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CENTRAL ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION

A tradition of dependable, hometown service since 1937 CARTHAGE: 601-267-5671 | PHILADELPHIA: 601-656-2601 | RANKIN: 601-829-1201 | SEBASTOPOL: 601-625-7422

107 EAST MAIN STREET • CARTHAGE, MS 39051

It’s a matter of (Co-op!) principles ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes, and Central Electric Power Association 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 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 three of the cooperative principles.

Voluntary and Open Membership

Democratic Member Control

Just like all co-ops, Central Electric was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So in 1937, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op, so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest member-

Our co-op is well suited to meet the needs of our members because we are locally governed. Each member gets a voice and a vote in who sets the vision for the co-op, and each voice and vote are equal. Central Electric’s leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, who help set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by you and your neighbors. 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. Our close connection to this community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on members’ priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.

ship fee to the co-op, any farmer could get electricity brought to his farm. Neighbors came together to tackle a problem that they all had but couldn’t solve alone. They worked together for the benefit of the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our community. 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 include everyone 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, gender identity, language, political perspective, or socioeconomic status. 10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Concern for Community As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Central Electric is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for making our corner of the world a better place by providing quality of life. Because we are guided by our seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members.

VERSION #______________

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

RON Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

STEVEN Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

CHAD Date_____

Approved

Revisions Requested

Get familiar with

cyber basics

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month At a time when we are more connected than ever, being “cyber smart” is of the utmost importance. This year has already seen more than a fair share of cyber attacks and breaches, including the high-profile attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and other critical infrastructure. Furthermore, as has been underlined by these recent breaches, cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated with more evolved bad actors cropping up each day. Luckily, there are several steps that we can take on a daily basis to mitigate risks and stay one step ahead of malefactors. Here are a few quick tips:

Enable multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds that necessary second check to verify your identity when logging in to one of your accounts. By requiring multiple methods of authentication, your account is further protected from being compromised, even if a bad actor hijacks your password. In this way, MFAs make it more difficult for password cracking tools to enable attackers to break into accounts.

Use strong passphrases/password manager This may seem obvious, but all too often securing strong passphrases/password managers is overlooked. People spending more time online during the pandemic has certainly contributed to more bad actors prowling for accounts to attack. Using long, complex, and unique passwords is a good way to stop your account from being hacked, and an easy way of keeping track and remembering your passwords is by using a password manager.

Perform software updates When a device prompts that it’s time to update the soft-

Energy efficiency tip of the month Source: energy.gov

ware, it may be tempting to simply click postpone, and ignore the message. However, having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system on devices is one of the best defenses against online threats. So, don’t wait — update.

Do your research Common sense is a crucial part of maintaining good online hygiene, and an intuitive step to stay safe online is to do some research before downloading anything new to your device, such as apps. Before downloading any new learning app on your device, make sure that it’s reputable by checking who created the app, what the user reviews say, and if there are any articles published online about the app’s privacy and security features.

Check your settings Be diligent to double check your privacy and security settings, and be aware who can access your documents. This extends from Google docs, to Zoom calls, and beyond. For meetings on Zoom, for example, create passwords so only those invited to the session can attend, and restrict who can share their screen or files with the rest of the attendees. Being cyber smart and maintaining stellar online hygiene are the best ways to protect yourself and others from cyber attacks. No single tip is foolproof but taken together they can make a real difference for taking control of your online presence. Following these tips is also easy, and free. By taking preventive measures and making a habit of practicing online safety, you can decrease your odds of being hacked exponentially — and prevent lost time and money, as well as annoyance.

Old, uninsulated and improperly installed exterior doors can waste energy and money. Shut the door on wasted energy by weather stripping and sealing all exterior doors. If you have an old exterior door, consider replacing it with a newer, energy efficient model.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 12

activity is related to the weather by Bonnie A. Coblentz It seems that wild turkeys don’t like humidity any more than people do. That is a finding of a study conducted by the MSU Forest and Wildlife Research Center, or FWRC, in response to concerns that Mississippi’s turkey season was not timed properly. MSU supports turkeys and turkey hunting in a variety of ways, including through publications and land management workshops offered by the Extension Service. Setting hunting seasons is the responsibility of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, or MDWFP. This agency has traditionally instituted a statewide, Perhaps more importantly 7-week, spring for hunters trying to better harvest season for understand when toms turkeys. Hunters vocalize more often in the routinely argue that there are different spring, gobbling activity peaks in gobbling was more prevalent on activity across the less humid days state, meaning the season should open and close at different times in different parts of Mississippi. Francisco Vilella, an FWRC adjunct professor and scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, said turkey hunters in the southern part of the state thought the season began after peak gobbling activity ended. Hunters in north Mississippi thought the season began too early before turkeys began their ritual vocalizations and courtships. Gobbling is an activity of toms — adult male turkeys. “The objective of this study was to determine whether differences in peak gobbling activity existed across a latitudinal gradient of Mississippi,” Vilella said. The data suggested that weather influences gobbling activity, and the existing hunting season covers peak times of turkey activity across the state. “Across the globe, natural-resource managers strive to understand the effects of weather on wildlife populations to implement effective conservation and game species

management,” Vilella said. “Weather has been recognized as a density-independent factor influencing the abundance, distribution, and behavior of vertebrates.” Vilella said the MSU data indicated that no changes were required to the hunting season framework established by MDWFP. While turkeys have different peaks at the geographic ends of the state, both peaks are captured by the hunting season. In 2021, the fall general turkey hunting season extends from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15 in certain counties. The spring general season was March 15 to May 1. Matthew Palumbo of Lackawanna, New York, took on this study for his graduate research project. Palumbo earned a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science in 2010 from MSU. “Data were collected from a statewide gobbling survey in 2008 and 2009 that monitored gobbling activity a month prior to the hunting season, throughout the season, and a month after the season,” he said. The researchers applied mathematical models to describe the probability and frequency of gobbling activity within northern and southern regions of the state. “Our results revealed an approximate 10- to 14-day difference in peak gobbling activity between southern and northern Mississippi, but those peaks occurred during hunting season,” Palumbo said. Dry conditions played a major factor in gobbling activity. “Perhaps more importantly for hunters trying to better understand when toms vocalize more often in the spring, gobbling activity was more prevalent on less humid days,” Palumbo said. Bonnie A. Coblentz is a writer/editor for the Mississippi State University Extension Service. OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 13

P.O. BOX 188 • 340 HOPSON STREET • LYON, MS 38645 662-624-8321 • FAX 662-624-8327 • www.coahomaepa.com • cepa@coahomaepa.com

Electric trucks and SUVs are coming by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen Dear Pat: I was an electric vehicle skeptic, but I just saw an announcement of the all-electric Ford F150 Lightning. I didn’t realize electric pickups could be this compelling or competitive. Are there other electric pickups or SUVs coming out soon? - Mike Dear Mike: The Ford F150 Lightning is changing minds across America about what an electric vehicle can do. In fact, Ford declared this is their best truck to date — not best electric vehicle, but best truck, period. Electric SUVs are available now and pickups will be soon. This development has been anticipated for years. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are about 24 times higher than they were 10 years ago, with several factors driving demand: • The instant torque from electric motors boosts acceleration. • The low center of gravity improves handling and reduces rollover risk. • The superior traction control of electric motors can increase off-road capability and safety in winter. • The upfront cost of an EV purchase is now more competitive with similar internal combustion models, and most EVs qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. • The cheaper operating fuel cost per mile (for electricity) compared to gasoline or diesel is another attractive feature for drivers. Ford’s electric F150 Lightning is scheduled to arrive in spring 2022, starting under $40,000 for the commercial trim package (230-mile range model). A 300 plus mile battery is an option, and all models are 4X4 with respectable towing and payload capacities. The Lightning is also equipped to provide 9.6kW of home backup power or portable power for a jobsite. 10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Rivian’s R1T all electric pickup is available now. Photo Credit: Rivian

Tesla has more than a million preorders for their new Cybertruck, which will likely arrive in 2022. The 250-mile range 2WD model starts under $40,000 and steps up to $50,000 for the 300-mile range 4WD model. Tesla plans to offer a 500+ mile range version for $70,000 that can tow more than 14,000 pounds. GMC has announced a late 2021 release of an electric Hummer with 1,000 horsepower and additional features for off-road performance. Rivian, a startup backed by billions of dollars from Ford and Amazon, is planning to unveil their R1T electric pickup later this year. Crossover SUVs (CUVs) are one of the most popular types of vehicles, and a number of manufacturers say they’ll have electric models available soon. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E is actually available now with a range up to 305 miles, starting at $45,000. Volkswagen’s ID4 CUV starts at $40,000 and is available with AWD options. More electric SUVs are coming, including Rivian’s R1S, Nissan’s Ariya, and Volkswagen’s six-passenger ID6. And it’s not just vehicles that are shifting to electric. Electric snow machines and jet skis are arriving soon. Even large construction equipment like excavators, backhoes and heavy-duty trucks will have electrically fueled models. One remaining hurdle for increased EV adoption in rural areas is fast, sufficient charging for longer trips. Most EV owners charge at home, but more fast-charge stations on rural highways will be helpful. Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen of Collaborative Efficiency write on energy efficiency topics for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Get familiar with

cyber basics

Perform software updates When a device prompts that it’s time to update the soft-

Energy efficiency tip of the month Source: energy.gov Source: energy.gov

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

FOR TODAY IN MISSISSIPPI INFORMATION, CALL 877-7MY-CEPA (1-877-769-2372) WWW.COASTEPA.COM

Where our members have the power

Communicators: April Lollar & Merilee Sands

A message from your CEO Power restoration after a storm is a task that involves everyone at Coast Electric. Crew members are the most visible, but it takes the entire staff to complete the job. Right-of-way workers make sure trees and limbs are cleared off of lines, mechanics keep our fleet rolling, member service representatives take member calls, dispatchers ensure crews have the information they need, purchasing and warehouse personnel have the right materials on hand to make repairs, our logistics team feeds and houses visiting crews, engineers and operations employees monitor the system and implement the restoration plan,

IT keeps internal and external systems up and running, and so on. Every employee works long, hard hours after storms, and I hope they know how much I appreciate their efforts to power your homes and businesses. I also want to thank all of you, our members, for being gracious and supportive when times are tough. We realize that you are often in stressful situations after storms, so it means even more that you offer us grace and patience while we work. We never know what Mother Nature will do, and we can’t promise power won’t go out after storms, but we can promise that we have a group of dedicated employees working for you.

by Ron Barnes President and CEO

Reduce Your Use Contest Coast Electric wants you to reduce your energy use and see savings on your monthly energy costs. Each month, you will have an opportunity to register to win a prize that will help you reduce the energy consumption in your home. To help you manage your use and save, we are giving away a case of LED lightbulbs. All you have to do is visit coastepa.com and fill out our entry form. It only takes a few seconds, and you could win a prize that helps you save!

Congratulations to Christina Mauffray, the winner of our August Reduce Your Use prize!

10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

It’s a matter of (Co-op!) principles ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes, and Coast Electric Power Association 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 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 three of the cooperative principles.

Voluntary and Open Membership Just like all co-ops, Coast Electric was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So in 1936, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op, so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest member-

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, gender identity, 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. Each member gets a voice and a vote in who sets the vision for the co-op, and each voice and vote are equal. Coast Electric’s leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, who help set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by you and your neighbors. 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. Our close connection to this community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on members’ priorities, enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.

Concern for Community ship fee to the co-op, any farmer could get electricity brought to his farm. Neighbors came together to tackle a problem that they all had but couldn’t solve alone. They worked together for the benefit of the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our community. 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 include everyone to improve the

Energy efficiency tip of the month Source: energy.gov

As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Coast Electric is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for making our corner of the world a better place by providing quality of life. Because we are guided by our seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members.

On the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ida came to shore, bringing heavy damage and destruction to our neighbors in Louisiana. While we were spared the kind of destruction that occurred to our west, there was damage to Coast Electric’s service area, particularly in Pearl River County. Four hundred right-ofway and line crew members joined Coast Electric’s staff to restore service to approximately 30,000 members who were without service after the storm. While bands from

12 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Ida were still pummeling the area Monday for hours after landfall, crews got to work and had power restored to all members by Wednesday afternoon. Even after a few long days restoring service to Coast Electric members, crews were eager to come to the aid of co-op members in Louisiana, and on Friday, Sept. 3, they made their way to Washington St. Tammany Electric Cooperative, Inc., a system that had 95% of its members without service after the storm.

THANK YOU!

Power restoration after a storm is a task that involves many inside and outside of our cooperative. Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who helped after Hurricane Ida! • Coast Electric’s dedicated employees • The Life Church of Picayune and Goodyear Baptist Church of Picayune for so generously feeding our crews • Retirees Andrew Ruhr, Maurice Necaise and Warren Brown who gave up retirement for a few days to assist • Visiting line construction crews from MDR and Grays Power Supply • H&H Maintenance, • Culpepper Construction, • Hickory Hill Construction • Those who kept our fleet fueled.

