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outdoors today picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it

Cooperative spirit is strong after Hurricane Ida October is National Cooperative Month, so each year, we take a moment to consider the impact that electric cooperatives make in our community. Their impact was best defined in the days following Hurricane Ida’s trek through Mississippi and Louisiana. Hurricane Ida’s Category 4 wind speeds of more than 140 miles per hour brought a path of destruction through southwest Mississippi, causing more than 85,800 members to lose electric service across our state. Hurricane Ida is tied for the fifth-strongest hurricane to make landfall in the United States. Ten electric cooperatives in Mississippi initially had power outages caused by Hurricane Ida with the hardest hit being Magnolia Electric Power in McComb, Southwest Electric in Lorman, and Coast Electric in Kiln. Cooperatives are guided by 7 Cooperative Principles; one of which is Cooperation Among Cooperatives. After personnel from each of these cooperatives restored power to their respective members, their linemen got up early the following morning and went to another electric cooperative in our state or neighboring Louisiana to repair electric service. Linemen and support staff did this for nine days in our state until electricity was restored. I came to work for the electric cooperatives 16 years ago after Hurricane Katrina devastated the state of Mississippi. I was impressed then with the willingness and fortitude of the employees of our local electric cooperatives to serve their communities, even when their own homes had sustained damage. Hurricane Ida proved once again that our electric cooperatives are committed to the principle of Cooperation Among

Cooperatives. Although there are 26 individual electric cooperatives across our state; there is strong unity when a disaster, like Hurricane Ida, strikes. Speaking of Cooperative Month, I would like to share a few facts with you about electric cooperatives and their impact on our state. Collectively, our 25 distribution cooperatives serve more than 802,000 homes and businesses in Mississippi through more than 95,000 miles of distribution power line. Our cooperatives were founded more than 80 years ago to serve rural areas in Mississippi. Today statewide, they average 8.4 meters per mile of power line, meaning we are still true to our heritage by serving rural areas. This is a low number when considering a major city in Mississippi averages about 30 meters per mile of line. Think about that for a second. When our linemen repaired a mile of power line after Hurricane Ida, they got eight homes or business restored compared to other utilities in more urban areas. Their job is a tough one, and they did it with a strong cooperative spirit. Carrying through with that same spirit, I would like to say, “thank you,” to you, our members, for your support and patience in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Your kind words of encouragement and thanks mean a lot after working long days in the summer heat to restore power.

by Michael Callahan

Magnolia Electric Power’s service area

by the Numbers The following numbers are the effects on Mississippi electric cooperatives:

Power outages Ida’s maximum wind speeds Electric co-ops with outages of power restoration

Tied as the fifth strongest hurricane in the U.S.

Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 3

in this issue

5 southern gardening Crotons mean bold fall foliage

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

outdoors today Getting ready for this year’s hunting seasons

10 local news 16 feature

Blues guitarist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is a future legend

The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi

Vol. 74 No. 10

OFFICERS Eddie Howard - President Randy Carroll - First Vice President Ron Barnes - Second Vice President Tim Perkins - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Ron Stewart - Senior Vice President Lydia Walters - 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: 467,745

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20 on the menu

You don’t have to be at the game to tailgate

Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year. Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300

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23 mississippi seen Why Mansfield Downs is important to our state

On the cover Clarksdale blues guitarist and singer Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is being hailed by the music press as the future of the blues. Photo by Jim Fraher.

23 NEXT IN PICTURE THIS:

Send us photos of churches. Mississippi is filled with beautiful churches, both old and new. We want to show off our state’s gorgeous church architecture. Send us photos of old, abandoned churches or of newer, active churches. Make sure to send us the name of the church (if you know) and the location (town or city). Photos must be high-resolution JPG files of at least 1 MB in size. Please attach the photo to your email and send it to news@ecm.coop. Each entry must be accompanied by photographer’s name, address and co-op. Submission deadline: Nov. 30. Select photos will appear in the January 2022 issue.

4 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

My favorite plants for the fall season are crotons. These beauties have some of the boldest and brightest foliage found in garden centers. Their warm foliage colors of bright yellow, red and orange shades are perfect for autumnal decorations and displays. Some of the foliage rainbow color patterns look like abstract works of art. When grown outside in high light locations, the colors become even more intense. Crotons are not just great for the fall landscape and garden. They are attractive and add an exotic touch all through the year. I get a few questions from time to time about planting crotons into landscape beds. I usually advise against it because they are tropical plants that thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10 to 12. In Mississippi, I suggest leaving them in their original pots or transplanting them into decorative containers. There are more than 100 varieties of croton, but we rarely find more than a few in garden centers. I don’t think it matters which variety you choose, as they all have magnificent warm, fall colors. Crotons also have a variety of leaf shapes, from long and short to thin and twisted. Growing requirements are pretty easy. Place them in the full sun, although some afternoon shade is beneficial. Feed with 20-20-20 watersoluble fertilizer once a month to keep your crotons happy. Maintain consistent soil moisture, as crotons don’t like to dry out. Being tropical, crotons don’t

