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outdoors today picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it
Thoughts and musings After two months of shelteringin-place, I have some thoughts, observations and musings. Please, if you have lost your sense of humor during the pandemic, you may want to stop reading now. What if I had told you in January that by the end of April eight ounces of hand sanitizer would be worth more than a barrel of oil? So, the government wants us to stay home, lay on the couch, order take-out and watch television. Finally, four years of college is paying off! There are many physically fit and attractive people in my neighborhood. I’m not one of them. Anyone who puts his or her dog in a stroller and goes for a walk needs professional help. Cigar smoke is good at keeping away pests — mosquitos, flies, wives and kids. Is it really exercising if you are drinking wine? Is making your teenage children walk with mom and dad 21st century child abuse? The IRS said that two of my children are worthless and one was worth $500. Daddy’s got a new favorite! The IRS said that my wife was worth $1,200. I offered to pay the shipping, but the lady at the IRS refused to give me an address. My wife is a genius. In less than a month and half, she graduated two college students and one high schooler and NONE OF THEM WERE SENIORS! All in favor of doubling teacher salaries in August say “Aye,” all opposed, obliviously haven’t been trying to teach children over the last two months. Just think, teachers have 30 kids and no wine readily available. The yardman came by for payment. I gave him two rolls of toilet paper. You can recognize these folks who haven’t ridden bikes in forever. They have bright yellow shirts, shinny new helmets
and move down the road like a snake. Get out of their way! To single people: if you cannot cook, marry someone who can. It will be important during the next pandemic. To the $1.2 billion dollars in COVID-19 relief funds from the CARES Act.... In the words of pirate and philosopher Jimmy Buffett, “You got fins to left, fins to right and you’re the only bait in town.” Dang, I love a good cigar! There’s a difference between a dog who is joyfully out for a walk with its owner and one who has been dragged out of the house for the third time because one spouse is tired of the other spouse and kids. You can see it in their pleading eyes. The poor dog is thinking, ‘at least the mutt up the street gets a stroller.’ According to Proverbs 17:22, ‘A merry heart doeth good like medicine.’ In other words, laughter can be the best medicine. And sometimes, during the stress of the pandemic, we have to take time to laugh. The pandemic also reminds us of how fortunate we are to be surrounded by everyday heroes. Thanks to the doctors, nurses, first responders, our electric cooperative employees, truck drivers, grocery store workers and other essential employees who worked tirelessly through these times. You are the reason we enjoy some semblance of a normal life. And finally, and most importantly, to those who have lost family and friends to the virus: you remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeb Greene Grier, age 2 Great-grandson of Buddy and Cathy White of Philadelphia and Central Electric members
Mississippi is... My mind wanders To childhood days And carefree ways. Walking barefoot in Newly plowed ground, Wading in a cool, clear Stream I have found. Resisting in a field of fragrant wildflowers as a gentle breeze brings a rush of showers. The season changes to Multicolored hues of fall And I hear the wild geese call, As I vision heavy dark clouds And snow laden boughs. by Ida Mae Teer Black East Mississippi Electric Power member What’s Mississippi to you?
by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi
What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158 or to news@ecm.coop
JUNE 2020 | TODAY 3
in this issue
5 southern gardening A summer garden must have
7 scene around the ‘sip A look at special people and places around Mississippi
11
5
outdoors today Going back outside after it’s over
12 local news 18 feature
Weidmann’s is the oldest restaurant in the state. Here’s to 150 years
The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi
Vol. 73 No. 5
OFFICERS Keith Hayward - President Kevin Bonds - First Vice President Eddie Howard - Second Vice President Randy Carroll - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Ron Stewart - Senior VP, Communications Steven Ward - Editor Chad Calcote - Creative Director/ Manager Elissa Fulton - Communications Specialist Rickey McMillan - Graphic Designer Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer Chris Alexander - Administrative Assistant EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600
Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s electric power associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. • National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181
Circulation of this issue: 456,454
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24 on the menu
Summertime means berry time in Mississippi
27 24
Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year. Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 11 times a year by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300
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On the cover A steak and eggs brunch dish at Weidmann’s in Meridian. Photo by Marianne Todd
Why the 2020 Census is important Census statistics aren’t just about which state or city has grown the most over the last 10 years. Statistics compiled from census responses help businesses, researchers, and communities make decisions about funding for everything from school buildings and lunches and new bridges or roads, to fire departments, rural assistance programs, and more. Knowing who lives throughout the nation means that communities can better support programs and services benefitting people aged 65 and older, low-income people, veterans, children, and newborns. When you respond to the 2020 Census, you are helping to shape the future of your community by being counted. By working with local markets and publications, we hope more Mississippi residents will do their part and participate in the 2020 Census.” — US Census Representative
4 TODAY | JUNE 2020
scene around the ‘sip co-op involvement southern gardening
picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it
Melampodium
There are a few must-have plants for my summer Mississippi garden and landscape. You can count on me having Vista Bubblegum supertunia, marigolds and all kinds of zinnias to provide color for my yard. But another great plant that doesn’t get a whole lot of attention is melampodium. I hope my talking about it will make melampodium become the latest item to fly off the shelves during the current COVID-19 situation. Let’s face it: Melampodium is one tough plant when it comes to flowering and just plain looking good in the heat and humidity of the Mississippi summer. Melampodium was selected as a Mississippi Medallion winner way back in 1997. And no wonder, because melampodium is a nonstop bloomer from summer until frost. It literally bursts forth with yellow to golden daisy- or star-like flowers. It requires no staking. Because melampodium is self-cleaning, that means you don’t have to deadhead the flowers, either, which really is a plus when the temperatures start to soar in the summer. Melampodium prefers full sun and looks great no matter how hot and dry it is. But it is important to maintain a consistent root zone moisture.
