Johnson John Scarbrough Kenneth Seitz Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson

www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544

YOUR COOPERATIVE By Joe Cade CEO/General Manager

Info vital in outage management In the utility business, we know rough weather will occur, and sometimes power outages simply can’t be avoided. But did you know there are steps you can take to ensure your electricity is restored as quickly and safely as possible? By keeping your contact information up to date, you can take full advantage of the services 4-County Electric Power Association offers. You may have noticed prompts through Today in Mississippi, bill stuffers, press releases, advertisements or social media requesting your updated contact information. If we don’t have the correct phone number linked to your home address, it makes it much more difficult for you to report an outage. Remember when you had to speak to a customer service representative in order to report a power outage? Waiting on hold could be frustrating and time consuming. Today, with the press of a button, you can easily report an outage. At 4-County, we use the phone number you provide to link your service address to our outage management system. For example, if you call us to report an outage, our automated system instantly recognizes your phone number and can determine the particular service address from which you are reporting an outage. Once you give our system a response, your outage is reported.

It’s that simple! But remember—this only works if your current phone number is linked to your service address. Updating your contact information is helpful because it also speeds up the power restoration process. With correct information, our outage management system can predict the location and the possible cause of an outage, making it easier for our crews to correct the problem. Call 1-800-431-1544 and make sure you’re up to date.

Thank a lineman The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association has designated the second Monday of April as National Lineman Appreciation Day. On April 13, 4-County Electric Power Association will give a special tip of the hat (as we do each and every day) to the hardworking men who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on. We proudly recognize all electric linemen throughout the nation who perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety. 4-County honors its linemen on National Lineman Appreciation Day and invites members to take a moment to thank a lineman for the work he does.

Here’s an idea

This spring, think summer Warm temperatures this spring make it a great time to think about how warm it could get this summer. A rise in temperature can also mean a rise in energy bills as well. Give your air conditioner a fighting chance at keeping your home cool in the months ahead, without using more electricity than necessary. Here are some tips to keep energy bills low this summer: • Trade your traditional incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). The new generation of CFLs uses far less energy. • Call a service technician to give your air-conditioning system—and any window units—a thorough once-over before the weather gets hot. • Change air conditioner filters monthly from now until October.

Ceiling fans can cool off energy costs Ceiling fans can be a great way to increase the energy savings in your home while providing a comfortable living environment. A decorative alternative to typical light fixtures, ceiling fans can cut summer energy use. Ceiling fans do not lower the temperature in a room. The cooling effect occurs when air from the ceiling fan blows across a person’s skin. “When you leave the room, switch the fan and its lights off. You’ll save energy and money,” said Ronnie Vernon, 4-County marketing specialist.

Shade yourself from heat and high energy costs Avoid this summer’s heat and the potential for high energy costs by adding sunscreens, available at 4-County Electric Power Association. They can block up to 70 percent of the sun’s heat and glare, keep your home cooler and lower your cooling costs by up to 30 percent. Call Sheila Smith at 1-800-431-1544 and get your name on the sunscreen services list.

Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $439,733 on prescription drugs through February.

Look here each month to see the savings total!

April 2015

Today in Mississippi

12a

Nominees submitted for board of directors Three incumbent directors are nominated for re-election to 4-County Electric Power Association’s board of directors. The Association’s nominating committee met March 19 and submitted the names of Kenneth M. Seitz of Starkville for District 2, Oktibbeha County; E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson of West Point for District 3, Clay and Monroe counties; and John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. of Mathiston for District 6, Webster and Chickasaw counties. All three candidates’ names have been placed in nomination for re-election to three-year terms on the Association’s board of directors June 4 at the cooperative’s annual membership meeting. The meeting will be held at East Mississippi Community College, Golden Triangle Campus, Mayhew.

Kenneth M. Seitz District 2 Kenneth Seitz of Starkville has served as a member of 4-County Electric Power Association’s board of directors since 1990. Seitz is a cattle farmer and has interest in row crops and forestry. He is a graduate of Starkville High School and of Mississippi State University where he received a degree in agricultural economics. Seitz, active in community affairs for a number of years, is currently a director for the Oktibbeha County Coop and is a member of the Cattleman’s Association. He is a member of First United Methodist Church of Starkville. He and his wife, Mary Lynn, have two daughters, and four grandchildren.

E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson District 3 A Clay County native, Bud Tumlinson has been a 4-County Electric Power Association director since 1993. He is a farmer. A West Point High School graduate, he earned a degree in mathematics from Millsaps College. He also served in the U.S. Navy. Tumlinson is a past board member of First National Bank of West Point,

Kenneth M. Seitz

E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson

John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr.

a member and past director of the Mississippi Soybean Association; past area vice president of the Mississippi Cattleman’s Association; and a past trustee of First United Methodist Church of West Point. He and his wife, Bobbie, are the parents of a daughter.

Mathiston High School graduate and attended Wood Junior College. He is a Blue Lodge Mason/Shriner. He is a member of Mathiston First Baptist Church. Gilliland and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of two daughters and one son, and they have three grandchildren.

John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. District 6

NOMINATIONS

tomer Service Center and at the Corporate Center in Mayhew. Ballot/proxies will be mailed by May 5 to all 4-County members. The deadline for returning ballot/proxies is noon, May 29, six days prior to the June 4 annual membership meeting. Members of the nominating committee present for the March 19 meeting included Julius Beck, Tom Breland, Paul Crowley, Willard Easley, Benny Graves, Gary Holtman, Frank Howell, Henri Sue Kennard, Donald Land, Grey Land III, Charles McMinn, Pete O’Shea, John Partridge, Belk Weems and Sammie Williams. Donald Land served as chairman. Gary Holtman served as secretary.

