Today in Mississippi March 2024 Local Pages

News and Notes Cooperative Energy announces first round of finalist SiteInvest properties

Cooperative Energy announced the industrial properties selected as finalists in the first round of the SiteInvest program. The property investment program was announced in September 2023 at the inaugural Economic Development Summit, according to a Cooperative Energy news release.

SiteInvest is designed to help improve readiness and enhance the development of industrial properties in Cooperative Energy’s Members’ territories. The program is a strategic initiative of the economic development team to better align Cooperative Competes grant funds with site development e orts. Both currently marketed industrial properties and newly identified industrial properties were invited to participate in the program.

Cooperative Energy welcomed applications from across the state in the first round of the program. These applications were reviewed by the economic development team, and 20 finalist sites were chosen to advance in the program. The finalist sites are currently under rigorous review by the program’s third-party engineering experts, Burns & McDonnell.

“We were thrilled to receive at least one application for industrial properties within eight of our 11 Members’ service territories,” said Mitch Stringer, Cooperative Energy director of economic development. “Our goal for the program is to continuously and strategically invest in our communities to make them more competitive for recruitment of capital investment and job growth.”

Cooperative Energy Economic Development anticipates a second round of applications for the SiteInvest program later this year.

The 20 sites advancing in the program include:

1. Mississippi River Energy Complex: Former International Paper Site – Adams County

2. Mississippi River Energy Complex: Riva Ridge –Adams County

3. Cleveland Municipal Airport – Bolivar County

4. Eagle One Mega Site – Forrest and Lamar Counties

5. Greene County Rail Site – Greene County

6. Port Bienville Industrial Park Site No. 11 – Hancock County

7. Port Bienville Industrial Park Site No. 4 – Hancock County

8. Port Bienville Industrial Park Site No. 1 – Hancock County

9. GST Site – Harrison County

10. Helena Industrial Complex – Jackson County

11. Jackson County Aviation Technology Park – Jackson County

12. I-59 South Industrial Site – Jones County

13. I-59 Supply Chain Park 40-acre site – Jones County

14. I-59 Supply Chain Park 124-acre site – Jones County

15. Marion Regional Airplex – Marion County

16. Pearl River Technology Park – Pearl River County

17. Gateway Industrial Park East – Pike County

18. Gateway Industrial Park West – Pike County

19. Lake Site – Scott County

20. Rankin East Metro Center Parkway – Rankin County

NASA: More engine tests for Artemis V mission completed

NASA completed the sixth of 12 scheduled RS-25 engine certification tests in a critical series for future flights of the agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket as engineers conducted a full-duration hot fire Jan. 27 at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis.

The current series builds on previous hot fire testing conducted at NASA Stennis to help certify production of new RS-25 engines by lead contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3 Harris Technologies company, according to a NASA news release. The new engines will help power NASA’s SLS rocket on future Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond, beginning with Artemis V.

For each Artemis mission, four RS-25 engines, along with a pair of solid rocket boosters, power the SLS, producing more than 8.8 million pounds of thrust at lifto . Under NASA’s Artemis campaign, the agency will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration at the Moon, land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface, and prepare for human expeditions to Mars for the benefit of all.

“Improving the quality of life for all those we touch.”

MAKING LIFE be er

What would make life better in our service territory? I’m not talking about winning the lottery — that only makes life better for one person or a small group. But more jobs? Better health care? Improved parks? Those are areas that benefit everyone in northeast Mississippi. And they are all areas that benefit from the service provided by 4-County.

4-County Electric Power Association exists to power communities and empower you, our members, and to improve your quality of life. The cooperative business model o ers the perfect tool for tackling tasks too big for one person to handle alone, but we need a common purpose to e ectively wield the power of cooperation.

Think about the impact electricity made in rural areas over 80 years ago. People lived longer because the quality of life improved. Farm production jumped. Things like running water, lights, and stored food were possible — and with those leaps, our ancestors’ lives were given new opportunities.

A few of you may remember our beginnings from your younger days — you know full well the power of neighbors uniting behind a common purpose. But the vast majority doesn’t remember when this area rolled up its sleeves and worked together to get the lights on. Back when life was hard before cooperation changed the landscape of the communities we serve.

4-County is more than a power provider. We’re proof that when folks unite with a single focus, we can bring dreams to reality. Our purpose — powering this community and

Energy E ciency

Tip of the Month

empowering you, our members — makes life better in the 4-County service territory.

For example, the 4-County Foundation — with help from our members — has awarded over $2 million back to area non-profit organizations. 4-County also participates in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, where we take our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C., for a week-long trip to experience democracy in action. Our e orts in economic development and education are making a valuable impact on communities. And, of course, FASTnet is bringing a ordable, reliable broadband to our members.

Please tell us what you’re working on to improve the quality of life. We’re here to support your e orts, and we want to know how we can help bring people with common needs and interests together. Remember, electric co-ops can be a mechanism you use to make life better.

We exist today because co-op members, like yourself, over 80 years ago believed they could turn darkness into daylight. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us; we can’t wait to work cooperatively with you!

Washing windows and screens is a great way to practice energy e ciency during spring cleaning. Clean windows and screens make your home brighter by allowing more sunlight in, reducing the need for lamps and fixtures. Clean screens also allow more fresh air in the home when the windows are open to recycle indoor air. Natural light and clean air are energy savers, and they enhance overall health and productivity.

Source: energy.gov

2024 ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE OF DEADLINES

Several deadlines associated with the 2024 4-County Electric Power Association Annual Meeting are approaching later this month and into May. Please see schedule below:

ANNUAL MEETING DATE • THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024

70 DAYS (Thursday, March 28)

Deadline for Board of Directors to appoint Nominating Committee (Elections & Credentials Committee typically appointed same time as Nominating). The Districts up for election this year are:

District 2 – The territory served or to be served within the boundaries of Oktibbeha County, MS.

District 3 – The territory served or to be served within the boundaries of Clay and Monroe Counties, MS.

District 6 – The territory served or to be served within the boundaries of Chickasaw and Webster Counties, MS.

Prior to 60 Days (Friday, April 5) • (60 days = Sunday, April 7)

Nominating Committee meets, nominates Director election candidates

60 Days (Friday, April 5) • (60 days = Sunday, April 7)

Deadline for nominations postings in all 4-County O ces

60 Days (Friday, April 5) • (60 days= Sunday, April 7)

Deadline for Nominations by Petition.  Must be delivered to the 4-County Corporate o ce by 12:00 noon

30 Days (Tuesday, May 7)

Deadline for Mailing Ballot/Proxy to membership

15 Days (Wednesday, May 22)

Deadline for notifying Credentials and Election Committee to serve and date of meeting

6 Days – (Friday, May 31) • (144 hours)

Deadline for receipt of ballots/proxies is 12:00 noon

We need your info

At 4-County Electric Power Association, we are constantly striving to improve our operational e ciency, so we can provide the most reliable electric service possible for our members.

We rely on data for nearly every aspect of our operations, which is why we need your help. By making sure we have your most accurate and complete contact information, we can continue to provide the high level of service that you expect and deserve. Accurate information enables us to improve member service and enhance communications for reporting and repairing outages. It also allows co-op members to receive information about other important programs, events and activities.

Up-to-date contact information can potentially speed up the power restoration process during an outage. For example, the phone number you provide links your service address to our outage management system. This means when you call to report an outage, our system recognizes your phone number and matches it with your account location. Accurate information helps our outage management system predict the location and possible cause of an outage, making it easier for our crews to correct the problem.

While we always do our best to maintain service, we occasionally plan outages to update, repair or replace equipment. In these instances, we can provide advance notification to a ected members through automated phone messages, text messages or email, if we have your updated contact information and communication preferences.

Keeping the co-op updated with your information also helps us when there’s a question about energy use or billing. Emails and text messages are also used to notify registered members of any changes in co-op event details. In addition, discrepancies on your account can be taken care of promptly if 4-County has accurate account information.

Many of you have been members of the co-op for years, and it’s likely that your account information hasn’t been updated for some time. We recognize that many members now use a cell phone as their primary phone service, and we might not have that number in our system.

We will never share this information with any third parties. It is only used by 4-County to send important information to you. Please take a moment to confirm or update your contact information by calling 1-800-431-1544. By doing so, you will be helping us improve service and e ciency, so we can better serve you and all members of the co-op.

Ricky Blake! Congratulations,

41 SERVICE YEARS of

4-County’s Ricky Blake retired in January.

Thanks for the memories!

MEETTHE BOARD

In the coming issues of Today in Mississippi, we’ll spotlight members of the 4-County Foundation Board of Directors. The Board, with the generous support of co-op members, has distributed over $2 million to area non-profit organizations.

Meet Sue Cooper!

Sue represents Webster and Chickasaw counties on the Foundation Board. She holds B.S. and M.Ed. degrees from Mississippi State University, and she taught elementary school in Webster County for 40 years. Sue has served as the pianist for Cumberland Baptist Church for 63 years. She has one daughter and one grandson. Sue enjoys being outdoors, working in her yard. She loves traveling with her daughter and grandson. She lives in Cumberland.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Barrentine making history

Barrentine always envisioned himself as a future game warden or, maybe, a welder.

As he got older, and emerging technologies caught his eye, Mitch turned his attention to communication cables and fiber optics. “In high school, I hunted with some older guys who worked for a telephone company. Hearing them talk about the technology involved with that sparked my interest,” he explained.

Today, after a stint as a service technician for AT&T, Mitch serves as a Fiber Technician for FASTnet, 4-County Electric Power Association’s broadband subsidiary company. “It’s amazing what can travel through the fibers. It’s like a lightning-fast Morse code,” he said with a grin.

Mitch and his wife, Nicole, live in Columbus and have two sons, Dax, 16, and Brister, 14. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and baseball. But his most enjoyable moments are spending time with his family. “The boys have started playing baseball and go-kart racing,” he said. “I’m making as many memories as I can with them. I want to be a good role model for them.”

When time allows, he takes the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, Mitch stressed. “When I’m deer hunting, turkey hunting or bass fishing, it’s a peaceful time. I can relax there and

watch nature unfold. It’s kind of therapeutic,” he said. Mitch is a member of the Lake Norris Fishing Club in Lowndes County.

Mitch’s career at 4-County, beginning in April 2021, has been rewarding, too. “Again, I enjoy being outside and being mobile. We always work somewhere di erent,” he said. He is part of a FASTnet fiber construction crew: splicing and main line construction. “It’s neat to be burning fibers together.” He appreciates having the latest, and greatest, equipment to work with.

A graduate of Professional Fiber School, Mitch studied basic electronics at Mississippi Delta Community College.

Mitch appreciates FASTnet’s approach to customer service. “We’re getting broadband to people who have never had it and who desperately need it. They’re excited and happy to see us,” he said. “On occasion,” he added with a laugh, “we’ve even gotten some baked goods brought to us at the job site.”

And the 4-County umbrella is a shelter for those who work under it. “You name it. We have it. Everything we need is in-house. That’s a big deal. Not every place has that, but we do.”

Mitch said he realizes he is part of something bigger than himself. “We’re making history, and I’m glad to be a part of it,” he added. “We’ve come a long way and still have some road to travel.”

CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 |

CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 |

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937

RANKIN: 601-829-1201 |

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

Clearing the path to

Trees are majestic, beautiful, and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Central Electric strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.

Safety

Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree.

Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power.

Affordability

As a co-op, Central Electric always strives to keep costs down for our members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.

When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 ft. or smaller) should be planted at least 25 ft. from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 ft.) should be planted at least 50 ft. from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted

transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. from the transformer door and 4 ft. from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.

Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by contacting us.

We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.

Reliability

Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see Central Electric crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards.

In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events.

Plus, we all know it’s more cost-e ective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact. Drone inspections of power lines and vegetation allow us to reduce labor and equipment costs while bolstering reliability. Through the use of small drones, we can accurately monitor the health and growth of trees and identify potential problems.

Annual meeting set for March 19

Central Electric Power Association will hold its 87th Annual Meeting of the Membership on March 19 at the Carthage Coliseum on Highway 16 East in Carthage. Registration will open at 9 a.m. and will close at 10 a.m.

At the meeting, three directors will be elected for three-year terms. Members will elect one director from Neshoba County, one director from Rankin County, and one director from Scott County. There also will be reports given on the operation of the association for the past year, and other matters of business will be conducted.

The Nominating Committee for 2024 consists of John Hester from Neshoba County, Clark Stewart from Rankin County, and Mike Madden from Scott County.

Candidates nominated by the Nominating Committee for election to the board are Hanna Watson (10631 Road 294, Union, MS 39365) from Neshoba County; David Boyd (953 N Sandhill Road, Lena, MS 39094) from Rankin County; and Pettey Leach (15468 Hwy 21, Sebastopol, MS 39359) from Scott County.

Central Electric, with the cooperation of AccentCare in Carthage, will provide a health fair at the annual meeting. Nurses will offer free blood pressure screenings. Services provided at the health fair will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 10:20 a.m., when the business meeting begins. One Way Quartet will provide the musical entertainment before the meeting.

Each Central Electric member who registers at the annual meeting will receive a free light bulb and will be eligible to win one of the following prizes: slow cooker, coffee maker, clock/radio, electric skillet,

electric can opener, toaster, coffee percolator, iron or electric clock. The grand prize for members who are present at the meeting will be an electric smoker.

Central Electric will give away a special prize this year for any member who registers in person at the meeting or who sends in his or her proxy or ballot. You do not have to be present at the meeting to win the special prize, electricity bill credits. Four lucky winners will win one of four electricity bill credit prizes: three winners will receive a $500 credit each, and one lucky winner will receive a $1,500 credit.

Remember, mail in your proxy or ballot for this year’s meeting. You do not have to be present to win. If your name is drawn at the annual meeting, we will notify you.

Central Electric is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative based in Carthage with branch offices in Philadelphia, Sebastopol and Rankin County. The co-op maintains more than 4,000 miles of distribution line and serves more than 36,000 member-owners in central Mississippi. Central Electric’s service area includes parts of Leake, Neshoba, Attala, Scott, Newton, Rankin and Kemper counties.

The bylaws of the association provide that any person, firm or corporation may become a member of Central Electric by making written application, paying the membership fee, purchasing electricity from the co-op and abiding by the rules and regulations as prescribed by the board of directors.

