Issuu

Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association

Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)

4 All aboard Vicksburgâ€™s new Mississippi River museum

18 Gotcha! Candid photographs from our readers

21 Things youâ€™ll find only in Meridian

Hurricane Isaac 2 I Today in Mississippi I October 2012

Co-op crews clean up after

Disaster preparedness, combined with a force of 418 additional workers, ensured electricity was restored as fast as possible when Hurricane Isaac knocked out service to some 145,000 meters served by electric power associations. “What we learned from our Hurricane Katrina experiences served us well in this crisis,” said Micheal Weltzheimer, vice president of safety and loss control for the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi. Electric power associations began assessing damage to power lines and dispatching crews to restore power as soon “I am always as the weather conditions allowed. Many of the outages amazed at how the occurred when trees and limbs blown down by the storm took electric cooperatives power lines down with them. throughout our nation Because of the unusually long duration of the storm, power assist each other outages recurred in some areas after crews had restored service. More trees fell as soils became saturated with accumuladuring a disaster.” tions of heavy rainfall. Micheal Weltzheimer. Five of the hardest-hit electric power associations augmentVice president of safety and loss control ed their local work force with crews and equipment made available by electric cooperatives in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Convoys of electric co-op linemen, heavy equipment operators, mechanics, foremen, tree cutters and others poured into south Mississippi. They brought bucket trucks, digger derricks, skidders, dozers and pole trailers to clear fallen trees and help rebuild thousands of miles of power lines serving electric power association members. “I am always amazed at how the electric cooperatives throughout our nation assist each other during a disaster,” Weltzheimer said. “We attend an Emergency Work Plan Meeting each year to prepare for disasters such as Isaac with other electric co-op emergency coordinators in several states. Due to the planning in these meetings, I was able to make two phone calls, one to Georgia and one to Alabama, and within two hours we had around 300 men heading to Mississippi.” Crews restored power within five days to virtually all electric power association meters located outside of flooded areas and capable of receiving service.

Isaac stayed around long enough to cause extensive flooding, which added another challenge to line crews’ efforts to restore electric service to members.

Electric power associations experiencing the loss of power to more than 1,000 meters: • Coast Electric Power Association,

Kiln: 29,800 • Singing River Electric Power Association,

Lucedale: 28,000 • Magnolia Electric Power Association,

McComb: 25,000 • Southern Pine Electric Power Association,

Taylorsville: 23,000 • Southwest Miss. Electric Power Association,

Lorman: 15,350 • Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association,

Columbia: 10,300 • Dixie Electric Power Association,

Laurel: 7,500 • Northcentral Electric Power Association,

Byhalia: 4,500 • Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association,

Yazoo City: 1,500 Number of workers sent to assist local electric power association crews in the restoration effort: 155 from Georgia 140 from Alabama 123 from Mississippi

October 2012 I Today in Mississippi

Electric cooperatives offer clear advantages ou will often find information in Today in Mississippi on how to use electricity wisely to save on monthly bills. What other business can you think of that cares whether its customers use its product efficiently? We do because your electric power association is a consumer-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, created to provide an affordable service for its members (customers). As the nation observes Cooperative Month in October, consider these other advantages to your membership in an electric power association: • We are accountable only to you. Electric power associations are owned and controlled by the people they serve, not investors. Everything we do is aimed at improving service to our members, not pleasing investors. • You get electricity at the lowest cost possible. There is no profit margin built into your monthly bill. Your bill basically has two components: the cost of the electricity you used the previous month and the cost of delivering that electricity to you reliably and safely. (The largest portion of your monthly bill pays for wholesale electricity.) • We are local. Electric power associations rely on local offices to provide personal, individualized service and faster response to service issues. • We care about the areas we serve and work to make them better. Electric power association employees are volunteer firefighters, youth coaches, charitable event organizers, school volunteers, church leaders.... • We are good for Mississippi’s economy. Affordable electric service has been crucial to the economic health of rural Mississippi since the first electric power associations were formed in the mid-1930s. Electric power associations help attract new business and industry to the

On the cover Sherry Jones expects a flood of visitors of all ages to the new Lower Mississippi River Museum, in Vicksburg, where she serves as director. Jones hopes the museum inspires a new appreciation for the significance of the river in the area’s history, commerce and culture. See story on pages 4-5.

Our Homeplace

My Opinion Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO EPAs of Mississippi

state by meeting the need for safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Plus, we pay taxes and our employees live, work and spend in Mississippi. • We safeguard your service against harmful legislation. We work closely with state and federal lawmakers to monitor proposals that could have the unintended effect of causing your cost of electricity to rise. We represent your interests as utility ratepayers. • Electric cooperatives are united in service. An electric power association is an independent, local company. But when it comes to restoring electricity after a natural disaster, we rally to each other’s aid—and we can get help from electric cooperatives in other states. This mutual-aid agreement gets your power back on faster. • We work more efficiently by sharing costs. We deliver electricity to about 85 percent of the geographical area of Mississippi. That takes thousands of miles of power line, plus the workers and equipment to maintain it. The cost could be astronomical—if Mississippi’s 26 electric power associations didn’t work together to share common operating costs, such as safety training and insurance. As you can see, your electric power association brings you reliable electric service, plus a whole lot more. Join us in celebrating the advantages of electric power association membership during Cooperative Month!

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The Official Publication of the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is 601-605-8600 published eleven times a year (Jan.Kevin Doddridge - President Acceptance of advertising by Today in Nov.) by Electric Power Associations of Brad Robison - First Vice President Mississippi does not imply endorsement Mississippi, Inc., P.O. Box 3300, RidgeWayne Henson - Second Vice President of the advertised product or services by land, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland the publisher or Mississippi’s Electric Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Randy Wallace - Secretary/Treasurer Power Associations. Product satisfaction Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical and delivery responsibility lie solely with postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and EDITORIAL STAFF the advertiser. additional office. The publisher (and/or Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO • National advertising representative: its agent) reserves the right to refuse or Ron Stewart - Senior Vice President, Co-op Services National Country Market, 800-626-1181 edit all advertising. Mark Bridges - Manager, Support Services POSTMASTER: Send address changes Jay Swindle - Manager, Advertising Circulation of this issue: 445,893 to: Today, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, Debbie H. Stringer - Editor Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year MS 39158-3300 Abby Berry - Communications Specialist Visit us online at Rickey McMillan - Graphics Specialist www.todayinmississippi.com Linda Hutcherson - Administrative Assistant

OFFICERS

The rising sun illuminates clouds over a field in Jasper County in a photo by Janet Smith, of Montrose. See more photos by our readers in Picture This, on pages 18-19. For details on our next Picture This theme, The Colors of Nature, as well as submission guidelines, see page 8.

Mississippi is . . .

Home to many beautiful trees. Like people, they come in different shapes, sizes, colors and personalities. Some wear brilliant colors in fall; Some wear a yellow ribbon and that’s all. Some are very tall and wear green all year; In spring, some wear perfumed flowers that just appear. And when dressed in ornaments, garland and bright lights, you know that Christmas is very near. But no matter how they are dressed, They give us tall, stately poles to carry 4-County Electric power, which is the best! —Mary Carolyn Tranum Mitchell, Starkville

Being born in Texas, I always thought Texas was the best. After all, it was the largest state for a long time, and Texans did everything better. Then I moved to Mississippi and now have lived here over 43 years and know without a doubt that this is the greatest state. The Southern culture, the hospitality, the generosity of this state are shown every day. If you don't believe it, just “people watch” and listen to their conversations as strangers meet and smiles are exchanged. I even see strangers welcoming others with hugs. I may have been born in Texas, but Mississippi will always be my home. —Terry Jones, Kosciusko

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

Ol’ Man River gets a new museum Today in Mississippi

October 2012

By Debbie Stringer Every Mississippian should experience the beauty of a Mississippi River sunset from the bluffs of Vicksburg. The view is one of the bragging points for local tourism officials. But for local residents the river represents far more than a scenic wonder. Every aspect of life in the vicinity—history, commerce and culture—is a direct descendent of Ol’ Man River. For centuries, lives have been sustained, enriched and lost because of the massive meandering waterway. Yet how much do Mississippians really know about their state’s namesake? What do those levees do and why do we still ship goods by river barges? How does the river change its course? Why was the river the cause of a pivotal Civil War battle? Answering these and other mysteries of one of the most important rivers in the world is the goal of the The Lower Mississippi River Museum (LMRM), which opened in August after a decade of planning and setbacks—including the Great Flood of 2011. “It’s all about the river, and how it plays such a big role in everybody’s life,” said Sherry Jones, museum director. “Our main mission is for people to take away at least one piece of knowledge they didn’t have when they walked in here. Whether you’re 9, 19 or 99, there’s something for everybody here,” Jones said. Owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District, the museum’s mission is education, presented to visitors in an interactive, entertaining way. The museum opened Aug. 24, attracting some 1,600 visitors in its first week of operation.

experience • models of river vessels through history, from the dugout canoe to the steamboats • outdoor scale model depicting an 80-mile section of the Mississippi River and levees from Vicksburg to just south of Greenville. Kid appeal is evident throughout the museum. In one of the historical exhibits, children can listen by telephone to a voice from the past talking about his or The Lower Mississippi River Museum is located on Vicksburg’s Washington Street, a short walk from the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals (detail above) and other major attractions in the her river experiences. “There’s downtown area. The museum’s exhibits focus entirely on the Mississippi River and its impact one little Indian boy telling about on the area. how he’s too young to use a bow Exhibits combine video, photographs, oral narra- and arrow, so his father has given him a slingshot so tives, maps, models, artifacts and even live fish. Vis- he can hunt squirrels,” Jones said. itors will learn about historical events, the river Home-schooled children ages 3-11 made up the ecosystem, river commerce and jobs, and the role of first youth group to tour the museum. “Even the 3the Corps of Engineers in flood control efforts. A year-olds were captivated by the exhibits that target recurring theme is the river’s influence on the lives children and the aquarium,” Jones said. of people, both past and present, in the Vicksburg A piece of land behind the museum was slated to area. become a parking lot until Mike Renacker, the Museum attractions include: museum’s senior project manager, came up with a • a 1,515-gallon aquarium stocked with native river better idea. Watching his two young children splash fish around in the Mississippi River model at Mud • a “stream table” with running water where visitors Island, in Memphis, Renacker decided LMRM needcan create channels in a sand-like material to simued a similar attraction. He enlisted the aid of hydrollate how the river changes its course ogists at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and • orientation theater featuring a seven-minute film Development Center (ERDC), in Vicksburg, to • mapping, navigational and other artifacts design it. • a replica of a furnished 1927 flood tent for disThe result is a scale model of an 80-mile section placed families, and the story of one family’s flood of the Mississippi River from Vicksburg to just

south of Greenville, with levees, lakes and tributaries. Water flows continously down the river model, inviting kids and adults to wade in. At the flick of a switch, the flow increases to demonstrate what happens in an actual flood situation. Water overflowing the river’s banks is contained by the levees. When excess water fills the model’s tributaries, backwater flooding occurs—just as it did in