Crotons such as this Petra variety offer some of the boldest and brightest foliage found in gardens.

like temperatures below 50 degrees, which is no problem in our summer season. Growing them in containers makes it much easier to bring inside for cold weather protection. It also allows you to enjoy the great color indoors if you place them in a bright window with indirect light. Once you take the plants indoors, be sure to mist the foliage every day or try this tip. Place the container in a dish with a layer of pebbles and water. This acts as a humidifier, as the water evaporates from the pebbles’ surface. An indoor problem to look out for are a few insect pests like mealybugs and spider mites that will show up if the containers start to dry out and stress the plant. Control these pests by washing the foliage with gentle dish soap and then rinsing. If you want a great plant for autumn impact, then I highly recommend getting a couple of crotons. The current selection of plants, in my opinion, has never been better at your local independent garden center. As you shop this weekend, be sure to pick up a couple of crotons to complete your autumnal decorations.

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.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 5

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

The warm colors of crotons make them ideal for fall, but they add an exotic touch all year. Colors are most intense when grown outside in high light locations.

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bring legends to life by Nancy Jo Maples Historical tales abound among souls resting in Griffin and Krebs cemeteries of Jackson County. Such stories come to life each fall with reenactments of deceased figures’ lives. Progressive tours are put on by the Jackson County Historical Genealogical Society and local history buffs who organize the events, research the characters, and act the parts wearing time-period costumes. Moss Point’s tour is its ninth; Pascagoula’s tour is its 15th. The Historic Griffin Cemetery Tour in Moss Point will be Oct. 23. Tours are 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. starting on the hour and half-hour. Located at the west end of Dantzler Street, Griffin Cemetery has recorded burials since 1848 and indications exist of possible earlier interments. Griffin’s tour always Skip and Betty St. Amant act as Marie DuPont centers on Moss Point Krebs and John B. “Celestine” DuPont, Jr. at families. This year’s tour the 2020 Krebs Cemetery tour. Photo by Nancy Jo Maples includes six presentations at gravesites depicting the lives of icons like Edward Khayat and his wife Eva. Khayat was an educator, banker, and 32-year member of the Jackson County Board of Supervisors. The Khayats will be portrayed by their grandchildren, Dr. Matt Murray and Deborah Frost Coulson. Another Moss Point figurehead to be represented is Frank Jefferson Hammond, Jr., depicted by Roy Lang. Well-known attorney Hammond was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Tom Getz will play Marion McKay Evans, a former lieutenant governor. The Goleman and Rasmussen families will also be presented. Folk musicians, The Great Speckled Birds, will entertain, and local vendors will sell plants and pottery. Golf carts are available for those unable to walk the terrain. The tour at Krebs is Oct. 28. A United Service Organization (USO) style show with costumed hostesses will kick off the event at 4:30 p.m. Cemetery tours run 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. beginning every 10 to 15 minutes. Located at 4602 Fort St.,

Pascagoula, Krebs Cemetery is the oldest active private family cemetery in the United States. Original tombstones date to 1820 with the marker of a 15-year-old girl written in French; however, burials are recorded for the cemetery as far back as the 1700s. The cemetery sits adjacent to the LaPoint-Krebs House. Dating back to 1757, the LPK House is the oldest, scientifically-confirmed standing structure in the Mississippi River Valley. The Krebs tour theme changes yearly. This year’s portrayals will focus on World War II in keeping with Pascagoula’s current effort to become an American World War II Heritage City. In addition to contributions from citizens and veterans during wartime, the city’s shipbuilding enterprises supplied many of the nation’s war vessels. Warren Gautier will portray his father, Hermès Frederic Gautier, local draft board chairman. Richard Lucas and Tee McCovey will portray Army and Army Air Corps

Ken DeAngelo portrays the late Rev. John Brock at last year’s Griffin Cemetery tour. Photo by Laura Cooley

members Mason Gray Farrell and Leonelle Bonam. Farrell is buried at Krebs. Bonam, Pascagoula’s only Tuskegee Airman, is buried at Biloxi National Cemetery but grew up near Krebs Cemetery. Harold Gautier and his sister Mary Elizabeth Gautier Mahaffey will depict Skip and Bettie St. Amant. Both served in the Marine Corps and are buried at Krebs. Two sailors buried at Krebs, James Thomas Kell, and William English Nolan, Sr., will be portrayed by Scott Logan and Arthur Portas. The Pascagoula event draws 200 to 500 guests; Moss Point’s tour draws more than 100. Admission is free to both. For more information on the Moss Point tour see its Facebook Page, Historic Griffin Cemetery Tour, or call 228-218-5239. For info about the Pascagoula tour, call 228-249-2697. Award-winning journalist Nancy Jo Maples has been writing about Mississippi people and places for more than 30 years. Contact her at nancyjomaples@aol.com. OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 7

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Watch out for power poles! Farm equipment’s a lot taller and wider than it used to be. That’s why you should use extreme caution when operating equipment near power poles and lines, leaving a clearance of at least 10 feet. Knocking over a power pole or getting tangled up in the lines can be dangerous — even deadly.

