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MAKING HARVARD
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AND A POT PIE
JANUARY 2021
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The kitchen is the heart of any home, and every cook wants to put a unique stamp on the space where so many gather. Now two artful canister sets bring your unique personality right to your counter. You can choose from the rooster artwork of Dona Gelsinger for a country flair, or the adorable kitten artwork of Jürgen Scholz to add a little extra sweetness to every dish. Each canister features wraparound artwork, so it looks great anywhere you place it. Hand-painted sculptures of kittens or roosters crown each lift-off lid, which also features a silicone freshness seal to preserve each canister’s contents.
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outdoors today picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it
Welcome to 2021 We made it! Can you believe it? The year 2020 seemed to go on and on because of the unique challenges we faced — the COVID-19 pandemic, an active hurricane and storm season and an especially bitter and divisive political election. But today we can say that was then and this is now. You are holding the first 2021 issue of Today in Mississippi right now and we couldn’t be happier. The magazine is also our first full January issue of the publication’s run. Before, we produced a combined January/February issue. Beginning this year, our members will receive 12 separate issues annually. That makes us happy as well because it’s our pride and joy to bring you stories and photos each month that give you a look at the people and places that make Mississippi special. We also want to make sure you stay on top of news and announcements about your electric cooperative — and Today in Mississippi is the statewide publication that features that important information. Our first issue of the year is the one we always dub our “Legislative Issue.” When you look at your local pages this month, you will see the names, photos and contact information of the Mississippi lawmakers and your elected officials in Washington D.C., who represent you. Our outstanding government relations team stays in close contact with them while they monitor state and national legislation that affects the electric power industry.
This month, for our cover story, we visited with Elee Reeves, the first lady of Mississippi. It’s been one year since Elee Reeves and Gov. Tate Reeves moved into the Governor’s Mansion in Jackson. During our interview, Elee discusses her family, her full-time job, her service to her home state and what Mississippi residents have taught her about compassion and kindness. We also spoke to a Mississippi man who has made history at Harvard University about his ties not only to Mississippi but to one of our state’s electric cooperatives — Pearl River Valley EPA. Finally, we recently conducted and concluded a reader survey where you told us what you like about Today in Mississippi and what we need to improve on. Thank you for your time and feedback. We take it seriously because we want to make sure our publication is one of your favorite monthly reads. The feedback is not limited to that survey either. Feel free to reach out to editor Steven Ward anytime with your story ideas, questions or thoughts. Email him at ward@ecm.coop. Thanks again for being part of Mississippi’s electric cooperative community and we wish everyone a great 2021!
by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi
Mississippi is... “Let’s go.” Thunder and Trixie dart over the doorstep. The balmy heat of summer fades. Mornings turn crisp with a gentle breeze. Coolness covers your skin with an energizing tingle. Low, the sun is smiling, relaxed with less effort of blazing the day away. The early shine of summer’s harshness now muted. I love the fall! Woodland birds caw and shriek, diving and fluttering amongst the tall pines. They swoop and challenge the labyrinth through the timber in chase of another, barnstorming with skill. Not far off, a faint and slow tap. The noise of a woodpecker whose heart isn’t into searching for a bug for breakfast. My dogs and I sit for a while, enjoying nature’s wonders before I hear a scratching sound. “It’s a bunny!” The dogs go nuts. A gray and white-tailed rabbit takes spirited hops across the lawn towards the woods. Trixie and Thunder, held back behind our fenced patio, bellow, roar and grunt till the forest’s undergrowth swallows the bunny’s tush. They grow hungry and stare at me with black glossy eyes, their hanging tongues drawing deep breaths. Trixie tilts her head, holding my notice while Thunder labors up to the house door and hits it with his paw. “Ok.” I yield to their pleasure. “Let’s go in and eat.”
Our easy-to-use mobile app provides information on Mississippi’s state and federal elected officials. Look for “Mississippi Legislative Roster” in the Apple App Store. An Android version is also available through Google Play.
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by Jonney Scoggin, a resident of Taylorsville and a member of Southern Pine Electric
What’s Mississippi to you? What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop or mail to P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158
JANUARY 2021 | TODAY 3
in this issue
5 southern gardening Cool season colors of pansies
8 scene around the ‘sip A look at special people and places around Mississippi
5
11
outdoors today A gentleman’s pursuit: Quail hunting
14 local news 18 feature
A visit with Mississippi’s first lady, Elee Reeves
The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi
Vol. 74 No. 1
OFFICERS Kevin Bonds - President Eddie Howard - First Vice President Randy Carroll - Second Vice President Ron Barnes - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Ron Stewart - Senior VP, Communications Steven Ward - Editor Chad Calcote - Creative Director/ Manager Elissa Fulton - Communications Specialist Rickey McMillan - Graphic Designer Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer Chris Alexander - Administrative Assistant EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600
Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s electric power associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. • National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181
Circulation of this issue: 473,099
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24 on the menu
Puffy pot pies and soup
27 mississippi seen
Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year. Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300
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On the cover Elee Reeves, Mississippi’s first lady, at the Governor’s Mansion. Photo by Chad Calcote.
FELINEFriends Share photos of you and your cat or just your cat.
Photos must be high-resolution JPG files of at least 1 MB in size. Each entry must be accompanied by photographer’s name, address and co-op. Also, the cat’s name. Attach digital photos to email and send to news@ecm.coop Deadline: March 5. Select photos will appear in the April 2021 issue.
