Issuu

News for members of 4-County Electric Power Association

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

Food bank feeds needy 7 Southern Gardening:

Time to plant dianthus

8 Outdoors Today:

Hunting friendship endures

12 New cookbook offers

healthy recipes for diabetics

pages 4-5

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2016

Home improvement startss at the top. MUELLER METAL ME TAL ROOFS DELIVER PEAK PERFORMANCE.

With a Mueller metal roof, you do much more than improve your home. You completely transform it â€“ with a colorful and distinctive look that lasts for generations. Mueller roofs also deliver more durability, less maintenance and extra protection for those you love. Start improving today â€“ call or visit us online.

www.muellerinc.com 877-2-MUELLER (877-268-3553)

November / December 2016

Mississippians shine when it comes to charitable giving ississippians dig deeper in their pockets when it comes to giving. We always rank high in national surveys in the percentage of income donated each year to church and charity. There are many other ways to give, of course, from donations of clothing to Christmas toy drives, and Mississippians are no slackers there either. Our notable generosity may seem ironic, given that Mississippi is considered a “poor” state. Yet I think we are rich in the things that matter most in life. A case in point: Volunteerism is alive and well in Mississippi. Our cover story in this issue concerns the Mississippi Food Network, the state’s only food bank. It came about in the mid-1980s because enough of our caring citizens wanted to help alleviate hunger due to poverty. The incidence of hunger seemed to balloon after the Great Recession, when many lost their jobs and more seniors joined the ranks of the hungry. Today, one in four Mississippians in MFN’s 56county service territory is at risk of real hunger. Many are low-income wage earners whose paychecks and supplemental benefits play out before the end of the month. If people can get a few groceries to live on toward the end of the month when the need is greatest, they don’t have to choose between buying medicine and eating. Their kids can concentrate on school work better when their stomach doesn’t ache from hunger. Although the issue of hunger still looms large in Mississippi, the folks at MFN have made incredible progress in helping hundreds of thousands of school children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families. As you’ll see in our story, MFN has grown to become highly efficient in obtaining food in bulk, warehousing it and then distributing it to member churches and nonprofit organizations across the state. None of this would mean much, however, without the army of enthusiastic volunteers that collect, sort, box and give out the food from community

On the cover The Mississippi Food Network, the state’s only food bank, ramps up its food collection drives during the holiday season to help needy families. The Jackson-based food bank works yearround with donors and member agencies to get food to those who need it most. Learn how MFN manages to provide so many meals for so little cost in our story on page 4.

food pantries, many of them operated by churches, and other feeding programs. MFN couldn’t operate without the efforts of these dedicated volunteers. Equally important are the generous donors, including the Mississippians who contribute to local food and fund drives to support MFN’s mission. Ninety-seven percent of the money donated to MFN goes directly to support its services and proMy Opinion grams. Michael Callahan I’m impressed that MFN Executive Vice President/CEO can turn a $10 donation Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi into 70 meals. Charitable giving is where Mississippi shines. Let’s keep that light shining bright not only through the holiday season but every day of the year. ••• Speaking of lights, your family may enjoy a lot of shiny, sparkling bling at Christmas time. But don’t let your decorations turn deadly. Live Christmas trees can pose a real fire hazard, especially when they’re dried out. Fires due to Christmas trees are uncommon, but when they do happen they are likely to be serious, even life threatening. Make sure your Christmas tree has fresh, green needles. Before placing the tree in a stand, cut a couple of inches from the base of the trunk so it can drink, and add water to the stand daily. Place the tree at least 3 feet away from any type of heat source, including the fireplace, portable heater, heating vent and the like. Never burn candles on or near a Christmas tree, and turn off the tree lights and all other decorative lights before leaving home or going to bed. And above all, have a very happy and safe holiday season!

Today in Mississippi OFFICERS Tim Smith - President Barry Rowland - First Vice President Randy Smith - Second Vice President Keith Hayward - 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

JOIN TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI

ON FACEBOOK Vol. 69 No. 11 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: 453,511 Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 11 times a year (Jan.-Nov.) by Electric Cooperatives 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 in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300

Visit us online at www.todayinmississippi.com

Today in Mississippi

Our Homeplace

The Capt. (William) Ray House is one of several homes in the Carrollton Historic District. Built before 1840, the house was remodeled and a second story added later in the century. Some scenes from the 1969 movie “The Reivers,” starring Steve McQueen, were filmed at the house.

Mississippi is the place where people still say “yes, ma’am” and “yes, sir.” People hold the door open for strangers; people let you ahead in the grocery line when you only have a couple of items and they have a buggy full. Mississippi is where you meet strangers and become friends. Mississippi is where you can go when you’re hurt, hold onto someone’s hand and pray to the good Lord above. Mississippi is a smiling face blessed by Grace. Mississippi is the place I’m proud to call home. — Krista Griffin, Carthage The beautiful state of Mississippi is where I was born and raised. After living temporarily in a different state for several years, it was time to return back home. Once I smelled the salt air of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and heard the calls of the many seagulls, I knew I had arrived back to my home town. The town where the sun is bright, the magnolia flowers are fragrant, the wind is a warm breeze and the pace of life is a lot slower. The people in Mississippi are friendly and helpful and have the strongest dedication to family and trust in God for His will. Home to me means Mississippi, where I find comfort, safety and security, and where I will remain. — Carol Watkins, D’Iberville My Mississippi is sitting in my outdoor living room with a cup of coffee on a sunny morning. Listening to Mother Nature in all her glory. Birds singing in harmony with the soft southern breeze as a backup singer. Having a raccoon come on the porch with me on a rainy afternoon. Watching squirrels, rabbits, opossums, raccoons and woodchucks walk across the yard. Where else, except Mississippi, would you find this? — Pat Sartin, Ecru

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 to news@epaofms.com. Please keep your comments brief. Submissions are subject to editing for length and clarity.

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2016

Mississippi

Food Network fights Mississippi’s hunger pains “When you run out of money and [benefits] and your family needs to eat, that’s what you use the food pantry for.” – Marilyn Blackledge By Debbie Stringer Marilyn Blackledge was helping with a food drive one day when a man rolled up a fully loaded grocery cart. Food pantries had helped him survive tough times at one point in his life, he told her. Now he was back on his feet and working. And he wanted to give back. “He might not have had much money but he brought me a buggy load of food that day,” Blackledge said. She often hears similar stories as director of external affairs for the Mississippi Food Network (MFN), a nonprofit food bank based in Jackson. And they always warm her heart, reaffirming the career choice she made a decade ago. “You never know what somebody’s been through, and it’s not our place to judge. We are just in the business of making sure people have enough food to eat,” she said. A member of the Feeding America network, MFN distributes more than 1.5 million pounds of food each month, feeding more than 1.8 million Mississippians a year. Donated and purchased groceries make their way to hungry families through 430 member agencies— churches and nonprofit groups located in 56 counties (areas not served by food banks in Memphis or Mobile). MFN also contracts with the state Department of Human Services for statewide distribution of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Department of Health for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) boxes.

Marilyn Blackledge stands surrounded by donated foods at the Mississippi Food Network warehouse, in Jackson. The products will be sorted and distributed among 430 member agencies. MFN serves as the linchpin in a system that helps feed more than 1.8 million Mississippians a year.

The goal is to eliminate poverty-related hunger in the nation’s hungriest state: Nearly one in four Mississippians—about 690,000 people—struggles with hunger, according to the food bank. Member agencies distribute the food to recipients free of charge through food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, day care centers, senior citizen programs and after-school programs. Each agency selects recipients based on need and in accordance with qualifying guidelines. Agencies do not pay for the food they receive from MFN, but they are charged a fee of 19 cents per pound to help offset costs and are held to strict accountability standards. MFN also provides training to teach the agency volunteers about safe food storage and distribution. k Mississippians who depend on food programs to supplement their nutritional needs may be seniors, single parents, at-risk children and the working poor. The

number of “food insecure” households—those that do not know how to provide for their next meal—tends to be higher in rural counties. (For county-by-county statistics, go to www.feedingamerica.org/mapthegap.) Food insecurity may be caused by the loss of a job, illness or other crisis that triggers a landslide of financial hardship, forcing people to choose between paying for utilities, medical care or food. “So many of our families now are the working poor. Some of them work two jobs but they just cannot make enough,” Blackledge said. More seniors are using food pantries since the recession, she has noticed. “They were living off interest [before the recession] but now they’ve spent their savings and are living on very fixed incomes.” Federal nutrition assistance programs, like SNAP, provide monthly benefits to program participants, but a Feeding America hunger study indicated these benefits generally last only two to three weeks. “When you run out of money and [benefits] and

November / December 2016

your family needs to eat, that’s what you use the food pantry for,” Blackledge said. “It’s humbling to go to a food pantry. I’m telling you, I’ve sat in those pantries and talked to people. It is humbling to have to go ask for food and ask for help to feed your family,” she said. “We chose to distribute food at the end of the month. That’s when they need that little boost,” said the Rev. Calvin White, pastor of Sweet Home Outreach Ministry in Itta Bena. His church started a food pantry, Caring Hands of Sweet Home, and now offers classes in budgeting “to get people to see that if you manage your money right, it will last,” the pastor said. Thanks to its partnership with MFN, the food bank provides “good, nourishing food” that recipients look forward to receiving. “It’s made a big difference and they are very grateful,” White said. MFN cannot supply all the food needs for its mem-

ers like Walmart, Target and Kroger. Food drives sponsored by commercial and community groups are just as important to MFN’s food distribution, especially during the holiday season. These events provide food for tens of thousands of meals each year.