Jay Gilliland of Mathiston, coowner and manager of Gilliland’s Piggly Wiggly and president of Gilliland’s of Mathiston Inc., has served on the 4-County Electric Power Association board of directors since 1988. The Webster County native is a

Nominating committee reports were posted March 20 in each 4-County office. The cooperative is requesting that any additional nominations for director, by petition of at least 50 consumer/members, be turned in by end of business Monday, April 13. Petitions are available at each 4-County Cus-

Official notice of 4-County’s annual meeting

CHICKASAW COUNTY

Pursuant to Article II, Sections 1 and 3 of the 4-County Electric Power Association Bylaws, notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of members of 4-County Electric Power Association will be held at the East Mississippi Community College, Golden Triangle campus, at Mayhew on Thursday, June 4, at noon. In accordance with the laws of the state of Mississippi and the Bylaws of the Association, three directors will be elected for three-year terms, reports will be given on the operation of the Association for the past year and other matters of business will be addressed. John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. Secretary-Treasurer, 4-County Electric Power Association Board of Directors

MONROE COUNTY

CLAY COUNTY

WEBSTER COUNTY

45 West Point

45 82

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY

CHOCTAW COUNTY

Starkville

Columbus LOWNDES COUNTY

Ackerman

NOXUBEE COUNTY Macon

WINSTON COUNTY

12b

Today in Mississippi

April 2015

Senators Chuck Younger, far left, and Gary Jacks egates on the Mississippi Senate floor.

Youth Leadership Workshop provides young leaders with insight Mississippi’s best and brightest young leaders gathered Feb. 25-27 in Jackson as part of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop. Sixty-three high school juniors participated in the program representing cooperatives from around the state. Grant Wolfe of Starkville, representing Starkville Academy, Philip Evans of Ackerman, representing Choctaw County High School, and Macy Walters of Columbus, representing Heritage Academy, were delegates from 4-County Electric Power Association. Workshop participants met with their state legislators, toured the state Capitol, and also participated in team-building exercises and games aimed at improving their leadership skills. Gov. Phil Bryant, a strong supporter of the program, spoke to the students and urged them Gov. Phil Bryant to remain in Mississippi after college or work force training, focusing on the remarkable opportunities available here. “There are so many opportunities for you in Mississippi to take on leadership roles in this state. When it comes time for you to go into the work force, we are leading the nation in industries like automobile production and telemedicine, as well as making strides in our export industry. There is a place for you to make a difference in Mississippi.” Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves also spoke to the group, reminding them that anyone can reach their goals, despite obstacles. The students were once again

SPEAKERS

“There are many opportunities for you to take on leadership roles in Mississippi.”

encouraged to “dream big,” and reminded that they have the ability to make a difference in their schools and communities. While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to see government in action while visiting the gallery of the Senate and discussing issues with their legislators. A Town Hall Meeting allowed the students to divide into groups and discuss problems and issues that are affecting their daily lives. The students also developed solutions that could be implemented to better their schools and communities. 4-County Electric Power Association is a proud sponsor of the program. Brad Barr, 4-County Youth Tour coordinator, said the program focuses on challenging young people to “step up” and meet the challenges that life has to offer by being active leaders while making a Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves difference in the lives of others. “Program particiMacy Walters makes a po pants possess the talents that make them natural discussion at the worksho leaders, and they are selected due to their excellent leadership skills, community involvement and other achievements. It is the mission of this program to enhance these skills as they prepare to be tomorrow’s leaders,” Barr said. Terry Rhodes, a motivational speaker, encouraged the youth to follow the right paths in life, relying on faith in God, perseverance and a good work ethic as guideposts. Sixteen young leaders from the 4-County service area vied for the honor. They completed an application process and were interviewed before a panel of judges. Following completion of the Jackson program, the 4-County youth were presented certificates of achievement. Wolfe, Evans and Walters will travel with the youth group to Washington, D.C., in June. The students will then have the chance to meet with Mississippi’s congressional delegation on Capitol Hill, as well as visit all of the monuments and memorials during the seven-day tour.

- Gov. Phil Bryant

Philip Evans, left, pa

April 2015

Today in Mississippi I 12c

LEADERS

son, far right, join 4-County del-

oint during a roundtable op.

From left, Philip Evans, Macy Walters and Grant Wolfe meet with Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves.

FUN & GAMES

Grant Wolfe leaps to new heights during a team-building exercise at the event.

articipates in a challenging team-building activity designed to enhance leadership skills.

4-County Electric Power Association

12d

Today in Mississippi

April 2015

Central Electric salutes the service of our dedicated linemen America’s electric cooperatives have designated the second Monday of April as National Lineman Appreciation Day. On April 13, 2015, Central Electric Power Association will honor the hard working men who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on. The full text of the resolution, which the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Board adopted unanimously, follows: “Whereas linemen leave their families and put their lives on the line every day to keep the power on; Whereas linemen work 365 days a year under dangerous conditions to build, maintain and repair the electric infrastructure; Whereas linemen are the first responders of the electric cooperative family, getting power back on and making things safe for all after

storms and accidents; and Whereas there would be no electric cooperatives without the brave men and women who comprise our corps of linemen; “Therefore be it resolved that NRECA recognize the Second Monday of April of each year as National Lineman Appreciation Day.” We proudly recognize all electric linemen for the services they perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety. “Electric linemen do not often receive the recogni-

tion they deserve,” said Paul Long, general manager of Central Electric. “As with the recent ice storms and outages across Mississippi, these men work all hours of the day, often in hazardous conditions far from their families, going above and beyond to restore power to their communities. Our linemen, as well as linemen from across the nation, truly deserve this special day of recognition.” Central Electric honors its lineman on National Lineman Appreciation Day, and invites members to take a moment to thank a lineman for the work they do. Use #ThankaLineman to show your support for the men and women who light our lives.