Think safety around power lines. 8 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Few things are more rewarding and enjoyable than being in the squirrel woods with a good dog.

While doves and some limited waterfowl — teal specifically — can be hunted in September, the bulk of hunting in Mississippi begins in October. And this is a grand month for beginnings. October is marked by fresh, brisk mornings and leaves dressing for autumn. Morning sunrises fill azure skies and shadows take on a peculiar slant unlike that of the suffocating summer just past. October is a grand time to be sure. Two hunting seasons that open in October are for game that occupies certainly the No. 1 slot in popularity — deer — and the probable No. 2 or No. 3 — squirrels. The latter tends to vacillate somewhat, and whether it is second or third in the line-up is inconsequential. It has long been and likely will be anticipated by most hunters of the Magnolia State. Deer in October may only be hunted with archery gear. While not as commanding of attention as is the later firearms seasons, this pursuit of bow hunting boasts a strong following. Thousands take to the woods with bows and arrows each year in hopes of gaining the proper distance from a whitetail while shooting short-range equipment. And most that put in their time doing so are richly rewarded. Squirrel hunting may, by some, be viewed as a strange attraction. Squirrels are common in city parks and along city streets and in backyards and on lawns. Wooded roadsides seem filled with them. Common they are, and that familiarity may coax the unschooled of squirrel hunting to disregard them as viable, to consider them as little more than cuddly bundles of activity. Dedicated squirrel hunters know differently. They recognize that squirrels are worthy of

pursuit, cunning and suspicious of intrusion into their wild haunts. In short, squirrels are a challenge. And they provide the makings of a fine supper. While growing up, I was introduced to squirrel hunting by my dad. There was not even a deer season in proximity to our humble home area. But those glorious autumn mornings, and at times bitter winter days, in the squirrel woods were the things of dreams, part of the journey into reality and adulthood, now memories treasured and often relived minus many regular companions from those early days. I, back then, became a squirrel hunter and remain such. I go every year. These days I seldom actually collect a squirrel, maybe a half dozen in singles or pairs scattered out over the season. Fried squirrel and biscuits coax me to do so. But mostly, I simply go. And sit and think and look and listen and marvel and recall who and what I really am. There is great profit in my squirrel hunting. Much too good to miss, this endeavor.

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.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 9

“Powering communities and empowering lives” Dixie Electric is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

dixieepa.com | defastlink.net | prepared.dixieepa.com | AFTER HOURS: 888-465-9209 | 601-425-2535 dixieepa.com

@DixieElectricMS

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It’s a matter of (Co-op!) principles ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes and Dixie Electric all share something in common: we’re all cooperatives. We may be in different industries, but we all share a passion for serving our members and helping our communities to thrive. In fact, all cooperatives adhere to the same set of seven principles that reflect our core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness and service to the greater community good. October is National Co-op Month, so this is the perfect time to reflect on these principles that have stood the test of time but also provide a framework for the future. Let’s take a look at a few of these cooperative principles. Voluntary and Open Membership Just like all co-ops, Dixie Electric was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. In 1938, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op, so everyone in our community could benefit. While this history may be forgotten, key parts of that heritage remain — the focus on our mission and serving the greater good. In this, we strive to improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for the entire community. Membership is open to everyone in our service territory, regardless of race, religion, age, disability, language, political perspective, or socioeconomic status. Democratic Member Control Our co-op is well suited to meet the needs of our members because we are locally governed. Through the election of directors, each member gets a voice and a vote in how the co-op

10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

is run, and each voice and vote are equal. Our board of directors, who help set long-term priorities for the co-op, live locally on co-op lines. These board members are elected by members just like you. We know our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we are continually seeking your input and encourage you to weigh in on important co-op issues and participate in co-op elections. You can do so right now by voting in our annual board elections. See page 13 for instructions on how to vote. Cooperation Among Cooperatives One of the greatest values of your membership is knowing that it’s not just Dixie Electric who has your back — it’s hundreds of co-ops around the nation who are ready to respond when needed. We collectively work together so that no electric co-op faces a challenge alone. We recently carried out this principle by sending lineworkers to Magnolia Electric Power Association and Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative to restore power after Hurricane Ida caused widespread damage to their electrical systems. Dixie Electric is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for good and making our corner of the world a better place.