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pansies are great cool-season colors
Flowers with dark blotches such as these are thought of as a more traditional pansy, but pure color selections called clear are available in the Matrix series.
violet and smooth, pale-yellow shades While visiting a garden center are very much reminiscent of their actual upstate, I was reminded that if you wine and cheese namesakes. This mix is haven’t done so already, now is the hard to find, and when I do find it, I buy, time to get your pansies planted for buy, buy. great cool-season color. Delta pansies have freely branching Stop in your favorite garden center growth characteristics and will get now to find all kinds of colorful pansies 8 inches tall and wide. Delta pansies ready for their new home landscapes. produce more flowers, and they bloom Pansies are among my go-to annuals, much earlier than other pansies. As with and there are some great selections the Matrix pansies, Delta pansies have available in the market. huge flowers that are held above the My all-time favorite pansies belong Delta pansies such as these Fire selections produce more flowers foliage by strong stems that allow the to the Matrix and Delta series. and bloom much earlier than other pansies. petals to flutter in a light breeze. I think Matrix pansies are some of Be sure to maintain a consistent soil moisture, and feed your the toughest annual, cool-season color plants, which should be planted in everyone’s garden and landscape. For several years, the pansies with a water-soluble fertilizer, even during the winter months. Pansies are a great choice for winter flowering as the Matrix group of pansies has been a great choice for gardeners in plants can freeze solid and thaw with little damage. In response to Mississippi. the cold, the leaves will be tinged purple. Matrix offers a huge range of colors and styles. Flowers with When the plants freeze, the flowers are nipped back, but once dark blotches are thought of as a more traditional pansy. For pure it gets a little warmer, the flowering gets revved up again. color, though, there are blotchless selections that are called clear. Matrix and Delta pansies will give you nonstop color to get A nice feature of the clear flowers is that the throat of each has a you through the winter. The short, sturdy stems resist stretching, small, yellow eye. which means the plants will look good long after the days begin Matrix pansies are also available in color-coordinated mixes warming up in the spring. instead of the traditional random color mixes. Buy your Matrix and Delta pansies now so you get the best Matrix pansies have freely branching growth habits and will selection. In no time at all, your flower beds and containers will be reach about 8 inches tall and wide. When massed together as pansying and ready for months to come, and they will continue pansies were meant to be planted, they create an impressive, looking good into spring. colorful landscape carpet. Matrix pansies flower earlier, and the huge flowers are held above the foliage by strong stems. This structure allows the petals to flutter in the slightest breeze. Delta is another group of pansies that will be a sure thing in by Dr. Gary your landscape. Bachman A favorite of mine has been Delta Beaconsfield, which features brilliant yellow flowers with blotches that range in warm colors Gary Bachman, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor of Horticulture at from burgundy to rusty red and orange. the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in My newest must-have is Delta Wine and Cheese. I love the clear Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs. flower colors that have no dark blotches. The mix of primrose, red, He lives in Ocean Springs and is a Singing River Electric member. 6 TODAY | JANUARY 2021
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MAKING
HARVARD HISTORY AND HIS CO-OP PROUD by Steven Ward Mississippian Noah Harris recently made history when he became the first Black man elected by students to the office of student body president of Harvard University. After the news broke, Noah was fielding interview requests from CNN, MSNBC, Good Morning America and USA Today. Not just a product of Mississippi, Harris, 20, grew up in and around the electric cooperative family of his home state. Harris’ father, Anthony Harris, is the district manager of the Hattiesburg office of the Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association. Anthony, 52, has worked at the co-op for 27 years. “I’ve spent my entire life at Pearl River Valley,” Noah said recently in a phone call from his apartment in Boston. “The thing about electric cooperatives is, it’s a big family. Growing up around a co-op taught me about service to others. Having an impact on people, even when it’s not convenient,” Noah said. Noah said he remembers when there were big outages due to weather disasters, how he was expected to go out and help neighbors with the cleanup and aftermath. “It (co-ops) definitely played a large role in who I am and what I want to do,” Noah said. Noah’s father said his son is a leader who wants to come back to Mississippi to make a difference in his home state. “Noah knows Mississippi is a great state and he loves it. He’s passionate about it,” Anthony said. Noah is a junior at Harvard studying political science, a major known as Government at the Ivy League institution. Before he was elected student body president in November, Noah cochaired the Undergraduate Council’s Black Caucus and served as the body’s treasurer. 8 TODAY | JANUARY 2021
Noah and his vice president, Jenny Gan of Cleveland, Ohio, were elected Nov. 12 and were sworn in Dec. 6. Noah’s road to Harvard was paved with hard work, determination and a strong desire to succeed. Noah graduated from Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg in 2018 where he played baseball and basketball, played violin and piano, and served as an Eagle Scout. “I remember Noah getting home from an out of town baseball game at 1 a.m. and then breaking out his calculus homework he had to do,” Anthony said. Noah also served as an intern for Mississippi U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker and authored and published a children’s book, “Successville” about setting and reaching goals. Noah said he wants to become an attorney so he can help people who need it most. The historic nature of his election is not lost on Noah. “I realize this is a big deal and I know and appreciate what it means. But I believe we were elected because of our platform, our vision and our campaign,” Noah said. Anthony said he, Noah’s mother Frankie and Noah’s 14year-old sister, Peyton Ashley are all very proud of Noah. “Noah is a humble young man. He has the right attitude,” Anthony said. Part of that attitude comes from the electric co-op. “Growing up, he was always at the office with me. Also, Noah knows that Pearl River Valley is committed to family. Family comes first,” Anthony said. “Pearl River Valley allowed me to be flexible for my family. I could help coach Noah when he was young.” Anthony said, with Noah, “the sky is the limit.” “He is such a blessing.”
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mississippi seen events
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on the menu
scene around the ‘s co-op involvement
southern gardening
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mississippi marketplace u outdoors today d the ‘sip picture this my opinion ement
rdening
A gentleman’s
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grin ‘n’ bare it
when needed and maintain kennels filled with eager and While an assortment of hunting seasons are now open, perfected dogs. All the hunter must do is show up and enjoy the coming of a new year brings notice that these will the day. gradually fade into the past, closing until things start up Preserves come in various forms. There are some with again next fall. Turkey season is a clear exception; it is a exquisite lodges, housing and meals. These are most grand. spring affair. But the fall/winter offerings will dwindle with Easily worth the cost of admission, but expensive. And there the first two months of 2021. That said, there is little need are those that offer a basic hunt, maybe to fret. There are yet some good days a lunch thrown in. Most often a half-day ahead. And some of those good days enterprise. And these latter are likely in can be built around a truly grand bird, easy driving distance of any spot across the Bobwhite quail. the state. Costs are certainly reasonable. Some hunters will shake their heads Four preserves that I visit each year at the mention of quail, for these require no more than two hours of drivmost special of game birds and the ing, some half that. And while these are makings of a very fine country supper not the only ones, I know these and have are in short supply. It is no secret that no hesitation recommending them. They quail across the Southeast have fallen are the following: Bouie Creek Quail Farm on hard times. This tragic trend began and Preserve, Magee; 601-849-4415, 601to evidence itself at the beginning 506-1790. Dancing Rabbit Quail Preserve, of the 20th century and seemed to DeKalb; 662-803-0614. Full Flight Quail have reached super-sonic speeds of Preserve, Collins; fullflighthuntingpreserve. decline in the 1960s. Much theorizing com. And Trout Valley Quail Preserve, has gone into why this happened, but Ballet in the quail fields. There is nothing more striking than a skilled bird dog on point. Charleston; troutvalleyquail.com. habitat changes must surely rise to So as hunting seasons end, don’t neglect a trip to a quail the top. The countryside is not what it once was. preserve. Doing so will allow you to experience a gentleThere are areas that have adequate and expansive blocks of habitat, and these spots still have quail. But for the most man’s outdoor pursuit. In memory of Travis Lindsey. part, that lonesome and haunting whistle seldom if ever is heard. Hopes are still high that research and management will rectify the loss, but this remains to be seen. Still, the idea of a quail hunt is not destined to a faint by Tony Kinton dream. Such activity is available on preserves, and several are scattered about the state. I have long been a proponent Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. He lives in of the preserve and employ such services regularly. The folks Carthage and is a Central Electric member. Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information. operating these are congenial and have modes of transport
JANUARY 2021 | TODAY 11
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Johnny Johnson, President • Mike Banks, Vice President • Marty Crowder, Secretary/Treasurer • Bill Bell • John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. • Bruff Sanders • Kenneth Seitz
A line of connection between co-op and members When we say that we live in a “connected” world, most of us think about technology, like our smart phones and other devices and gadgets. But when you’re a member of an electric co-op (that’s you!), there’s so much more to being part of our connected co-op community. As member of 4-County Electric Power Association, you help to power for good in our local community through initiatives like the 4-County Foundation, our recent Toys for Tots Christmas drive, Warm Neighbors and other programs that help the most vulnerable in our community. We greatly value our connection to you, the members we serve. And we’d like to help you maximize the value you can get from 4-County through a variety of programs, products and services that we offer our members. For example, we can help you save money on your energy bill through our free online energy audits. When you use our 4-County apps, you can monitor and manage your home energy use, pay your bill online and access a menu of additional options for potential savings and more. Call 1-800-431-1544 for more details. When you read Today in Mississippi, check out our bill backers and follow 4-County on social media, you can stay up to date on power restoration efforts, tree trimming planning, co-op director elections, giveaways and more. You’ll also see photos of our line crews in action and our employees helping with community service projects – and who doesn’t enjoy seeing good things happening in our community! When you sign up for text alerts, you can receive advance notices on outage and restoration information, billing updates, and
4-County event details. By connecting with us, you can get updates from your co-op. That’s why we want to make sure we have your most current contact information on hand. If we can’t connect with you on these platforms or in person, you could miss out on potential savings or important information. 4-County relies on data for nearly every aspect of our operations, and up-to-date contact information from our members helps ensure that we can provide the highest level of service that you expect and deserve. Updated contact information can even speed up the power restoration process during an outage. That’s because when you call to report an outage, our automated system recognizes your phone number and matches it with your account location. Accurate information helps our outage-management system predict the location and the possible cause of an outage, making it easier for 4-County crews to correct the problem. 4-County exists to serve our members, and when we’re better connected to you and our local community, we’re better prepared to answer the call. To update your contact information or to learn more about co-op products and services that can help you save, visit www.4county.org or call 1-800-431-1544. We look forward to connecting with you!
by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager
12 TODAY | JANUARY 2021
New payment option offer CheckOut by PayGo is the newest 4-County Electric Power Association payment solution. The solution is part of the overall PayGo payment platform for both PrePay and PostPaid bills which utilizes a regular checkout lane at several area retail locations. Here are a few of the participating area retailers: Dollar General, Family Dollar and CVS. How does it work? • 4-County members will soon see a barcode printed on the back of their bills. Take that barcode to any Dollar General, Family Dollar or CVS location. • The cashier will scan your printed barcode and you can pay your bill in cash. • There will be a $1.50 transaction fee. • Once the bill is paid, CheckOut gives the 4-County member real-time verification that his account has been approved. Simultaneously, 4-County receives immediate verification and the account is updated. 4-County officials describe the payment option as another way to make life easier for co-op members.
For more information, call 1-800-431-1544.
Board nominations notice Signatures for Petitions for Nominations for Board of Director seats can begin being collected Monday, Jan. 4. Completed petitions and other documents are due no later than Friday, April 2. In 2021, 4-County Board Districts 2, 3 and 6 are up for election. See www.4county.org for more details.
Update
FASTnet powers up first customers 4-County Electric Power Association officials signaled the arrival in December of its new subsidiary company, FASTnet, as technicians connected a Clay County family with the high-speed broadband signal. The Shannon family in western Clay County are the first official FASTnet customers. The milestone event was commemorated at the Shannon’s home with a brief ceremony and refreshments. “This is a monumental day for 4-County and its members,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark. “We’re really happy for the Shannon family and for all those members we plan to connect in the months and years ahead. 4-County is entering a new area of service. But, like always, we’re prepared to deliver.” Fast, reliable, quality. These three adjectives embody the FASTnet brand, according to Clark. “Our goal is to live up to the FASTnet name,” Clark said. 4-County members recently voted to amend the co-op’s Certificate of Incorporation, paving the way for the utility to create a subsidiary company that can provide broadband. The Shannon family is grateful to receive the service. “We’re very excited about being the first customers and getting the high speed internet. We haven’t had good internet service for a long time, and we’re really excited about getting it,” said Mary Shannon.
The Columbus-based cooperative has received a matching grant from the recently enacted Mississippi Electric Cooperatives Broadband COVID-19 Grant Program that will enable the Association to launch a pilot program in areas of Choctaw, Clay and Noxubee counties. That grant program, established by the Mississippi Legislature in July, earmarked $65 million in potential funding for state electric cooperatives to help deploy broadband to their members. Capped at $6 million per cooperative, the grants must be matched by the cooperative and must be used in areas that are considered unserved or underserved. 4-County will put in about $7 million dollars to kickstart the three pilot programs. The projects will cover parts of northeast Choctaw, west Clay and north Noxubee counties. Not everyone in those counties, or even in the areas covered by the pilots will initially be able to get service. The grant requirements are very specific about the areas and members that can be served. The co-op hopes that these initial projects are the start to bringing broadband to all members. Members with questions or comments about broadband can call 1-800-431-1544 or email info@4cfastnet.com. FASTnet information can now be found on Facebook and Instagram by searching for @4cfastnet.
FASTnet employees hired
Tasha Carter
Dillon Beard
Dillon Beard of Columbus and Tasha Carter of Starkville have joined FASTnet as the 4-County Electric Power Association subsidiary company’s first two employees. Dillon has accepted the position of FASTnet Fiber Technician. Previously, Dillon has worked at AT&T and Columbus Air Force Base. Tasha has accepted the position of FASTnet Customer Service Representative. Tasha began her career with 4-County in November 2011 as a Consumer Service Representative in the Starkville office, and most recently served as Information Technology Support Technician at the Corporate Center. Welcome to the FASTnet team! JANUARY 2021 | TODAY 13
Pieces of a
historical puzzle
by Brad Barr A puzzle isn’t complete until you find the final piece. But sometimes the joy is in the journey, according to Mona Vance-Ali. The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System archivist may not be a detective, but she has been helping solve family tree mysteries for years. Often, the clues are found in the fireside stories told by older family members, the forgotten dusty manuscripts, the footlocker in the old barn or that battered shoebox on the top shelf. The vessels themselves may be nondescript but the stories inside are often enlightening. “It’s an exciting journey. It widens one’s perspective. That’s what genealogy does for people. It bridges the mind and the heart,” said Vance-Ali. For Vance-Ali, the proof is in the pudding. Her great grandfather, for example, was a first-generation American, an Irishman serving his new country as a New York City cop. “He joined the British army in the late 1800s, a somewhat controversial move for an Irishman in those days. His parents hitched up the mare, got the teenager an exemption from the army and shipped him to America,” the archivist said. On the other hand, she could tell you about another relative who is well known for a tumultuous relationship with a member of Mark Twain’s family. “Genealogy,” she explained, “is just a mystery waiting to be solved.” How does she know these precious tidbits of information? Vance-Ali and her family have done their own genealogical research. “It’s fun. Every piece of information is like a puzzle piece. History 14 TODAY | JANUARY 2021
and genealogy have always been a part of my life. I grew up hearing stories of where we came from. I thought everybody lived like that,” she said with a laugh. Mona grew up in history-rich midtown Mobile, Alabama, in a cozy 1920s early Craftsmen home. In addition, she spent much of her summers with grandparents in Columbus. She often played with her grandmother’s antique dolls but wasn’t allowed to take them out of the box. “She wanted to preserve them. Even then, I was learning about history,” she said. Her interest in history and genealogy never waned. “If you have a past, you can have a future. If you have no past, you have no future,” she quipped.
Vance-Ali graduated from Mississippi University for Women with a bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations. She also has a master’s degree in history from the University of North
Carolina-Wilmington and is currently working on a master’s degree in library science from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has worked at the library for 15 years. She lives in Lowndes County with her husband, Saleem, a Columbus psychiatrist. For the emerging genealogist, Mona recommends taking the following steps: • Write down what you know about your family’s history. List family tree names and interesting tidbits about them. Fill in the dates you know. • Talk to family members, especially older ones. Record details of the conversation. • Explore local libraries. • Use online genealogy services. • Write down your own history. The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library has a wealth of genealogical information and resources, she said. She encourages people to use them. “For the past to serve the present, we have to take an honest look at the past. Genealogy brings history to life,” Vance-Ali said. Her favorite period of history is the 1800s American South, African American history and women’s history. Unfortunately, she said, records for African Americans and Native Americans, prior to 1865, are sometimes difficult to find. However, she recommends contacting the Mississippi Department of Archives & History for that research information. Washington, D.C. and New York City are favorite destinations. “Those cities are
full of historical significance, architecture and records,” she explained. Generally, Americans are interested in genealogy. “We’re really interested in our family history because we’re so diverse. We’re a soup bowl of different cultures,” she said. Vance-Ali keeps up with the latest in genealogy this and that by serving on a number of local, state and national organizations, including the Society of American Archivists, the Society of Mississippi Archivists and the National Council of Public History.
At some point in people’s lives, she said, they want to know more about family history. “Every generation thinks the younger generation is not interested in the past. But, with age, the interest will come.” Dates are important, Vance-Ali said, but history and genealogy are more than that. “When you can make an emotional connection to the past, it becomes more important for the future.” JANUARY 2021 | TODAY 15
KNOW YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS A listing of elected officials, along with their addresses, is being provided for the convenience of readers who wish to contact them.
★ U.S. SENATORS
Jonathan Ray Lancaster, 463 CR 85, Houston, MS 38851; District 22 — Chickasaw and Pontotoc counties.
Roger Wicker, 555 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510. 202-224-6253. Cindy Hyde-Smith, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510. 202-224-5054.
★ U.S. CONGRESSMEN Trent Kelly, District 1, 1005 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. 202-225-4306. Bennie Thompson, District 2, 2466 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. 202-225-5876. Michael Guest, District 3, 230 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. 202-225-5031. Steven Palazzo, District 4, 2349 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. 202-225-5772.
2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Governor Tate Reeves, P.O. Box 139, Jackson, MS 39205. 601-359-3150.
Hob Bryan, P.O. Box 75, Amory, MS 38821; District 7 — Itawamba, Lee and Monroe counties. Angela Turner Ford, P.O. Drawer 1500, West Point, MS 39773; District 16 — Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee and Oktibbeha counties. Bart Williams, 566 New Hope Church Rd., Starkville, MS 39759; District 15 — Choctaw, Montgomery, Oktibbeha and Webster counties. Sampson Jackson II, 749 Matthew Jackson Rd., Preston, MS 39354; District 32 — Kemper, Lauderdale, Noxubee and Winston counties.
Charles A. (Chuck) Younger, 1213 Younger Rd., Columbus, MS 39701; District 17 — Lowndes and Monroe counties.
Lt. Governor Delbert Hoseman, P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215. 601-359-3200.
★ STATE REPRESENTATIVES
Jim Beckett, P.O. Box 722, Bruce, MS 38915; District 23 — Calhoun, Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Walter Grenada, Lafayette and Webster counties. Sillers Building, 550 High St., Suite 1200, Jackson, MS 39201. 601-359-3680. Chris Brown, 33112 Highway 45 N., Nettleton, MS 38858; District 20 — Treasurer David McRae, P.O. Box 138, Itawamba, Lee and Monroe counties. Jackson, MS 39205. 601-359-3600. Lynn Wright, 1989 Lake Lowndes Rd., State Auditor Shad White, P.O. Box Columbus, MS 39702; District 37 — Clay, 956, Jackson, MS 39205. 601-576-2800. Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties. Commissioner of Agriculture and Karl Gibbs, 5543 George Walker Rd., Commerce J. Andrew (Andy) Gipson, West Point, MS 39773; District 36 — 121 North Jefferson St., Jackson, MS Clay and Monroe counties. 39201. 601-359-1100. Joey Hood, P.O. Box 759, Ackerman, MS Insurance Commissioner Mike 29753; District 35 — Attala, Choctaw, Chaney, P.O. Box 79, Jackson, MS and Winston counties. 39205. 601-359-3569.
16 TODAY | JANUARY 2021
★ STATE SENATORS
Benjamin A. Suber, P.O. Box 8, Bruce, MS 38915; District 8 — Calhoun, Chickasaw, Lee, Pontotoc and Yalobusha counties.
★ STATE OFFICIALS
Secretary of State Michael Watson, Heber Ladner Building, 401 Mississippi St., Jackson, MS 39205. 601-359-1350.
Cheikh Taylor, 383 Steele Road, Starkville, MS 39759; District 38 — Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties.
To contact state senators: Kabir Karriem, P.O. Box 1018., Jackson, MS 39215; District 41 — Lowndes county. Carl L. Mickens, P.O. Box 427, Brooksville, MS 39739; District 42 — Lowndes, Noxubee and Winston counties. Loyd B. (Rob) Roberson II, 212 E. Main St., Starkville, MS 39759; District 43 — Oktibbeha and Winston counties. Dana Underwood McLean, 332 Williamsburg Rd., Columbus, MS 39705; District 39 — Lowndes and Monroe counties.
Mississippi State Senate State Capitol P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215 601-359-3267
To contact state representatives:
Mississippi House of Representatives State Capitol P.O. Box 1018 Jackson, MS 39215 601-359-3770
Wall retires after 44 years of service Sometimes you can overcome a lack of experience with a little want-to. Just ask Cliff Wall. In 1976, Cliff walked into 4-County Electric Power Association a little low on know-how but high on enthusiasm. It worked. Today, he’s a well-seasoned veteran who’s seen more than his fair share of storms, technological changes and industry advancements. When he looks back on his storied career, however, it’s the “in-between” that Wall has enjoyed the most. “I was always around good people that understood hard work. I loved to climb poles,” he said. Cliff retired from the cooperative Jan. 1. “It’s hard to believe,” he said, shaking his head. “Time flies by when you’re having fun. It’s emotional. But it’s time.” The 4-County official said his relationship with 4-County began at an early age. Garrard & Wall gas station in Starkville, owned by Cliff’s father, J.C., maintained local co-op vehicles and supplied gas for them. “I knew all the 4-County guys as a kid,” Cliff explained. He graduated from Starkville High School on May 7 and began basic training for the National Guard May 20. “I had been home two weeks from Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Ben Boykin loaded me up in his truck and took me to see 4-County’s Assistant Manager, Sylvester Abbott.” 4-County’s first general manager Louis Wise was still serving at the time. Abbot hired him. And the rest, as they say, is history. “I just wanted to work. I knew it was a place full of good people.” At the time, 4-County did not own a bucket truck. “We climbed everything.” Cliff began his career as a ground man and later progressed through the lineman training program. He became
a journeyman lineman in 1982. He became a crew leader in Starkville. His first 20 years were spent in 4-County’s Starkville office. Cliff moved to the co-op’s Corporate Center to become safety coordinator. Then, he became the district coordinator at 4-County’s West Point office. Later, he became manager of district operations and manager of Consumer Service. Cliff graduated from the business management program at Kennedy Western University. Today, Cliff lives in Starkville with his wife, Nancy. They have two grown children and five grandchildren (with one on the way). He wants to spend time with the grandchildren and tinker on projects around the house. “I’ve learned over the years that you have to have patient when fixing stuff around the house. Now, I’ll have the time to do it right.” His most vivid memories are of helping people in the midst of storm work, from tornadoes to straight-line winds, from floods to ice storms. Cliff considers James Forrester (a late 4-County executive) as his mentor. “I watched him a lot. You pay attention to the member and do what you say you’ll do. I learned that by watching him. It’s all about building relationships. We’re here to serve our members. I wouldn’t change a thing. Everyone here is like family. I love them.” Cliff, who hopes members and employees remember him as a “good dude,” is excited about 4-County’s future. “We’ll continue to provide the finest electrical service and product for our members. And offering broadband is going to be great.” People in the 4-County service area will also remember Cliff for his 4-County power line safety commercials on area television stations. In a nod to those commercials, Cliff ended his message and career with a final catchphrase: “Look up and live.”
JANUARY 2021 | TODAY 17
MISSISSIPPI F I R S T L A DY E L E E R E EV E S:
‘An honor to serve’
JANUARY 2021 | TODAY 19
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Elee Reeves enjoys leading her daughter Maddie’s girl scout troop, Troop 5577.
by Steven Ward Mississippians. It is a great honor to serve them and I’m On a recent Friday morning in December, Mississippi immensely blessed each day,” she told Today in Mississippi. first lady Elee Reeves is waiting in the Governor’s Mansion Reeves said people always ask if she’s still working for her picture to be taken. full-time. Reeves, 45, admits she’s not a big fan of posing for “I’m lucky to have a good group of co-workers that are photos. able to manage the stock market and help with my clients Still, she is smiling, kind and accommodating while she when I’m not there. I really do enjoy my job. I also plan to poses for a portrait near the giant mirror hanging on the continue my volunteer work and wall behind the desk in her office. serve on the various boards that I’m Reeves said the mirror is known a part of,” she said. as the “First Lady Mirror” and has “I hope some of this will inspire been there for years. I hope some of this will inspire young women that you can try to do Hanging near the top of the left young women that you can try it all — manage a family, work, volunwall of the office is a portrait of to do it all — manage a family, teer — we all want to better our lives Reeves and her three daughters. work, volunteer — we all want and our communities and I hope to The painting was commissioned to better our lives and our shine a light on some of that.” for a “first lady’s tea” event that communities and I hope to Her job and duties aside, Reeves was held almost a year ago as is passionate about the Girl Scouts. part of her husband Tate Reeves’ shine a light on some of that. She and all three of her daughters inauguration as governor. have been heavily involved in the organization since they There’s no doubt that the portrait of Reeves and her were old enough to participate. daughters signifies much more about Mississippi’s first lady “I love working with children and I hope to be a positive than the mirror over her desk. role model to all but especially young girls. Growing up, my Family means everything to Reeves and being a mother Girl Scout leader was a huge force in my life who instilled a and wife hasn’t taken a back seat to her duties as first lady love for the program,” Reeves said. or the full-time job she still holds in the financial industry. Reeves worked with her first troop right after graduating However, because of family, official duties and her job, a day in the life of Elee Reeves is “hectic,” she said. from Millsaps College in Jackson. “A friend at the bank I was working at told me that Girl “As every working mom knows, we juggle responsibilities Scouts of Greater Mississippi was looking for troop leaders daily, and being first lady is no different. I try to work and I jumped at the chance. Those young women taught half a day at Coker & Palmer where I am an investment me more than I ever thought of teaching them. They are advisor. The other half of my day is devoted to serving as successful in their respective careers now — dentists, first lady by attending luncheons and receptions while occupational therapists, community developers and also providing a safe environment for our guests, managing teachers,” she said. life at the governor’s mansion and listening/learning from
Elee Reeves photos in the Governor’s Mansion by Chad Calcote
“Since then, I have loved having all three daughters in my troops and I also had the honor of serving on the board of directors for GSGMS. Logistically, having different troops is a little crazy, but I have so enjoyed seeing my daughters and their friends grow in leadership, teamwork and most importantly self-confidence,” Reeves said. Reeves is currently the troop leader of her youngest daughter Maddie’s Girl Scout troop. Beautification is another issue that’s important to Reeves. “Back in February, we had the historic flooding of the Pearl River that left trash in its wake. I partnered with Keep Mississippi Beautiful to help organize community clean-ups. The first one was scheduled at Jim Hill High School in downtown Jackson. It was amazing to see students engaged and excited about bettering their neighborhood,” Reeves said. Although the COVID-19 pandemic interfered with other clean-up plans and they had to take a break, Reeves and the group recently started back with area clean-ups and hope to increase volunteer numbers as they continue working throughout the state. Reeves also loves to read to young students in Mississippi’s schools. “I love to see the excited faces and exclamations of surprise when you read a book aloud. Since COVID, 20 TODAY | JANUARY 2021
we’ve been reading to schools virtually. Although that’s always a treat, it’s not the same as being with little ones in the classroom and I long for the days we can get back to being with them in person,” she said. Reeves’ love of mentoring children, whether in the Girl Scouts or promoting literacy in Mississippi’s schools, stems from her parents.