• Right-of-way contractors including, Jackson Power Services, Asplundh, Cambium, Grays Power, Davey, S&S, LGS • Catering contractors who kept employees fed: Simply Seafood Catering, Dixie Q BBQ, 2nd to None BBQ, Firehouse Subs, Walmart Picayune and Waveland, Slims Soda Shop in McNeill, Claiborne Hill in Picayune and Waveland, Coca-Cola Bottling in Hattiesburg and Gulfport, Ice Plant in Purvis, Chick-Fil-A in Gulfport, Ramey’s Grocery Store Poplarville • Those who housed visiting crews: Home 2 Suites, Hampton Inn, Springhill Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites, Econo Lodge, Super 8, Motel 6, Heritage Inn, Days Inn, Holiday Inn

OUR MEMBERS! Coast Electric exists to power the communities we serve, and employees understand that is a big responsibility and a privilege. We can’t thank you enough for your patience and generosity! We are proud to power our communities.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 13

What your co-op board does for you If you read the story on page 13 about co-op principles, you already know that democratic member control is one of the principles that guides Coast Electric’s operations. Co-ops are locally governed by members who serve on our board of directors. Board members receive service from Coast Electric, so they know what it’s like to be part of the cooperative. They pay the same rates you do; their power goes out after storms just like yours does, etc., so they are able to lead in a way that reflects your needs. So what do co-op board members do? What are they responsible for at your co-op?

They represent you

They assess the co-op’s performance

Our directors serve you. They are part of our community, and they have practical knowledge of how the co-op works, so this perspective allows them to make decisions that are best for the people we serve. Coast Electric board members also complete continuing education courses and earn certifications so they are knowledgeable about our industry. There are three board members in each county of Coast Electric’s service area, and one member in each county is elected at the Annual Meeting. Coast Electric’s management has made sure the company has an open-door policy, so we always welcome your feedback as members and owners of the company, but the board structure gives you another way to reach out and be heard.

Coast Electric directors have a lot of bosses — more than 85,000 members — and they are dedicated to ensuring the co-op is operating at peak performance in ways that best serve our members. Our members expect a high level of technical service, as well as programs that are beneficial, all delivered by skilled and friendly employees. The board evaluates our operations to ensure our members receive the level of service they expect.

They establish policies Board members work to establish both long- and short-term policies to ensure the success and financial strength of Coast Electric. They work with the management team to create the co-op’s strategic plan.

They ensure we are operating using cooperative principles Cooperative operations are guided by a set of cooperative principles. Our board ensures we are, in fact, remaining true to those principles that include: Voluntary and Open Membership, Democratic Member Control, Members’ Economic Participation, Autonomy and Independence, Education, Training and Information, Cooperation among Cooperatives, and Concern for Community.

They hire and supervise the CEO While boards help determine policies and the company’s strategic direction, employees are responsible for the day-today operations of the co-op. While the CEO hires members of the management team and management hires employees in their departments, the board is responsible for selecting the best person to lead Coast Electric.

Coast Electric Annual Meeting Thursday, Nov. 4 Registration begins at 5:00 p.m.

Frank McClinton Position 2

Douglas Mooney Position 3

Pearl River County

Richard Dossett Position 1

Teri Eaton Position 2

Gil Arceneaux Position 2

Harrison County

Business meeting is called to order at 6:30 p.m. Can’t attend? Register at www.coastepa.com, by mail, or in any office until 10 a.m., Oct. 28. All who register will be eligible to win a bill credit of up to $1,000! Watch the meeting live on www.coastepa.com on Nov. 4. Please note: Members who do not attend, or do not register online by Oct. 28, will be able to view the meeting online but will not be able to cast their ballot.

Charles Lopez Position 1

Hancock County

Gordon Redd Position 3

Paul D. Guichet Position 3 James Baldree Position 1

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 14

of app-enabled by Maria Kanevsky Out of all the smart home technologies available on the market, smart lighting is one of the easiest technologies to integrate into your home. Smart lighting can be controlled by voice command, through your smart phone or through a smart home hub (like Amazon Alexa), making them relatively easy to control. They are also among the most affordable smart home devices, starting at about $10 per bulb. There’s a Out of all the smart home technologies available on range of benethe market, smart lighting is one of the easiest and most affordable technologies to integrate into your fits from using home. Photo Credit: Philips smart light bulbs. One of the most useful aspects of smart lighting is the ability to control the lighting while you’re away from home. For example, if you leave for work and forget to turn off the lights at home, you can easily turn them off with a few taps on a smartphone app. Alternatively, if you’re traveling but want to appear as if you’re home, you can turn on your lights at a certain time to create that illusion. Similarly, many smart lights offer the option for a customizable schedule. Consumers can schedule lighting to turn on or off at certain times of the day depending on their preferences. To increase safety at home, many smart light bulbs have motion-detection technology that can sense if a person is in the room or nearby. This feature can be programmed to send an alert to your phone when the smart lighting detects an unexpected motion, either inside or outside the home. Beyond the more practical applications, smart lighting can simply be fun to use. Bulbs are available in a variety of colors and dimming options that can help to set different themes or moods for the room, from an exciting bright white to a calming dim light. Various color temperatures can create different moods and also potentially help with winding down at night and improving sleep quality. Blue light, which mimics daylight, prevents the release of melatonin, an important hormone to feel sleepy. Setting smart lights to warmercolored lights at night can help release melatonin, and therefore lead to a better night’s sleep.

With all the benefits of smart lighting, there is also a higher price tag compared to regular light bulbs. Most smart lighting options on the market use LED light bulbs, which are more expensive but use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and need to be replaced much less often. Incandescent light bulbs cost about $1; however, their life spans are relatively short at around 1,000 hours. LED bulbs typically start at about $2.50 per bulb, but their life spans are almost 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED smart bulbs can help save energy and money over the long run, despite the higher initial cost. As a new technology, there are plenty of benefits but also a few potential issues to be aware of before implementing the technology. Some smart light bulbs may have minor technical issues, such as not properly responding to a voice command. However, sticking with reputable brands should ensure a well-functioning light bulb. Another factor to consider is not all smart lighting options are compatible with dimmers since smart bulbs come with their own built-in dimming mechanisms. This could lead to inconsistent lighting between smart and regular bulbs and could cause smart lights to flicker if they clash with the existing dimmer switch. To prevent this, simply avoid placing smart light bulbs in fixtures that already have a dimmer switch. Before making any purchases, be sure to research which smart lighting options work best for your home. Maria Kanevsky writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Smart light bulbs are available in a variety of colors and dimming options that can help to set different themes or moods for the room, from an exciting bright white to a calming dim light. Photo Credit: Cree

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 15

Delta Electric’s new IVR phone number is 662-743-4425 – USE IT ANY TIME 24/7

✓GET ACCOUNT INFO ✓MAKE A PAYMENT ✓REPORT AN OUTAGE ✓MAKE AN ARRANGEMENT

Rivian’s R1T all electric pickup is available now. Photo Credit: Rivian

Get familiar with

cyber basics

Perform software updates When a device prompts that it’s time to update the soft-

Three options to pre-register for fiber internet service and voice services

DELightSpeed.coop 662-477-1975 or info@delightspeed.coop OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

“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

@DixieEPA

@dixie_electric

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.

VOTE and you could WIN

500 $ 250

credit on your electric bill

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

DeKalb 601-743-2641 • Louisville 662-773-5741 • Quitman 601-776-6271 • After-Hours Outages, Call 601-581-8600

MEMBER OWNED. LOCALLY OPERATED. THAT’S THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

We will remember As last month marked the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on our nation, I stopped to reflect on that day 20 years ago. Twenty years ago, I was sitting in a National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) meeting to discuss electric cooperative issues and how they could impact us over the next few years. Just before the meeting ended, I heard a loud rumble as if there had been a large truck accident outside the building. It was loud enough to make the windows tremble. When the meeting ended a few minutes later, I exited the conference room and headed down the hallway for our next general session with other attendees from across the nation. I met a friend in the hallway with a shocked look on his face. I asked him if everything was alright and he responded, “There is a report of a plane crashing into the Pentagon.” Our meeting location was just across the Potomac River from the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. We stepped into the elevator and rode up to the ninth floor to join several others in an office with a television. It was a corner office with glass on two sides providing a 180-degree view. We could easily see the smoke rising from the Pentagon. About the time we turned the TV on and saw the news of the planes hitting the twin towers, two fully armed F-18 aircrafts streaked down the river at what seemed to be eye level with us. We decided the ninth floor might not be the best place to be as we tried to make sense of what was happening. As we arrived back on the first floor, we were told a fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. It became apparent our country was under attack. I had a rental car already packed for the trip back to the airport. The phone systems were down, so I could not call home to let everyone know 10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

I was fine. I wanted nothing more than to get home and hug my family. As I realized every plane in the country was being grounded, for who knows how long, I announced to my friends I was heading to Mississippi. Four of them said, “We are going with you.” They had been trying to find rental cars. Every rental car in America was taken when the planes were grounded. Our friends that lived in the Washington area told us it was no use trying to leave because the interstates would be at a standstill with bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to get out of Washington, D.C. We left anyway. They were correct. It was bumper-to-bumper traffic, but it was moving at 80 miles per hour with about a car length between each car. We began the long drive not knowing what to expect along the way. We encountered people all along the way waving American flags. They were on the sides of the interstates, on highway overpasses, and throughout the towns we passed. They had American flags in windows of automobiles, taped to windows of businesses, and displayed in every imageable way. It was as if everyone became one, a proud American, and wanted to show their pride and support of America. May our American pride always shine, and our willingness to come together as one always be present, under attack or not.

by Randy Carroll CEO — East Mississippi Electric Power Association

Driven to serve e , East Mississippi Electric Power Association is not just responsible for power in our communities. We are a community-focused electric cooperative working to empower our members, our families, and our communities. EMEPA is community-focused and led by members who understand and listen to the community. And because this is our community too, we have a vested interest in making sure our community prospers. We do this by investing in economic development and community service projects and programs. Since 1998, EMEPA members have donated more than $1 million to local volunteer fire departments in east Mississippi through our Volunteer Fire Department Donation Program, and our 8th Annual Shoot For A Cure event held in April 2021, raised over $28,000 for the American Cancer Society and the Anderson Cancer Center’s Patient Benevolence Fund. EMEPA is a strong supporter of education through the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Youth Tour program and the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition program. And, in 2021, we awarded five graduating high school seniors with scholarships funded by the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Foundation We belong to the communities we serve, so any excess revenues are shared back with the members. EMEPA plans our rate structure to provide the lowest possible rates for our members throughout the year without excess after operational expenses are paid. However, any operating margins that do remain are allocated to members receiving service

during the year. These margins are called capital credits. EMEPA uses capital credits to invest in the operations of the cooperative, purchasing bucket trucks, poles and wire, among other items. This reduces the need for loans and related expenses and helps to keep power costs low, which benefits all members. The amount retired to members is decided by the board of directors on a 30-year rotation, and depends on EMEPA’s financial condition and strategic plan for growth and operations. EMEPA’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that in 2021, EMEPA will retire capital credits for the year 1991, totaling $2,246,216.41. We were built by the communities we serve, so we are not like any other electric cooperative. EMEPA is shaped by the specific needs of our communities. EMEPA members help guide important decisions that improve and enrich the community. We value the perspective of our board members, who are members of EMEPA and the community. EMEPA is a cooperative that is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Our close connection to the community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on local priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments, such as high-speed broadband, equipment and technology upgrades, and system improvements. EMEPA is more than an energy provider — it is a local business supporting community and powering economic development and prosperity for east Mississippi. We will continue to learn from our members about their priorities so we may better serve our communities.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

Hurricane Ida

EMEPA crews assist Magnolia Electric Power

On Tuesday, Aug. 31, 18 East Mississippi Electric Power Association employees including two line crews, a right-of-way crew, engineering coordinator team, and support personnel departed for Magnolia Electric Power Association, headquartered in McComb, Miss., to aid in power restoration efforts following Hurricane Ida. Hurricane Ida brought devastating destruction to the coastal areas of Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. Magnolia Electric Power experienced a peak of over 26,000 outages following Hurricane Ida. The cooperative serves more than 31,800 meters in southwest Mississippi. In addition to EMEPA, other electric cooperatives from Mississippi and surrounding states also sent emergency crews

12 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

to assist in restoring electric service in areas hit by the devastating storm. “EMEPA is glad to help out other cooperatives, but also maintains enough personnel here at home to meet our members’ day-to-day needs while these dedicated employees are providing assistance to our sister cooperatives,” said EMEPA CEO Randy Carroll. EMEPA crews spent eight days providing mutual aid assistance to Magnolia Electric Power crews.

