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FOR MEMBERS OF 4-COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

2020 YOUTH

LEADERS WHATâ€™S THE

NEW TEA? HEALTHY SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEET FEBRUARY 2021

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Sacred Stone of the S Stone of the Sacred outhwest is on the S is on the Bouthwest rink of Extinction ago, Persians, Brink of Extinction Tibetans and Mayans Centuries

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Our history and future leaders show us the way Mississippi is a state bursting with rich stories of its history – some tales well known and others waiting still to be revealed. Stories about our state’s history are some of our favorites to feature in Today in Mississippi. Readers have told us over the years that stories about our history are some of their favorites as well. Telling those stories are a tradition we intend to carry on well into the future. This month our main feature delves into the Mississippi history of a place and a small group of people who are trying to preserve a landmark in that location. Rodney, a tiny Jefferson County community in Southwest Electric’s territory, has been a popular tourist destination because of its reputation as a “ghost town.” I’m not sure there’s any actual spectral presence in Rodney, but the picturesque locale is a spot with two ancient churches, houses built decades ago and a cemetery that all tell stories about the people who populated the once busy and booming Mississippi River port town. The Rodney History and Preservation Society is a nonprofit group that is trying to restore the 200-year-old Rodney Presbyterian Church. The group’s reasons for trying to save

the church is one of the cornerstones of why history is so important to all of us. Our February issue is also special because, for most of our electric cooperatives, we have highlighted the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi’s 2020 Youth Leadership Class. These future student leaders, like many of us, will never forget the year that caused different kinds of challenges and disappointments. The students were forced to cope with the cancellation of the group’s annual trip to Washington D.C. for health reasons. The good news is the 2020 crop of youth leaders stepped up to the challenge and persevered – a strong and crucial trait in any leader We congratulate all of our youth leaders this year and look forward to discovering how you will change the world in your future endeavors. The Class of 2020 has convinced me of this: I can assure our members that the future looks bright and we are going to be in good hands as the years progress!

by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Mississippi is... “A Reason to Sing!” As I gaze out my window Watch the leaves fall to the ground, My ears perk up with “Joyful” As I hear the familiar sounds! It’s the sound of the geese honking The cows mooing in the fields, The hummingbirds fluttering The sights and sounds that nature yields! I drive along the country road Take my pups out for a ride, We breathe in all the beauty That Mother Nature does provide! Flowering trees along the roadside Bales of hay lined up so neatly, The sounds of children playing Their voices resound so sweetly! When I add it all together The true pleasures that it brings, Each day in Mississippi Is one reason my heart sings!

by Kathleen Busch, a resident of Poplarville and a member of Coast 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

in this issue

5 southern gardening The art of intentional gardening

7 scene around the ‘sip A look at special people and places around Mississippi

11 outdoors today History of a hickory tree

12 local news 18 feature

Saving a church in the “ghost town” of Rodney

24 on the menu

Valentine’s Day sweets can be healthy

27 mississippi seen Sunrises and sunsets

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 74 No. 2

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: 473,638

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

www.facebook.com/TodayinMississippi www.todayinmississippi.com

On the cover Church cover: The 200-year-old Rodney Presbyterian Church. Photo by Chad Calcote. Youth tour cover: Members of ECM’s 2020 Youth Leadership Class. Note: The photos were shot in February 2020 before the COVID-10 pandemic began.

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.

4 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

Resolve to be an intentional gardener It’s February but it’s still enough of a new year to say Happy New Year! Boy, oh boy, what a number COVID laid on us in 2020. It was clearly demonstrated how ill-prepared we are for disruptions in many supply chains. Who can forget the short supplies of toilet paper, and who has not put away a couple of extra rolls just in case? One positive COVID outcome that occurred in 2020 — if it’s OK to say COVID and positive in the same sentence — was the tremendous increase and interest in consumer horticulture. But even this caused shortages of many gardening and horticultural essentials, from seeds to transplants, and from hoses to fertilizers. These shortages occurred because no one could have predicted the demand. Now I’m not complaining. My goal as a Mississippi State University Extension Service consumer horticulture specialist is to promote the home garden and landscape and create excitement in them. So, I’ll take any help I can to get more people gardening and receiving the benefits from it. As I look at the 2021 gardening year that has already started, I would like to see home gardeners become intentional gardeners. Now this is different than simply having good intentions for the garden. Calling ourselves gardeners implies that we have good intentions of having a successful garden. But in reality, good intentions don’t mean much. For example, I meant to pull some pesky weeds, but the latest episode of “The Mandalorian” was just released. That’s such a 2020 COVID excuse. I’m talking about gardening with a purpose. This does not mean you have to have a huge garden. Being an intentional gardener has nothing to do with the size of your garden. Whether your garden is 10,000-square feet or a set of

containers on the porch or patio, intentional gardeners act on their intentions to have a successful gardening experience. Now is the perfect time to start thinking about and planning what you would like to accomplish this year in your garden and landscape. Like me, you may already be receiving a pile of gardening and seed catalogs, as this is the traditional garden-planning time of year. These catalogs are great resources to help plan an intentional garden. Many good gardening intentions are made while thumbing through catalogs and creating a mental wish list for a glorious garden. The beautiful images of flowers and gorgeous fruits and vegetables are like a siren’s song — so alluring — but it is important to avoid going overboard. Unrealistic expectations for the coming garden harvest can happen to even the most experienced Extension consumer horticulture specialist. (In case you haven’t figured it out, I’m talking about myself here.) Over the next several Southern Gardening columns, I’m going to discuss becoming an intentional gardener. I will share tips to give us the power to fight the garden’s siren song. So, here’s to having our best intentional gardens possible in 2021.