Today in Mississippi

already kept food for emergencies to help the community, but we wanted to reach out further, and that’s when we applied for the Food Network,” Cross said. “Without the Food Network, we couldn’t afford the food. “When they see you reaching out in the community, you draw people to your church, and it helps them find God also. So it’s a good outreach and a help to the community,” he said.

k “Our biggest challenges are raising enough money and getting enough food to provide for all the people that need it,” Blackledge said. “We’re doing a good job reaching about 150,000 people a month. But we could be reaching more if we had more food to provide for the agencies.” MFN wrings the most it can from donated dollars and products; 97 percent of all gifts received goes to fund programs. “For every dollar, we can proKevin Cross and his son, Kevin Jr., pick up some 4,000 vide seven meals. It costs about 15 pounds of grocery staples for the clients of Mount Charity Missionary Baptist Church food pantry program, in Leake cents to provide a meal, based on County. our operating cost, so no donation is too small,” Blackledge said. Under the food bank’s BackPack Program, five dolk lars fills a child’s backpack with a nutritious meal kit Every week day, and snacks. The program serves an average of more than 50,000 pounds of 1,000 children weekly throughout Mississippi, with food products leave more planned. the MFN warehouse. MFN saves money in its warehouse operation by The food bank operusing local inmate labor and a small army of volunteers. ates two 18-wheelers Male and female inmates sort food packages and perand two box trucks, all form other tasks. In return, they gain job skills and refrigerated. The receive a letter of recommendation upon their release Tractor-trailer driver Frank Montgomery loads food onto a member agency’s trailer in Greenwood. Montgomery, a 25trucks haul food to from custody. Four former inmates are now full-time year MFN employee, delivers thousands of pounds of food most every weekday to distribution points around the state. distribution points— MFN employees. usually large parking On Volunteer Saturdays, held monthly October bers agencies, so local food and fund drives are still lots—to waiting representatives of the member agencies. through May, as many as 200 community volunteers important. White hopes to expand Caring Hands’ year- Those in the Jackson metro area can pick up their ship- show up to work in the warehouse. Students, church old pantry program with the help of local donations. ments at the warehouse dock. groups, scouts, company co-workers and others help Kevin Cross and his son, Kevin Jr., recently met the sort packaged foods and pack food boxes. k MFN truck in Kosciusko to receive 4,000 pounds of “I tell people all the time it’s a great team-building MFN was organized in 1983 to store bulk foods food products for the food pantry program at Mount effort,” Blackledge said with a grin. and serve as the central distribution point for food Charity Missionary Baptist Church, in Leake County. Knowing their daily efforts help feed thousands of pantries. Housed in a former Hardin Bakery plant, the Cross directs the program and chairs the church trustee hungry Mississippians is a powerful motivator for operation comprises a cavernous warehouse with walkboard. A Central Electric Power Association member, MFN’s paid employees, staff and board members. in cooler/freezer space, offices, loading docks and an Mount Charity provides food boxes twice a month for Blackledge described them as “mission driven.” annex building for sorting food. 400 qualified recipients in the community, 80 percent “We all wear multiple hats, but we all have passion Member agencies use a new online system to check of whom are seniors or disabled. for it,” she said. “It’s a whole lot more than a job. I MFN’s ever-changing warehouse inventory in real time “We enjoy serving the community, and I have a great can’t imagine doing anything else.” and place orders for grocery staples, boxes of fresh fruits staff of retired ladies who come and take care of all the and vegetables, and frozen foods. Much of the inventory pantry’s day-to-day operations,” Cross said. The women The Mississippi Food Network welcomes visitors to its is purchased in bulk from or donated by corporations meet weekly at the church to pack food boxes for distri- headquarters at 440 West Beatty St., in Jackson. For more such as Kellogg, Nabisco, Sam’s Club and other sources. bution to recipients. information or to donate, call 601-353-7286 or visit the Food products marked unsellable due to package Mount Charity became an MFN agency several years website at www.msfoodnet.org. damage, yet remain safe to eat, are collected from retail- ago in order to expand its community outeach. “We

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2016

uring one of our afternoon conference sessions, Mr. Roy said, “It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner.” “We say that every year,” I said with a laugh. “When I retired from teaching I wanted time to slow down, but no, it shifted into passing gear and the weeks are flying by. I’m curious to know if my retired teacher friends are experiencing the same phenomena. You don’t think it’s because we’re getting older?” “Of course not!” he said. “But I am glad we have our memories to relive, especially Christmas. Honey, the strange thing is that our happiest memories, since we married, were when we had the least money and material possessions.” I know that the Christmas season doesn’t evoke happy memories for all people. All my girlhood memories are

not happy, but I thank God for those that are. That’s why I often ask Mr. Roy to tell me some of his childhood memories. He lived a storybook life. (Until he married me! Ha. I hope that’s a joke.) So I said, “Tell me a Christmas memory that comes to your mind right now.” “The Christmas I got my chemistry set was even better than my Daddy’s creative idea to make Grin ‘n’ Christmas lights Bare It with small auto by Kay Grafe light bulbs and paint them different colors. That was during World War II,” he said. “He used a car battery to turn them

Medicare Supplements, Low Rates! ( Female age 65, “Plan F” = $104.63 ) I

Medicare Supplement - age 65 and over. Drug Card. Disability Medicare Supplement Under age 65 - New LOW cost!!! I Dental, Vision and Hearing - Ages 18-89 I Major Medical & Medicare Advantage Supplemental I Cancer Policy; Short Term Nursing Home I Final Expense, Whole Life - issue ages 0-85 I 10/15/20/30 Year Term Life - coverage range from $100,000 to over a million. I Agents call and sign up to write plan “F” I

E. F. Hutton Insurance Agency P. O. Box 5277, Brandon, MS 39047 1-800-463-4348 E. F. Hutton nor its agents are affiliated with the Federal Medicare Program.

Join us for our annual FREE ADMISSION

A Unique Family-Friendly Christmas Experience • Carriage Rides • Live Nativity • FREE Smores Kit for everyone • Hayrides • Live Music • Fire pits for roasting marshmallows • Visit General Store • Dickens Carolers • Historical Walk-thru Cabins FREE Hot Chocolate & Hay Ride to church groups with Prior reservation on Thursday nights. ALSO: Reserve your table for a candlelit Christmas Dinner! (at additional cost)

December 1,2,3 & 8, 9, 10 / 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Come Celebrate Keeping Christ in Christmas Info and reservations, Contact us at 601-964-8222 or Visit: fulmersfarmstead.com

on for a short time every night. Most homes didn’t have Christmas lights burning. Folks gave up many things to supply the servicemen essentials they needed to fight for America.” Roy finally said, “This one is my best memories: My parents told me to pick out one thing that I wanted in the Sears Roebuck Christmas catalog. My chemistry set arrived about two weeks before Christmas, and I found it wrapped and under our tree. I would lie on the floor next to it and dream about all the experiments I could try, using the special chemicals. That’s all I got under the tree, but that’s all I wanted. My dream had come true—I received a chemistry set.” My turn. The first Christmas Mr. Roy and I had a “house dog” we bought her a toy and wrapped it in Christmas paper. Her name was Pansy. After putting it under the tree with our gifts we told her that was her Christmas present. “You have to wait for everyone to open theirs,” I said. She spent her days napping by her gift and never tried to open it. If our daughters or friends tried to touch it, she growled and protected her present. She was a happy pup on Christmas morning when our family opened gifts. When we told her she could open hers, she immediately tore into her gift. Even her last Christmas when she was so sick, she still loved protecting and opening her gift. Our first Christmas after Mr. Roy and I were married, we were in the Army stationed at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas. We lived in an old World War II barracks that had been divided into small apartments.

An Army private’s pay was meager. Our tiny tree was foil, and I made the decorations. I saved enough from the grocery money to buy Roy a shirt from the PX. Only because I charged the groceries ... that’s another story. Roy gave me earrings from the same exclusive department store. He had a three-day furlough and we drove back home for Christmas. By then I was pregnant, and it was a happy holiday for both of our families. “Your turn again,” I said. “Our Christmas tree farm for almost 30 years was a wonderful gift to us. We made new friends from several nearby towns, and of course our regular friends came with their children. When the weather was bad, people still came. “We watched our customers’ children grow up, get married and then bring their children to pick out a tree. Everyone was in a good mood that time of year, especially watching their children run down the rows of trees calling out, ‘I found one,’ and a call back, ‘No, I like this tree.’ I truly loved those faithful long-time friends and the good memories.” I challenge my readers to take time during the holidays to snuggle up in a chair or sofa or on the floor in front of the fire and take turns sharing your happy Christmas memories. Our Lord will smile from heaven, since He knows you know the reason for the season. Kay Grafe is the author of “Oh My Gosh, Virginia.” To order, send name, address, phone number and $16.95, plus $3.50 S&H to Kay Grafe, 2142 Fig Farm Road, Lucedale, MS 39452.