by Randy Smith General Manager

hurricane ida Restoration and mutual aid Hurricane Ida, the second most intense hurricane to strike the state of Louisiana, made landfall on Sunday, Aug. 29, as a Category 4 storm. Dixie Electric’s service territory saw wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour, and heavy rain saturated the area. Power outages began in the early morning on Monday, Aug. 30, and continued throughout the day, peaking at 2,772. Line workers began to assess the damage, mainly caused by fallen trees, and crews were dispatched to begin the restoration efforts once it was safe to do so. Right-of-way contract crews aided in power restoration, and all power was restored by 5 p.m. the same day. Fourteen linemen from Dixie Electric, led by Safety Manager Joe Donald, left on Wednesday, Sept. 1, to assist with power restoration at Magnolia Electric Power Association, headquartered in McComb, Mississippi. Magnolia Electric initially reported 21,000 members without power after Hurricane Ida caused extensive damage to their electric system. Dixie Electric responded to the call for mutual aid by sending two crews, two servicemen, bucket trucks, a track machine, and other support vehicles. Magnolia Electric Power Association completed power restoration on Wednesday, Sept. 8. On Thursday, Sept. 9, two servicemen and two linemen from Dixie Electric traveled to Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Franklinton, Louisiana, to assist with power restoration efforts. WSTE reported 43,191 members without power after their system sustained heavy damage from Hurricane Ida. “Our line crew personnel are proud to help members of sister cooperatives affected by Hurricane Ida,” Donald said. “Mutual aid is a valued part of who we are as a cooperative.”

Lineman Wes McDonnieal restores power in the West Jones area.

Line Foreman Kimble Holiﬁeld and Lineman Will Pitts retrieve a downed line from a fallen tree.

Crew traveled to Magnolia Electric Power: Safety Manager Joe Donald, Jonathan Hilbun, Ben Blailock, Lucas Laird, Ford Turner, Guy Shelton, Shelby Ivey, Jack Payne, and Brian Barkley.

Crew traveled to Magnolia Electric Power: Charles Houpt, Michael Paul King, Bobby McDonald, Ethan McLeod, Chris Pittman, and Tanner Carpenter.

Crew traveled to Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative: Wes McDonnieal, Mark Ball, Ryan Boutwell, and Landon Martin.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

OFFICIAL NOTICE Dixie Electric’s Annual Membership Meeting Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021

In-person voting is from 10 to 10:50 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2021, at the Laurel office. The annual meeting will also be held online at dixieepa.com beginning at 11 a.m. Dear Member, The Credentials and Election Committee, made up of members of the cooperative, met on August 10, 2021, and certified the following individuals as candidates in their respective districts. The certification includes verifying the qualifications and the petitions submitted by the candidates. The following individuals were the only members who submitted the qualifying documentation:

District 3 Robert Smith

District 4 Larry Griffin, Lynwood Hightower III, Stan Pickering

District 6 Faye Bonner

Respectfully Submitted, Andy Dial, Chairman Credentials and Election Committee

To view a copy of Dixie Electric’s bylaws and/or annual meeting report, visit dixieepa.com. If you need any kind of interpreter at the Annual Membership Meeting, foreign language or sign language, please contact the communication department at (601) 425-2535 at least five days prior to the annual meeting.

District candidates Robert Smith - District 3

Stan Pickering - District 4

Larry Griffin - District 4

Faye Bonner - District 6

Robert Smith has served on Dixie Electric’s board of directors for more than 13 years and is currently the president. Robert is retired from the Jones County Road Department. He currently serves as the chairman of the DE Fastlink board of managers. Robert and his wife, Vicki, reside in the Shelton community. They have three children and 11 grandchildren, with whom he enjoys spending time. He is an active member of Shelton Baptist Church.

Larry Griffin, from Ellisville, is retired from Cooperative Energy after a 30-year career. Larry and his wife, Debbie, attend Life Church, where he served on the board for nine years. He is an active member of the Laurel Kiwanis Club, Pat Harrison Waterway District, and the International Right of Way Association. Larry and Debbie have three children and six grandchildren.

Lynwood Hightower, III - District 4

Lynwood Hightower has been a pharmacist for 35 years, holding a license in 10 states. He is currently employed at Wallace Drugs. He attends Highland Baptist Church, where he has taught Sunday school for 13 years. Since 1982, Lynwood has provided medical/dental mission work in Honduras. He is a 1986 graduate of the University of Mississippi. He and his wife, Cam, have one child.