is a summer garden must-have
There are several standard melampodium varieties available, with more being introduced. Sizes vary from 10 to 24 inches tall. Selections to look for include Derby, Medallion, Million Gold and Jackpot Gold. Plant in the landscape at the same depth as they grew in the container. Space them on 8-inch centers to allow the plants to grow together and form a brilliant mass. A happy surprise you’ll get next spring is that melampodium reseeds. The new plants can be thinned if needed. I always allow reseeded seedlings to grow because it seems to me that is where Mother Nature thought the plant should be growing. Melampodium likes dry conditions and makes a great container plant. Transplant into a light, well-drained soil. It is easy to grow and has few demands. Melampodium really likes to have consistent fertilization. Use a controlled-release fertilizer at transplanting and then once a month through the summer. I like to use water-soluble fertilizer since I’m going to have to water anyway. In my experience, snails and slugs are the only pests that bother melampodium. Use snail baits or sprinkle diatomaceous earth — the fossil remains of prehistoric algae — to control these pests. The flowering display of Melampodium is strong enough to stand on its own, but try pairing it with other yellows, reds, and oranges to create a warm color scheme that will be hot this summer. This is where combination planting with my zinnias is always a hit. The only problem with Melampodium is that it only comes in one color, but that’s not enough of a problem to stop you from enjoying it in your garden this year.
by Dr. Gary Bachman Gary Bachman, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor of Horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs. He lives in Ocean Springs and is a Singing River Electric member.
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events
mississippi marketplace on the menu outdoors today scene around the ‘sip picture this
A recipe for success
opinion co-op involvement L E A D E R S H I Pmy AN D GRIT: southern gardening grin ‘n’ bare it by Elissa Fulton In 2012, Alise Matthews was selected as Dixie Electric Power Association’s representative for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. That same year, she was selected among a larger group to represent Mississippi on the national Youth Leadership Council. As a junior in high school, Matthews was already a leader in her school, but when she attended the national youth conference in Washington, D.C., she quickly appreciated that she could be a leader outside of Jones County. Matthews made many contacts around the nation that summer, but she already knew she loved interacting with people. “I always had a dream of being an orthodontist since the age of 10 when I got my braces off because it helped my confidence so much,” said Matthews. “In high school, I worked retail in Laurel, and I loved talking to people and I came to the realization that I didn’t want to look in mouths every day, but I wanted to be interacting with the public. Some people hate retail, but I thrive on it. I just love it!” After graduation, Matthews went on to Mississippi State University and majored in marketing with a goal of becoming an entrepreneur. She finished her marketing degree in three years and came home to Laurel with the dream of opening her own business. She grew up in the kitchen working with her mother in her catering business. “My mom asked me if I wanted to take over her business, but I really didn’t want to cook meals,” she said. “I wanted to have a bakery and do sweets. When I was young, I would help my mom make homemade candies for her catering business and that was kind of the basis of my business. None of the bakeries in town were doing homemade candies, so I thought it would be really cool if we combined that idea with the nostalgic candy store.”
With a love of her hometown, sweet treats and a bit of nostalgia, Shug’s Cookie Dough & Candy Bar was opened in downtown Laurel in September 2017, just one year after Matthews graduated from college. In addition to the homemade candies like pralines, turtles and millionaire’s, Shug’s has a candy wall with more than 120 different candies to choose from. Customers can make candy bags, or they can enjoy the edible cookie dough and cookie cakes. The recipe for success included a group of business owners that had already begun a revitalization project that turned the once ghost town of downtown Laurel into a bustling community. “I feel like I definitely came in at the right time,” Matthews said. “They were already seven years into the revitalization of Laurel, and it was perfect timing for me.” There were many that thought Matthews’ idea of a sugary heaven was crazy, but her youth, determination and marketing degree paid off. “I totally believe that marketing was a huge plus for me,” she said. “And social media is such a big part of our world today. We have a large social presence and I believe it has had a huge impact on the success of the business.” Matthews has proven to be a leader in larger arenas, but she is proud to now be a business owner in her hometown. “I believe being from a small town, sometimes its frowned upon to move back after college, but that’s also what I think is so special about electric cooperatives,” she said. “They are about community and Laurel was a great town and community to start my business. I have been so blessed to have a community that has been so supportive of me.” Visit shugslaurel.com to view a menu and order online. Photo by Megan Clark. JUNE 2020 | TODAY 7
FROM THE MOST by Steven Ward Ten years ago, Lea Margaret Hamilton was driving on Highway 82 near Itta Bena and heading to Greenville in the Mississippi Delta when she had an epiphany. The time was the harvest season for soybeans. “I looked out and saw thousands of acres of soybeans. I thought, nobody is using soy wax to make candles. We have this wonderful Mississippi resource,” Hamilton said recently from her Greenville home. Following that 2010 drive, the idea for SoDelta Candle Company was born. Hamilton said she researched everything she could to “figure it all out” and started making them and selling them at a consignment store in Leland. The first batch at the consignment store sold out in 15 minutes, Hamilton said. According to SoDelta’s website, “The result is a line of southern-inspired, high quality, long-burning candles with fragrances that remind us of what we like the most – huntin’ camp, cotton fields, church, and mama’s sweet tea. “Each SoDelta candle is lovingly hand-poured in our restored, turn of the century tenant house. We feature our candles in vessels of glass, locally-made pottery and repurposed containers. Only the highest grade of American grown soy wax, cotton wick and natural materials go into each candle,” according to the website. Hamilton wound up opening a retail studio that she operated out of for about 8 years. These days, Hamilton runs her business out of her home. “From there we just got to be known through word of mouth. It was an organic thing,” Hamilton said. Word of mouth hit California when an Academy Award-winning actress
PLACE ON EARTH
Photo by: Michael Kelly
with Mississippi ties heard about the candles. Hamilton wouldn’t name the recent Oscar winner but said she and her mother haven been regular customers ever since. Hamilton makes thousands of candles a month, she said. She makes them all, sometimes with a little preparation help from her husband and son. Hamilton and her candle company have a strong presence on Facebook. Through the social media website, people from all over have reached out for masks Hamilton started making about the time COVID-19 struck the country hard. “When I was a child, my grandmother and I always had projects. She taught me how to sew and we would make aprons,” Hamilton said. Hamilton and five friends started making masks after seeing medical professionals on social media ask for them. Hamilton alone has made between 200 and 300 masks that she has donated to local hospitals and paramedics. Hamilton said she is always creating something. “If a day goes by and I don’t create something, it’s a day wasted,” Hamilton said. Hamilton said her business is supported by her community and that concept is more important than ever today. “It’s so important to support local, family-owned businesses. They are the ones who will donate to your schools and charities, who will support your soccer teams and who will donate gift certificates when you need them. The big box stores just won’t do that,” Hamilton said. Visit www.sodelta.com for more information. JUNE 2020 | TODAY 9
mississippi seen events
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on the menu
scene around the ‘s co-op involvement
southern gardening
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mississippi is...