Get familiar with

cyber basics

Perform software updates When a device prompts that it’s time to update the soft-

Energy efficiency tip of the month Source: energy.gov

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 13

East Mississippi Connect

celebrates one year of lightning-fast service When the East Mississippi Electric Power Association formed in 1938, the goals were to deliver power and to empower lives. A year ago, that mission expanded with its launch of East Mississippi Connect lightning-fast fiber internet service. Today there are more than 2,000 active East Mississippi Connect subscribers, and EMEPA is working diligently to expand this service as quickly as possible. Bringing high-speed fiber internet to our communities is a complicated and time-consuming task that’s divided into seven stages. Here’s a breakdown of what it takes to get East Mississippi Connect service to members’ homes and businesses: STAGE 1: MAKE-READY ENGINEERING The process begins with a thorough examination of existing infrastructure and the creation of the designs for the fiber rollout. STAGE 2: MAKE-READY CONSTRUCTION Once the design of the project is complete, focus shifts to planning how to connect the new fiber cable to existing infrastructure. Necessary upgrades are made to ensure existing poles are strong enough with proper clearances to add the additional wire and equipment. STAGE 3: CONSTRUCTION Fiber cables are buried underground and strung from poles to build the network that connects homes and businesses to our fiber hut. A fiber hut is a small building that serves as the brain of our fiber network. The individual glass fibers enter the hut, and then each one passes through equipment that receives and transmits the necessary signals between your devices and the internet.

STAGE 5: SERVICE DROP Fiber cables are extended from the nearest splice point to the area receiving service. STAGE 6: DROP SPLICING This final outdoor step in a fiber construction project gets the network ready to be connected to homes and businesses. STAGE 7: INSTALLATION Once the fiber network is ready, the team will hook up individual homes and businesses to East Mississippi Connect high-speed internet service. While much progress has been made in the last year, many members don’t yet have access to East Mississippi Connect. Providing reliable fiber to the home internet takes time. Please know that we’re working daily to make sure the fiber infrastructure is safe, reliable, and well worth the wait.

STAGE 4: SPLICING Cables are joined at each end point, and those splices are mounted in enclosures secured to distribution poles.

To see if East Mississippi Connect is available in your area, visit EastMSConnect.com and enter your address. If you are already an East Mississippi Connect subscriber, thank you for choosing us as your provider, and being a part of this exciting first year! 14 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 15

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Johnny Johnson, President • Mike Banks, Vice President • Marty Crowder, Secretary/Treasurer • Bill Bell • John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. • Bruff Sanders • Kenneth Seitz

Living the life every day October is National Co-op Month! I love the feeling of being able to walk into my favorite locally-owned shop, restaurant or store knowing that local investments, products, and labor can make positive impacts on my community. The spirit of main street is embodied in these local businesses, just like it is in 4-County Electric Power Association. Electric cooperatives are as local and community centered as they come. Founded as a way to bring electricity to communities that didn’t interest Investor-owned utilities (or IOUs), electric cooperatives have been a cornerstone of community and economic development. That feeling I get when I frequent local businesses in our community is the same feeling I get when I walk into work at the co-op every day. It is a feeling of pride. I am proud to be a part of an organization that serves the community in which we live, instead of a group of shareholders who may never have set foot in our service territory. October is National Co-op Month. At 4-County, we celebrate the co-op way of life on a daily basis (see page 12). Living on co-op lines is more than just knowing there are people out there working to bring you safe, reliable and affordable electric service. Living on co-op lines is an investment in our community and its members. 10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

You see, 4-County is a not-for-profit business. This means after all co-op expenses are paid, any additional money goes back into the co-op’s infrastructure, instead of going into a shareholder’s pocket, which makes for an excellent business model. And because we are owned by you, our members, we have a vested interest in making sure our community is prosperous. We do this by investing in economic development and community service projects and programs such as the 4-County Foundation, FASTnet (our new broadband subsidiary company) and the Youth Leadership Program. I hope that you view 4-County not just as your electric utility provider, but as a local cooperative that brings pride and prosperity to our community. If you are interested in learning more about how we keep the lights on and beyond, please stop by the co-op or give us a call. We love being a part of this community, and we hope you feel the same way too!

by Brian Clark CEO/General Manager

Here’s an idea Agriculture is the backbone of our country, and our livelihood greatly depends on the crops provided by American farmers. In addition to being one of the most labor-intensive professions, farming is also considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. Every year, we see collisions where tractors and other farming equipment accidentally collide with utility poles and power lines, causing injuries and power outages. These dangerous accidents can be avoided by looking up and around your surroundings when operating large farm machinery. If you’re preparing for harvest season, please keep the following safety tips in mind: • Maintain a 10-foot clearance around all utility equipment in all directions. • Use a spotter and deployed flags to maintain safe distances from power lines and other electrical equipment when working in the field. • If your equipment makes contact with an energized or downed power line, contact 9-1-1 immediately and remain inside the vehicle until the power line is de-energized. In case of smoke or fire, exit the cab by making a solid jump out of the cab (without touching it), and hop away to safety. • Consider equipment and cargo extensions of your vehicle. Lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes, and even bulk materials can conduct electricity, so keep them out of contact with electrical equipment.

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FASTnet, 4-County Electric Power Association’s new broadband subsidiary company, is living up to its name as the construction process is moving forward at a breakneck speed. The broadband company will continue its aggressive buildout with a plan to have construction complete by early 2024. In this plan, FASTnet executives are balancing system needs, finances and member concerns. The plan is fluid to a certain extent. There may be circumstances that cause a change in the timeline, and as with any construction project, especially one of this size, there could be delays. Here is the complete FASTnet construction schedule (with general locations and beginning construction dates): • Lone Oak – Spring 2021 • Montpelier – Late Spring 2021 • Maben – Summer 2021 • Brooksville – Fall 2021 • Adaton – Late Fall 2021 • Oktoc – Early 2022 • Golden Triangle – Summer 2022 • Lake Lowndes – Fall 2022 • Magbee – Fall 2022 • Stinson Creek – Late 2022 • Waverly – Early 2023 • Lakeside – Spring 2023 • Prairie – Spring 2023 • South Macon – Fall 2023 • Sturgis – Fall 2023 • Ackerman – Late 2023 • Weir – Early 2024 Construction schedules, as with any project of this size and scope, are subject to change. For more specific information on locations and dates, call 1-800-431-1544 or e-mails can be 2021 | TODAY 11 sent toOCTOBER info@4cfastnet.com.

It’s a matter of

(Co-op!) principles October is National Co-op Month!

ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes, and 4-County Electric Power Association 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 thrive. In fact, all cooperatives adhere to the same set of seven principles that reflect our core values of honesty, transparency, equity, 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 three of the cooperative principles.

Voluntary and Open Membership Just like all co-ops, 4-County Electric was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So in the 1930s, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op, so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest membership fee to the co-op, any farmer could get electricity brought to his farm. Neighbors came together to tackle a problem that they

heritage remain — the focus on our mission and serving the greater good. In this, we include everyone 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. Each member gets a voice and a vote in who sets the vision for the co-op, and each voice and vote are equal. 4-County Electric’s leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, who helps set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by you and your neighbors. 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. Our close connection to this community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on members’ priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.

Concern for Community

all had but couldn’t solve alone. They worked together for the benefit of the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our community. While this history may be forgotten, key parts of that

12 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. 4-County Electric is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for making our corner of the world a better place by providing quality of life. Because we are guided by our seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members.

Get familiar with

cyber basics

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month At a time when we are more connected than ever, being “cyber smart” is of the utmost importance. This year has already seen more than a fair share of cyber attacks and breaches, including the high-profile attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and other critical infrastructure. Furthermore, as has been underlined by these reDavid Kilpatrick cent breaches, cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated with more evolved bad actors cropping up each day. Luckily, according to 4-County Manager of IT David Kilpatrick, there are several steps that we can take on a daily basis to mitigate risks and stay one step ahead of malefactors. Here are a few quick tips:

Energy efficiency tip of the month Source: energy.gov

contributed to more bad actors prowling for accounts to attack. Using long, complex, and unique passwords is a good way to stop your account from being hacked, and an easy way of keeping track and remembering your passwords is by using a password manager.

Perform software updates When a device prompts that it’s time to update the software, it may be tempting to simply click postpone, and ignore the message. However, having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system on devices are one of the best defenses against online threats. So, don’t wait — update.

Check your settings Be diligent to double check your privacy and security settings, and be aware who can access your documents. “Being cyber smart, and maintaining stellar online hygiene is the best way to protect yourself and others from cyber attacks,” Kilpatrick said.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 13

4-County crews assist in storm recovery Two 4-County Electric Power Association crews spent a week assisting Magnolia Electric Power Association in southwest Mississippi with power restoration efforts after Hurricane Ida swept through their service area Aug. 29 and 30. The 4-County crews (11 men total) left Sept. 1, carrying with them three bucket trucks, two digger derrick trucks, and two crew trucks. 4-County storm assistance team members included: Eric Yarbrough, Peyton Buckner, Kyle Elam, Jimbo Killebrew, Myron Greene, Brandon Smith, Tyler Smith, Wyatt Pumphrey, Abe Finley, Justin Davis, and Cole Morgan. Magnolia Electric, based in McComb, had 26,000 members without power at the height of the storm. Hurricane Ida caused widespread damage with high winds and torrential rain, breaking poles and downing power lines. “We worked in some challenging terrain,” said 4-County Heavy Construction Foreman Eric Yarbrough. “We were glad to assist Magnolia Electric and help get the power back on for those folks.” Rural electric cooperatives throughout the nation share a

reciprocal agreement with each other to provide help to sister cooperatives 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 hurricane-related weather. “We are always glad to be in a position to send this assistance to help restore power to our sister cooperatives, like Magnolia Electric Power Association. Our system and members have been the recipients of assistance from Magnolia Electric and other electric cooperatives in the past. That’s the cooperative way,” said 4-County Manager of Operations Anthony Miller.

4-County veterans take on new duties Five veteran cooperative employees have taken on new responsibilities at 4-County Electric Power Association. Julie Johns of Louisville, Tommy Reed of Starkville, Justin Murphy of West Point, Jerry Humphreys of Columbus, and Chris Moore of Columbus have new titles and duties at 4-County. Julie is the new manager of FASTnet Customer Services. Julie began her 4-County career in 1999 as a cashier in the Starkville office. She has served in various consumer service positions in Ackerman, Macon, and the Corporate Center. Since 2018, she has served as consumer accounting supervisor. Tommy has accepted the position of staking technician 1. Tommy began working with 4-County in September 2001 as a vehicle mechanic. He started the Apprentice Program in 2006, and he was promoted to journeyman lineman in 2011. In 2018,

Julie Johns

Tommy Reed

14 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Justin Murphy

Tommy was promoted to crew leader. Justin has accepted the position of crew leader. Justin began working with 4-County in 2011 as an apprentice IV. Justin started the Apprentice Program in August of 2011, and he was promoted to journeyman lineman in March 2016. Jerry has accepted the position of FASTnet fiber technician. Jerry began working with 4-County in 2008 as a fleet vehicle controller. Jerry later accepted the position as utility maintenance technician in 2012. Chris has accepted the position of utility maintenance technician. Chris began working with 4-County in 2007 as an apprentice 4. He began the Apprentice Program in 2008, and he was promoted to journeyman lineman in 2015. Congratulations on your new positions!

Jerry Humphreys

Chris Moore

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Swan enjoys 4-County migration Rural electric cooperative linemen rely on a unique combination of brains and brawn. “You have to know what you’re doing,” said veteran 4-County Electric Power Association Journeyman Lineman Drew Swan. “You must be up to date on the technical side of things. It’s hard work, a lot of training and comprehension.” Drew also has a wealth of experience to back up a quick mind and a strong back. He joined the 4-County team in February 2017. He serves on Glen Ledbetter’s Corporate Center Construction Crew. Prior to 4-County, Drew worked as a lineman for the City of Amory and as a lineman for Northcentral Electric Power Association. Drew is a graduate of the Southeast Lineman Training Center in Trenton, Georgia. At 4-County, Drew is a member of the coop’s Activities Committee and the Hotline Demonstration Team. He grew up on family-owned property in Becker on 160 acres of sprawling countryside full of relatives. “We had paths beaten from each other’s houses,” he said with a laugh. Living on a family plot of land had its advantages, Drew added. “We had a close-knit family support system.” Today, he lives in Hamilton with his wife, Scottie (a librarian) and their son, Wylder, 2. Drew and his family watch over a small

herd of cows and a few goats and chickens. “We like checking on them. It’s something we can do together every day. I just like to stay busy,” he said. He first became interested in line work as a teenager. “I saw some linemen working and it looked interesting. I thought it would be cool to climb poles.” Being a lineman is a challenge, Drew stressed, but it is the best one he has ever accepted. “I enjoy working outside. Every job is different.” Does he enjoy serving the members? “100%,” he answered with a grin. “It’s all about the members.” The frequent interaction with members is a definite plus. But storm work, in particular, is a test of endurance, Drew explained. “What keeps us going are the members we’re trying to help. We need to get their power back on.” Each day, Drew said, is a chance to be with family — the special one in Hamilton and the one at 4-County. “There is a family atmosphere here,” he said. “And we have great equipment here to work with. We are taken care of.”