October 2012

Today in Mississippi

‘This shows how the river’s plumbing really works, so to speak.’ —Mike Renacker

Upon entering the museum, visitors can view a seven-minute orientation film that presents an overview of the river’s significance and the Corps of Engineers’ efforts to ensure safe navigation and flood control.

the Great Flood of 2011. “This shows how the river’s plumbing really works, so to speak,” Renacker said. An elevated walkway connects the museum to a real towboat— the Motor Vessel Mississippi IV, used up and down the river for decades by the Corps of Engineers. Nearly every room on the multi-deck boat is set up to appear as it would in actual use. A simulator in the pilot’s house gives visitors a virtual experience in guiding the boat and its barges. The engine room throbs with the recorded sound of two eightcylinder, diesel-fueled Nordberg engines. Tours of the towboat are especially popular with adults who once worked on it or a similar boat. “Several people who have worked on the boat want to come and share their stories of their experiences. One visitor had actually been a pilot on the boat,” Jones said. “There’s nothing better than a true-life story, so storytelling is going to be a real big thing for us,” she said. The boat offers activities just for kids, including scavenger and trivia hunts. Renacker said his two children “absolutely loved” their first visit to the museum that Dad helped create. “My 10-year-old is my little engineer. He likes this [the outdoor river model] and the stream table. He’s had a blast here. My 6-year-old just wants to get in the water and splash around. “They love it and that’s what I wanted to see—kids out here playing.” Jones hopes the museum’s free admission will encourage visitors to come back again and again to absorb all the information the site has to offer. “Everything is free of charge. All we ask is that you just soak up the knowledge and have fun,” she said. The Lower Mississippi River Museum is located at 910 Washington St., in downtown Vicksburg. Hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (closed on major holidays). From April through October the museum is open Sundays from 1-5 p.m. For more information, call 601-638-9900 or visit www.lmrm.org.

Mike Renacker, above, of the Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District, enlisted Corps hydrologists to create this outdoor scale model of the river. The model will have continuously running water and the ability to simulate flood conditions. Tributaries, lakes and the Mississippi River bridge are represented to orient visitors. Interactive exhibits geared toward children, left, reveal the wildlife to be found in different areas of the Mississippi River ecosystem. Many of the museum’s exhibits come to life with authentic sound recordings of the subject matter they depict.

Today in Mississippi I October 2012

Whatever you call them, spider lilies herald fall hen we got back home the other day from a 10-day trip out west to the canyons in Utah and Arizona, primarily the Grand Canyon, the first sight we saw as we walked back into the yard were the spider lilies blooming. Some people call them surprise lilies or pop-up lilies or naked ladies. I’m not really sure all of these are the same flower, but they all suggest the same behavior: suddenly appearing one day with a long, leafless stalk and a blossom that takes you by surprise. Actually, it is one of the disappointments of my life that I started watching for the blooming of my spider lilies every year so they don’t surprise me like they used to. However, they did this year because our trip had distracted me and I wasn’t even thinking about them while we were among rock cliffs and deep canyons and mountains and all.

We had a row of spider lilies in the side yard just in the drip line of the house when I was growing up. And remember, a year takes forMississippi ever when you Seen are a child. So by Walt Grayson every eternity or so those flowers would bloom. I never associated their blooms with the end of summer and the beginning of fall. They just bloomed, and I’d pick a bunch and take them to Mama. She’d put them in a vase on the dinning room table until they began to look scraggly. Then one September I was exploring the old Port Gibson Battlefield and ran across a place where an old home had been. The spider lilies the homeowners had set out in their yard had run ram-

The spider lily goes by several names, but they all are attached to the flower that pops up in your yard between mowings in September and lasts until October. Photo: Walt Grayson

pant and populated an acre or so. That is really the first time I associated this time of year with the blooming of what had been my surprise lily. Now I find them blooming as early as the first weeks of August at places like the yard of the antebellum home Longwood in Natchez. So even what little bit of anticipation I used to have waiting

Join Walt and many other Mississippians as they open their life albums and share their memories in words and photographs. This collection from the readers of Today in Mississippi prompted Walt to pull related tales from his vault of experience, collected while living in and traveling throughout his home state. “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories with Walt Grayson” will be a valued Christmas gift, and the book is sure to become a collector’s item.

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mine out is sort of diminished when I see them already blooming somewhere earlier. But the flower is like an old friend who comes around now and again and tips me off that the world is still operating like it used to, that there is some stability in the midst of the instability. The emergence of the spider lilies falls in with what I call my dominos of autumn, the toppling of which begins with Labor Day and continues with the Mississippi State Fair, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas and New Year’s. To these I add the blooming of the spider lilies as yet another marker of the passage of time. I used to get sort of sad that the year was rushing to a close that way. It wasn’t like that when we were kids, when a year lasted forever instead of just a few months. But I have taken on a whole new attitude about my time markers and the toppling that leads to the end of the year. I suddenly realized here a while back that time doesn’t stop at midnight on New Year’s Eve. It goes on. So even though we have state fair food and cold weather and the holidays ahead, after all that is done, we’ll have spring again next year. And we’ll get to do it all over again. 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.” To contact Grayson, send email to walt@waltgrayson.com.

October 2012 I Today in Mississippi I 7

October events celebrate Mississippi landscapes or more than 30 years, those interested in home horticulture have been found at two events in early October that showcase landscapes and gardens. The back-to-back events are sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES). The 39th annual Ornamental Horticulture Field Day is Oct. 4 at the South Mississippi Branch Station in Poplarville. The 34th annual Fall Flower and Garden Fest is Oct. 5 and 6 at Southern MSU’s Truck Gardening Crops Experiby Dr. Gary Bachman ment Station in Crystal Springs. Those wanting to attend the horticulture field day can begin registering at 9 a.m. for the program, which runs from 9:30 a.m. through lunch. A $10 registration, $6.50 for students, covers lunch and refreshments. The field day offers tours of the research and the All-America Selections trial gardens. Presentations will cover the latest information on new plants, landscape plant performance, entomology, plant pathology, plant breeding and home horticulture. Attendees can speak with horticulture experts from MSU and scientists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s

This 3-acre garden site at MSU’s Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station in Crystal Springs will host the Fall Flower and Garden Fest Oct. 5 and 6. A complementary event is the Ornamental Horticulture Field Oct. 4 at the South Mississippi Branch Station in Poplarville. Photo: MSU Ag Communications

Agriculture Research Service. Beginning the next day is the Fall Flower and Garden Fest in Crystal Springs. This festival celebrates everything about the garden and is one of the best free horticulture field days in the entire Southeast. The weekend event offers something for the entire family. All of the Experiment Station gardens and grounds, seminar areas and wagon tours are handicapped accessible. Vendors will serve food and drinks at the event, open each day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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This year’s theme of “Healthy Living – Healthy Gardening” will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 5 with a 1-mile fun walk organized by the Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi initiative. The 3-acre garden site will offer everyone from garden novices to Master Gardeners lots to see and learn. Visitors can view a great selection of tough roses, ornamental grasses, tropical plants and of course, fall vegetables and herbs. Mississippi Medallion winners and plants from the All-America Selections program will be featured. The tropical garden, with its giant banana plants, is a favorite of visitors every year. Numerous educational activities are planned as well. Master Gardeners and MSU specialists will present non-stop seminars and exhibits on managing ponds, beekeeping, composting, creating backyard habitats, establishing flower trails and growing favorite garden plants. Walking tours will allow visitors to investigate research projects at the branch station. The project on agriability will show ways those with decreased mobility can access the gar-

den. Other tour topics include insects and diseases, high tunnels, and vegetable gardening. Across the lake, vendors will sell popular, new plants perfect for fall planting and must-have landscape accessories. I will be there along with other horticulture experts from MSU to answer tough garden and landscape questions. Most experts will be wearing blue vests. Of course, I will have on my Hawaiian colors, so come on up and introduce yourself. Those with Smartphones can use the Fall Flower and Garden Fest app to view the complete schedule of events. For instructions or to download the app, go to http://guidebook.com/g/ffgfest. The Truck Crops Branch Experiment Station is located in Crystal Springs about 25 miles south of Jackson on Highway 51. The South Mississippi Branch Station is located in Poplarville across from Pearl River Community College. Contact your local MSU Extension office for more information. Dr. Gary Bachman is MSU horticulturist at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi.

Today in Mississippi I October 2012

How to submit your work

Our next Picture This:

The Colors of Nature Whatever the season, brilliant color abounds in nature. For our next Picture This reader photo feature, we want your photos of eye-popping color in nature, whether from wildflowers, autumn leaves, sunsets, butterfly wings or other things. Photos selected for publication will appear in the January 2013 issue of Today in Mississippi. Submissions must be postmarked or emailed to us by Nov. 30. Photographers whose work is selected for publication will be entered in a drawing for a $200 cash prize, to be awarded in December 2013.

people in the picture. • Prints will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. We cannot, however, guarantee their safe return through the mail, so please do not send irreplaceable photos.