mississippi marketplace u outdoors today d the ‘sip picture this my opinionAfter ement
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Life
grin ‘n’ bare it
The sunrise was spectacular. Yellow and orange peeping through friendly clouds just above the horizon, the source of those colors resting, or so it seemed, on treetops in the distance, those trees dressed for spring in their finest greenery. A pasture wearing similar hues beneath those trees and creating an expanse that proffered a welcome. All presented in a glorious form that could never suggest anything other than the ideal. But prevailing conditions spoke otherwise. We, when this particular sunrise greeted, were under shelter-in-place guidelines. The virus was raging. And it may still be. These words are being written more than a month before they will be published. Hopes are high, right now while I’m sitting at the computer that the severity Camping, in its various forms, is a pleasant will abate. Soon! Regardactivity that has a great many devotees. less, if not soon it will abate. Things will get back, at least to some degree, to the old normal with which we were and still are familiar. No one knows for sure when, but changes will come and we will be free to ramble about, the outdoors waiting. So, what are we to do with this renewed freedom? A great many opportunities are available, and don’t go thinking that all these demand great expense or far-away venues. More than we can get around to are virtually in our back yards. Take for instance those sunrises like the one just mentioned — and there is one every day, a day in which to offer thanks for the blessing of life. These can often be observed from home. And for some of us with a propensity for birds, our own yards will suffice as a laboratory from which to watch, to learn, to admire. I saw my first indigo bunting on a feeder out the kitchen window last week (as this is written). My heart lightened, the day brightened, and I was filled with awe.
Staying Inside Don’t overlook fishing. I have often written that everything I really needed to live a happy and successful life was learned with my dad on a simple bream lake. Now let me quickly say that I do not dismiss my formal education. I learned there to open my mind, to think, to analyze things from the perspectives of others. I learned how to build an essay. But elements such as creativity and nurturing a dream rode the still surface of a bream lake. Perhaps the most important life lessons to come from a bream lake were respect and perseverance. Dad and I paddled a tattered wooden boat around a curve in a bream lake and came upon an aging gentleman catching bream. He was then my age now. Old. I encouraged Dad to move closer so that we could get in Social distancing at its finest. These anglers are on the action. He said quietly, enjoying a simple afternoon along a stream. “You wouldn’t want somebody to do you that way.” He was right; the lesson took. We had to press on, a heavy task with paddles, to another spot. Respect and perseverance sank completely to my core. And there is camping. Tent, RV, travel trailer. No matter. Choose which you prefer. Campgrounds are open or will be open soon. Most if not all afford some quiet surroundings in nature. Any of these activities noted are not bad ways to get back to normal.
by Tony Kinton Tony Kinton has been an active outdoors writer for 30 years. He lives in Carthage and is a Central Electric member. Visit www.tonykinton.com for more information.
JUNE 2020 | TODAY 11
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr., President • Johnny Johnson, Vice President Mike Banks, Secretary/Treasurer • Bill Bell • Kenneth Seitz • Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson • Marty Crowder
Let’s talk innovation and credibilty The energy industry is undergoing rapid change, and technology is paving the way for innovation in the way energy is used, produced, stored and shared. While the changing energy market has created more options for consumers, it has also resulted in more utility scams and misleading information surrounding solar installations in particular. That’s because of two factors. Utility scams are common because of the vast number of utilities that exist, and consumers are understandably anxious with the threat of disruption to their electric, heating or water service. Second, new products and services in the energy industry provide an opening for scammers and pop-up companies to provide misleading information or shoddy products and services.
Avoid Phone Scams A common phone scam typically begins with a phone number that appears to be from a valid utility company. The scammer will claim you have a past due account and threaten to disconnect service or take legal action. The scammer will typically demand that you use a prepaid debit card or money order, often within a very short, urgent time frame to pay the “past due” amount. You can combat this scam by being aware of the status of your account. Never give your banking or personal information over the phone to someone you did not call. If you have a question or concern about your energy bill, call us directly at 1-800-4311544. Do not use the phone number given by the scammer.
Avoid Solar Scams Another scam we see from time to time is connected to rooftop solar. Homeowners with rooftop solar may receive a sales call offering an accessory, upgrade or extended 12 TODAY | JUNE 2020
HERE’S AN IDEA 4-County continues efficiency efforts
In an effort to provide the most efficient delivery of electric service at the most efficient price, 4-County Electric Power Association is continuing to evaluate the co-op’s programs and their impact on the successful implementation of those efforts. As 4-County enters a new fiscal year, the co-op will not renew its contract with Touchstone Energy. TouchUse Trusted Sources If you’re considering solar for your home, stone offers brand-specific programs make sure you are working with a reputable such as newspaper and television ads, energy promotion programs and company. Because this is still an emerging industry with evolving technology, there has discount programs that include the been a proliferation of pop-up companies in Co-op Connections Card prescription discount program. 4-County the market to make a quick buck. 4-County can offer a candid assessment will re-visit utilizing the Touchstone to determine whether rooftop solar is right program on a year-to-year basis. for you. After all, 4-County has a different Online Annual Meeting notes “bottom line” that is not directly tied to the 4-County Electric Power Associsale of a product or service. We take a more ation officials are asking members holistic, objective view of how to achieve to participate in the co-op’s Annual energy and cost savings for our members, Meeting June 4 by watching the and that may or may not include rooftop event online at noon. solar. Co-op officials, following state and In this ever-changing environment, it’s national safety guidelines for dealing important to remember you have a trusted with the COVID-19 virus, made the energy advisor — your local electric cotough call to have the meeting online. operative. We are a community-focused The meeting will be streamed live on organization that works to efficiently deliver 4-County’s Facebook page/YouTube affordable, reliable and safe energy to our and a link to the meeting will be on members. the co-op’s website, too. Call to listen, Remember, we’re just one call or click 662-245-0777, Conference ID No. away, so please reach out with any ques681874. tions about your electric service or bills — The business portion of the meetwe’re here to help. ing is set for noon. Financial and management reports, along with the election of two Association directors, are key parts of the meeting. Annual by Brian Clark meeting prizes will be available, inCEO/General Manager cluding the grand prize truck giveaways warranty to their solar array. The calls could be from crooks claiming to represent a solar company, promising to replace faulty or broken parts or improve efficiency. Again, if you are not expecting the call, don’t be fooled. These calls offering misleading information are likely a scam. Call 1-800-4311544 or the company that installed the solar array if you think there may be a problem.