Stan Pickering and his wife, Brittney, own Chickfil-A on 16th Avenue in Laurel. Prior to Chick-fil-A, Stan was a banker for 15 years. They are members of First Baptist Church of Laurel, where Stan serves as a deacon. He is a previous board member for the Jones County Chamber of Commerce and a previous member and president of the Kiwanis Club of Laurel. Stan and Brittney have three children.

Faye Bonner joined Dixie Electric’s board of directors in 2015. Faye and her husband, Redell, own the accounting firm of Bonner & Associates. She also serves as the secretary for the DE Fastlink board of managers. Faye attends First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. They have one daughter and three grandchildren and reside in the Whistler community in Wayne County.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021

Make voting easier with the SmartHub App

This is the first year that members can vote in our annual election through the SmartHub app.

Voting in the app is easy as 1, 2, 3!

Click the Vote Now button located in the top, right-hand corner.

Follow the instructions and submit your vote.

Only one vote per household will be counted. If you choose to vote through your SmartHub account, there is no need to return your mail ballot or proxy.

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Dixie Electric’s Annual Membership Meeting Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021

Dixie Electric’s office: 1863 Highway 184 Laurel, MS 39443 Voting at the Laurel office is from 10 until 10:50 a.m. Online and in-person annual meeting begins at 11 a.m.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 13

Co-op Connections

business spotlight

It’s football season, which means cheering on your favorite team with your family and friends at tailgating events. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, located at 2159 Highway 15 North in Laurel, offers catering services for any event, any size, any time. Owned and operated by Brent and Jennifer Lambert of Ellisville for 12 years, Dickey’s customer service is hard to beat. “Catering allows us to take the load off of our customer and allows them to enjoy their event without the hassle of planning, shopping, preparing, or cooking their meal,” said Jennifer Lambert. Dickey’s menu is full of tailgating favorites, including smoked meats, sensational sides and delicious desserts. “I would suggest trying our

new traditional smoked wings,” said Lambert. “The wings are offered in an assortment of different sauces, including our popular Dr. Pepper sauce.” Dickey’s catering menu offers box lunches, delivery buffet, party platters and packs, and full-service catering. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the game and let Dickey’s take care of the meal. Present your Co-op Connections card and receive a free big Yellow Cup with any $10 purchase.

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 • Ellisville Junction substation: Pecan Grove, Ovett, and Tuckers Crossing • Hoy substation: North Laurel, Hoy, Moss, Shady Grove, Matthews, and Springhill Road • North Petal: Eastabuchie, Glendale, and Petal • Petal substation: Petal, Sunrise, Hillcrest, and Macedonia 14 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Electronic and mobile devices, TVs, computers, and gaming stations have become fixtures in our homes, particularly those with children. The advancement in technology has slowly but steadily changed our homes and lifestyles. Children are growing up in an everconnected world with their lifestyles increasingly reliant on technology and in turn, energy consumption. Teaching children the value of saving energy is an important life lesson that doesn’t have to be scary.

The why Before parents can teach their children how to save energy, they must first answer the question, “What’s in it for me?” As most parents can attest, convincing kids to care about energy efficiency is a hard sell. Parents need to explain why it’s important to save energy and how it benefits the child — otherwise they will not understand the need to change their habits and will be less motivated to do so. In the simplest terms, less money spent on an electric bill can mean more

money used for fun activities. (That’s something children can relate to!) Less tangible, but just as important, using less energy means running your home more efficiently, conserving natural resources and helping the environment.

Learning by doing Because “saving energy” is an abstract concept for children, be specific about energy efficiency actions and set an example. We know that children learn by observing what their parents do. Even if they don’t say anything, children are processing your actions. When you turn off the lights when leaving a room or unplug the phone charger once the device is fully charged, they will notice. Learning about energy efficiency doesn’t have to be a boring lecture. Make it fun for greater impact. Kids of all ages can learn a few simple energy-saving habits that can last a lifetime: • Turn off lights, devices, computers, and video consoles when not in use.

• Open blinds and curtains

during winter days to let warm sunlight in, and close them during summer days to keep your home cooler. • If your children are old enough to run the dishwasher or wash their own clothes, teach them to run these appliances only with a full load. Teaching your children about saving energy is not only a creative way to spend time with them; it helps your home to be more energy efficient, and can instill good habits that will benefit your child long into adulthood.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 15

Photo by Justin Hardiman

16 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Photos by Chad Calcote

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Ask anyone who has witnessed one of Ingram’s live performances, and they will describe the moment when their jaw dropped in awe. Ingram has recently released his second album, “662” named for the area code of his beloved north Mississippi home. His debut CD, “Kingfish,” was nominated for a Grammy in 2019. Ingram has performed with living blues legend Buddy Guy, recorded with funk icon Bootsy Collins and has been interviewed by Sir Elton John on his Apple podcast. He’s been on the cover of Guitar World and DownBeat magazines and Rolling Stone wrote that “Kingfish is one of the most exciting young guitarists in years, with a sound that encompasses B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Prince.” Not bad for a kid who was taught to play guitar at an arts education program at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale.