by Dr. Gary Bachman Gary Bachman, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor of Horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs. He lives in Ocean Springs and is a Singing River Electric member.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 5

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scene around the ‘sip

by Elissa Fulton Growing up on a catfish farm in Yazoo City, Chat Phillips has affection for entrepreneurship and his rural roots. He attended a small boarding school in Chattanooga, Tennessee before attending the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. As part of his liberal arts education, he was required to take a foreign language. He chose Japanese and picked it up rather easily before studying abroad in Japan. It was his first time out of the United States, and after traveling more than 30 hours to his destination in the northern mountains of Japan, in a climate very much like a summer in Mississippi without air conditioning, he was exhausted and hot. His host family immediately offered him a cold beverage which, for their culture, parallels sweet tea for Mississippians. The drink, made from a barley seed and blended into a tea called mugicha, was unlike anything he had ever had. When Phillips graduated, he moved back to Mississippi and began working in economic development in Tupelo. Phillips met his wife, Stevie, in Tupelo before the newlyweds moved to Jackson and Chat begin working for a state agency, and then moved into the private sector. With his career, he’s made many trips back to Japan. Because mugicha is not common in the states, when he would visit, he always drank his favorite beverage and would pack his suitcase with it before he returned. “This drink couldn’t be found in Mississippi and I missed it so much, I just started buying raw grains and roasting it for myself,” he said. Because of the health benefits, Chat and Stevie started making it for their friends and families as an alternative to caffeinated teas and coffee. It wasn’t long before the young couple decided since it wasn’t available locally, and they were already providing it for many people they knew, they might just have a business opportunity that could combine Chat’s love of mugicha and the Japanese culture. It was then that

Inaka Tea Company was born. “We just started experimenting, and as far as we know, we are the first U.S. company to brew and bottle it,” said Chat. “And I believe we are the first company in the world to brew and blend it with flavors.” Inaka Tea Company offers three flavors: original, mint and ginger. Chat and Stevie had to build the supply chain from scratch. They researched and visited with more than 30 grain roasters and finally one of them agreed to take a chance. They worked on perfecting the product for more than six months. In addition to being a unique product, the tea has great health benefits. There are many antioxidants and helps to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, with calming agents such as melatonin and tryptophan. The company name and logo are also quite inspiring and took time to perfect. “Inaka is a Japanese word that means countryside, hometown or place of origin,” said Chat. “The reason I chose that name was because one, the first time I had it I was literally in the countryside of Japan, but two, I wanted to appreciate our roots as a company and a family.” Chat said he grew up on a farm in Mississippi and the couple intends to stay in Mississippi. “I wanted those two things together as our brand.” The company was set to launch in the spring of 2020, but the coronavirus pandemic halted those plans. Though the Phillips admit that launching a business in the middle of a pandemic has not been ideal, the Mississippi-based Corner Market in Hattiesburg took a chance on Chat’s dream and is now carrying the product in three Hattiesburg stores and three Jackson stores. They are expecting a statewide launch in the near future. For more information about Inaka Tea Company visit inakatea.com. FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 7

8 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

scene around the ‘sip

Youth students continue to lead in challenging times by Elissa Fulton and had a photo session and breakfast with their state legisFor 34 years, Mississippi’s electric cooperatives have been lators before touring the Mississippi State Capitol. Along with supporting young students through the Youth Leadership legislators, Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Program. This program includes a year-long selection process Secretary of State Michael Watson all attended the workshop at local cooperatives to select the participants for a leadership and encouraged these students to follow their dreams. workshop in Jackson in February, and a week-long tour of Unfortunately, as with many other Washington, D.C. in June each year. events this past year, the 2020 Youth The program is supported locally by Tour of Washington, D.C., was canceled. electric cooperatives, statewide through When the global coronavirus pandemic the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi began, our cooperative advisors felt and nationally through the National Rural certain we would be able to continue Electric Cooperative Association. Since the with a local program later in the year. 1960s, the program has inspired leadership As the COVID-19 virus showed no signs qualities, introduced first-hand knowledge of slowing down, a decision was made of state and national politics and encourto cancel the remaining 2020 activities. aged relationships that many of these The safety of the students has and will students will foster throughout their lives. Curry Black accepts the overall Youth Leadership Award from Ron Stewart, senior vice president of the always be a priority. The students are selected based upon Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. The organizers of this program have their academic achievements, participating in student organizations and volunteerism Curry Black receives worked tirelessly to offer a comparable solution for these students by providin their schools, churches and communischolarships ing scholarships. Though we believe ties and participation in local cooperative Curry Black, representing East Mississippi scholarships can in no way replace the activities and/or interviews. Electric Power Association, was selected as the opportunity of seeing our nation’s capMississippi’s students are recognized 2020 Youth Leadership Council (YLC) member. ital, experiencing politics firsthand and He is the son of Lori and Stefan Black of Louiseach year in Today in Mississippi in the ville and attends Winston Academy. As a YLC making lifelong relationships, the CEOs, April issue following the workshop in student, Curry was awarded the $1,000 Youth board directors and program directors of Jackson, and again in the August issue Leadership Award and scholarship, as well as the participating cooperatives hope that after the summer tour, where they appear additional scholarships from EMEPA and ECM. Black’s future goals are to attend law school, this scholarship will aid in these student’s on the cover of the magazine. become involved in politics and eventually future educational goals. “Our 2020 students possess the qualibecome President of the United States. We The classes of 2020 and 2021 have ties that define great leadership and have congratulate Black on his accomplishments! undergone many disappointments as a vision for the future,” said Ron Stewart, their senior years have been disrupted by this global crisis. ECM senior vice president. “They are energetic young people The resiliency that we have seen in these students has been who lead by example and are willing to step forward to make both remarkable and encouraging. They have found ways to a difference, even while facing difficult challenges. They are connect with each other safely, to continue with their studies problem solvers and, with great enthusiasm, are dedicated to and to follow rules set in place by leading officials. All of these working together to achieve success.” qualities have shown an insurmountable desire to succeed. There were 87 students from the Class of 2020 who participated in the annual Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson Feb. These students have overcome much in this past year and been 27 – March 1, 2020. They participated in team-building exercises, challenged in ways that few have in the past. We are excited to see what their futures will hold. heard speeches from motivational speakers and public officials FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 9