4-County, TVA assist area food pantries during COVID-19 crisis United Way agencies in the 4-County Electric Power Association service area have upgraded their food pantries thanks to recent COVID-19 relief grants from the co-op’s Foundation and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The 4-County Foundation awarded the non-profit groups with several grants: $10,000 for the North Central United Way (serving Oktibbeha, Webster, Choctaw and Winston Counties); $5,000 for the United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee Counties; $5,000 for the United Way of Northeast Mississippi (serving Monroe and Chickasaw Counties) and $4,000 for the United Way of West Point/Clay County. The good news for the area United Way agencies continued when 4-County Chief Executive Officer Brian Clark was notified that matching grants he applied for from TVA had been approved. TVA’s Community Care Fund, set up by the power generation giant to match grants made by local power distributors for COVID-19 relief, made these monetary contributions available to: North Central United Way, $6,500; United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee Counties, $3,000; United Way of
Northeast Mississippi, $3,000 and United Way of West Point/Clay County, $2,500. “We appreciate what these organizations do for our communities throughout the year. And, now, in the wake of the COVID-19 challenge, agency food pantries are always in need of donations. This is one small way we can give back,” Clark said. 4-County believes in helping the communities it serves. That’s why the cooperative launched the 4-County Foundation, a community service program. Since February 2015, participating 4-County members’ utility bills have been rounded up to the nearest dollar; a $125.78 bill, for example, becomes $126. That’s an average of only 49 cents per member, per month. That may not seem like much. But when you multiply those contributions by the thousands of member participants, that’s a lot of pennies! For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544.
JUNE 2020 | TODAY 13
by Brad Barr Cooperatives and their members often work to find common ground in eliminating a few of the main culprits for outages: trees, limbs and encroaching vegetation. Typically, one out of every four outages experienced by 4-County members is a result of trees, limbs and encroaching vegetation. What’s the answer? A calculated, organized approach to vegetation management conducted by 4-County’s team of arborists and professional tree workers. 4-County arborists oversee the co-op’s vegetation management program, enlisting contract right of way (ROW) crews to get the job done. They use a systematic approach to vegetation management applied along 5,000 miles of overhead electrical line in nine different counties. The team tries to clear each year, on a rotating basis, 640 miles of right of way. “It’s a great way to ensure power reliability,” said 4-County System Arborist Jonathan Howell. “By maintaining proper clearances, linemen are better able during outages to get to the task at hand if not deterred by encroaching vegetation,” Howell added. He and 4-County Assistant Arborist Robert Gaskin work the program on a daily basis. The goal is to balance the needs of cooperative members and the need for vegetation management, and 4-County works hard to achieve that goal. The challenge lies in a delicate balance between trees, members’ preferences and reliable electric service. “People quite often have a strong attachment to their trees. It’s our job to respect their feelings and their trees while also obtaining proper clearance. When you take the time to explain the realities of power outages and tree trimming, most people understand,” Howell said. 4-County utilizes the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 pruning standards to trim trees that endanger 4-County’s abilities to serve its members. Directional trimming removes only those branches that conflict with power lines. Instead of cutting the limbs back to unnatural stubs, branches are pruned back to the trunk or parent branch, where trees normally shed them. Trees may look a bit different after directional pruning. However, down the road, they will be less prone to pest problems and decay and less likely to drop branches during storms. “We try to do
14 TODAY | JUNE 2020
as much preventive maintenance as possible because there are so many unknowns that can occur during storms to what appear to be green, healthy trees,” Howell said. While 4-County works to prevent outages caused by trees in its ROW, some outages may still occur if trees outside the ROW fall into power lines. We refer to those as outage threat trees. Once discovered, these trees are removed in a timely fashion. Selective use of herbicides controls unwanted brush on ROW floors and encourage herbaceous plants, shrubs and wildflowers to establish themselves. This creates a greater natural diversity, improving wildlife habitat while moderating erosion, according to Howell. When 4-County vegetation management crews are expected to trim in your area, door-to-door personal notifications will be attempted. If you are not at home at the time of the visit, a door hanger will be placed on your door, which allows you time to better understand the need for tree trimming and approximate time scheduled for the trimming to be done. 4-County also does call outs and social media posts. The vegetation management team’s goal is a simple one: member service. “By providing this service, we’re ensuring the ultimate member satisfaction which is keeping the lights on by reducing vegetation-caused outages,” Howell explained. Any member concerned about trees near power lines should call 1-800-431-1544 and ask for Howell or Gaskin.