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by Steven Ward The history of the blues is embedded deep in Mississippi’s past. So, it’s no wonder that the future of the blues has blossomed from the same legendary locale. According to one legendary account, Mississippi blues icon Robert Johnson went to “The Crossroads” in Clarksdale to make a deal with the devil to sell his soul in exchange for the ability to play his guitar and become the greatest musician in history. Clarksdale is also the birthplace and home of 22-year-old blues guitarist and singer Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. A child prodigy who picked up the guitar at 11 after playing bass and drums, Ingram has taken on the role of blues savior. His record company wrote in publicity material that Ingram “has quickly become the defining blues voice of his generation.”

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mississipp on the menu outdo scene around the ‘sip

During a break from his current tour, Today in Mississippi had a chance to ask co-op involvement Ingram a few questions. Today in Mississippi: Do you feel like your songwriting has matured or gotten better on the new album?

Kingfish: Yeah. The songs on “662” are more personal, and there’s been some growth — musically, vocally, and with the songwriting. Songwriting is not easy. You want to be original, but sometimes I overthink it.

TIM: You have a song on the new album called, “Another Life Goes By.” Why did you feel like it was important to write that song right now?

K: Actually, the song was written before what happened to George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. I wrote the song because blues has always been protest music. It’s our blues of today, and I think it’s mandatory that we talk about it. TIM: Do Clarksdale and Mississippi play a part in the man

southern gardening

K: Absolutely, Clarksdale is a big factor in who I am. Because of all the people here in the city. The blues. The music. The culture. Everything I’ve been through here. TIM: Tell me about your favorite blues guitar players and influences.

K: I mean I listen to and love Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Son House, Lighting Hopkins, Freddie King, and Otis Rush. All those guys are influences. I think the best player I ever saw live was a guy called T Model Ford. He was so authentic. There was something about his style. He could be out of tune, but the way he played really touched me. TIM: You have played all over the world. I’m sure you have had great experiences. But what do you miss about Mississippi when you are on the road in exotic places?

K: The cooking for sure. Food from home. But also, southern hospitality. I miss the people.

you’ve become?

TIM: If you were born and raised in, say, Iowa or California, do you think you would be a blues guitar player today?

K: Oh no. No. No disrespect to Iowa or California. But kids wind up doing what they see. It’s about what they are around. And being in Clarksdale, I’ve been around blues music my entire life.

Photo by Laura Carbone

18 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Photo by Justin Hardiman

ssissippi marketplace outdoors today p picture this my opinion grin ‘n’ bare it

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4 1. Death by Chocolate by Marlene Langford of Maben; 4-County Electric member. 2. Strawberry shortcake by Neetsie Gary of Yazoo City; Yazoo Valley member. 3. Ghoulish Guacamole dip with chips by Evelyn King of McComb; Magnolia Electric member.

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5. Gluten-free bread and BLT fixings by Hannah McPherson of West Point; 4-County Electric member. 6. Carmel Cake by Coleen McKenzie of Eupora; 4-County Electric member. 7. Bread by Karon Netherland Wilcher of Carthage; Central Electric member.

4. Fried green tomato salad by Lauren Brumfield of Richton; Singing River Electric member.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 19

with Rebecca Turner

Homegating: Graze and grab-n-go grub perfect for football season Fall is in the air, which means football season is back! And with football comes game-watching parties. The traditional tailgating party happens on campus, outside the football stadium in designated areas like The Grove, The District, The Junction, or The Roost. However, as long as football has been televised, fans have hosted parties from the comfort of their own home. Now, thanks to an ongoing global pandemic, more football fans are embracing the idea of “homegating” and scoring extra points for safety with at-home game-day festivities. Hosting your football tailgate at home gives you a chance to stay safe, avoid crowds, and keep your budget low and the fun high. Food is the life of the party on game day, but fans want to graze and gab about the game instead of sitting down for a meal. That is why making everything buffet-style or grab-n-go is the best setup. You can never go wrong with

bite-sized appetizers, delicious dips, miniature main courses, and dessert. The best part, you can try new recipes with each game day while keeping the MVPs in rotation. Classic tailgating foods include chili, ribs, hamburgers, wings, chips, and cheese dips. This year give rookie recipes a starting position on your table — kickoff the party with sausage and cheese cups, bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts, and creamy blue cheese onion dip. Go for the goal with walking tacos and air fried corn on the cob. Keep dessert simple with crowd favorites like individual ice cream cups, brownie bites, and chocolate chip cookies. Tailgating may still look and feel slightly different, but that doesn’t mean the party is over. Whether you’re headed to campus, ready to host a tailgate at home, or watch alone, throw on your school colors, get a plate of festive foods, and enjoy a game-day adventure.