mississippi seen events

on the menu

scene around the â€˜s co-op involvement

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mississippi is...

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FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 11

Revisions Requested Approved

STEVEN Date_____ Revisions Requested Approved

Hunting comrade Neal Brown found the old hickory This past season I elected that proud hickory. Neal told me of its fate, for he had already visited its position on the long before I, several years in fact. The tree stood proudly bluff. I went anyway. The situation was dire. Lightning we just at the edge of an east-west ridge overlooking a tanassumed. I felt a pang of grief. Even considered clearing gled hollow through which a deer trail wended its serpensome debris from the tree’s base and employing it one tine route annually. It, this trail, was generally considered a last time, but outsized limbs far overhead had begun sure thing. Neal introduced it to me. cracking and falling. Too risky. I moved He had also found a similar-sized over to the side of that bastion of hope oak that held an identical station on a and grand memories. A sentinel that had north-south ridge a few hundred yards seen far more nature and cold and hot to the west of that hickory. Same sitand howling wind and rainstorms than I uation: a sure thing. Cradle quietly in had or ever would. Now a mere skeleton, the embrace of either tree’s behemoth waiting for one final crash that would roots long enough and sit still; deer leave it in decay. will trickle along respective ridges or But it had not been wasted. It had hollows. provided in grand form for the wild things We came to identify these two and for two hunters who would miss efficacious locales by truly clever and its grandeur. And 30 yards away stood creative titles: the Big Oak and the another, smaller and younger and growing Big Hickory! They became our into its own destiny as a colossal guardian most-visited sites when deer hunting, and resting place for any visitor. It likely and who got which when depended was the offspring of that once-proud upon who spoke first. A coin toss hickory. I nodded respect for both, regret would settle the matter if we claimed for the old and celebration for the new. the same simultaneously. We are The once-proud hickory that hosted two hunters I hope to visit next December. friends and fellow hunters after all. for 20 years is now a ghostly figure, but a new Both trees had been kind to each of one is growing nearby. us, so there was no cause for squabble. Beside that big oak six years back, I took my last buck while using my beloved wooden bow. Shoulders and neck, strategic players in the game of old age, preclude me from doing so again. I have since been unable to convince by Tony Kinton myself to gravitate toward wheels and cables, so that chapter is closed. Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. He lives in And three years ago, Neal took a particularly fine Carthage and is a Central Electric member. Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information. specimen from that same spot while using his big Sharps rifle and black-powder cartridges. If a ledger had been kept and consulted, results would show similar success and balanced accounts for both hunters and both trees during two decades.

CHAD Date_____

Approved

to a proud

RON Date_____

rdening

Revisions Requested

mississippi marketplace u outdoors today d the ‘sip picture this my opinion ement

VERSION #______________

een

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

Committed to a co-op culture for members Over the years, you’ve heard me expound on why and how 4-County Electric Power Association is different — because we’re a cooperative. Our business model sets us apart from other utilities because we adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, fairness and service to the greater good of the community. Electric cooperatives, including 4-County, have a unique and storied place in our country’s history. We democratized the American dream by bringing electricity to rural areas when for-profit electric companies determined the effort too costly. Back then, cities were electrified, and rural areas were not, creating the original rural-urban divide. Newly-established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in rural areas. Today, that spirit of equity is a vital part of our co-op DNA. Equal access for all When our electric co-op was founded, each member contributed an equal share in order to gain access to electricity that benefited individual families as well as the larger local community. Each member had an equal vote in co-op matters. That sense of fairness is still how we operate today. 4-County was built by and belongs to the community members we serve. Membership is open to everyone in our service territory. By virtue of paying your electric bill each month, you’re a member of the co-op, and every member has an equal voice and vote when it comes to co-op governance. We encourage all members to vote in 12 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

4-County’s director elections every June, and we invite all members to participate in co-op meetings to weigh in on discussions that set co-op policies and priorities. We know members of our community have different needs and perspectives, and we welcome views on all issues under consideration by the co-op. The more viewpoints we hear, the better we are able to reflect the needs of all corners of our community. Community service While our top priority is providing safe, reliable and affordable energy, we also want to be a catalyst for good in our community. Because we are your local electric cooperative, co-op revenues stay right here in our community. In turn, we invest in our community base through improvements in our co-op infrastructure, the 4-County Foundation, the Youth Leadership program, educational programs and more. And now broadband is an important priority of 4-County. We strive to make long-term decisions that improve and enrich the communities we serve. Our cooperative values have stood the test of time. We recognize that today’s co-op members expect that same level of dedication, and my pledge to you — the members we proudly serve — is to promote a cooperative culture of service.