Start your day with the news you want at Kicks967.com. Find up-todate news, events and daily weather first and fast. What’s happening in your community, right now. Track severe weather on our Central Electric Power Association up-to-the-second radar, and keep up on local breaking news now with your new Kicks967.com news source.

We are here for you.

April 2015

Today in Mississippi

Cotton District Arts Festival has something for everyone

CHANGE makes a lot of cents 4-County Electric Power Association believes in helping the communities it serves. That’s why the cooperative launched a community service program earlier this year, as featured in Today in Mississippi, called the 4-County Foundation. Just a few cents a month, for each member that participates, over the course

The Cotton District Arts Festival in Starkville, April 18, has something for everyone, including the International Village, above.

If a day of sampling the best music, festival chairman Jon Turner. art and food the South has to offer Everyone can find fun in one of the sounds like your cup of tea, then the festival’s many villages, including the Cotton District Arts Festival may be the International Village that offers a place for you. The festival, Starkville’s glimpse of cultures from around the premier tourist event, brings in tens of world. The Children’s Village offers thousands of visitors each spring. music and crafts. The Writer’s Village This year’s event, set for April 18 in and the Celtic Village attract many visithe historic Cotton Distors too. trict, once again features Bring your four-legged “It is pretty much hundreds of artists and friends to the Pet Parade. impossible not to find Registration begins at 8 craftspeople selling their wares. a.m. Parade festivities something you like.” Of course, it’s not – Jon Turner kick off at 9 a.m. just about the shopping, For those interested event organizers said. in athletic activities, the Three stages will feature music all day event features the Old Cotton Mill 5K long, from bluegrass to gospel to rockrun early in the day. A Family Fun Run and-roll and everything in between. Per- is available too. formances include groups from Those at the festival can venture to Starkville Academy, Armstrong Middle the Taste of Starkville area, with special School and Starkville High School. culinary offerings from some of the Other acts are Hannah Vandie, Shady city’s favorite restaurants. Go back for Phillips’ String Students and the Poetry seconds, or thirds. Slam. The event is sponsored by the There’s something for everyone at Starkville Area Arts Council (SAAC). the Cotton District Arts Festival, For more information about the festival according to festival organizers. “From and any events, visit www.CDAFestifine arts and crafts to great food and val.com or contact the SAAC office at great entertainment, we’ve got it all. 324-3080. For even more weekend And it takes place during Super Bulldog activities, check out Mississippi State Weekend, so it is pretty much impossiUniversity’s Super Bulldog Weekend at ble not to find something you like,” said www.HailState.com.

of a year could make a huge difference throughout our communities. The 4-County Foundation could, for example, provide contributions to schools, emergency service organizations, hospitals, nursing homes, food service organizations and other programs that assist the less fortunate or those with needs in our areas.

Frequently asked questions about the 4-County Foundation Beginning in February, 4-County members’ utility bills are now being rounded up to the nearest dollar; a $68.65 bill, for example, becomes $69. Now, at the most, that’s around only an extra $12 per year per member (an average of about $6 per year per member). However, when you multiply those contributions by the thousands of member participants, that’s a lot of pennies!

How do I request assistance from this program?

Applications for individuals and organizations will be available in 4-County offices and on the 4-County website, www.4county.org. You can also call 1-800-431-1544 for more information.

How did the 4-Foundation get started?

Programs like this have been in existence at rural electric cooperatives throughout the nation since 1989. Since their induction, these programs have raised more than $41 million for charitable causes.

How does the program work?

Each month, the electric bills of participating members are rounded up – increased to the next dollar amount. So, if your bill is $50.99, it is rounded up to $51 and if your bill is $75.53, it is rounded up to $76. The money collected is earmarked for the 4-County Foundation. Again, on average, a member will donate about $6 per year.

Why is 4-County participating?

4-County has a long history of supporting charitable and community organizations. We are introducing the 4-County Foundation as part of our cooperative heritage and values—neighbors helping neighbors. And, it’s just the right thing to do. More than 75 years ago, local residents came together to form 4-County to get electricity to their homes and farms. It was something they couldn’t do individually. Now, through the 4-County Foundation, local residents can come together to create change in their communities – something they couldn’t do individually on this scale.

How will the money be allocated and spent?

The 4-County Foundation will use the funds to assist worthy projects and organizations within the cooperative’s service area. Who will decide on the dispersing of funds? 4-County Foundation board members, individuals selected from throughout the cooperative’s service area, will decide and handle fund requests. More information on the process will be communicated to members in the coming weeks.

What if I do not want to participate?

No problem! We’ll make a note and remove you from the program. Just contact us at 1-800-431-1544.