Elee Reeves working with volunteers at a Keep Mississippi Beautiful clean up in early 2020 following historic flooding of the Pearl River.
Reeves grew up in Tylertown and later moved to McComb. “Both my mom and my dad were (and still are) very active mentors in my life. I was very active in Show Choir and the theatre department. I had the joy of playing Cinderella in the Pike County Little Theatre’s musical my senior year. My parents both went to Millsaps College and I was grateful to follow in their footsteps,” Reeves said. Millsaps, where Reeves was a member of the Millsaps Singers and the Kappa Delta Sorority, is also the place where she met her future husband during her freshman year. “I met Tate in the Else School of Business, and we often joke that he taught me how to use a financial calculator in our Money and Banking course. We both received the Mississippi Society of Financial Analyst award a year apart during our senior years and both landed jobs with Deposit Guaranty Bank as financial analysts,” she said.
The couple recently celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary. “I am blessed to call Elee my wife and to have her with me for all of these adventures for 19 years. She serves the people of Mississippi as first lady with all of her heart — because she cares about all of them. I couldn’t imagine doing this without her by my side,” Gov. Tate Reeves told Today in Mississippi. After a year in office, Reeves said the people of Mississippi have taught her that residents know how to care for one another during rough times. “I always knew that Mississippians were special, but I think that has really shown during this past year. This pandemic has left people hopeless, alone and scared. I am amazed at the outpouring of love for those in need. To see others give hope and kindness in such dark times is truly a ray of light. We are family in Mississippi and it certainly shows,” Reeves said.
I always knew that Mississippians were special, but I think that has really shown during this past year. This pandemic has left people hopeless, alone, and scared. I am amazed at the outpouring of love for those in need. To see others give hope and kindness in such dark times is truly a ray of light. We are family in Mississippi and it certainly shows.
A family portrait: Elee and Gov. Tate Reeves. From left, daughters Maddie, 8; Emma, JANUARY 13 and Tyler, 16. 2021 |
TODAY 21
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Comforting puffy pot pies and easy soups for cold winter months On cold nights a warm pot pie or a steaming bowl of soup with a hunk of cornbread can take the chill out of your bones. Keeping a batch of blonde roux or “thickener” as we call it in the fridge can bring just about any lot of random leftovers, pantry staples or bags stashed in the freezer to the dinner table. Whether tucked under a store-bought pastry crust or spooned into a bowl, this quick addition can make the most 24 TODAY | JANUARY 2021
humble of thin mixtures luxuriously rich. The basic idea is to make a mixture of melted butter and flour, then cook it just enough to take out the raw flour taste. Once you have a batch made and cooled, a few tablespoons can be used to thicken a sauce, filling or soup. Just remember the rule: Cool thickener into hot pot.
Shrimp and Poblano Pepper Puffy Pot Pie
FILLING INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning or Cajun seasoning 1 cup peeled finely chopped carrots 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 large poblano pepper seeded, stemmed, and finely chopped 1 cup sliced green onions 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 1 ½ cups shrimp stock or vegetable broth 1 ½ cups heavy cream ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons thickener 1 12-ounce bag frozen (41/50) cooked medium peeled, deveined shrimp, thawed, tails removed 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Unfold one pastry sheet, floured side down. Roll the pastry sheet into a 12-inch square. Press the pastry into a 2-quart round casserole dish. Fold edges and crimp around the rim of the dish. Prick the pastry thoroughly with a fork. Place aluminum foil onto the surface of the pastry. Bake for 25 minutes. (Prepare the filling while the bottom crust is baking.) Remove the aluminum foil. And set aside. While the bottom crust is baking, in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the Old Bay seasoning. Add the carrots, celery, poblanos, and cook, frequently stirring, for five to seven minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender. Add the green onions and garlic and cook for one minute. Add the stock and cream. Bring to a boil and cook for two minutes. Stir in the cheese and cook until melted. Lower the heat to medium. Stir in three tablespoons of the thickener, and simmer, frequently stirring, for three minutes. If needed, stir in a little more thickener until the mixture thickens and coats a spoon. Add the shrimp and the peas, lower the heat and simmer for five minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. Keep warm. Fill the bottom crust with the shrimp mixture. Roll the remaining sheet of thawed puff pastry into a 12-inch square. Top the shrimp filling with the pastry and fold the overhanging edge back over the top of the pie. Cut four slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the surface of the pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle with a little more seasoning, if desired. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the crust is a shiny deep golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow to cool five minutes, slice and enjoy
Easy Big Pot of Soup
Thickener
INGREDIENTS 1 quart vegetable broth 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 1 24-ounce bag frozen vegetables for stew 1 16-ounce bag frozen vegetables for gumbo 1 15.5-ounce can mixed beans for chili 1 11-ounce can corn 3 tablespoons thickener
Melt 12 tablespoons unsalted butter in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Add one cup plus two tablespoons of all-purpose flour all at once and whisk vigorously until smooth. When the mixture thins and starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Cook five minutes, whisking slowly until the mixture smells nutty and toasty and is still lightly colored. Cool at least to room temperature before adding to hot liquids. This yields a bit more than one cup. The thickener stores well, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Heads-up: plan on thawing the frozen puff pastry sheets overnight or for at least six hours in the refrigerator. A refrigerated boxed pie crust can be substituted and doesn’t require any advanced planning. CRUST INGREDIENTS 1 package (17.3 ounces) Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed in the refrigerator overnight 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water
Bring the water to a boil in a large soup pot over high heat. Add the vegetables, beans and corn. Return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Stir in the thickener and simmer for five minutes, stirring frequently.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Martha Hall Foose, the author of “Screen Doors & Sweet Tea: Recipes and Tales of a Southern Cook,” won the James Beard Award for American Cooking. Her latest collaboration is “A Good Meal is Hard to Find: Storied Recipes from the Deep South” with Amy C. Evans. Martha makes her home in the Mississippi Delta with her husband and son. She is a member of Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association.
JANUARY 2021 | TODAY 25
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mississippi marketplace on theevents menu Many planned were canceled outdoors today Culotta Insurance & Investments because of the COVID-19 crisis, so we Serving Miss-Lou STATEWIDE Since 1992 have had far fewer events to feature scene around the ‘sip picture this in this space as a result. As more areas 1-844-AGENT4U of Mississippi open back up and groups FIXED INDEXED ANNUITIES my opinion co-op involvement and organizations feel comfortable about holding public events, we intend to include those details here. So, if you have an upcoming event for March or February, please email the details to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change or cancellation due to COVID-19. Please confirm details before traveling.
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Greater Vision in concert. Feb. 18. Petal. Concert begins at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Runnelstown. A love offering will be received. Details: 601-583-3733. A Taste of Soup and Art Exhibit. Feb. 6. Carrollton. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Carrollton Community House, 305 Lexington St. The annual fundraiser for the Carroll Society for the Preservation of Antiquities, A Taste of Soup and Art Exhibit will be a “hybrid” event. Soups will be in containers with tops so participants can take their soups home to enjoy after they view the art exhibits as there will be limited seating due to COVID-19 recommendations. The fundraiser helps with the maintenance and restoration of the Merrill Building, the old Conservative Building and the old jail. Tickets are $10. Details: 662-392-4810
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HAPPY Many years ago, a “must have” talk show guest this time of year would have been a psychic predicting things coming up in the new year. Some of their predictions were pretty funny. Perhaps the most famous psychic of the late 20th century was Jean Dixon. She predicted World War III would break out in 1958 and the Russians would be the first to land a human on the moon. My younger brother has been in broadcasting in Memphis for many years. He told me that one of those psychic telephone outfits was running ads on his radio station years ago and they called him while he was on the air and wanted to know when their next commercial was going to run. He told them, “You tell me…” I don’t think anyone in late 2019 could have possibly, in their wildest dreams, seen 2020 coming. What a ride! Here’s hoping that 2021 is the big change that we are counting on it to be. Back in the old days when you could still have big family gatherings for the holidays, Mama told me she preferred company at New Year’s rather than Christmas. I never asked her why. I suspect I knew. Christmas takes care of itself. Christmas is packed with plenty of trappings: food, lights, decorations, music, presents (if you’ve been good) and always people. But New Year’s was just a big blast at midnight followed by a huge black hole of the unknown. Company on New Year’s Day gave her something she could look forward to. No wonder people want predictions — they want to feel like they have some kind of grip on what’s coming next. Well, I’m not a psychic. But let me tell you what I hope is
coming up in 2021. I hope the vaccine works and people will take it. Let’s start getting the pandemic out of our lives and into the history books. I hope Mississippi will take advantage of some progressive legislation we set in motion in 2020 and build on it and take the rest of the country by surprise while they are still bickering over leftovers from 2020. Let’s woo some industry and educational opportunities here that never gave us a second glance before. Mainly, I hope all of us will rediscover the rich culture we have in Mississippi. Much of what the rest of the world sometimes takes credit for has roots in the hearts, souls and creativity of our people. Music and literature are good examples. The inspiration for that culture and art comes from where we live — both geographically and who we are individually. So, here’s to 2021. Hopefully, by the end of the year we will be using our face masks as dust rags and social distancing will go back to meaning how far you stay away from people you don’t get along with.
by Walt Grayson 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.” He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com.
JANUARY 2021 | TODAY 27
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