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

Avoid mail delays Record numbers of packages, COVID-19 constraints and budget cuts are combining to delay mail deliveries around the country. Anything that moves through the mail, including bills and payments, can be late in arriving, resulting in potential complications for members trying to pay their bills. Avoid these complications by taking advantage of a variety of payment options offered by 4-County Electric Power Association. The co-op has several ways to help you make sure that your bill — or your payment — isn’t late because of something out of your control. Convenient payment options include: • Online payments through 4-County’s website or mobile app • Bank account/credit card monthly automatically drafts • Use one of nearly 20 payment kiosks located in the service area • Pay by phone, 1-800-431-1544 • Use the co-op’s new PayGo system at local Dollar General, Family Dollar and CVS locations • Sign up for e-bill or alerts to ensure timely payments For more information on these and other options, visit our website at www.4county. org/residential-payment-bill-options/ or call us at 1-800-431-1544.

Board nominations notice Signatures for Petitions for Nominations for Board of Director seats are being collected. 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 offers free community Wi-Fi in Clay County

1 2 3 4 5

The Drop

STEP

Crews “drop” fiber from mainline. An appointment is set for the inside fiber install.

The Locate Our installers visit your home to mark the outside fiber drop.

STEP

4-County Electric members call 1-800-431-1544 or visit www.4cfastnet.com to register for fiber-fast internet.

STEP

The Call

STEP

4-County Electric Power Association’s broadband development efforts now include a community Wi-Fi hotspot for residents of west Clay County. FASTnet, the co-op’s new broadband subsidiary, is offering a free hotspot (a place designated for the community to access the internet) at Mike’s Kountry Kwik on Hwy. 50 West in Clay County. The hotspot is a commitment by FASTnet and 4-County to their members and area communities, according to 4-County CEO Brian Clark. “We’re proud to bring high speed affordable broadband to our members, and we’re proud to be able to offer a free connection to those members in the area who can’t get our services yet — especially those families with students or those who need access to reliable internet from time to time and who just don’t have that option,” Clark said. “We couldn’t do this without a lot of support. Mike Atkinson has provided the location for the hotspot, and local and state officials have helped with everything from getting the word out to helping us find funding for these projects,” he added. The Columbus-based cooperative received a matching grant from the Mississippi Legislature last year that helps state electric cooperatives deploy broadband to their members. With 4-County contributing more than $7 million, combined with $6 million from the grant, FASTnet was formed with the goal of completing three limited pilot projects. Those projects cover parts of northeast Choctaw, western Clay and northern Noxubee counties, about 2,400 total 4-County members While the initial projects might be small, 4-County is hoping to bring broadband to the whole membership once they are complete. In the meantime, Clark says FASTnet and 4-County are doing what they can to help. “With so many things from work to school pushed online due to COVID-19, there is a real need for reliable affordable internet. With things like this hotspot, we’re working hard to fill that need.” Find more information on FASTnet on Facebook and Instagram by searching for @4cfastnet and at www.4cfastnet.com.

How It Works

The Install Our installers bring and set up equipment inside your home.

Start Surfing You’re now hooked up to FASTnet, the fastest internet available.

1-800-431-1544 • www.4cfastnet.com FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 13

Youth Tour 2020 delegates persevere 4-County Electric Power Association officials honored the co-op’s 2020 Youth Tour delegates recently for their dedication to the prestigious program in the midst of unique hindrances created by COVID-19. Memory Shuffield, Katie Shackelford and Tomyah Smith each received a $2,500 Youth Tour Leadership Scholarship. The trio was able to attend the February 2020 Youth Leadership in Jackson but was unable to take the weeklong prestigious leadership trip to Washington, D.C., later that summer because of COVID-19 restrictions. Mississippi’s best and brightest young leaders gathered Feb. 26-28, 2020, in Jackson to participate in the 34th Annual Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) Youth Leadership Workshop. High school juniors from around the state, representing rural electric cooperatives, participated in the prestigious program. Shuffield, Smith and Littlejohn graduated with honors from the multi-faceted leadership workshop. Shuffield and Smith were two of only a few students who received trophies for their accomplishments in the workshop. Shuffield received one of two Overall Leadership Awards,

Tomyah Smith

Katie Littlejohn

Tomyah Smith: “Last year, around this time, our world experienced a major shift from normal. Although it seemed to be a tragedy, the connections I made through the Youth Leadership Workshop helped me persevere. I stand in awe when I reflect on the relationships I’ve made with youth all over the state. Thank You All! You assisted me to find light in the darkness.” Katie Littlejohn: “2020 was a year of many unknowns and changes. However, getting to be a part of the Youth Leadership Workshop was a highlight of my year. Receiving this 14 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

a $500 scholarship and was honored as one of the top 10 students selected to interview for Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Council position. Smith was also honored as one of the top 10 students selected to interview for Mississippi’s Youth Leadership Council position. Littlejohn also received a Certificate of Accomplishment for her participation in the program. 4-County is a proud sponsor of the program. “Memory, Tomyah and Katie represented themselves, their families and 4-County in an exemplary manner during some trying times,” said Brad Barr, 4-County communications coordinator and youth leadership director. “2020 was a challenging year for all of us. Our youth delegates stayed strong through it all. We are happy to provide them with these scholarships and look forward to the bright lives we know they will lead.”

Memory Shuffield scholarship is such a blessing to me, and my family. Thank You, 4-County!” Memory Shuffield; “When I first interviewed for the Youth Leadership Tour, I had no idea what was in store. Besides having no idea about the pandemic, I also had no idea about the relationships I would form, friendships for a lifetime. Through all of the negativity that came from 2020, I cling to the big positives, positives like these. I had no idea that the leadership skills I learned in February 2020’s Youth Leadership Workshop would guide me through a global pandemic.”

Cold weather impacts energy use, bill 4-County Electric Power Association members are in the midst of cold temperatures this new year. Weather affects electric use and extreme or prolonged cold, plus being at home more due to COVID-19, can really increase power use and drive energy costs up. “Heating and cooling account for up to half the cost of the average Mississippi household’s electric bill. So when the weather is especially cold or hot, your bill will go up,” said Jon Turner, 4-County manager of marketing and public relations. Energy use and costs follow a typical curve during the course of the year according to Turner. “Most 4-County members see higher bills in the summer and winter, when temperatures tend to go up or down and stay there for days or weeks at a time. In the spring and fall, the temperatures tend to be more moderate and bills tend to be lower and it usually all averages out,” Turner said. “The cost of electricity doesn’t change in the cold weather, but people tend to use more of it, so it costs them more. We really just want to remind our members about this and help them mitigate their power use if we can,” Turner added. 4-County understands that higher bills can be tough on members and has several programs for members that can help them find ways to lower their energy use and their costs. Those include online tools that can help calculate how much it costs to run heating and air and appliances, and information on energy efficiency, from simple low cost fixes to things like adding insulation or installing a newer, more efficient heat pump. Members can also sign up for text or email alerts that can show them how much power they use a day and how much it costs or will let them know if they use a certain amount of power. 4-County members can also track their daily energy use online, which is another great tool for understanding energy use. It can really help people see what they use every day, and how much weather and other factors play a part in daily electric use,” Turner said. He also stresses that payment options such as Prepay and levelized billing can also help. “We strive to give members tools and resources to help them keep a handle on their energy use,” Turner explained. Members can find out more about all these programs and more at the Association’s website at www.4county.org, 4-County’s Facebook page, or by calling 1-800-431-1544.

Take steps to prepare for frigid temperatures Old Man Winter makes his presence felt in February and that means now is the time to prepare. “It’s a good time to take some precautions to make sure you are ready for the cold,” said 4-County Electric Power Association Job Safety and Training Coordinator Joe Miller. Miller says one of the most important safety issues is the correct use of space heaters. “People need to be reminded of the possible dangers when using space heaters, especially the increased chance of fire.” Here are some key tips when using electric space heaters: • Locate the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic. Be especially careful to keep children and pets away from the heater. • Do not place heater near any flammable items such as curtains or clothing. • Electric heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet. If an extension cord is necessary, use a heavy-duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger. • For portable electric heaters, buy a unit with a tip-over safety switch, which automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is tipped over. • If you use a non-electric space heater make sure you have the proper ventilation. Some types of non-electric heaters can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. • Consult the heater’s directions or owner’s manual for proper use and care. Miller also said you should never use your oven to provide heat. “An oven is for cooking only. It’s a major fire and safety hazard to use it for anything else,” said Miller. Miller said it’s a good idea to check on your neighbors during the cold snap, especially the elderly or those living alone. 4-County wants everyone to be safe and warm during the cold weather, but reminds customers to be aware that increased use of either space heaters or their main source of heat can result in significantly higher energy consumption.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 15

Thank You,

Johnny Mitchener! Johnny Mitchener of Macon has retired from 4-County Electric Power Association after 35 years of service to the cooperative and its members. Rain, sleet or snow. Long days, long nights. Johnny lived and worked through them all during his distinguished career. “We’re so thankful for Johnny and his service,” said 4-County CEO Brian Clark. “He has been a tremendous asset to 4-County and its members, and we wish him the best in his retirement.” What was the key to such a long and successful career? “Being a lineman requires dedication,” Johnny said. “There will be missed holidays, children’s ballgames, recitals and other important family events. Linemen and their families must understand the commitment when working severe weather and emergency calls,” he explained. “Linemen also must be physically fit and mentally strong. Line work is labor intensive with long days and nights. You must always have your mind on your job. There is no room for error when working with high-voltage lines.” Camaraderie and teamwork have always been the

cornerstones of the 4-County business model. “Building trust with fellow linemen means having each other’s backs. This is important when everyone’s life is on the line. Throughout my years at 4-County, I have always had a great group of coworkers,” Johnny said. Johnny, who retired as a maintenance crew leader, began working at the cooperative in July 1985, just a few months after his late father, Tommy, retired from the Association. Tommy was a longtime 4-County employee who retired as district manager of 4-County’s Macon office. Johnny is a graduate of Central Academy. He later graduated from Hinds Junior College. His first position at the cooperative was groundman at the Macon Customer Service Center. He worked under Jimmy Ricks. Oscar Boykin was the district manager. Johnny and his wife, Ann, live in Macon. They attend Cooksville Methodist Church in Noxubee County. They have one daughter, Beth, who lives in the Tupelo area with her husband, Josh Jarvis, and their 6-year-old son, Liam. “Ann and I enjoy taking Liam to visit my sister and her family in Arkansas where we like to fish for trout on the White River.” His retirement plans also include a little hunting and fishing — and completing a few projects around the house.

4-COUNTY’S E-BILL IS EASY Life can be tough enough these days, so who doesn’t want to make their world a little easier? 4-County Electric Power Association can help with the co-op’s E-Bill program. How can signing up for E-Bill make your life better? • It’s paperless. That means less clutter for you, and it won’t get lost or delayed in the mail. • It’s convenient. You will get an email notification each month when your

bill is ready. You can review your account at any time, and easily print bills when needed. • It’s secure. Using 4-County’s online portal is safe. • It’s good for everybody. The less bills 4-County has to print, the less cost to members. That helps keep rates low. Less paper also means less waste, and that is great for our environment. Those 4-County members signing up for E-Bill will get a one-time $5 credit. For more information on E-Bill, call 4-County at 1-800-431-1544.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Worrell jumps into career feet first Most people can ease their way into the first day of a new job. Brandon Worrell’s first day working at 4-County Electric Power Association journey began April 13, 2020, the morning after a severe storm system swept through the co-op’s service area. Thousands of members were without power. Broken poles and lines littered the landscape. Welcome to 4-County, Brandon. So much for easing your way into a new job. “I got thrown to the wolves the first day,” Brandon said with a laugh. “But that’s the life of a lineman. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Let’s get to work.” Brandon came to 4-County after working in the lineman apprentice program at the City of Starkville. The Nanih Wayah native is a graduate of East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) with an associate’s degree in forestry. He also graduated from EMCC’s Utility Lineworker Program. Brandon developed a strong work ethic at an early age, working on a logging crew as a teenager. He also helped a friend train dogs. “I enjoyed working with the dogs. And I’ve always worked outside. That’s my preference,” he said. The Apprentice Lineman IV serves on Tim Adkins Corporate Center Construction Crew. He enjoys the variety found in his job. “Day by day, we’re involved in a number of different types of projects that take us to areas throughout our service area,” Brandon explained. Why choose a career in line work? “I always knew there would be a need. Everyone has to have power.”

A Starkville resident, Brandon attends Pinelake Church. In his free time, he enjoys hunting and fishing. “I mostly hunt in Choctaw County. I enjoy being in the woods. It’s peaceful and quiet,” he said. Brandon also enjoys spending time with his family, especially his little brother and two nieces. And he is a Mississippi State fan, “win or lose.” His constant companion is a Labrador Retriever named Molly. He enjoys the construction part of his job, seeing a project in its initial stages through its completion. “As a lineman, you have to be able to retain information. It’s all about repetition,” Brandon said. The young lineman appreciates the opportunity to work in a safe manner. “4-County works hard to promote safety. We’re all looking out for each other.” Being a lineman, Brandon stressed, is an important job and carries much responsibility. “People are relying on you every day for their power needs.”

EWHS volleyball receives 4-County award The new East Webster High School (EWHS) Volleyball team received a $6,553 award recently from the 4-County Electric Power Association Foundation. The award will go towards start-up costs for a new volleyball program, according to 4-County Foundation and EWHS officials. Since the Foundation’s inception in February 2015, over $1 million has been dispersed to organizations in 4-County’s service area. 4-County believes in helping the communities it serves. That’s why the cooperative launched the 4-County Foundation, a community service program. Since February 2015, participating 4-County members’ utility bills have been rounded up to the nearest dollar; a $125.78 bill, for example, becomes $126. Now, that’s an average of only 49 cents per member, per month. That may not seem like much.

But when you multiply those contributions by the thousands of member participants, that’s a lot of pennies! For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544. FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 17

Photos by Chad Calcote

by Steven Ward “People either get Rodney or they don’t.” That’s how Angel Puckett recently described the allure of the tiny Mississippi River-area community in Jefferson County that was once a bustling port town. Today, known by tourists and most Mississippi residents as a “ghost town,” Rodney, Mississippi is home to about 8 residents. But it wasn’t always that way. Various histories of the area report that the town was three legislative votes away from becoming the state capital due to its status as a boomtown and important shipping point along the Mississippi River. Puckett, a United States Post Office mail carrier who lives in nearby Lorman, lived in Rodney for 30 years beginning in 1980. Even back then, when there were about 100 residents, Puckett remembered people calling Rodney a “ghost town.” Continual flooding from the nearby river forced younger families over the years to move away from Rodney, she said. But Puckett loved living there and that love for the community has carried over into a mission with others with

connections there to preserve a large part of Rodney’s history. Puckett is the president of the Rodney History and Preservation Society, a 501 c3 nonprofit group formed in 2018 to save and restore the community’s 200-year-old Rodney Presbyterian Church. The society now owns the church. “We want to save one of the few remaining buildings in what was almost the state capital. It’s one of the finest examples of federal style architecture in Mississippi and has stood proud for nearly two hundred years,” Puckett said. Right now, construction work is underway to restore the church’s south wall. The church, a two-story gable-roof brick structure with stepped gable ends and an interior-end bell tower, was built in 1832 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The church is also designated a Mississippi Landmark. That classification requires that Puckett’s group rebuild and restore the church with the approval of the Mississippi Department of History and Archives. Following the restoration of the south wall, the group plans on addressing the structural weaknesses of the bell tower. FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 19

VERSION #______________ RON Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested STEVEN Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested CHAD Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ELISSA Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested CHRIS Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested ARTIST ___________ Date_____ Approved Revisions Requested

Saving a church to preserve a link to history

Throughout the time since the group was formed, fundraising and some state money has been utilized to restore the church, Puckett said. “Jefferson County has a rich history and Rodney is basically in our backyard here in Lorman,” said Kevin Bonds, CEO of Southwest Electric. “We applaud the efforts of the Rodney History and Preservation Society to restore the church building and keep the history of this area alive.” Located along a wooden bluff east of the church is the Rodney Cemetery. Although it’s not owned by the society or part of the group’s official restoration efforts, the group and other volunteers have assisted members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans in graveyard clean ups. The SCV had asked for help in the cemetery with work which included fixing and cleaning broken markers and cutting markers out of canebrake. The volunteer work at the cemetery is part of the society’s love for Rodney. Puckett said the group is made up of members with various connections to Rodney including some past residents. Mary Pallon of Pine, Arizona is one of those society board members with an important connection.