Today in Mississippi

April 2015

Cooks

Delta Blues Rice mississippi

FEATURED FARMER:

It’s pretty to look at, with pearly white grains all the same size. But what’s really special about Arant Acres’ Delta Blues Rice is what you can’t see. “It all came from within about 30 miles of right here,” said Hugh Arant Jr., meaning Greenwood. “We’re using a variety of rice developed in Washington County, in Stoneville. We’re growing it in Sunflower County and then we’re milling it in Leflore County. That’s about as Delta as you can get,” said Arant, a Delta Electric Power Association member who serves on the cooperative’s board of directors. Although it costs more to produce, Delta Blues Rice comes at a time when more consumers and chefs are seeking locally grown farm products—and showing a willingness to pay more for their higher quality. Most packages of long-grain white rice sold in stores contain a number Hugh Arant Jr. of rice varieties grown by hundreds of farmers in several states, Arant said. “The big rice mills cannot segregate the varieties because they just have so much volume. They just throw everything in the same bag, and it doesn’t all cook the same way or look the same.” The advantages of milling only one variety of rice, he said, include uniformity in both appearance and cooking time, as well as consistently good flavor. “In

Sausage Creole over Rice Grits 4 Tbsp. butter 1 small onion, chopped 1 rib celery, chopped 1 small bell pepper, chopped 1 (12-oz.) pkg. Polish kielbasa, sliced 2 Tbsp. flour 1 can diced tomatoes

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 8 to 12 oz. chicken stock 3 to 4 Tbsp. heavy cream 1 tsp. garlic powder ½ Tbsp. Creole seasoning Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a skillet. Add vegetables and sauté until soft. Add kielbasa and cook about 3 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and kielbasa, and stir constantly until flour just begins to brown. Pour in tomatoes and red wine vinegar, and stir until combined. Add chicken stock and stir, cooking until slightly thickened. Stir in cream and seasonings. Cook on low 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve over Delta Blues Rice Grits.

fact, chefs have told us our rice cooks quicker, so they can cook it in small batches to order.” Arant operates the farm in partnership with his brother, David, and nephew David Jr., the fourth generation of Arant farmers. They produce corn, soybeans and rice on land their family has cultivated for more than 90 years. The brothers’ father, the late Hugh Arant Sr., acquired a small rice mill decades ago and milled his own rice mainly to give to family and friends. “We didn’t know if they liked it because of the taste or the price,” Arant said laughing. The new Delta Blues brand of rice represents a significant commitment and investment in high-tech milling equipment to ensure a high-quality product that is planted, harvested and marketed by the Arants. Their current product line of long-grain white rice and rice grits will expand soon to include brown rice. Arant Acres is also certified by the Mississippi Crop Improvement Association to grow rice for seed production. MCIA inspections ensure the purity of both the seed rice and Delta Blues rice fields prior to harvest. Learn more about Delta Blues Rice and find retailers at www.deltabluesrice.com.

Basic Rice Grits 1 cup Delta Blues Rice Grits 2 cups water or chicken stock

1 pat butter 1 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir once. Cover and simmer over low heat about 20 minutes or until water has been absorbed and rice grits are tender. Keep covered, remove from heat and let sit 10 minutes. Serve with your favorite sauce or gravy.

Shrimp and Rice Grits ½ cup butter ½ cup finely chopped onion ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper ½ cup finely chopped celery 4 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup flour

1 qt. warm chicken stock ½ cup heavy whipping cream 1 ½ lbs. shrimp, peeled and deveined 4 green onions, chopped and divided Creole seasoning Salt, pepper

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic, and sauté until tender. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Add warmed chicken stock, one ladle at a time, stirring until fully incorporated. Stir in cream and bring sauce to a simmer. Add shrimp and green onions (minus 2 tablespoons), and cook until shrimp turn pink. Season to taste and serve over prepared Delta Blues Rice Grits. Top each serving with remaining green onions.

April 2015

Today in Mississippi

Taco Rice 1 cup rice 2 cups water 1 tsp. Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base 1 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. Amore Tomato Paste 1 to 1 ½ tsp. taco seasoning (recipe at right) ½ tsp. onion powder ¾ tsp. cumin

Taco Seasoning: 1 Tbsp. chili powder ¼ tsp. garlic salt ¼ tsp. onion powder ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ¼ tsp. dried oregano ½ tsp. paprika 1 ½ tsp. ground cumin ¾ tsp. sea salt ¾ tsp. coarse ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a medium pot. Bring to a boil. Stir and cover. Reduce heat to low and cook about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered 10 minutes. Fluff and serve plain or with your favorite toppings (lime juice, cilantro, chopped tomatoes, etc.).

What’s nice about rice

Mississippi is the fourth-largest U.S. producer of rice, after Arkansas, Louisiana and California. Leading rice-producing counties in Mississippi are Bolivar, Washington and Sunflower, although rice is grown in most counties in the Mississippi-Yazoo Delta. Rice is one of Mississippi’s top agricultural exports. Mississippi’s annual rice crop contributes more than $347 million in value to the state’s economy, according to the USA Rice Federation. Mississippi’s rice crop is planted in March and April and harvested in August and September. In winter, flooded rice fields help support migratory waterfowl.

The rice plant has about 120,000 varieties. Mississippi producers grow longgrain rice. U.S.-grown rice is gluten-free and has only a trace of fat. Keep the lid on the pot while cooking rice to prevent steam from escaping. At the end of cooking time, test rice for doneness. If it is not tender or liquid is not absorbed, replace lid and cook 2 to 4 minutes longer. When rice is cooked, fluff with a fork to allow steam to escape. A rice cooker will automatically cook rice until done and keep it warm until serving time. Follow the cooker’s instructions for best results.