JUNE 2020 | TODAY 15
More than April showers
Thank You
To Our Community, from 4-County Electric Power Association Straight-line winds, tornadoes and torrential rain. April had it all and more for 4-County Electric Power Association as the cooperative battled the elements and restored power throughout the month. A severe storm event hit the cooperative April 12, leaving over 5,000 members without power. In its wake, the storm left downed power lines and 70 broken poles. 4-County CEO Brian Clark applauded the efforts of all involved in the storm restoration efforts. “Our employees worked long hours, day and night, and battled the rain, mud and muck to get the lights back on. That’s the cooperative way, and that’s the 4-County way,” Clark said. “Our crews rose to the challenge. That’s what we do.” 4-County wrapped up its storm restoration efforts April 15. The storm work continued April 23 when 4-County responded to a call for help from Southern Pine Electric, based in Taylorsville. Southern Pine had about 16 TODAY | JUNE 2020
10,000 members without power after wind and rain swept through their service area, breaking poles and lines. Southern Pine serves more than 65,500 meters in an 11-county service area. Rural electric cooperatives throughout the nation share a reciprocal agreement with each other to provide help to sister co-ops in times of crisis. 4-County will send crews and equipment, if needed, to assist in the restoration of power lines, poles and substations damaged by wind, storm surge and other elements of storm-related weather. “We are glad to be in a position to send this assistance to help restore power to Southern Pine members in need. Our system and members have been the recipients of assistance from other electric cooperatives in the past, and we are always glad to be able to help others when they need assistance. That’s the cooperative way,” 4-County Manager of Operations Anthony Miller said.
You’ve thanked us with your e-mails and letters, your Facebook postings, in person and through your prayers. Now, we’d like to THANK YOU — our members — for the support and patience you showed 4-County Electric Power Association as we worked to restore power through our service territory following a series of deadly storms in April. The perseverance shown by our members in the face of this adversity is truly admirable. Within hours of the storm, families and businesses were clearing debris and beginning the rebuilding process. Individuals and emergency response organizations were quick to respond to the call for help. Neighbor helping neighbor. That’s the approach we take in this part of the country. At 4-County Electric Power Association, we’re proud to be your neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who lost so much as a result of these devastating storm systems. Be assured that we’ll continue to work for our members, day in and day out, to keep the lights on!
E S
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Service is a calling, not an occupation Tammy Sudduth doesn’t mask her feelings when she talks about the opportunity to help others. In wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the 4-County Electric Power Association consumer service representative has been designing and sewing masks for healthcare workers and “anybody” who wants one. She describes it as a good opportunity to share her Christian faith. To date, she has sewn about 150 masks. “I saw I had the ability to meet that need. It’s very rewarding. People are thankful for them,” she said. Tammy has also made facemasks for co-workers. “It makes me feel good that I’m able to help. We’re all in this together.” Tammy is an avid sewer, teaching many in her community and family the time-tested tradition. “My mother had a clothing store. That was my first job. If I wanted to make money, I sewed.” Forty
years later, she still puts thread to needle. “It’s my special time,” she said of her hobby. “Sewing is very satisfying when you see the finished product.” She began working at 4-County Feb. 5, 2001 as a consumer service representative at the Starkville Customer Service Center. Later, she transferred to the Macon Customer Service Center. Now, she serves as a consumer service representative at the Corporate Center. Tammy lives in Noxubee County with her husband, Steve, their son, Tony, and their grandson, Brendan, 10. Tammy and Steve have two other grown sons, Brian and Chris, and an 18-month-old granddaughter, Stella. Prior to 4-County, Tammy worked in sales and marketing for Outdoor Technologies. Tammy and Steve are members of Independent Methodist Church in Noxubee County. She enjoys spending time with family. “We love to fish, boat and camp,” Tammy said. She also assists Tony in his rehabilitation from a 2014 spinal injury. Tammy considers 4-County “family” and an organization that helps her fulfill a calling. “I love helping people. I’m in the position I was meant to be in. I’ve developed a lot of good relationships with customers through the years.”
4-County working with members; payments due June 1 As our country, our state and our service territory continue to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 virus, 4-County Electric Power Association is looking for ways to help lighten the burden on its members. Past due bills that were paid in full by the end of May will have had any assessed penalties waived. 4-County also extended its grace period on disconnects for non-payment until June 1. 4-County CEO Brian Clark says the steps were the right thing to do. “These are difficult times for a lot of our members. There is a lot of uncertainty. Some people aren’t working, others have had their hours cut. We wanted to do what we can to help,” Clark said. Clark explained that bills must have been paid by the end of May to have penalties adjusted. “I know our members understand that we had only deferred payment on these bills and that any accounts that were outstanding once the grace period ended are subject to disconnect. We are working with members right now to make payment arrangements and will continue to do so,” Clark said. Clark says members may also be able to take advantage
of 4-County’s Warm Neighbors program. Warm Neighbors allows members who qualify the chance to get a one-time payment for a bill. The program, which is funded by members who volunteer to donate a dollar on their power bills monthly, is administered by the Salvation Army’s Columbus office but is available to any 4-County member. The Salvation Army can be reached at (662) 327-5137. Members with questions about their bills can contact 4-County at 1-800-431-1544. Clark says the Association will continue to be flexible in the wake of the pandemic. ”We will keep monitoring the situation. Just like so many things right now, the situation is fluid. We want to do everything we can to maintain our normal business operations while supporting our members at the same time. We are all in this together,” Clark said. 4-County serves nearly 50,000 meters in Clay, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Lowndes, Monroe, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster and Winston Counties. JUNE 2020 | TODAY 17
18 TODAY | JUNE 2020
photo by Marianne Todd
MI S S I S S I PPI ’ S
OLDE ST RE STAURANT
150 YEARS OF
by Steven Ward The year 1870 is notable for a few markers in American history: John D. Rockefeller incorporated Standard Oil Company, The National Weather Service issued its first weather forecast and construction began on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Down in Mississippi, a Swiss chef on a transatlantic steamship decided to put down roots in Meridian by opening a restaurant in the Union Hotel. That chef was Felix Weidmann and that restaurant, Weidmann’s, is still open in Meridian and remains the oldest operating restaurant in the Magnolia State. Although Weidmann’s has had various owners throughout the years and switched locations to its current downtown spot on 22nd Avenue in 1923, the restaurant remains a popular business as well as a touchstone of the past for residents of Meridian and the state.