November / December 2016

Today in Mississippi

Time to plant dianthus flowers and turn the foliage purplish, he perfect time to plant but the plants will recover. In north dianthus is when you Mississippi, protect fall plantings from plant your pansies. Dianthus and pansies are the cold. Or an easier solution is to simwonderful fall and winter ply plant new plants next spring for a great pink-themed color display. companion plants. My favorite dianthus for the cool seaDianthus is a versatile group of plants that we can grow in our Mississippi gar- son has to be the Telstar series. This dens and landscapes. My fall landscape is series has great colors ranging from carmine rose, pink and purnot complete without having ple to one that is almost red. dianthus to enjoy. Try pairing There also are a couple of them with pansies and violas pretty bicolors called picotfor a great, cool-season contees. tainer. Telstar is the perfect For gardeners in the choice for mass planting in coastal region, dianthus is a the landscape. The plants great choice for fall color. grow uniformly with a sturdy Dianthus can be planted in Southern habit that reaches only about the southern part of the state Gardening 10 inches tall and wide. now through spring for an outstanding color display. Fall by Dr. Gary Bachman Always plant in full sun in well-drained soil. plantings are good, as the Telstar dianthus is susceptible to root extra time in the ground allows plants to disease problems if the soil is consistentdevelop robust root systems. This growth results in a beautiful and colorful ly wet. This is always a concern in our cool and wet fall and winter seasons. I display next spring. Low temperatures usually damage the grow my Telstar dianthus in commer-

cially available container gardening systems or raised beds, which eliminate the worry about oversaturated soils. Telstar dianthus is a moderate to heavy feeder. At planting, I always fertilize with a good, slow-release fertilizer. I place about a tablespoon of my favorite fertilizer in the planting hole and then supplement monthly with water-soluble fertilizer. After the first flowering flush, prune the plants back about 3 inches. This trimming encourages more lateral growth and even more flowers. Another good dianthus choice is the Super Parfait series. Super Parfait is indeed super and tolerant of cold weather. This group is known for its compact size and large blossoms -- 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Super Parfait Raspberry has gorgeous, pinkish-white flowers with crimsonstreaked petals and dark eyes. My favorite is the large Super Parfait Red Peppermint flowers, which are bright white with a red center eye. One of the most surprising things about dianthus flowers is that they are

AMERICA’S HOME PLACE

This Telstar Pink picottee selection is perfect for mass planting. Photo: MSU Extension/Gary Bachman

edible. To prepare them, first wash and gently pat the blooms dry, and then hold the flower base and pull on the petals to separate. Add them to any fresh salad, either lettuce or fruit. The colorful petals are frilly, and since we eat with our eyes first, they add interest to our daily meals. 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.

Custom Built On Your Land Since 1972

“I would choose America’s Home Place every time.” -Americas Home Place Customer

Baton Rouge Building Center 2122 O’Neal Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70816

(225) 366-6962 Hattiesburg Building Center

Jackson Building Center

4700 Hardy St STE N, Hattiesburg, MS 39402

4205 Lakeland Dr, Flowood, MS 39232

(601) 952-0002

AmericasHomePlace.com

8 I Today in Mississippi I November / December 2016

Rabbit hunting and friendship, minus presumption rag-tag pair of litter mates, Herman and Homer had fair breeding but not the offspring of show stock. Dad got them for me during late winter when I was in ninth grade. Squirmy, energetic, beagle pups, they followed me about the dirt yard of our country home constantly. During the upcoming summer, they learned well. They trailed chickens and cats, the occasional neighbor dog. They even bumped a rabbit from a cotton patch in early fall, and such a pleasant outcry of confusion and anticipation I had never heard. Herman and Homer exemplified proper genetics. That year would be my last in the little county school eight miles east. I entered 10th grade in a new and mysterious environment. Always interested in music and acquainted with it as a result of my by Tony Kinton mother’s piano playing and all us singing at church, I wanted to be in a high school band. I talked with the

director in this unfamiliar setting and there found a large portion of my being. I was part of a school activity in which I could express myself, excel. I owe that to the director. To honor his privacy, I shall not give his full name but say only that his first name was Tom. It obviously was Mister (last name) to me, for we were taught at home to use such titles. I learned quickly that he had beagles. We talked chasing rabbits and fishing creek banks and the possibility of my adequately learning an instrument in the two years remaining of high school. He suggested I begin with tenor drum, an instrument used basically to pound out down beats. I could do that, but I also began immediately on the tuba. It was grand. I used that tuba business to partly pay my way through college with scholarships, but running beagles was never far from the minds of my director or me. He had an aging station wagon dedicated to hunting. Many Saturday mornings we loaded that car and headed out, always bound for the swamps. And there was never a time that a merry chase didn’t get underway soon after those dogs

CD or IRA

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Outdoors Today

COMING DUE?

15%

First Year GUARANTEED Includes First Year 8% Bonus

Call now for a FREE copy of the book Growth Without Risk.

L.D. O’Mire Financial Services

1-800-844-3254 601-209-3131 www.ldomire.com “ Helping families for over 50 years” Guarantees subject to the claim paying ability of the insurance company. Surrender of the contract may be subject to surrender charge or market value adjustment. Product not available in all states. This is a single premium deferred Annuity. Interest rates are subject to change. Withdrawals prior to age 591/2 may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty.

Low Rates for Plan F Male (Non Tobacco)

Female (Non Tobacco)

Age

Mo.Prem.

Age

Mo.Prem.

65 70 75 80

$121.00 $135.00 $157.00 $182.00

65 70 75 80

$105.00 $117.00 $137.00 $158.00

Rates vary slightly by zip code. Not affiliated with any government agency

HAMILTON INSURANCE AGENCY Call

800-336-9861 6045 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211

Few things among outdoor pursuits are as intriguing as watching and listening to beagles sort out a rabbit trail. Photo: Tony Kinton

bounded from that car. Sometimes chases were long, with tiny, short-legged hounds trying to sort out a savvy swamp rabbit. And there was occasionally the rumble of a 20-gauge shotgun and the heft of a heavy game vest. But there was always a warm greeting, palatable conversation, smiles and a genteel parting. Never presumptions, for he remained my teacher and I his student. Protocol reigned. One day stands out in recall. We were running late sorting dogs for the drive home. Herman, one who lived only to hunt, jumped a rabbit. A big swamper that led the little beagle across two sloughs. Distant and haunting bawls faded, and the only choice was to leave him. Herman simply would not respond to my pleas and leave the trail. In desperation I removed my hunting vest, ripe with my scent, placed it on the ground near where we parked and left, sunset barely visible in an eerie sky over dark and foreboding woods. I didn’t sleep well that night.

But the next morning was glorious. I took my dad’s battered pickup and went to the spot where the vest lay, daylight still an embryonic glow on the horizon. And there was Herman, curled on that vest. I cuddled him, wiped dew from his coat and put him in the truck. It would be the following day, Monday, before I could relay this perfect outcome to my friend, my band director, but he shared in my relief and good fortune with a wide grin. He was still Mister (last name) then. As time always does, it changed things. He went on to gain additional degrees and took on other positions in education at Mississippi State. I chased my dreams of music and teaching and writing. We talked rarely, but did keep in touch. About a year ago now, I was standing beside my mother’s casket, a practically inevitable but still emotional setting that many have faced or will face. Back down the line of kind faces I saw one that moved me deeply. There he was. He shook my hand and offered his condolences. We even mentioned beagles. That friendship begun while rabbit hunting had endured. I greeted him as Tom but felt strangely uncomfortable doing so. Friendships allow such liberties. 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.

everyday life!

November / December 2016

Today in Mississippi

Helping you to enjoy

Mississippiâ€™s electric power cooperatives have a long-standing tradition of promoting electrical safety and energy efficiencyâ€”a natural fit with our initial mission of extending affordable electric service to everyone who wanted it. We have helped generations of electric cooperative members make informed choices every time they flip a switch. We are member-owned electric cooperatives whose viability reflects our commitment to providing valuable, money-saving services to our members. So itâ€™s only natural for electric cooperatives to work in the interests of members. Our broad mission of service also encompasses a range of community service activities. With a work force exceeding 2,900, electric cooperative employees are respected business leaders and civic-minded volunteers in small towns and rural communities throughout Mississippi. We help grow communities through economic development, leadership and volunteerism. We work to empower Mississippians the cooperative way.

P.O. Box 3300 Ridgeland, Mississippi 39158 601-605-8600 www.ecm.coop

We are more than an electric utility service. We are part of the family of electric cooperatives, and we work every day to make life better in our great state.

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2016

Board of Directors

www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544

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

YOUR COOPERATIVE

Here’s An Idea

By Joe Cade CEO/General Manager

Keep the chill out of your cozy home

Giving back is the co-op way As some of you might know, cooperatives across the globe adhere to the same Seven Cooperative Principles that guide all of our decisions––from how we run the co-op, to how we engage with our local communities. Concern for community is the seventh principle, and it is one that all employees of 4-County Electric Power Association value year round. But during the holiday season, concern for community seems especially important. Electric cooperatives have a proud history of giving back. You can see this reflected in your utility bill. Even during the holidays— when many people are lighting their homes with festive decorations, or staying up late entertaining and cooking for family and friends—we are still working to provide you with the most affordable electric service. We help members keep energy use in check by providing energy efficiency tips through the use of employees, our website (www.4county.org), Facebook and this publication, Today in Mississippi. We help you save driving time by providing the option to pay your bill through bank draft, online, with a mobile app, over the phone, using kiosks in the community or simply mailing your payment in. We also help keep your family safe by providing electrical safety tips—information that is especially important this time of year—through the direction of employees and our media resources. The 4-County Foundation has given away more than $250,000 to organizations and

individuals throughout the area (see page 10b for more information). And our Extreme Energy Makeover program is making homes more energy efficient and comfortable to those in need (see page 11). And let’s don’t forget the Co-op Connections Card. If you haven’t utilized this program, I highly recommend checking out the prescription and other discounts offered through this member benefit. So many families go without on a daily basis and struggle to make ends meet. This struggle can be especially hard during the holiday season. Check out our Toys for Tots boxes in the Corporate Center and Starkville office. There are many ways you can give back to the community that go beyond dollar donations. Take some time to go through your closets and find clothes that no longer fit or have lost their use. Bag those items up and take them to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill or church clothing drive. Volunteer for a local food or toy drive, deliver meals to the sick and the elderly or simply make a meal for a neighbor in need. No matter how great or small the act, every time we give back, we strengthen our community. So take the time to give back this holiday season. You’ll be glad you did.

Don’t let Old Man Winter’s chilly breath creep into your cozy home. If you’re looking for ways to keep your electric bills down and the warmth of your home up during the coldest winter months, follow a few simple guidelines: • Set your thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature and leave it there. Wear warm clothes around the house instead of dressing for warmer weather. • Keep all doors and windows closed, and make sure to check the caulking and weather stripping. • Keep heating vents clear of obstruction. • Turn off heat and close doors to unused rooms if you have individual room heat. • If you have a fireplace, close the damper when it’s not in use. This will keep heat from going up and out of your chimney.