Rodney Masonic Lodge

A replica of a Civil War-era cannon ball shot fired into the front of Rodney Presbyterian Church

Visit rodneyhistory.org for more information about Rodney or to make a restoration donation.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Society president Angel Puckett

“My grandfather, The Rev. Allen Washington Duck, was the last assigned pastor to Rodney Presbyterian Church, Pallon said. Duck and his wife lived in nearby Red Lick in the late 1920s and served the church once a month. “He loved Rodney. The church paid him $200 to come at least one Sunday a month. He served the church in Red Lick and a church in Hermanville at the same time. He first served Rodney via horse and buggy,” Pallon said. Pallon’s grandfather was part of a Presbyterian effort in the 1950’s to help preserve Rodney Presbyterian. The church was sold in the 1960’s due to only a handful of members, she said. Pallon said she’s trying to continue the effort her grandfather started. “The church is a concrete link to a vibrant, rich, wild history of Old Southwest Mississippi. Rodney Presbyterian is the only distinct building left in Rodney, of the original town,” Pallon said. “Rodney Presbyterian serves to inspire us to understand its history to future generations. Why? Because a historical perspective helps all to navigate in the present and in the future.”

ion.

Saluting the men and women who power our lives

The men and women who work at Mississippi’s electric cooperatives are special employees who operate the many moving parts of providing power to our members on a daily basis. Although their diligence is apparent year in and year out, 2020 was a different year than most. The past year was one defined by excessive weather challenges and a global pandemic that changed how cooperatives – and the world – conducted business. Back to back hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico hit Mississippi and other southeastern states and knocked out power far and wide. Mississippi linemen, always on call and prepared to deploy whenever needed, went out in adverse conditions in their home state as well as others in the region to restore power to residents and businesses in need. Tornadoes in Mississippi wreaked havoc this year throughout the state causing long hours and extra personnel to get electricity back to our members. But it wasn’t just our linemen who answered the call to help our members and members of other cooperatives nearby. Office personnel put on chef hats

to cook or arrange food for lineman and support staff. Cooperative communicators were dispatched to the field to shoot photos for social media to keep members up to date with the latest information. The more than 2,950 employees who work for Mississippi’s electric cooperatives went above and beyond to meet the challenges of 2020 to ensure our members had power restored in a safe and timely manner. We salute the employees of Mississippi’s electric cooperatives for their dedication this past year and commitment for years to come.

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Richie Culotta • Cameron Culotta • Zach Dustin

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with Rebecca Turner

Sweets for your sweet during heart month Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and whether you’re single or taken, it is an excellent opportunity to think about hearts, but not just the candy kind. Since 1964 the president has annually declared February American Heart Month as a reminder to get families, friends and communities involved in reinforcing the importance of heart health. You have heard these heart-healthy tips before — engage in regular exercise, adopt a diet lower in salt, limit saturated fats found in red meat and dairy, and avoid trans fat used in margarine and self-stable baked and snack foods. Focus on eating fats found in olive oils, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish that protect the heart. You can often substitute meat with Mississippi farm-raised catfish or Mississippi seafood. Eat a variety of vegetables, especially those rich in color — darkgreen, red, and orange. Frozen fruits or vegetables and 24 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

those canned in water or reduced-sodium are nutritious options, too. There is still room for sweet treats while taking care of your precious heart. At least 70 percent cocoa, dark chocolate is high in flavonoids associated with a lower heart disease risk. You can enjoy 1 to 2 ounces a day to reap the heart benefits. Keep dark chocolate nibs in your pantry to add to oatmeal, yogurt, muffins, pancakes, or trail mixes. With any dessert, portion control matters more than trying to substitute all the calories away. Try frozen raspberries coated in yogurt and covered in dark chocolate for a healthy, bite-size treat. Create a cake in a mug for a perfectly portioned, quick to make, sweet treat. When you have leftover cake or more time in the kitchen, give cake-pops a try for a twist to single-serve indulgences.

Chocolate Covered Raspberries INGREDIENTS 1 container fresh raspberries 1 container vanilla yogurt 1 12-ounce bag dark chocolate chips 2 teaspoons olive oil

1. Rinse fresh raspberries and pat them dry with a paper towel. Allow them to fully dry before moving on. 2. Cover a small baking sheet with parchment paper. 3. Use a fork, toothpick, or clean fingers to dip each berry into the yogurt to coat. Place each yogurt covered berry onto the parchment. Once all the berries are coated, place in the freezer for 60 minutes until it’s hard.. 4. Once the yogurt has hardened, melt chocolate chips with olive oil in the microwave on 30 second intervals, until melted and thin enough to dip or drizzle. If your chocolate gets thick, add an extra teaspoon of olive oil and reheat for 15-30 seconds. 5. Dip each yogurt covered berry into the melted chocolate and place back on the parchment lined sheet. Continue with remaining berries until they’re all coated. Place back in the freezer until chocolate has set and enjoy. Berries will last two to three weeks in the freezer. For the best results, take them out of the freezer and let them sit for 3-5 minutes before enjoying. Substitute raspberries for any fresh berry or cherry.

Microwave Mug Cake

INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons self-rising flour 1 ½ tablespoons no-calorie sweetener (or table sugar) 2 teaspoons cocoa powder 1⁄8 cup of baking powder Pinch of salt 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon oil 1 drop of vanilla extract

1. Combine the flour, sweetener, cocoa powder and salt in the mug. Whisk gently until no lumps remain. If you don’t have self-rising flour, use all purpose flour plus 1/8 cup baking powder. 2. Stir in the milk, olive oil and vanilla until smooth. 3. Pop in the microwave on high for 30-35 seconds. Don’t over cook! The cake will continue to cook as it sets and cools. 4. Cool 3-5 minutes. Make it your own and serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, topped with berries, or go wild and add a drizzle of chocolate sauce!