Central Electric’s annual meeting is for you, the member-owner. So mark your calendar for March 19, and we’ll see you at the annual meeting!

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

2024 Annual Meeting Program

Registration Opens

Entertainment by One Way Quartet

Registration Closes

Call to Order, Brian Long, General Manager; Invocation; Welcome, Mayor Laurie Henderson; Report of Manager, Brian Long; Engineering and Operations Report; Awarding of Door Prizes; Transaction of Business; Election of Directors; Awarding of Door Prizes

OFFICIAL NOTICE of the Annual Meeting of Members

Pursuant to Article III, Sections 3.01 and 3.03, of the association bylaws, notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of members of Central Electric Power Association will be held in the Carthage Coliseum, Highway 16 East, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Registration will open at 9 a.m. and will close at 10 a.m.

In accordance with the laws of Mississippi and the bylaws of the association, members will elect three directors for three-year terms: one director from Neshoba County, one director from Rankin County, and one director from Scott County. Reports will be given on the operation of the association for the past year, and other matters of business will be conducted.

If you cannot attend, fill out the ballot or proxy and mail immediately in the postage-paid envelope.

Each member who attends will receive a free light bulb. Many other valuable door prizes will be given away by drawing names from those registered. Please try to attend.

This year, six names will be drawn from the mail-in votes and prizes will be awarded to them.

ASSETS

Balance Sheets

2023 2022

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE

QWhat are some energysaving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

By adopting simple yet e ective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an e cient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize e ciency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing e ciency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce e ciency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring — before the heat of the summer — can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors o er special discounts for cleaning services in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents and know-how. Always unplug before cleaning, and wait until completely dry to plug it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent

ASpring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy e ciency at home.

lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list, check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to yearround comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes, but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy e ciency and saving money on energy use.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

AT THE

Working safe farm

The leading causes of farm-related injuries are transportation incidents and contact with objects and equipment.

These types of incidents include tractor injuries, such as rollovers, runovers, and entanglements. In addition, you must always keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines in all directions. Make a habit of using a spotter when moving tall equipment and loads. Also, be sure to use care when raising augers or the bed of a grain truck. Should your vehicle come in contact with a power line, do not try to get out. The insulating properties of your tires are your protection, as long as your vehicle is not on fire. If you must exit the vehicle, put your feet together, and in one motion, hop as far away from the vehicle as you can.

It can be di cult to estimate distance, and sometimes, a power line is closer than it looks. Avoid wearing loose-fitting pants or shirts. These clothes can get caught in rotating machine parts and lead to serious injury. Instead, wear protective clothing that reduces the risk of injuries and protects an operator in an accident.

Be careful in tra c looking out for college students as well as younger children. Mobile and gaming activity will probably increase around your home. Ensure all power cords are in good shape, not nailed or stapled to any walls, not under rugs or carpet, and out of the way of high-tra c areas. Extension cords are not a permanent wiring solution and should only be used on a temporary basis. Inspect any extension cords as well as the cords to power tools before use.

Set your clocks forward one hour Sunday, March 10, for daylight savings time. Have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break and Happy Easter!!

Six important farm safety tips

• Educate yourself. Before you begin, learn all about the mechanics and risks of your specific project.

• Stock a first aid kit.

• Check your fire extinguisher.

• Read markings on every vehicle you’ll be in.

• Avoid wearing loose clothing and jewelry.

• Ask for help.

Landscaping tips

• Notify utility companies by contacting Mississippi 811 for location of cables, wires, and pipes before digging. In many areas it is illegal to dig unless you have called to have these utilities located.

• Wear the proper protective clothing (e.g., safety footwear, gloves, long pants, etc.) that is suitable for the task and the work environment.

• It’s best to stay at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines.

• If you do any trimming or work to trees that could be near a power line, remember to look up before you put up a ladder.

Spring break and Easter tips

• Spring break: For most schools, spring break starts around the third week of March.

• Good Friday: March 29

• Easter: March 31

• April Fool’s Day: April 1

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE

QWhat are some energysaving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

By adopting simple yet e ective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an e cient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize e ciency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing e ciency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce e ciency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring — before the heat of the summer — can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors o er special discounts for cleaning services in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

ASpring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy e ciency at home.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents and know-how. Always unplug before cleaning, and wait until completely dry to plug it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list, check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to year-round comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes, but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy e ciency and saving money on energy use.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

2022 gures, in cents per kWh

NH:

MA:

RI:

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Numbers rounded to nearest tenth of a cent

CALL 877-769-2372

YOUR OPINION MATTERS

Each year, we use a third party to conduct a satisfaction survey of Coast Electric members. In 2023, we also surveyed CoastConnect subscribers. I eagerly await our results each year because what you say helps us determine where there are opportunities for new programs or services, and because it helps us determine areas of improvement. We are always pleased with our survey results but scrutinize them, so we can be the best electric co-op, and now the best high-speed internet company we can be for our members. Please take a look at some of our results. Thanks to all of you who participated in our surveys. Your feedback is a crucial part of our planning process.

Members were asked to evaluate 17 PERFORMANCE QUALITY ATTRIBUTES related to member service, electric service, communication, billing and cost.

ALL WERE RATED FROM TO 4 .70 4 .29 having FRIENDLY, COURTEOUS EMPLOYEES remains the highest rated attribute.

ON A 5-POINT SCALE

Where our members have the power Communicators: April Lollar, Merilee Sands & Sarah Belk

Coast Electric completed their annual member-wide customer satisfaction survey, where 5,288 members were asked to participate. The member responses were sent to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®), a company that measures customer satisfaction across multiple industries throughout the entire United States.1 For 2023, Coast Electric received an ACSI score of 88 out of a maximum score of 100. Coast Electric’s score is higher than all publicly measured investor-owned utility scores//cooperative utility scores//municipal utility scores and places Coast Electric 13 points higher than the average investor-owned utility score//cooperative utility score//municipal utility score of 75, as well as 13 points higher than the municipal utilities score of 75, per the industry ratings in the 2023 ACSI Utility Sector Report. For more information, please visit www.theacsi.org.

AMERICAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION™ INDEX SCORE

MEMBER IDENTITY

One area of improvement for Coast Electric is Only 40% OF MEMBERS know they are members served by a cooperative.

This gives the co-op opportunities to educate members on the benefits of the cooperative business model and advantages of membership.

88

1Surveys were administered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association from Nov. 13 and Nov. 20, and modeled by ACSI LLC using the proprietary ACSI methodology. ACSI LLC did not regulate the survey administration or sample size.

‘ACSI’ is a registered trademark solely owned by American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC..

OVERALL SATISFACTION among Coast Electric residential members is EXCELLENT.

80 % of members gave us a top rating of OR 9 10

Time of Use rate peak hours change April 1

We’re so lucky to have members like you! Join us at any Coast Electric o ce Friday, March 15, so we can celebrate YOU!

We will have treats and prizes while supplies last. We hope you will join us.

Our Time of Use (TOU) rate spring/summer peak hours begin April 1. If you are a member who is taking advantage of this energy and money-saving rate plan, be sure to change the settings on your water heater timers, pool pump timers and programmable thermostats to reflect the summer peak hours – 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you have not taken advantage of our TOU rate plan, what are you waiting for? The plan comes with a sixmonth guarantee, so if you don’t save, you haven’t lost a penny. That’s a great deal! Visit www.coastelectric.coop or give us a call at 877-769-2372 to learn more about how you can save with TOU.

Member Appreciati Day CONTEST

Don’t forget to spring forward! Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on March 10. If you are on our TOU rate and your timers don’t automatically reset, remember to change them to ensure savings.

Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your energy costs. Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home. Visit www.coastelectric.coop or scan the QR code to enter. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

Congratulations to Frankie Kowalski, the winner of our January Reduce Your Use prize!

CAREERS at Coast Electric and CoastConnect Join our team!

Coast Electric and our high-speed internet subsidiary CoastConnect are known for being outstanding places to work. Besides having great benefits and competitive salaries, there is a team atmosphere that rewards hard work and encourages making our communities better places to live, work and play.

When you are part of a cooperative, you’re part of something bigger than yourself; you are part of an organization that puts people first.

Coast Electric employs more than 250 highly skilled employees in fields like engineering, member services, accounting, human resources, communications, IT, GIS and operations.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Coast Electric is a recipient of federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Services, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Therefore, in accordance with Federal civil rights law and U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, o ces and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and compliant filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service

It’s an exciting time to be part of CoastConnect as well! Employees of CoastConnect are building a locally owned and operated company that brings high-speed internet service to our communities. The people working for CoastConnect are helping build something that will be an integral part of our community for generations to come.

If you are interested in a career in an exciting industry with a great work environment, visit www.coastelectric.coop or www.coastconnect.com. You will find links where you can sign up for job alerts and browse available jobs.

If you’re looking for a career you can be proud of, careers at Coast Electric and CoastConnect help you build a lasting legacy in our community.

at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA o ce or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture O ce of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

Email: program.intake@usda.gov

Coast Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

COASTCONNECT SIGN-UP EVENT AND Q&A MARCH 1

We invite future CoastConnect subscribers to join us at our sign-up event to visit with our fiber experts about the benefits of high-speed internet with CoastConnect. Current subscribers are also invited to stop by to learn how to make the most of your CoastConnect service through our app, network protection options, streaming and more! We will have giveaways and prizes for attendees.

WHEN

Friday, March 1, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

WHERE

The Lodge at Hide-A-Way Lake

Oce Closing

AMERICAN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION™ INDEX SCORE

TO CONTACT COAST ELECTRIC:

You can report outages by:

• Texting “Outage” to 352667 if you have a mobile number associated with your account.

• Using the CE on the Go mobile app.

• Reporting it online: https://outages.coastelectric.coop/

We CANNOT take outage reports on our social media accounts. Trying to report your outage on social media does not put your outage into our system or report it to dispatchers or crews.

You can pay a bill by:

• Texting “Pay” to 352667 if you have a mobile number associated with your account.

• Using the CE on the Go mobile app.

• Visiting a kiosk located at each of our o ces.

• Calling 877-769-2372 to use our automated payment system.

90

putting CoastConnect in the TOP TIER OF INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS.

We are thrilled with this score but realize we must keep improving and finding new ways to add value for our internet subscribers.

received an OF CoastConnect completed its annual member-wide customer satisfaction survey among broadband members, where over 3,500 members were asked to participate. The member responses were sent to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®), a company that measures customer satisfaction across multiple industries throughout the entire United States1. For 2023, CoastConnect received an ACSI score of 90 out of a maximum score of 100 from their broadband members. CoastConnect’s score is higher than all 2023 Fiber Internet Service Provider scores/ Non-fiber Internet Service Provider scores and places CoastConnect 15 points higher than the average Fiber Internet Service Provider score of 75, as well as 24 points higher than the average Non-fiber Internet Service Provider score, per the industry ratings in the 2023 ACSI Internet Service Provider Report. For more information, please visit www.theacsi.org.

1Surveys were administered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association from Nov. 13 and Nov. 20, and modeled by ACSI LLC using the proprietary ACSI methodology. ACSI LLC did not regulate the survey administration or sample size.

‘ACSI’ is a registered trademark solely owned by American Customer Satisfaction Index LLC.

Coast Electric and CoastConnect will be closed Friday, March 29, for Good Friday. We wish you and your family a happy Easter weekend. If you experience an outage during the long weekend, dispatchers will be on duty and crews will be on call to respond.

TO CONTACT COASTCONNECT:

For all after-hours inquiries, CoastConnect subscribers can chat with tech support on CoastConnect.com or call 877-969-3884 and speak to our 24/7 tech support team.

Clearing the path to

Trees are majestic, beautiful, and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Delta Electric strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.

Safety

Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree.

Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power.

Affordability

As a co-op, Delta Electric always strives to keep costs down for our members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.

When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 ft. or smaller) should be planted at least 25 ft. from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 ft.) should be planted at least 50 ft. from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. from the transformer door and 4 ft. from the sides. If your neighborhood

has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.

Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by contacting us.

We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.

Reliability

Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see Delta Electric crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards.

In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events.

Plus, we all know it’s more cost-e ective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact. Drone inspections of power lines and vegetation allow us to reduce labor and equipment costs while bolstering reliability. Through the use of small drones, we can accurately monitor the health and growth of trees and identify potential problems.

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE

QWhat are some energysaving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

By adopting simple yet e ective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an e cient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize e ciency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing e ciency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce e ciency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring — before the heat of the summer — can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors o er special discounts for cleaning services in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

ASpring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy e ciency at home.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents and know-how. Always unplug before cleaning, and wait until completely dry to plug it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list, check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to year-round comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes, but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy e ciency and saving money on energy use.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

DELTA ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Annual Meeting of the Members

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 • 10 A.M.

Greenwood Elks Lodge

1010 Sgt. John Pittman Drive, Greenwood, MS

All members of Delta Electric Power Association are urged to attend the Annual Meeting of Members on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the meeting to follow at 10 a.m., at the Greenwood Elks Lodge on 1010 Sgt. John Pittman Drive, Greenwood.

Participation of Delta EPA members in the annual meeting is important to elect directors, receive and pass on reports covering the operation of the association and to transact other business that may come before the meeting.

With a few exceptions provided by the bylaws, only members will be admitted to the meeting. Seating, however, will be available for members’ families who wish to attend.

• WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND THE MEETING •

It is important to the successful operation of the association that its members either attend this meeting in person or sign, date and send in the original proxy form that was mailed January 5 to each member. The proxy must be executed and mailed in or delivered in person to the secretary of the association at the association’s o ce at 1700 Highway 82 West in Greenwood.

The proxy must be received by the secretary of the association no later than April 4, 2024, to be valid.

Members must vote on the original printed forms; copies will not be accepted. Any member who has misplaced the original proxy may request another by calling the nearest Delta Electric Power Association o ce.

Under the bylaws of the association, each member is entitled to one vote.

is an equal

“Powering communities and empowering lives”

How rising electricity demand is changing the ENERGY LANDSCAPE

Last month, I talked about how extreme weather can impact reliability. In this article, we’ll explore how the rising demand for electricity is reshaping the industry and delve into the long-term impacts on your electric cooperative.