SAUSAGE AND CHEESE CUPS INGREDIENTS 12-ounce package wonton wrappers 1 pound sausage 3 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning mix 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup milk Spray mini muffin tins with non-stick spray. Carefully press wonton wrappers in the tins and fold edges back and flat. Should look like a cup. Bake empty at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. 20 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Brown sausage and drain off fat. Cool. In a large bowl, mix ranch dressing mix, cheeses, yogurt, milk, and sausage. Fill wonton cups with sausage mixture. Bake again at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove from tin to a wire rack to cool. Tip: Pre-bake the cups and store in an air-tight container until ready to fill. You can also mix your filling together the night before, refrigerate, and do steps 5-7 on game day.

BACON WRAPPED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

BLUE CHEESE ONION DIP

INGREDIENTS 8 slices of bacon 16 Brussels sprouts Toothpicks Salt and pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS 16 ounces sour cream 1 packet onion soup mix 1/4 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt 4 ounces blue cheese crumbled 1/2 teaspoon dry dill weed 1 teaspoon dry parsley flakes

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Mix all ingredients together and let chill.

Trim, wash, and pat dry Brussels sprouts. Cut bacon slices in half.

Serve with assorted veggies and/or chips for dipping.

Line a baking sheet in tin foil. Wrap bacon around Brussels sprouts and secure with a toothpick. Place on a baking sheet. Salt and pepper to taste. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes until bacon reaches desired crispness.

AIR FRYER CORN ON THE COB INGREDIENTS 6 frozen corn on the cobs Butter Salt and pepper

WALKING TACOS INGREDIENTS 1 pound lean meat 1 taco packet (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning) Individual sized Frito chips Favorite taco toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, pico, salsa, etc. 1 cup milk Prepare meat as directed on the taco packet. On game day, place prepared taco meat into a slow cooker and turn on warm. Allow guests to build their tacos with individual sized chips bags, and taco toppings. The chip bags can be their serving container.

Place your frozen corn on the cob into the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes at 360 degrees. After 12 minutes remove the corn. Place a layer of tin foil into your air fryer basket and then sit your cooked corn on the cob on it. Season your corn with salt and pepper and add some butter to each corn cob. Cook for an additional 3 minutes at 400 degrees. After 3 minutes roll your corn in the butter that has dropped down into the tin foil. I f not done enough, cook for another 3 minutes. All air fryers are different.

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.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 21

mississippi seen

mississippi is...

events

mississippi marketplace homemade goods, jewelry, purses, holiday gifts, and Events open to the public will be published free more. Proceeds go to help the Center Ridge Outpost, on the menu outdoors today a camp for children with autism. Raffle tickets will of charge as space allows. Submit details be sold for a community basket to support our local at least two months prior to the event date. mission, “Friends in Need.” Details: 601-214-7834. this scene around the ‘sip picture Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Email to The 25th Annual Vancleave Arts and Crafts Fair and Sale. Nov. 20. Vancleave. More than 50 arts news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to my opinion co-op involvement Book and craft vendors will be present with many great change or cancelation due to COVID-19. Please confirm details before traveling.

hand-crafted items for Christmas gift giving. Inside the library, the year’s biggest book sale will be happening. All proceeds will go toward the Friends of the Vancleave Library’s projects and programs. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Vancleave Public Library. 12604 Highway 57 in Vancleave, Jackson County. Details: 228-8264143. JGRLS.org.

southern gardening Turkey Shoot. Oct. 9. Jackson County. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Daisy Masonic Lodge No. 421, 25700 School House Road. About 14 miles north of Vancleave off Highway 57. Details: 228-861-3995. The 23rd Annual Craft Fair and Bake Sale. Oct. 9. Brandon. Door prizes, multiple vendors, baked goods, and hand-crafted gifts. Church proceeds to benefit social ministries such as: Harbor House, Center for Violence Prevention (assistance for abused women and children), Rankin County Human Resource Agency, Grace House, Mississippi State Hospital, VA Volunteer Services, Habitat for Humanity, Stewpot, and the church’s annual live nativity scene. Free admission. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nativity Lutheran Church, corner of Crossgates Boulevard and Old Brandon Road. Details: 601-825-5125.

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The 67th Pre-Thanksgiving Gospel Sing Concert. Nov. 20. South Mendenhall. Featuring The Down East Boys, Terry Joe Terrell, Tim Frith and the Gospel Echoes, and The Revelations. New Life Fellowship. 2167 Highway 49. Details: 601-906-0677.