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Requirements • Photos must be the original work of an amateur photographer (of any age). • Photos must be in sharp focus. • Prints and digital files are eligible. • Digital photos should be high-resolution JPG files (use the “high quality” setting on your digital camera). Please do not use photo-editing software to adjust colors or tones. (We prefer to do it ourselves, if necessary, according to our printer’s standards.) • Please do not send a photo with a date on the image. • Photos must be accompanied by identifying information, including photographer’s name, address, phone and electric power association (if applicable). Include the name(s) of any recognizable

Mail prints or a photo CD to Picture This, Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300. Email photos (as an attachment to your email message) to news@epaofms.com. If submitting more than one photo, please attach all photos to only one e-mail message, if possible. Questions? Call Debbie Stringer, editor, at 601-605-8600 or email questions to news@epaofms.com.

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October 2012

Today in Mississippi

The Peanut Lady of Carthage on't take my word for it. Ask anyone in Carthage, or ask anyone who has tasted boiled or parched peanuts from Kathy's Boiled Peanuts and they will say,"Those are the best peanuts I've ever eaten." She has perfected a recipe that no one can match. Kathy Johnston uses a special ingredient that gives her boiled peanuts their scrumptious flavor. I tired to trick her into telling me her secret, but she wouldn't allow herself to be hoodwinked. "People have tried every trick in the book to get my recipe. I got it up here," she said, pointing to her head. Kathy's Boiled Peanuts is located in south Carthage on Highway 35. And no Cajun flavors are allowed near her large boiling pot. "Why would anyone want to mess up the taste of my peanuts with spice?" She laughed. "What kind of peanuts do you use?" I asked. "There's not but one variety that's worth a flip," she said, grinning. “That's your old-time Spanish peanut. It's long and sometimes has five nuts in its shell. I don't sell those big suckers with thick shells, and besides their flavor can't match Spanish." Kathy is a slim 77-year-old lady with bright red hair and a gift for gab. She has

a smile and a praise on her lips for the Lord who has blessed her. According to Kathy, He pulled her through several close calls. Sickness and otherwise. Her business isn't in a stationary building. She has a sturdy platform built onto a small motorhome that she moves up to Highway 35 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Grin ‘n’ 10 a.m. She closes at 5:30 p.m. She Bare It has opened at 10 by Kay Grafe year-round for 23 years. The few exceptions were when she couldn't get peanuts, or was sick. Both are rarities. Kathy has a chair inside her covered platform next to the boiling pot, where she sits to dish up her treasure into three size bags: pint, $3; quart, $5; and gallon, $16. In her early years she spent a short time working in Philadelphia and Union. Now Carthage is her home. "You couldn't drag me away from here. I have too many friends that I fellowship with. Besides, I have so many regular customers, I'd hate to leave them." One of those customers is Tommy

Working out of a small motorhome, Kathy Johnston sells boiled peanuts prepared according to her own closely guarded recipe.

McMillan, who stopped by for his usual order. Kathy said she sold at least 50 pounds in three days—even more on holidays. After her divorce in 1991, she made her living selling boiled and parched peanuts. "I have more money now. My ex-husband passed and I receive survivor's benefits." That old saying, "If you have a good product people will beat a path to your door," fits feisty Kathy like a glove. Two perfect adages. I had a zillion questions to ask her but

she talked faster than I did. However, she did answer most of my curiosities. It takes about nine hours to boil the peanuts using bottled gas. And she doesn't worry about being robbed. A policeman had once told her if she ever had a problem to use her registered gun and shoot them in the legs. "Kathy," I said, "tell me something you would like for people to know about you." Her face lit up. "That I'm a Christian and love to fellowship with everyone, especially my West Carthage Baptist Church friends." When you drive to Carthage on Highway 35 South, you can't miss Kathy's Boiled Peanuts. On a sunny day wear sunglasses—her dazzling red hair will be ablaze. And don't forget the yearly Choctaw Basket Day, Oct. 20 at Bryan's Country Store. From Highway 35 south of Carthage, turn eastward onto Highway 488. Drive about 4 miles. You can't miss it. People travel from all over the United States to join the celebration. The Choctaws sell their baskets and show you how to make baskets, cook hominy and other Indian food. Their jewelry is handcrafted. Choctaws also tell stories about their ancient past. For more information call Rose Bryan at 601-267-9013. Mix it up in October with peanuts and baskets from Carthage. Trust me, it's a trip worth taking. 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.

Today in Mississippi I October 2012

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Hyannis, MA Southaven, MS

October 2012 I Today in Mississippi

Tiptoe through the hardwoods:

Squirrels are back hile squirrel hunting never faded completely from the outdoor scene, its once bright light of infatuation certainly dimmed for a time. Up until perhaps the early 1970s, squirrels were the No. 1 game animal in Mississippi. But that changed with the gradual increase in deer numbers and the magnetic draw these magnificent creatures held on seasoned and novice hunters alike. Bushytails moved to second or third behind whitetails. The squirrel hunt became an afterthought to many, a weekend trek in October or a day or two in January. And such a shift is easily understood. Deer became that entity receiving the lion’s share of attention. Food plots, timber management, discussions after church or at the coffee shop or at a high school game, outdoor TV shows, magazine articles—all leaned toward this most grandiose of big game, the whitetail. The ubiquitous and too often overlooked squirrel was just there, a common sight from the deer stand, a pesky rodent in

the attics of suburbia, a noisy scoundrel sure to pick up the hunter’s movements and announce one’s presence to all woods dwellers. It remains the same today. But in the face of all this, the squirrel has emerged. Popularity of this little ball of fur and claws has returned. And that, in the opinion of many, is as it should be. Squirrel hunting has a great deal to offer. For those of us who experienced events such as the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show or who knew and particularly cared that the Browning A5 had been dropped from production, there is little need for Mississippi explanation Outdoors regarding the by Tony Kinton virtues of squirrels and the hunting thereof. But for the uninitiated or the once active who are now the indifferent, perhaps some points of persuasion are in order to convince or remind them of the benefits. Foremost, at least in my perspective, is that a squirrel wood on a frosty morning is a place of wonderment. Each breath inhaled is invigorating when that inhaled breath exits in a smoky wisp through crisp dawn. Rays of sunlight appear as phantoms, creeping fingers of awe that sneak around tree trunks and through overhead foliage and bounce from damp ground leaves in jeweled

Squirrels are grand. Hunting them is too good to miss. Photo: Dr. Stan Rushing

refraction. An owl gives his last nighttime hoot before settling into his oak castle, while at the same moment a crow caws and a pileated woodpecker accompanies his staccato chatter with an equally impressive jouncing bob that makes him appear as if he is ricocheting off air currents above and beneath him. These all and more in a squirrel wood at daylight. The world is alive. Just-mentioned superlatives aside, squirrel hunting is challenging. It sharpens the skills, hones the senses. One who becomes a truly efficient squirrel hunter is likely a truly efficient and effective hunter regardless the quarry. And the methodologies employed can ward off boredom in even the most energetic. Sit at the base of a tree and watch in judicious fashion. Tiptoe along through the woods and attempt to close the gap on a distant bushytail. Trail behind a cooperative dog as the canine scours the ground and blowdowns and puts a squirrel up, often tucked into a tight ball

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or flattened against a limb in an amazing display of how to become invisible. Any of these approaches will keep interest on the edge and alertness raised. And squirrel hunting is fun. It affords valuable learning for the newcomer and refreshment for the skilled. It is legally allowed from October through February. And it can be done in quite ordinary settings that don’t require great travel distances or budget-breaking expenditures. What more could one ask? And all these from a common tree dweller. True value in hunting, like in other arenas of life, is too often disregarded. Fortunately, for those of us smitten with the magic of squirrel hunting 50 years or so back and have never abandoned the pursuit, or those who were and let the passion wane or those who have yet to discover its near compulsive allure, the 2012-13 season should be one of titanic proportion. Squirrel populations tend to fluctuate with the acorn crop of the previous year: high when the crop is ample, lower when it is not. We are coming into the third year of abundance where acorns apply in most areas of the state. This should translate into inflated numbers of bushytails with which to match wits. And match wits they will if you so much as rustle a leaf in their domain. Don’t be surprised if they beat you. Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. His books, “Outside and Other Reflections,” “Fishing Mississippi” and his new Christian historical romance novel, “Summer Lightning Distant Thunder,” are available in bookstores and from the author at www.tonykinton.com, or P.O. Box 88, Carthage, MS 39051.

Today in Mississippi October 2012

13 35 587 44 98 589

MEMBER OWNED, LOCALLY OPERATED

11 29

A message from:

Your general manager There are several items I would like to mention as we move into the remaining few months of the year. I would again like to express my appreciation to all members for their support and patience during Hurricane Isaac. As you can read in another story in this edition, our service area was affected quite significantly by the storm, even though we were spared a direct hit. The combinaRandy Wallace, tion of wind General Manager and rain caused outages for a majority of our members at some point, even though our employees and additional crews from Alabama worked through much of the bad weather. We can be thankful that Isaac wasn’t worse than it was, but the conditions were very difficult for our outside employees. Our electric delivery system includes 6,700 miles of lines across parts of 12 counties, and any hurricane will cause widespread outages. In this case, numerous times lines were restored to service only to be knocked out again. We estimate that more than half of our 47,000 total meters were out at some point during the storm, but most of those were for short periods of time. I am very proud to say that service was restored to everyone within three days. It is always with mixed emotions that we say goodbye to a retiring employee. That is surely the case with Larry

Pickering’s retirement. Larry’s spirit, dedication and enthusiasm for serving the members of Pearl River Valley Electric made being around him a joy for more than 35 years. We wish him all the best as he moves into the next phase of his life— still serving, only this time as a pastor. I am especially excited to announce a new program that we hope will have farreaching results within the areas we all call home. For some time, we have been searching for a cooperative effort that can have a positive impact on the lives of virtually all of our members. I believe we have developed something that will help create educational opportunities and economic benefits. We are calling the program Round Up for Education. Each month, members’ bills will be rounded up to the nearest dollar. We will take the difference and put it in a fund to help any Pearl River Valley Electric member or their children who want to attend a Mississippi community college. The amount of the scholarship or stipend for each student will depend on how much we are able to collect. But think of the possibilities—if every member contributes their round up amount, we can collectively raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year and provide help to hundreds of students. We believe that providing more educational opportunities is the key to improving the future for all of us in south Mississippi. Being a member-owned cooperative, Pearl River Valley Electric is in a unique position to be able to work together in a way that can help so many individuals. That’s what we have done throughout our 75 year history, and I hope everyone will support this effort. We are still working on the details of the program and plan for it to evolve and