In an era defined by technological advancements and a growing global population, we’re seeing a more significant demand for power than ever before. As more things are electrified, the energy landscape is also transforming.

The growing need for electricity

The pursuit of innovation, along with new devices, EVs and charging stations, and large data centers, has resulted in an exponential rise in electricity demand. For most businesses, an increase in demand for your product suggests success. That’s true, too, for our industry – at least at the local level. However, when it’s happening across the entire industry, it can be a cause of concern. The push for clean energy resources coupled with the reduction in firm, baseload generation, has resulted in a shift in how we generate, distribute, and consume electricity.

When you enter your home and flip on your light switch, the expectation is that your home will immediately illuminate. We sometimes fail to consider where that electricity comes from and if there is plenty of it to go around. Let’s look at that concept in more detail below.

Supply and demand analogy

Here’s an analogy that we often share with our members to help them understand how the energy grid works. Imagine the energy grid as a bathtub. Under normal circumstances, if water was flowing into a bathtub with a regular flowing faucet, there would be no issues in filling the bathtub. Even if you open the drain, if you keep the faucet open, there will be water in the tub.

However, imagine you are filling this bathtub using a low-flow faucet. At the same time, you’ve pulled the drain at the bottom of the tub. To make matters worse, the drain at the bottom of the tub begins to grow larger, resulting in the water draining quicker than the rate at which you can fill it.

Using this analogy, the faucet is electric generation, the supply. The drain is the demand for electricity. With the demand continuing to increase, and the number of firm generation sources decreasing, there will be time when there isn’t enough generation to keep up with the demand, much like this bathtub.

How this a ects your local electric cooperative

As with any significant transition, there are always obstacles and challenges. For us, the transition away from fossil fuel generation, particularly coal, has been substantial. Last year, Cooperative Energy, our wholesale power provider, completed the transition of Plant Morrow, located in Purvis, Mississippi, from a coal plant to a natural gas plant. This process was a large undertaking, spanning five years from start to finish.

As we look to the future, we know this issue will take time to resolve, but there are no quick fixes.

It’s a team e ort

Dixie Electric is committed to doing our part to reduce the strain on the energy grid, but there may be times when we need your help. We encourage our members to use electricity wisely. This not only helps reduce the amount of your bill, but it also allows you to use less energy, helping to reduce the size of the drain at the bottom of the bathtub.

At Dixie Electric, we are also committed to engaging policymakers who shape regulations that support the long-term sustainability of the energy grid — keeping you, our members, in mind each step of the way.

Fortunately for our members, the cooperative business model solely exists for the members’ benefit, ensuring that our ultimate goal is to provide reliable power at the most cost-e ective price. As we continue to balance the electricity supply and demand, know that transparency is always our goal. We are here to keep you informed and educated every step of the way.

Hope FOSTERING

Dixie Electric recently participated in its Foster Backpack Program, which is aimed at supporting local foster families during a challenging transition. The company generously distributed 225 backpacks among four local Child Protective Services (CPS) o ces, which will provide them to families in need.

These thoughtfully curated backpacks are designed to alleviate the initial challenges faced by children entering foster care. Packed with first-night essentials, including diapers, wipes, shampoo, toys, undergarments, pajamas, socks, hairbrushes, and even a night light, they o er comfort and necessities during a critical time.

Amanda Mills, the communication manager at Dixie Electric, emphasized the significance of this program, stating, “The Foster Backpack Program is a tangible way for us to make a positive impact on the lives of children entering foster care. It’s about providing not only essentials but also a sense of security and comfort during a di cult transition. It’s our honor and privilege to support those in our community who are willing to answer the call of being a foster parent.”

What makes this initiative even more inspiring is that it was made possible through the community’s support. The funds for the program were raised by selling 12 Days of Christmas tickets in November 2023, generating nearly $6,000. This community-driven e ort showcases the power of community in making a di erence in the lives of those in need.

In a display of unity and service, Dixie Electric chose Martin Luther King Jr Day for the backpack preparation, turning it into a cooperative day of service. This initiative not only reflects the company’s mission statement of powering communities and empowering lives but also highlights the positive impact that businesses can have on their communities when they come together for a common cause. For more information on how you can make a di erence in the foster community, visit www.mdcps.ms.gov.

Legacy of Dedication

Joe Donald retires after 39 years of service at Dixie Electric

After an impressive 39-year career dedicated to Dixie Electric, Joe Donald is hanging up his hard hat as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. Joining the company in October of 1983 as a general helper in the warehouse, Joe’s journey at Dixie Electric has been nothing short of remarkable.

Over the years, Joe transitioned through various roles, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the company’s success. His first move was to the crew as a lineman. He later took on responsibilities as a staking technician before culminating his career as the safety manager. In his role as safety manager, Joe played a crucial part in ensuring the well-being of all employees and members, implementing energy-efficient practices through the Comfort Advantage Program and energy audits, and ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations.

“Joe and I worked together a lot after I took the HR role,” said Human Resources Supervisor Jarrod Hennis. “I appreciated Joe’s experience and admired how he dealt with tough situations. Joe could reprimand someone over a safety violation in a way that both parties could respect and not leave upset. That’s a special skill that’s not easy to obtain.”

Joe’s legacy at Dixie Electric is intertwined with pivotal moments, including his contributions during storm restorations after Hurricane Katrina, the Glade tornado in 1987, and the Easter tornado of 2020. Through each of these challenging experiences, Joe showcased his dedication and resilience.

“Joe was the first person at Dixie whose full-time job was safety,” said General Manager Randy Smith. “He drastically improved our safety culture by investing time and energy in our linemen. He was passionate about safety and consistently stressed how important it is. He could get on to you if he needed to but was also very good at doing it in a way that was respectful to the other person while still getting his point across.”

Reflecting on his retirement, Joe expressed that what he would miss the most is the deep camaraderie and relationships with his colleagues. He emphasized the strength of having a supportive group that is always there for one another, both personally and professionally.

As Joe steps into retirement, he plans to spend quality time with family, pursue his passion for fishing, and indulge in some well-deserved travel. Alongside his wife, Connie, he is an active member of Salem Heights Baptist Church.

Throughout his tenure, Joe witnessed significant transformations at Dixie Electric. Notable among these were the establishment of DE Fastlink, the company’s fiber subsidiary, technological advancements, heightened safety regulations, and the upgrade of equipment for linemen.

When asked about advice for his colleagues, Joe offered these words: “Be thankful for the opportunity to build a career at Dixie Electric and take pride in the fact that this is your career. Be a friend to your coworkers and continue to lift them up and bear their burdens. Be safe, always!”

Plant the right tree in the right place

Trees beautify our neighborhoods, and when planted in the right spot, can even help lower energy bills. But the wrong tree in the wrong place can be a hazard – especially to power lines.

Before you dig – Call 811 to locate buried utility lines.

LARGE TREES 40-45 feet from lines

Red Maple, Spruce, Lacebark Elm, White Oak, Hemlock, Shagbark Hickory

SMALL TREES 30-35 feet from lines

Bradford Pear, Carolina Silverbel, Golden Raintree, Ornamental Cherry, Saucer Magnolia, Serviceberry, Sourwood, Fraser Fir, Winter King Hawthorne, Redbud, Flowering Dogwood, Kousa, Japanese Lilac, Ornamental Crabapple, Dogwood, Stewartia

Avoid planting anything within 20-30 feet of the power lines.

For more tips on smart tree planting in our community, visit www.ArborDay.org.

First child: $10 | Each additional child: $5

Tuesday, March 26

Dixie Electric’s Waynesboro O ce 618 Azalea Drive, Waynesboro (601) 735-2072 • 2 - 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 28

Dixie Electric’s Petal O ce 1312 Highway 42, Petal (601) 583-1131 • 2 - 6 p.m.

Photos with the Proceeds benefit the Children's of Mississippi hospital.

CLEARING TREES AND LIMBS FOR RELIABLE SERVICE

Dixie Electric Power Association clears trees, limbs, and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines, called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing decreases the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Clearing the right-of-way protects individuals from the hazards of electricity and makes power restoration quicker and safer for both Dixie Electric’s members and personnel.

CLEARING PROJECTS UNDERWAY

Glade: Glade, Myrick, Tuckers Crossing

Old Augusta: New Augusta, Leaf River Sawmill

Pole inspections are underway

Osmose Utilities Services, EXO, and Utility Asset Management will be performing inspection and maintenance on some of Dixie Electric Power Association’s poles this year. The process began in February, and will continue for approximately four months. The general areas to be inspected will be Shady Grove, Hoy, Calhoun, Sharon, Sandersville, Cleo, Powers, Myrick, Glade, and Pendor .

This work will generally consist of excavating a hole about 18” deep around the poles to inspect them and applying a preservative and/or remedial treatment to the poles as needed. The purpose of the inspection and treatment is to identify poles that do not meet industry strength standards and to extend the useful life of all others.

All contract workers will be identifiable by their yellow and orange work vests and hard hats. Contract vehicles should be marked with their respective company decals as well as Dixie Electric Power Association “Contractor” decals.

When I was growing up, I knew spring was near when my grandfather and my dad would get their old Farmall Super A’s out of their barns to begin spring planting. They would disk up the garden patches, put the plows on their tractors, and get rows ready for planting the seeds that would become fresh vegetables for late summer, fall, and winter.

Jim Rohn, considered by some to be America’s foremost business philosopher, summed up my grandfather and my dad’s shared philosophy on raising food when he said, “Everyone has to get good at one of two things — planting in the spring or begging in the fall.”

Today, we are blessed with numerous places where we can purchase food. Although we don’t have to beg for it, others must still put in hours of work to meet our needs. Raising food requires planting in the spring, tilling the soil, removing the weeds, and harvesting the crop at the appropriate time. When others do their jobs well, we all benefit from the abundance. Being successful at raising America’s crops requires careful planning and awareness of the conditions that ensure a successful harvest.

At EMEPA, we pay careful attention to the forces that impact our mission of providing reliable and a ordable electric service to our members. We have annual planning cycles to ensure we are ready for spring storms, hurricanes, and the summer heat, as well as peak winter demands and ice storms like we experienced this past January. While we hope this summer’s heat is not severe and that hurricanes don’t come, we must be prepared in the event they do.

EMEPA personnel update our emergency plan each year to ensure we are ready to respond to whatever Mother Nature throws at us. Employee assignments are reviewed, so we are prepared to answer calls, dispatch proper response teams, and communicate with our

Spring: A time for planning

members in the most e cient ways possible. This planning also involves communication with our statewide association and fellow cooperatives, so when we can call on them, or they on us, we know in advance that we are prepared.

Load requirement studies and construction work plans provide the foundation to ensure our distribution system is ready to meet peak load demands of summer heat and winter cold. Just as we plan for storms, we can’t wait until the demand on the distribution system reaches a critical peak to begin building lines to deliver the power that keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

We also continue to build on our broadband system. The completion of over 3,850 miles of fiber construction and over 14,000 subscribers connected now requires planning for daily operation and maintenance. The same careful attention and detailed planning used to ensure the reliable electric service you expect and deserve are now being used to plan our broadband system and how to best use it in our communities.

I want to thank each of you for all the positive feedback we continue to receive. Your patience during outages, encouragement while working in extreme conditions and praise for our employees and their dedication warm our hearts. May we all continue to benefit from a job well done.

EMEPA’S ANNUAL shoot for a cure

Mark your calendars and get out your shotguns! EMEPA’s beloved Shoot For A Cure is back, bringing together community members and businesses for two days of fun competition and fundraising for a vital cause.

Born over a decade ago as a Relay for Life event, the sporting clays extravaganza, happening March 21-22 at Camp Binachi Shooting Sports in Lauderdale County, has transformed into a regional phenomenon, raising critical funds for cancer patients and their families. Its impact resonates throughout the community, supporting both the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Anderson Regional Cancer Center Patient Benevolence Fund.

“The smiles on the patients’ faces when we visit the cancer center with the fundraising check are what truly matter,” said event coordinator Margaret Brewer. “It’s a humbling reminder that EMEPA makes a real di erence in people’s lives.”

This year, the bar is set high with a goal to surpass last year’s record of $35,000 and 103 teams by reaching $38,000 and 115 teams. Join the movement! Register a two-person team for $240 or become a sponsor at $250. Participants may also register as a twoperson team and receive a stand sponsorship for $400.

Beyond the thrill of the competition, exciting ra es add to the fun. Win a Glock 43X 9mm handgun courtesy of Thomas Gun and Pawn or take home a Ruger 10-22 rifle from Rock House Gun and Pawn. Grab your chance for just $1. Tickets are available at any EMEPA o ce. Support a crucial cause while enjoying a competitive day. For registration details, sponsorship inquiries, or any other information, contact Brewer at 601-581-8602 or mbrewer@emepa.com.

“Let’s make this 11th anniversary a resounding success,” said Brewer. “Shoot For A Cure, and together, we can aim for a future free of cancer.”

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement

East Mississippi Electric Power Association – Meridian

This policy is in conformance with the requirement of Presidential Executive Order 11246, the Age Discrimination Employment Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Equal Pay Act, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and all other civil rights related to laws and regulations that have or may be enacted, as amended.

It is the policy of East MS EPA not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, or because he or she is a protected veteran. It is also the policy of East MS EPA to take a rmative action to employ and to advance in employment, all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, pay secrecy, disability, or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layo , recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.

Employees and applicants of East MS EPA will not be subject to harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, or because he or she is a protected veteran.

Additionally, retaliation, including intimidation, threats, or coercion, because an employee or applicant has objected to discrimination, engaged or may engage in filing a complaint, assisted in a review, investigation, or hearing or have otherwise sought to obtain their legal rights under any Federal, State, or local EEO law is prohibited.

As Chief Executive O cer of East MS EPA, I am committed to the principles of A rmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity. In order to ensure dissemination and implementation of Equal Employment Opportunity and a rmative action throughout all levels of the company, I have selected Sherry Wallace, Director of Human Resources, as the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Manager for East MS EPA. One of the EEO Manager’s duties will be to establish and maintain internal audit and reporting systems to allow for e ective measurement of East MS EPA’s programs.