Barn Sale – Antiques and Collectibles. Oct. 15-16. Purvis. More than 70 collectors with trailer loads of antiques and collectibles. 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Barn sale auction Friday at 5:30 p.m. 4799 Old Highway 11, Purvis (Oak Grove). Details: 601-818-5886 or 601-794-7462. Landrum’s Homestead Fall Festival. Oct. 16. Laurel. Wagon rides, gem mining, shooting gallery, old time games, fishing, cake walk, woodcarving, and blacksmith demonstrations. The event will also feature food, homemade ice cream, and beautiful fall photo spots. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10. Children 3 and under are free. 1356 Hwy 15 South. Details: 601649-2546. landrums.com. Lumberton Olde Tyme Festival. Oct. 16. Lumberton. Arts, crafts, entertainment, and food. Presented by the Lumberton Economic Development Council. 201 West Main Ave. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details: 601-796-4212. 2nd Bluegrass Festival. Oct. 23. Quitman. Acts include Bounds & Determined and Kings Mountain Band, both from Northport, Alabama; Patchwork String Band from Oxford and Rhonda Kelly of Quitman. Starts at 10 a.m. Clarkco State Park, 386 Clarkco Road. Details: 601-776-6651. Whistlestop Weekend. Nov. 5-6. Meridian. Formerly known as the Railfest, Soule Live Steam, and The Carousel Organ Association of America’s Fall Rally. Railroad memorabilia, live steam engines, classic cars, model trains, steam musical organs, blacksmithing, antique machine shop, broom making, and antique print shop operation. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Details: 601286-7738. The Annual Holiday Missions Marketplace. Nov. 6. Puckett. Sponsored by UMW of the Puckett United Methodist Church, 6412 Highway 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A rummage sale and vendors will be outside. Come inside and enjoy a homemade soup lunch, a bargain at $5 a bowl. Also shop for the holidays, and holiday casseroles and desserts will be for sale or to order ready for Thanksgiving/Christmas. Past items included: arts and crafts, woodwork/yard art,

22 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Infants and toddlers are curious by nature. Open electrical outlets just beg for exploration, which can be pretty dangerous. To keep those little fingers out of trouble, pick up some safety plugs at your local store. They’re inexpensive and can be installed in seconds. And they’ll give you peace of mind while those curious little minds keep looking for new outlets.

A message from

Merit Falls in Simpson County

Long time Mississippi newspaper columnist Bill Minor was an acquaintance of mine. We bumped into each other from time to time at various functions. Often, he would come to the television station and be our commentator on election nights. Over the past few weeks, I have finally picked up a copy of Bill’s book, “Eyes on Mississippi.” It is a collection of his columns about Mississippi politics and associated issues over a 50-year period starting in the late 1940s. It’s an interesting insight into the issues of the day as they were unfolding. All of it is history now. But it was current events at the time Bill was writing about it. We have the perspective of hindsight. No one knew what was coming next as he was banging out his “Eyes on Mississippi” newspaper columns.

Fishing at a “good spot”

The tone of one of his articles caught my attention. It seemed a departure from his normal attitude about things. It’s in the last chapter of his book where he has compiled columns about people that he really admired. The gist of this particular article is how one person can make a difference. And in the 1970s, Mansfield Downs made a huge difference for those of us who like to explore a river or float a Mississippi creek now and again. Who is Mansfield Downs? Well, I wouldn’t have had any idea had I not read the book. It was Mr. Downs’ persistence that convinced the Legislature to redefine “public streams” in Mississippi. Until 1971, a public stream was one on which you could float a steamboat loaded with 200 bales of cotton for at least 30 straight days a year. All of the rest of the smaller rivers, creeks,

and bayous belonged to the landowners. That means if you wanted to try floating or canoeing one of our current popular creek or river floats back then, you could have been arrested for trespassing. But in 1971, the Legislature updated the public waterways qualifications and opened up about 90% more of the state’s waterways — places we use today. And that may never have been done — or at least it wouldn’t have been done when it was — had it not been for Mr. Downs from Pearl River County. Floating the Chunky River And I don’t know another thing about him. But if you ever play in Pelahatchie Creek or paddle the Pascagoula or ply the upper Pearl, thank Mr. Downs. They say three-fifths of the world is covered in water. Mississippi may not be quite that wet, but as a fisherman-cousin of mine told me once, you can’t go 20 miles in any direction in Mississippi without finding another good fishing hole. In October, the weather finally starts getting to where convertibles, front porch swings, and out of the way streams all become more purposeful. Thank you, Mr. Downs, for access to our watery quiet spots.

by Walt Grayson Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting television and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” Walt is also a reporter and 4 p.m. news anchor at WJTV in Jackson. He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com.

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