Past employees and customers of the restaurant have witnessed momentous events in history: two world wars, the Great Depression and the 2001 attacks of 9/11. Today, Weidmann’s is experiencing another moment in American history that will seemingly change everything — COVID-19. Current owner Charles Frazier said he’s doing what he can to adapt to the new, restrictive conditions dictated by the virus. “COVID-19 has certainly brought some challenges to the restaurant industry,” Frazier said. “We have transitioned to all curbside and delivery, and this has meant that we have had to do some menu redesign and add new items that are more conducive to curbside and delivery service.” The restaurant now has an increased presence on social media and also sends out an email twice weekly to their 15,000 email subscribers. JUNE 2020 | TODAY 19
they are restaurants, retail or service.” Frazier moved from New Orleans to Meridian in 2005 “Charles Frazier’s commitment to ensuring a great meal after Hurricane Katrina. for his patrons, a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy friends “I was managing a restaurant in the French Quarter and and family and his top notch customer service continue we closed due to the uncertainty after the storm,” Frazier to amaze me. He is not only dedicated to Weidmann’s said. “This, coupled with about 8 feet of water in our house, but to the community he calls home,” said Randy Carroll, precipitated our move. My brother in law had an interest in CEO, East Mississippi Electric Power Association. the Crescent City Grill located in Meridian and so I accepted Emmy-winning actress Sela Ward, a Meridian native, a ‘temporary’ position with the company while New Orleans has been going to Weidmann’s her entire life. sorted out the rebuilding process after the storm.” Ward, who said she is passionate about the historical Uncertainty in the restaurant business is something preservation of her hometown’s Frazier has some experience with. past, said she’s happy Weidmann’s “People have mentioned the is still around and thriving. hurricane in relation to what’s “It’s the first place I would go to happening now with COVID-19. It’s a mainstay. It’s part of a rich whenever I came home,” Ward said. But it’s different,” he said. tradition that has always had a “It’s a mainstay. It’s part of a rich “I think that comparison has way of wrapping its arms around tradition that has always had a way come up a lot over the past six of wrapping its arms around me and weeks,” he continued. “Katrina me and the community. the community. I think it’s that kind was different because we knew of history and our memories of that the end point of the trauma, and kind of place that’s crucial to our then we could focus on the resouls.” build. COVID-19 has no clearly deWard, who was one of more than fined conclusion, nor do we have 50 investors in the restaurant in a roadmap for a rebuild. We are 1999, said she has a bittersweet anticipating new mandated safety connection to Weidmann’s. She measures, as well as changes in wanted to “preserve and keep the the expectations of our guests, great lady intact” but said all the but it is difficult to predict what investors back then were not on the those changes will be and how to same page in terms of specific goals make the adjustments.” of preservation. Frazier takes some solace in the “Somebody asked me once, ‘Why longevity of Weidmann’s. do you care so much?’ I think we “The restaurant has seen a lot all need a guidepost from the past of adversity over the years and to the present,” Ward said. I think that the community has Ward said the multi-investor supported it before and will do turmoil predated the arrival of so again,” Frazier said. “It’s very Frazier, who started running the important that we as a commurestaurant in 2010 and eventually nity support all of our localbought out the investors. ly-owned businesses — whether
20 TODAY | JUNE 2020
“I’m thrilled with Charles,” she said. “He is why it’s successful today. He’s done such a great job. He has definitely helped keep the spirit of the original Weidmann’s alive today.” Part of that spirit is the look of the restaurant including the vast collection of photographs of celebrities, employees and local guests. Another part is the modified menu which still includes one of the restaurant’s most famous dishes — Black Bottom Pie. And then there’s the peanut butter Sela Ward crocks. Each table is set with a handmade peanut butter crock and assortment of crackers. The tradition dates back to the 1940s, when, legend has it, there was a shortage of butter due to World War II, according to Weidmann’s website. A guest told then-owner Henry Weidmann that peanut butter would be a good substitute. He found a potter from Louisville to make the crocks. Today, a local Meridian potter makes the crocks by hand and the restaurant will sell the crocks to customers. When asked if she’s worried about the future of
Weidmann’s due to COVID-19, Ward said the restaurant will be fine. “This too shall pass,” she said. “People will be able to come back. Even though it won’t be exactly the same, there are those connections — the name, the sign, the location. Those will always be important connections for people.” Frazier said, “The longevity of Weidmann’s does provide inspiration and a certain amount of obligation to the community to see it survive and thrive in the future. I think the future of Weidmann’s will be to carefully balance our history and legacy with the new normal of social distancing, healthy menu options and increased sanitation. I certainly feel like we are getting closer to opening up our dining rooms and bars, although I believe it will be an incremental process.” The hope and plan is that Weidmann’s will be in Meridian for a long time to come. “When we took over the restaurant, we understood that we are merely stewards of this establishment — it was here 100 years before I was born and will hopefully be here 100 more after I am gone.” JUNE 2020 | TODAY 21
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by Chef Andy Chapman Ever since the first salad was prepared in the Garden of Eden, I imagine that folks have been asking the same question about what dressing they might want on the salad. I never realized how great a simple dressing could be and how easy it was to tweak it to fit any set of taste buds until a couple of years ago. That’s when I started to get the hang of this whole homemade salad dressing thing — and it’s good timing since salad greens are a healthy, nutrient dense and seasonally abundant produce right now. A childhood memory of my late grandmother is of her pulling a plastic Tupperware out of the fridge and shaking the fool out of it before she’d pour the goodness onto her salad. I didn’t care for her oil and vinegar dressing as a young kid, but over the years I’ve had variations of that recipe that I’m crazy about. Before we get started with the recipe, I want to remind you that ANY recipe — no matter how simple it is — is only as good as the ingredients with which you start. To that point, I got much more fond of vinaigrettes when I started using pecan oil, instead of (what to me) seemed bitter and harsh tasting grocery store olive oil. Now, there’s a thousand different olive oils, and I do like many of them, but the cheapest version at the grocery store wasn’t really my thing, and I bet you’ll upgrade, too, when you taste the difference. The other side of the vinaigrette equation is the acid side, which for me is usually apple cider vinegar, but it can occasionally be a nice balsamic vinegar, white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar. Instead of giving you exact specifications of what to do, I’m going to show you the whole playbook of how I’ve been making dressing for the past few years and how to tweak it so you’ll have success no matter what ingredients you have 22 TODAY | JUNE 2020
stocked in your cabinet. The basic premise is about a 1:3 ratio of vinegar to oil, but then there’s all of the variations of different oils, different vinegars and special additions that make a dressing especially yours. Do you like spicy? Do you like sweet? Do you like both? With this guide, you’ll be able to make the perfect salad dressing for any palate you have to feed. To get started, identify: 1. What’s in your pantry? 2. What’s pleasing to your palate? You may have an olive oil you like, or if you’re like me, maybe the flavor of some grocery store olive oil has been turning you off to salads altogether. Don’t give up! I personally love pecan oil, and when I was introduced to it a couple of years ago I’ve never looked back. It’s light, smooth, and has so many versatile characteristics. But you can use any oil you like. Grape seed, avocado, canola, olive — whatever you have on hand — remember rule No. 1. What’s in your pantry? Use that. Vinegar or an acid is your second component. Options here include citrus juice like lemon or lime or even fresh orange or grapefruit. Or you can use a flavored vinegar that’s hiding in your cabinet like apple cider vinegar, balsamic, white wine or champagne vinegar. When you mix the oil and acid, I start by adding about 3 tablespoons of oil to 1 tablespoon of acid to a bowl or jar that I can seal (and shake). This is the base layer. Next, I add a big pinch of salt and pepper, particularly, I recommend kosher salt and fresh ground coarse black pepper, if you have it. It makes a difference. This mixture alone whisked briskly or shaken in a jar until it blends is a fine salad dressing in its own right. But, really, the fun is just getting started.