In furtherance of East MS EPA’s policy regarding A rmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity, East MS EPA has developed a written A rmative Action Program which sets forth the policies, practices and procedures that East MS EPA is committed to in order to ensure that its policy of nondiscrimination and a rmative action is accomplished. This A rmative Action Program is available in the Human Resources o ce for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment upon request, during normal business hours. Interested persons should contact Sherry Wallace for assistance.

We request the support of all employees in accomplishing Equal Employment Opportunity.

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE

QWhat are some energysaving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

By adopting simple yet e ective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an e cient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize e ciency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing e ciency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce e ciency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring — before the heat of the summer — can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors o er special discounts for cleaning services in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents and know-how. Always unplug before cleaning, and wait until completely dry to plug it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent

ASpring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy e ciency at home.

lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list, check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to yearround comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes, but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy e ciency and saving money on energy use.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

lucky With East MS Connect, every day feels

In a world dominated by faceless corporations, East MS Connect stands out with its commitment to personalized service. We understand the unique needs of the local community, offering tailor-made solutions that go beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of larger providers. Whether you’re just setting up your home or business or looking for a better internet service provider, our team of experts ensures a seamless experience. With a focus on local infrastructure, our members can count on a lightningfast and reliable connection.

EMC Wi-Fi: Your connectivity command center

Embrace the future of connectivity with the EMC Wi-Fi app, available for free on the App Store and Google Play. This app isn’t just a convenience, it’s a gamechanger. Here’s why EMC Wi-Fi is the talk of the town:

With EMC Wi-Fi’s user-friendly installation guide, you can have your network up and running in no time, hassle-free.

•Parental controls and household profiles

Safeguard your little ones with robust parental controls. Create household profiles to manage internet access, ensuring a safe online environment for everyone.

•Speed tests at your fingertips

•Step-by-step installation guide

Worried about your internet speed? Run speed tests with EMC Wi-Fi to ensure you’re getting the performance you deserve.

•User management made easy Keep track of all users and connected devices in a single screen. Say goodbye to mystery devices leeching off your bandwidth. EMC Wi-Fi puts you in control.

East Mississippi Connect is leading the charge in transforming the way we connect, offering a pot of gold in the form of unparalleled local service for both homes and businesses.

•SSID management

Take charge of your Wi-Fi network’s identity. Easily manage your SSID, or service set identifier, to customize your network name and enhance security.

•Cross-platform compatibility

EMC Wi-Fi is available for both Android and Apple devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Choose East Mississippi Connect for a connection that’s so reliable you’ll feel lucky to have it. Download the EMC Wi-Fi app today and experience the magic of seamless connectivity at your fingertips! It’s not just an app, it’s a lifestyle.

2024 ANNUAL MEETING to be held at MEP

Magnolia Electric Power’s 2024 Annual Meeting date has been set and will be held in the auditorium at the o ce building, which is located at 3027 Highway 98 West, Summit. The date is set for Thursday, March 21, 2024.

The schedule of events for the meeting is slightly di erent from years past. Registration will start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m. The business portion of the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Prizes and a business session highlight the meeting.

The business meeting includes an election of three of the Magnolia Electric Power Association’s directors.

Running unopposed for their districts are John McCabe, District 2; Pat Ard, District 5; and Hollis Alford, District 7.

John McCabe is a life resident, businessman and farmer in the Zion Hill community in north Amite County. He currently serves on the Board.

Pat Ard is a dairyman and life resident of the Ruth Community of Lincoln County. He is a current board member.

Hollis Alford is a farmer and life resident of the Progress Community of Pike County. He currently serves on the Board.

TWO WAYS TO WIN

Magnolia Electric members can participate in the Annual Meeting by signing and returning a proxy or by attending in person. Separate prizes are awarded to both those who attend the meeting and those who participate by returning their proxy. (Annual meeting notices, which include proxies, were dropped in the mail on January 31, 2024.)

A grand prize of $500 in electricity is awarded by random drawing to some lucky member who attends the meeting and a separate $500 in electricity will go to a member who participates by sending in the proxy. A member cannot win in both drawings.

An additional five names will be drawn from those sending in their proxy and five names will be drawn from those attending and each will receive $50 each in electricity.

To be eligible, the signed proxy must be received at White and Associates, LLC by March 14 to be used at the annual meeting and be included in the drawing.

A proxy is valid only for members who do not attend the meeting. Do not send in your proxy if you plan to attend the meeting. You can be eligible for only one drawing.

Other business includes a financial report and reports from o cers and the general manager.

Why

send in a proxy?

By sending in your proxy, you are still participating in Magnolia Electric Power’s Annual Meeting. As a member of an electric cooperative, that is one of many things that make us di erent from other electric companies. If you do not think you will be able to attend the Annual Meeting, then please take the time to fill out the proxy and mail it in.

Here is a checklist to help you understand the proxy:

Three candidates have been nominated from their respective districts by a nominating committee from that area. For anyone who wants to know more about the candidates, please see the brochure that is enclosed in the proxy envelope for additional information or read more about them in our Annual Meeting story.

If you leave the Representative’s Name line blank, then the Board of Directors will serve as your proxy. They will cast your vote for you. If you wish to direct the Board to vote for a certain nominee, then you would need to check that name. Don’t forget to sign the proxy before you drop it in the mail. There is an envelope provided to mail it to an accounting firm who will oversee all the proxies.

If you wish to name someone who is attending the meeting to be your proxy, then you need to put their name on the representative’s name line. Then sign the proxy and drop it in the envelope that was provided and mail it to the accounting firm. You can also direct your proxy to vote for a certain nominee, too, by checking the box by their name. Above all matters, regardless if you let the board serve as your proxy or you designate a proxy, you MUST SIGN your proxy before dropping it in the envelope provided, or it will be invalid.

Your proxy, or attendance, at the Annual Meeting includes you in a drawing for prizes.

It’s South Mississippi Boucherie BBQ Festival time! It’s South Mississippi Boucherie BBQ Festival time!

What is a Boucherie (pronounced BOO-SHER-EE), you ask?

In the days before refrigeration while the weather was cool, neighbors would get together to butcher, process, and cook a pig. They would all share in both the work and proceeds of the event. That meat would sustain the families over the next few months. A Boucherie is much more than a BBQ. It is a whole day event, where everyone participates in chopping, cooking, and singing. There is a focus on celebrating food and community — and the South Mississippi Boucherie does just that!

The South Mississippi Boucherie BBQ Festival and cooking competition is a deep south stop on the sanctioned Memphis BBQ Network circuit, firing up local community food, fun, and free family entertainment with pro and amateur competition cooking and prizes. The event — held in Tylertown — also features a variety of local food trucks, a 5K fun run brought to you by CardioWorld, a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Tylertown Rotary Club, vendors, and a kid’s corner. Visitors can look forward to live music Saturday evening by Rock Kandy. Visitors will also be able to participate in a Cornhole tournament sponsored by Diana Baptist Church with trophies and monetary prizes.

Gather a team, talk with competitors, become a sponsor, learn the art of becoming a certified Memphis BBQ Network judge (classes coming soon), or just come and enjoy a great time.

The event is presented by the Walthall County Chamber of Commerce.

The event is partially funded by a grant through Visit Mississippi.

For more information and sign-ups, visit https://thesouthmsboucherie.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/thesouthMSboucherie

The South Mississippi Boucherie BBQ Festival

The South Mississippi Boucherie BBQ Festival

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024

10 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

BREAKFAST AT 7 A.M.

THE EVENT BEGINS AT 10 A.M.

SOUTHWEST EVENTS CENTER

29 MS-48

TYLERTOWN, MS 39667

BROADBAND UPDATE

Conexon Connect working in MEP service area

I am pleased to report that work is progressing on the broadband (high-speed internet) build out in certain locations of the Magnolia Electric Power service territory by Conexon Connect, the broadband internet service provider who won the RDOF funding for a large portion of our service area.

After many meetings and phone calls, I’m happy to report that MEP and Conexon have reached an understanding, and all necessary agreements to utilize MEP’s power grid to provide this service to our members have been finalized.

I want to assure the members of Magnolia Electric Power that MEP has neither made nor backed any loans, and that no MEP funds are being spent on this broadband program. Therefore, your power bills will not be a ected by the implementation of the broadband program.

It has been my fundamental goal to keep the broadband internet service separate from our electric cooperative. We have accomplished this while also being able to help o er this to our members by working diligently with Conexon. No electric cooperative member should feel pressured to sign up for Conexon broadband service, but it will be available should they wish to purchase it.

Any questions regarding timelines or when broadband will be available in your area should be directed to Conexon Connect at 844-542-6663 as they are proceeding at their own pace and under their own direction.

MEP will periodically provide additional information through Today in Mississippi magazine and on our Facebook posts as information is available to help keep MEP members informed of Conexon Connect’s progress as they proceed with their build out.

We believe Conexon o ering broadband internet is great news for the membership of Magnolia Electric Power who live in areas with no internet or cell service. If broadband is something you are interested in acquiring, please see the information below which has been provided by Conexon Connect.

CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Conexon Connect to bring broadband to rural Southwestern Mississippi

The landscape of modern communication is evolving rapidly, with the demand for reliable high-speed internet reaching new heights. In an era where connectivity is the cornerstone of progress, Conexon Connect has identified the need for reliable broadband solutions and is working to build a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to serve more than 20,000 homes and businesses within select areas across Southwestern Mississippi. This will include portions of Magnolia Electric’s territory and some adjacent communities within Pike, Amite, Franklin, Walthall, and Lincoln counties.

Conexon Connect is the internet service provider (ISP) arm of rural fiber broadband design and construction management leader Conexon. The provider’s venture into the region marks a significant step toward narrowing the digital divide, and o ering community members opportunities for remote work, access to telemedicine, more entertainment options, and the ability to stay connected with loved ones. The ISP stands as a testament to the belief that every individual, regardless of their location, deserves access to high-speed internet for a better and more equitable future.

“We are very proud to launch our first Conexon Connect project in Mississippi. At Connect, we operate with the belief that geography should never be a barrier to opportunity. Our goal is to empower communities with the transformative power of high-speed internet, ensuring that every individual has the tools for a brighter future,” said Randy Klindt, Conexon Connect CEO.

The Connect fiber network will o er customers access to symmetrical gigabit internet capabilities — among the fastest and most robust in the nation. Additionally, Conexon Connect will o er crystal-clear HD voice service, plus internet and voice options for businesses. Conexon Connect’s competitive and accessible pricing aims to make broadband services a reality for all residents within its service footprint, with residential internet packages starting at just $49.95 per month.

What can residents expect in the coming months? Building a comprehensive FTTH network requires time and involves several essential steps. The initial phase is to design the network, then make-ready engineering and construction take place, followed by fiber splicing, drop installs and the final step, home installation. Residents may have already noticed crews in the area; this is the first of many phases in the construction process to bring fiber-fast speeds to the community.

Conexon Connect’s venture into Southwestern Mississippi areas is not just about building a fiber network; it is a step toward a better-connected community. While service timelines and connection dates are still being determined, residents interested in service from Conexon Connect are encouraged to visit ConexonConnect.com or call 844-542-6663 to check their availability, learn more and sign up to receive project updates as they become available.

Parenʦ Night cooperative YOUTH LEADERS DINNER

Each year, Magnolia Electric Power honors the winners of the Cooperative Youth Leaders competition with a dinner for the students and their parents. Those also attending include the school counselors, MEP Board of Directors and MEP sta , along with the organizers of the event from Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.

MEP was fortunate this year to be able to send five students to both the Leadership workshop in Jackson and the tour of Washington, DC.

The 2024 winners are: Da’Mya Edwards, Ann Elise Gatlin, Emme Barrett, Trent Owens and Ariyanna Simmons.

The group came together for a Parents’ Night Dinner before the winners take their trip to Jackson. The Parents’ Night Dinner is a chance for our Cooperative Youth Leaders’ participants and their parents to ask questions concerning both trips to Jackson and Washington, D.C. and receive trip information from our Cooperative Youth Leaders Co-directors, Lydia Walters and Chris Alexander.

Winner from Brookhaven High School: (from left) Lydia Walters, Chris Alexander, both with Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi; Julie Pounds and Angela Rushing, both BHS counselors; Darlene Hooker, Porchia White, Da’Mya Edwards; MEP General Manager Darrell Smith and MEP Board of Directors Scott Smith, Cindy Ginn, Carl Fuller and Odell McKenzie.

Winner from Parklane Academy: (From left) Chris Alexander, Lydia Walters, both with Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi; Jennifer Van, Parklane counselor; Greg Gatlin, Elise Gatlin, Ann Elise Gatlin; MEP General Manager Darrell Smith and MEP Board of Directors Scott Smith, Cindy Ginn, Carl Fuller and Odell McKenzie.

Winner from Brookhaven Academy: (from left) Lydia Walters, Chris Alexander, both with Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi; Deanna Culbertson and Kelly Allen, both teachers at Brookhaven Academy; Brandi Barrett, Jason Barrett, Emme Barrett; MEP General Manager Darrell Smith and MEP Board of Directors Scott Smith, Cindy Ginn, Carl Fuller and Odell McKenzie.

Winner from Brookhaven High School: (from left) Lydia Walters, Chris Alexander, both with Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi; Julie Pounds and Angela Rushing, both BHS counselors; Chuck Owens, Courtney Owens, Trent Owens; MEP General Manager Darrell Smith and MEP Board of Directors Scott Smith, Cindy Ginn, Carl Fuller and Odell McKenzie.

Winner from North Pike High School: (from left) Lydia Walters, Chris Alexander, both with Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi; Shonda Robertson, North Pike counselor; Kiaira Quinn, Shaunta McDowell, Ariyanna Simmons; MEP General Manager Darrell Smith and MEP Board of Directors Scott Smith, Cindy Ginn, Carl Fuller and Odell McKenzie.

Trees are majestic, beautiful, and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Monroe County Electric strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.

Safety

Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree.

Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power.

Affordability

As a co-op, Monroe County Electric always strives to keep costs down for our members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.

When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 ft. or smaller) should be planted at least 25 ft. from power

Clearing the path to

lines. Taller trees (over 40 ft.) should be planted at least 50 ft. from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. from the transformer door and 4 ft. from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.

Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by contacting us.

We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.