26 15

grow over the years. We selected commu- would ask that you think twice before nity college students as a starting point to doing so. I firmly believe that none of us enhance the program’s initial impact. really succeeds unless all of us have an Community colleges are an excellent value opportunity to succeed. We hope to and are an ideal place to begin higher edu- build something that can change lives cation for many of our members. We also within our service area, essentially with think the money we will what would be spare be able to make availchange for most people able will have more “Providing more each month. impact for community Round Up for educational college students. At this Education will begin in point, we will not opportunities is the November and the first include students attendscholarships will be key to improving ing 4-year colleges and awarded next fall. There universities, but with will be more information the future.” increased participation as we determine all the Randy Wallace details. We will also put in the future our dream would be to provide information on our webscholarships for every student on our lines. site at www.prvepa.com. Please feel free to Members will have the option to opt call us if you have any questions. out of this round up program, but I

Field inventory of electric facilities Mapping crews with MB Technical Services, Inc. (MBTSI) will be in the following communities during the next few weeks collecting mapping data on your power lines. Work will consist of inventorying electrical system and collecting satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) data for each pole, meter and piece of equipment. MBTSI crews will be walking and/or riding an ATV with PRVEPA signs on the ATV, along with having spe-

cial equipment for collecting satellite GPS and field data. Crews will also have a letter from PRVEPA authorizing them to perform work and will be wearing bright colored vests. Crews will complete this work with the least interference to you and maintain a high standard of workmanship. As always, we appreciate your support and cooperation in our efforts to maintain reliable electric service at the lowest possible cost.

Areas currently being mapped: Hillsdale:

Lumberton:

Bass Lane, Byrd Line, Gum Pond, Hwy. 13 West of Lumberton, Hillsdale, Lavelle Ladner Rd., Lower Airport Rd., Lumberton Industrial Park, Olive Church, Springhill, Stanford Lake Rd., Wolf River Ranch

Baker Rd, Bass Academy, Baxterville-Purvis Rd, Camp Dantzler, Churchwell Rd, Coaltown, Corinth, Four Mile Rd, Hwy 11, Hwy 13 West of Airport, Little Black Creek Water Park, Lumberton Airport, Old Hwy 11 South, Pinecrest, Pine Grove, Pistol Ridge Rd, Purvis, Purvis-Brooklyn Rd, Rock Hill, Rock Hill to Brooklyn, Rock Hill to Lumberton, Seneca, Tallowah, Wellstown, Yawn

October 2012

Why we celebrate YOU in October Every October, we celebrate National Cooperative Month. But what are we really celebrating? What makes Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association different, and why should that matter to you? Cooperatives are a global network of independent, local businesses owned by those they serve. National Cooperative Month is a time to celebrate you, our members—the real POWER in the communities we serve! “Cooperative businesses are based on a common set of principles and values such as member-ownership and local control,” said Randy Wallace, general manager of Pearl River Valley Electric. “Each cooperative exists to meet the needs of its members.” Especially now, when there are national economic challenges to overcome and our faith in conventional business institutions has been shaken, it is the perfect time to remember what electric cooperatives like Pearl River Valley have accomplished over the years—all with a spirit of working together. 75 years ago, our service area didn’t have access to electricity. Rural America was literally in the dark and struggling. But instead of waiting for someone else to fix the problem, local farmers turned to each other and built their own utility. They laid the foundation for what we have today. By our very nature, locally-operated, member-owned and -governed cooperatives like Pearl River Valley Electric empower members to improve their lives. And while bringing electricity to rural Mississippi was a big first step, our members certainly didn’t stop there. We have built an electric distribution system that now spans parts of 12 counties and serves more than 47,000 members. Through the years we have worked to grow the communities we serve. Across Mississippi today, 26 electric cooperatives serve more than 753,000 total members. The country’s first rural electric cooperative was founded near Corinth in Alcorn County and now, more than ever, electric co-ops maintain their commitment to ensuring a brighter future for rural families and communities throughout the state. On a larger scale, more than 1 billion co-op members exist worldwide, and co-ops generate 100 million jobs globally. National brands such as Sunkist, Ocean Spray, Associated Press, Ace Hardware, and Nationwide Insurance operate as cooperative forms of business. As we celebrate National Cooperative Month, we want to thank you for being a member of Pearl River Valley Electric. We want you to continue to stay involved as we build a better future together. The cooperative business model is a time-tested philosophy that contributes to an improved quality of life for all of us.

Pearl River Valley Electric Fast Facts • Organized in May 1938 • Governing body is a 9-member Board of Directors elected by members for staggered 3-year terms • Service area includes all or parts of 12 counties • Serves more than 47,000 meters consisting of residential, commercial, large power and industrial loads • Electric distribution system includes more than 6,700 miles of power lines and 28 substations • Headquarters office is located in Columbia, with district offices in Hattiesburg, Wiggins, and Purvis

• Employs 134 highly skilled, service-oriented professionals • In 1963 PRVEPA was the first cooperative in Mississippi to begin paying patronage refunds (a return on members’ equity in the Association)… since that time more than $34 million over 49 years has been returned to members • In 1998, PRVEPA began returning patronage credits to the estates of deceased members…more than $9.4 million has been returned through that program

Today in Mississippi

12a

COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES 1. Voluntary and Open Membership Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.

2. Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.

3. Members’ Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.

4. Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.

5. Education, Training and Information Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives.

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together.

7. Concern for Community While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.

Did you know? • U.S. electric cooperatives own 2.5 million miles of distribution lines— enough to circle the equator more than 100 times! • America’s electric cooperatives employ more than 70,000 people. • 47 states have electric cooperatives. • 75 percent of America’s landmass is covered by electric cooperatives. • 42 million Americans receive electricity from more than 900 electric cooperatives.

12b

Today in Mississippi October 2012

Hurricane Isaac sweeps through south Mississippi PRVEPA restoration takes 3 days Hurricane Isaac kept everyone— up and out early Friday forecasters and south Mississippi morning, when we thought residents alike—guessing about its we could wrap things up. final destination for several days as “By Friday, the fields it formed in the Atlantic and slowwere extremely wet but ly worked its way westward. After the weather was clearmoving into the Gulf of Mexico, ing. Up to that point the storm seemed to take direct the crews had worked in aim at the Mississippi Coast, creatsteady wind and rain. ing anxiety for everyone who had Everyone worked very lived through Hurricane Katrina in hard to make the final push 2005. to restore the last, most remote Pearl River Valley Electric locations.” employees made plans to respond “This was a very successful to Isaac for several days as it response,” noted Randy Wallace, appeared more likely that the storm general manager. “All storms are differLineman Brandon Ramshur climbs a would affect the Association’s servent, and Isaac created unique challenges from one pole to replace a ice area. Arrangements were made end of our 12-county service area to the other. Crews repaired line. for crews from Alabama to assist worked through rain and wind to restore service to with restoring service outages as members, only to have more outages occurring at the soon as the storm passed. Extra same time. But they stuck to it and in the end probably materials and equipment were posirestored service to more than 30,000 meters overall. tioned in case damage was heavy. “I commend each of our employees for the dedication and comEventually, Isaac made landfall mitment they brought to this effort. From the outside crewmen in south Louisiana as a category 1 who worked in very difficult circumstances to the inside employees hurricane on August 29, 7 years to Line crew foreman David Graham (right) pulls to clear conductor while who talked with and helped our members, everyone gave their all. the day that Katrina hit. Although lineman Nathan Brown (on pole) restrings a line knocked down by We also thank the 54 outside employees who came to assist us. To falling trees. its eye moved slightly south and completely restore service three days after a hurricane affected every west of Pearl River Valley’s service area, our region was raked by heavy winds and corner of our system was quite an accomplishment.” rain from the storm’s feeder bands. The storm also virtually stopped its movement as it came ashore, causing its Pearl River Valley Electric’s new outage reporting system will automatically effects to be felt for nearly three days. recognize your account if your phone number is correct. “Isaac was unusual in that it turned into a wind and rain event,” said Kurt Brautigam, manager of member services. “Some portions of our area received more than a foot of rain. When everything was done, the very wet, soft ground probably caused more trouble for us than anything else. It caused trees to fall on lines and made it very difficult to access areas off the roads.” PRVEPA line crews and servicemen fought outages through the first night as rains came ashore and then well into Wednesday morning. By 6 p.m. August 29 more than 4,000 members had lost service but many outages had been restored. By Thursday morning (August 30), however, as tropical storm winds and rain continued, more than 10,000 members were without service at any given time. “It was all we could do to keep pace with the outages the second day,” said Brautigam. “The Alabama crews Update your phone number today by going to www.prvepa.com, then clicking on had arrived to help, though, and by late Thursday evening we had reduced the number of outages to about “Manage My Account.” You can call us at 855-2PRVEPA, or write it on your next payment stub. 3,000. The crews continued to work late and then were

Reporting a power outage can be easy!

Update your phone number.

October 2012

Today in Mississippi

12c

Larry Pickering retires after 35 years of service

Pearl River Valley Electric is saying goodbye to Larry Pickering after more than 35 years of service to members. Pickering, a senior staking technician in the Wiggins office and the Association’s safety coordinator, retired September 3.