ANDY’S HEALTHY SUMMER SALAD INGREDIENTS Bag of fresh salad greens Cherry tomatoes 4-5 garlic cloves 1 shallot 1⁄3 cup Pecan oil* 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper 1 tablespoon Asiago or hard aged cheese
Now, it’s time to add an “accent” or three and let your creativity run wild. If it’s a sweet balance you’re after, I like to sweeten my dressing just a tad with a spoon full of pepper jelly or fruit sweet preserves. You can also use honey or a pure cane syrup like Steen’s to give it a depth of flavor. Feel free to play with this flavor profile until it’s just like you want it. The good news is you can either add more vinegar or more sweet to balance it out if you don’t like it. If you like more spice, add spicy paprika or whisk in your favorite Cajun spice blend. Again, look for flavors you already love hiding in your pantry. Bingo! You are now a salad dressing champion! Cheers to a happy, healthy, homemade salad dressing-filled summer.
Serves 4
Mince garlic cloves and shallot. Mix them with pecan oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake well. Add cheese and mix. Pour dressing into the bottom of a salad bowl. Spin bowl so that the dressing is on the sides of the bowl, then add your greens and gently toss to coat the salad. Garnish the salad with cherry tomatoes and more fresh cracked black pepper and serve immediately. *Andy recommends Pecan Ridge Plantation pecan oil (pecanridgeplantation.com) grown and pressed on a family farm in southwest Georgia.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andy Chapman lives in Gulfport where he owns and operates EATYALL and their newest subsidiary, Find Family Farms, businesses that help farmers and food producers connect to chefs & consumers around the globe who are looking for better ingredients. Andy would love to hear how your salad turns out. Contact him at andy@eatyall.com or visit findfamilyfarms.com to learn more.
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with Rebecca Turner
Picking blueberries is a summer tradition in Mississippi. It only takes a few well-established bushes to feed a household till they’re blue in the face. Some of my fondest June and July memories are walking barefoot out to the blueberry bushes late afternoon with an emptied ice-cream gallon bucket. When the bushes are at peak, you can quickly harvest one to two gallons per hour, if you don’t get distracted by eating them straight off the branches. Mom would tell me, ‘don’t pick white, green, or berries with any hint of red; they haven’t ripened.’ You learn to keep an eye out for the concentrated clusters of plump, full-bodied berries. It is still memorizing to hold a bucket under a cluster with one hand and, with your other hand, gently rub the berries with your fingers and watch them cascade into your bucket. Growing up, I didn’t appreciate the health benefits of berries. All I knew was they tasted sweet, and mom didn’t care how many I consumed. As a dietitian, I understand that their vibrant colors and protective skin make them nutrient powerhouses. Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and even cherries come packed with potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Berries of all kinds can
24 TODAY | JUNE 2020
help with blood sugar control, improve insulin response, and may lower cholesterol. The beneficial nutrients in berries help protect your mind and fight against cancer. You can get all the benefits of berries by consuming a cup of fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried, daily. Although you can get berries year-round, take advantage of purchasing them fresh in season. If you don’t have a berry bush in your backyard, locate a pick-your-own farm in Mississippi. One trip, and you can have several gallons of fresh berries for immediate use and plenty to can or freeze. Once picked, don’t place the berries in a closed bag or container. Leave the box open or spread berries on a towel to avoid moisture build-up. Once room temperature, chill berries to increase shelf life. Whether store-bought or picked fresh, store your fresh berries in the refrigerator once you get them home, without washing them. If refrigerated, fresh-picked berries will keep 10 to 14 days. Freeze unwashed berries in one layer deep in zip-top bags, for easy freezer stacking. Remember, both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained right before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.
Instead of a straw, use a spoon to enjoy your favorite smoothies. Eating smoothies in bowls allows for a thicker consistency and more interesting toppings. SMOOTHIE BOWL INGREDIENTS 1 banana frozen 1 ½ cups frozen berries ½ to 1 cup Greek yogurt TOPPING INGREDIENTS Fresh blueberries Fresh strawberries sliced Old-fashioned oats Walnuts 1. Combine frozen banana, frozen berries, and yogurt in a blender. Puree until completely smooth — the mixture should be thick. Add a touch more liquid if necessary to get it to blend completely smooth. 2. Transfer to a bowl and add toppings as desired. Enjoy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rebecca Turner is an author, registered dietitian, radio host, television presenter and a certified specialist in sports dietetics with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A lifelong Mississippian, she lives in Brandon and has spent the last decade offering no-nonsense nutrition guidance that allows you to enjoy good health and good food. Her book, “Mind Over Fork,” challenges the way you think, not the way you eat. Find her on social media @RebeccaTurnerNutrition and online at www.RebeccaTurnerNutrition.com.