Reliability

Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see Monroe County Electric crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards.

In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events.

Plus, we all know it’s more cost-e ective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact.

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE

QWhat are some energysaving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

By adopting simple yet e ective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an e cient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize e ciency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing e ciency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce e ciency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring — before the heat of the summer — can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors o er special discounts for cleaning services in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

ASpring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy e ciency at home.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents and know-how. Always unplug before cleaning, and wait until completely dry to plug it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list, check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to year-round comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes, but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy e ciency and saving money on energy use.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Numbers rounded to nearest tenth of a cent

North East Mississippi

As the weather warms up and you start your spring cleaning, remember little projects now can save you energy — and money — down the road. Here are some tips to help you save energy and keep costs down during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and you are trying to keep your home cool.

• Vacuum your air intake vents to remove any dust buildup.

• Replace dirty air filters as needed to improve air flow and the e ciency of your home’s heating and cooling system.

• Dust electronics and other electrical items to increase their e ciency and lifespan.

• Check light fixtures to make sure you’re using energy e cient LED bulbs.

• Wash full loads of dishes and clothes for better e ciency.

• Clean the grill so that it is ready for cooking outdoors.

• Seal cracks and openings to prevent air from leaking into your home.

• Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows.

• Install window covering to prevent heat gain from your windows this summer.

• Schedule an inspection or service for your home heating and cooling system.

Take the time to show your home some love this spring and save energy and money in the process!

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER BEFORE INSTALLING ROOFTOP SOLAR

The benefits of installing rooftop solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is, not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is always right for solar.

There are several factors to consider before pulling the trigger on a rooftop solar system, like determining if your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts and other important details.

Investing in solar for your home is a major decision. If you’re considering rooftop solar, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association can help. Here are eight questions to consider before installing rooftop solar panels.

• WHAT ARE MY GOALS? If your primary goal is to save money on electric bills, you may be able to achieve this through our free energy audit program, which can identify areas of the home for maximum energy savings.

• IS MY ROOF SUITABLE FOR SOLAR? Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old and in poor shape, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees will need to be removed. Solar panels perform best when facing south, so keep this in mind as you think about where the panels will be mounted.

• HOW LONG WILL I OWN THE HOME? If you’re considering rooftop solar, you’re likely planning to stay in the home for several years. But if you plan to sell the home at some point down the road, consider that not all potential buyers will want to maintain a rooftop solar system. If you enter a contract to lease the system, carefully review the terms as some can be up to a 20-year contract, and what those mean if you decide to sell the property.

• LEASE OR PURCHASE? Purchasing a rooftop solar system outright is expensive, which is why many homeowners opt to lease their solar panels. Regardless of how you decide to finance the solar system, make sure you get several quotes from qualified contractors. Sometimes the cost negates the energy savings. North East Power can provide guidance about getting solar.

• CAN THE CONTRACTOR PROVIDE UP-TO-DATE DOCUMENTATION? It may seem obvious but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, permitting and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with Better Business Bureau, etc. — do your homework on the front end before signing a contract.

• DOES THE CONTRACT SEEM REASONABLE AND FAIR? If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the fine print of the contract. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project time frame sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.

• WHO WILL MAINTAIN THE SOLAR PANELS?

Determining who is responsible for maintaining the solar panels will depend on who owns the system. If you lease the system from a solar installer, it may be their responsibility. Periodically, solar panels need to be cleaned as dirt and debris can impact panel productivity. Parts may also need to be replaced, so it’s important to know who will take on these responsibilities.

• HOW WILL I WORK WITH NORTH EAST POWER? Finally, but equally important, you should contact NEMEPA if you decide to install solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid, so we can walk you through the process. Visit our o ce at 1389 Cooperative Way in Oxford for a general overview of how you can work with us on connecting your new rooftop solar system.

For many homeowners, solar panels are a great way to help the environment and save on electric bills — but there are many factors to consider before diving in and installing a system.

As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact North East Power if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation. We’re your local energy partner — not a solar competitor — and can serve as a helpful resource throughout the process.

Clearing the path to reliability

Trees are majestic, beautiful, and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why North East Mississippi Electric Power Association strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.

RELIABILITY

Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see North East Power crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards.

grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree.

Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for linemen to restore power.

In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events.

Plus, we all know it’s more cost-e ective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact. Frequent inspections of power lines and vegetation allow us to reduce labor and equipment costs while bolstering reliability.

SAFETY

Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our linemen. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a

AFFORDABILITY

As a co-op, North East Power always strives to keep costs down for our members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.

When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. North East Power’s right-ofway area is 30 ft. from overhead power lines. When planting trees, be mindful of how big they will grow and allow plenty of space for overhead power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. from the transformer door and 4 ft. from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.

Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by calling our o ce at 662-234-6331.

We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.

Perhaps the most common question we hear from customers at NE SPARC is: “What internet speed do I really need?”

It’s an excellent question, and the answer can depend on several factors—from the number of people in the home and the number of devices regularly used at once to the types of online activities that matter most to you. (For example, gaming and videoconferencing will require more bandwidth than checking emails!)

Last month, NE SPARC adjusted the residential service tiers to provide faster service to our subscribers. We raised our 100 megabit plan to 300 megabits at NO ADDITIONAL COST to our subscribers. We kept our 1 gigabit service and added a 2 gigabits plan for subscribers looking for even more speed.

While NE SPARC’s advanced fiber network is the most reliable internet you can get — and that reliability is consistent no matter what speed tier you choose — we o er di erent plans and tiers based on the speeds your household needs. Some homes may need or want greater speeds than others, we have a plan that fits everyone’s lifestyle.

Below, we describe each of our speed tiers, as well as some of the key factors and considerations any customer should take when choosing an internet speed tier. And we help explain the reason why some speeds will work well for certain, while others may simply need more.

RESIDENTIAL LITE • 300 MBPS

The 300 MBPS tier is where fiber internet really starts to show o . Though still not close to fiber’s fullest capabilities, 300 MBPS is a solid option for many subscribers.

For starters, at 300 MBPS, multiple people in one household can generally use around five to nine devices at once for email, web browsing, and social media. TV and movies can be streamed simultaneously as well, with 300 MBPS providing streaming capability for several devices at one time.

You’ll also be able to enjoy streaming with more pristine picture at 300 MBPS, as this speed tier o ers 4K resolution (assuming your smart TV or other streaming device is compatible with it).

Many families opt for our 300 MBPS tier to ensure they have the speed they need for streaming, working, or learning on multiple devices at once.

RESIDENTIAL PLUS • 1 GIG (OR 1,000 MBPS)

For users looking for a faster internet and streaming experience available the 1 GIG or 1,000 MBPS speed tier is a great choice. At this speed, fiber internet simply pours data into your home, powering your devices with the internet they need to perform at their best. With 1 GIG fiber internet, you and your family can easily use 10 or even more devices at the same time to surf the web, check email, and post on social media.

Streaming TV, movies, and other video on multiple devices simultaneously is a cinch with 1 GIG, so you’ll never need to ration out streaming times in your home again. And the streaming quality of 1 GIG fiber internet is just exemplary, with 4K’s brilliant resolution making colors and textures pop on all your screens. At this tier, you can also power a fully connected smart home (think Alexa, security cameras, and more) without noticing a slowdown on your devises.

RESIDENTIAL PRO • 2 GIGABITS (OR 2,000 MBPS)

For users looking for the fastest internet, streaming, and gaming experience — this is it! We o er the 2 GIG or 2,000 MBPS speed tier for those looking to have the best of the best. The residential pro package is our newest tier available and devices function with a 2 GIG download, 1 GIG upload speed — so you can do it all! With 2 GIG fiber internet, you and your family will never worry about how many devices are connected or who’s on using the internet.

With 2 GIGs you still get all the 4k vibrance and excitement when streaming TV, movies, and other video options. But gamers are really going to see a di erence on our 2 GIG plan. Online gaming, which can keep players engaged for hours (and build skills regularly used in real life, too!), is incomparably better with the 2 GIG speed tier for any gamer. 2 GIGs greater bandwidth capacity allows more data to flow, preventing lag and other delays and choppiness that stymie gamers on slower speeds.

We hope this guide helps you assess your internet speed needs for your household. It may even help “diagnose” if you need to upgrade your service to a tier that better fits what you need your internet for!

Still have questions? Call us, email us, or stop by! We’re local and always happy to help. The friendly and knowledgeable support team specialists at NE SPARC are available to answer any question you may have about which speed is best for you or any other question you may have about our fiber network. So, feel free to reach out at your convenience!

To learn more about NE SPARC and why its fiber internet cannot be beat, be sure to check out our website — www.nesparc.com — or any of our social media channels.

Committed to reliability

February has moved on, and spring is on the way — a time for spring break and baseball. March is a great month for me as we transition away from extreme winter weather. This doesn’t mean, however, that all extreme weather is behind us. March can bring certain periods of thunderstorms and possible tornadoes.

I’m happy to report (knock on wood) that the Northcentral distribution system has outperformed itself year after year for the last five years. Our aggressive maintenance program gives our community a reliability advantage that we haven’t seen in quite some time.

This maintenance program comes with high financial cost that has only been getting higher. The costs of many materials have increased over 50% the last five years. Interest rates soared as well. To cover these costs, the 2% rate increase Northcentral anticipated in October 2024, will need to be moved forward to March 2024. We hope this rate change acceleration will mitigate whatever may take

place in October. Despite these increases, Northcentral still ranks in the bottom 30% nationally in regard to rates.

While rising prices are a concern to all in our community, reliability cannot get left behind. Whether it’s your home, business, or local retailers you shop with, it’s been proven that reliable, a ordable electric service maintains and drives our economy. Northcentral is committed to that reliability, and we’ll continue to work on our pricing.

Enjoy spring.

Stay safe.

A lion OF the bar

At the meeting of the Northcentral Electric Board on Feb. 24, attorney James E. “Jimmy” Woods concluded a career representing the cooperative for 50 years. After attending to normal business, the board took recess to join family, friends, community leaders, and employees of the cooperative at a retirement reception in Northcentral’s auditorium. General Manager and CEO Kevin Doddridge presented Jimmy with a resolution from the board, expressing appreciation for an incredible career of service to the cooperative that spanned parts of six decades. Board President Pat Woods then reconvened the board meeting, and the resolution was adopted, and the meeting adjourned to carry on the celebration.

Jimmy’s bride of 55 years, Ginga, stood by his side as he addressed the crowd.

and relished in those never told to me before. Those stories aren’t mine to tell here. My job is to tell you of a legend in his profession, a respected and loving family man, a public servant, a mentor, a friend, and a faithful servant of his Lord.

“I have always recognized and highly respected the service and credibility that Northcentral has had all these years. It has been a high privilege,” Jimmy said. “I am blessed with a wife that has helped me through the good and stood by me in the bad. She is a big part of these 50 years.”

Very few of us these days can say that we’ve done something consistently for most of our lives. Careers and employers seem to turn over routinely, and I cringe to mention the same of marriages. It is nothing short of admirable when we encounter figures that achieve such longevity personally and professionally and do so at such a high level.

In preparation for this piece, I spent a good bit of time just letting Jimmy Woods talk. Those that have only even made his acquaintance understand that this is a dangerous proposition. With a memory like an elephant and an incomparable talent as an orator, Jimmy is renowned for his storytelling abilities. Nevertheless, I persevered at hearing the old ones again

PLANTING ROOTS

State University with the intent of

Jimmy Woods was raised on a farm in Byhalia. His older brother, Tommy, was a big part of the family farming operation, so Jimmy was able to focus his interests elsewhere. “I was just a sports nut. We sort of lived to play sports,” he said, highlighting his a nity for basketball and baseball. After graduating from Byhalia High School, Jimmy enrolled at Mississippi State University with the intent of becoming a coach. From there, he found his way into the liberal arts before completing his undergraduate degree in accounting. He then decided to go to law school at the University of Mississippi, where he graduated and was admitted to the bar in 1966.

Jimmy took his first job practicing with Joe Walker’s law firm for $350 per week. At the time, the firm represented the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Olive Branch. Jimmy found himself working out of the firm’s second o ce in Olive Branch. As the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War escalated, Jimmy joined the U.S. Army Reserves, where he served for six years in a Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) unit.

Jimmy married the former Ginga Sugg of Eupora in 1969, and the couple rooted their family in Olive Branch. They have two children, Jay (Mary Jo Woods) and Polly (Brett Wardlaw), and enjoy keeping up with their two grandsons, Banks and Grady.

A PILLAR OF THE PROFESSION

“Every so often, a lawyer comes along who truly advances the profession. These individuals take time to mentor young lawyers and teach the practice of law. They represent their clients with the

highest degree of expertise and ethics.  Judges are delighted to see them enter the courtroom because they know that lawyer is prepared and in control. These lawyers practice a long time and leave a lasting legacy. They are pillars of the profession; they are Lions of the Bar. Jimmy Woods is one of those in every sense.”

Chris Latimer

Mitchell, McNutt, & Sams

The law firm of Walker, Franks, Rone, Bridgforth, & Woods operated in a rapidly growing DeSoto County in the early 1970s, but split upon the death of partner Ross Franks. Bridgforth and Woods purchased the Southaven and Olive Branch o ces, brought on associates Taylor Buntin and Gary Snyder, and formed Bridgforth, Woods, Buntin, & Snyder. During this time, Jimmy was hired as board attorney for Northcentral Electric Power Association. He was also hired to represent the DeSoto County Board of Education in the mid-1970s. Jimmy went on to represent the school board for over 28 years, in addition to serving as counsel to the Marshall County Board of Education for nearly six years.

The larger firm amicably split again, with Bridgforth & Buntin keeping Southaven, and Woods & Snyder in Olive Branch. In 2000, Woods & Snyder merged with Watkins, Ludlam, Winter, & Stennis, a larger Jackson-based firm. The Woods & Snyder partnership continued through another merger with New Orleans-based firm, Jones Walker until 2015. Jimmy continued representing Northcentral Electric until his retirement, serving three board presidents and as many general managers during his career.

Doddridge encapsulated Jimmy’s impact on his communities and the profession.