Basic Cake Pops

INGREDIENTS Cake prepared (use your favorite boxed cake mix, homemade cake, leftover cake or store bought cake) 2-5 spoonfuls of frosting (pick your preferred store bought flavor or make it from scratch) 2 bags of chocolate candy melts Cake pop sticks Sprinkles Styrofoam block 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Add prepared cake to a large bowl and crumble it until it resembles fine crumbs. 3. Add in frosting a small spoonful at a time. Use your hands to incorporate the frosting. You want the cake to be moist and hold a ball shape, but not too mushy. Less is more. 4. Scoop out a small amount to roll into a tight ball and place on a plate. If you have a mini ice cream scoop, that works great. 5. Repeat until all the cake mixture has been rolled into balls. 6. Melt 2-4 ounces of the chocolate melts in the microwave. 7. Dip the tip of the cake pop sticks into the melted chocolate and insert into the cake balls about half-way and place on parchment paper. 8. Freeze for about 20 minutes and prepare all of your decorating supplies. 9. Melt the remaining chocolate in a large cup (not bowl). You need enough chocolate to submerge the cake ball. 10. Remove cake balls from the freezer. 11. Dip cake balls carefully into the chocolate until covered. 12. Let the excess chocolate drip off. Swirl and tap. 13. Add desired sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. It will harden fast. 14. Stick the decorated cake pop into a styrofoam block to finish setting. (game changer for having attractive cake pops) 15. Place the pops into the freezer to speed up setting time. 16. Store in a cool area in a single layer, and in an airtight container. You can make them beautifully delicious gifts by covering them with a clear bag and tying them with festive string.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rebecca Turner is an author, registered dietitian, radio host, television presenter and a certified specialist in sports dietetics with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A lifelong Mississippian, she lives in Brandon and has spent the last decade offering no-nonsense nutrition guidance that allows you to enjoy good health and good food. Her book, “Mind Over Fork,” challenges the way you think, not the way you eat. Find her on social media @RebeccaTurnerNutrition and online at www.RebeccaTurnerNutrition.com.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 25

mississippi seen

mississippi is...

events

mississippi marketplace on the menu outdoors today Many planned events were canceled Electric power associations... because of the COVID-19 crisis, so we scene around the ‘sip picture this your quality of life partner have had far fewer events to feature in this space as a result. As more areas mypower opinion of Mississippi open back up and groups co-op involvement Mississippi’s electric associations have and will continue 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 April, 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. “Why I Live at the P.O.” Feb. 26-28 and March 5-7. Laurel. Comedy based on a Eudora Welty story about the postmistress of a tiny Mississippi post office. Laurel Little Theatre’s downtown Arabian Theatre. 408 5th Ave. The reservation line opens Feb. 19. Details: 601-428-0140.

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FACTS & FIGURES 802,739 Total meters served 691,540 Residential meters EPAs serve 50% of the electric meters in Mississippi Investor owned - 40% Municipal systems - 10% EPAs serve approximately 85% of the state’s land mass 95,731 - Miles of distribution lines 8.4 - Average number of members per mile of line 2,981 - Total number of employees

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P.O. Box 85 Brandon, MS 39043

26 TODAY | FEBRUARY 2021

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321 Madison Ave., Wiggins, MS 39577

February is when we began to notice the days are getting longer. Odd that the shortest month of the year is when we see that we are starting to climb out of winter. Not that we don’t have plenty of cold weather still ahead of us. And the sunset has perceptibly moved farther northward than it was in December. Driving into Jackson on Lakeland Drive, there is a hilltop east of the airport where you get a pretty good view of the city. In the winter, it seems like the sun sets all the way on the left side of my car’s windshield. But in the middle of summer, it has moved all the way to the right side. That seems like a wild shift to me. I know the earth is tilted on its axis 23 and a half degrees off center, which gives us our seasons and allows the setting sun to pick out a slightly different spot every afternoon. But I can’t comprehend how that small of a tilt can move the sunset that far from left to right, at its extremes. But I’m satisfied that someone, somewhere knows why, so I don’t have to worry about it. I’ve been on my way home many times covering a story somewhere in the state and pulled over to get a shot of the sunset. We have some astounding sunsets in Mississippi. I put together a couple of minutes of sunset shots and set them to music and ran them as my television feature story one day. After the newscast, the producer saw me in the hall and commented on my “sunrises.” Then she thought for about a half a second and realized who she was talking to and said, “Wait. I guess those would have been sunsets if you took them, wouldn’t it?” Not that I haven’t seen sunrises, too. But in practical terms,

I’m usually on the road in the late afternoons, not mornings. I’m guessing she meant it as a reflection of my energy level. If you want to see beautiful sunsets in Mississippi, you don’t have to go any farther that your yard. After a summer thunderstorm, the sun can turn creation purple, green or bright orange, depending on how light hits the thunderhead. During winter, the high wispy cirrus clouds get bent in all sorts of directions by jet stream winds. The dropping sun paints them pink to purple as it sets. The coast has great sunsets. Any bluff along the Mississippi River provides a ringside seat to a sunset. So does the levee, to a degree. The high hill in Jeff Busby Park on the Natchez Trace has a relatively unobstructed view of the west. East too, if you ever want to catch a sunrise there. Sunrises and sunsets. As much as they are alike, no two are exactly the same. They are just like us — unique in their own special way.

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.

FEBRUARY 2021 | TODAY 27

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