Job training receives 4-County boost The 4-County Foundation recently awarded a $6,700 grant to The Forge Foundation for use in its workforce training programs. The Forge Foundation will use the grant to help fund its annual career expo for K-12 children in area schools and promote workforce training throughout the year. The FORGE Foundation, an acronym for Family Organizations Recruiting Great Employees, was founded in early 2018 by a group of eight local businesses in construction-related fields — APAC of Columbus, Burns Dirt Construction, Graham Roofing, McCrary West Construction, Thompson Welding Services, TRONOX, Waters Truck and Tractor, and West Brothers Construction. 4-County believes in helping the communities it serves. That’s why the cooperative launched the 4-County Foundation, a community service program. Since February 2015, participating 4-County members’ utility bills have been rounded up to the nearest dollar; a $125.78 bill, for example, becomes

$126. Now, that’s an average of only 49 cents per member, per month. That may not seem like much. But when you multiply those contributions by the thousands of member participants, that’s a lot of pennies! For more information on the 4-County Foundation, call 1-800-431-1544. OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 15

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and Twitter

It’s a matter of (Co-op!) principles ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes, and Magnolia Electric Power 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 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 three of the cooperative principles.

Voluntary and Open Membership Just like all co-ops, Magnolia Electric Power was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So in 1938, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op, so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest

greater good. In this, we include everyone 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, gender identity, 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. Each member gets a voice and a vote in who sets the vision for the co-op, and each voice and vote are equal. Magnolia Electric Power’s leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, who help set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by you and your neighbors. 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. Our close connection to this community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on members’ priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.

Concern for Community membership fee to the co-op, any farmer could get electricity brought to his farm. Neighbors came together to tackle a problem that they all had but couldn’t solve alone. They worked together for the benefit of the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our community. While this history may be forgotten, key parts of that heritage remain — the focus on our mission and serving the 10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Magnolia Electric Power is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for making our corner of the world a better place by providing quality of life. Because we are guided by our seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members.

for e power at rises above e storm

Magnolia Electric Power would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for providing help in the electric power restoration efforts following Hurricane Ida:

Mississippi Electric Cooperatives: • 4-County Electric Power Association • Alcorn County Electric Power Association • Delta Electric Power Association • Dixie Electric Power Association • East Mississippi Electric Power Association • North East Mississippi Electric Power Association • Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association • Pontotoc Electric Power Association • Singing River Electric Cooperative • Southwest Electric • Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association

Electric Contract Crews: • Killen Contractors, Inc. (KCI) • Kinco, LLC • Midwestern Electrical Contractors • Pike Electric, Inc.

Rights-of-Way Crews: • Barnes Tree Service, LLC • Deviney Utility Contractors • McNeer Tree and Trimming • Scott Johnson Specialty Services, LLC • Treeline Services, LLC

Individuals and Businesses: • Addie Boone • American Red Cross • Amy Pennington • Anixter • Benji Embry • Brandi Smith • Bullock’s Washateria • Callihan’s Mr. Whiskers to Go • Carrie Nunnery and family (in memory of Alice Nunnery) • Chris Reid, Lincoln County, Director of Emergency Management • ComSouth, Inc. • Cracker Barrel Restaurant • Cypress Landing • Dee Dee Wolfe, Tucker and Kenzie Wolfe • Desoto Pole • Eden Wallace • Enterprise-Journal • Fancy Cakes • Fernwood United Methodist Church • First Baptist Church of McComb • Garner Lumley Electric Supply Company • Gary Zeigler • Grant McCurley, Amite County, Director of Emergency Management • Gresco Utility Supply, Inc. • Irby Construction Company • Jill Smith • Joe Ann and Alfred Rimes • John Underwood • Junior Auxiliary of McComb • K106 • Katina Lambert

• Ken Dixon • Kristen and JR McBeth • Kristy Wallace • Lamar Stokes • Lee Hedegaard • Market Max • Meredith Talbot • McAlister’s • Mitchell’s • Nona Deer • Ole Brook Nutrition • Osyka Volunteer Fire Department • Percy Quin State Park • Pigott Oil • Pike National Bank • Phillis and Jeff Waller • Pigeon Hole, LLC • R & M Electric • Richard Coughlan, Pike County, Director of Emergency Management • Shirley and Darryl Hunkapillar • SD Barnes • Steven Callahan • Summit Donuts • Tammie Martin • Tammy and Sammy Ott • Terrie Kirkland • The Laundry Room • Tina Reed • Tony Martin • Tylertown Times • Vicky D. Jordan (Soul Shots Photography) • Vine’s • WESCO

And to ALL the sweet souls who offered to wash clothes for us! OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

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

a  o t … s k n a h T

Hurricane Ida

causes problems to MEP’

Hurricane Ida swept into southwest Mississippi on August 29, 2021, 16 years to the day after another tremendous storm. Ida brought damaging winds and rain that crippled the Magnolia Electric Power electrical grid as she slowly traveled through the area. With the landfall of this hurricane, MEP has now suffered its second largest blow from a destructive force of nature. Only Hurricane Katrina, which struck MEP on August 29, 2005, did more destruction to the electric cooperative’s service area. “Hurricane Ida was more than expected for southwest Mississippi, especially Pike and Amite counties,” said Magnolia Electric Power General Manager Darrell Smith. “While it was forecasted to be a tropical storm for Mississippi, it was still in the low Category 1 stage for Magnolia’s electric system, and the eye of the storm passed a few miles east of Liberty, Mississippi.” MEP recorded at its height, 26,600 meters without power from Hurricane Ida. In the aftermath of the storm, MEP employees found themselves incorporated in a whirlwind of activity that would not slow as personnel worked from dawn to dusk to get the lights back on for everyone in our service territory. The outside crews worked on average 16-hours per day, resting for eight hours, before returning and doing the same the next day. The linemen were working with power lines that could carry as much as 15,000 volts of electricity. And, at one point 395 people were in the field working to get the electric power restored.

A 4-County Electric lineman worked on a broken pole that once held a transformer.

“I want to thank and brag on my employees for the fantastic job they all did in the recovery effort from Hurricane Ida. Everyone performed the duties necessary to mainly recover from this storm in nine days,” Smith said. “Eleven sister cooperatives from the state of Mississippi sent men and equipment to help us repair our grid. We always have each other’s backs when catastrophic weather happens, and they all came to our aid and were tremendously helpful in our speedy recovery.” A typical post-hurricane morning included: crews grabbing breakfast, fueling up vehicles, loading supplies on trucks so that they could be ready for anything in the field that day, and getting with their crew to discuss their daily work plans. Story continued on page 14

12 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Singing River stopped at the Summit VFD to check on their equipment.

MEP’s grid

EMEPA worked in Amite County.

KCI contractors worked in Franklin County on Cotten Road.

Yazoo Valley Electric worked on power restoration efforts during Hurricane Ida.

A Pontotoc Electric lineman walked into the water to retrieve a broken wire. MEP Retiree Tony Martin flipped the switch after the visiting crews had made repairs.

A 4-County Electric lineman pulled a broken wire.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 13

4-County Electric headed out to the field to work.

MEP’s Kendall Holmes, Stacy McCaskill, and Johnathan McCaskill loaded materials. KCI worked on damaged lines on a rightof-way in Franklin County.

MEP Retiree SD Barnes (left) helped to show visiting linemen around the service area. Pictured with Pearl River Valley EPA lineman.

MEP’s Terry Jackson and Chance Thompson worked in Pike County.

Junior Auxilary of McComb members filled thank you bags goodies for the workers.

Each evening, crews came in, grabbed a bite of dinner (if it was not delivered to them in the field), unloaded their trucks of the debris they had gathered during the day, and made a report on their repairs for the day. The work plan for such a storm is the same as it has always been. Crews started from each of our substations and worked their way out. MEP has over 4,880 miles of power lines, and all the power lines do not conveniently follow paved roads. The procedure MEP follows to make repairs to three-phase lines first and single phase lines second. Lines nearest to 14 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Kinco crew members looked at damage and the need for repair on the rights-of-way.

community water associations, stores, businesses, etc., were put on first, so everyone could have fresh water, food, fuel, etc. MEP would like to thank the following Mississippi cooperatives who helped in the power restoration efforts: 4-County Electric Power Association, Alcorn County Electric Power Association, Delta Electric Power Association, Dixie Electric Power Association, East Mississippi Electric Power Association, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, Pontotoc Electric Power Association, Singing River Electric

Pearl River Valley Electric and MEP trucks headed out to work.

MEP’s Jason Wilson and Scotty Brown stopped to pick up dinner at Arlington Baptist Church in Lincoln County.

MEP’s Jason Mallette, Jacob Gill, and Matt Lee take a break to pick up dinner.

Heavy machinery was used to help in power restoration efforts.

A thank you note to the workers in Lawrence County from a young MEP member.

Cooperative, Southwest Electric, and Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association. Also aiding in restoration efforts were the following electrical contract crews: Killen Contractors, Inc. (KCI), Kinco, LLC, Midwestern Electrical Contractors, and Pike Electric, Inc. Rights-of-way crews who helped with the power restoration efforts included: Barnes Tree Service, LLC, Deviney Utility Contractors, McNeer Tree and Trimming, Scott Johnson Specialty Services, LLC, and Treeline Services, LLC. MEP would like to add a thank you to the community

members and volunteers who aided the company during the power restoration efforts. “Also, thanks to all the volunteers, retired employees, and others who aided us. It was greatly appreciated,” said Smith. “Thank you to the members who were patient with us during this difficult time.” The devastation from Hurricane Ida is still to be determined because, at press time, MEP employees are continuing to survey the electrical system and calculate numbers. OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 15

AMORY – P.O. BOX 300 - 50408 GREENBRIAR ROAD – 662-256-2962 • CALEDONIA – 746 MAIN STREET – 662-356-4100

It’s a matter of (Co-op!) principles ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes, and Monroe County Electric Power Association 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 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 three of the cooperative principles.

Voluntary and Open Membership Just like all co-ops, Monroe County Electric was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So in 1936, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op, so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest

Democratic Member Control Our co-op is well suited to meet the needs of our members because we are locally governed. Each member gets a voice and a vote in who sets the vision for the co-op, and each voice and vote are equal. Monroe County Electric’s leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, who help set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by you and your neighbors. 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. Our close connection to this community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on members’ priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.

As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Monroe County Electric is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for making our corner of the world a better place by providing quality of life. Because we are guided by our seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members.

Get familiar with

Revisions Requested

cyber basics

This may seem obvious, but all too often securing strong passphrases/password managers is overlooked. People spending more time online during the pandemic has certainly contributed to more bad actors prowling for accounts to attack. Using long, complex, and unique passwords is a good way to stop your account from being hacked, and an easy way of keeping track and remembering your passwords is by using a password manager.

Perform software updates When a device prompts that it’s time to update the soft-

tip of the month Source: energy.gov

Be diligent to double check your privacy and security settings, and be aware who can access your documents. This extends from Google docs, to Zoom calls, and beyond. For meetings on Zoom, for example, create passwords so only those invited to the session can attend, and restrict who can share their screen or files with the rest of the attendees. Being cyber smart and maintaining stellar online hygiene are the best ways to protect yourself and others from cyber attacks. No single tip is foolproof but taken together they can make a real difference for taking control of your online presence. Following these tips is also easy, and free. By taking preventive measures and making a habit of practicing online safety, you can decrease your odds of being hacked exponentially — and prevent lost time and money, as well as annoyance.

Old, uninsulated and improperly installed exterior doors can waste energy and money.

CHAD Date_____ Revisions Requested Approved

VERSION #______________

Energy efficiency

Check your settings

STEVEN Date_____

Use strong passphrases/password manager

Common sense is a crucial part of maintaining good online hygiene, and an intuitive step to stay safe online is to do some research before downloading anything new to your device, such as apps. Before downloading any new learning app on your device, make sure that it’s reputable by checking who created the app, what the user reviews say, and if there are any articles published online about the app’s privacy and security features.

Revisions Requested

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds that necessary second check to verify your identity when logging in to one of your accounts. By requiring multiple methods of authentication, your account is further protected from being compromised, even if a bad actor hijacks your password. In this way, MFAs make it more difficult for password cracking tools to enable attackers to break into accounts.

Do your research

Approved

Enable multi-factor authentication

RON Date_____

At a time when we are more connected than ever, being “cyber smart” is of the utmost importance. This year has already seen more than a fair share of cyber attacks and breaches, including the high-profile attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and other critical infrastructure. Furthermore, as has been underlined by these recent breaches, cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated with more evolved bad actors cropping up each day. Luckily, there are several steps that we can take on a daily basis to mitigate risks and stay one step ahead of malefactors. Here are a few quick tips:

Approved

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Shut the door on wasted energy by weather stripping and sealing all exterior doors. If you have an old exterior door, consider replacing it with a newer, energy efficient model.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

P.O. Box 609 • 555 East Madison St. • Houston, MS 38851

662-456-3037 • Fax: 662-456-2086 • www.ntepa.com

It’s a matter of (Co-op!) principles ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes, and Natchez Trace Electric Power Association 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 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 three of the cooperative principles.

Voluntary and Open Membership Just like all co-ops, Natchez Trace Electric was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So in 1939, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op, so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest

membership fee to the co-op, any farmer could get electricity brought to his farm. Neighbors came together to tackle a problem that they all had but couldn’t solve alone. They worked together for the benefit of the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our community. 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 include everyone 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, gender identity, language, political perspective, or socioeconomic status.

voice and vote are equal. Natchez Trace Electric’s leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, who help set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by you and your neighbors. 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. Our close connection to this community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on members’ priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.

Concern for Community As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Natchez Trace Electric is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for making our corner of the world a better place by providing quality of life. Because we are guided by our seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members.

by Anna Claire Watkins There are times in life that dreams actually come true. That is exactly what happened for Houston native, Luke Hancock, who can be found on the ballfield playing the position of catcher or first baseman for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Hancock’s dream since he was three years old was to one day win the College World Series and that dream came true under the lights of the TD Ameritrade stadium in Omaha, Nebraska on June 30, 2021. “It is something every little kid dreams of from the time he is little to whenever he grows up,” said Hancock. The Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated Vanderbilt 9-0 earning them their first NCAA National Championship across all sports in MSU’s history. Excitedly stating, “It is still surreal for me up until now. Whenever it happened, we all just went crazy, but now that everything has settled down, it still for me hasn’t sunk in yet; but I know this team is going down in history as probably the best team in Mississippi State history — something that has never been done before, and I was just lucky to be a part of it. It means the world to me growing up as a MSU fan, coming to games since I was a kid. Everyone on the 2020-2021 Mississippi State baseball team played a huge role in winning that National Championship.” The Bulldogs are currently working hard preparing for

another successful upcoming season where they will continue to defend their title as College World Series National Champions. Hancock, a 2018 graduate of Houston High School, committed to playing baseball at MSU during his sophomore year of high school. Over the years he has received tons of support from his fans, family, friends, teachers, and coaches. He loves his community and is surrounded by great people, teammates, and a phenomenal coaching staff. Hancock hopes to play pro baseball someday but will always remember where he came from and call Houston and Starkville his home. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people of Houston. From the time I was in middle school and high school, they would do anything for me,” said Hancock. “Hopefully I can do the same thing for the younger kids growing up.”

Photos courtesy of Mississippi State Athletics

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

For more information about Today in Mississippi, contact Michael Bellipanni at 662.895.2151. northcentralelectric.com

NorthcentralEC

@Northcentral_EC

Strength in cooperation Northcentral Electric Cooperative’s 71st annual meeting is fast approaching. I have always taken satisfaction in the fact that this meeting is held in October, which is National Cooperative Month as well as Public Power Month. It’s rewarding to see these business models at work as our diverse communities assemble to participate in our annual meeting. Votes will be cast for board representation, reports of the cooperative’s operations will be presented, and members will have the opportunity to make comments and voice concerns. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that, unlike last year, we are able to conduct this year’s annual meeting in person. Our cooperative model has demonstrated its strength in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in south Louisiana. Northcentral crews spent significant time in the Baton Rouge area helping restore power to cooperative members impacted by the storm. Living conditions are tough, and the working conditions are tougher, as Northcentral crews often work in waist deep water. The willingness to assist certainly demonstrates the cooperative principle emphasizing “Cooperation Among Cooperatives.”

Northcentral Connect continues to move forward, adding miles of fiber and even more new subscribers. Supply chain issues and labor shortages continue to hamper a truly robust build, but we willl work through these challenges and deliver our community a true high-speed internet solution. As the demand for this service increases, we remind ourselves of the cooperative principle, “Concern for Community,” as we believe that affordable, reliable, and highspeed internet is a necessity, and we continue to work to enhance the standard of living in our community. As always, and not just in October, Northcentral is pleased to demonstrate our cooperative principles through action in our communities. Stay safe.

by Kevin Doddridge General Manager/CEO

SAVE THE DATE!

ANNUAL MEETING Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 2 p.m. Northcentral Auditorium 4600 Northcentral Way Olive Branch, MS 38654 Annual report to the membership Board elections Updates on Northcentral Connect Door prizes

All members are encouraged to participate!

Pre-register now for high-speed FIBER internet, served by folks you know!

northcentralconnect.com Connect with CONNECT! northcentralconnect northcentralconnect northcentral_c

It’s a matter of (co-op) principles! ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes, and Northcentral Electric Cooperative 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 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 three of the cooperative principles.

Voluntary and Open Membership Just like all co-ops, Northcentral Electric was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So in 1950, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op, so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest member-

greater good. In this, we include everyone 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, gender, 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. Each member gets a voice and a vote in who sets the vision for the co-op, and each voice and vote are equal. Northcentral Electric’s leadership team and employees live right here in the area. Our board of directors, who help set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by you and your neighbors. 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. Our close connection to our communities ensures we get a first-hand perspective on members’ priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.

Concern for Community ship fee to the co-op, any farmer could get electricity brought to his farm. Neighbors came together to tackle a problem that they all had but couldn’t solve alone. They worked together for the benefit of the whole community, and the newly established electric lines helped power economic opportunity in our communities. While this history may be forgotten, key parts of that heritage remain — the focus on our mission and serving the

Energy efficiency tip of the month Source: energy.gov

As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Northcentral Electric is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for making our corner of the world a better place by providing quality of life. Because we are guided by our seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members.

Time to celebrate by Justin Jaggers For more than 18 months, we’ve all witnessed the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been yet another layer of our focus on safety when it comes to Northcentral employees. In an industry where electrical work is consistently listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous careers in the United States, safety is the top priority for our cooperative, employees, and members. On Friday, September 10, Northcentral held its third annual Safety Day for employees. This event was a celebration of the safety culture for our employees. Safety Director J.D. Cox was able to boast about our latest safety statistics for the 2020-2021 year. At the time of this publication deadline, Northcentral employees have worked over 64,000 hours without a lost-time incident. Our employees have driven over 728,000 miles without an at-fault accident and successfully passed over 5,000 crew inspections. Additionally, almost 4,000 on-site safety briefings were conducted before beginning work. This not only highlights how busy these employees are, but also how important safety is across all departments in the daily operations of your cooperative. Another highlight of the event was the launch of a new safety manual given to employees. In 2017, a 55,000-word printed manual was given to employees and covered all aspects of our safety program. But employees won’t be carrying around notebooks anymore. The new safety manual came in the form of an app for smartphones and tablets. The ZeroIncident App was unveiled and brings about big changes to the safety

Alfred Bledsoe

12 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

program. Instead of flipping through pages in a manual, employees can simply click the safety rule in a user-friendly format. Links to OSHA regulations, transportation safety rules, and even material safety data sheets can be easily and quickly found by any employee, wherever they are working. Updates can be made and sent out to employees within minutes to provide the latest safety information while working. Finally, no Safety Day event would be complete without acknowledging the hard work and training of employees. Three apprentice linemen moved up this year to become journeymen linemen after five years of dedication to our Apprenticeship Program: Josh Bonds, Kevin Walker, and Stephen Pannell. Also, Substation Technician Jason Rhea was recognized for his completion of our three-year Substation Maintenance Program. More than 14 employees were also presented safety coins in recognition of their proactive actions towards safety at work.

Patty Tatum

Chuck Mayer

Leon Hood

Lynn McAdams

McAdams

Josh Bonds, Kevin Walker and Jason Rhea were presented plaques for program completion by CEO Kevin Doddridge. Not pictured: Stephen Pannell

CEO Kevin Doddridge presented Safety Coins to the following employees.

Danielle Fennell

Chris Osborne

Brad Janes

Jeff Underwood

Crystal Rikard

Steven Shoffner

Zac Dias

Logan Rollins

Robert Smith

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 13

Protecting Your Home

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month by Justin Jaggers Throughout the year, I’ve written articles for Today in Mississippi highlighting what you can do with true, high-speed internet. It’s like when cooperatives first brought electricity to rural America. Folks first plugged in a lightbulb and didn’t yet realize the many ways this service would improve their daily lives. Soon came refrigerated food storage, cooking appliances, radios, and televisions, and they started to see just how much their lives were changed. The same goes for fiber internet. It’s used for more than just e-mail and social media. We’ve covered ways to cut free from the cable company, work from home, receive medical treatment, and become more energy efficient. October is also National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As we wrap up these articles showcasing the benefits of high-speed internet, it’s time to talk about keeping your home network safe. As you plug-in to the internet more with online employment, banking, and home security, more of your personal information gets used and transferred. You want to keep that information safe, so here are some cybersecurity tips to keep in mind:

Rule 1: Complex passwords “Password1” or “JohnSmith1101980” is NOT a secure password. A password needs a solid mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. It should not include your name, birthdate, street address, spouse’s name, children, or pet names. Using “leet speak” can help you create more complex passwords by substituting letters with similar-looking symbols. For example, the word “sewing” can become “$3VV!ng” and be much harder for a hacker to break. Most online services will require passwords that use at least one capital letter, one number, and one symbol to be considered secure. Something else to consider is changing your password every three to six months to keep hackers guessing. Limit who you give passwords to in and around your house. If you use a WiFi network, that signal may reach outside of the house, making password protection even more important.

Rule 2: Update software and firmware There’s nothing more annoying than trying to use your computer and software updates get in the way. However, keep your software up-to-date for security purposes. Routers and 14 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

modems will occasionally receive firmware updates that can interrupt service for a few moments. This is often in the interest of keeping your home network secure. If your computer needs to perform an update, find a stopping point in whatever you’re doing and take comfort in knowing that your network is better secured for having done it.

Rule 3: Know where you spend your money The COVID-19 pandemic brought online retail to an all-time high. According to Digital Commerce 360, consumers spent nearly $800 billion online in 2020. That’s a lot of money for hackers and scammers to try and get their hands on. Make sure you’re buying from reputable online retailers like Amazon and Walmart, but don’t forget that many local businesses also securely sell online and through social media. Be cautious of “discount” sites that try to look like stores. You can always Google the business and add the word “legit” to the search. You can find reports from consumer watchdogs and fellow online shoppers that will help you decide.

Rule 4: No Nigerian princes or lotteries! Scammers like to get you excited about money you may have won or take advantage of your kindness. Lottery scams lead you to believe that you won a drawing for an extravagant amount of money, and all you must do is pay the wiring fee. THIS IS A LIE! If the contest was legitimate, you wouldn’t be paying a fee to claim your prize. The same goes for scams where “royalty” needs your help getting money out of their country. They’ll wire you millions out of their bank account, they just need your account information to send it. What really happens is, as soon as you send them that info they have access to your bank account and can electronically withdraw your money before anyone notices it. A new scam is that people may e-mail, find you on social media, or even call you pretending to be someone you know and need your personal info. If that happens, be cautious, ask questions or hang up and call them back on a number you know.

Rule 5: Anti-virus/anti-malware protection Hackers can attempt to reach you from anywhere. Whether it’s outside your house or across the world, they can attempt to access your computer (Rule 1 helps prevent this). But they can also e-mail you in what are called “phishing” schemes. These

Network emails often include an attachment or link, that when opened, unleash some nasty programs designed to hijack or wreak havoc on your devices. When opening your e-mail or downloading a file, make sure that your computer is protected. Anti-virus and anti-malware software can do this. Popular software titles will also update on a regular basis to make sure you’re secured from the latest threats (see Rule 2). When hit with one of these viruses or malware, it can cost hundreds of dollars to restore your computer and get the virus off. There’s another threat called “ransomware.” This is when a hacker gets hold of your personal data or

device and locks you out. They then demand you pay a ransom to get it back. So, anti-virus and anti-malware software are always recommended, and caution should be used online. These are just a few general rules you should follow when using the Internet. You’d be surprised how easily and quickly you can let your guard down online. Hackers make around 200,000 daily attempts to crack Northcentral’s systems. That’s just over 138 attempts every minute! Our IT team works hard to keep our and our members’ information safe. It is just as important for you to do the same on your home network.

Olive Branch Chamber of Commerce

Business Expo & Job Recruitment Event October 27, 2021 • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Olive Branch Airport • 8000 Terminal Drive, Olive Branch Stop by and visit local businesses and see how they can benefit you and your employees personally and professionally • Looking for a Job? • Looking for employees?

FREE ADMISSION No strollers or small children.

Contact the Chamber office for more info: 662-895-2600 or info@olivebranchms.com

C - 100

M - 84

Y - 36

K - 39

PMS - 295

PAY BILLS or REPORT OUTAGES: 855-2PRVEPA (855-277-8372) COLUMBIA: 601-736-2666 | HATTIESBURG: 601-264-2458 | PURVIS: 601-794-8051 | WIGGINS: 601-928-7277 Member owned. Locally operated. That’s the cooperative difference. • Visit us online at www.PRVEPA.com.

Electric cooperatives have redefined rural life October is National Cooperative Month, and it’s a great time to celebrate the impact electric cooperatives have had on rural America. In the 1930s, electric power companies would not provide electric service to rural areas. This forced residents to form electric cooperatives. In a matter of years, areas which were washing clothes on a wash board and eating dinner by lamp light were thrust into the modern world of electricity. Children could now do homework after dark with light bulbs, and families could use new appliances like electric stoves and refrigerators. These modern amenities were made possible by electric cooperatives. Fast forward 83 years, and Pearl River Valley Electric is once again bringing a life-changing utility to its service territory, fiber internet. Beginning this year, PearlComm, our fiber internet subsidiary, started a five-year-plan to bring high-speed internet to the entire Pearl River Valley Electric service territory. Already, PearlComm has hung over 70 miles of fiber. This utility has the potential to change the lives of our members just like electricity did. Many small towns and farming communities across America and here in south central Mississippi have, until now, lacked access to reliable internet service. That is all changing thanks to our electric cooperatives, who are bringing world-class fiber-to-the-home service to rural communities. Construction of fiber networks make it possible to deliver reliable broadband internet service that can transform the lives and livelihoods of our people, just like electricity did in the 1930s and ’40s. With PearlComm Fiber, our residents and businesses have access to the same tools and resources as urban areas. Better remote employment opportunities, consistent distance education, convenient telemedicine, and more business prospects are just a few of the benefits. Right now, crews are working on mainline fiber construction as we

10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

gear toward connecting our first customers later this year. Over the course of this project, PearlComm will provide service for over 40,000 Mississippians in the span of five years. We are also excited to share that our full commercial website will launch this fall at www.PearlCommFiber.net. We are proud to provide our members with reliable high-speed internet and amazing customer service. This finished website will allow members to place their service orders with PearlComm Fiber as zones open and pay bills automatically online. You can still visit www.PearlCommFiber.net now and pre-register to let us know you are interested. We would love for you to be a part of closing the digital divide in Mississippi.

by Matthew Ware CEO/General Manager

Pearl River Valley Electric: FAST FACTS • Organized in May 1938 • Governing body is a 10-member Board of Directors elected by members for staggered 3-year terms • Service area includes all or parts of 12 counties • Serves more than 51,000 meters consisting of residential, commercial, large power, and industrial loads • Electric distribution system includes more than 6,100 miles of power lines and 25 substations • Headquarters is located in Columbia, with district offices in Hattiesburg, Wiggins, and Purvis • Employs approximately 130 highly skilled, service-oriented professionals • In 1963, PRVEPA was the first cooperative in Mississippi to begin paying patronage refunds (a return on members’ equity in the Association) … since that time, nearly $63 million has been returned to members over the course of 58 years • In 1988, PRVEPA began returning patronage credits to the estates of deceased members … more than $16.3 million has been returned through that program

Before you dig that flowerbed, remember there may be underground lines where you’re about to dig. Call 811 to locate them and your project will turn out just rosey.

Energy efficiency tip of the month Old, uninsulated and improperly installed exterior doors can waste energy and money. Shut the door on wasted energy by weather stripping and sealing all exterior doors. If you have an old exterior door, consider replacing it with a newer, energy efficient model.

Want more electrical safety tips? Sure you do. Just visit BeAwareEverywhere.com.

Source: energy.gov

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

PONTOTOC 662-489-3211 • Fax: 662-489-5156

BRUCE 662-983-2727 • Fax: 662-983-1335

P.O. Drawer 718 • 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863

P.O. Box 415 • 129 South Newberger Street, Bruce, MS 38915

Community born. Community led. Focused on YOU. October is National Co-op Month!

NOTICE OF

ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of members of Pontotoc Electric Power Association will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Noon at the Pontotoc County Agri-Center in Pontotoc, Mississippi. The purpose of the meeting is the nomination of candidates for the office of Director of the Association from Areas Two, Six, and Nine for the next calendar year and the transaction of any other business that may properly come before the meeting. Candidates nominated during the Annual Meeting will also have their names placed on the election ballot, to be mailed out at a later date.

The following candidates have been nominated by committee for the office of Director: Area Two

Nicky Moore (Incumbent)

Area Six

Terry Chunn (Incumbent)

Area Nine

Larry D. Parker (Incumbent)

The following candidates have been nominated by petition for the office of Director: Area Two

Randy Heard

Area Six

Terry Hurd George Rutledge

Area Nine

Eddie Spearman, Jr. Jeanna A. Sorto, Secretary

Where your electric dollar goes 3.9% Maintenance Expense 9.0% Net Income 6.7% Other Operating Costs 10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

13.0% Operation Expense

Purc

INCOME STATEMENT

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED) YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021

FISCAL YEARS ENDING JUNE 2021 & JUNE 2020

OPERATING REVENUE (What our members paid for services): Electric Sales Revenue: Residential $26,911,206 General Power - 50 KW & Under 4,186,994 General Power - Over 50 KW 13,118,970 Street & Outdoor Lighting 1,161,619 Total Electric Revenue $45,378,789 Unbilled Electric Sales (40,063) Other Revenues $1,663,238 TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE $47,001,964 EXPENSES (What it costs to operate your system): Operating & Maintenance Expense: Purchased Power

$31,699,304 1,359,638 1,821,506

(Cost to maintain system)

Customer Accounts Expense

YEAR ENDED

6/30/2021

6/30/2020

$64,360,889

$63,205,008

Other Property & Investments

$7,040,967

$3,344,111

Current Assets

$12,095,473

$13,080,764

$87,511

$174,722

$83,584,840

$79,804,605

$72,177,076

$69,047,299

Deferred Debits TOTAL ASSETS & OTHER DEBITS

Memberships & Patronage Capital Conservation Advances - TVA

(Cost to operate system)

Distribution Expense - Maintenance

Utility Plant - Net

YEAR ENDED

LIABILITIES:

(What we paid TVA for power)

Distribution Expense - Operation

ASSETS:

1,926,319

Accrued Liability - OPR Benefits Notes Payable Current Liabilities Deferred Credits

$91,211

$153,093

$1,257,883

$1,271,127

-0-

$9,913,570

$9,341,845

$145,100

$(8,759)

$83,584,840

$79,804,605

(Cost of billing our members)

Customer Service & Info Expense

101,628

TOTAL LIABILITIES & OTHER CREDITS

(Residential Energy Services Program & electrical development costs)

Sales and Marketing Expense

17,051

(Economic development, promotions, advertising, etc.)

Administration & General Expense

2,710,482

(Gen. admin. expense, insurance, fees, etc.)

TOTAL OPERATING & MAINTENANCE EXPENSE $39,635,928 OTHER EXPENSES: Depreciation Expense (Use of assets over life) Tax Expense

$2,791,810 361,284

(Gross receipts, property & payroll taxes)

Interest Expense - Debt Service Interest Expense - Other

-03,616

(Interest paid on security deposits)

Other Deductions Total Other Expenses TOTAL EXPENSES MARGINS FROM OPERATIONS Interest Income

12,180 $3,168,890 $42,804,818 $4,197,146 $63,548

(Money earned on short-term investments)

TOTAL MARGINS (Members’ equity for year)

67.4 %

Purchased Power from TVA

$4,260,694

YOUR ELECTRIC CO-OP AT A GLANCE As of June 30, 2021

As a member of Pontotoc Electric Power Association, did you know that:

PEPA serves more than 19,946 consumer/members in parts of six counties: Pontotoc, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Lafayette, Lee, and Union. Your association serves about 11 consumers per mile of line. PEPA maintains a network of 1,744 miles of line. The association employs 83 full-time employees. As a consumer cooperative, PEPA is owned by and operated for the benefit of its members. It is a not-for-profit enterprise. PEPA is a distributor of electric power generated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Association headquarters is located on Main Street in Pontotoc. PEPA’s construction and operations warehouse is located on Highway 41, south of Pontotoc. A district office is located on Newberger Street in Bruce. OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

BRIAN HUGHEY

Bringing power and energy services to local communities

Public Relations Specialist

LORRI FREEMAN, APR

STEPHANIE CHISHOLM

For more information, call 601-947-4211 or 228-497-1313.

www.singingriver.com

@singingriverelectric

Manager of Public Relations

Public Relations Assistant

SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

@SRECooperative

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CEO

Concern for community means more here Each October, Singing River Electric celebrates National Cooperative Month along with more than 800 other electric cooperatives. As an organization, we are reminded of why and by Brian Hughey General Manager whom we were formed 83 & CEO years ago. Singing River Electric is operated by and for the people of the communities we serve. In addition to our steadfast mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity, we’re always seeking ways to live out the seven cooperative principles: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; members’ economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; cooperation among cooperatives; and concern for community. These seven principles combine to help build trust among the co-op, its members, and the community. Throughout the pandemic, the seventh principle, concern for community, has been a driving force. We took strides to keep employees and members safe in our offices and communicated ways to pay with limited contact like the SmartHub mobile app and drive-through windows. We awarded Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Grants to first responders, donated T-shirts to our local FabLab to create masks for students and teachers, cleaned boat launches and assisted at local food pantries. Singing River Electric’s employees and board of directors continued to aid in the economic development of our communities through personal involvement, financial support, education and innovation.

AMANDA PARKER

General Manager & CEO

Weather has certainly impacted our local communities during the pandemic. Our crews have responded to outages caused by ice storms, hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and other weather events. Thanks to our dedicated and skilled employees, I am proud to say we made it through successfully. One of the challenges for many of our community members during the pandemic proved to be the lack of adequate internet service. This need brought a potential opportunity for your electric cooperative, and we have risen to the challenge to find a solution. Through our fiber subsidiary, Singing River Connect, we have three pilot projects that will bring fiber internet service to nearly 2,000 potential subscribers in five Mississippi counties. We are carefully working through the challenges associated with starting a new business and assuring its necessary relationship with our existing member-owned cooperative. We are also constructing a 400-mile fiber ring which will connect all Singing River Electric substations and offices. Exciting times lie ahead as we patiently wait for the fiber optic build-out within the pilot project areas and determine the project’s success and as we advance our electric service reliability through direct communication with our substations. Investments for the fiber ring and three pilot projects are expected to total $15 million; however, we know this is an investment in our local communities and one that will meet a great need. We are more than a utility. We are an electric cooperative: member led, member owned, and focused on the needs of the communities we serve.

@singingriverelectric

Energy Tips

Jeff Gray Energy Services Representative gray@singingriver.com

Know your light bulbs Light bulbs have evolved over the years to today’s energy-efficient LEDs. Whether you are using decorative light strands for the holidays or replacing a lightbulb in a lamp, here are some things to remember: • Incandescent bulbs are the tried and true original. Depending on the brightness you need, they range from 40, 60, 75 or 100 watts. The energy use in these bulbs is measured at 10% light and 90% heat, which is not efficient and can add to heat gain, causing your air conditioner to work harder. • Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs were the first energy-saving bulbs. A 60-watt incandescent bulb was replaced with a 14-watt (60-watt equivalent) CFL, using less energy. However, CFLs had a shorter use life than expected and disposal issues. • A 60-watt equivalent LED (light emitting diode) bulb uses nine watts of power and is currently the most efficient lighting choice. LEDs usually have a life span of 10 years or 11,000 hours. The lighting facts label on your LED bulb box will tell you the lumens or brightness of that bulb and also the light appearance or color of the light. Always read the facts label on the bulb box to know what kind of light you are buying.

Three Fiber Pilots, Seven Steps to Fiber Construction Fiber construction process SR Connect contractors prepare poles in the Brewer pilot area before running fiber.

Contractors string fiber in Richton for a section of fiber installed along one of three feeders, or power line sections, in pilot project 1.