“When anything of significance came up in either Olive Branch or Byhalia, Jimmy was connected to it in some way. If not directly through his representation, folks wanted to know his opinion or position on the matter. Everywhere I travel in the state, discussions involving the legal profession almost always lead to Jimmy’s name,” Doddridge said.

“I WAS JUST A SPORTS NUT”

Jimmy’s love for service and the practice of law may only be eclipsed by his love of sports, particularly the Olive Branch High School Conquistadors. In 1979, Wendell Davis began coordinating broadcasts of Conquistador sports, as well as the production of the “Coach Pool Show” on Saturdays featuring Olive Branch football coach Leslie Pool and hosted by Jimmy. For many years, Woods would be the play-by-play “Voice of the Conquistadors,” alongside good friend and color commentator, Phil Lachaussee. When asked of his fondest memory of calling games, it wasn’t witnessing the legendary “Miracle on Blocker Street,” when Olive Branch came from behind to beat Starkville with the clock at :00. It wasn’t the 2011 state championship under Coach Scott Samsel. It was the great people he encountered travelling with OBHS sports.

CALLED TO SERVE

In addition to his many years of service as counsel to area school boards, Jimmy also represented the City of Olive Branch for over 25 years, and the Town of Byhalia for over five years. He even represented the Town of Tunica on an interim basis. Jimmy was a charter member of the Olive Branch Rotary Club and a 50 year plus member of the Byhalia and Olive Branch Lions Clubs.

Jimmy’s dedication to service was recognized by former Gov. William Winter with his appointment as a LaBauve Fund Trustee on

a generational LEADER

Jimmy Woods’ career is the type on which communities are built. Since graduating from the Ole Miss law school in 1966, in addition to his private practice, Jimmy has represented at one time or another three municipalities, two school districts, and Northcentral Electric Cooperative. To put this in perspective, his career in public service spans nearly one-fourth of our nation’s history. Strong communities don’t exist by accident — they are the by-product of people of character serving the public good day in day out, year in year out, for several decades in a row. In that sense Jimmy is a generational leader whose legal career has transformed this part of North Mississippi.

For me personally, Jimmy has been a mentor and a friend. I can recall a time when I was in law school working on a project for Jimmy, and I was struggling with confidence. After I had said “I’m sorry” one too many times for his liking about the way the project was organized, he looked at me and said, “Don’t apologize. Chin up. Do the job. You’ve got this.” I remember that each time I start to doubt myself. I recall when I was first admitted to practice, after passing the bar only a few weeks prior, Jimmy had me argue a case in Chancery Court. Sensing that I was young and inexperienced, the Chancellor scowled down from the bench at me and said, “young man, if anything you’ve stated to this court is untrue, you will go to jail.” That infuriated Jimmy, and he stood up and said, “your Honor, if he goes to jail, I’m going with him.” I knew from that moment that I had a person of character in my corner.

I have learned a lot about practicing law from many good lawyers. But I learned how to treat people by watching Jimmy Woods. He is compassionate to a fault, while still being firm in his convictions. One time when we were struggling with a complicated set of facts and a confusing area of the law, he stopped, looked at me, and said we needed to implement the “do right rule.” In every situation he would analyze the facts, identify “who might be harmed,” and take steps to find a result that a orded due process and served the greater good. Our institutions of government and our public utilities will succeed in the next half-century only to the extent that we model the principles lived out by Jimmy in the past half-century.

the Board for Trustees of the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning in the early 1980s. Jimmy speaks fondly of his time on the IHL Board, travelling the state, and the relationships that were built.

Folks, it’s hard to do anything for 50 years. It seems equally di cult and rather unfair to reduce such a remarkable career and the lives that Jimmy Woods impacted to just a few pages. From Jackson to Washington, in courtrooms and in boardrooms, Jimmy has left indelible marks.

On behalf of the employees, board members, and members of Northcentral, thank you.

Average Prices for Residential Electricity

Kimberly Gordon

Northcentral Electric Cooperative and Northcentral Connect are saddened to report the passing of board member Kimberly Gordon on Jan. 18. Gordon represented cooperative members in south Marshall County, as well as those in Tate and Lafayette Counties. She was elected to a three-year term by Northcentral members in District 7 in October 2022.

Kevin Doddridge, general manager and CEO of Northcentral states, “We will forever be grateful for Kim’s heart of service to her community and to her cooperative. The Northcentral family continues to give our prayers, thoughts, and support to her family.”

The recent cold temperatures, along with last summer’s record-breaking heat, have caused increased power bills for our members. Fortunately, you are not alone when it comes to trying to figure out how to save money on your power bill. At Pearl River Valley Electric, we believe in empowering our members with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their electric use. Over the years, we’ve compiled a library of information and resources to have at your fingertips, making it easy to comprehend and manage your energy consumption e ciently.

A library of resources

We have developed an extensive collection of brochures and booklets, readily available in our o ces and online in our website’s help center at www.prvepa.com. These resources o er valuable energy-saving tips that can help you adopt money saving practices.

Real-Time insights into your use

Among the most powerful tools at your disposal is the ability to monitor your home’s daily, weekly, and monthly electrical use at any time. This feature is accessible through our website and our o cial mobile app. By clicking the “Pay My Bill” or “Manage My Account” buttons on our website you will be taken to EmPowered, our member service portal. Here, members gain direct access to a wealth of personalized information.

For an even more streamlined experience, members can download our app from their preferred app store. A simple search for “PRVEPA” will grant you access to a world of information.

Understanding Your Electric Use

With both of these tools you can view your kilowatt hours used, allowing you a month-to-month comparison. Additionally, daily temperatures are provided, o ering insights into how weather fluctuations influence your electric consumption.

Personalized support

For those who prefer a more personal touch, our members can always call or visit any Pearl River Valley Electric o ce for information about their bill. Our dedicated employees are ready to assist you in understanding your electric use and exploring ways to optimize energy e ciency. Our in-house energy experts can view your electric use and determine potential issues in your home. If an even further deep dive into your energy use is needed, an energy audit can be conducted, free-of-charge.

At Pearl River Valley Electric, we are committed to providing you with tools and resources needed to empower you to take charge of your energy use.

Right-of-way maintains RELIABILITY AESTHETICS &

In almost 86 years, Pearl River Valley Electric’s distribution system has grown to meet the demand of over 42,000 members. The system now includes more than 6,000 miles of power lines throughout a 12-county service area. To maintain the integrity of the system and to ensure public safety, PRVEPA runs an extensive right-of-way (ROW) program.

We want members to understand that maintaining ROW is not an inconvenience, it’s a necessity. Controlling vegetation within our ROW assures safe access for employees when they are troubleshooting outages and repairing downed power lines.

Clearing brush and other low-growing vegetation is accomplished by a combination of trimming and cutting trees, bush-hogging,

and herbicide application. We use o -the-shelf, non-restrictive herbicides because they are e ective, economical, and environmentally friendly. They are not harmful to humans, pets, or livestock. Managing vegetation in this way also allows native grasses and wildflowers to grow, thereby improving the aesthetics and wildlife habitat along the ROW.

The map below shows where contract crews will be clearing trees, removing underbrush, and mowing ROW in the upcoming months. Please visit the technical services category in our help center on our website, www.prvepa.com for a more detailed map.

Plan landscaping correctly

Planting your landscaping properly can ensure that it does not adversely impact Pearl River Valley Electric’s infrastructure. PRVEPA’s system has right-of-way (ROW) widths ranging from 30 feet (for most single-phase lines) to 50 feet (for three-phase lines).

When landscaping nears power lines, choose shrubs or small trees and keep them spaced outside of the right-of-way. See chart below for spacing.

There are also restrictions about what can be planted around pad-mounted transformers and other underground facilities. Be sure to allow the required clearance shown on the transformer to provide adequate access to equipment.

To be specific, do not plant anything closer than 10 feet from the transformer’s lock side and no closer than 4 feet on the remaining sides. If vegetation is planted within these areas, PRVEPA crews may have to clear enough space to create a safe working environment to perform maintenance operations.

Remember, before doing any landscaping in the vicinity of your transformer, you must call 811 (the Mississippi one-call number) at least two working days before breaking ground. By then, all underground utilities can be marked with flags or paint. If you have any questions regarding ROW clearances, maintenance and proper landscaping, please contact your local PRVEPA o ce.

20-30 FEET FROM LINE

Flowering Dogwood, Japanese Lilac, Kousa, Dogwood, Ornamental Crabapple, Redbud, Stewartia

5 STEPS FOR SAFE DIGGING

Working on an outdoor project?

Source: call811.com

1. NOTIFY

Call 8-1-1 or make a request online two to three days before your work begins. The operator will notify the utilities a ected by your project.

2. WAIT

Careless digging poses a threat to people, pipelines and underground facilities. Always call 8-1-1 first. Here are five easy steps for safe digging: 2-3

30-35 FEET FROM LINE

Bradford Pear, Carolina Silverbell, Golden Raintree, Ornamental Cherry Saucer Magnolia, Serviceberry, Sourwood, Winter King Hawthorne

40-45 FEET FROM LINE

Red Maple, Shagbark Hickory, Lacebark Elm, White Oak, Hemlock, Spruce

Wait two to three days for a ected utilities to respond to your request. They will send a locator to mark any underground utility lines.

3. CONFIRM

Confirm that all a ected utilities have responded to your request by comparing the marks to the list of utilities the 8-1-1 call center notified.

4. RESPECT

Respect the markers provided by the a ected utilities. The markers are your guide for the duration of your project.

SMALL TREES

MEDIUM TREES LARGE TREES

5. DIG CAREFULLY

If you can’t avoid digging near the markers (within 18-24 inches on all sides, depending on state laws), consider moving your project location.

APPLICATIONS FOR DUE AUGUST 9, 2024

• Applications are available at PRVEPA o ces and at www.prvepa.com.

• Completed applications must be postmarked or emailed by Aug. 9.

• Scholarship recipients must be a PRVEPA member, spouse, or child of a member participating in the Round Up program.

• Recipients must be full time (12 hours or more per semester) freshmen students enrolled in academic or career-technical programs.

Community College Scholars Program rogram

• Scholarship funds will be credited to each student’s college account — no checks will be issued to individuals.

• Scholarships should be awarded by the end of September. Students must be enrolled in good standing at the time funds are released to the colleges.

Funded by members who are rounding up their monthly bills, these scholarships are intended to assist students who will attend a Mississippi community college as a freshman this fall.

More information is available at www.prvepa.com.

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE

QWhat are some energysaving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

By adopting simple yet e ective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an e cient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize e ciency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing e ciency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce e ciency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring — before the heat of the summer — can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors o er special discounts for cleaning services in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents and know-how. Always unplug before cleaning, and wait until completely dry to plug it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent

ASpring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy e ciency at home.

lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list, check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to yearround comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes, but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy e ciency and saving money on energy use.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

Sta from PEPA recently visited with our area legislators in Jackson.

Seal air leaks around your home and add insulation where needed to save up to 10% on annual energy bills.

For abou $20 you could purchase a pre-cut jacket or blanket to insulate your electric water heater. This could save you 7-16% on annual water heating costs.

Math might not be your thing, but here are some energy e ciency numbers that could help you save money!

Energy-saving LEDs come in a variety of colors and brightness levels and last 15-25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Streaming content with electronic equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR® rating will use 25-30% less energy than standard equipment.

embraces life Melton with variety

PEPA employee Lacy Melton could be called “multi-faceted.” After all, she grew up on a dairy farm, enjoyed a 20-year career in cosmetology, became proficient in growing and processing food, and has a passion for assisting customers at the electric utility.

Melton was raised to work hard. She said she and her sister were helping out on the farm daily and were expected to do their part. “Everyone worked together. During the school year my sister Jessica and I did chores after school. Those included herding cows (with the help of the family dog), milking cows, feeding calves, and cleaning the milk barn.”

She added that during the summer, they worked on the farm morning and night, rising early each day to get things done. “Even if we had a friend spend the night, our guest got to sleep in. We were up and at ‘em as usual!”

Melton said although the days could be tough, she would not trade what she learned from those experiences. “The farm was such a great teacher for work ethic. It was hard,but there was a much bigger payo .”

Melton and her husband, Brad, met through family members. Although they’ve been married for 19 years this year, Melton said it “feels like it was just yesterday.”

After high school, Melton initially considered a career in dental hygiene but soon decided that profession was not for her. She had enjoyed styling hair in high school and fondly remembered doing that for her friends. She chose to attend cosmetology school, which turned into a long career in that field.

During the first years they were married, Melton said Brad was away on business a lot. Looking for a way to pass the time, Melton decided to try making jellies. She said her first flavor was muscadine. She then attempted other flavors, and she continues to this day making them and giving some away.

Melton does a lot of canning and not just for her jellies. She cans jerky, vegetables, and even meats. She credits her mother-in-law Pat Melton with teaching her.

Canning skills are something that has been passed down in that family. Melton’s grandmother-in-law Ruby Hill passed down recipes, which were later made into a cookbook given to each of the 13 children she raised.

Melton said she’s heard stories about Mrs. Ruby even making her own ketchup. It was told that anyone walking in Mrs. Ruby’s kitchen would immediately recognize the familiar fragrance and hope to receive their own serving.

Melton said her own family continues to embrace the simpler things in life. Four years ago, they built a home on her parents’ farm, where they continue to grow a garden, process their own deer and make summer sausage, and raise and process their own beef and pork. Their latest venture has been into poultry, where they now have approximately 80 chickens. Varieties include English Bu

The farm was such a great teacher for work ethic. It was hard but there was a much bigger payo .

Orpingtons, which she counts as her favorite. They sell eggs in the community and hope to eventually determine their favorites of other varieties and sell eggs for hatching or sell baby chicks.

She’s passing that love for life on the farm down to her own children, Bryleigh, 14, and Cohen, 9. “I want my kids to fondly remember their childhood and the values that were instilled, like love for their community. I’d like to give them a little of that simpler time.”

Melton said she has fond memories growing up and recalled sitting on her grandmother’s porch churning homemade ice cream. “She had these di erent colored plastic cups, and everyone had their own specific color. It was fun to be there with my family.”

Melton said she has always enjoyed working outside. “When I was a kid, my sister and I made a deal with our parents: She would stay inside and help Mom cook and clean, and I would do the outside chores with my dad. Even today, when I leave work, I put on my boots, put my hair up and go, go, go! There’s always something to be done.”