Follow us on Facebook 4-County members have several ways to keep up with cooperative goings on. One of those communications tools is the 4-County Facebook page. It features Association news, photos and much more. To see it, visit www.facebook.com and search for 4-County, or look for the Facebook line at www.4county.org.

Holiday office schedule 4-County offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday; Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holiday; and Friday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Jan. 2, for New Year’s Day. A dispatcher is always on hand to handle emergencies. Happy Thanksgiving, merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $519,379 on prescription drugs through October.

Look here each month to see the savings total!

November / December 2016

Today in Mississippi

10a

Close your eyes, follow your nose to a tasty surprise The holiday season is a time to energize the senses. Enter someone’s home and you’re likely to inhale the rich, enticing fragrances of a variety of tasty Thanksgiving and Christmas treats. The homes of 4-County employees (and the offices) are no differ-

Sausage Cheese Tartlets 1 pound mild sausage, cooked, drained, crumbled 1 2⁄3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese 1 ½ cups grated Monterrey Jack cheese 1 envelope ranch dressing mix 1 (2.5-ounce) can chopped black olives ½ cup chopped red bell pepper (optional) Dash Tabasco 4 packages phyllo cups Mix all ingredients except cups. Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of mixture into each cup. Bake at 350 F for 10 minutes. These can be frozen. Julie Johns, 4-County Corporate Center

ent as the cooperative has its own set of renowned homegrown chefs. With all due respect to Emeril Lagasse, the 4-County cooks are dishing up their own gift of recipes this year for all to enjoy. Here’s a sampling:

Fresh Apple Cake ¡ 1 ½ cup salad oil 2 cups sugar 2 large eggs, beaten 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups chopped raw apple 1 cup chopped pecans (mixed with a little flour) Beat salad oil and sugar at low speed until creamy; add beaten eggs. Sift flour, salt, soda and baking powder; add to mixture. Beat until smooth. Mix in nuts and apples. Pour into tube pan and bake at 350 F for 55 or 60 minutes. Let cool before removing from pan. Topping: 1 cup brown sugar ¼ cup milk 1 stick margarine Combine all ingredients and cook for 2 ½ minutes. Pour hot topping over hot cake in pan. Let set until cold. When completely cold, remove cake with topping from pan.

Creamy Taco Soup 1 pound ground beef ½ cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 can shoepeg corn 1 can dark red kidney beans 2 (10-ounce) cans Ro-tel tomatoes, undrained 2 cans beef broth ½ cup heavy cream In a large soup pot, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic; drain. Add the seasonings and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Drop pinches of cream cheese into the meat and stir until no bits of white remain. Stir in remaining ingredients and heat through. Dawn Conn, Call Center

Dale Hall, Corporate Center

Toys for Tots makes Christmas a little brighter Employees and members of 4-County Electric Power Association have the chance to make Christmas a little better and brighter for area children by taking part in the Toys for Tots program. Toys for Tots, a charitable organization offered through the U.S. Marine Corps, has partnered with 4-County the last six holiday seasons. Last year, employees and members dug deep and collected nearly 300 toys for distribution in 4-County’s service territory. “This is a great Christmas project,” said 4-County Communications Coordinator Brad Barr. “We’re always excited to partner with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots project. Last year, the cooperative and its members made Christmas an even better experience for children in our service area. A lot of children identified by Toys for Tots wouldn’t have the same Christmas

experience without the help of this charitable organization and organizations like 4-County.” Toys for Tots drop-off boxes will be located in 4-County offices. Participants in this project are not required to donate toys for children of a specific age or gender. “All we ask is that you drop off a new toy in one of the boxes located in an office near you,” Barr explained. The drop-off boxes will be in 4-County offices by Nov. 11. The deadline for dropping off toys is Dec. 16. Toys for Tots personnel will pick up the items by the end of that day. For more information about the Toys for Tots project, call Barr at 662-245-0711.

10b

Pocket Change that Changes Lives

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2016

The 4-County Foundation has raised over since its inception in February 2015. Eighty-eight organizations in 4-County’s nine-county service area have received Foundation awards. That’s a total of $279,751.88 dispersed among organizations like the Sally Kate Winters Childrens Home, the Broken Wings Christian Women’s Job Corps, the Salvation Army, Golden Triangle World Changers and West Lowndes Elementary School. “This is a monumental achievement for the 4-County Foundation. It really is making a difference in the communities 4-County serves, all because of the generosity of the cooperative’s members,” said Kathy Howell, 4-County Foundation chairperson. 4-County believes in helping the communi-

ties it serves. That’s why the cooperative launched the 4-County Foundation, a community service program. Since February 2015, 4-County members’ utility bills have been rounded up to the nearest dollar; a $125.78 bill, for example, becomes $126. Now, that’s an average of only 49 cents per member, per month. That may not seem like much. But when you multiply those contributions by the thousands of member participants, that’s a lot of pennies! Just a few cents a month, for each member that participates, over the course of a year makes a huge difference for organizations like Contact Helpline throughout communities in the 4-County service area (see list of organiza-

$250,000

tions receiving awards at right). Who decides on the dispersing of funds? 4-County Foundation board members (individuals selected from throughout the cooperative service area) decide and handle fund requests. “This program is all about helping communities and people,” Howell said. “It’s a convenient, inexpensive way for 4-County, its members and other participants to help. Those pennies quickly add up to dollars that make a huge difference to these organizations and individuals.” For more information, call 1-800-431-1544.

Members of the East Oktibbeha VFD use a Jaws of Life device purchased with 4-County Foundation award funds.

November / December 2016

YOU CAN APPLY! Interested in obtaining assistance from the 4-County Foundation? If you meet the criteria, you can apply! Applications for individuals and organizations are available in 4-County offices and on the cooperative website, www.4county.org. These forms should be filled out and emailed to 4countyfoundation@4county.org or mailed back to 4-County Foundation, P.O. Box 351, Columbus, MS 39703. The 4-County Foundation board meets periodically through the year to review donation requests.

4-County Foundation board members are: Kathy Howell (District 1 – Lowndes County) Russell Dodds (District 2 – Oktibbeha County) Gale Griggs (District 3 – Clay and Monroe counties) Gwendolyn Cotton (District 4 – Noxubee County) Deanie Graves (District 5 – Choctaw and Winston counties) Sue Cooper (District 6 – Chickasaw and Webster counties) Columbus Jones (District 7 – At Large)

For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544.

1. Choctaw County Fire Services $5,000 for protective gear and equipment 2. East Webster High School Band $3,000 for uniforms 3. East Oktibbeha VFD $5,700 for a self-contained breathing apparatus 4. Starkville Pregnancy Center $1,000 for a purity program 5. Columbus Arts Council $2,500 for the Young People’s Artist series 6. Choctaw County Constable Dept. $8,700 toward purchase of vehicle 7. Last House on the Block $5,000 for a truck 8. Lake Forest Ranch/Camp Macon $2,000 for camp expenses 9. West Central Clay VFD $4,410 for equipment 10. American Red Cross North Miss. Chapter $5,000 for emergency services 11. Starkville Bridges Out of Poverty $3,000 for training materials 12. Safe Haven Inc. $3,000 for child care services 13. HEARTS After-School Tutoring Program Inc. $2,000 for laptops and software 14. Lowndes County District 3 VFD $3,000 toward a district support truck 15. Pushmataha Area Council Boy Scouts of America $5,000 toward basketball court/goals 16. French Camp Academy Rainwater Observatory $3,000 for education programs 17. French Camp Elementary School $5,500 to assist with robotics program 18. Good Samaritan Medical Clinic $2,000 purchase of diabetic test supplies 19. Oktibbeha County Relay For Life $500 for fund-raising efforts 20. Tibbee Volunteer Fire Department $2,500 for equipment 21. Life Choices Pregnancy Care Center $1,000 for educational program 22. Ackerman Elementary School $2,000 toward purchase of piano 23. Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office $2,520 for three bullet-proof vests 24. Tenn-Tom Waterway Museum $1,000 math & science training program 25. Choctaw County High School Alumni Association $1,000 toward field day and graduation 26. Sally Kate Winters Childrens Home $3,000 for a privacy fence 27. Choctaw Nursing and Rehab Center $2,000 for a new door 28. Dancing Rabbit Chapter NSDAR $200 for banner/publicity 29. Oktibbeha-Starkville Emergency Response, $500 for manuals

30. Central Academy PTA $5,800 for supplies 31. Oktibbeha County District 5 VFD $1,000 toward purchase of tanker truck 32. Broken Wings Christian Women’s Job Corps $500 for classroom expansion 33. Golden Triangle Outdoors, Inc. $500 for field project 34. Golden Triangle Early College High School $1,000 for transportation costs 35. Starkville Area Arts Council $500 Children’s Arts Festival 36. Ackerman Elementary School $2,150 for educational supplies 37. Frank P. Phillips Memorial YMCA $6,100 equipment at Camp Pratt 38. Monroe County Relay For Life $250 for survivor T-shirts 39. West Lowndes Elementary School $1,450 for library books 40. Contact Helpline $2,090 for a computer and copier 41. Starkville High School Robotics $2,500 for travel costs 42. Relay for Life Lowndes County $604 for survivor T-shirts 43. My Book of Lowndes County $550 for West Lowndes Elementary 44. SILO, Inc. $1,000 for educational materials 45. Sturgis Police Department $2,843 for body armor 46. Tiandra Poe $2,000 to assist with sick child 47. Clay Co. Sheriff’s Department $5,000 48. Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department Reserves, $4,800 for tasers 49. Golden Triangle World Changers, $9,900 for area home repairs 50.Choctaw County Sheriff’s Department, $8,748 for body cameras 51. Oak Hill Academy, $5,000 for iPads 52. Oktibbeha County Emergency Service $4575 for electrical upgrades 53. Gina Gentry $2,500 for family assistance 54. West Point/Clay County Arts Council $2,000 for a marquee sign 55. West Central Clay VFD $4,200 for equipment 56. Loaves & Fishes Episcopal Church of Good Shepherd $1,500 for pantry items 57. Ackerman Police Department $2,569 for body cameras 58. Golden Triangle Planning & Development District $1,500 to feed those in need