There are seven steps to fiber construction, demonstrated in the graphic above. But what step are the different pilot projects on? Let’s discuss that. Pilot project 1 in the SRE Brewer substation area serving co-op members in Greene, Perry, and Wayne counties is projected to be in Step 7 - Scheduling Installations this month for the first of three feeders (power line sections) in this pilot. Contract crews are currently finishing up service drops and drop splicing. Prospective subscribers in this pilot area will receive a mailed postcard and email, as well as notice yard signs along streets in their area alerting them when to call and schedule an installation. Prospective fiber subscribers in Pilot 1 – feeders 2 and 3, outside of the National Forest area, will follow and receive emails and postcards in late October or early November. Pilot project 2 in the Vestry community and SRE Aleco substation area of Jackson County

is in fiber construction Step 2 - Make-ready Construction and projected to enter Step 3 - Fiber Construction shortly. Contract crews are changing out poles, rearranging equipment on the poles as needed, and installing fiber and fiber splice points. Pilot project 3 in the SRE Agricola substation area serving members in George County is projected to be in Step 1 – Make-ready Engineering in December 2021. During this step, contract crews will conduct pole-to-pole inspections and decide if poles need to be changed out or if existing pole attachments need to be modified. Great effort is being put into communicating with SRE’s membership on the fiber pilot projects’ status. Dates are subject to change, but all effort is being made to complete the work as safely and quickly as possible. Fiber expansion beyond the pilot projects is dependent on the success of the pilots. SRE’s board of directors will be monitoring this progress into the new year.

Upcoming right-of-way projects Singing River Electric clears trees, limbs, and underbrush from the area around and below the power lines called the right-of-way. Right-of-way clearing helps decrease the number of outages and reduces the risk of someone coming in contact with the power lines. Here are the substations and surrounding areas that are either currently being cleared or where clearing will begin soon:

• Basin Substation – Highway 63, Barton-Agricola Road, River Road and surrounding areas. • Forts Lake Substation – Independence Road, Forts Lake Road and surrounding areas. • Lucedale South Substation – Highway 26, Twin Creek Road, Highway 63 and surrounding areas. • Escatawpa South Substation – Highway 613, Saracennia Road, Coda Road and surrounding areas.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

Hurricane Ida makes presence known on Gulf Coast

eadly and destructive Hurricane Ida made landfall on the Louisiana coast as a Category 4 storm with top wind speeds of 150 miles per hour. Making landfall on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Ida made sure her impact was felt across the Gulf Coast before downgrading to a tropical storm and moving inland. Though Louisiana took the brunt force of impact, Mississippi shared the destruction. Mississippi’s electric cooperatives together experienced more than 85,000 power outages following Hurricane Ida. Singing River Electric alone restored power to a total of 11,959 meters

throughout the event. “Our employees truly excelled,” said Singing River Electric General Manager and CEO Brian Hughey. “They responded and worked the long hours necessary, in rough conditions, to get power restored quickly and safely to our local communities.”

For photos of the restoration progress, visit Singing River Electric’s Facebook page at facebook.com/singingriverelectric.

Answering the call for help SRE crews assist Magnolia Electric and South Louisiana Electric following Hurricane Ida

any Mississippi electric cooperatives were impacted greatly by Category 4 Hurricane Ida, including Magnolia Electric Power headquartered near Summit and serving six counties in southwest Mississippi. MEP had 26,600 of their 32,000 meters without power on August 30, following Hurricane Ida. Our crew of 11 trucks and 18 employees headed to MEP late on Monday, August 30, after restoring power locally. They returned on Wednesday, Sept. 8. On Wednesday, Sept. 22, Singing River Electric sent four linemen to South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association to assist with post-Ida power restoration. Based in Houma, La., SLECA serves 21,000 meters and had more than 19,000 meters out after the storm. The marshy bayou area and more than 1,000 broken poles are making power restoration a challenge. SRE linemen are reporting to Morgan City.

Flashback Give back after Hurricane Katrina.

One the evening of August 28, 2005, SRE prepared for a monster storm. We had no idea that the next day would re-write the history books on storm response and preparation, or just how truly devastating a monster storm could be. Our fellow cooperatives in Louisiana have sadly now lived this nightmare. SRE employees swelled to more than 1,000 following Katrina. We were ever so grateful to all who came from near and far away. We will always answer a co-op’s call for help.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 13

Businesses answer to shareholders. But with a cooperative, the shareholder is you.

Member-owned. Member-led.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 15

BRINGING THE POWER WWW.SOU THERN PIN E.COOP | P.O. BOX 60 | 1349 1 H WY. 28 | TAYLO R SVIL L E, MS 39 16 8 | 800.231 .524 0

Members Are the Cooperative Difference In Mississippi, electric service is provided by one provider in any given territory. Some providers are private companies like Mississippi Power and Entergy. In contrast, others are non-profit cooperatives like Dixie Electric, Southwest Electric, and, of course, Southern Pine Electric. We all share the same goal of providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to our consumers. At Southern Pine and our sister cooperatives, that isn’t our only goal. We know that you do not have a choice about who provides your electricity, but we work every day to ensure that if you did, you would still choose us. Southern Pine strives every day to bring you the best member service possible. Because we are member-owned, we know just how vital our members are to our success. Members elect the board of directors who make decisions that impact all of us. Members live and work in our service area and provide essential services to Southern Pine employees and communities. We bring the power to your homes and businesses, and you teach our children, care for us when we’re sick, build our roads, lead our churches, and serve Southern Pine employees in a myriad of ways. We are all part of the same community, and that’s why service to community — cooperative principle number seven — is ingrained in us. Serving 11 Mississippi counties, our membership is diverse because there is no demographic requirement for

10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

membership, other than living in the service area. Members are the cooperative difference and drive every decision we make at Southern Pine. As we commemorate Co-op Month in October, we celebrate you, our members. Southern Pine was born of this community, we are led by this community, and we are focused on you. Since our creation, so much has changed about how we live our lives. Technologies have made all kinds of tasks more manageable, and most of the improvements require electricity. That’s why today, more than ever, safe, reliable, and affordable electric service is crucial to our lives. Co-op Month is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come, look at where we are going, and remember why we do what we do. It’s a time to say thank you to our members, the lifeblood of our cooperative. We promise that we’ll always do our very best to make you proud to be members of Southern Pine Electric.

by Chris K. Rhodes President/CEO Southern Pine Electric

G R 0

HURRICANE IDA:

Southern Pine Responds Swiftly Hurricane Ida spared Southern Pine Electric’s service area the devastation and destruction that Louisiana experienced. While we did experience outages, we responded safely and quickly. At the height of outages caused by Hurricane Ida, there were over 22,000 meters without power. Southern Pine crews and additional contractor crews had all power restored within 36 hours!

After restoring power to all Southern Pine members, crews from each Southern Pine district headed to Louisiana to help in restoration efforts at DEMCO. DEMCO is Louisiana’s largest electric cooperative and serves seven parishes in southeast Louisiana. Southern Pine crews joined thousands of other linemen who descended upon Louisiana to help restore power to so many in need.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

WAREHOUSE TEAM BRINGS THE POWER BEHIND THE SCENES Every day, without fail, the warehouse team makes sure that the crews are ready to serve our members with the equipment and supplies needed to bring the power. That’s never more evident than during outage-causing weather events because this team jumps into action to keep the supplies coming as the need grows. The warehouse team is responsible for housing all materials necessary to build and maintain our system. With 10,500 miles of line over 11 counties, that’s no small task. Each week the team is responsible for ordering, receiving, and restocking the warehouse to ensure that anything the crews may need will be ready at a moment’s notice. They pull supplies, charge out materials to whoever needs them, and retire old materials. The team of three also maintains all tools and personal protective equipment that keep our employees safe. On top of the 42,000-square-foot warehouse, the team manages the outside pole and transformer yards, a combined 8.19 acres, while keeping all areas clean, tidy, and organized, so items can be found at a moment’s notice. With over 1,000 unique items on hand in varying quantities from a hundred to thousands, organization is critical to their success. James Holder, warehouse supervisor, says there is never a dull moment with his crew, and they have fun while working hard. “I have a great team. All of them would give you the shirt off their backs, and while each one of us has our weaknesses just like everyone else, when you put us together, we shine.” “The warehousemen are a vital part of the team that brings the power to our members, working behind the scenes to keep our crews going. Members may not see them on the front lines, but without them, we wouldn’t be able to serve our members,” said Chad Lewis, vice president of operations. L to R: Ronald Hughes, warehouseman; Stephen Bowen, warehouseman; and James Holder, warehouse supervisor

12 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

STEPHEN BOWEN

Stephen Bowen has been a part of the Southern Pine team for five years as a warehouseman. Before joining our team, he worked in the oilfield industry for seven years as an electronics technician. “I got to see the world, so I have no regrets,” said Stephen. “I worked in Singapore for eight months and lived the life of a nomad, in a way, for those seven years, just going wherever the job took me.” Stephen started at Southern Pine in 2016 and said at first it was a culture shock. “I wasn’t used to the fact that I was home every night and could develop a life outside of work.”. Stephen said he’s worked at some companies that treated him and the other employees like a number, but he’s never once felt like that at Southern Pine. “We do maintain a level of family comradery that is easy to pick up on once you start your career here,” he said. “All it takes is one storm to hit us, and you’re quickly reminded how the men and women of Southern Pine pull together to keep the lights on.” Stephen says his job at Southern Pine allowed him to “pump the brakes” and settle down. When he did, he met his future wife, and he is thankful. Stephen has been married to his wife, Hannah, for just over a year now. “I am so thankful for Hannah. I never thought I’d be the stereotypical married southern man, but here I am,” Stephen said. “Hannah has been the biggest blessing in my life in the short time we’ve been married.” Together, the young couple raises Goldendoodle puppies. Stephen says they have one litter a year, which keeps them busy until late December. “Any time after October, we have 10-15 little furballs on our hands, and that’s a full-time job until they’re old enough to head off to their new homes,” he said. If he and Hannah are not busy with the puppies, they enjoy being in their game room, playing video games, and building Lego sets. “I guess we’re just big kids at heart,” he added. He is a member of First Pentecostal Church of Bay Springs, where his father has pastored for over 17 years.

“We do maintain a level of family comradery that is easy to pick up on once you start your career here.”

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 13

It’s a matter of (Co-op!) principles ACE Hardware, State Farm, REI, Land O’Lakes, and Southern Pine Electric Power Association 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 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 three of the cooperative principles.

Voluntary and Open Membership Just like all co-ops, Southern Pine Electric was created out of necessity — to meet a need that would have been otherwise unmet in our community. So in 1938, a group of neighbors banded together and organized our electric co-op, so everyone in our community could benefit. For a modest

greater good. In this, we include everyone 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. Each member gets a voice and a vote in who sets the vision for the co-op, and each voice and vote are equal. Southern Pine Electric’s leadership team and employees live right here in the community. Our board of directors, who helps set long-term priorities for the co-op, also live locally on co-op lines. These board members have been elected by you and your neighbors. 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. Our close connection to this community ensures we get a first-hand perspective on members’ priorities, thereby enabling us to make more informed decisions on long-term investments.

As a utility, our mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our members. But as a co-op, we are also motivated by service to the community, rather than profits. Southern Pine Electric is a reflection of our local community and its evolving needs. We view our role as a catalyst for making our corner of the world a better place by providing quality of life. Because we are guided by our seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars — it’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our members.

2021 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SET FOR NOVEMBER 11

Billy M. Berry

David Tadlock

Southern Pine Electric’s Annual Membership Meeting will be held on November 11, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. We are hopeful that we will be able to host an in-person meeting. However, safety protocol regarding COVID-19 will dictate whether the meeting will be held on-site or virtually. Southern Pine will provide more information soon. We appreciate your patience as we work to protect the health and well-being of our members and employees. Southern Pine members will receive a notice and proxy in the mail providing them with the opportunity to vote for directors

Haskins Montgomery

Jeffery Sims

either by mail or electronically. For your vote to be counted, proxies must be received by Monday, November 8, 2021. The 2021 Nominating Committee has, pursuant to the bylaws, nominated four cooperative members to serve for a period of three years as a member of the board of directors of Southern Pine. They are Billy M. Berry from Simpson County, David Tadlock from Scott County, Haskins Montgomery from Jasper County, and Jeffery Sims from Forrest County. These candidates are members in good standing and are your friends and neighbors. All four are very well-qualified and meet the qualification guidelines established by the cooperative. All members of the board of directors are bound by the mission to enhance the quality of life of our members and community by safely providing electric energy at an affordable price. Members who vote will be entered into drawings for the following prizes: $1,000 of electricity, $750 of electricity, $500 of electricity, $250 of electricity and a GRAND PRIZE of a retired Southern Pine pick-up truck. Winners will be notified by telephone, email, or mail. Please take an active role in your cooperative by voting! We love visiting with our members and are looking forward to seeing you in person if safely possible. Any questions or concerns may be sent to the voice@southernpine.coop. OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 15

Adams • Amite • Claiborne • Copiah • Franklin Hinds • Jefferson • Lincoln • Wilkinson Southwest Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

P.O. Box 5 • 18671 Highway 61 • Lorman, MS 39096 | 601-437-3611 | 800-287-8564 | Fax: 601-437-8736 | Email: info@swepa.coop southwestelectric.coop

Southwest Electric

SWElectricCoop

sw_electric_coop

Southwest Electric

It’s a Matter of Principles ACE Hardware, State Farm, Land O’Lakes and Southwest 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 Cooperative 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.

Open and Voluntary Membership Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender or economic circumstances.