Larry will not be moving to a rocking chair, however—he will become a full-time minister to two small United Methodist congregations in Pearl River County that he has been serving for several years as a bi-vocational pastor. Pickering began his career at PRVEPA as a draftsman in the Columbia staking department in 1977. For many years he moved between offices and jobs before adding the part-time role of safety coordinator to his duties in 1994. He moved to Wiggins in 1978 to establish a staking department needed to keep up with new service being driven by growth in Stone County. “One of the enjoyable aspects of my jobs over the years has been working with people—our members as well as our employees,” Pickering said. “In staking, your goal is to find ways to meet members’ needs. I always enjoyed knowing that what we were doing was going

to help make their plans a reality, so the solution we reached would be good for them as well as for the Association.” In addition to the hundreds of members he’s helped, Pickering has also made a lasting impression on his fellow employees by helping to foster a culture of safety. “As our organiza- Prior to his retirement, Larry Pickering (left) met with employees like tion has grown,” he noted, serviceman Matt Williams (center) and crew foreman Ricky Bates about safety issues. “our employees have become much busier and Electric for an exciting new chapter in are exposed to more hazards. There is no his life, Pickering said the thing he will substitute for safety in our business. I am miss most about his job is the many peoproud to have played a role in helping ple he’s gotten to know. my co-workers develop the mindset and “Our employees make a difference in programs necessary to work safely.” people’s lives, and Larry has certainly Pickering was instrumental in develdone that,” said Randy Wallace, general oping training programs for the manager. “We have valued his knowlAssociation’s line crew supervisors, and edge, experience and all that he has done for many years he served on the advisory to develop our staking and safety proboard for Mississippi Gulf Coast grams. While we will miss him greatly, Community College’s lineman school, we know that he is moving into another which has supplied many current role where he will continue to serve peoPRVEPA employees. ple and touch their lives, and that is altoAs he leaves Pearl River Valley gether appropriate.”

Crews now inspecting PRVEPA’s power poles We see them every day, but take them for granted. Utility poles form the backbone of Pearl River Valley Electric’s delivery system, and they reach into every corner of our 12-county service area. Poles must be sturdy and strong in order to support the weight of power, phone, and cable lines, and they must be able to withstand the effects of extreme winds and weather. Over the years, however, power poles can become susceptible to decay and pests. Poles that slowly deteriorate can fall or snap during high winds, resulting in a power outage. In addition, decayed poles can pose a safety hazard for linemen and the general public when decay goes undetected. For these reasons, Pearl River Valley Electric has developed a systematic inspection program so that every pole is inspected for decay or other damage on a regular inspection cycle. Poles that show signs of decay or aging are specially treated with environmentally safe preser-

vatives to inhibit the decaying process and prevent further deterioration. Poles that are found unsafe are replaced. PRVEPA maintains approximately 6,700 miles of line and more than 100,000 power poles. The cost of replacing power poles can run into the thousands of dollars, so PRVEPA must look for ways to extend the life of its poles as long as possible while replacing only those poles that have reached the end of their useful life. By addressing pole decay, PRVEPA can increase the average pole life by as much as 40 or more years, thus saving significant expense for the Association and our members. OSMOSE crews are in the field To assist in its pole inspection and maintenance program, PRVEPA has contracted with OSMOSE Utilities Services, Incorporated. A nationally recognized company, OSMOSE has been in the wood preserving business since the 1930s and has inspected and retreat-

ed poles for PRVEPA for over 30 years. OSMOSE personnel began inspecting the Association’s poles in late summer and will continue through November. OSMOSE crews will inspect and treat approximately 5,000 poles this year within the areas and communities served by the following substations: Columbia: Blue Springs, Christian Union, Gates Road, Highway 44, Improve, Mt. Gilead Sumrall: Cross Roads, Highways 42 & 44 West of Sumrall, Hickory Grove, Oloh, Rocky Branch, Rock Hill, Sumrall Purvis: Beaver Lake, Highway 11 between Purvis and I-59, Richburg Road, Sherlock Herring Road, Whites Chapel Community, Purvis Industrial Park, Purvis-Oloh Rd, Doc Johnson Rd, Pine Grove Community South Hattiesburg: Camp Shelby, Highway 49 South, Lake Paul Johnson, McLaurin Big Level: Big Level, City Bridge Road, Desoto Road, East McHenry,

Sunflower, WLOX, WXXV, Wire Road East Identifying Osmose Crews Pole inspection and treatment crews will have the OSMOSE logo on their clothing and vehicle doors, along with strobe lighting on top of their vehicles. Crew foremen will also have a letter of employment from PRVEPA if a member seeks more identification. In addition to inspecting poles at residences and along heavily traveled roads, OSMOSE employees are also out in the fields walking from pole to pole with their equipment. They inspect poles not only for external damage but also for internal decay. Damaged poles are either treated or replaced. Inspections of PRVEPA power poles should result in safer, more reliable electric service for all members. We appreciate your cooperation when OSMOSE personnel are working in your area.

12d

Today in Mississippi October 2012

Two new combined cycle generating units have recently been added at South Mississippi Electric’s Moselle generating facility.

Planning to meet future power needs Over the past couple of months, we have talked about the need for new electric generation resources, the cost of building new facilities, how it is important to maintain a diverse fuel mix, and the impact that environmental regulations may have on future generation. Pearl River Valley Electric relies on South Mississippi Electric (SME), a generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Hattiesburg, Miss., to provide wholesale electric energy to meet the around-the-clock needs of our members. SME transmits bulk electricity to our system’s 28 substations, as well as to those of 10 other electric power associations in the state, which serve a combined total of 410,000 meters. South Mississippi Electric’s Board of Directors, which is made up of individual members of the electric power associations it serves, has been looking for new sources of electricity as they plan to meet our needs for the next 40 years. The demand for electricity is increasing—the population is growing and households are using more electricity—and their commitment to continuing to provide the most affordable and reliable electric supply remains strong. In order to fulfill that commitment, new potential sources of electricity need to meet the following criteria: • the source must enhance the diversity of SME’s fuel mix; • the source must be environmentally compliant; and • the source must help stabilize the long-term cost of electricity. Fuel diversity, which means having several types of fuel available to generate electricity, allows SME from depending too heavily on any one type of fuel. If one fuel becomes too expensive or unavailable, other fuels can be used to generate power and offset costs. Many factors impact the cost of new generation and our ability to stabilize the cost of electricity over time. Just like owning your house has long-term advan-

tages over renting a house, owning a generation resource has advantages over purchasing electricity from another power supplier. Constructing or purchasing new power generation resources is costly in the beginning because the capital investment, or mortgage, occurs upfront. Once the mortgage is paid for, though, an owner is able to maximize the long-term benefits of a facility by paying only for operating costs or upkeep. Owned generation resources that use less expensive, abundant fuels will have lower overall long-term costs for consumers. The key is to have a variety of options for when fuel sources, government regulations and their associated costs change over time.

Making the Right Choices for the Future Based on the criteria mentioned above, SME’s Board took steps in August to add two generation resources to its fleet of power plants: making an offer to purchase the Batesville Generation Facility and agreeing to buy a 15 percent interest in Mississippi Power Company’s Plant Ratcliffe. The Batesville Generation Facility is an existing plant that includes three natural gas-fired units, totaling 837

megawatts. Since the plant was completed in 2000, SME has purchased electricity from one of the units. The current owners filed for bankruptcy in February 2012, leading to the sale. SME’s purchase offer has been approved by the bankruptcy court and sale of the facility is expected to be finalized by the end of this year. Upon completion in May 2014, Plant Ratcliffe in Kemper County will be a 582-megawatt lignite-fueled plant that will provide SME’s members with lowcost energy. Lignite is an abundant resource in Mississippi, one that ensures a constant, low-cost fuel supply for the life of the plant. The lignite will be mined onsite, saving money on delivery costs.

Part of the plant’s operational process will be to turn the lignite from a solid into a synthetic gas, so that it burns more cleanly than coal. By-products from the gasification process, including carbon dioxide, will be sold for use in other industries, providing additional economic benefits. Also, a recent study completed by SME confirmed an earlier 2010 study that found that owning a portion of the plant will reduce the wholesale cost of electricity purchased from Mississippi Power Company. The purchase of these facilities helps to ensure the ability of SME, Pearl River Valley Electric and the 10 other SME member cooperatives to meet the electricity needs of members across the state now and well into the future.

Save time and money by paying your bill online! You can also sign up for e-mail

bills, reminders and alerts. It’s easy, convenient and free.

Go to www.PRVEPA.com.

October 2012

Today in Mississippi

New technology keeps up with CFL demand In today’s modern world, technology is constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of consumers. One such technology is light bulbs. In 1897, Thomas Edison invented the incandescent bulb which pushed electricity through a wire filament. Edison’s bulb remained relatively unchanged for over 100 years until the advent of compact fluorescent bulbs. CFLs use one-fifth to one-third the power of an incandescent bulb and are becoming the light bulb of choice for low-cost energy efficiency. As a result of the bulbs’ growing popularity and a need for energy independence, Congress passed legislation eliminating incandescent bulbs. Starting in October, CFLs will begin replacing incandescent bulbs beginning with 100-watt bulbs and ending with 40-watt bulbs. While this slowly forces consumers to switch to CFLs or LED bulbs, this is also compelling bulb makers to develop bulbs that are cheaper and more visually appealing to consumers. Recently, General Electric addressed one of the

biggest complaints about CFLs, the warm-up time for the bulb to reach full brightness. They developed a hybrid CFL that is actually two bulbs in one. It contains an instantly bright halogen capsule inside the swirl of a compact fluorescent light bulb. The halogen provides instant light, and when the CFL elements warm up the halogen light turns off, saving money. Both elements are enclosed in an incandescent-shaped glass bulb that helps soften the fluorescent glow and give the appearance of a traditional light bulb. In addition, the hybrid bulbs claim to contain only one gram of mercury compared to five grams in a standard CFL. The hybrid light bulb will also give you 8,000 hours of use, the same as GE’s standard 14-watt CFL. The standard incandescent has a 1,000-hour lifespan.

So take a look at some of the new bulbs that are available on the market. They can help reduce the amount of energy and money used to light our homes.