But that doesn’t mean her cooking days have gone by the wayside. She still makes her jellies and enjoys cooking all kinds of foods for family and friends.

Even though Melton spends a lot of time taking care of farm animals and growing food, she said she loves working with people. “I worked a long time doing hair, and I got to have great conversations with my clients and help them. That’s what I love about PEPA: Being able to help people, that just makes me happy.”

Recipes lacy melton from

Seedless Blackberry Jelly

INGREDIENTS

10 cups blackberries (4 ½ cups after strained)

6 ½ cups sugar package of fruit pectin

½ teaspoon butter

Heat berries to a boil after soaking them in salt water for 10 minutes. Strain juice and measure exactly 4 ½ cups. Stir one pack of pectin into prepared juice. Add ½ teaspoon of butter to help foaming. Bring to a rolling boil. Add sugar and bring back to a rolling boil for one minute. Remove foam from top and fill jars. Clean rims with damp vinegar cloth. Seal jars and put in water bath for 10 minutes.

Variation for Strawberry Jelly: 3 ¾ cups of juice from strawberries and 4 ½ cups of sugar. Process is the same.

praline syrup (Great over ice cream!)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups dark corn syrup

½ cup water

1⁄3 cup dark brown sugar

1 cup pecan pieces

½ teaspoon vanilla

Combine syrup and water in a saucepan. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a boil; boil one minute. Reduce heat, stir in pecans and vanilla. Simmer five minutes. Ladle hot syrup into hot jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Adjust two-piece caps. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water canner.

Note: For a lighter molasses flavor, use light corn syrup and light brown sugar.

Enjoy these great recipes from our employees and retirees!

strawberry punch bowl cake

INGREDIENTS

1 yellow cake mix, baked according to package directions

2 small boxes strawberry jello

3 16 ounce boxes of frozen strawberries

2 large boxes of vanilla pudding

2 8 ounce Cool Whips

Let cooked cake cool, then cut in half. Crumble half into punch bowl or trifle bowl. Top with half of the strawberries, and half of the prepared pudding, followed by Cool Whip. Sprinkle 1 box of dry jello over layer. Repeat layers until bowl is full. Top with cool whip.

marinated vegetable salad

Lavonia

INGREDIENTS

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, about 6-8

1 medium cucumber, halved and thinly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup fat-free Italian salad dressing

2 cups fresh cauliflower

1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms

1⁄3 cup finely chopped red onion

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, mushrooms, tomatoes, and onion. Add dressing; toss to coat. Cover. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Grilled Pork steaks

Don (PEPA Retiree) and Sandy Patterson

INGREDIENTS

whole pork loin, sliced into 3/4" thick steaks

Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning Country Bob's all purpose sauce

Lawry's chipotle sauce

Wick's marinade base

Worcestershire sauce

Slice whole pork loin into about three-fourths-inch thick steaks. To tenderize, stab with fork repeatedly on both sides. Sprinkle with Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning and rub into each side of pork steak. Place a layer of steaks in an aluminum pan with segregated bottom. Put Country Bob’s and Lawry’s chipotle sauce on each steak. Then pretty much cover with Wick’s Marinade Base. Then add a small amount of Worcestershire sauce. Add a second layer of steaks and repeat marinade process. Let marinate for half of a day. Cook 8 to 10 minutes on each side on a charcoal grill.

pretzel salad

INGREDIENTS

8 ounce cream cheese

1 cup sugar, divided 8 ounce Cool Whip

20 ounce crushed pineapple

1 cup crushed pretzels

1 stick melted butter

Cream half a cup sugar and cream cheese. Add pineapple and fold in Cool Whip. Refrigerate. Combine pretzels, remaining half cup sugar, and melted butter. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for seven minutes. Cool completely. Stir while it cools. Add pretzels to refrigerated mixture just before serving.

A message from your friends at PEPA:

Daylight saving time begins this month. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward on Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m.!

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Striving to provide reliable service in all weather conditions

During January, our service area experienced temperatures well below normal, even dropping to 17 degrees on January 17. With our heaters running nearly continuously to keep our homes warm in this extreme cold, the energy demand from our members set new records for Singing River Electric. Through advanced planning, distribution system upgrades, and proper right-of-way clearing practices, Singing River Electric’s distribution system performed exceptionally well. In addition, our wholesale power provider, Cooperative Energy, met our record peak demand with adequate generation and transmission service to our substations.

Planning for improvements and additions to Singing River Electric’s distribution system is essential and proves to be

invaluable for maintaining reliable electric service for our members. Our engineering team not only considers the potential e ects of system growth but must also plan for how extreme temperatures can stress our electric distribution system. Developing a Construction Work Plan is an integral part of this process as it provides a roadmap to assure the highest level of member service. Each year our construction line crews implement the plan by safely replacing undersized lines, upgrading transformers, and building new substations.

With careful planning and skilled employees, Singing River Electric remains committed to providing our members with the most reliable electric service at the most economical cost.

Energy Tips

Prepare your AC unit for spring

As we move away from cold temperatures, spring is the time to have your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system serviced –especially if it has been some time since it was last inspected. Having insu cient amounts of refrigerant, dirt coils, or obstructed drain lines can cause several issues for your HVAC unit.

Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases. Left unchecked, these issues could result in a significant increase in summer power bills or cause the unit to stop working completely.

A quick way to determine if your air conditioning unit is functioning properly is to measure the air temperature at the supply duct (usually in the ceiling or floor closest to your HVAC unit) and take a temperature reading at the return air grill (located beneath the indoor unit). On a typical spring day, you should have a 15–20-degree temperature di erence between those two points. If the di erence is below this, your unit needs attention.

Spring is also a great time to open windows during the morning and evening to take advantage of what I like to call free AC. Doing this will also bring a boost of circulating air into your home provided by Mother Nature free of charge. This will also eliminate run time on your AC unit and in turn, lower your energy consumption and power bill.

COOPERATIVE Days of Service

Joining electric co-ops from across the state, Singing River Electric participated in Cooperative Days of Service, held annually in conjunction with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday. “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence,” King stated. For the sixth year, SRE employees volunteered for community service projects.

The first project included moving playground equipment from Lucedale Municipal Park in George County. The park is going through a major renovation including extensive foundation work, irrigation, and eventually, all new playground equipment. Employees helped dig up old equipment buried deep in concrete, then

moved the pieces to two other area parks.

The second project involved packing and moving books for the Jackson-George Regional Library System. Employees worked in the genealogy and law libraries at the Pascagoula branch to prepare for upcoming building renovations.

A third service project for the Greene Rural Events Center in Greene County was postponed due to weather.

“Our employees take great pride in volunteering for these projects for the betterment of the communities in which they live, work, and play,” said Singing River Electric General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey. “Concern for community, a guiding cooperative principle, is one SRE employees live daily.”

Step 1: Make-ready engineering

Examine. Design.

St. Martin substation area

Step 2: Make-ready construction

Fiber Construction Timeline

Step 4: Splicing

Connecting the dots.

Joe Batt substation area

Planning the most efficient approach to fiber deployment.

Forts Lake, Helena, Escatawpa South, Helena Industrial, and Tucker Road substation areas

Step 3: Construction

Building a network from the ground up.

Rocky Creek, Lucedale North, Leakesville, Vancleave, Benndale, and Wade substation areas

Step 5: Service drop & drop splicing

The last outdoor step. Almost there…

Sand Hill, Big Point, parts of Cumbest Bluff, Frank Snell, McLain, and all previously opened fi ber internet areas

Step 6: Installation

The speed of light, right to your home.

Sand Hill, Big Point, parts of Cumbest Bluff, Frank Snell, McLain, State Line, Kittrell, and all previously opened fi ber internet areas

SR Connect is delivering lightning-fast fiber internet. New fiber areas are announced by electric substation and feeder. You can search open fiber areas and your address for service at singingriverconnect.com/signup. To find out which SRE substation and feeder serves your home, text a SRE member service rep. during business hours at 228-591-9166.

Scan here!

STREAMING IS AS EASY AS 1, 2,

Say goodbye to bu ering when streaming TV and movies – thanks to Singing River Connect’s high-speed fiber internet connection. Visit our StreamNow site to learn more about the cost-saving, convenience, and personalization of streaming, and feel confident to cut ties with your cable or satellite provider.

Choose your ideal internet speed for streaming 1

Selecting the optimal bandwidth for your household is the first step to streaming. Use our bandwidth calculator at gostreamnow.com/ singing-river.

3

2 Review your streaming service options Find, purchase, and connect the right device Sign up for streaming services

Smart TVs are ready to stream. For older TVs, you can buy a streaming device like a Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick. You can stream on your smartphone, tablet, and computer in addition to your TV.

There are many on-demand and live TV streaming services. Visit our StreamNow site to see which services carry your favorite channels.

4

3, 4

Let the fun begin! Sign up for a streaming service or two. Most require only a 30-day commitment. This makes it easy to try out di erent services and cancel the services you don’t use or like.

gostreamnow.com/singing-river

Underwater remote-control vehicle captivates students' interest

SRE NHN Grant purchases SeaPerch STEM kits

Sixth and seventh grade students at East Central Middle School in Jackson County are experiencing a new way to engage in STEM education—by designing, building, and wiring underwater remote-operated vehicles.

Concern for Community

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

(NHN) Community Grants help Singing River Electric merge efforts with the hard work of those within our communities. Since the program’s inception in 2001, $360,643.98 has been awarded to local non-profits in local communities.

“This project gives students a new and exciting way to learn and teaches them how to work with others in small groups,” explains teacher Johnathan May.

The $2,500 Neighbors Helping Neighbors grant allowed May to add an additional 10 SeaPerch kits to his class, which not only engages students in class, but will also allow students to participate in competitions with other schools in the region.

Students will learn practical skills by using measuring tapes, power drills, PVC cutters, and soldering irons.

“Our mission is to empower our students to be highly educated, responsible, independent thinkers,” adds May.

For more information on SRE NHN Community Grants and how to apply, visit singingriver.com/my-community. The next grant application deadline is Friday, May 10, 2024.

Annual membership meeting notice

DATE:

Thursday, June 27, 2024

TIME:

Registration – 5 p.m.

Meeting – 6 p.m.

LOCATION:

SRE office, Lucedale

The meeting will include co-op business and director elections.

Defend yourself against scams

Be wary of calls, texts, and emails from unknown numbers or contacts. Scammers want to scare you and may claim you are overdue on your electric bill and threaten to disconnect service if you don’t pay immediately.

If this happens over the phone, hang up. Delete any scam texts or emails. Check your account status on the SmartHub app or call us at 601-947-4211. Please report potential scams to us, so we can warn other members.

Clean and Clear Rights-of-Way Reduces Outages and Improves Safety

Providing reliable power to our members is a top priority for Southern Pine Electric. In 2023, Southern Pine saw a significant improvement in reliability due in large part to our right-of-way maintenance.

Vegetation is one of the leading causes of power outages nationwide. Southern Pine strives to keep the co-op’s rights-of-way clear and maintained. A right-of-way area is the land a co-op uses to construct, maintain, replace, or repair underground and overhead power lines. Right-of-way enables Southern Pine to provide clearance of trees and other obstructions that could hinder the distribution lines that the electric power travels through to get to your home.

There are several reasons Southern Pine must maintain clear rights-of-way.

Safety: Maintaining clear rights-of-way ensures the safety of the power lines and the surrounding environment. Trees and vegetation can pose a significant risk of causing electrical outages or fires if they come into contact with power lines.

Reliability: Unobstructed rights-of-way help maintain the reliability of the electrical grid. Preventing trees and vegetation from interfering with power lines reduces the likelihood of service interruptions.

Accessibility: Clearing rights-of-way makes it easier and safer for Southern Pine’s linemen to access and maintain power lines, which is particularly important during emergencies, as quick access to the infrastructure allows for faster response times and service restoration.

Compliance: Like all electric distribution cooperatives, Southern Pine must comply with regulatory standards and safety codes. Clearing rights-of-way is a common practice to meet these standards and ensure the cooperative operates under legal requirements.

Preventive Maintenance: Regular clearing of rights-of-way is a form of preventive maintenance. It helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate, reducing the risk of equipment failure and minimizing the need for reactive repairs.

Vegetation Management: Trees and vegetation near power lines can grow rapidly, potentially causing physical damage or creating electrical hazards. Clearing rights-of-way involves managing vegetation to prevent it from encroaching on power infrastructure.

Cost-Saving: Proactive vegetation management is cost-e ective in the long run, saving expenses related to damage and interruptions.

Right-of-way management is critically important in Southern Pine’s strategy to minimize outages. While we have made progress, we still have room for improvement. We are constantly working to improve our ability to provide reliable power to our members in the safest possible way.

Right-of-way management is critically important in Southern Pine’s strategy to minimize outages. While we have made progress, we still have room for improvement. We are constantly working to improve our ability to provide reliable power to our members in the safest possible way.

Meet the Team Responsible for Southern Pine’s Rights-of-Way

It takes a team of professionals to manage Southern Pine’s rights-of-way. With over 10,700 miles of line spanning throughout our 11-county service area, it’s no small feat to keep our lines free and clear of vegetation hazards.

This team works with seven contractors with 20 trimming machines and support equipment and over 100 additional right-of-way employees. Focusing on right-of-way maintenance means focusing on reliability and safety. Since January 1, 2022, over 4,700 miles have been trimmed, with another 3,900 planned for 2024-2025.

Nolan Thorne

Nolan Thorne joined Southern Pine two and a half years ago as vegetation management specialist at headquarters in Taylorsville. Nolan and his wife, Katie, have been married for six years and have two children, Sawyer and Shep. They live in Decatur. Nolan enjoys spending time with his wife and family, deer hunting, and working on the farm. “Routine preventative maintenance helps lower costs to provide affordable power to our members,” Nolan said.

Braden Blackwell

Braden Blackwell has been with Southern Pine for six years and serves as right-of-way coordinator at headquarters. Braden and his wife of three years, Hannah, have one son, Cooper. Living in Mize, Braden loves hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. “I think having clear rights-of-way allows easier and safer access for our crews to provide and restore electricity for our members,” Braden said.