Democratic Member Control Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their Members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Directors are elected among the membership and are accountable to them. Members have equal voting rights — one Member, one vote.

Members’ Economic Participation Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. The cooperative uses margins to build infrastructure and set up reserves for emergencies. Periodically, the investment is returned to Members in the form of capital credits.

Autonomy and Independence Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their Members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.

Education, Training and Information Education and training for Members, Directors and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives By working together through local, national, regional and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with social and community needs.

Concern for Community Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership. Because we are guided by seven cooperative principles, it’s not just about dollars. It’s about opportunity for all and being fair when engaging with our Members. The cooperative way is a values-based business model. Southwest 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.

EMPLOYEE Kevin Cotten, Manager of Operations Kevin Cotten became an employee of Southwest Electric in January 2007. He was hired as System Engineer and then was moved to Project Engineer in October 2010. Kevin was promoted to Manager of Engineering in July 2014 and moved to Manager of Operations in October 2016. He and his wife, Andrea, live in Union Church. They have three sons.

Al Perry, Right-of-Way Operator Al Perry started working at Southwest Electric in May 2006. He works in the Right-of-Way Department, cutting trees away from the power lines. The department is tasked with maintaining 4,200 miles of power lines. That is the same distance from Natchez to Anchorage, Alaska. Al and his wife, Nancy, live in McCall Creek. They have five children and 12 grandchildren.

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Energy efficiency tip of the month Energy used for cooling and heating your home makes up the largest portion of your monthly energy bills. By combining regular equipment maintenance and upgrades with recommended insulation, air sealing and thermostat settings, you can save about 30% on your energy bills while helping our environment Source: energy.gov

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Pictured is Mitchell Smith, Safety and Loss Specialist and Fleet and Stores Supervisor, holding the accreditation certificate.

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Jarret Dyer 2nd Class Lineman

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Wesley Brown 2nd Class Lineman

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Congratulations to Wesley Brown and Jarret Dyer for completing the 2nd Class Lineman level in our Lineman Apprenticeship Program. This rigorous program requires studying and testing in addition to their regular work schedule and outages. Each level in the program requires completion of 2,000 hours worked, six workbooks, a test on each workbook, a final exam covering all six workbooks and a field proficiency test. They are now working on the last level to become 1st Class Linemen.

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We are proud to be recognized and receive the Certificate of Safety Accreditation through the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi. Safety coordinators from four sister cooperatives across the state recently inspected all documents, equipment and facilities owned by Southwest Electric. This process verifies the accountability of all safety measures associated with the organization. Southwest Electric scored a 93 out of a possible 100%. This accreditation is good for three years and allows Southwest Electric a 5% reduction on insurance premiums which saves money and holds the cooperative accountable for the safety of its employees and equipment. This accreditation is the result of a team effort of all employees making Safety #1 our priority.

Linemen Advance in Lineman Apprenticeship Program

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twincoepa.com SERVING MORE THAN 12,600 ELECTRIC METERS IN SEVEN DELTA COUNTIES

@twincoepa

Hollandale - 662-827-2262 | Belzoni - 662-247-1909 | Greenville - 662-334-9543 | Rolling Fork - 662-873-4233 | REPORT OUTAGES 866-897-7250

Pumpkins, fall’s best friend! Fall means football, tailgating, festivals, cooler temps, and PUMPKINS! Pumpkins! We decorate with them, carve them, cook them, and eat the seeds. We see a pumpkin picture or pumpkin symbol — we think fall! But, how much do you really know about pumpkins? It’s time to illuminate this iconic symbol of fall. In the U.S., any round, orange squash may be called

a “pumpkin,” but the term has no botanical meaning. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, pumpkins, squash, and gourds are all part of the Cucurbitaceae family that includes over 900 species including everything from orange pumpkins, squash, and gourds to watermelons and cucumbers.

Here are some ways to distinguish the varieties:

Gourds Squashes Pumpkins • Come in a wide-variety of shapes,

• Come in two categories: summer

• Every single part of this winter

sizes and colors, and are usually hard-shelled and durable. • Not edible. Except some varieties can be eaten like a squash when immature. • Ornamental — Used for decoration.

(zucchini, crookneck, and yellow straightneck) or winter (acorn, butternut, and spaghetti). • Shelf life varies, as summer squash have a short shelf life, winter squash have much longer shelf life due to a hard outer shell.

squash is edible — fruit, seeds, flowers, young leaves, and shoot tips can all be eaten. • Technically is a fruit packed with health benefits like the antioxidant beta carotene.

10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

Fun pumpkin facts

Want to experience some first-hand pumpkin fun? There are some fun pumpkin patches in our area that complete any fall activity checklist. Farmer Jim’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Owners: Lynn and Jim Newman Rolling Fork Phone 662-907-3359 Opening: October 9, 2021 (Open through the month of October) Hours: Saturdays — 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sundays — 2-6 p.m. Weekdays — by appointment only Farmer Jim’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze is located on Highway 16 west of Rolling Fork. It is an educational agritourism venture that showcases a working farm and is fun for not only families but for school and church groups. Visitors can pick their own pumpkin close to the store front or travel on a hayride down the patch for a wider selection. There’s also a corn maze, a smaller kiddie maze, and a haunted maze. In addition to regular orange pumpkins, gourds and heirloom pumpkins are also for sale. For more information visit www.farmerjimspumpkinpatch.com or www.facebook.com/Farmer-Jims-Pumpkin-Patch-and-Corn-Maze.

• Pumpkins originated in Central America.

• Pumpkins are 90% water. • Pumpkins range in size from •

• • • •

Bull Bottom Farms Owners: The Robinson family Duck Hil Phone: 662-614-5746 Opening: September 25 through November 7, 2021 Hours: Saturdays — 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sundays — 1–5 p.m. Weekdays — reserved for school field trips Admissions: $10 per person; 2 years old and under are free Kids, adults, and teens alike can enjoy lots of exciting fall fun and activity at Bull Bottom Farms. It’s a full day of excitement, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of your favorite farm foods to snack on and a variety of activities for people of all ages. It’s fresh air, fall colors, and fall farm fun! Activities include a Corn Maze, U-Pick Pumpkin Patch, and other children and family activities. For more information visit www.bullbottomfarms.com or www.facebook.com/BullBottomFarms.

• • • •

less than one pound to over 1,000 pounds. The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed over 2,600 pounds and was grown in Germany. Over 1.5 million pounds of pumpkin are produced annually in the U.S. There are more than 45 varieties of pumpkins. 80% of the U.S. pumpkin supply is available in October. Pumpkins are grown in all states, but the top producing states are Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California. Morton, Illinois proclaims to be the “Pumpkin Capital of the World.” A pumpkin produces about 500 seeds. The word pumpkin was first used in the fairy tale Cinderella in 1697. Jack-o-laterns originated in 17th-century Britain, where it was used to refer to a man with a lantern or to a night watchman.

According to the Guinness World Record, the world’s largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed over 3,699 pounds and was over 20 feet in diameter at the New Bremen Pumpkinfest in Ohio.

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

5K • Kid’s Fun Run • Arts & crafts and more • Live music

Leland FrogFest – October 2, 2021 The Rainbow Connection Bridge in Leland

www.facebook.com/Leland-Frog-Fest-The-Rainbow-Connection-Bridge-dedication

Great Delta Bear Affair October 23, 2021 Downtown Rolling Fork 5K Teddy Bear and Bike Ride Activities, music, and food Fireworks at 7:30PM

www.facebook.com/greatdeltabearaffair

Delta Hot Tamale Festival October 14-16, 2021 Downtown Greenville Tamale cooking contest • Arts and crafts

www.facebook.com/DeltaHotTamaleFestival/

Twin County salutes our area farmers! 2 MILLION

90%

50,000

40%

Farms in the U.S.

U.S. crop losses caused by extreme weather.

Jobs available in agriculture in the U.S each year.

Crop cash that is generated by corn and soybeans.

$1 TRILLION

25%

Contribution of agriculture to the U.S. economy.

Food that Americans throw away every month.

1.3%

166

U.S. labor force made up by ranchers.

People the average U.S farm feeds each year.

FARMER’S DAY IS OCTOBER 12

TWITTER

662-746-4251 — OFFICE & REPORT OUTAGES • 866-484-4277 — PAY BY PHONE

VISIT US ONLINE @ WWW.YAZOOVALLEY.COM

You don’t have to be wealthy or powerful to make a positive difference in your community.

Just ask Jonathan Hooker.

The 37-year-old Yazoo City native is proving it every day. Hooker has never been content to simply complain about problems he sees in his hometown. He has always looked for ways to be a part of the solution, and he has formed partnerships with many like-minded people along the way. From establishing a small business that created new jobs to helping form a youth sports program, Hooker is one of Yazoo County’s top young leaders. After graduating from Yazoo City High School in 2002, Hooker joined the National Guard. He went through basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. That experience helped shape him into the man he is today. “I learned a lot about hard work and discipline in the National Guard, and that helped me prepare for the future,” he said. After completing his service at age 24, Hooker worked at the Nissan plant in Canton for a while before moving to Minnesota to be close to his sister. It didn’t take long before he started missing Yazoo. “Yazoo is home to me,” he said. “I never felt at home in Minnesota. I see a lot of potential in Yazoo, and I would rather try to work to make the place where I was born and raised better than to try to do those things somewhere else.” Hooker returned home and held jobs at a local grocery store and with the Mississippi Department of Transportation before joining Scott Petroleum, where he worked for several years as a fuel truck driver. That job appealed to him because it allowed him to meet new people. In July of 2020, he started a side business by opening a short order restaurant known as “The Trailer” out of a food service trailer in Yazoo City. Opening a restaurant during a pandemic that was taking a toll on the food service industry 10 TODAY | OCTOBER 2021

may have been a risky move, but Hooker’s carry out business model proved to be perfect for the times. More importantly, the food was good, and word quickly spread through the community. By January of 2021, the business was so successful that Hooker decided to leave Scott Petroleum to work at The Trailer full time. The business has since created three additional full-time jobs and added catering services. Hooker loves his work at The Trailer, but his real passion is giving back to the community. One of his first volunteer efforts evolved from a discussion Hooker and his cousin Macklyn Austin had about wanting to do something for people on Thanksgiving. “It started out with us just talking about giving some hens to the less fortunate for Thanksgiving dinner,” he said. “The original idea was that we would buy about 25 to 30 hens and just give them out to people who needed them.” Their effort quickly grew much larger because others wanted to join in when they heard about it. Soon it grew into a Thanksgiving Bash that fed many Yazooans and included prize giveaways and free haircuts provided by local barbers. “The more we talked about it, the more we realized that we could do more,” Hooker said. Hooker said he was pleasantly surprised at how many people got behind their effort. “It was overwhelming,” he said. “Sometimes it’s hard to get people to do anything around here, so I thought it was going to be hard to get a lot of people to support this. That wasn’t the case at all. It was a great experience. The Housing Authority donated gift cards for Walmart, Kaye’s grocery store sold us the hens at their cost, and a lot of people donated. My mama

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The Wildcats are now in their fourth season, although the 2020 season was canceled due to Covid-19 restrictions. The program continues to grow. Hooker also serves on the Yazoo Parks & Recreation Board. In addition to his experience with the Yazoo Wildcats, he also coached his son’s t-ball team. You can even find him working the chains on the sidelines of Yazoo City High School football games. Another joint effort sponsored by Hooker and Austin is a $1,000 Dream-Believe-Achieve Scholarship being offered to a graduating senior who has committed to a college or university. Hooker said that if there’s one thing he hopes that others can take from his experiences it’s that anyone can make a positive difference in their community. “I don’t have much, and I’m certainly not rich,” Hooker said. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t help others. That’s what I want to do, and I hope to encourage others to do the same. It’s not about trying to get credit for something or anything like that. It’s about helping each other and improving our community.”

Story and photos by Jason Patterson

OCTOBER 2021 | TODAY 11

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and Macklyn’s grandmama donated food along with other people. We just paid for the rest of it out of our pockets.” Another idea that grew into something that exceeded Hooker’s expectations was when he and Richard Mack established the Yazoo Wildcats youth football team. “I didn’t know Richard at the time,” Hooker said. “We met through Macklyn, and we realized we had the same vision. We mainly just wanted to give kids the opportunity to do something positive that would keep them off the streets and out of trouble. We want to save as many kids as we can and give them something positive to do.” Hooker said there weren’t any organized activities for local youth after baseball season ended, so they decided to try forming a football league. They kept the cost as low as possible to encourage participation, and many local boys quickly signed up. The Yazoo Wildcats ended up having three age groups participating with a total of 96 children and a dozen volunteer coaches. “Once we got the kids signed up, things went pretty smoothly,” Hooker said. The season was very successful with the Wildcats. Two of the three Yazoo teams won the Super Bowl in their division. The City of Yazoo issued a proclamation in January recognizing their achievements.