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Trains make the old bridge mandatory. The nearest railroad bridges are in Baton Rouge and Memphis.
there. (Turned out I was wrong, but Ninety years ago this year, for that’s another story.) the first time you could drive a Automobile traffic no longer uses car from the Atlantic to the Pathe old bridge. It could. The struccific across the Southern United The old Highway 80 Bridge at Vicksburg is 90 years old this year. The modern Interstate 20 Bridge is just beyond it. ture is still sound. But several years States without having to ferry ago, the bridge was closed while the approaches on both the east across a river. Because in April 1930, the U.S. 80 Bridge was and the west ends were repaired. It was never reopened. completed across the Mississippi River at Vicksburg — finishing a But the bridge is far from unused. There are railroad tracks next dry, connected roadway from Tybee Island, Georgia to San Diego, to the traffic lanes — tracks that are in constant use all day and all California. night. Those tracks have been in use for 90 years. It was the only bridge across the Mississippi south of MemIt is still the only railroad bridge across the Mississippi River in phis at the time. Five years later, the Huey P. Long Bridge opened the state. in New Orleans. In 1940, the bridges at Greenville and Natchez One other thing I find interesting is the old bridge is moving opened. westward. There is a fault under the east bank of the Mississippi Before bridges you had to drive to the nearest ferry (there River at Vicksburg and the bedrock on which the bridge is built was a ferry at Vicksburg, but still…) and wait for it to finish its run has slipped toward Louisiana about 30 inches at the east end of across the river. Then you would unload on the other side, reload, the bridge over the 90 years of its existence. Not so much on the chug back across the river, dock and unload again before you west end. But fault and all, the old Highway 80 Bridge is solid and could get on. But when they opened the Highway 80 Bridge, any time of the sound and ready to stand another 90 years. day or night, in only the amount of time it takes to drive a mile But hugging the guard rail while crossing it will scare the and a half, you were in Louisiana. It was a time machine. Well, a gajeebers out of you. time saving machine, at least. The traffic lanes on the old bridge at Vicksburg are a little gamey. Both lanes together are only 18-feet wide. Ninety years ago, a nine-foot wide lane was plenty of room for a Model T. However, the first time I went over that bridge was in a Greyhound by Walt Grayson bus taking me to Fort Polk, Louisiana for U.S. Army basic training. As soon as we got on the bridge, the driver cut the wheels to the Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting right and hugged the guard rail all the way across to make room television and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That for traffic going in the opposite direction. Halfway over, I decided Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” He lives in Brandon and is a basic training would be a breeze if I survived long enough to get Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com. JUNE 2020 | TODAY 27
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All offers require credit qualification, 2-Year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices apply. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers. Hopper, Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification. Fees apply for additional TVs: Hopper $15/mo., Joey $5/mo., Super Joey $10/mo. 1The DISH Voice Remote with the Google Assistant requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey, or Wally device. Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature. The Google Assistant Smart Home features require Google account and compatible devices. Google is a trademark of Google LLC.
Call Now! 1-855-908-9108 MENTION OFFER CODE “CARD100” TO RECEIVE A $ 100 GIFT CARD Courtesy of InfinityDISH with activation, certain conditions apply. Free $100 MasterCard Gift Card when you order a qualifying service (premium customer qualification only).
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GIFT FOR YOU
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WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK; 8 AM – MIDNIGHT EST, SUNDAY 9 AM – MIDNIGHT EST. • OFFER ONLY GOOD FOR NEW DISH SUBSCRIBERS. • SE HABLA ESPAÑOL All calls with InfinityDISH are monitored and recorded for quality assurance and training purposes. Offer for new and qualifying former customers only. Important Terms and Conditions: Qualification: Advertised price requires credit qualification and 24-month commitment. Upfront activation and/or receiver upgrade fees may apply based on credit qualification. Offer ends 7/15/20. 2-Year Commitment: Early termination fee of $20/mo. remaining applies if you cancel early. Included in 2-year price guarantee at $59.99 advertised price: America’s Top 120 programming package, local channels, HD service fees, and Hopper Duo Smart DVR for 1 TV. Included in 2-year price guarantee for additional cost: Programming package upgrades ($74.99 for AT120+, $84.99 for AT200, $94.99 for AT250), monthly fees for upgraded or additional receivers ($5-$7 per additional TV, receivers with additional functionality may be $10-$15). Regional Sports: RSN Surcharge up to $3/mo. applies to AT120+ and higher packages and varies based on location. NOT included in 2-year price guarantee or advertised price (and subject to change): Taxes & surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DISH Protect, and transactional fees. Remote: The DISH Voice Remote with the Google Assistant requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey, or Wally device. Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature. The Google Assistant Smart Home features require Google account and compatible devices. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Other: All packages, programming, features, and functionality and all prices and fees not included in price lock are subject to change without notice. After 6 mos., if selected, you will be billed $9.99/mo. for DISH Protect Silver unless you call to cancel. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices for all services apply. For business customers, additional monthly fees may apply. Free standard professional installation only. Internet: Internet speeds, prices, and providers vary by customer address. Call for details. Internet not provided by DISH and will be billed separately. Mastercard® gift card must be requested through your DISH Representative at time of purchase. $100 Mastercard® gift card requires activation. You will receive a claim voucher within 3-4 weeks and the voucher must be returned within 60 days. Your Mastercard® gift card will arrive in approximately 6-8 weeks. InfinityDISH charges a one-time $49.99 non-refundable processing fee which is subject to change at any time without notice. Indiana C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S. R1903. *DISH Network received the highest score in the Nation in the J.D. Power 2018-2019 U.S. Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Studies of customers’ satisfaction with their current television provider. Visit jdpower.com/awards.