Today in Mississippi

59. Girl Scouts Hearts of the South $500 for travel to workshops 60. Last House on the Block $4,000 for heating/cooling units 61. The Father’s Child Ministry $1,500 for camps 62. RIDES $1,000 for safety equipment 63. Relay For Life Chickasaw County $250 for survivor T-shirts 64. Relay For Life Clay County $500 for survivor T-shirts 65. Mrs. Smith’s Educational Services $1,000 for educational items 66. Afro-American Cultural Society of Golden Triangle $400 for educational items 67. East Oktibbeha VFD $10,000 for Jaws of Life device 68. Columbus Arts Council $2,500 for Young People Artist’s series 69. West Point Fire Department $6,807 for a fire safety program 70. Maben Fire Department $4,920 for an infrared camera 71. Friends of Starkville Library $2,300 for a mobile table and chairs 72. Tol VanDevender/Family of Chris Newman, $2,500 for a sick child 73. Oktibbeha County EMA/E911 $7,000 for new computers 74. The Salvation Army, Columbus Corps $3,224 for freezers/equipment 75. Simpson Volunteer Fire Department $7,329 for generator/gear 76. Choctaw County High School Alumni Association $800 for two laptops 77. West Point Consolidated School District IT Dept. $8,850 for Promethean Panels 78. Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, $1,506 for supplies 79. Weir Elementary School $8,100 for iPads 80. The Salvation Army of Starkville $2,550 for Christmas food 81. Starkville Area Arts Council $1,033 for children’s art supplies 82. Noxubee County Sheriff’s Office $4,799.88 for 12 tasers 83. Toys for Tots $3,000 for the purchase of toys 84. MSU Symphony Association $5,000 for children’s programs 85. Columbus Christian Academy $3,889 for playground equipment 86. Tibbee VFD $7,285 for a thermal imaging camera 87. Central Academy $2,500 for playground equipment 88. Ackerman Elementary $6,550 for 25 Chromebooks

10c

10d

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2016

Give the gift of safety this Christmas season Shopping, decorating and holiday entertaining are all part of what makes the Christmas season a cherished time for family and friends. But make sure to put safety at the top of your to-do-list. Here are a few electrical safety tips to make sure your Christmas season is a good one: • Always purchase electrical decorations and lights from reputable retailers and check that a nationally recognized testing organization like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has approved them, according to 4-County Job Safety and Training Coordinator Joe Miller. “Inspect electrical decorations for damage, such as cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections, before use,” Miller recommended. Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights together, he stressed. And always remember to turn off, unplug and extinguish all decorations when going to sleep or leaving the house. • Christmas, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day lead the year for candle fires, according to officials with Electrical Safety Foundation International. Mind your festive decorations for safety hazards.

New employees join 4-County team

THINK SAFETY

Two new employees have joined the 4-County Electric Power Association team. Curtis Collier and Wesley Champion joined the cooperative in October.

1. When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree will stay green longer, reducing the risk of fire. 2. On artificial trees, look for a “fire resistant” label. 3. Keep candles, matches and lighters out of reach, and never leave children unsupervised when candles are lit. 4. Instead of traditional candles, use battery-operated candles. 5. Place electrical cords out of the reach of small children. 6. Never allow children to play with lights, electrical decorations or cords.

Curtis Collier comes to 4-County from Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association, where he served as a lineman. He is a graduate of the Holmes Community College Lineman program. Collier will work as an Apprentice Lineman in 4-County’s Ackerman area. He and his wife, Anna, will live in the French Camp area. In his spare time, Collier enjoys cattle farming Curtis Collier and riding horses.

For more information, visit holidaysafety.org.

Watts Happening

Wesley Champion

Wesley Champion, originally from Pheba, comes to 4-County from the Starkville Electric Department, where he served as an apprentice lineman. He also worked for MDR in a similar position. He is a graduate of East Mississippi Community College’s Basic Electrical Line Worker Program. He will serve the cooperative as an Apprentice Lineman 3, living and working in the Macon area. His hobbies include outdoor activities such as water sports.

This listing of area events is compiled from information provided by area chambers of commerce and visitors’ bureaus. The events listed are subject to change. Please call to confirm dates, times and additional details.

SATURDAY, NOV. 19

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30

MONDAY, DEC. 5

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

Holiday Farmers Market; Second Avenue N. at Second Street N. in Columbus; 9 a.m. to noon; details, (662) 329-1191.

44th Annual Holiday Bazaar; Starkville Sportsplex, 405 Lynn Lane; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; continues through Thursday, Dec. 1; details, (662) 323-3322.

Columbus Christmas Parade; downtown Columbus; 7 p.m.; details, (662) 328-6305.

First Christmas – a recreated Bethlehem village; the Shops at Brickerton, 70 Brickerton St. in Columbus; continues through Sunday, Dec. 11; details, (662) 3283915.

SUNDAY, NOV. 20 Bulldog Brunch & Browse 2016; intersection of Main and Russell Streets in Starkville; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322.

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

MONDAY, NOV. 28

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

Light the W; campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus; 7 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. Columbus Christmas Tree Lighting; Columbus Riverwalk area; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. Starkville Christmas Parade; Main Street in Starkville; 6 to 8 p.m.; details, (662) 3233322.

Starkville Symphony: Christmas Concert; Lee Hall Auditorium on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville; 7:30 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322. Weir Christmas Parade; downtown Weir; 6 p.m.; details, (662) 547-6123.

Ackerman Christmas Parade; downtown Ackerman; 6 p.m.; details, (662) 285-6251.

TUESDAY, DEC. 6 The W’s Festival of Trees; Cochran Hall’s Limbert Assembly Room on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus; 4:30 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. Jazz Ensemble; Poindexter Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus; 7:30 p.m.; details, (662) 3291191.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7 Blue Ribbon Business Resource: Lunch and Learn; The Mill, 600 Russell St.in Starkville, 11 a.m.; $25 for non-chamber members; details, (662) 323-3322.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3 1st Saturday Arts for All – MistleTales; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus; 9 a.m. to noon; (662) 328-2787.

THURSDAY, DEC. 8 Noxubee County Christmas Parade; downtown Macon; 6 p.m.; details, (662) 726-4456.

SATURDAY, DEC. 10 Brunch with Santa; The Grill, 200 S. Montgomery St. in Starkville; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322. Starkville Area Arts Council presents: Arts Gala – Jingle Bell Ball; Hunter Henry Center on the campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville; 6:30 p.m.; tickets, $75 each; details, (662) 324-3080.

TUESDAY, DEC. 13 Columbus Sings Messiah; Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College St. in Columbus; two performances – 6 and 8 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191.

November / December 2016

Today in Mississippi

Extreme Energy Makeover is true blue The Extreme Energy Makeover (EEM) program may sound too good to be true. But area contractors assisting with the program can assure you it is as true as they come. “It may sound too good to be true. But it is true,” said Joe Arick, owner of A&H Electric in West Point. A&H is one of several area contractors who are working in conjunction This home belongs to Julie Cotton of Columbus. It is the 50th home renovated through the Extreme Energy Makeover (EEM) program. with the groundbreaking program. A&H, based in West Point, is a 25-year provider of electrical, heating and air conditioning, energy management and refrigeration services. EEM, quite simply, is making homes more comfortable for people to live in. The program is offered through the Tennessee Valley Authority, 4-County Electric Power Association and local contractors. “I enjoy going to homes that really need energy services put in place,” Arick said. “These people appreciate what we’re doing. When you leave there, you know you’ve done a good deed.” The energy efficiency program for homeowners is making life better for those eligible in the 4-County Electric Power Association service area. How? EEM is unlocking the energy-saving potential in several area homes. Those who qualify for the program may be eligible for energy efficiency upgrades to their homes. What’s the best part for those individuals? The upgrades are free! The program is designed to help eligible homeowners living within 4-County’s service area to increase the energy efficiency, comfort and durability of their homes. EEM starts with a home energy audit to identify opportunities for improving efficiency. If you meet the eligibility requirements, then a participating contractor like A&H will install a variety of energy-saving upgrades in your home that will reduce your energy use. Ready to get started? Upgrades are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To see if you qualify, visit 4.county.org/EEM or call 1-800-431-1544. And look upcoming issues of Today in Mississippi for more EEM details and success stories.

A&H Electric in West Point is one of several area contractors working alongside 4-County in conjunction with the EEM program.

Benson likes people and job

Byron Benson is a people person. “If no one is around me, I’ll go find someone,” Byron admitted with a grin. The veteran 4-County journeyman lineman isn’t alone very often. Church, family and work keep him pretty busy and provide him a constant source of companions. “I like the people,” Byron said of his 4-County career. “I enjoy the brotherhood with the other lineman. And I like the work, too—working out of the bucket and doing what a lineman does.” Byron began working at 4-County in 1997. His initial co-op job was working on Jody Thompson’s right-of-way crew. He later transferred to J .B. Griffith’s construction crew, and he became a journeyman lineman in 2003. Now, Byron works on Rob Giles’ construction crew. Prior to the co-op, he was working as an industrial electrician for Weather’s Electric. He has an associate’s degree in electrical technology from East Mississippi Community College. A native of Lowndes County, he and his wife, Melanie, have two children: Claire, 14, and Lily, 8. Byron enjoys keeping up with his daughters and their activities. Claire is a soccer player while Lily is a ballerina. Byron is the music minister at New Salem

Baptist Church, located near Caledonia. He has served in that position for 12 years. He and Melanie also teach a young married couples Sunday school class. “I’ve always enjoyed music. But, there’s something special when God calls you to a specific task. Music happens to be mine.” He enjoys encouraging others to take part in music and hone their musical abilities. “It’s more than just music,” Byron explained. “I believe anything that God gives you, He expects you to use it for His glory.” In his spare time he is a supporter of Mississippi State University sports, and he is an occasional participant in the Tombigbee Stump Jumpers Ski Club. Byron is often called “Rudy” by other employees. How did he get the nickname? Former employee Henry McMillian tagged him with the name and, according to Byron, it just stuck. Byron appreciates being part of the 4-County team. The benefits are great, he said, but the respect is even better. “Everyone respects everyone else,” Byron said. “Our opinions and needs are taken into consideration when decisions are made. That’s not always the case in some organizations.”

12 I Today in Mississippi I November / December 2016

Penne Pesto with Baby Spinach ½ tsp. minced garlic (about 1 clove) 8 Tbsp. homemade pesto (recipe below) or use store-bought 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. capers, drained 16 oz. whole-wheat penne pasta

RECIPES FROM:

‘Six O’Clock Scramble Meal Planner’ We all know we need to eat healthier foods, but pulling together a nutritious meal can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Often we run out of time and ideas at the end of the day and resort to unhealthy fast food or calorie-laden frozen meals. A new cookbook from the American Diabetes Association can help. In “The Six O’Clock Scramble Meal Planner,” author Aviva Goldfarb shows how to plan easy, healthy meals and shop for ingredients one week at a time. The cookbook is organized into 32 weekly meal plans, arranged by season, with main dishes and sides. Readers will find 160 diabetes-friendly recipes that require 30 minutes or less to prepare, plus a wealth of do-head tips and flavor boosters. Nutritional information accompanies each recipe and many have instructions for adapting the recipe for slow cooking. The recipes are not only for diabetics; everyone wanting to improve their health without sacrificing flavor and variety will benefit from this cookbook. The Mississippi State Department of Health estimated in 2014 that 13 percent of Mississippi adults have diabetes, the second-highest diabetes rate in the country. Diabetes is an incurable disease that can result in disability, hospitalization and the inability to work. Self-care practices, including adopting better eating habits, are important in helping sufferers stay healthy and manage the disease. During American Diabetes Month in November, the American Diabetes Association shares information and stories of people living with the disease. For more information, visit the website at www.Diabetes.org. Recipes reprinted with permission. To order “The Six O’Clock Scramble Meal Planner,” go to www.ShopDiabetes.org, call 1-800-232-6733 or look for it in bookstores. The price for the softcover book is $22.95.

Carmelized Cabbage 1 head green cabbage 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 tsp. butter

½ tsp. salt 1⁄8 to ¼ black pepper 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

Halve, core and thinly slice the cabbage. In a large heavy skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and butter. When the butter melts, add cabbage. Cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until it starts to cook down, and then remove the lid. Cook the cabbage, turning occasionally (tongs work well), until it starts to brown, about 15 minutes. Add the salt, pepper and vinegar, and cook for about 5 more minutes until nicely browned. Makes 6 servings of ½ cup.

12 oz. baby spinach ¼ tsp. salt, or to taste 1⁄8 tsp. black pepper, or to taste ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, or more to taste

Boil water for the pasta in a large stockpot. Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, combine the garlic, pesto, oil and capers. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until it is about 1 minute short of being done. Add the spinach to the boiling water with the pasta and cook for about 1 minute. Drain pasta and spinach briefly and toss with the ingredients in the large bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and top with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Makes 8 servings of 1 ½ cups. Pesto: 2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves 2 chopped garlic cloves 2 Tbsp. pine nuts ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper ½ lemon, optional

Combine pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until coarsely chopped. Tip: You can use extra pesto sauce as a spread for crackers, toss it with steamed green beans or freeze it for future use. To freeze leftover pesto, spoon it into ice cube trays and, after it freezes, remove from the tray and store in reusable bags in the freezer. Take cubes out as needed and add to pasta recipes.

Turkey, Cranberry and Wild Rice Salad 1 cup wild rice blend, such as Lundberg’s 1 cup cooked turkey breast, chopped 2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup) 2 to 4 scallions, thinly sliced (¼ to ½ cup), to taste ½ cup dried cranberries (or use raisins or pomegranate seeds), or ½ to ¾ cup

cranberry sauce ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (or use equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar) ½ cup pecans, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped

Prepare the rice according to the package directions, using water or chicken broth. In a medium serving bowl, combine the turkey, celery, scallions and cranberries. When the rice is cooked, combine it with the ingredients in the bowl. Stir in the vinaigrette dressing. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes and up to 2 days. Just before serving, stir in the pecans. Makes 6 servings of 1 cup.

Rosemary-Garlic Pork Roast with Whipped Sweet Potatoes 1 ½ to 2 lbs. boneless pork loin roast or pork tenderloin, or bone-in chicken pieces 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 ½ tsp. minced garlic (about 5 cloves) 1 Tbsp. fresh or dried rosemary ½ Tbsp. kosher salt ¾ tsp. black pepper

2 ½ lbs. sweet potatoes (about 5 potatoes), peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces 1 Tbsp. trans fat-free margarine 1 to 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or brown sugar, to taste ½ cup nonfat or low-fat milk

Preheat oven to 400 F. Put the meat in a large roasting pan. In a small bowl, combine the oil, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper. Rub the mixture over the top and sides of the meat. (If using pork tenderloin, fold the skinny piece under so you have a piece with somewhat uniform thickness.) Roast the meat for 30 to 40 minutes (check it after 25 minutes for pork tenderloin) until it is cooked through, or has an internal temperature of 160 F. While the meat is cooking, cover the sweet potatoes with water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer the potatoes until they are fork tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and whip them in a mixing bowl with the margarine, syrup or sugar, and milk until they are smooth. (Optional: Transfer the whipped potatoes to a small casserole dish and put them in the oven with the pork roast until the tops of the potatoes start to brown.) Cut the meat into slices and serve with warm potatoes. Slow cooker directions: Follow the pork recipe as above, placing the pork in the slow cooker and covering with rub mixture. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Prepare potatoes as directed above. Makes 6 servings of 3 ounces meat and ½ cup mashed potatoes.

November / December 2016

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2016

FIRED UP: hese cool autumn and winter mornings are the kinds of days John Nelson likes, so he can go play in the tin building across the road from his house in the Courtland community of Panola County. That’s because these crisp mornings are perfect for firing up the wood-burning boiler that supplies steam to the antique steam engines John has managed to collect over the years, and houses in his building. The engines aren’t just for looks. They power a sawmill and a gristmill and an old wood shingle-making machine. The heat from the boiler not only warms up the cool mornings but also melts away the years, back to a time we perceive as Mississippi much simpler Seen than today. After a couby Walt Grayson ple of blasts on the old steam whistles mounted above the building, John is no longer alone. Neighbors start to trickle in to watch. John says when he first put his collection together back in the 1980s his audi-

Today in Mississippi

John Nelson and his steam machines

MEDICARE Supplement

TURNING 65 SOON?

Call us to SAVE Up to 40% L.D. O’Mire Financial Services

1-800-844-3254

John Nelson turns out some cedar shingles at the steam-powered shingle mill in his collection of steam engines and machines in Panola County. John says chilly days are best for firing up the boiler. Photo: Walt Grayson

ence was primarily old men who had worked with these types machines when they were younger. But by and large most of them are gone now, so nowadays it’s mostly neighbors that gather here with him, and maybe a group of home-schooled youngsters wanting to look through the curtain of time to see how things used to be. It’s a noisy operation with belts slapping in time to the chugging of the engines and the startling, loud hiss when the release valve on the boiler suddenly pops open. It makes you look around to be sure the preacher wasn’t standing near to hear what you just said when it scared you. There are the smells, too. Smells of hot oil as the bearings sing, the cedar from the

Fixed Indexed Annuities

10% Interest Bonus on all Deposits! Featuring up to

1-844-AGENT4U

SAFETY with Fixed Rates or Market Gains. (No Losses) (IRA, ROTH, CD, NQ, 401K and Pension Rollovers)

601-209-3131 www.ldomire.com

“ Helping families for over 50 years”

shingle mill, oak from the sawmill and wood smoke from the belly of the boiler. In my mind I see what my Grandfather’s sawmill may have looked like a hundred years ago. I look around at the home-schoolers attempting to tightrope walk the rails of John’s narrowgauge tracks running past his tin building and I see myself walking home from school, taking a shortcut down the rails that ran through our neighborhood. In a shed at the far end of the tracks is a small locomotive. It’s not operating today but promises to be another story for another day when John gets it running again. Not only is the cool weather just right for firing up a wood-burning boiler, but this time of the year is just right for con-

A+

Culotta Insurance & Investments

Mississippi • STATEWIDE • Louisiana

Since 1992

Richie Culotta

juring up simpler times. I think that is a part of the appeal of the holidays, the attempt to do things like they once were done, from Thanksgiving dinner to decorating for Christmas. Oh, we may use laser lights to deck the front of the house now, but it’s the same thing Daddy used to try to do with a couple of strings of “big lights” haphazardly strung over the boxwood by the front steps years ago. Honestly, I don’t know if times were actually simpler back then than they are now. But they are over and we know how they turned out. And we had the old folks to lean on and ask for advice and perhaps to tide us over if we needed it. Now, more and more, we’re becoming the “old folks” and it’s a little frightening. I don’t think I’m as qualified as they were back then. Even more frightening, what if they were no more qualified to be the wise old leaders back then than I am now! Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television, and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” Contact Grayson at walt@waltgrayson.com.

Marketplace

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2016

Mississippi

FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS

SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North Americaâ€™s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial sawmill equipment for woodlot and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. Call for a free list or to sell your equipment, 800-459-2148; www.sawmillexchange.com. BILOXI BEACH, MS. 2BR. Timeshare Week 24. Yearly dues $500. 228-224-4433. HUCKLEBERRY DESSERTS. Friday - Sunday. 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Call or text order 601-452-0728.

PLAY GOSPEL SONGS by Ear! $12.95. â€œLearn Gospel Musicâ€? - chording, runs, fills - $12.95. Both $24. Davidsons, 6727MS Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66204. 913-262-4982. FREE BOOKS/DVDS, Soon the â€œMark of the Beastâ€? will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, P.O. Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. 888-211-1715; thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com. STOP STRUGGLING WITH DEBT! Learn the Truth about Bankruptcy. Call 228-215-3584 Now for FREE information.

VACATION RENTALS SMOKIES. TOWNSEND, TN. 2 BR, 2 BATH Log Home, Jacuzzi, Fireplace, wrap-around porch, charcoal grill. 865-320-4216; For rental details and pictures E-mail: tncabin.lonnie@yahoo.com. CABINS IN THE SMOKIES, PIGEON FORGE, TN. Owner rates, 251-649-3344, 251-649-4049; www.hideawayprop.com. BILOXI BEACH, MS. 2BR. Thanksgiving Week, Gulf View, $1500 negotiable. 228-224-4433

Type or print your ad clearly. Be sure to include your telephone number. Deadline is the 10th of each month for the next monthâ€™s issue. Rate is $2.50 per word, 10-word minimum. Mail payment with your ad to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300. Have any questions? Phone 601-605-8600 or email advertising@epaofms.com.

FARM BARNS

Hattiesburg, MS â€˘ 1-601-296-0550 Our Prices Include Labor & Metal Sides Also Available in Wood Sides

Garage with hardy siding and concrete slab, any size.

www.farmbarnsinc.com

We will build any size barn.

SOUTHEASTERN RED DEER FARMS

If you like deer hunting & the outdoors, then you will love raising Red Deer!

A small amount of land needed. Raising red deer is fun & profitable. Red deer are ready to be delivered to your farm now.

Call: Willie Strickland, Southeastern Red Deer Farms, 601-736-5057.

Mobile Home Owners: ROOF KING

Mobile Home Super Insulated Roof Over Systems. 40 Year Warranty. Factory Direct from

ROOF KING 1-800-276-0176 www.roofking.net

SINCE 1982

EASTERN

(ZR HIV\[ V\Y KV P[ `V\YZLSM TH[LYPHSZ RP[Z

DIVISION

Enclosed $9,395 - 30x50x10 Painted Built Price (Not Shown) STORAGE BUILDINGS HAY BARNS HORSE BARNS GARAGES

Building shown: $18,938 Built Price 30x60x12 w/ 12â€™ open shed

-\SS` 0UZ\YLK Â‹ 4L[HS Â‹ *\Z[VT :PaLZ Â‹ YVVM WP[JO ,UNPULLYLK [Y\ZZLZ Â‹ 3VJHS JVKLZ MYLPNO[ TH` HMMLJ[ WYPJLZ www.nationalbarn.com www.nationalbarn.com 1-888-427-BARN 1-888-427-BARN (2276)

November / December 2016

‘Picture This’ focuses on Send us your photos of a country or small town church in Mississippi. Both interior and exterior views are eligible. Submissions must be emailed or postmarked by Dec. 5. Selected photos will appear in our January 2017 issue. Amateur photographers whose photos are selected become eligible for a $200 cash prize drawing held in December 2017. Photos must be in sharp focus and relate to the given theme. Include the photographer’s name, address, phone and electric power association (if applicable). Feel free to include comments

Today in Mississippi

COUNTRY CHURCHES

or notes on the subject. Digital photos should be high-resolution JPG files, at least 1 MB in size. If emailing phone photos, choose the “Actual Size” setting or equivalent before sending. Prints are eligible as well. Email your photo submissions to news@epaofms.com. Mail prints or a photo CD to Picture This, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 391583300. For more details, visit the website at todayinmississippi.com or email news@ecm.coop.

This long-vacant church building overlooks Deer Creek at Estill, on Old Highway 61 in Washington County.

Southern Building Pole Barn Professionals Covered by workmen’s compensation

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Call 855-433-1655

Today in Mississippi

November / December 2016

Events MISSISSIPPI

Want more than 450,000 readers to know about your special event? Submit details at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Mail to Mississippi Events, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300; fax to 601-605-8601; or send to news@ecm.coop. Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space allows. Please note that events are subject to change. We recommend calling to confirm details before traveling.

Handworks Holiday Market, Nov. 18-19, Jackson. Arts and crafts. Admission. Mississippi Trade Mart. Details: HandworksMarket.com. Stringer Alpaca Festival, Nov. 19, Stringer. Live alpacas, vendors, crafts, food, children’s activities, more; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admission. A Stroka Gene-Us Alpacas. Details: 716863-4366; AStrokaGeneUsAlpacas.com. Bluegrass, Country and Gospel Singing, Nov. 19, Black Hawk. Featuring Uncle Pug Kea & Bluegrass Friends, The New Hillbillies and Pilgrim Family; 6 p.m. Black Hawk Old School. Details: 662-453-0072; bobbykayalford@gmail.com. Brandon Opry, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Brandon. Country music hits; 6 p.m. Admission. Brandon Municipal Complex. Details: 601-825-5021; BrandonMS.org. Egg Bowl Run, Nov. 21, Calhoun City. Ole Miss and MSU ROTC to exchange game ball; around noon. Calhoun City Square. Details: 662-628-6990. Christmas in the Park Driving Tour, Nov. 24 - Dec. 31, Collins. Thursday, Friday, Saturdays only; 5-9 p.m. Free admission. Bettie D. Robertson Memorial Park. Details: 601-765-6012; CovingtonChamber.com. Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, Louisville. Downtown; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Details: 662-773-3921. 33rd Annual Christmas at Landrum’s Homestead, Nov. 26-27, Laurel. Tour work-

ing homestead with over 80 buildings. Civil War reenactment, entertainment, dulcimers, Santa, wagon rides, blacksmith, cloggers, crafts, more. Admission. Details: 601-6492546; Landrums.com. Coast Chorale Christmas Concerts, Nov. 27, Bay St. Louis. Christ Episcopal Church; 4 p.m. Also: Dec. 3, Kiln, Hancock Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.; Dec. 9, Bay St. Louis, Main Street United Methodist Church, 7 p.m.; Dec. 14, Diamondhead, Diamondhead Country Club, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10, caroling, Old Town Bay St. Louis, 5-7 p.m. Details: 504-319-3530. Kids and Carols with Santa, Dec. 1, Louisville. Courthouse lawn; 5:30 p.m. Details: 662-773-3921. Christmas Parade: “A Storybook Christmas,” Dec. 1, Ackerman. Begins 6 p.m. Silent auction 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Town Hall. Details: 662-285-6251. 40th Annual Chimneyville Craft Festival, Dec. 1-3, Jackson. About 170 booths featuring works by Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi members. Preview party 7-10 p.m. Dec. 1; craft show Dec. 2-3. Admission. Mississippi Trade Mart. Details: 601-856-7546; CraftsmensGuildofMS.org. Christmas Parade: “Christmas Stories,” Dec. 2, Brandon. Begins 7 p.m. Details: 601825-5021; BrandonMS.org. Cross Mountain Christmas Candlelight Celebration, Dec. 2, Porterville. Singing and

celebrating the Savior’s birth; 7 p.m. Free admission. Cross Mountain Ministries. Details: 601-513-3348. Drive-thru Living Nativity, Dec. 2-3, Utica. Nine scenes; 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free admission. Utica Baptist Church. Details: 601-885-8860. Ka Pottery Gallery Open House, Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11; Seminary. New works in clay by Claudia Ka Cartee, paintings by Heidi Pitre; 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily. Also open by appointment. Details: 601-722-4948; KaPotteryStudio.com. Columbia Christmas Train, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, Columbia. Train ride presenting “The Reason for Jesus’ Birth,” wagon ride, pony ride, inflatables, music, crafts, food, photos with Santa, more; 5-9 p.m. Admission. Details: 601731-5944; ColumbiaChristmasTrain.com. James Wilkerson Faith and Family Craft Festival, Dec. 3, Cleveland. Gospel singing, crafts, food; 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Admission. Bolivar County Expo Building. Details: 662-843-9747; Facebook. City-wide Rummage Sale, Dec. 3, Laurel. More than 100 families participating; 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Free admission. Benefits Good Samaritan Center. Magnolia Center, fairgrounds. Details: 601-319-6086; MyRummageSales.com. Christmas in the City, Dec. 3, Biloxi. Vendors, entertainment, Santa, more. Downtown Biloxi Art District. Details: 228-435-6339; kmiller@biloxi.ms.us. Christmas Parade: “Winter Wonderland,” Dec. 3, Calhoun City. Santa’s Workshop, 5 p.m.; parade 7 p.m. Soup/corn bread supper. Details: 662-628-6990. Winter Spectacular Holiday Market, Dec. 3, Leakesville. Arts, crafts, food; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free admission. Greene Park. Details: 601-7665379. Parade of Lights: “Christmas Trees & Memories,” Dec. 3, Vicksburg. Begins 5 p.m. Details: 601-634-4527; DowntownVicksburg.org. Big Pop Gun Show, Dec. 3-4, Philadelphia. Details: BigPopGunShows.com. 59th Annual Hernando Christmas Parade, Dec. 5, Hernando. Begins 6:30 p.m. Details:

Travel Mississippi and make it a

Happy Holiday Season

662-429-9055; HernandoMS.org. Christmas on the Tracks, Dec. 7-9, McComb. Santa, Christmas stories, model train displays, outdoor train exhibit; school groups invited mornings Dec. 7-9; open to public noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 8. Free admission. McComb City Railroad Depot Museum. Details: 601-5514905; trainmaster@mcrrmuseum.com. Carl Jackson “Home for Christmas” Concert, Dec. 10, Louisville. Old Strand Theater; shows 4 and 7 p.m. Details: 662-7733921. Christmas in Osyka, Dec. 10, Osyka. Food, crafts, entertainment, parade (4 p.m.), free Santa pictures for 12 and under, fireworks (7 p.m.). Free admission. Details: 601-249-5910. Operation BBQ Relief BBQ Challenge, Dec. 10, Picayune. BCA-sanctioned state championship event. Sun Roamers RV Resort. Details: 601-749-9569; bcabbq.org. Cider Sippin’ City Shoppin’, Dec. 15, Louisville. Downtown; 4-7 p.m. Details: 662773-3921. Bluegrass, Country & Gospel Singing, Dec. 17, Black Hawk. Featuring Mack Allen Smith & The Flames, Back Porch Pickers; 6 p.m. Black Hawk Old School. Details: 662-453-0072; bobbykayalford@gmail.com. Hamasa Shriners Gun and Knife Show, Dec. 17-18, Marion. Admission; registration. Details: 601-693-1361, 800-243-1361; hamasashriners@comcast.net. Christmas Singing at Rocky Springs, Dec. 18, Rocky Springs. Singing, communion service, potluck; 11 a.m. Rocky Springs Church, 10158 Old Port Gibson Road. Details: 228-2557083. Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Camps, Dec. 27-30, Southaven. Youth basketball camp for boys and girls ages 7-16. Admission; registration. Landers Center. Details: Grizzlies.com/camps. The Primitive Quartet in Concert, Jan. 5, 2017, Petal. Love offering; 7 p.m. First Baptist Church of Runnelstown. Details: 601-5833733.

November / December 2016

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE $453

$ Customer Rating

399

comp at

R PE ON SU UP CO

Customer Rating

STEP STOOL/ WORKING PLATFORM

Customer Rating

SAVE $185

ITEM 61282 shown 61253/62326

73 lbs.

20"

LIMIT 5 - 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 3/5/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

6.5 HP (212 CC) OHV HORIZONTAL SHAFT Customer Rating GAS ENGINES

R PE ON SU UP CO $

SAVE 228

3/8" x 14 FT. GRADE 43 TOWING CHAIN ITEM 60658 97711 shown

Not for overhead lifting.

SAVE 50%

ITEM 60625 shown 95578/69645

R PE ON SU UP CO

$ 99

18 VOLT CORDLESS 1/2" DRILL/DRIVER WITH KEYLESS CHUCK

ITEM 62427/63059 68850shown

$ Customer Rating

339999

LIMIT 3 - 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 3/5/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

• 5 mil thickness

ITEM 68496/61363 68497/61360 68498/61359

SAVE $8999 $129

Item 68498 shown

comp at

• 1500 lb. capacity

Customer Rating ITEM 90018 shown 69595/60334

SAVE $110

• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed • Over 30 Million Satisfied Customers • No Hassle Return Policy

$ 99

SAVE 66% $1399 comp at

comp at

$205.99

$29.97

LIMIT 9 - 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 3/5/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

WOW SUPER COUPON

ADJUSTABLE STEEL WELDING TABLE

72" x 80" MOVING BLANKET Customer Rating

ITEM 63069 61369 shown

Customer Rating

SAVE 66%

ITEM 66537 shown 69505/62418

SAVE $90

$ 99 comp at

$ 99

$149.99

comp at

WOW SUPER COUPON Customer Rating

ED 9 PIECE FULLY POLISHON COMBINATI WRENCH SETS

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 purchases after 30 ansferable. Original coupoer per day. Non-tr last. es Offer good while supplih 3/5/17. Limit one coupon per custom presented. Valid throug

R PE ON SU UP O C

42305 ITEM 69043/63282 ITEM 69044/63171 42304 shown

YOUR CHOICE

SAVE 70%

Customer Rating

$ 99 comp at

• 700+ Stores Nationwide • Lifetime Warranty On All Hand Tools

LIMIT 8 - 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 3/5/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

MECHANIC'S SHOP TOWELS PACK OF 50 ITEM 46163shown 69649/61878 61837

• 300 lb. capacity

SAVE $90 $

$599

8999 $

comp at

$19.97

calling rFreight.com or by or prior n at our stores, Harbo LIMIT 5 - Good t be used with other discount or coupo al receipt. 800-423-2567. Cannodays from original purchase with originn must be purchases after 30 ansferable. Original coupoer per day. Non-tr last. es Offer good while supplih 3/5/17. Limit one coupon per custom presented. Valid throug

HIGH LIFT RIDING LAWN MOWER/ATV LIFT

$17.97

ITEM 61523 shown 60395/62325/62493

METRIC

SAE

5 $ 99

$15.99

• 16 ft. lit, 22 ft. long

14999

99 79 99 $9999 $59 $ 7999 $189.99

$ 99

SUPER-WIDE TRI-FOLD ALUMINUM LOADING RAMP

Customer Rating

9999

$20.26

R PE ON SU UP CO

ITEM 62533/68353 shown

SAVE $106

SOLAR ROPE LIGHT

69034/62858 shown

49$99

R PE ON SU UP O ITEM 63054/60728 C

$ 99

99 39 99 $ comp at

10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY

comp at

$189

R PE ON SU UP Customer Rating CO

9 99 $

YOUR CHOICE

Customer Rating

™

POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES PACK OF 100 SIZE MED LG X-LG

$469

SAVE $59

Includes one 18V NiCd battery and charger.

28999

Customer Rating

comp at

5999

4-1/2" ANGLE GRINDER

2199$3999 $60.95

SAVE 62% Customer Rating

R PE ON SU UP CO

SAVE 63%

comp at

$328

$34.95

ITEM 93897 shown 69265/62344

Customer Rating

$399.99

11999

RETRACTABLE AIR HOSE REEL WITH 3/8" x 50 FT. HOSE

comp at

$ 99

R PE ON SU UP CO

YOUR CHOICE

ITEM 69675/69728

9999

• 5400 lb. capacity

RIP ITEM 47873 shown 69005/61262

comp at $ 99 $17.99

Wheel kit 63090/63089 sold separately. CALIFORNIA ONLY

ITEM 60363/69730 ITEM 68121/69727 shown CALIFORNIA ONLY

R PE ON SU UP Customer Rating ITEM 63100 CO Customer Rating

1999

CLAW ITEM 69006 60715/60714

Customer Rating

comp at

12 VOLT MAGNETIC TOWING LIGHT KIT

1645

ITEM 69676/69729 63080/63079 shown

comp at

$57.55

SAVE 71%

16 OZ. HAMMERS WITH FIBERGLASS HANDLE

SAVE 77%

4000 PEAK/ 3200 RUNNING WATTS 6.5 HP (212 CC) GAS GENERATORS

SUPER QUIET

• 70 dB noise level

$16499$18999

comp at

R PE ON SU UP CO

ITEM 95272 shown 63308/69397 Customer Rating 61427 • 704 lb. capacity

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 3/5/17. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

R PE ON SU UP CO

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 3/5/17. Limit one FREE GIFT Coupon per customer per day.

30", 5 DRAWER TOOL CART

SAVE $235

1999

• 350 lb. capacity

comp at

5999 $98.62

t 800-423-2567. Canno ht.com or by calling 30 days from original after our stores, HarborFreig LIMIT 4 - Good at discount or coupon or prior purchaseslast. Non-transferable. Original be used with other al receipt. Offer good while supplies coupon per customer per day. purchase with origin ted. Valid through 3/5/17. Limit one coupon must be presen

VALUE

WOW SUPER COUPON

99 99 $269.99

ITEM 62515 66911 shown

SAVE 65%

$3999

$752.99

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, automotive lifts, compressors, floor jacks, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trenchers, welders, Admiral, Badland, Bremen, CoverPro, Creekstone, Daytona, Diablo, Doyle, Drummond, Earthquake, Franklin, Hercules, Holt, Jupiter, Lynxx, Maddox, Portland, Predator, Quinn, StormCat, Union, Viking. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/5/17.

YOUR CHOICE

SAVE 59% $

ITEM 90899 shown 98025/69096

HEAVY DUTY STEEL FLOOR JACK

299 99 $ $ 99

ITEM 95275 shown 60637/61615

Customer Rating

7 FUNCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER

12,000 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH ER N WITH REMOTE CONTROL AND SUP PO RAPID PUMP® 3 TON AUTOMATIC BRAKE COU LOW PROFILE • Weighs ITEM 61256/61889 60813 shown

B. PANCAKE

WITH ANY PURCHASE

ANY SINGLE ITEM

A. HOT DOG

ITEM 69269/97080 shown

FREE 20% OFF

We have invested millions of dollars in our own state-of-the-art quality test labs and millions more in our factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands. And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middle man and pass the savings on to you. It’s just that simple! Come visit one of our 700+ Stores Nationwide.

LESS 3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL AIR COMPRESSORS

SUPER COUPON

VALID NOW ON 5,000 + ITEMS

Today in Mississippi

WOW SUPER COUPON

700+ Stores Nationwide

How Does Harbor Freight Sell GREAT QUALITY Tools at the LOWEST Prices?

SAVE 47% $1299

comp at

$18.98

$179.99

• HarborFreight.com • 800-423-2567

$ 99

Customer Rating

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “comp at” price means that the same similar functioning item was advertised for sale at or above the price by another retailer in the U.S. within the past 180 days. Prices by others may vary by location. No other meaning of "comp at" implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store

item or a "comp at" advertised should be associate.