Don’t go near a line that’s down If you come across a downed power line, we have two words of advice:

Stay away! Treat every downed line like the potential killer it is. Call for help from law enforcement officials or your electric power association. Stay on the scene to warn others, but don’t go near the line!

A safety message from your local

Electric Power Association

Today in Mississippi

April 2015

Chicago Doctor Invents Affordable Hearing Aid Outperforms Many Higher Priced Hearing Aids

Reported by J. Page

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April 2015

Today in Mississippi

And the walls were tumbling down he United States and the South, in particular, have not been vigilant in protecting and preserving many of our treasures. By treasures, I am referring to many of our old buildings. I know there are exceptions to this and numerous southern cities have maintained their very old structures. New England, and other northern states have refurbished and protected their historic treasures. But there are still too many instances where commercial progress has triumphed over historical value. So with pride I relate this story. As attractive as progress appears to our modern eyes—shiny new buildings—tragically, some day many of them will disappear from view, forgotten and returning to the soil from which they came. Not so for the little white schoolhouse trimmed in red that was built in 1880. Though at one time she was halfway through her last breath. The one-room school building of heart pine was built on the GreeneJackson County line near Evanston, a small community, to accommodate children without a school. At this time George County had not been formed, and the residents here lived in either what was northern Jackson County or southern Greene County. The nearest schools for children in this area at that time were in Pascagoula or Leakesville. Quite a distance from the county line. A few families had relatives in those towns, though, and their children lived with them and attended school. The Evanston School later became known as County Line School (CLS). In 1910 George County’s boundaries were established and incorporated, etched from Green and Jackson counties. The CLS is the oldest surviving school building in George County. With only half a breath left in the building, one man became the White Knight by stepping up with a respirator: He organized a committee to save the old school from certain collapse. Joe Cowart was not only an advocate but extremely persistent. A number of civic and business men and women joined him in 2008: co-chairman Louis Valentine, Mayor Doug Lee, Dr. Dayton Whites, Joe Dickerson, Jeanine and Yvonne Havard, Janet Smith, Judge Darwin Maples and Kathy Johnson were

only a few of the fervent committee members who worked diligently to save this small part of history in this small town of Lucedale. “Do not talk much about me when you write,” Joe said, “because it was the entire Restoration Committee who wanted to preserve the schoolhouse. It was important to us. That tiny school gave a lot of children an education through the eighth grade and should not be dismissed and forgotten. They have grandchildren who live here today.” “That must have been an expensive task,” I said. “Did you receive a grant?” “We tried,” he said, “but a grant was not available, so it was restored through donations and fundraisers. However, items such as bricks and lumber were donated, along with labor. The cypress wood used for the entire building was donated by Darwin Maples.” I asked Joe to tell me about Grin ‘n’ the school children in that Bare It day… in a nutby Kay Grafe shell. He laughed and said, “I’ll try. Desks, which held two students and an inkwell, were placed in rows with the largest desks in the back. The students bought their own books and wrote with ‘penny pencils’ or on slates. There were one to six students in each grade. “The number of students enrolled in all grades averaged about 43. Remember, the students had to work on family farms, so half that many came to school during the farms’ busy seasons. One school year might be 80 days long and another 107 days.

“The school was moved four times; in Mississippi towns, to save their treasures. early years it was rolled to the new locaTo book the school house for nontion on logs. The little school was closed profit groups free of charge for education in 1924. There are so many stories, but programs contact Kathy Johnson, they would fill up Today in Mississippi.” Lucedale City Hall at 601-947-2082. He rolled his eyes. “By the time the city acquired the school from the Garden Club, who acquired it from the Lions Club, it had been moved to the Lucedale City Park. The Garden Club did some restoration as best they could, but it was an overwhelming job. After 128 years the building was crumbling.” “Joe,” I said, “our park is a remarkable asset to Lucedale, and now the restored one-room school house from 1880 has added a historical treasure to Hard work by a group of dedicated community leaders saved this 1880 schoolits grounds for the house from disappearing into history. The school now stands in Lucedale City public to enjoy first Park. hand. I, for only one of many, thank you and the committee Kay Grafe is the author of “Oh My for your determination and hard work.” Gosh, Virginia.” To order, send name, Hopefully, what was accomplished by address, phone number and $16.95, plus this small group of dedicated citizens will $3.50 S&H to Kay Grafe, 2142 Fig Farm inspire other groups, in other small Road, Lucedale, MS 39452.

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Today in Mississippi

April 2015

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April 2015

18. Chief, Killer and Duke await their humans’ return home. Cheryl Baxter, Escatawpa; Singing River Electric 19. Long-coat chihuahuas Blue and Flo go with Mom to work each day at the Pearl River County SPCA shelter. Their job is to look cute. Rhonda Furby, Picayune 20. Welsummer rooster Rhett struts his brilliant colors. Zarina Meeker, Byhalia; Northcentral Electric 21. Bobbi’s glamour photo shows off her unusual eyes. Cathi Hammonds, Vancleave; Singing River Electric

Today in Mississippi

10 11

12 16 14 18

15 19 17 Our photo theme for July:

Smile! We want to see all kinds of smiles: sweet, funny, silly, young, old, human, animal— you get the picture. Deadline for submissions is June 8. For details, go to todayinmississippi.com.