Timmy McPhail

A part of the Southern Pine team for over 33 years, Timmy McPhail works as right-of-way coordinator in the New Hebron district. He and wife, Lisa, have been married for three years. Timmy is the father of five children and eight grandchildren. Timmy lives in Prentiss where he enjoys hunting, fishing, and raising cattle. He loves vacations to the Caribbean. Timmy said, “Well-maintained rights-of-way are the backbone of providing reliable electricity.”

James Holder

Working with Southern Pine for over 18 years, James Holder serves as right-of-way coordinator in the Taylorsville district. James lives in Taylorsville and has been married to his wife, Pamela, for 35 years. They have three children, and nine grandchildren. He loves riding motorcycles with his wife, fishing, and hanging out around the BBQ grill. According to James, “Every time we reclaim a right-of-way it reduces the threat of an outage.”

Kenneth Jernigan

Kenneth Jernigan has been with Southern Pine for 38 years and works at headquarters as right-of-way coordinator. He and wife, Jennifer, have been married 25 years, and they have two children, Haley and Dylan, and two grandchildren, Grayson and Dylilah. He loves spending time with his family and taking care of his animals on the farm. He said, “Having a clean rightof-way lets us to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to members.”

Michael Thurman

Michael Thurman works as right-of-way technician in the New Hebron district and has been with Southern Pine for 30 years. He married his wife, Dwanna, five years ago and lives in Collins. The couple has four children and nine grandchildren. Michael enjoys working in his shop, spending time with family, and spending time at church. Michael said, “It’s simple, if the right-of-way is cleaned, there’s less chance of limbs falling on lines.”

Carl Styron

Carl has been with Southern Pine for 35 years and serves as right-of-way coordinator in the Brandon district. He and wife, Norma, have been married 23 years and have two children, Walter Carl and Candice, and one grandchild, Riley. Carl lives in Brandon and enjoys camping, saltwater fishing, and spending time with family. “Maintaining a clean right-of-way helps members and Southern Pine alike with fewer interruptions, and crew efficiency is improved.”

Jeremy Anderson

Jeremy Anderson serves as right-of-way coordinator for the Newton district. He joined Southern Pine in December 2023. Jeremy lives in Laurel and enjoys spending time with family and friends. He spends a lot of time with his brother working on vehicles. “I have always believed that we (ROW coordinators) maintain the needs of tomorrow,” Jeremy said. “With thousands of miles of line in rural counties, we want to keep those members happy.”

BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER

KELLI FOX-GROOVER

Kelli Fox-Groover’s infectious smile and kindness will put anyone at ease instantly. Meeting her is like meeting up with an old friend because she has a way of putting others at ease.

Kelli’s first-grade class at Simpson County Academy is full of her biggest fans. They were excited for her to be our member spotlight for March and couldn’t have been prouder of their teacher. It’s evident after a short time in her classroom that she’s a fantastic teacher and makes learning fun. Her classroom is filled with her collection of foxes, and the kids love pointing them all out.

According to James Crain, her elementary school principal, Kelli is outstanding as an educator, mother, and friend. “Kelli is so dedicated to teaching and to her students. She’s devoted and trustworthy, and you can always count on her for anything,” said Crain, who coached Kelli’s three sons in basketball before becoming her principal and has known her for over 15 years.

Kelli has taught for 27 years and said her favorite part of teaching is seeing the kids when they first learn to read. “They get so excited about reading, and it’s fun to watch. It usually happens after Christmas, and it’s their proudest moment and so exciting for them. I love seeing their faces,” she said.

Kelli lives in New Hebron with her husband of 24 years, Tim, and is the mother of three sons, Hayden, Cole, and Fox. She and Tim have taught Sunday School for over 15 years, and Kelli has made new friends through church. One of those new friends, Teresa Smith of Monticello, said she met Kelli at Vacation Bible School when she took her grandkids. “You can’t help but fall in love with her,” she said.

Kelli’s sister, Renee McCool, said “She is so energetic and fun and loud, and she’s just one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.” “She is the most fun person to give a gift to,” added Renee with a chuckle. “She’s an extremely gracious gift receiver! Kelli loves whatever the gift may be and wants to make sure the giver knows how much she loves it and what it means to her.”

Kelli is an outstanding teacher, loving wife and mother, collector of foxes, and an all-around fantastic person. If you get a chance to meet her or already know Kelli, you’ll undoubtedly agree.

FROM YOUR CEO

In early 2019, the Mississippi Legislature passed the Broadband Enabling Act. This law gave electric cooperatives the option to explore the possibility of o ering broadband internet service to their Members.

The first step in determining whether Southwest Electric could a ord to form a broadband company was to conduct a feasibility study. The first feasibility study in 2021 determined that Southwest Electric would have to borrow $110 million to build a fiber network to the entire service area and, even after six years of operation, a broadband subsidiary company would still not be producing a profit. The financial risk to your electric cooperative was too great.

After beginning partnership negotiations with a local telephone company that provides broadband services in some portions of our service area, we commissioned a second feasibility study. More federal and state grant funds were being o ered, so the Board of Directors voted in the fall of 2022 to move forward and apply for grants. Even with the grants that may have been awarded to us, we would still have to borrow $26 million, which would only provide service to a portion of our membership.

The influx of federal and state grant funds created an interesting situation as we were developing our grant applications. Telecommunication companies that were previously not interested

in serving rural areas were now open to the idea. In mid-2023, we were contacted by several companies that expressed an interest in building a fiber network in southwest Mississippi.

We have switched gears from a partnership and borrowing millions of dollars to concentrating our e orts on working with companies who are already in the internet business and not risking the financial health of your electric cooperative. One company will begin fiber infrastructure design this spring.

Our mission is to serve our cooperative Members. We live out that mission every day of the year by providing electricity to power your lives.

We know that internet service is important to families and businesses in our service area. That is why we will work with anyone who wants to build a broadband network to provide internet to our Members.

STORM KIT

Severe weather with thunderstorms and strong winds can strike at any time of the year, but we typically see an increase in these storms during the spring. Take time this month to restock your storm kit. Be prepared in the event of an outage.

FOOD AND WATER

One gallon of water per person per day. Foods ready to eat and non-perishable. Also, special food for small children and pets.

MEDICAL NEEDS AND SUPPLIES

First-aid and medical insurance cards. Prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions. Medical alert tags or bracelets with information about healthcare needs.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Copies of family records and other important documents, such as birth and marriage certificates. Social security cards, passports, wills, deeds and financial, insurance and immunizations records – all stashed in a sealed waterproof bag.

CLOTHING AND DAILY USE ITEMS

Blankets, extra clothing and comfortable shoes. Spare eyeglasses, batteries, oxygen systems, etc. Also, a cell phone with chargers and extra batteries.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS AND CASH

An emergency contact list to reach family and friends. Plenty of extra cash, since access to banks and ATMs may be limited.

RADIO, FLASHLIGHTS AND SIGNALING DEVICES

A battery-powered radio and/or NOAA weather radio. A solar or battery-operated flashlight. A whistle to call for help and a small mirror to reflect sunlight in case you have to signal rescue teams.

8 Dangerous mistakes people make when using a generator

In

Always

Near

1 5 2 6 3 7 4 8

Even

SMART HUB, NEW LOOK

•

• View billing and payment history

• Track your energy use

• Update your account information

• Set up recurring payments

• Report a power outage

• View our outage map

Clearing the path to

Trees are majestic, beautiful, and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Twin County strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.

Safety

Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree.

Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power.

Affordability

As a co-op, Twin County always strives to keep costs down for our members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.

When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 ft. or smaller) should be planted at least 25 ft. from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 ft.) should be planted at least 50 ft. from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted

transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. from the transformer door and 4 ft. from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.

Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by contacting us.

We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.

Reliability

Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see Twin County crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards.

In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events.

Plus, we all know it’s more cost-e ective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact. Drone inspections of power lines and vegetation allow us to reduce labor and equipment costs while bolstering reliability. Through the use of small drones, we can accurately monitor the health and growth of trees and identify potential problems.

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE

QWhat are some energysaving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

By adopting simple yet e ective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an e cient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize e ciency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing e ciency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce e ciency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring — before the heat of the summer — can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors o er special discounts for cleaning services in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

ASpring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy e ciency at home.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents and know-how. Always unplug before cleaning, and wait until completely dry to plug it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list, check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to year-round comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes, but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy e ciency and saving money on energy use.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Numbers rounded to nearest tenth of a cent

Clearing the path to

Trees are majestic, beautiful, and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Yazoo Valley strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.

Safety

Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree.

Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power.

Affordability

As a co-op, Yazoo Valley always strives to keep costs down for our members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.

When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 ft. or smaller) should be planted at least 25 ft. from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 ft.) should be planted at least 50 ft. from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted

transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. from the transformer door and 4 ft. from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.

Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by contacting us.

We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.

Reliability

Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see Yazoo Valley crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards.

In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events.

Plus, we all know it’s more cost-e ective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact. Drone inspections of power lines and vegetation allow us to reduce labor and equipment costs while bolstering reliability. Through the use of small drones, we can accurately monitor the health and growth of trees and identify potential problems.

YAZOO VALLEY ELECTRIC ATTENDS

Yazoo Day

AT THE MISSISSIPPI CAPITOL

Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association was proud to join a large group of Yazoo County residents along with state and local elected o cials for Yazoo Day at the Mississippi Capitol in February. The day provided an opportunity to discuss ideas to improve the local economy and serve other needs of the community.

TIPS TO MAXIMIZE

QWhat are some energysaving tasks I can add to my spring cleaning list?

By adopting simple yet e ective energy-saving strategies during our spring-cleaning routines, we can create an e cient living environment that may also lower our utility bills and extend the life of our heavily used appliances.

Be sure to include these spring cleaning tips to add some energy savings to the job.

Even though it’s out of sight, don’t leave it out of mind. Check the filter in your HVAC system. Your furnace worked hard during the winter. Ensuring your system has a clean filter is a low-cost and easy way to protect your equipment and maximize e ciency. A dirty furnace filter can cause your system to work harder than necessary, decreasing e ciency and shortening the system’s life.

While the filter is easy to replace yourself, you should have your air conditioning serviced and professionally cleaned. Both the indoor and outdoor units should be cleaned. Dirty refrigerant coils reduce e ciency. This also applies to heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split systems. The technician can check refrigerant levels and refill or repair if necessary.

HVAC contractors get busy responding to calls for repairs during the summer heat. Scheduling cleaning services for your air conditioning in the spring — before the heat of the summer — can ensure the work gets done before the rush and even save you money. Some HVAC contractors o er special discounts for cleaning services in the milder months, which helps fill their schedules and keep their technicians working.

Window AC units can get dirty, too. They can be cleaned with the proper tools, cleaning agents and know-how. Always unplug before cleaning, and wait until completely dry to plug it back in again. Take the time to clean it properly in the spring before you need it in the summer.

Cleaning light fixtures and fixture covers can brighten your space by removing dust and grime collected during the winter. While you are at it, be sure to check your bulbs and replace any incandescent or compact fluorescent with energy-saving LEDs. Although they tend to cost a little more, LEDs last longer and use less energy.

Good-quality LED light bulbs are expected to last 30,000 to 50,000 hours, according to the Department of Energy. A typical incandescent

ASpring is a great time to refresh, clean, and enhance energy e ciency at home.

lamp lasts about 1,000 hours, and a comparable CFL lasts 8,000 to 10,000 hours. To put this into everyday use, if you have an LED light on for 10 hours per day, it can last 13 years compared to only about three months for incandescent bulbs and about two-and-a-half years for CFLs.

Don’t forget the oven. A clean oven heats more evenly and quickly, providing better results and lower energy use. A clean oven window allows you to see the food and how it’s cooking without opening the oven door, which wastes energy.

If cleaning windows is on the list, check the seals and sash locks to ensure they close tightly. Check for any areas that need caulking or sealing to reduce drafts. Sealing around windows contributes to yearround comfort in your home. Clean windows also allow more light into the home, reducing the need to turn on lamps and overhead fixtures.

Spring is the ideal time to declutter, deep clean, and implement practices that not only tidy our homes, but also reduce energy consumption, contributing positively to our homes’ energy e ciency and saving money on energy use.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating o cer at E ciency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy e ciency company.

Another year, another important election

Last year, Mississippians went to the polls and re-elected a slate of state o cials, including our governor.

I hope our members were better informed when they cast their ballots because of an initiative your electric cooperatives launched this time last year.

Co-ops Vote MS came about with a simple goal: to assist our members in making an informed decision on Election Day.

With the big statewide elections we had in 2023, you might feel like we can all take a breather this year. As you probably know, that’s not the case.

This year, we will elect our nation’s president. The 2024 election slate also includes elections for one of our two U.S. Senate seats, currently held by Roger Wicker, and our four U.S. House of Representative seats, currently held by Trent Kelly, Bennie Thompson, Michael Guest, and Mike Ezell.

Our choices on who represent us in Washington, D.C. are just as important as the public o cials we elect to represent us at the state capitol in Jackson — maybe even more important.

Almost every decision our president and federal lawmakers make in D.C, has an impact on all our lives. So, being an informed voter this year is just as crucial as it was last year.

Mississippi’s Republican and Democratic presidential primaries will be held on

March 12. Mark that date right now if you haven’t already.

The general election will be held Nov. 5.

We encourage you to visit our website, www.coopsvotems.com, so when you head to the polls, you will be ready.

The website features quick links to important voting information including where to register to vote, our current elected o cials, what elections are occurring this year, and videos of elected o cials talking about the importance of voting, and what they do on a day-to-day basis.

Just like last year’s statewide elections, your votes this year are key to determining the future course of Mississippi and the lives of Mississippians.

We all need to voice our informed opinion on that future.

Enjoy our March issue.

Mississippi is...

Keep me down south, where discipline is doled out with a sobering “no, sir” and “excuse me, ma’am.”

Down where it’s only natural to smell the rain coming, and you can always count on someone to join in remembering and cursing that heifer, Katrina.

I don’t want nothing to do with “you guys,” I only want to be one of “y’all.”

Go on and leave me down by the Mississippi, and baptize me in them muddy currents.

of Biloxi, 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

Submit your beautiful digital photo of life in Mississippi to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop