News for members of 4-County Electric Power Association
Drivers can do more to make 4 Mississippi roadways safer
9 Outdoors Today: Back to Africa
Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)
with fresh 14 Cooking Gulf Coast seafood
MHP Capt. John Poulos
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Board of Directors
www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544
Marty Crowder, President John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr., Vice President Johnny Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Banks Bill Bell Kenneth Seitz Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson
YOUR COOPERATIVE By Joe Cade CEO/General Manager
The value of cooperative member engagement Most consumers would not equate active involvement with their electric company with helping their community. But 4-County Electric Power Association is not an ordinary utility company. We’re a co-op, and our business model is meant to serve the members and the community in which it operates— not to make a hefty profit for investors five states away. 4-County’s customers are more than consumers; they are members of the cooperative. And herein lies the difference. Our core purpose and mission are to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to our members. But as a co-op, we are motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. After meeting our annual expenses, we invest any extra money back into the coop. We depend on the guidance and perspective of our members and board to help set priorities for the co-op and guide governance decisions. At our annual meeting, we provide information to our members, interacting with them to help gain insight on future goals and considerations. Our board of directors comprises members who live and work in our service area, for they are in a position to know where community investments are most needed. 4-County is controlled by members who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. This is why we value your
participation in our annual meeting, set for June 7, and in other co-op events. 4-County has numerous ongoing programs that impact the community. Every summer, for example, we participate in Youth Tour and take local high school students to the nation’s capital to meet with lawmakers, enabling students to learn firsthand how our democracy works. This year’s three Youth Tour delegates—Haley Fye of Starkville, Clay Walters of Columbus and Lake Little of Starkville—are leaving June 9. Our 4-County Foundation has awarded numerous grants, totaling over 500,000, to organizations in our communities. Decisions and criteria for determining these programs are based on member guidance and feedback. We recognize the vital role 4-County plays in energizing our local economy. But to continue to innovate and more effectively serve the community, we rely on you, our members, to provide guidance. We value your perspective, and we cannot operate effectively and help our community thrive without you. Please let your voice be heard. For more information about how you can become more involved, call 1-800-431-1544.
Here’s An Idea
Please make room for roadside crews When the power goes out, so do 4-County Electric Power Association’s line crews. Linemen are the first to respond after an outage occurs, and they work tirelessly to restore power to the communities we serve. If you’re traveling and see one of our crews on the side of the road, we kindly ask that you move over if possible and give them a little extra space to work. We deeply care about the safety of all, and this extra precaution ensures just that. If you approach a crew while traveling on a two-lane road, moving over to the next lane might not be an option. In this case, we simply ask that you slow down when approaching roadside crews. If you approach a crew while traveling on a four-lane road, and safety and traffic conditions allow, we ask that you move over into the far lane. Utility crews aren’t the only ones who could use the extra space. Emergency responders, such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians, often find themselves responding to emergency situations near busy roadways. We ask that you follow the same procedures mentioned above to help keep these crews safe.
There’s plenty of room for all. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe on our local roadways.
Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $661,694 on prescription drugs through April.
Look here each month to see the savings total!
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June 7 Annual meeting a day of information and fun Members of 4-County Electric Power Association are invited to attend the cooperative’s annual membership meeting Thursday, June 7, at the East Mississippi Community College auditorium in Mayhew. Plans for the day are simple. Sit back, relax and enjoy a day of good food, good fun, good fellowship and good information. Registration and a health fair for members begin at 9 a.m. A catfish lunch with all the fixings for members will begin at 10:15 a.m. The business portion of the meeting will begin at noon. Those attending the meeting will have an opportunity to view a variety of displays featuring 4-County programs, services and equipment. Joe Cade, 4-County CEO/general manager, said the meeting will have something for everyone. “We’ll provide some really good information, elect board members and, of course, give away some great door prizes—including a truck,” Cade said. Held in conjunction with the annual meeting, the health fair will provide consumers the opportunity to receive a variety of healthcare screenings. In addition to the pre-meeting health fair, the business session will include financial and management reports along with the election of three directors to the Association’s board of directors. Three incumbent directors—Kenneth M. Seitz of Starkville for District 2, Oktibbeha County; E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson of West Point for District 3, Clay and Monroe counties; and John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. of Mathiston for District 6, Webster and Chickasaw counties—are up for reelection. Two additional people submitted petitions for nomination for this year’s election. Neither petition met qualifications set forth in Association Bylaws. The current board members’ names were placed in nomination by the Association’s nominating committee at its March 14 meeting. In accordance with the Association’s
bylaws, the candidates’ names were placed in nomination for election to three-year terms, beginning June 7 at the cooperative’s annual The 4-County Annual Meeting is set for Thursday, June 7, at East Mississippi Community College’s Mayhew membership meeting. campus. Registration and a health fair (as pictured from last year) begin at 9 a.m. Lunch is set for 10:15 Ballot/proxies were a.m., and the business portion of the meeting will kick off at noon. mailed by May 8 to all 4County members. Those returning their proxy/ballots how to participate in a variety of 4-County programs. (by mail, proxy or online voting) qualified to win one For more information on the annual meeting or of three $1,000 credits for electricity. Those attending how to vote in the directors’ election, please call the meeting may qualify for the grand prize, a retired 1-800-431-1544 and ask for the 4-County marketing 4-County fleet pickup truck. Other attendee prizes department. include weather radios and gift cards. 4-County offices will be open June 7 during the Employees will be on hand to instruct members on annual meeting.
Kenneth M. Seitz
John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr.
ing t e e ual M n n A ty ’s n u o at 4-C
June 7, 2018
1-1544 or 1-800-43 g r .o y t n u www.4co
E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson
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PREPARING
for disaster in advance The U.S. is hit every year by many natural disasters, including snow and ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires. These types of disasters pose a significant threat to our communities and homes. The most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe is to prepare beforehand, but knowing what to do during and after the event is crucial as well, according to 4-County Electric Power Association officials. Before disaster strikes, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are common in your region, especially if you’re new to the area, said Joe Miller, 4-County safety training and loss prevention coordinator. Many of the specifics depend on what type of disaster you’re expecting, but there are several general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare: • Water: You will need one gallon per person per day. If you assume your family of four may be stranded for a week, store a minimum of 28 gallons. • Food: Stock up on non-perishable or long shelflife items, such as canned fruits, meats and fish,
peanut butter, jelly and condensed soups. • First aid kit: Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors and a thermometer. For a full list of suggested items, visit RedCross.org. • Flashlights and candles: Be sure to keep extra batteries and matches (in a waterproof container) on hand. For additional guidance on emergency items to keep around the house, visit Ready.gov/build-a-kit. Also consider training offered by local emergency management services such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes. “Some disasters occur suddenly, but many bring advance warnings, like hurricanes and winter storms. Pay special attention during the week leading up to the event for local and state government warnings and evacuation notices. Make sure every family mem-
ber knows what your emergency plan is: staying or leaving, safe rooms in the house, where supplies are located, what to do if anyone is separated, and how to notify loved ones that you’re safe after the event,” Miller said. It’s also a good idea to know where your home’s main water and gas shutoff valves are located, 4-County officials added. While the U.S. electric grid is reliable, it is possible to lose power during a storm. The outage could be momentary or last hours or even days. Fortunately, 4-County’s average outage time in 2017 was only 1 hour, 13 minutes. If you live in an area where loss of power after a storm could be dangerous, consider purchasing a backup generator for your home. These
Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30 Start thinking now about the supplies you will need to make it through an extended power outage. No doubt there are numerous other items necessary to meet the specific needs of your family. And don’t forget about pets. • Water – at least one gallon daily per person for 3-7 days • Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices – enough for each person for 3-7 days • Special food for infants or the elderly • Non-electric can opener • Cooking tools/fuel • Paper plates/plastic utensils
• Blankets/pillows, etc. • Clothing – seasonal, rain gear, sturdy shoes • Toiletries • Full tanks of gas in vehicles • First aid kit complete with prescription drugs • Flashlight/batteries • Radio – Battery operated NOAA weather radio • Cash – Banks and ATMs may
not be open after a storm • Important documents – including insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc. Make sure these items are stored in a waterproof container.