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Today in Mississippi

April 2015

Mississippi

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Free. The Music Barn. Details: 601-946-0280, 601-955-9182. MISSISSIPPI Lower Delta Talks: Leadway: Hope & Healing, April 21, Rolling Fork. Cindi Quong Lofton and Robbie Fisher; 6:30 pm. Free. Sharkey-Issaquena County Library. Details: 662-873-4076. SpringFest, April 21-25, Southaven. Entertainment, carnival midway, state barbecue championship, more. Snowden Grove Park. Details: southaven.org. 11th Annual Taste of DeSoto, April 23, Southaven. Foods from more than 50 area restaurants, silent auction, entertainment; Want more than 400,000 readers to know about your special event? Submit it at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Mail to Mississippi 5:30 - 9 p.m. Admission. Landers Center. Events, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300; fax to 601-605-8601; or email to Details: thetasteofdesoto.com. news@epaofms.com. Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space allows. Please Pearl River Community College Singers note that events are subject to change; we recommend calling to confirm details before traveling. Spring Concert, April 23, Poplarville. Standard repertoire to new compositions; 7 African American Treasures from The p.m. Free. Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for Poplarville. Conducted by Dr. Kyle Hill and Kinsey Collection, through June 20, the Arts, PRCC. Details: 601-403-1438; Michael Bass; 7 p.m. Free. Ethel Holden Starkville. Art, books, documents and artifacts Brownstone Center for the Arts, PRCC. Details: brownstonecenter.com. highlighting African-American achievements. 601-403-1438; brownstonecenter.com. Magnolia State Bluegrass Association Mitchell Memorial Library. Details: 662-325Spring Show, April 24-25, Polkville. Live 35th Alcorn State University Jazz 6634; lib.msstate.edu/kinsey. Festival, April 18, Vicksburg. Performances by music, jamming, camping. The Music Barn. Walk for Wishes, April 4, Meridian. Jumping college/high school jazz ensembles; educaDetails: 601-946-0280, 601-955-9182. house, Simon the Great Dane for photos, Destiny Goss Memorial Cruisin’ for St. tional workshops. Featuring bass legend Ron dance warm-ups. Benefits Make-a-Wish ; Jude, April 25, Lucedale. Motorcycle ride and Carter. Free. Vicksburg Convention Center. 8:30 a.m. Dumont Plaza, downtown. Details: poker run, music featuring Brad Puckett, live Details: 601-877-6602, 866-822-6338; 601-483-8144. auction, barbecue, more. George County alcorn.edu. Gulf Coast Military Collectors Show, April Senior Citizen Center. Details: 601-508-1114, 10th Annual Wister Gardens Workshop: 10-11, D’Iberville. Buy, sell and trade military 601-508-2202. “Gardening, Southern Style,” April 18, memorabilia. Admission; free for WWII vets. 13th Annual 8-Mile Yard Sale, April 25, Belzoni. Featuring floral designer Bob D’Iberville Civic Center. Details: 228-224Wilbanks, culinary artist Anthony Wade, land- Greenwood Springs (Monroe County). Local 1120. vendors with antiques, clothes and most scape architecture professor Dr. Robert The Crosby Arboretum Foundation Brzuszek. Admission. Wister Gardens. Details: anything in between; 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Details: Inaugural Art Show: “A Piney Woods Art 662-256-2432, 662-315-6955. 662-836-7996; wistergardens.org. Affair,” April 10-12, Picayune. Art work Model Railroad Museum Grand Opening, “Square Foot Gardening: No Weeding, No depicting the features, flora, fauna and culApril 18, Gulfport. Antique toy trains, operat- Digging, No Tilling, No Kidding!” April 25, ture of the Piney Woods region. Free admisPicayune. With instructor Brenda Myers; 10ing models railroads, more; 10:30 a.m. - 4 sion. The Crosby Arboretum. Details: 601-799- p.m. Mississippi Coast Model Railroad 11:30 a.m. Also, plant propagation workshop 2311; jill.mirkovich@msstate.edu. with Jill Mirkovich, 1-2:30 p.m. Register for Museum, 504 Pass Road. Details: 228-62711th Annual Whistle Stop Arts & Crafts either event by April 24. The Crosby 4162. Festival, April 11, Waynesboro. Classic Arboretum. Details: 601-799-2311; Crosstie Arts and Jazz Festival, April 18, car/motorcycle show, 5K run, children’s train crosbyarboretum.msstate.edu. Cleveland. Juried fine arts show, entertainrides, carnival rides, entertainment, mechani- ment, regional foods, children’s area, more. Women’s Life Conference, April 25, cal bull ride, more. Details: Facebook: Bolivar County Courthouse. Details: 662-402- Ellisville. Health/wellness event with keynote Waynesboro Whistle Stop Festival. speaker Lisa Whelchel, comedians, physician 5451; crosstie-arts.org. Art in the Pass, April 11-12, Pass Christian. panel, meals. Admission. Jones County Junior Mississippi Poetry Society Spring Juried arts/crafts show, seafood cooking College. Details: 601-399-0506; Festival, April 18-19, Ocean Springs. Poetry demo, Celebrate the Gulf Marine Education kvanderslice@scrmc.com. workshop, guest speaker Jim Barton, other Festival, music, more. Free admission. War Meridian Daylily Society Annual Sale, events. Admission. Gulf Hills Inn and Memorial Park. Details: artinthepass.com. April 25, Meridian. All styles and colors, new Conference Center. Details: 228-875-4350, “Coastal Treasures” Biennial Quilt Show, 228-522-0028. and heirloom; 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lauderdale April 11-12, Bay St. Louis. Bay Oaks Quilt Lincoln County Master Gardeners’ Garden County Farm Supply. Details: 601-480-0045. Guild show with vendors, demonstrations, Confederate Memorial Service and Picnic, Extravaganza, April 18, Brookhaven. guild boutique items, door prizes. Admission. Speakers including Garden Mama Nellie Neal, April 26, Hernando. Sons of Confederate St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church. Details: vendors, plant sale, kids booth, food; 8 a.m. - Veterans to host service; 2 p.m. Hernando springerstc@icloud.com; 3 p.m. Downtown Railroad Park. Details: 601- Memorial Cemetery. Picnic follows at Conger bayoaksquiltguild.com. Park. Details: 662-393-4448; 249-2967; kaberlein@myisat.com. Pearl River Community College bullfrogreb@aol.com. Camp and Jam, April 19-23, Polkville. Symphonic Band Spring Concert, April 16, Jamming onstage nightly. Camper hookups. Big Book Sale, April 27 - May 2, Picayune.

Events

Proceeds go to buy new library books. Friends of the Library pre-sale event April 26. Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library. Details: 601-798-5081. Pearl River Community College JazzCats, The Voices, and RiverRoad, April 28, Poplarville. Big band jazz, a cappella pop music, song-and-dance show; 7 p.m. Free. Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts, PRCC. Details: 601-403-1438; brownstonecenter.com. Antiques & Collectibles Barn Sale, May 1-2, Purvis. Antiques, collectibles, signs, furniture, old windows/doors, jewelry, more; 7 a.m. until. Free admission. 4799 Old Hwy. 11. Details: 601-818-5886, 601-794-7462. Okatoma Music Festival, May 2, Collins. Three stages of entertainment, more than 150 vendors, parade, 5K run/walk, more. Details: 601-765-6012; covingtonchamber.com. Day in the Park, May 2, Morton. Arts, crafts, food, all-day entertainment. Jason Miller Band at 5:30 p.m., Ronnie McDowell 8 p.m. Admission. Farris Municipal Park. Details: 601-732-6252, 601-732-8609. Calhoun Cares 5K Walk/Run, May 2, Bruce. Benefits local families battling cancer; 8 a.m. rain or shine. City Hall. Details: 662-983-8736; spedbailey@hotmail.com. Deep Delta Festival, May 2, Rolling Fork. Rhythm and blues stage, barbecue alley, 5K walk/run, arts, crafts; begins 8 a.m. Details: 662-873-2814, 662-873-2755. George County Firefighters Association Fifth Annual Barbecue Challenge, May 2, Lucedale. Sanctioned by Kansas City Barbecue Society; begins 9 a.m. George County Fairgrounds. Details: gcffabbqchallenge.org. Doodlebug Festival, May 2, Holcomb. Train rides, vendor booths, food, womanless beauty pageant, live music by Mack Allen Smith, more; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Main Street. Details: 662-230-3642. Starkville Public Library Book Sale, May 4, Starkville. Book sales to support library projects; noon - 6 p.m. Starkville Public Library. Details: 662-323-2766. MayFest and 5K Run/Walk, May 9, Olive Branch. Vendors, games, arts, crafts, music, children’s entertainment. Old Towne. Details: 662-893-0888; olivebrancholdtowne.org. Tri-State Mother’s Day Festival, May 9, Southaven. Temptations Review, featuring Dennis Edwards, Manhattans, Zapp, Jeffrey Osborne; 7 p.m. Admission. Landers Center. Details: 662-470-2131; ticketmaster.com. French Camp Pioneer Day, May 9, French Camp. Arts and crafts vendors and demonstrators, musicians, children’s activities; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free. Details: 662-547-6482; frenchcamp.org/historic.

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LOT 62431 239 shown

SAVE $50 REG. 99 PRICE

calling rFreight.com or by or prior n at our stores, Harbo LIMIT 4 - Good t be used with other discount or coupo al receipt. 800-423-2567. Cannodays from original purchase with originn must be Original coupo rable. purchases after 30 ransfe Non-t day. last. per es er Offer good while supplih 8/5/15. Limit one coupon per custom presented. Valid throug

1/2" DRIVE

SAVE $120

LOT 807/61276

LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/5/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

HEAVY DUTY RETRACTABLE AIR HOSE REEL WITH 3/8" x 25 FT. HOSE

SAVE

REG. PRICE $119.99

3/8" DRIVE

YOUR CHOICE!

SAVE 41% REG. $ 99 PRICE $ 99 $59.99

REG. PRICE $299.99

• 3-1/2 Pumps Lifts Most Vehicles • Weighs 27 lbs. LOT 69252/68053 shown 60569/62160/62496/62516

LOT 2696/61277

SAVE 60%

® RAPID PUMP ALUMINUM RACING JACK

2999 $5999 $8999

WOWTOSURQPEUER COWRUPENONCH!ES

R ! PE ON SU UP O LOT 60405/61524 C

4 PIECE 1" x 15 FT. RATCHETING TIE DOWNS

SAVE $70

17999

SUPER COUPON! WOW 1.5 TON

REG. PRICE $59.99

2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL

LOT 953 shown 69136/69248/69128/69210

$ 69

SAVE

REG. PRICE $149.99

• Includes Ram, Hook and Chain

5 FT. 6" x 7 FT. 6" ALL PURPOSE WEATHER RESISTANT TARP

1/4" DRIVE

149

LOT 60388 69514 shown

SAVE 61%

VALUE

R ! PE ON SU UP CO

99 SAVE $ 99 SAVE $ $80 REG. PRICE $179.99 $70 REG. PRICE $219.99

2 TON FOLDABLE SHOP CRANE

13499

REG. PRICE $299.99

LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. Coupon good at our stores, HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. Offer good while supplies last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/5/15. Limit one FREE GIFT Coupon per customer per day.

WOW SUPER COUPON!

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER

$ 99

LOT 90018 shown 69595/60334 • 1500 lb. Capacity

SAVE $165

LIMIT 1 - Save 20% on any one item purchased at our stores or HarborFreight.com or by calling 800-423-2567. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon, gift cards, Inside Track Club membership, extended service plans or on any of the following: compressors, generators, tool storage or carts, welders, floor jacks, Towable Ride-On Trencher, Saw Mill (Item 61712/62366/67138), Predator Gas Power Items, open box items, in-store event or parking lot sale items. Not valid on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase date with original receipt. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 8/5/15. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

7999

SUPER-WIDE TRI-FOLD ALUMINUM LOADING RAMP

12" SLIDING COMPOUND DOUBLE-BEVEL MITER SAW WITH LASER GUIDE

$ 99

ANY SINGLE ITEM

REG. PRICE $129.99

LOT 69684 shown 61776/61969/61970

WITH ANY PURCHASE 3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT NINE LED ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT

SAVE 50%

LOT 60338 62472/69381 shown

Today in Mississippi

SUPER COUPON

FREE 20% OFF

LOT 69488 • 1.3 GPM

900 PEAK/ 700 RUNNING WATTS 2 HP (63 CC) 2 CYCLE GAS RECREATIONAL GENERATOR

SAVE

$$119999

66%

2999

REG. PRICE $59.99

calling rFreight.com or by or prior n at our stores, Harbo LIMIT 4 - Good t be used with other discount or coupo al receipt. 800-423-2567. Cannodays from original purchase with originn must be coupo 30 al after Origin ases rable. purch es last. Non-transfe er per day. Offer good while supplih 8/5/15. Limit one coupon per custom presented. Valid throug

• 550 Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com 800-423-2567

TV Service SAVE A DISH + Internet BUNDLE High-Speed For One Low Price Ask for details

DISH TV Service promotional prices start at

a month for 12 mo. (Reg. price $34.99 | mo.) (Not eligible for Hopper or HD offer)

E E R F

OVER 45

HOPPER

HD For Life

FREE

DVR Equipment Upgrade

PREMIUM CHANNELS

for 3 months Available with qualifying packages. Monthly fees apply: Hopper, $12; Joey, $7; Super Joey, $10.

Offer subject to change based on premium channel availability. Regular monthly prices apply after promotional period.

Available with qualifying packages. Requires enrollment in Autopay

A $199 Value!

A $132 Value!

A $120/yr Value!

All offers require 24-month commitment and credit qualification.

Next-day installation — including weekends!

Scheduled by InifinityDISH. Available in most areas. Ask for details.

CALL NOW

With Activation

Courtesy of InfinityDISH, certain conditions apply

Must mention offer code at time of order: GIFT50

1•844•594•9072 WWW.INFINITYDISH.COM

Starting at SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK; 8 AM – MIDNIGHT EST, SUNDAY 9 AM – MIDNIGHT EST. OFFER ONLY GOOD FOR NEW DISH SUBSCRIBERS.

ASK ABOUT

Gift Card

1495

Restrictions apply. Subject to availabilty

HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

All calls with InfinityDISH are monitored and recorded for quality assurance and training purposes. Important Terms and Conditions: Promotional Offers: Require activation of new qualifying DISH service. All prices, fees, charges, packages, programming, features, functionality and offers subject to change without notice. After 12-month promotional period, then-current monthly price applies and is subject to change. ETF: If you cancel service during first 24 months, early termination fee of $20 for each month remaining applies. Additional Requirements: Hopper: Monthly fees: Hopper, $12; Joey, $7; Super Joey, $10. With PrimeTime Anytime record ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC plus two channels. With addition of Super Joey record two additional channels. Commercial skip feature is available at varying times, starting the day after airing, for select primetime shows on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC recorded with PrimeTime Anytime. Recording hours vary; 2000 hours based on SD programming. Equipment comparison based on equipment available from major TV providers as of 12/01/14. Watching live and recorded TV anywhere requires an Internet-connected, Sling-enabled DVR and compatible mobile device. HD Free for Life: Additional $10/mo HD fee waived for life of current account; requires continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. Premium Channels: Premium offer value is $132; after 3 months then-current monthly prices apply and are subject to change. Installation/Equipment Requirements: Free Standard Professional Installation only. Leased equipment must be returned to DISH upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Upfront and additional monthly fees may apply. Miscellaneous: Offers available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. State reimbursement charges may apply. Additional restrictions and taxes may apply. Offers end 6/10/15. Visa® gift card must be requested through your DISH Representative at time of purchase. $50 Visa® gift card requires activation and $2.95 shipping and handling fee. You will receive a claim voucher within 3-4 weeks and the voucher must be returned within 30 days. Your Visa® gift card will arrive in approximately 6-8 weeks. InfinityDISH charges a one-time $49.99 non-refundable processing fee which is subject to change at any time without notice. Indiana C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S. R1903.