2012 Youth Leadership Winners

Eric Upton Kokomo Jon Luke Watts Columbia

Guess where we went last summer ! If you're an 11th grader served by Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, you are eligible for the 2013 Leadership Workshop in Jackson, Miss., and Youth Tour of Washington, D.C. For more information see your guidance counselor visit www.prvepa.com For more information, see your Guidance Counselor, call Pearl River Valley Electric ator 601-736-2666, or visit www.prvepa.com

Today in Mississippi

October 2012

mississippi

ooks C RECIPES FROM FEATURED COOKBOOK:

‘Feeding the Flock II’ Saint Barnabas and the Anglican Church Women have released the second volume of their popular “Feeding the Flock” cookbook, which promises 200 “delights from the recipe ‘vaults’ of our parishioners, families and friends.” Erected in 1928, the Saint Barnabas Anglican Church building was Picayune’s first Episcopal Church and is the town’s oldest church building still in use. In 2003 a group of Anglicans (Traditional Episcopalians) purchased the aging building, and it was completely rehabilitated by members of the parish with the help of donations. One of the church’s programs, The Anglican Church Women organization, was formed to support the mission of the church, in part through fund-raising efforts. “Feeding the Flock II” stems from those efforts. This second edition comes on the heels of the strong demand for the first edition and futher expands upon the eclectic mix of recipes. The Rev. Jonathan J. Filkins, rector, contributed several recipes with catchy titles (including Eggs in Purgatory, at right). “Feeding the Flock II” is available for $12 plus $3 postage per copy. Send check to Cookbook, Saint Barnabas Anglican Church, 612 Sixth Avenue, Picayune, MS 39466. For more information about Saint Barnabas, go to www.stbarny.org.

Soy Sauce Marinade 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup water 2 Tbsp. lemon or lime juice 1 Tbsp. brown sugar

Combine ingredients. Use to marinate beef, pork or chicken.

Honey Pecan Crusted Chicken 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Salt, pepper to taste

1 egg, well beaten 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup fresh honey 1 cup olive oil

Place chicken breasts between two layers of waxed paper, and pound out each breast to an even thickness. Combine pecans, flour, salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, combine egg and water. Dredge chicken in pecan mixture and then dip into egg wash. Dredge chicken again in pecan mixture. Shake to remove excess flour. Pan fry in a small amount of olive oil until golden brown on each side. Store covered to keep warm until ready to serve. Drizzle with honey while hot and serve warm.

Strawberry and Chicken Salad Trifle 1 head Romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces 12 oz. shredded, cooked chicken breast 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 cup toasted pecan halves 1 qt. fresh strawberries, sliced 2/3 cup raspberry vinaigrette dressing

In a trifle bowl or large clear glass bowl, layer lettuce, chicken, feta cheese and strawberry slices. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, pour dressing over salad.

Eggs in Purgatory 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups tomato sauce 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil

Pinch of oregano Good shake of hot sauce (optional) Salt to taste 8 large eggs

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook until tender and translucent, stirring constantly. Add tomato sauce, basil, oregano, hot sauce and salt. Simmer 10 minutes or until thickened. Bread egg into a small cup and carefully slide egg into sauce. Continue with each egg. Cover skillet and cook until eggs are set to your taste, about 2 to 3 minutes. Serve hot with warm Italian bread.

Apple Enchiladas 1 (21-oz.) can apple pie filling 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 cup butter

2 Tbsp. oil 1 clove crushed garlic Black pepper

1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 9-by-11-inch baking dish. Spoon about 1 heaping quarter cup of pie filling evenly down the center of each tortilla. (Cut up the bigger pieces of apple, if necessary.) Sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up, tucking in edges, and place seam side down in prepared dish. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, white sugar, brown sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; reduce heat and simmer until thickened. Pour sauce over enchiladas and let stand 30 minutes. Bake 20 minutes or until golden.

Jonny Apple-Seedy Crisp 6 medium apples, thinly sliced 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1 cup flour

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon Dash of salt 1 cup butter or margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange apples in a greased 9-by-12-inch baking dish. Combine remaining ingredients and spread over apples. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until top is golden.

October 2012

Chocolate Cherry Cake

Today in Mississippi

Creamy Crab Salad Dip 5 Tbsp. margarine 1/3 cup milk 1 (6-oz.) pkg. semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine cake mix, eggs and cherry pie filling. Pour into a greased and floured 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Bake 35-40 minutes. Combine sugar, margarine and milk in a sauce pan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, then add chocolate chips. Stir until well blended and spread over cake.

1 lb. imitation crab meat, coarsely chopped 1 bunch green onions, chopped 1/2 Tbsp. hot sauce

8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard Salt, pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving. Serve with assorted crackers or toasted slices of baguette or pita chips. Note: You can substitute 1 pound of coarsely chopped cooked shrimp for the crab meat.

Serious Strength Made in

USA

For our new self-rising flour, we start with soft winter wheat grown in the USA and milled in the South. Then we add a specially formulated baking powder to make it perfect for flaky biscuits, fluffy pancakes and countless other delicious treats. And because we use only the heart of the wheat berry, we never add bleach or other unnecessary chemicals. You might say we’ll rise to the occasion of perfecting your favorite recipes. Now on your grocery shelf, ready for your pantry.

For recipes go to

KingArthurFlour.com/rise

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www.GorillaTough.com 1-800-966-3458

Your recipes just got a lift.

1 pkg. chocolate cake mix 3 eggs 1 (20-oz.) can cherry pie filling 1 cup sugar

Today in Mississippi

October 2012

Mississippi Marketplace Type or print your ad clearly. Be sure to include your telephone number. Deadline is the 10th of each month for the next month’s issue. Rate is $2.50 per word, ten word minimum. Mail payment with your ad to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300. Have any questions? Phone (601) 605-8604 or email

swindle@epaofms.com.

FOR SALE

VACATION RENTALS

USED PORTABLE SAWMILLS! Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148, 205-969-0007, USA & Canada, www.sawmillexchange.com.

PIGEON FORGE, TN-CABINS, peaceful, convenient setting, 251-649-3344, 251-649-4049 www.hideawayprop.com.

HOME IN HARTFIELD SUBDIVISION IN MADISON County MS School District, 2,326 sq ft, 4BR-3.5BA, built in 2004, one owner, $209,900. Call 601-906-9328. http://www.forsalebyowner.com/22210348.

FALL COLORS AT MOUNTAIN CABIN, WEARS VALLEY NEAR PIGEON FORGE, fully Furnished, 3/2 Brochure available. 251-649-9818.

CUSTOM MADE CYPRESS SWINGS & CHILDRENS FURNITURE www.theoldsouthcypressstore.com. 601-738-5504. FOR RENT SITE FOR A TRAILER HOME. 12 miles south of Columbia, MS. For information 662-386-2721.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL Cabins by trail in Georgia mountains. 3000’ above sea level. Snowy winters, cool summers, inexpensive rates. 800-284-6866. www.bloodmountain.com. LEAF RIVER CAMP two bedrooms directly on river, sleeps 8, private pier, full kitchen, fishing, hunting, swimming and very relaxing. 228-860-8689.

YANMAR 2500 - 2WD 30 HP DIESEL TRACTOR and Big Bee 5’ brush cutter WT. Approx. 2750 lbs. Located near Picayune. $6995.00 OBO. 504-782-4446 or email me: treblaer@juno.com.

PUT YOUR OLD HOME MOVIES, PHOTOS OR SLIDES ON DVD. 888-609-9778 or www.transferguy.com.

REDUCED PRICE FOUR ADJOINING CEMETERY SPACES Southern Memorial Park, Biloxi, MS 337-322-1369.

FREE BOOKS/DVDS, Soon the “Mark of the Beast” 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.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY WATKINS SINCE 1868. Top 10 home business. Over 350 products everyone uses. Free catalog packet. 800-352-5213.

PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR! $12.95. “Learn Gospel Music” - chording, runs, fills - $12.95, Both $24. Davidsons, 6727MS Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204. Call: 913-262-4982. EARN $75,000/YR PART TIME in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required. Classroom or home study courses available. 800-488-7570. DON’T LET YOUR FAMILY MEMORIES FADE AWAY! We can transfer your VHS, VHS-C, Betamax, Minidv ... to DVD. We provide Macintosh computer support with 28 years experience. Parrot Video Productions LLC. Call (601) 826-1168 or visit us at www.parrotvideoproductions.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER, by Correspondence study. The harvest truly is great, the laborours are few, Luke 10:2. Free info. MCO, 6630 West Cactus #B107-767, Glendale, AZ 85304. http://www.ordination.org.

Mobile Home Owners: ROOF KING

All persons preparing to dig must call Mississippi 811 or utilize our online Elocate system, www.ms1call.org, two days prior to the beginning of any work. Underground facilities will be marked using the color code system and then work may proceed.

30’ x 40’ x 50’ x 80’ x

50’ x 10’ . . . . . . . . .$7,126 60’ x 12’ . . . . . . . .$10,287 75’ x 14’ . . . . . . . .$15,196 120’ x 16’ . . . . . . .$36,874

Minis-30’ x 100’ with 20-10’ x 15’ units - $14,740

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

Low Rates for Plan F

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One-Day Installation typical throughout

Mississippi Factory Trained Installers Insured Financing

BE READY!

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Meridian, MS 601-693-3809

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Age 65 70 75 80

Mo.Prem. $116.00 $131.00 $157.00 $192.00

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

HAMILTON INSURANCE AGENCY Call

800-336-9861 6 River Bend Place, Flowood, MS 39232

Payable in monthly payments.

1-877-297-0850 (601) 701-5849

October 2012

Today in Mississippi

• Serving Mississippi over 20 years • NFBA (National Frame Building Assn) Accredited Builder • NFBA Building of the year winner • BBB Accredited Business with an A-Plus rating • The siding we manufacture is UL Listed, File # R23370 • Our Vice President recently passed the National Standard General Building Contractor Exam

1-800-766-5793 www.bcibarns.com e-mail: barn@bcibarns.com All buildings constructed with pre-built trusses w/stamped engineered drawings

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FARM BARNS

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40 x 30 x 20 = $17,900.00 30 x 50 x 10 = $8,900.00 Log Sides Painted Sides www.farmbarnsinc.com

TODAY

PLACE YOUR AD WITH US

IN MISSISSIPPI

SOUTHEASTERN RED DEER FARMS

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

For more information call 601-605-8604 or e-mail swindle@epaofms.com 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.