June 2018 Today in Mississippi
can cost anywhere from a few hundred • Keep manual tools such as a can to few thousand dollars, depending on opener on hand to replace any electronic your needs. Be sure to test the generator gadgets you typically use. before the disaster to ensure it’s operat• Similar to filling a bathtub with water ing properly. before a storm, make sure that all cell If you don’t have a backup generator phones are fully charged. and lose power, don’t panic. Most power • If the disaster involves lightning, outages in the U.S. are short unplug all electronic devices to and will not last more protect against a power than a few hours. surge. Without knowing in After the storm, be advance how long cautious when leaving the outage will last, your home. Listen to however, it’s wise to government warnings assume and act as and use common sense when you need to though it will last when approaching any use a generator. for days. Here are a damaged buildings or few general tips for wise fallen trees. energy practices during a disIf you see a power line that is aster: down, always assume the wires are live • Consume perishable and refrigerated and dangerous. If possible, call 4-County foods first before they spoil. to report the downed power line. • Pack frozen foods close together and “With a little bit of forethought, consider freezing water bottles to elimiyou’re highly likely to make it through a nate any air pockets. The frozen water disaster without too many problems. will help keep the food cooler longer. Remember, you and your family’s safety • Make sure you have alternative lightshould always come first,” Miller said. ing sources, like candles and flashlights For more information on disaster (with spare batteries) located throughout preparedness, call 4-County at 1-800the home. 431-1544 or visit Ready.gov.
STOP!
THINK SAFETY
Be careful
with controlled burns Controlled burns are effective at clearing brush and weeds. But they can cause widespread power outages by damaging utility poles and electrical equipment.
Before you begin a controlled burn: • Cut grass, brush and weeds around the poles to reduce fire hazards. • Remove dead trees and limbs within 20 feet of the planned burn. • Water the ground near the utility poles, but keep water out of power lines and equipment.
If a utility pole catches fire:
• Call 911 to report the fire and 4-County to handle any possible electrical dangers. • Water mixed with electricity produces an electrocution hazard. Never spray water on a pole to put out a fire. • Keep everyone away from the power line until a 4-County crew can make repairs.
Every summer, people in Mississippi brace themselves for the potential threats brought on by hurricane season. The 2018 season begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30. “We are committed to providing our member-consumers with dependable and safe service in all kinds of weather,” said Joe Cade, CEO of 4-County. “Once a hurricane reaches the Gulf of Mexico, we will be prepared and ready to work our plan in case storms produced by hurricane winds affect our service area.” 4-County members should also make plans to protect life and property if severe storms threaten our region this season (see box at the bottom of page 10).
2018 hurricane names Alberto Beryl Chris
Debby Ernesto Florence
Tip of the
Month
Gordon Helene Isaac
Joyce Kirk Leslie
Michael Nadine Oscar
Patty Rafael Sara
Tony Valerie William
4-County wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday!
Keep warm summer air outside where it belongs! Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows. Source: U.S. Department of Energy
4-COUNTY ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION will be closed Wednesday, July 4
Independence Day Crews will be on call throughout the holiday. Call 1-800-431-1544 to report an outage.
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Watts
Snapshots of your co-op at work
Happening This list of area events is compiled from information provided by area chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus. The events listed are subject to change. Please call to confirm dates, times and additional details. SATURDAY, JUNE 2 Farmers Market; Fire Station Park, 500 E. Lampkin St. in Starkville; 7:30 to 10 a.m.; continues each Saturday (same time) and each Tuesday (4 to 6 p.m.) through June; details, (662) 3233322.
The 4-County Corporate Center recently got a facelift. The building, which opened for business in 1975, got a fresh coat of paint, some added parking space and new flag poles.
THURSDAY, JUNE 7
Monthly Gallery Opening and Reception; Main gallery of the Columbus Arts Council, 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; details, (662) 328-2787.
SATURDAY, JUNE 9 Possum Town Quilters; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus; 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; meetings held the second and fourth Saturday of every month (same time); (662) 328-2787. FRIDAY, JUNE 22
Viva Las Elvis with the Dips; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus; 7 to 10 p.m.; Columbus Arts Council members, $15 advance ticket, $17 at door, nonmembers, $20 advance ticket, $22 at door, children (12 and under), $5 ticket; (662) 328-2787. SUNDAY, JUNE 24
Sunday Funday; The Parthenon, 513 University Drive in Starkville; 1 to 6 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322.
4-County’s Bluefield Substation, shown under construction recently and set for completion this summer/early fall, will enhance the reliability and meet the growing demand for power in the southwestern portion of Oktibbeha County.
Catfish farmer catches a big one 4-County Electric Power Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently presented area catfish farmer Macon Gravlee with an impressive incentive check. The check, worth nearly $13,000, was awarded to Gravlee through TVA’s Energyright Solutions Program. The program has recently begun incentivizing 4-County Key Accounts Executive Brent Lochala proprojects that represent vides area farmer Macon Gravlee with an electrification incentive check from 4-County and TVA. new load or a fuel switch from propane diesel to electric. Gravlee switched from diesel to electricity for the operation of catfish pond aerators.
The experience was a positive one, Gravlee said. “Without 4-County’s help in identifying the program and leading us through the process, it would not have happened.” TVA uses Lockheed Martin as a third party to administer the EnergyRight program and verify that the participants qualify and that program stipulations are followed. 4-County’s Key Accounts Executive Brent Lochala was on hand in May to present Gravlee with the check. The TVA EnergyRight program is a great way to help 4-County’s commercial, industrial, and agricultural members be efficient and expand. “Electricity is the cleanest, most reliable and affordable energy source for these applications. With an incentive available to help offset costs related to power lines and electric motors, the decision to go electric becomes very easy,” Lochala said. “It has been a great asset for our members.”
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4-County’s Dale Hall retired in May
Congratulations,
Over 100 people attended her retirement reception.
Dale HHaall! Da 31 Years of Service! 19 ,
,
em e
h
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Stay away from substations An electrical substation converts electricity to a lower voltage so it can be safely routed and delivered to your home. Because high-voltage power runs through substation equipment, please avoid substation areas and the fences that surround them. Keep the following safety tips in mind:
Never relea lease metallic balloo loon loo oo ons on n ns s near substation tions. ons. ns n s.. If s If the th th he ey e yg ge get et c et ca caught aug a ught gh g htt in the equi equipment qu uip ui pm p me m ent e nt o orr lines, llin liin ines nes, s, the tth hey hey he ey can cause use se p po ower er ou outages o out utta utag ages age es s..
Teach youngs Teach ou ters to stay away from electricall substattion fences. The area is dangerous, and these fences are NOT for climbing.
Ne N eve er fly kit ki es s or drones near ear electrical ele el e ec e ect cttrri ctri ric cal ca c a s subs stations. tions If you do and th tthe he kite he ki k kitte e or or d drron o one gets caught inside th tthe he h e fenc fenc enc ce, let le ett u us s rre etrieve it for you. et
If you see ee a subs bstation fen ence or transf ans ormer cabinet binet that is open or looks to be vandalized, please contact us immediately y..
Baty rolls up his sleeves at work and play At work or home, Allen Baty doesn’t mind getting his hands a little dirty. His work as an Apprentice Lineman 4 at 4-County Electric Power Association is often accomplished in and around the rich prairie soil of the Golden Triangle. “There’s something new to tackle every day,” Baty said. “And it’s all taking place in the great outdoors.” Away from work, Allen doesn’t stray far from nature. He and his buddies often load up their four-wheelers and hit ATV parks around the country. “We’re just looking for a mud hole,” Allen said of their excursions. “I enjoy hanging out with my friends, and being outside.” The Hamilton native and resident is engaged to Anna Dobbs. They attend Vibrant Church in Columbus. Allen joined 4-County in November 2017 and works on Glen Ledbetter’s crew at the Corporate Center. Prior to 4-County, he worked for over a year on the right-of-way and line crews at Monroe County Electric Power Association. He is a graduate of Hamilton High School, where he played on the Lions’ baseball team. His determination to succeed was evident after undergoing Tommy John surgery (arm) his senior year at Hamilton. “Three months later, I was throwing. I was determined,” he said.
Allen attended Itawamba Community College, studying industrial maintenance. He then transferred to East Mississippi Community College where he completed the Lineman Training Program. “A friend told me about line work. I decided it’s what I wanted to do, and here I am.” His outdoor exploits include hunting. What kind? “Any kind,” he answered with a smile. “No matter what season it is, there’s something that I’m hunting.” Allen also enjoys taking his 18-foot Stratos fishing boat on the Tenn-Tom River. “Any given Saturday morning, you may find me bass fishing,” he said. Allen said he enjoys seeing the job through at 4-County. “I like to see the construction process, going from nothing to something,” he stressed. “There is a definite feeling of accomplishment.” The co-op is on the cutting edge of technology, he said. “We have really good equipment to work with. It makes a difference.” The cooperative is a true home away from home. “It’s a great place to be,” he said. “We’re all friends. Everyone makes you feel welcome. And I’m really glad to be here.” The young lineman knows his role at the cooperative. “I like to keep everyone’s power on,” Allen said. “People rely on us, and we don’t take that lightly.”