HIGH QUALITY METAL BUILDING SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS Complete line of custom-designed, pre-engineered metal building and mini-storage systems.

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Today in Mississippi

October 2012

PICTURE THIS

Gotcha

Great Moments in Candid Photography 1. We’re in this together: Cousins Ashlyn Hinton, left, and Lauren Richard ride with granddad Phillip Hinton. Photo by Glen Richard, Moss Point; Singing River Electric member 2. Sadie Kate Kennedy and her papa, Shelby Colson, share a ride after a long day of gathering the spring hay. Photo by Audra Kennedy, Mendenhall; Southern Pine Electric member 3. SaRee Amaya gets a congratulatory kiss from Paulette Galloway. Photo by Kaelan Nolf, Biloxi 4. A cardinal reflects upon himself. Photo by Eadie Kolbo, Petal 5. McKenna Foster wants busy Paw Paw to go outside with her now. Photo by Charles (William) Lee, Pascagoula; Singing River Electric member 6. Bonnie, right, and her pup Molly repose on the porch. Photo by Terri Dykes, Columbia; Pearl River Valley Electric member 7. Petey watches Sarah’s cork for action. Photo by Benjamin Laird, Meridian; EMEPA member 8. Just a little horsin’ around. Photo by Lisa Hall, New Albany; Pontotoc Electric member 9. Jones County Junior College drill team members perform with enthusiasm. Photo by Brittany Stewart, Hattiesburg 10. A doe feeds her twins in the photographer’s backyard. Photo by Angela McPhail, Madison 11. Frank the pug and Pepper the Shih Tzu mix it up for fun. Photo by Celeste Brewer, Richton 12. Mary Louise LeBlanc is surprised to be discovered during hide-and-seek. Photo by Heather LeBlanc, Diamondhead; Coast Electric. 13. Teddy snuggles with his favorite garden statue. Photo by Juanita Temple, Meridian; EMEPA member 14. Looks like Josie Azlin, fresh from dance class, would rather ride her dirt bike. Photo by Katherine Azlin, Leland; Delta Electric member See page 8 for details on our next Picture This.

October 2012

Today in Mississippi

10 12 13

11 14

Today in Mississippi

October 2012

It’s all about service!

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Dedication. Dedication to duty is a quality lineworkers seem born with. That’s why you’ll see them in a driving rain storm repairing downed power lines. That’s why your power can be restored in the middle of the night. Their dedication helps ensure your family is safe and comfortable. Regardless of the weather.

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Serving Mississippi & Louisiana STATEWIDE Since 1992

October 2012

Today in Mississippi

WEEKEND GETAWAY:

MERIDIAN By Nancy Jo Maples Seven of us sat at a table within earshot of the chef’s symphony of pots and pans. Weidmann’s Restaurant in downtown Meridian is one of those landmark eateries that every city wants and that every restaurant wants to be. Open since 1870, Weidmann’s is known for dishing out delicious entrees and decadent desserts such as its famous Black Bottom Pie. Our group tried a variety of specials from land and sea and ended the evening with coffee and the Black Bottom Pie. Because of a chocolate allergy, I can’t vouch for the pie’s taste but I did witness its disappearance. My hubby and I found our way to Meridian that week to cheer for our daughter in the Mississippi Distinguished Young Woman program. Grandparents and friends joined us on that particular evening for dinner before the show. The restaurant sits near the Temple Theatre where DYW took place. A trip to Meridian isn’t complete without seeing the Temple’s elegant Moorish architecture and tiles. Built in the 1920s, the Temple is indeed one of Meridian’s icons. Meridian has another venue for concerts and productions – the Riley Center. It is housed in the 1890 Grand Opera House and has been operated through the town’s branch of Mississippi State University since being renovated in 2006. If you are looking for a getaway to the Queen City check out the center’s website (listed below) to view headliners for the season. I quickly noticed that all around town whimsically painted merry-go-round horses dot the landscape and serve as the city’s symbol. The horses are replicas of those on the 1896 Dentzel Carousel that Meridian purchased after it was used in the 1904 St. Louis Exposition. The carousel is one of Meridian’s most famous attractions because it is the only one of Gustav Dentzell’s tworow merry-go-rounds still in existence. The antebellum Merrehope House is another icon. It’s a Greek Revival style that was built in 1858. Visits here are best when it is decorated for Christmas featuring holiday trees from around the world. Folk music fans might be interested to tour the town’s museum memorializing Jimmie Rodgers,

Hill Cemetery. It is the burial ground for Kelly Mitchell, Queen of the Gypsy Nation. She died in 1915 during the birth of her 14th or 15th child. Her funeral drew 20,000 gypsies and her body Meridian’s must-see stops include Weidmann’s Restaurant, top right; the was kept on ice 1896 Dentzel Carousel, top; antebellum Merrehope Home, above; and the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum, left. Photos courtesy Lauderdale County while they journeyed from across Tourism and Weidmann’s the nation. Queen Kelly’s gravesite is easily recognized. Look for Father of Country Music. Rodgers was a railroad the colorful plastic bead necklaces that trippers toss brakeman who wrote such tunes as “We’re in the Jailhouse Now” and “Muleskinner Blues.” His guitar upon her tomb as a tribute. We didn’t see the Queen’s grave or any city sites on display is supposedly insured for three quarters of other than Temple Theatre on this particular visit. a million dollars. However, if you get a chance to get away to Railroads influenced the development of Meridian. In 1900 it served five major rail lines and Meridian they all sit relatively near Weidmann’s Restaurant and are within easy reach of a slice of that 44 trains moved through the town per day. Whistle Stop Weekend, set Nov. 2-3, commemo- famous Black Bottom Pie. rates this rich railroad history. The free festival blows For more information about Whistlestop Weekend or plenty of train whistles, demonstrates steam engines other attractions, go to www.visitmeridian.com, and features carousel organ grinders with the www.soulelivestream.com or call 888-868-7720. “Happiest Music on Earth.” This year, Parker Lamb For headliners at the Riley Center visit will be signing copies of his book, “Railroads of www.msurileycenter.com. Meridian.” Writer Nancy Jo Maples can be reached at Another hotspot lies inside the downtown Rose nancyjomaples@aol.com or on Twitter.

Today in Mississippi

October 2012

Mississippi

vents E Want more than 400,000 readers to know about your event? Send it to us 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 email to news@epaofms.com. Events of statewide interest will be published free of charge as space allows. Event details are subject to change, so we strongly recommend calling to confirm dates and times before traveling. For more events, go to www.visitmississippi.org.

Natchez Annual Fall Pilgrimage, through Oct. 14, Natchez. Tours of 20 antebellum mansions. Admission. Details: 800-647-6742; www.natchezpilgrimage.com. Mississippi Theatre Association Theatre Workshop, Oct. 5-6, Columbus. Workshop and professional development opportunity for teachers, community theatre leaders, volunteers. Master class and performance by Tut’Zanni Theatre Co. Registration fee. Mississippi University for Women. Details: www.mta-online.org. Carrollton Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day, Oct. 5-7, Carrollton. Tours of historic homes, churches, other buildings; admission. Also arts/crafts, educational booths, genealogy expo, music, fun run. Details: 662-392-4810; carrolltonmstours@gmail.com. Second Annual Prairie Post Office Breast Cancer Stamp Kickoff, Oct. 6, Prairie. Philatelic postmark station, entertainment, door prizes, food, Breast Cancer Stamp sales; 2 p.m. until. Motorcycle ride begins 12:30 p.m. Free admission. Prairie Community Center. Details: 662-369-2329. Sam Chatmon Blues Festival, Oct. 6, Hollandale. Featuring Eden Brent, Eddie Cusic, John Horton, Libby Ray Watson, Jazz Persuasion, T-Model Ford and others. Games, bikeathon, BBQ contest, vendors. Free admission. Blue Front, downtown. Details: 662-8272241, 662-827-5545. Brandon Craft Fair, Oct. 6, Brandon. Baked goods, food, handcrafted gifts; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nativity Lutheran Church. Details: 601-8255125. 11th Annual Jack Lucas Golf Tournament, Oct. 8, Hattiesburg. Registration 10:30 a.m.; shotgun start 12:30 p.m. Buffet lunch. Admission. Canebrake Country Club. Details: 601-447-4312; roycenation@comcast.net. Sweat Equity Investment in the Cotton Kingdom Symposium, Oct. 11, Itta Bena. Discussions, historical presentations on cotton, sharecropping and their cultural significance to America’s economic development; 9 a.m.

Mississippi Valley State University. Details: 662347-8198; www.khafreinc.org. Brandi Perry Book Signing, Oct. 13, Hattiesburg. Perry to sign “Buried Cries.” Main Street Books; 4-8 p.m. Lower Delta Talks, Oct. 16, Rolling Fork. “The Restoration of Mont Helena” by Drick Rodgers; 6:30 p.m. Also, “My Great Aunt Nellie: The Story of Nellie Crump” by Carolyn May on Nov. 13. Free. Sharkey-Issaquena County Library. Details: 662-873-4076. Hernando Water Tower Festival, Oct. 19-20, Hernando. BBQ team competition, 10K race, farmer’s market, arts/crafts, vintage car show, music, more. Courthouse Square. Details: 662429-9055; www.hernandoms.org. Race info: 662-429-9092, ext. 103; ofhjohnstone@bellsouth.net. Gulf Coast Military Collectors Show, Oct. 1920, D’Iberville. Buy, sell, trade military memorabilia. Admission; free for WWII vets. D’Iberville Civic Center. Details: 228-224-1120, 228-3806882. Haunted Halloween Trail, Oct. 19-20, 26-27, Columbia. Dark til midnight; admission. Oct. 19 only: free admittance with donation of one large can of dog/cat food. 577 Clear Creek Church Road. Details: 601-441-4180. 24th Annual Mississippi Coast Cleanup, Oct. 20, various locations. Volunteers needed at more than 60 sites along the coast; 8-11 a.m. Online registration. Details: www.mscoastalcleanup.org. Delta Hot Tamale Festival, Oct. 20, Greenville. Hot tamale contests, storytelling, arts/crafts, entertainment, more. Downtown. Details: 662-378-3121; www.hottamalefest.com. A Day in the Country, Oct. 20, Causeyville. Barbecue, crafts, homemade cakes, chitlin plates, flea market, music, more. Causeyville Volunteer Fire Department. Details: 601-6443556, 601-479-7185. Praise in the Park, Oct. 20, Lucedale. Christian contemporary music festival featuring Newsboys, Building 429, Luminate, Ashes

Remain; noon-8:30 p.m. Admission. Lucedale City Park. Details: 601-508-0587; praiseinthepark.org. Day in the Park, Oct. 20, various locations. Pat Harrison Waterway District 50th anniversary observance. Free admission. Archusa Reservoir, Quitman; Dunn’s Falls, Enterprise; Turkey Creek Reservoir, Decatur; Okatibbee, Meridian. Details: 800-748-9618. Arts Alive Studio Tour, Oct. 20-21, 27-28, Hancock County. More than 40 local artists open studios to the public. Free. Maps available. Details: www.hancockarts.org; hancockarts@gmail.com. Mullet and Music Festival, Oct. 20-21, Gautier. Live bands, arts/crafts, kids area, sports games, mullet toss, car/motorcycle show and more. Details: 228-219-7208; mtucker@gautierms.gov. “A Space Symphony,” Oct. 25, Columbus. Starkville/MSU Symphony Orchestra; 7:30 p.m. Rent Auditorium, Mississippi University for Women. Details: 662-328-2787; www.columbus-arts.org. Aberdeen Hand Bell Festival, Oct. 26-27, Aberdeen. Adult workshops for bell ringers with Saturday concert at 3 p.m.; followed by 7 p.m. performance by Christine Anderson. Details: 800-634-3538. Greater Picayune Arts Council “Fairytale Land Spectacular,” Oct. 26-28, Picayune. Fairytale-themed festival with walk-through fairytales including Snow White; children’s costume contest, hay rides and more; 5-8 p.m. Admission. Jack Read Park. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Oct. 27, Jackson. American Cancer Society 5K walk. Registration 8 a.m., walk at 9. Mississippi State Capitol. Details: 601-321-5500; www.makingstridesjackson.org. Fall Bazaar, Oct. 27, Louisville. Breakfast buffet, homemade crafts and food items, silent auction; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Whitehall United Methodist Church. Details: 662-803-8222. Double 16 Fifth Annual Halloween Trail Ride, Oct. 27, Poplarville. Suppers, entertainment, spooky hay ride. Admission. Gumpond area. Details: 601-550-5905. Mississippi Pearl River Woodcarvers Guild 19th Annual Show and Championships, Oct. 27, Brandon. Woodcarving exhibitions, competition, demonstrations, supply sales. Admission. Brandon Senior Center. Details: 601-825-8571; pearlriverwoodcarvers.org. Artsapalooza & Gospel Explosion, Oct. 2728, Starkville. Arts, crafts, homemade baked goods, gospel music, Kids’ Zone. Simmons Field. Details: 404-453-7574. Christmas Craft Sale, Oct. 28, Woolmarket. Handmade decorations and gifts; 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Woolmarket Senior Center. Details: 228-3927332.

Sixth Annual Old Biloxi Cemetery Tour: “Honoring Our Heroes,” Oct. 30, Biloxi. Selfguided tour with historical reenactments of the lives of eight Biloxi war veterans; 4-7 p.m. Free admission. Old Biloxi Cemetery. Details: 228435-6339. Native American Days, Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, Greenville. Free. Winterville Mounds Park and Museum. Details: 662-334-4684. Greenfield Cemetery Candlelight Tour, Nov. 2-3, Glen Allan. Costumed storytellers to portray 12 individuals buried in the historic cemetery; 7-10 p.m. Admission. Shuttle leaves from Glen Allan Methodist Church. Details: 662839-4000, 662-822-6868. Whistlestop Weekend, Nov. 2-3, Meridian. Combines Soulé Live Steam Festival, RailFest and Carousel Organ Association of America Fall Rally. Traditional craft demos, steam engines, hit-and-miss engines, Alabama Ironcasters event, railroad memorabilia, trains and more. Free admission. Details: 888-868-7720; www.soulelivesteam.com. The Beehive Marketplace, Nov. 2-3, Kosciusko. Showcase of local artists with demos, booths, silent auction, more. Free admission. Mary Ricks Thornton Cultural Center. Details: 662-289-4761. Native American Games and Arts and Crafts Day, Nov. 3, Greenville. Dancers, storytelling, archery, games, raptor demos, more. Free admission. Winterville Mounds Park and Museum. Details: 662-334-4684. Heritage Day, Nov. 3, DeKalb. Family event with outdoor music and BBQ; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free admission. Kemper Historical Museum. Details: 601-743-5560, 601-743-2649. Lake Washington Old Tractor Club Antique Tractor Show, Nov. 3, Glen Allan. Tractor rodeo with prizes, live music, arts/crafts, food. Antique cars, trucks, farm equipment invited. Free admission. Paul Love Park. Details: 662378-6493, 662-822-8500. Sixth Annual HealthTrust Scrub Run, Nov. 3, Magee. 5K run/walk and fun run; lunch plates. Registration 8 a.m. Magee Sportsplex. Details: 601-849-7309; pwallace@mghosp.org. 13th Annual Old Time Day, Nov. 3, Leakesville. Cane syrup making, cornmeal grinding, wagon train, smoke house, cracklin cooking, quilting, entertainment, more. Batley Farm. Details: 601-394-2385; trbatley@hotmail.com. Antique Tractor Show and Ride, Nov. 3, Morton. Ride begins 9 a.m. Games in afternoon. Hosted by Central Mississippi Antique Association. Roosevelt State Park. Details: 601540-1891. Fall Picayune Street Fair, Nov. 3-4, Picayune. New events: Miss Street Fair Pageant and a singing contest. Downtown. Details: 601-3821737 (pageant), 601-347-2433 (singing contest).

October 2012

Pascagoula Gun Show, Nov. 3-4, Pascagoula. Admission. Jackson County Fairgrounds. Details: 601-498-4235; bigpopfireworks@gmail.com. Harvest Festival, Nov. 6-10, Jackson. Blacksmithing, print shop demo, saw mill, cane mill, cotton gin, hit-and-miss engines, barnyard animals, more; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission. Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. Details: 601-432-4500, 800-844-8687; www.msagmuseum.org. Seventh Annual Christmas Handworks Bazaar, Nov. 9, Starkville. Handworks by artisans from across the state. Bake sale, frozen casseroles, more. Benefits Habitat for Humanity. First United Methodist Church. Details: 662-323-5722. â€œGhosts and Legends Tour,â€? Nov. 9-10, Columbus. Bus tours leave Tennessee Williams Home at 6 and 8 p.m. Details: 662-328-2787; www.columbus-arts.org. Magnolia State Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show, Nov. 9-11, Pascagoula. Jackson County Fairgrounds. Details: 228-229-8781, 228-2389900; www.mgcgms.org. 237th Birthday of U.S. Marine Corps, Nov. 10, Hattiesburg. Admission; 5:30 p.m. Trent Lott Center, University of Southern Mississippi. Details: 601-467-3260; akersh@comcast.net. Team Picayune BBQ Challenge, Nov. 10, Picayune. Team competition, music, funjumps,

slides, food, BBQ and more. Admission. Jack Read Park. Details: 601-273-2322; christyhgoss@yahoo.com. Harvest Quilt Sampler, Nov. 10, Jackson. Demonstrations on quilting techniques; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sponsored by Mississippi Quilt Association. 4-H Museum, Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. Details: 601825-8105. Gingham Tree Arts and Crafts Festival, Nov. 10, Lucedale. Lucedale Fine Arts Club event featuring only handmade works. George County Middle School Activities Building. Details: 601-947-0900, 601-947-6011; ginghamtree.com. Christmas Carousel Arts & Crafts Market, Nov. 10, Olive Branch. More than 87 artists and craft vendors. Center Hill Elementary School. Details: 662-812-3506; www.thechristmascarousel.com. 12th Annual Gulf Coast Veterans Parade, Nov. 10, Gulfport. Special tribute to Vietnam veterans with antique military vehicles, floats, marching units, bands, more. Begins 11 a.m. downtown. Details: 228-669-4997; www.msveteransparade.com; Facebook. Henleyfield Fall Festival, Nov. 10, Henleyfield. 5K/10K runs, food, antique cars, kidsâ€™ corral, entertainment, veterans observance. Henleyfield Community Center. Details:

601-590-6278; www.henleyfield.com. Laurel Gun Show, Nov. 10-11, Laurel. Door prizes, concessions, vendors. Admission. Fairgrounds. Details: 601-498-4235; bigpopfireworks@gmail.com. Neil White Book Signing, Nov. 11, Hernando. White to speak and sign â€œSanctuary of Outcastsâ€? and â€œMississippians IIâ€?; 3 p.m. Hernando Public Library. Details: 662-429-4439. Holiday Open House/YuleTide Trolley Ride, Nov. 13, Greenwood. Ride the trolley while shopping various retailers and restaurants; 4-8 p.m. Details: 662-453-4152.

Today in Mississippi

10th Annual Piney Woods Heritage Festival, Nov. 16-17, Picayune. Exhibits and demonstrations of traditional craft skills. Friday open to preregistered school groups. Admission. Crosby Arboretum. Details: 601799-2311; www.crosbyarboretum. msstate.edu. 60th Annual Camellia Show, Nov. 17, Gulfport. Mississippi Gulf Coast Camellia Society show with unusual varieties available; opens to public 2 p.m. Free admission. Gulfport/Lyman Community Center. Details: 228-326-6114; Facebook.

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